The World’s Oldest Killer Whale Is Believed Dead
The world’s oldest known killer whale is missing and presumed dead. The whale—named J2, though she was affectionally nicknamed Granny—was estimated to be more than …
Streetlights Go Out in Iceland to Let the Northern Lights Shine Bright
Streetlights across much of Iceland’s capital were switched off Wednesday night so its citizens could make the most of the otherworldly glow of the aurora …
The True Meaning of the Great American Eclipse
Despite all the hype, the moon has nothing special planned for Aug. 21. It will continue doing what it’s done for more than 4 billion …
Scientists Think Potatoes May Be Able to Grow on Mars
When Matt Damon’s fictional astronaut grew potatoes to keep himself alive on Mars in The Martian, you may have been skeptical. But now real scientists …
NASA’s New Photos of Jupiter’s Great Red Spot Are Stunning
NASA has revealed new images of Jupiter’s most iconic and mysterious feature — its Great Red Spot. The space agency on Tuesday released several photographs …
Hurricane Season Is About to Get Stronger After Years of Calmer Waters
Forecasters warned Thursday that the eastern United States will likely experience a stronger than normal hurricane season this year, with as many as four major …
Why Did Cannibals Eat Other People? (Hint: It’s Not For the Calories)
No matter how hungry you are, you’d be very unlikely to sit down to a piping hot bowl of Larry—or anyone else, for that matter. …
Scientists Accidentally Discover Method to Turn Carbon Dioxide Into Ethanol
A team of scientists in Tennessee accidentally discovered a new method to convert carbon dioxide to ethanol, a finding that could aid the development of …
Why Smart People Still Believe Conspiracy Theories
Millions of Americans believe in conspiracy theories — including plenty of people who you might expect would be smart enough to know better. Despite mountains …
Hurricane Matthew Could Be First Major Storm to Hit U.S. East Coast in Years
Hurricane Matthew strengthened to become a category 4 storm Monday as it continued on its northward path toward Jamaica, Haiti and Cuba, the National Hurricane …