In 1993, ALH84001 was examined by researcher David Mittlefehldt of Lockheed-Martin. Mittlefehldt, an expert on meteorites, noticed that it appeared unusual and that it had features in common with other known martian meteorites. Further analysis …
Astronomers had assumed for decades that the planet Uranus was featureless. But closer study has revealed that it’s a dynamic world with changing seasons. When the Voyager 2 spacecraft visited Uranus in 1986, it saw …
As the twig is bent, so grows the tree. We’ll answer a reader’s question about why tree branches grow crookedly — instead of straight up toward the noon sun. “Why don’t tree branches grow perfectly …
Beekeepers can handle thousands of bees annually, and they get stung on a regular basis. But there’s one bee that never stings a beekeeper. A queen bee has a long, smooth-shafted stinger and a very …
Lunar eclipses take place at full moon — when the Earth goes between the moon and sun, and Earth’s shadow falls on the moon. We talk about the frequency of lunar and solar eclipses. A …
Since 1981, six new elements have been added to the Periodic Table found in every chemistry textbook. We talk with Darleane Hoffman — a pioneer in the search for rare, unstable elements. Darleane Hoffman is …
It’s thought that life evolved in the sea, and the saltiness of most animals’ blood reflects this ancient history. How one marine species preserves the salt balance in its blood, even in nearly fresh water …
The sky is full of invisible dust that can help scientists study weather patterns, pollution, and the history of the solar system. But this dust isn’t just for scientists — kids are collecting and studying …
Few could argue with the soothing effects of a nice, warm bath. And when you add epsom salts, a warm bath just might be even better. What some experts say about epsom salts. How does soaking …
