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
Solar eclipses in 2026: Dates, timings, visibility and where to watch
Get ready for two spectacular solar eclipses in 2026! An annular 'ring of fire' event on February 17 will grace parts of South America and Africa. Later, on August 12, a breathtaking total solar eclipse will sweep across Greenland, Iceland, and northern Spain, with partial views for much of Europe. Remember to use certified eye protection for safe viewing.
Comet 3I/ATLAS: Facts by NASA about the interstellar object that briefly passed Earth
Comet 3I/ATLAS, a rare visitor from another star system, is passing through our solar system. Discovered in July 2025, this interstellar object is the third of its kind. Scientists are studying its speed, trajectory, and composition. The comet is not dangerous to Earth. Its brief visit provides a unique opportunity to learn about the universe beyond our Sun.
20,000 Triassic dinosaur footprints found in Italy reveal rare clues to prehistoric group life
A wildlife photographer's chance observation in Italy's Stelvio National Park led to the discovery of thousands of dinosaur footprints from the Late Triassic period. These 210-million-year-old tracks, attributed to large herbivores like Plateosaurus, reveal insights into their calm group movements and potential social behaviors. The extensive find offers a rare glimpse into prehistoric life on the European continent.
Interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS makes its closest approach to Earth tonight: When, where and how to watch
Interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS is about to make its closest appearance to Earth today. This event is significant for astronomers studying the object. The comet offers a rare opportunity to examine matter from another star system. Scientists are observing how it behaves when exposed to sunlight. The comet poses no danger to Earth.
Ring of fire in 2026: Why the Sun will briefly disappear from view
A spectacular 'ring of fire' solar eclipse is set to grace the skies on February 17, 2026. This annular event occurs when the Moon, further from Earth, partially obscures the Sun, creating a fiery halo. While visible as a partial eclipse globally, the full spectacle will be seen along a narrow path over remote southern regions.
Meet Michaela Benthaus: First wheelchair user to travel to space on Blue Origin’s New Shepard mission; when, where and how to watch live
German aerospace engineer Michaela Benthaus, a wheelchair user since 2018, is set to make history as the first person with a disability to travel to space. She will join five others on Blue Origin's 37th New Shepard mission, a suborbital flight offering a glimpse of Earth from above. This flight highlights increased accessibility in space exploration.
A solar storm may trigger a satellite disaster in 2.8 days, says research
Space is becoming a dangerous place due to more satellites. A new CRASH Clock shows a critical risk of collisions. Solar storms can disable satellites, leading to potential chain reactions. Scientists warn urgent action is needed to prevent a space disaster. The situation is dire, with less than three days' warning possible.
Meet Jared Isaacman: NASA’s new administrator confirmed to lead the Artemis Moon and Mars missions
Jared Isaacman is now NASA's 15th administrator. The Senate approved him, paving the way for crucial missions. Isaacman will lead the Artemis program, aiming to land humans on the Moon again. He also plans for Mars exploration. His experience in private spaceflight is expected to boost collaboration. NASA faces challenges including budget cuts and personnel reduction.
Albert Einstein’s eyes were stolen after his death and hidden in a New York safe-deposit box
Albert Einstein's dying wish for cremation and secret ash scattering was partially ignored. While his body was cremated, pathologist Thomas Harvey removed his brain and eyeballs. The eyes, given to his ophthalmologist, remain in a New York safe deposit box, their purpose unclear and their existence a quiet contradiction to Einstein's rejection of physical veneration.
Scientists baffled as sharks found swimming inside one of world’s most active underwater volcanoes
Scientists studying one of the Pacific’s most active underwater volcanoes were stunned to find hammerhead and silky sharks living inside its crater. Footage captured near the Solomon Islands showed the animals swimming through hot, acidic water previously thought uninhabitable. Researchers say the discovery raises new questions about how marine life survives extreme environments and adapts to climate stress.
3I/ATLAS major astronomical event on 19th December: Skywatching event you shouldn’t miss
NASA is undertaking a vast observation effort for comet 3I/ATLAS. This interstellar visitor is being studied by multiple spacecraft and telescopes. Researchers aim to understand its composition and origin by comparing it with solar system comets. The comet will be closest to Earth on December 19, offering a viewing opportunity with telescopes.
NASA confirms a weak La Niña in 2025: What it means for global weather, sea levels, and winter forecasts
La Niña returns to the Pacific after a brief neutral phase. This event, expected from September to December 2025, is considered weak. Its influence on global weather and climate patterns is being closely monitored. Changes in sea level, rainfall, and temperature are anticipated across continents. Researchers are tracking ocean temperatures and atmospheric circulation for disaster preparedness and climate outlooks.
Albert Einstein’s brain was stolen by a doctor and carried around for 40 years
Albert Einstein’s death in 1955 set off an extraordinary and ethically fraught afterlife for his brain, secretly removed by a hospital pathologist and kept for decades. Intended as a scientific quest, the episode instead became a prolonged saga of disputed consent, questionable research, and a specimen that wandered far from Einstein’s own wishes before finally reaching museums.
Asteroids could make you rich one day: Scientists uncover the hidden wealth floating through space
Recent research suggests that small, carbon-rich asteroids could be invaluable economic and scientific resources, offering water, organic materials, and precious minerals for space missions. These primitive bodies, acting as time capsules, hold the key to fueling future exploration and reducing Earth's resource dependency, despite current technical challenges in large-scale mining.
