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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Latest about Planet Earth
Simple trick could lower city temperatures 3.6 F, London study suggests
By Hannah Osborne published
Painting city roofs white could lower the temperature in London dramatically on the hottest days, new research suggests.
Earth's outer core may hold a hidden 'doughnut'
By Stephanie Pappas published
A newly discovered doughnut shape in Earth's outer core may reveal elements that help drive the formation of the planet's magnetic field.
Record-breaking fires engulf South America, bringing black rain, green rivers and toxic air to the continent
By María de los Ángeles Orfila published
The Amazon fires, fueled by severe drought exacerbated by climate change, have created a toxic smoke cloud spanning about 4 million square miles — an area larger than the entire United States.
Ocean Photographer of the Year 2024: See stunning photos of hungry whale, surfing seagull, freaky fish babies, land-loving eel and adorable toxic octopus
By Harry Baker published
Check out some of the best photos from 2024's Ocean Photographer of the Year competition.
Ghostly figure emerges in Greenland ice after underground lake collapses
By Harry Baker published
Earth from space In 2011, a ghostly depression, known as "the mitten," appeared on the surface of and ice sheet in Greenland after the unprecedented collapse of a concealed subglacial lake.
Which animals are evolving fastest?
By Marlowe Starling published
The "fastest evolving vertebrate" title is hotly contested, but here are a few contenders.
'Completely unexpected': New type of wood discovered by scientists dubbed 'midwood'
By Raymond Wightman, Jan Łyczakowski published
Tulip trees were long renowned for their carbon storage. Their unique wood may be responsible.
Greenhouse gas 80 times more potent than CO2 is rising in the atmosphere — and fast
By Pep Canadell, Marielle Saunois, Rob Jackson published
Human activities now account for two-thirds of all methane venting to the atmosphere, and our efforts to staunch the flow are not yet bearing fruit.
'I have never written of a stranger organ': The rise of the placenta and how it helped make us human
By Jules Howard published
"Human evolution has occurred both due to, and in spite of, the placenta. Every pregnancy, unthinkingly, must navigate a careful path through it. Every menstruation is testament to it. It is partly why menopause exists, to give individuals an escape from the energetic costs associated with its imposition."
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