This week’s science updates began with a significant event as Europe’s largest active volcano erupted on Monday morning (June 2). Tourists were dispersed into the sky amidst approximately 21,300 feet (6,500 meters) of ash and dark smoke being ejected.
Mount Etna, located near Catania in Italy, is currently towering. Authorities caution those in proximity to the eruption that the gas and smog generated may lead to respiratory and other health issues.
On a related note, a major public dispute unfolded on Thursday afternoon (June 5) between Elon Musk and President Trump. The social media altercation peaked with Musk threatening to halt Spacecraft development at SpaceX. This raises concerns regarding the future of the US space industry.
“Urban Killer” asteroid swarms
A previously concealed group of sizable celestial bodies near Venus may threaten our planet in the future, according to recent research. These urban killer asteroids are typically over 460 feet (140 m) wide, with the potential to devastate densely populated areas upon impact.
While these asteroids do not currently pose a threat, any proximity to Earth’s gravitational influence could accidentally set them on a collision course.
Explore more space news
– Newly discovered tiny planets orbiting a small red star challenge existing solar system theories.
– NASA’s spacecraft has discovered that the Sun’s “Cannonball” may have stripped Mars of its water.
– Recent findings reveal that the long, mysterious “streaks” on Mars are not what scientists initially believed.
The little mysteries of life
At first glance, leopards and jaguars can be quite challenging to differentiate. Both are sizable predators with similar physiques and markings of black and tan spots.
Despite their resemblance, leopards and jaguars diverged from their common ancestors between 3.6 million and 2.5 million years ago and inhabit opposite sides of the globe. So, how can you tell them apart?
Toddler “Ice Prince”
Researchers have unveiled the body of a 1,350-year-old 18-month-old infant with striking blue eyes. This child was laid to rest with an unusual array of items, including small swords, silken garments, golden crosses, and piglets.
Believed to have perished between AD 670 and 680, the infant has been dubbed “Ice Prince” due to the method of freezing the burial chamber, allowing for excavation as a single entity.
Finding indicates the child suffered from a “chronic ear infection,” and the lavish artifacts surrounding him suggest he belonged to a wealthy and significant family.
Explore more archaeology news
– Portable sandals resembling pork legs likely owned by Julius Caesar’s stepfather found before Mount Vesuvius erupted.
– Unraveling the mystery of native Colombian groups that vanished 2,000 years ago.
– Braided gold Viking arm rings discovered by an amateur metal detectorist on the Isle of Man.
This week’s Science News
– As funding declines, scientists recommend exploiting black holes for particle collisions instead of constructing new facilities on Earth.
– The impressive “Mega Tsunami” that rattled the planet for nine days revealed through satellite imaging.
– The fusion record was shattered as German researchers made significant advancements in clean energy with minimal restrictions.
– College students discovered psychedelic bacteria that evaded the creator of LSD.
Beyond the headlines
NASA researchers are laying out plans for a massive radio telescope to be built within a large crater on the Moon.
The $2 billion initiative seeks to unlock some of the universe’s greatest secrets while serving, fortuitously, as a backup telescope. Radiation from megaconstellations of private satellites is too damaging for terrestrial radio equipment.
The proposed telescope would be constructed within a crater 0.8 miles (1.3 km) wide located in the Moon’s northern hemisphere, although NASA has not disclosed the exact site.
If approved, the lunar radio telescope could be operational as early as the 2030s. However, this won’t be the first radio telescope built on the Moon.
Something for the weekend
If you’re seeking a compelling read for the weekend, consider these intriguing long-form articles, book excerpts, and interviews released this week.
–“A fool at best, and at worst deceptive and dangerous”: Don’t buy into the hype – here’s why artificial general intelligence isn’t what billionaires claim it to be (Prophecy)
–10 Odd and Fantastic Things to Discover Under a Microscope (Countdown)
–Can adults generate new brain cells? (Query)
And a special note for skywatchers.
“Strawberry Moon” 2025: The full moon in June is set to break annual records.
The science of movement
Cockatoos in western Sydney have learned clever techniques to access water from public drinking fountains. The twist-handle faucets require dexterous movements and a series of coordinated actions instead of simple trials. It’s not coincidence; these birds are skillful.
These cockatoos use both feet to operate the twist handle, applying their weight to turn it clockwise and prevent it from bouncing back.
Cockatoos have become favorites at these fountains, even forming lines to wait for their turn to drink, which researchers believe has evolved into a newly recognized local behavior.
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Source: www.livescience.com