How astronomers learned to ‘listen’ to gravitational waves

Since confirming the existence of ripples in the fabric of space-time some five years ago, the LIGO/Virgo collaboration has advanced gravitational-wave research by leaps and bounds.

6h

Vanguard 1: Earth’s Oldest Artificial Satellite That's Still in Orbit

America’s second satellite stopped communicating with Earth in 1964, but it will stay in orbit for centuries.

7h

Why Light Pollution is a Crucial Test of Humanity's Problem-Solving Skills

A new way to think about light pollution in Europe and the U.S. should help policy makers take its measure. But if they can't solve it, what hope for more complex problems like global heating?

12h

Another Month Gone, Another Month Entering the Global Warming Record Books

With Siberia burning under unprecedented heat, our planet experienced a virtual tie for warmest June on record.

1d

Why We Can’t Stop Talking About ‘Karen’ — and Why Labels and Memes Speak to Us

A meme is often more than a joke — the social media critique of ‘Karens’ often has a deeper message.

2d

Is AI Ready to Help Diagnose COVID-19?

While machine learning might hold promise as a powerful medical tool, statisticians warn that current models are severely flawed.

3d

Museums are Full of Forgotten Treasures. Here's How You Can Help Find Them

These citizen science projects need online volunteers to help identify specimens and transcribe old notes from science centers and museums.

6d

Thorne-Żytkow Objects: When a Supergiant Star Swallows a Dead Star

One of the universe’s strangest stars is thought to form when a neutron star gets sucked into a red supergiant. But despite 45 years of searching, astronomers still aren’t sure they’ve ever found one.

6d

Typhoid Mary Was a Real, Asymptomatic Carrier Who Caused Multiple Outbreaks

In the early 1900s, Mary Mallon worked as a cook — and spread typhoid fever to the families she worked for.

1w

What Would Happen If We Didn’t Have Vaccines?

Immunizations are intended to stop diseases like the coronavirus. But there are a range of other long-term societal benefits from vaccines.

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