'Gigantic jet' that shot into space may be the most powerful lightning bolt ever detected By Brandon Specktor published 11 August 22 Scientists detected the most powerful gigantic jet lightning bolt — a lightning bolt that shoots up out of a cloud into the ionosphere — ever.
Massive expanse of towering hydrothermal vents discovered deep in the Pacific By Nicoletta Lanese published 11 August 22 Scientists found a huge field of hydrothermal vents on the East Pacific Rise.
The 6th mass extinction hasn’t begun yet, study claims, but Earth is barreling toward it By Martin McGuigan published 11 August 22 Earth has experienced five mass extinction events over its 4.5 billion-year history. A sixth mass extinction is underway as a result of human-driven climate change.
Scientists uncover ancient source of oxygen that could have fueled life on early Earth By Nicoletta Lanese published 10 August 22 Chemical reactions in early Earth's crust may have provided oxygen to ancient microbes.
Intact WWII-era bomb discovered in Italy's River Po following extreme drought By Brandon Specktor published 8 August 22 An unexploded WWII-era bomb was discovered in Italy's River Po as extreme drought lowers water levels across Europe.
Hidden passage leads explorers to deepest cave Down Under By Patrick Pester published 8 August 22 Cavers have successfully navigated Australia's deepest cave and named it the "Delta Variant" after COVID-19.
Enormous sinkhole wide enough to swallow the White House opens in Chile By Brandon Specktor published 5 August 22 A massive sinkhole measuring more than 100 feet across has opened on mining land in Chile, according to the government's geology mining service.
Tonga's eruption injected so much water into Earth’s atmosphere that it could weaken the ozone layer By Harry Baker published 1 August 22 The atmospheric water vapor could also contribute to global warming.
Where are most of Earth's volcanoes? By Joe Phelan published 28 July 22 There are about 1,350 potentially active volcanoes on Earth. Where are most of these volcanoes located?
Miners just discovered the largest pink diamond in more than 300 years By Brandon Specktor published 28 July 22 Miners in Angola have uncovered the largest pink diamond found in more than 300 years, nicknamed the Lulo Rose.
Francium: Facts about the elusive radioactive element By Joe Phelan published 26 July 22 Properties and sources of the element francium.
Cretaceous period: Animals, plants and extinction event By Michael Dhar published 26 July 22 The Cretaceous period lasted approximately 79 million years, and ended with a major extinction event about 66 million years ago.
Video shows raging floods surging in Yellowstone By Stephanie Pappas published 25 July 22 Roads and buildings washed away, riverbanks undermined – a new National Park Service video shows the damage from the June 13 Yellowstone flood.
What is the world's largest city? By Joe Phelan published 23 July 22 Here's a look at the world's largest cities by size, population and cultural impact.
Earth's crust is dripping 'like honey' into its interior under the Andes By Ben Turner published 22 July 22 The process is called lithospheric drip, and scientists have only recently begun wrapping their heads around it.
Where do electrons get energy to spin around an atom's nucleus? By Paul Sutter published 22 July 22 Quantum mechanics explains why the electrons can keep spinning indefinitely.
Why do seashells sound like the ocean? By Joe Phelan published 22 July 22 A seashell held to your ear may sound like the ocean, but so does cupping your hand or holding a bowl at the same spot. Here's why.
How long does it take to make petrified wood? By Joe Phelan published 20 July 22 Here's the science behind petrified wood, including what it is, how long it takes to form and whether it's useful in the research world.
Wildfires blaze in London during record heatwave By Ben Turner published 19 July 22 Fires such as those caused by a recent record-breaking heatwave in Europe will likely become more common as the climate warms, scientists say.
What are air pockets? By Joe Phelan published 19 July 22 What are air pockets and can they cause planes to crash?
