Planet Earth

Earth is one big spinning mystery in a constant state of change. With more than 4.5 billion years of history locked inside a ball of molten rock and iron, our planet is made up of a vast array of geological wonders, carved by the oceans, shaped by the shifting plates beneath our feet and sculpted by weather across the surface. Our team of expert science writers and editors are here to reveal our planet’s secrets — from the deepest depths of the ocean  to the very edge of space — keeping you up to date with the latest discoveries with planet Earth news, articles and features. 

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A 3,200-year-old bristlecone pine in a forest with blue sky above

The oldest tree in the world (and the 7 runner-ups)

By Erik Ofgang published

From Prometheus and Methuselah to trees in remote forests of China, these are the most ancient known trees on Earth.

Composite of a blood-belly comb jelly and New York City

Science news this week: Sinking cities and tree of life mysteries

By Alexander McNamara published

May 27, 2023: Our weekly roundup of the latest science in the news over the past few days, as well as a few fascinating articles to keep you entertained over the weekend.

A deserted ship on a dry sand bed sits in what was the Aral Sea

Over half of the world's largest lakes and reservoirs are losing water

By Kelly Oakes published

The amount lost in the last 30 years is equivalent to 17 Lake Meads — the largest reservoir in the U.S.

Crowds of people in Times Square with the sun setting between the buildings

Manhattanhenge: What makes New York City's iconic sunset so special?

By Denise Chow last updated

Manhattanhenge, a phenomenon when the setting sun is perfectly aligned with Manhattan's grid-patterned streets, occurs twice a year with a full sunset, and twice a year with a half sunset.

An aerial picture of pack ice melting into the ocean in spring time in Antarctica.

Antarctic currents supplying 40% of world's deep ocean with nutrients and oxygen slowing dramatically

By Sascha Pare published

These deep ocean tides supply almost half of the world's oceans with vital nutrients and oxygen, but melting ice shelves are slowing them down.

Deep-sea specimens preserved in jars at the Natural History Museum in London.

More than 5,000 new species found in 'pristine' deep-sea wilderness. But they could soon be wiped out.

By Harry Baker published

A new study cataloged all the species uncovered by research expeditions in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone, which has become a potential hotspot for deep-sea mining.

An artist's illustration of a tsunami wave poised to crash down upon a beach.

Climate change could trigger gigantic deadly tsunamis from Antarctica, new study warns

By Ben Turner published

Slippages in sediment beneath the Antarctic seabed could spawn gigantic tsunamis as oceans warm.

Ashlee Autore, an atmospheric data scientist at the NASA Langley Research Center, went skydiving on an overcast day in Louisiana. Above her are thin, ice-bearing cirrus clouds, and below, a smattering of water-laden cumulus clouds. She is doing a tandem skydive and has a man attached just behind her.

What happens if you skydive through a cloud?

By Amanda Heidt published

What it's like to skydive through a cloud depends in part on the type of cloud, but regardless, you'll likely end up cold and wet.

An aerial view of the New York City skyline from the south.

New York City may be sinking under its own weight because the buildings are too heavy, scientists warn

By Charles Q. Choi published

Scientists estimate the mass of the 1,084,954 buildings within the five boroughs of New York City is 1.68 trillion pounds.

The Ross Ice Shelf, an expanse of ice, with a blue sky and clouds above

Where is the coldest place on Earth?

By JoAnna Wendel published

There are some bone-chilling places on Earth, but what is the lowest temperature ever recorded and where was it?

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