electrons
Latest about electrons
![Mineral bismuth close-up, full size image above 4K.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/QNVKiagc7eneRBqZpwfNgN-320-80.jpg)
Bismuth is so strongly repelled from magnets, it levitates. How?
By Victoria Atkinson published
The element bismuth can "float" between magnets due to magnetic levitation. What's the science behind this phenomenon?
![Macro of electrical copper coil transformer.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/TpquXJmsntiQwNjWD87dC5-320-80.jpg)
Is copper magnetic?
By Victoria Atkinson published
The reason for copper's unique properties comes down to the configuration of its electrons.
![Illustration of tractor beam in space](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/CYqLATJgRALyyrQHfKvdbD-320-80.jpg)
Sci-fi inspired tractor beams are real, and could solve a major space junk problem
By Harry Baker published
Researchers are developing a real-life tractor beam, with the goal of pulling defunct satellites out of geostationary orbit to alleviate the space junk problem.
![An artist's sketch of Pierre Agostini, Ferenc Krausz and Anne L’Huillier](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/5itd3tUFWkd2iRYVs5KnyE-320-80.jpg)
Nobel Prize in physics awarded to three scientists who glimpsed the inner world of atoms with tiny light pulses
By Ben Turner published
The trio devised methods for creating the tiniest slices of light.
![Two diagrams of the moon that show where water is located. A water content map of this valuable life-sustaining commodity across the moon.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/gTHfLNQn76dvrUXBaNFQfT-320-80.jpg)
Mysterious source of water on the moon traced to Earth's magnetic shield
By Robert Lea published
Some of the moon's surface water may have an Earthly origin, due to high-energy interactions between the sun and Earth's magnetic shield, new research suggests.
![Supercooled superconductor samples float above and beneath a magnet.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/VjHDnwugH5pnMRCG5dJtVR-320-80.jpg)
Bizarre 'demon' particle found inside superconductor could help unlock a 'holy grail' of physics
By Ben Turner published
The transparent, chargeless quasiparticle could shed more light on the underlying mechanics of superconductivity
![Green streaks of light shine in the night sky full of stars](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/jCiaQfASXaZydMf8gpT7SL-320-80.jpg)
Rare streaks of light above US are a sign that solar maximum is fast approaching
By Harry Baker published
The ethereal aurora-like light show could become a more common sight over the next few years as the sun's activity continues to ramp up.
![Red and blue bar magnet or physics magnetic with iron powder magnetic field on white background.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/eTrQmh9bWk6DfHb3pqBsjQ-320-80.jpg)
Why do magnets have north and south poles?
By Laurel Hamers published
Spinning electrons may help explain why magnets have north and south poles.
Sign up for the Live Science daily newsletter now
Get the world’s most fascinating discoveries delivered straight to your inbox.