Science Alert
Catch up on the latest science news, from space and technology to life and environmental research- all the discoveries shaping our world today.
Updated: 1 hour 11 min ago
Delhi’s night glow captured from space: ISS shares breathtaking night views of world’s brightest cities
The International Space Station captured a stunning image of Earth at night. Delhi's bright lights stand out, showcasing its growth. The city is compared to other luminous megacities like Singapore, Tokyo, and Sao Paulo. These images reveal urban development and population growth. Orbital views offer insights into future city expansion and energy use.
Why STEM is the go-to choice for international students in the US
International students in the US are increasingly drawn to STEM disciplines, with a remarkable 57% opting for studies in science, technology, engineering, and math. This surge is fueled by the rising global need for expertise in fields such as computer science and AI, further supported by initiatives like OPT that grant valuable work opportunities post-graduation.
NASA warns of a growing South Atlantic Anomaly weakening Earth’s magnetic shield
Earth's protective magnetic shield has a weak spot, the South Atlantic Anomaly, which is expanding and splitting. This anomaly, driven by changes in Earth's core, poses risks to satellites and spacecraft by increasing radiation exposure. NASA is enhancing monitoring as this dynamic region affects space technology and our understanding of Earth's interior.
New ‘star factory’ galaxy shocks scientists by producing stars 180 times faster than Milky Way
Astronomers have discovered an unusually bright and warm galaxy, MACS0416_Y1, dating back to just 600 million years after the Big Bang. This early galaxy is forming stars at an astonishing rate, challenging previous beliefs about galactic evolution. Its intense infrared glow, powered by heated dust, suggests rapid development and efficient star formation in the nascent universe.
Sent by alien civilisation? Nasa clears the air on interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS — images out
Nasa on Wednesday released long-delayed images of Comet 3I/ATLAS, an interstellar visitor that stayed hidden during the 43-day US government shutdown, sparking online claims of alien links. Senior officials dismissed the rumours, saying it behaves like a normal comet. The new photographs from multiple spacecraft will help build a clearer 3D view before it exits deep space.
Scientists have discovered a new time crystal that changes everything we know about time
Scientists have unveiled a novel time crystal exhibiting a structured yet non-repeating temporal pattern, a departure from traditional, perfectly cyclical time crystals. This discovery challenges fundamental assumptions about order and motion, suggesting a more complex and evolving form of temporal organization in matter. The breakthrough opens new avenues for understanding how matter self-organizes across time.
Stranger Science: What ATLAS-31 really tells us about interstellar visitors
Humanity's age-old fascination with extraterrestrial life was reignited by the arrival of interstellar object 3I/ATLAS. While initial observations fueled speculation of alien technology, including unusual brightness and a lack of a comet tail, further analysis revealed standard cometary behavior. Scientists largely agree ATLAS is a natural comet, though some remain open to further investigation.
Interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS images to be released by NASA: Check when and where to watch
NASA will broadcast live images of comet 3I/ATLAS. This interstellar object offers a rare glimpse into planetary formation beyond our solar system. The broadcast will combine views from multiple observatories. Viewers can witness this unique cosmic visitor and learn about its origins. The event highlights scientific collaboration and the study of extraterrestrial materials.
Interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS images to be released by NASA: Check when and where to watch
NASA will broadcast live images of comet 3I/ATLAS. This interstellar object offers a rare glimpse into planetary formation beyond our solar system. The broadcast will combine views from multiple observatories. Viewers can witness this unique cosmic visitor and learn about its origins. The event highlights scientific collaboration and the study of extraterrestrial materials.
NASA spots weird rock on Mars that should not exist, scientists stunned
NASA's Perseverance rover has discovered a peculiar boulder in Mars's Jezero Crater, baffling scientists with its unusual texture, color, and composition. This 'float rock,' unlike surrounding formations, suggests an origin far from its current location, possibly from an impact or ancient geological event. The find promises to unlock new insights into Mars's dynamic geological history and past environmental changes.
Did humans really outbreed Neanderthals? A new mathematical model says yes
New research suggests Neanderthals didn't face a sudden extinction but were gradually absorbed into the growing human population. A mathematical model indicates repeated, small-scale human migrations led to genetic dilution, effectively merging Neanderthal DNA over thousands of years. This demographic shift, rather than conflict, explains their fading identity, with their genes now present in modern humans.
NASA to unveil rare imagery of interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS on 19 November 2025: How to watch live, participate and all you need to know
NASA is set to unveil stunning new images of the rare interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS, a visitor from another star system. Discovered earlier this year, this marks only the third such object observed in our solar system. The live event will offer insights into its journey and composition, providing a unique glimpse into distant cosmic environments.
NASA captures record-breaking images of the fastest-spinning asteroid in space
NASA's stunning radar images reveal asteroid 2025 OW, a tiny object spinning incredibly fast, challenging current scientific understanding of small space bodies. This rapid rotation forces a rethink of asteroid composition and strength, impacting planetary defense strategies and future asteroid mining prospects. The discovery offers crucial insights into asteroid evolution and the near-Earth population.
What if cockroaches vanished from the planet? Scientists warn of unexpected consequences
Cockroaches, often seen as pests, play a vital role in ecosystems. These resilient insects are crucial for nutrient recycling in forests, act as a food source for various animals, and support agricultural decomposition. Their disappearance would disrupt food chains, slow down soil enrichment, and remove key indicators of environmental health, impacting the planet's delicate balance.
“Chandrayaan 4 in 2028”: ISRO aims to triple spacecraft production and expand global space economy
ISRO is set for an intense launch schedule, with seven missions planned before year-end, including India's first industry-built PSLV. Chandrayaan-4, a complex lunar sample-return mission, is targeted for 2028. India also plans its own space station by 2035 and aims to significantly boost its share in the global space economy, driven by private sector growth.
How interstellar objects reach Earth and where they are most likely to land
New simulations reveal interstellar objects don't arrive uniformly, with concentrations from the solar apex and galactic plane. Earth's orbital motion creates seasonal impact patterns, peaking in Northern Hemisphere winter. Most impacts are predicted near the equator, with a slight Northern Hemisphere bias due to orbital geometry and the Sun's influence.
Why that song is stuck in your head: The science behind catchy tunes that replay on loop
A common phenomenon, earworms are tunes that get stuck in your head. Scientists explain these musical loops are caused by repetitive patterns and emotional connections. Brain regions like the auditory cortex and memory centres are involved. Our brains are wired to remember music due to its evolutionary role. Strategies exist to stop these repeating tunes.
