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, through the coldest places on Earth 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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Ancient relative of 'living fossil' fish reveals that geological activity supercharges evolution
By Stephanie Pappas published
The ancient coelacanth, which has existed for some 419 million years, never stopped evolving despite its reputation as a "living fossil." A new discovery reveals that it evolved faster when plate tectonics were most active.
'Mega' El Niño may have fueled Earth's biggest mass extinction
By Stephanie Pappas published
Volcanoes spewing carbon dioxide 250 million years ago heated the climate so much that extreme El Niño events became the norm, pushing most life on Earth past its limits.
Mysterious 9-day seismic event was caused by a mega tsunami bouncing around inside a fjord, study reveals
By Ben Turner published
In September, a strange nine-day signal rocked our planet and baffled scientists. Now they have finally found the cause.
Best rock tumblers 2024: Beginners, hobbyists, and professionals
By A. J. Demers last updated
If you’re in the market for new gear to support your rock-hunting hobby, check out our list of the best rock tumblers.
Hurricane season 2024: How long it lasts and what to expect
By Tia Ghose last updated
This guide to the Atlantic hurricane season of 2024, includes predictions, tropical storm science, naming conventions and storm safety tips.
Gulf Stream collapse would throw tropical monsoons into chaos for at least 100 years, study finds
By Sascha Pare published
If Atlantic Ocean currents collapse due to melting ice sheets, researchers predict there will be huge shifts in tropical monsoon systems — and the effects could be irreversible for at least 100 years.
Successive lightning strikes illuminate eye of tropical cyclone in rare photos from space
By Harry Baker published
Earth from space A pair of 2015 astronaut photos taken just minutes apart shows the eye of tropical cyclone Bansi illuminated by two lightning strikes as the storm raged in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Madagascar.
How fast does evolution happen?
By Marlowe Starling published
Measuring the pace of evolution is tricky, but some species can evolve as quickly as a few generations.
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