Science Alert

Subscribe to Science Alert feed 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 16 min ago

Wolf Supermoon 2026 to light up the skies this weekend: Best time to watch, meaning behind the name and why this year is rare

02/01/2026
Prepare for a spectacular celestial event as the Wolf Supermoon illuminates the UK on January 3rd, 2026. This exceptionally bright and large full moon will be visible just after sunset, offering breathtaking views. 2026 is an unusual year with 13 full moons, including a blue moon in May, making this January's Wolf Moon a must-see.

Will Saudi Arabia succeed in turning its vast desert landscape green by planting 10 billion trees?

31/12/2025
Saudi Arabia is attempting one of the most ambitious environmental transformations ever undertaken in an arid country. Through the Saudi Green Initiative, the Kingdom is planting billions of trees, restoring degraded land, expanding protected areas and rebuilding water systems, grounding its climate goals in science, long-term planning and economic diversification as it prepares for a future beyond oil.

What are the strange caves that scientists recently found on Mars

31/12/2025
New discoveries on Mars reveal deep, round openings. These features are unlike known craters or volcanic pits. Scientists believe water may have shaped these cavities long ago. Such underground spaces could have protected ancient life from harsh surface conditions. These caves offer a new focus for future exploration and the search for signs of life on the Red Planet.

When will a total solar eclipse, the blood moon, and the ring of fire appear in 2026

31/12/2025
2026 promises a celestial spectacle with four eclipses, including a rare "ring of fire" and a total solar eclipse visible from mainland Europe. This year marks the beginning of a busy period for skywatchers, with significant lunar and solar events clustering together. Planetary alignments also grace the night sky, offering repeated reasons to look up.

Can the extinct moa really be brought back to life; know the truth

31/12/2025
Scientists are exploring de-extinction for the moa, a giant flightless bird that vanished 600 years ago. Advanced genetic science aims to reconstruct its DNA and reintroduce similar birds, merging genome editing, ancient DNA research, and conservation biology. This endeavor faces significant scientific and cultural debates regarding feasibility and ecological impact.

Extreme attempt to ‘get high’: Woman injects black widow venom and ends up in ICU

30/12/2025
A rare and deliberate exposure to black widow venom sent a 37-year-old woman to intensive care after she injected a ground-up spider into her bloodstream to get high. Doctors documented severe muscle pain, breathing distress and cardiovascular symptoms, likely intensified by an allergic reaction and an unusually high venom dose. The patient recovered after several days of supportive treatment.

Why astronauts remove their wisdom teeth before space travel, even when nothing hurts

30/12/2025
Astronauts, including India's Shubhanshu Shukla, undergo wisdom teeth removal before space missions. This preventive measure addresses the unpredictable nature of these teeth, which can cause serious issues in orbit where medical care is limited. The decision prioritizes mission reliability over potential future discomfort, highlighting the meticulous health preparations for space travel.

Space discoveries in 2025 that stunned scientists: Interstellar objects, life signs on Mars, and more

30/12/2025
2025 has been a landmark year for astronomy, revealing an interstellar comet, early supermassive black holes, and weakening dark energy. Compelling signs of past Martian life and potential biosignatures on exoplanets have emerged. New planets near Earth were found, and galactic collision predictions for the Milky Way and Andromeda were revised. The Vera C.

Nasa reveals January spacewalk plans for the International Space Station

30/12/2025
NASA will preview upcoming International Space Station spacewalks in a public briefing, detailing tasks and risks. Astronauts Mike Fincke and Zena Cardman will conduct the first spacewalk on January 8 to work on the power system, followed by a second on January 15 for maintenance and upgrades. These routine operations are crucial for the station's longevity and future deorbit.

Year-ender 2025: From interstellar comets to ISRO’s Bahubali launch — space milestones that stood out

30/12/2025
The year 2025 witnessed remarkable progress in space exploration. India achieved major milestones including its 100th launch and the first Indian astronaut on the ISS. Globally, scientists mapped the Sun's winds and observed asteroid collisions. New exoplanets were discovered, expanding our cosmic understanding. Commercial space ventures also saw significant advancements, setting the stage for future endeavors.

Super rare case: 17 year old teen wakes from knee surgery speaking only foreign language

30/12/2025
A 17-year-old boy in the Netherlands temporarily lost the ability to speak his native Dutch after waking from knee surgery, communicating only in English. Doctors diagnosed the rare condition as foreign language syndrome, a poorly understood phenomenon sometimes linked to anaesthesia. The episode resolved on its own within days, adding to a very small number of documented cases worldwide.

Demonic curse tablet found in ancient German latrine: Medieval witchcraft or ancient grudge?

30/12/2025
Archaeologists excavating an extension to Rostock’s town hall uncovered a rare medieval curse tablet hidden beneath a latrine. Carefully inscribed on rolled lead, the 15th-century text invokes demonic forces against two named individuals. With no known medieval parallels, the find offers a striking glimpse into private belief, fear and conflict in the Middle Ages.

Scientists found more than 16,000 dinosaur footprints underwater in Bolivia

29/12/2025
A remarkable discovery in Bolivia's Torotoro National Park has revealed over 16,000 dinosaur footprints. These ancient tracks, dating back 68 million years, show dinosaurs moving along a prehistoric lake's edge. Researchers believe some dinosaurs may have even waded or swum in shallow waters. This site offers unique insights into dinosaur behaviour and their interaction with aquatic environments.

NASA chief praises teen Matteo Paz for using AI to analyse Neowise data and discover 1.5 million hidden stars

29/12/2025
A young American student, Matteo Paz, has astounded NASA by using AI to re-analyze old mission data. His innovative approach uncovered 1.5 million previously unseen celestial objects, impressing even NASA's director. This breakthrough highlights how fresh perspectives and advanced technology are revolutionizing astronomical discovery, with Paz now recognized as a published author.

Meteor Showers 2026: Complete guide to dates, peak times and best viewing locations

29/12/2025
Get ready for a dazzling 2026 meteor shower season! From the swift Quadrantids in January to the highly anticipated Perseids in August and the spectacular Geminids in December, Earth's journey through cosmic dust promises breathtaking celestial displays. Look out for bright fireballs and unique viewing opportunities throughout the year, offering a dynamic glimpse of our solar system.

The Arctic Ocean is warming silently, and it may reshape winter weather worldwide

29/12/2025
Arctic sea ice is melting at an accelerated rate, leading to a warmer ocean that absorbs more sunlight. This loss of ice disrupts the polar vortex, potentially causing colder Arctic air to spill south and affect winter weather patterns in lower latitudes. Scientists are closely monitoring these changes due to multiple warning signs.

When is the next full moon in 2026: Full Moon dates and timings

29/12/2025
The next full moon in 2026 is detailed for India. Full moons occur when Earth is between the Sun and Moon, fully illuminating the Moon's face. This celestial event happens approximately every 29.5 days. The article lists all full moon dates for 2026, adjusted for Indian Standard Time, offering a guide for sky gazers.

Why does Earth get colder when we are closest to the Sun

29/12/2025
Earth reaches its closest point to the Sun in early January, a phenomenon known as perihelion. Despite this proximity, the Northern Hemisphere experiences winter because its tilt away from the Sun causes sunlight to spread out and warm less effectively. This celestial alignment, driven by Earth's axial tilt, dictates seasonal changes rather than distance alone.

Pages