Piscine choreography is a lot more complex—and a lot simpler—than it seems
The Milky Way’s Mystery Cloud
Something is snuffing out newborn stars that should be forming at the heart of our galaxy
The Scariest Environmental Fact in the World
China is burning almost as much coal as the rest of the world combined. We won’t solve global warming until that changes
Obama Talks Climate Change. California Is Acting on It
Obama warmed the hearts of environmentalists when he called for climate action during his Inaugural Address, but political realities may tie his hand. In California, things are very different
Cosmic Light Show: Auroras Around Distant Worlds
A phenomenon familiar on Earth may be common throughout the galaxy
Goodbye Silicon, Hello DNA. The Future of Data Storage?
As data storage needs grow more pressing, an unconventional technology offers hope
The Ancient Space Storm That Struck the Earth
More than 1,200 years ago a collision of two dense bodies bathed our planet in gamma rays
Solar Blob Attacks the Earth!
A great eruption known as a coronal mass ejection rattled nerves but did little harm
Obama Talked Climate Change in His Inaugural Address. Now Can He Do Something About It?
After a disappointing first term, environmentalists are hoping for action on climate change from President Obama—and he promised to deliver. But what can he actually do?
A Room With a View: Scenes From the International Space Station
The world is a decidedly different place from 250 miles up—one too few of us get to see