Physics & mathematics
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![An illustration of various star systems swirling through space, each with multiple planets](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/NuDfKpux9MUrZgFAHm97ZS-320-80.jpg)
Mathematicians find 12,000 new solutions to 'unsolvable' 3-body problem
By Briley Lewis published
Calculating the way three things orbit each other is notoriously tricky — but a new study may reveal 12,000 new ways to make it work.
![Four different weapon grade bulllets.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/YHVfbsDepWRfsnSVtPq65k-320-80.jpg)
How fast is a bullet?
By Amanda Heidt published
The answer depends on the design of the bullet and the gun, as well as on what happens once the bullet leaves the muzzle.
![(Left) Atomic clocks in use at the NPL. (Right) the bullet cluster, a collision between two galaxies with a morphology that indicates the presence of dark matter](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/LvmGspc7TCNuJYNwaFBQhF-320-80.png)
Unknown ultra-light particles linked to dark matter could be found using atomic clocks
By Robert Lea published
The use of atomic clocks could help bring cosmology and astrophysics "down to Earth" by allowing scientists to investigate the mysteries of dark energy and dark matter in the lab.
![When layers of air at different temperatures cause light rays to bend, a mirage occurs and the blue sky appears as a pool of water.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/kESiyXRHr2MqYmL5RaVkUU-320-80.jpg)
How do mirages work?
By Donavyn Coffey published
What are mirages and why does this optical phenomenon cause us to see reality differently?
![Protons, made of three quarks, colliding](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/84zn8pmXtV5xFBf2JGhFS6-320-80.jpg)
'Doubly magic' form of oxygen may challenge a fundamental law of physics
By Kiley Price published
After scientists created oxygen-28 in the lab, it almost immediately degraded, baffling physicists around the world.
![Protons, made of three quarks, colliding](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/84zn8pmXtV5xFBf2JGhFS6-320-80.jpg)
What is the strong force?
By Jim Lucas published
Reference The strong force is one of the four fundamental forces of nature. Learn how it fits into the Standard Model of particle physics.
![Two rivers of hot gas are siphoned onto the surface of a neutron star (the collapsed remains of a dead star) in this illustration.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/XiUK6WcXF7FLKuRpGuthMc-320-80.jpg)
Dark matter could be building up inside dead stars — with potentially explosive consequences
By Paul Sutter published
Invisible dark matter may be gathering in the ultra-dense innards of neutron stars, potentially causing them to detonate in massive explosions.
![A close of of a coconut shell on a turquoise blue backdrop.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/jNxVFVxMucwAivNsGfEd9A-320-80.jpg)
Math's 'hairy ball theorem' shows why there's always at least one place on Earth where no wind blows
By Jack Murtagh published
Here's what the hairiest problem in math can teach us about wind, antennas and nuclear fusion.
![A yin-yang-like shape made of pink and green dots shows two particles in a state of quantum entanglement](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/MbtmSRkQZB5sPGPrTP4R55-320-80.jpg)
Quantum 'yin-yang' shows two photons being entangled in real-time
By Ben Turner published
The stunning experiment, which reconstructs the properties of entangled photons from a 2D interference pattern, could be used to design faster quantum computers.
![Currently, extreme cold is required to achieve superconductivity, as shown in this artist's concept of a magnet floating above a superconductor cooled with liquid nitrogen.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/LVTZR78NS3tFqPVi9B3HmC-320-80.jpg)
Scientists discover strange 'singularities' responsible for exotic type of superconductivity
By Ben Turner published
Superconductors that work at temperatures much higher than absolute zero have befuddled scientists since they were discovered. A new theory might be about to change that.
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