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: 23 min 1 sec ago
The world will fall into darkness for 6 minutes during the 2027 solar eclipse
A rare total solar eclipse, dubbed the 'Eclipse of the Decade,' will grace the skies on August 2, 2027. This celestial event, lasting over six minutes near Luxor, Egypt, will offer an extended period of twilight and reveal the Sun's corona. The path of totality stretches across parts of Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East, promising an unforgettable spectacle.
ISRO to launch PSLV-C62 mission on January 12, 2026 strengthening India’s space surveillance and global partnerships
India's space agency ISRO is set to launch PSLV-C62 on January 12, deploying DRDO's advanced surveillance satellite EOS-N1. This mission also carries a Spanish mini-satellite and 17 international and domestic commercial payloads, showcasing India's growing prowess in satellite launches and global space commercialization. The launch from Sriharikota marks a significant start to 2026.
NASA’s January 2026 skywatching guide highlights a rare bright moment for Jupiter
Look up this January 2026 for celestial wonders. Jupiter will shine brighter than ever on January 10. Later, the Moon and Saturn will appear close together on January 23. The Beehive Cluster also remains visible. These events require no special equipment, just a clear sky and a few minutes of your time. NASA guides skygazers to these quiet moments.
NASA detected a tsunami using signals in the atmosphere, not ocean sensors
A powerful earthquake off Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula provided a real-world test for NASA's new GUARDIAN system. This experimental technology detected subtle atmospheric pressure waves caused by the resulting tsunami, sending alerts to researchers within minutes. This space-based monitoring offers a crucial early warning, potentially adding valuable time for coastal communities facing threats.
NASA just saw inside a white dwarf system for the first time, and the view surprised scientists
NASA's IXPE telescope has revealed new details about the white dwarf star EX Hydrae, observing it not just as a point of light but as a structured system. For the first time, scientists measured the height of hot gas above the star, offering a deeper understanding of these extreme cosmic environments and paving the way for new astronomical observations.
Bad memories could be rewritten while you sleep, not erased; study finds
A recent study reveals that positive memories, especially during sleep, can weaken the impact of negative ones. Researchers found that by re-associating neutral cues with pleasant images, participants later recalled negative associations less vividly. This gentle crowding out, particularly during sleep's memory processing phase, offers a promising, non-invasive avenue for managing distressing recollections.
Scientists say a space explosion 13,000 years ago may have changed life on Earth
A new study suggests a comet exploded in the sky 13,000 years ago. This event caused Earth's sudden cooling, known as the Younger Dryas. Large animals like mammoths vanished. The Clovis people disappeared. Evidence includes melted glass and shocked quartz found in ancient soil. This theory explains the abrupt changes without a ground impact crater.
Black holes are twisting the universe: New discovery shows Einstein was right
Astronomers have observed a distant star being torn apart by a supermassive black hole, revealing a surprising wobble in the resulting disc and jets. This phenomenon, matching Einstein's century-old prediction of 'frame dragging,' provides compelling evidence that spinning black holes twist spacetime itself, influencing cosmic events and refining our understanding of galactic evolution.
What lies beneath Yellowstone in Wyoming is far more complex than a supervolcano
Yellowstone's volcanic past reveals a dynamic system of repeated caldera-forming eruptions and smaller lava flows, with magma reservoirs assembling and erupting on geologically brief timescales. Beneath the surface, a crystal-rich mush stores melt, capable of rapid renewal. This ancient activity also records Earth's magnetic history, offering crucial global chronological data.
Is interstellar object 3I/ATLAS older than our Sun? Here’s what it might reveal about the origins and observations
Astronomers have discovered 3I/ATLAS, a fast-moving interstellar object detected in mid-2025. Researchers believe this ancient comet, potentially 8-14 billion years old, originated from the Milky Way's earliest era, predating our Sun. Its unique chemical composition, including iron and nickel, further supports its alien origins, offering a rare glimpse into material forged around ancient stars.
What really happens when astronauts cry in space
In space, tears don't fall due to the absence of gravity. Instead, surface tension causes them to cling to the eye, creating a physical sensation and potential vision blur. Astronauts manage these tears with absorbent cloths, a process vital for understanding human physiology in microgravity and for future long-duration missions.
How oysters turn a tiny irritant into a pearl: What really goes on inside the shell
Pearls begin as irritants within oysters, which respond by slowly covering the foreign object with layers of nacre. This controlled biological process, influenced by environmental factors and diet, transforms discomfort into a stable, beautiful structure. Cultured pearls follow the same natural oyster response, with quality determined by nacre thickness and lustre, not just size.
