Weekly Rig Counts
Energy Information Administration
A total of 603 rigs were actively drilling for oil and natural gas during the week ending on Tuesday, May 7th, 2024. That is 128 rigs fewer than were active during the same week in 2023. The main reason for this reduction in rig count is increased drilling efficiency. Data for the weekly rig count is compiled by Baker Hughes Company.
Energy Information Administration
A total of 603 rigs were actively drilling for oil and natural gas during the week ending on Tuesday, May 7th, 2024. That is 128 rigs fewer than were active during the same week in 2023. The main reason for this reduction in rig count is increased drilling efficiency. Data for the weekly rig count is compiled by Baker Hughes Company.
Lightbox Jewelry Lowering Prices, Adding GIA "Verification"
JCKonline
When Lightbox Jewelry started selling lab-grown diamond jewelry in 2018, the price was $800 for an item with a one-carat diamond. Now they are selling one-carat items at $500, $600, or $900 depending upon color grade.
JCKonline
When Lightbox Jewelry started selling lab-grown diamond jewelry in 2018, the price was $800 for an item with a one-carat diamond. Now they are selling one-carat items at $500, $600, or $900 depending upon color grade.
Anglo American Confirms De Beers Is Up for Sale
JCKonline
Anglo American owns 85% of the company. The government of Botswana owns 15%. The company mines natural diamonds, produces the Lightbox brand of lab-grown diamonds, and is the iconic brand of the diamond industry.
JCKonline
Anglo American owns 85% of the company. The government of Botswana owns 15%. The company mines natural diamonds, produces the Lightbox brand of lab-grown diamonds, and is the iconic brand of the diamond industry.
Does This Gold - Advertised as "Recycled" - Have Positive Social and Environmental Benefits?
JCKonline
Does gold currently labeled as "recycled" really deliver the advertised benefits?
JCKonline
Does gold currently labeled as "recycled" really deliver the advertised benefits?
U.S. Bans Russian Uranium Imports, Key to Nuclear Fuel Supply
Gift Article from the Washington Post
From the article: "American companies pay roughly $1 billion a year for enriched uranium, the main fuel used by nuclear reactors, from Moscow."
Gift Article from the Washington Post
From the article: "American companies pay roughly $1 billion a year for enriched uranium, the main fuel used by nuclear reactors, from Moscow."
Images of the Northern Lights, Spotted in Unusual Places
Smithsonian
Normally, the aurora borealis is a spectacle reserved for viewers in northern latitudes. However, due to unusually strong solar activity recently, the phenomenon was visible to those living farther south, like people in New York, Indiana, Oregon, and California. The photo above shows a rare green and purple aurora. Image by National Park Service Photo / Kent Miller.
Smithsonian
Normally, the aurora borealis is a spectacle reserved for viewers in northern latitudes. However, due to unusually strong solar activity recently, the phenomenon was visible to those living farther south, like people in New York, Indiana, Oregon, and California. The photo above shows a rare green and purple aurora. Image by National Park Service Photo / Kent Miller.
Aurora Australis from Space
Geology.com
Aurora Australis: A composite satellite image of the Aurora Australis (southern lights) over Antarctica from space. The image was compiled by superimposing data of the Aurora Australis collected by NASA's IMAGE satellite atop of an image of Earth from a south polar perspective from the Blue Marble project. The result simulates what the Aurora Australis would look like from a satellite orbiting above. Image by NASA.
Geology.com
Aurora Australis: A composite satellite image of the Aurora Australis (southern lights) over Antarctica from space. The image was compiled by superimposing data of the Aurora Australis collected by NASA's IMAGE satellite atop of an image of Earth from a south polar perspective from the Blue Marble project. The result simulates what the Aurora Australis would look like from a satellite orbiting above. Image by NASA.
Retired Geologist Finds Bronze Age Arrowhead in His Backyard
Fox News
Andrew Beckly of Wellington, England is a retired geologist and an avid fan of Time Team (a British TV show about archaeology and history). He had recently rewatched the series when, by chance, he happened to unearth an archaeological treasure in his very own backyard.
Fox News
Andrew Beckly of Wellington, England is a retired geologist and an avid fan of Time Team (a British TV show about archaeology and history). He had recently rewatched the series when, by chance, he happened to unearth an archaeological treasure in his very own backyard.
Peat Landslide in Scotland's Shetland Islands
The Landslide Blog
The video above shows a peat landslide in action on May 7, 2024 in northern Scotland. Fortunately, nobody was hurt in the incident. Click here to read an accompanying article by Dave Petley of The Landslide Blog.
The Landslide Blog
The video above shows a peat landslide in action on May 7, 2024 in northern Scotland. Fortunately, nobody was hurt in the incident. Click here to read an accompanying article by Dave Petley of The Landslide Blog.
How a Fantastical Labyrinth Became a Crucial Habitat for Europe's Bats
Smithsonian
The Piusa Sand Caves in southern Estonia were tunnelled out by glass sand miners back in the 1920s. When the miners left, bats took up residence in the miles of underground tunnels. Now the caves are an important habitat for the local bat population. Image by Tpani, displayed here under a Creative Commons License.
Smithsonian
The Piusa Sand Caves in southern Estonia were tunnelled out by glass sand miners back in the 1920s. When the miners left, bats took up residence in the miles of underground tunnels. Now the caves are an important habitat for the local bat population. Image by Tpani, displayed here under a Creative Commons License.
Sand Grains from Around the World
Geology.com
Green olivine sand from Papakolea Beach, Hawaii. The white grains are coral fragments, and the gray-black grains are pieces of basalt. If you think the grains have a "gemmy" appearance, olivine is the mineral name of a gemstone known as "peridot." This image represents a 10 millimeter x 10 millimeter view. Photograph by Siim Sepp, used here under a Creative Commons License.
Geology.com
Green olivine sand from Papakolea Beach, Hawaii. The white grains are coral fragments, and the gray-black grains are pieces of basalt. If you think the grains have a "gemmy" appearance, olivine is the mineral name of a gemstone known as "peridot." This image represents a 10 millimeter x 10 millimeter view. Photograph by Siim Sepp, used here under a Creative Commons License.
Complex Beauty in the Gulf of Oman
NASA Earth Observatory
NASA's new PACE (Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, ocean Ecosystem) satellite captured this image of a phytoplankton bloom in the Gulf of Oman. NASA image by Joseph Knuble, using PACE data from NASA/GSFC.
NASA Earth Observatory
NASA's new PACE (Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, ocean Ecosystem) satellite captured this image of a phytoplankton bloom in the Gulf of Oman. NASA image by Joseph Knuble, using PACE data from NASA/GSFC.
Satellite Views of Phytoplankton Blooms in Oceans and Seas
Geology.com
Phytoplankton Bloom Off New Jersey: An unusual phytoplankton bloom occurred in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of New Jersey on July 6, 2016. This bloom received nutrients from a process known as "upwelling". Strong, persistent winds, blowing off the continent and towards the east, carried surface waters away from the coast. This brought cold, nutrient-rich waters up the continental slope to replace the waters that were blown out to sea. The result was a near-shore phytoplankton bloom. Similar blooms occur periodically along the Atlantic coast in the summer. This NASA satellite image was prepared by Jeff Schmaltz.
Geology.com
Phytoplankton Bloom Off New Jersey: An unusual phytoplankton bloom occurred in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of New Jersey on July 6, 2016. This bloom received nutrients from a process known as "upwelling". Strong, persistent winds, blowing off the continent and towards the east, carried surface waters away from the coast. This brought cold, nutrient-rich waters up the continental slope to replace the waters that were blown out to sea. The result was a near-shore phytoplankton bloom. Similar blooms occur periodically along the Atlantic coast in the summer. This NASA satellite image was prepared by Jeff Schmaltz.
More Than Half of U.S. Landfills May Be Methane "Super-Emitters"
Smithsonian
From the article: "Aerial observations of hundreds of large landfills across 18 states found they are leaking 40 percent more methane than is reported to the EPA."
Smithsonian
From the article: "Aerial observations of hundreds of large landfills across 18 states found they are leaking 40 percent more methane than is reported to the EPA."
Chicago Museum Unveils the "Most Important Fossil Ever Discovered": the Feathered Dinosaur Archaeopteryx
Smithsonian
From the article: "Archaeopteryx provided the missing link between dinosaurs and the avians of today, serving as critical evidence for Charles Darwin's theory of evolution."
Smithsonian
From the article: "Archaeopteryx provided the missing link between dinosaurs and the avians of today, serving as critical evidence for Charles Darwin's theory of evolution."
EIA Expects U.S. Electricity Growth to be Mostly Met by Renewables
U.S. Energy Information Administration
In 2024, the EIA predicts that U.S. electricity generation will increase about 3%, with solar energy supplying about 60% of that growth. Generation from solar energy is on track to surpass generation from hydropower as early as 2025.
U.S. Energy Information Administration
In 2024, the EIA predicts that U.S. electricity generation will increase about 3%, with solar energy supplying about 60% of that growth. Generation from solar energy is on track to surpass generation from hydropower as early as 2025.
New Findings Point to an Earth-Like Environment on Ancient Mars
Los Alamos National Laboratory
From the article: "Manganese-rich sandstones indicate there were once habitable conditions in the Gale Crater."
Los Alamos National Laboratory
From the article: "Manganese-rich sandstones indicate there were once habitable conditions in the Gale Crater."
Rocks on Mars that Look Just Like Rocks on Earth
Geology.com
Photo of an outcrop of sedimentary rocks inside the Gale Crater on Mars. The rocks here are almost identical to some of the shales and siltstones found here on Earth. Image by NASA's Mars Curiosity Rover.
Geology.com
Photo of an outcrop of sedimentary rocks inside the Gale Crater on Mars. The rocks here are almost identical to some of the shales and siltstones found here on Earth. Image by NASA's Mars Curiosity Rover.
A Million Years Without a Megaslide
EOS Science News
From the article: "A new study goes deep into the Gulf of Alaska to examine the sixth-largest underwater landslide and investigate why a similar event hasn't happened since."
EOS Science News
From the article: "A new study goes deep into the Gulf of Alaska to examine the sixth-largest underwater landslide and investigate why a similar event hasn't happened since."
The Largest-Known Subaerial and Submarine Landslides
Geology.com
This article features Heart Mountain - largest-known subaerial landslide and Storegga - the largest-known submarine landslide.
Geology.com
This article features Heart Mountain - largest-known subaerial landslide and Storegga - the largest-known submarine landslide.
What Is Fool's Gold?
Geology.com
"Fool's gold" is a common nickname for pyrite. Pyrite received that nickname because it is worth virtually nothing, but has an appearance that "fools" people into believing that it is gold. With a little practice, there are many easy tests that anyone can use to quickly tell the difference between pyrite and gold.
Geology.com
"Fool's gold" is a common nickname for pyrite. Pyrite received that nickname because it is worth virtually nothing, but has an appearance that "fools" people into believing that it is gold. With a little practice, there are many easy tests that anyone can use to quickly tell the difference between pyrite and gold.
Tatooine, Trisolaris, Thessia: Sci-Fi Exoplanets Reflect Real-Life Discoveries
EOS
In 1977, the fictional world of Tatooine was immortalized on the silver screen in Star Wars: A New Hope (Episode IV). However, it wasn't until 2005 that astronomers discovered HD 202206 c, the first known exoplanet in a binary star system. What influence does real-life science have on science fiction... and vice versa? Image credit: Journal of Science Communication - JCOM.
EOS
In 1977, the fictional world of Tatooine was immortalized on the silver screen in Star Wars: A New Hope (Episode IV). However, it wasn't until 2005 that astronomers discovered HD 202206 c, the first known exoplanet in a binary star system. What influence does real-life science have on science fiction... and vice versa? Image credit: Journal of Science Communication - JCOM.
'Star Wars': Summary of the Franchise and Its Effect on Space Technology
Space.com
Pictured above: Mimas, one of Saturn's moons, bears an uncanny resemblance to the "Death Star" from Star Wars. Image by NASA/JPL/SSI.
Space.com
Pictured above: Mimas, one of Saturn's moons, bears an uncanny resemblance to the "Death Star" from Star Wars. Image by NASA/JPL/SSI.
USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map
USDA.gov
Are you thinking about starting a garden, but you're not sure which plants to choose? The U.S. Department of Agriculture has an interactive map that will help you make informed decisions based on your location in the United States. The different color zones represent the average annual extreme minimum temperature over a 30-year period. Simply type in your zip code to find your zone, and then you can use your zone number to choose plants with an appropriate hardiness range.
USDA.gov
Are you thinking about starting a garden, but you're not sure which plants to choose? The U.S. Department of Agriculture has an interactive map that will help you make informed decisions based on your location in the United States. The different color zones represent the average annual extreme minimum temperature over a 30-year period. Simply type in your zip code to find your zone, and then you can use your zone number to choose plants with an appropriate hardiness range.
Global Accounting of Earth's Rivers
NASA Earth Observatory
Quote from the article: "A novel approach to estimating river water storage and discharge also identifies regions marked by 'fingerprints' of intense water use" (shown in gray on the map above). NASA Earth Observatory images by Lauren Dauphin, using data from Collins, E.L., et al. (2024).
NASA Earth Observatory
Quote from the article: "A novel approach to estimating river water storage and discharge also identifies regions marked by 'fingerprints' of intense water use" (shown in gray on the map above). NASA Earth Observatory images by Lauren Dauphin, using data from Collins, E.L., et al. (2024).
Russia Energy Report
Energy Information Administration
This annual report reviews Russia's production and consumption of oil, natural gas, coal and renewable energy.
Energy Information Administration
This annual report reviews Russia's production and consumption of oil, natural gas, coal and renewable energy.
The Many Uses of Gold
Geology.com
The United States government currently mints coins from gold and other precious metals; however, they are intended for investment and collecting. They are not intended for use as legal tender.
Geology.com
The United States government currently mints coins from gold and other precious metals; however, they are intended for investment and collecting. They are not intended for use as legal tender.
The Highest Observatory on Earth Sits Atop Chile's Andes Mountains -- And It's Finally Open
Space.com
The Japanese University of Tokyo Atacama Observatory is at an altitude of 5640 meters above sea level. The higher the observatory, the less atmospheric distortion in its view.
Space.com
The Japanese University of Tokyo Atacama Observatory is at an altitude of 5640 meters above sea level. The higher the observatory, the less atmospheric distortion in its view.
Birthstone for the Month of May: Emerald
Geology.com
Emerald is a very popular green gemstone of the beryl mineral family. Image copyright iStockphoto / mikheewnik.
Geology.com
Emerald is a very popular green gemstone of the beryl mineral family. Image copyright iStockphoto / mikheewnik.
25 Years, 25 Images
NASA Earth Observatory
Happy 25th Birthday to NASA Earth Observatory! To celebrate, the people at NASA have created a short video featuring 25 of their favorite images. Above is a visualization of tiny atmospheric particles, or aerosols, as measured by satellites in the sky and sensors on the ground. Image by Joshua Stevens, using GEOS data from the Global Modeling and Assimilation Office at NASA GSFC.
NASA Earth Observatory
Happy 25th Birthday to NASA Earth Observatory! To celebrate, the people at NASA have created a short video featuring 25 of their favorite images. Above is a visualization of tiny atmospheric particles, or aerosols, as measured by satellites in the sky and sensors on the ground. Image by Joshua Stevens, using GEOS data from the Global Modeling and Assimilation Office at NASA GSFC.
Ten Amazing Facts About Tornadoes, Explained
Smithsonian
The photo above shows twin tornadoes near Pilger, Nebraska in 2014. Public domain image by Ethan Schisler / NOAA Photo Library.
Smithsonian
The photo above shows twin tornadoes near Pilger, Nebraska in 2014. Public domain image by Ethan Schisler / NOAA Photo Library.
Earth's Mini-Moon Linked to Farside Lunar Crater
Sky & Telescope
A small asteroid named Kamo'oalewa orbits the Earth as we circle the sun. Scientists think that they've figured out the origin of our mysterious "mini-moon".
Sky & Telescope
A small asteroid named Kamo'oalewa orbits the Earth as we circle the sun. Scientists think that they've figured out the origin of our mysterious "mini-moon".
The Story of the West Gold Hill Dinosaur Tracksite
Ouray County Plaindealer
Year after year, the Charles family visited their Colorado mining claim and searched for gold, without any luck. As it turns out, a much more valuable treasure was right there beneath their feet all along.
Ouray County Plaindealer
Year after year, the Charles family visited their Colorado mining claim and searched for gold, without any luck. As it turns out, a much more valuable treasure was right there beneath their feet all along.
Swift Quakes: Seismic Signals from Taylor Swift Concerts
EOS Science News
Quote from the article: "Each song typically had a seismic frequency that synced up with the song's beat rate as well as its harmonics, which have frequencies that are multiples of the beat rate."
EOS Science News
Quote from the article: "Each song typically had a seismic frequency that synced up with the song's beat rate as well as its harmonics, which have frequencies that are multiples of the beat rate."
U.S. Energy-Related Carbon Dioxide Emissions for 2023
Energy Information Administration
Quote from the article: "U.S. energy-related CO2 emissions decreased slightly in 2023 compared to 2022. Although emissions decreased across many economic sectors, more than 80% of U.S. energy-related CO2 emissions reductions in 2023 occurred in the electric power sector...."
Energy Information Administration
Quote from the article: "U.S. energy-related CO2 emissions decreased slightly in 2023 compared to 2022. Although emissions decreased across many economic sectors, more than 80% of U.S. energy-related CO2 emissions reductions in 2023 occurred in the electric power sector...."
Deciphering India's Luna Crater
NASA Earth Observatory
This round depression in western India, called the "Luna Crater" after a nearby town, measures about one mile (1.8 kilometers) across. People have long speculated that the crater might have formed as the result of a meteorite impact. Now that samples from the site have been analyzed, scientists are able to shed some light on the mystery of its formation. NASA Earth Observatory image by Michala Garrison, using Landsat data from the U.S. Geological Survey.
NASA Earth Observatory
This round depression in western India, called the "Luna Crater" after a nearby town, measures about one mile (1.8 kilometers) across. People have long speculated that the crater might have formed as the result of a meteorite impact. Now that samples from the site have been analyzed, scientists are able to shed some light on the mystery of its formation. NASA Earth Observatory image by Michala Garrison, using Landsat data from the U.S. Geological Survey.
The Vredefort Impact Crater
Geology.com
A Landsat image of the Vredefort Impact Crater. It was formed when an asteroid struck Earth about two billion years ago in an area that is now the country of South Africa. At the time of formation, the crater is believed to have been about 300 kilometers across. The Vaal River can be seen traversing the northern part of the structure. This image was composed by Angela King of Geology.com using Landsat Geocover data from NASA.
Geology.com
A Landsat image of the Vredefort Impact Crater. It was formed when an asteroid struck Earth about two billion years ago in an area that is now the country of South Africa. At the time of formation, the crater is believed to have been about 300 kilometers across. The Vaal River can be seen traversing the northern part of the structure. This image was composed by Angela King of Geology.com using Landsat Geocover data from NASA.
Dentist Discovers Human-Like Jawbone and Teeth in a Floor Tile at His Parents' Home
Smithsonian
Quote from the article: "Scientists are planning to study the specimen, embedded in travertine from western Turkey, in hopes of dating and identifying it."
Smithsonian
Quote from the article: "Scientists are planning to study the specimen, embedded in travertine from western Turkey, in hopes of dating and identifying it."
Misconceptions About the Anthropocene
Smithsonian
Should the so-called "Anthropocene epoch" be added to the Geologic Time Scale? Scientists are divided. This article outlines some of the common arguments against the Anthropocene, and provides counterpoints for consideration.
Smithsonian
Should the so-called "Anthropocene epoch" be added to the Geologic Time Scale? Scientists are divided. This article outlines some of the common arguments against the Anthropocene, and provides counterpoints for consideration.
NASA's Voyager 1 Resumes Sending Engineering Updates to Earth
NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Voyager 1 was launched in 1977, and it has been sending data back to Earth ever since. In November 2023, its signals became unintelligible. Engineers have now identified the problem and are fixing the code so that the spacecraft can resume sending science data from its far-out location in interstellar space. Image by NASA / JPL-Caltech.
NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Voyager 1 was launched in 1977, and it has been sending data back to Earth ever since. In November 2023, its signals became unintelligible. Engineers have now identified the problem and are fixing the code so that the spacecraft can resume sending science data from its far-out location in interstellar space. Image by NASA / JPL-Caltech.
Deluge in the United Arab Emirates
NASA Earth Observatory
The United Arab Emirates was inundated when several slow-moving storms dropped over a year's worth of rain in less than 24 hours. The satellite image above shows the numerous flooded areas near the port city of Jebel Ali. NASA Earth Observatory images by Wanmei Liang, using Landsat data from the U.S. Geological Survey.
NASA Earth Observatory
The United Arab Emirates was inundated when several slow-moving storms dropped over a year's worth of rain in less than 24 hours. The satellite image above shows the numerous flooded areas near the port city of Jebel Ali. NASA Earth Observatory images by Wanmei Liang, using Landsat data from the U.S. Geological Survey.
The Artificial Islands of Dubai
Geology.com
Did you know that there are hundreds of man-made islands in the Persian Gulf? Shown above are Bluewaters Island and the Palm Jumeirah. The satellite image was produced using 2018-2019 data from USGS LandsatLook.
Geology.com
Did you know that there are hundreds of man-made islands in the Persian Gulf? Shown above are Bluewaters Island and the Palm Jumeirah. The satellite image was produced using 2018-2019 data from USGS LandsatLook.
Is Geothermal Power Heating Up as an Energy Source?
Smithsonian
Quote from the article: "Long confined to regions with volcanic activity, the method of harnessing energy from the Earth promises to become much more versatile thanks to new technologies."
Smithsonian
Quote from the article: "Long confined to regions with volcanic activity, the method of harnessing energy from the Earth promises to become much more versatile thanks to new technologies."
Establishing Mount Shasta's Summit Elevation in the 20th Century
United States Geological Survey
Following a 1904 topographic survey of California, the U.S. Geological Survey revised the mountain's height from 14,444 feet (4,403 m) to 14,380 feet (4,383 m). This was a bit of a surprise! Today, even more sophisticated satellite elevation mapping has established Shasta's height at 14,163 feet (4,137 m) above sea level. What's going on?
United States Geological Survey
Following a 1904 topographic survey of California, the U.S. Geological Survey revised the mountain's height from 14,444 feet (4,403 m) to 14,380 feet (4,383 m). This was a bit of a surprise! Today, even more sophisticated satellite elevation mapping has established Shasta's height at 14,163 feet (4,137 m) above sea level. What's going on?
Uncovering Earthquake Evidence in Azerbaijan's Greater Caucasus Mountains
EOS Science News
Quote from the article: "A new study unearths geological evidence that corroborates historical accounts of large earthquakes along the Kura fold-thrust belt."
EOS Science News
Quote from the article: "A new study unearths geological evidence that corroborates historical accounts of large earthquakes along the Kura fold-thrust belt."
The Seven Most Amazing Discoveries We've Made by Exploring Mercury
Smithsonian
An image of Mercury with false-color enhancement to show the the age and mineral composition of surface materials. Image by NASA, JHU Applied Physics Lab, Carnegie Inst. Washington.
Smithsonian
An image of Mercury with false-color enhancement to show the the age and mineral composition of surface materials. Image by NASA, JHU Applied Physics Lab, Carnegie Inst. Washington.
Earth Day Resources for Science Teachers
National Science Teaching Association
Earth Day is on Monday, April 22, 2024. The National Science Teaching Association has a wealth of resources and free lesson plans available for teachers at all grade levels.
National Science Teaching Association
Earth Day is on Monday, April 22, 2024. The National Science Teaching Association has a wealth of resources and free lesson plans available for teachers at all grade levels.
National Park Service Seeks Help to Identify Lake Mead Vandals
FOX5 Las Vegas
On the evening of Sunday, April 7, two men were seen destroying rock formations in the Redstone Dunes Trail area of the Lake Mead National Recreation Area. The park is located about 30 miles east of Las Vegas, Nevada, and is home to geological formations that date back millions of years.
If you have any information about the suspects, please call the National Park Service Tip Line at 888-653-0009, or click here.
FOX5 Las Vegas
On the evening of Sunday, April 7, two men were seen destroying rock formations in the Redstone Dunes Trail area of the Lake Mead National Recreation Area. The park is located about 30 miles east of Las Vegas, Nevada, and is home to geological formations that date back millions of years.
If you have any information about the suspects, please call the National Park Service Tip Line at 888-653-0009, or click here.
Biden Administration Restricts Oil and Gas Leasing in 13 Million Acres of Alaska's Petroleum Reserve
Associated Press
Associated Press
Father-Daughter Team Helps Discover Giant Prehistoric Sea Beast
Gift Article from the Washington Post
Gift Article from the Washington Post
NASA's Juno Gives Aerial Views of Mountain, Lava Lake on Io
NASA
This animation is an artist's concept of Loki Patera, a lava lake on Jupiter's moon Io, made using data from the JunoCam imager aboard NASA's Juno spacecraft. With multiple islands in its interior, Loki is a depression filled with magma and rimmed with molten lava. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/SwRI/MSSS
NASA
This animation is an artist's concept of Loki Patera, a lava lake on Jupiter's moon Io, made using data from the JunoCam imager aboard NASA's Juno spacecraft. With multiple islands in its interior, Loki is a depression filled with magma and rimmed with molten lava. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/SwRI/MSSS
Active Volcanoes of Our Solar System
Geology.com
Io, a moon of Jupiter, is the most volcanically active body in our solar system. It has over 100 active volcanic centers, many of which have multiple active vents. Eruptions recurrently resurface large parts of the moon. NASA image.
Geology.com
Io, a moon of Jupiter, is the most volcanically active body in our solar system. It has over 100 active volcanic centers, many of which have multiple active vents. Eruptions recurrently resurface large parts of the moon. NASA image.
Brandberg Massif
NASA Earth Observatory
Brandberg Massif is the highest mountain in Namibia. Because there is a lack of deep soil in this area, different types of rocks are plainly visible on the surface, including granite, schist, and sedimentary rocks. Image by the International Space Station (ISS) Crew Earth Observations Facility and the Earth Science and Remote Sensing Unit, Johnson Space Center.
NASA Earth Observatory
Brandberg Massif is the highest mountain in Namibia. Because there is a lack of deep soil in this area, different types of rocks are plainly visible on the surface, including granite, schist, and sedimentary rocks. Image by the International Space Station (ISS) Crew Earth Observations Facility and the Earth Science and Remote Sensing Unit, Johnson Space Center.
Where Is Namibia?
Geology.com
Namibia is located in southern Africa. Namibia is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the west, Angola to the north, Zambia and Botswana to the east, and South Africa to the southeast.
Geology.com
Namibia is located in southern Africa. Namibia is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the west, Angola to the north, Zambia and Botswana to the east, and South Africa to the southeast.
Massive Mount Ruang Eruption Sends Plumes Nearly 70,000 Feet High
Gift Article from the Washington Post
The explosions in Indonesia may have injected aerosols into the stratosphere. Ruang is a volcano on an island, north of the city of Manado, which is located on the northern peninsula of Sulawesi.
Gift Article from the Washington Post
The explosions in Indonesia may have injected aerosols into the stratosphere. Ruang is a volcano on an island, north of the city of Manado, which is located on the northern peninsula of Sulawesi.
Q: How Does a Desert Turn Green? A: Cloud Seeding?
CNBC
The United Arab Emirates and other "water-stressed" countries in the Middle East are experimenting with cloud seeding in an effort to develop "green landscapes".
CNBC
The United Arab Emirates and other "water-stressed" countries in the Middle East are experimenting with cloud seeding in an effort to develop "green landscapes".
The Town That Kept Its Nuclear Bunker a Secret for Three Decades
Smithsonian
Quote from the article: "The people of White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, helped keep the Greenbrier resort's bunker - designed to hold the entirety of Congress - hidden from 1958 to 1992."
Smithsonian
Quote from the article: "The people of White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, helped keep the Greenbrier resort's bunker - designed to hold the entirety of Congress - hidden from 1958 to 1992."
How King's College Added 438 Solar Panels to a 500-Year-Old Chapel
Smithsonian
Quote from the article: "The project sparked debate over how to decrease carbon emissions while preserving the historic structure's architectural beauty."
Smithsonian
Quote from the article: "The project sparked debate over how to decrease carbon emissions while preserving the historic structure's architectural beauty."
Meteorites are Vanishing Below the Antarctic Ice
CNN
More than half of the meteorites that have been collected so far have been found in Antarctica. The dark meteorites are easy to see on the snow-white surface. However, the meteorites' dark color also causes them to heat up in the sun, melting the surrounding ice. The meteorites can sink into the surface little by little, until they disappear from view.
CNN
More than half of the meteorites that have been collected so far have been found in Antarctica. The dark meteorites are easy to see on the snow-white surface. However, the meteorites' dark color also causes them to heat up in the sun, melting the surrounding ice. The meteorites can sink into the surface little by little, until they disappear from view.
Antarctica: The Best Place to Hunt Meteorites
Geology.com
Meteorite Find: When meteorite hunters find a specimen in the field, it is photographed on-site with a measurement scale and an identification number visible in the background. NASA image.
Geology.com
Meteorite Find: When meteorite hunters find a specimen in the field, it is photographed on-site with a measurement scale and an identification number visible in the background. NASA image.
No Need to Spray for Cicadas
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Trillions of cicadas will be emerging across the United States in a few weeks - but don't panic! The bugs might look creepy, but they cannot bite or sting. They won't eat your flowers or garden produce, and they are for the most part harmless. You may want to protect young trees with netting, but don't use pesticides, as they are harmful to other organisms and will not be effective in keeping cicadas away.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Trillions of cicadas will be emerging across the United States in a few weeks - but don't panic! The bugs might look creepy, but they cannot bite or sting. They won't eat your flowers or garden produce, and they are for the most part harmless. You may want to protect young trees with netting, but don't use pesticides, as they are harmful to other organisms and will not be effective in keeping cicadas away.
The 2024 Periodical Cicada Emergence
University of Connecticut
If you're really interested in learning more about cicadas, The University of Connecticut has everything you ever wanted to know, and then some.
University of Connecticut
If you're really interested in learning more about cicadas, The University of Connecticut has everything you ever wanted to know, and then some.
Pennsylvania Geology (features Women in the Geosciences)
Pennsylvania Geological Survey
The link connects to a PDF downloadable document (13.93MB) and is best viewed on a desktop computer.
Pennsylvania Geological Survey
The link connects to a PDF downloadable document (13.93MB) and is best viewed on a desktop computer.
Mount Etna Puffs "Smoke Rings" Into the Sky
Smithsonian
See photos and a short video at SmithsonianMag.com - the "rings" are mostly condensed water vapor.
Smithsonian
See photos and a short video at SmithsonianMag.com - the "rings" are mostly condensed water vapor.
Mount Etna: Plate Tectonics, Geologic Hazards, Eruption History
Geology.com
A night photo of Mount Etna producing an eruption of glowing ejecta in 2008. These spectacular eruptions can be seen from many parts of Sicily. Image copyright iStockphoto / Frizi.
Geology.com
A night photo of Mount Etna producing an eruption of glowing ejecta in 2008. These spectacular eruptions can be seen from many parts of Sicily. Image copyright iStockphoto / Frizi.
New Jersey Earthquake Fault Is Still Not Found, So USGS Deploys New Aftershock Sensors
NBC News
See the video about 1/2 way down the page.
NBC News
See the video about 1/2 way down the page.
The Difference Between 99% Eclipse and Totality
Geology.com
The photos above show the same location in Vincennes, Indiana during the 2024 solar eclipse. Believe it or not, these pictures were taken just one minute apart! The top photo was taken when the sun was about 99% covered, and the bottom photo was taken during 100% totality. As you can see, even with 99% coverage, the difference is like day and night! Click the image for a larger view. Photos by Patrick King / Geology.com.
Geology.com
The photos above show the same location in Vincennes, Indiana during the 2024 solar eclipse. Believe it or not, these pictures were taken just one minute apart! The top photo was taken when the sun was about 99% covered, and the bottom photo was taken during 100% totality. As you can see, even with 99% coverage, the difference is like day and night! Click the image for a larger view. Photos by Patrick King / Geology.com.
The Solar Eclipse, As Seen From Space
NASA Earth Observatory
From a million miles away, the solar eclipse appeared as a dark shadow crossing over North America. NASA Earth Observatory images by Michala Garrison and Wanmei Liang, using data from DSCOVR EPIC and VIIRS data from NASA EOSDIS LANCE, GIBS/Worldview, and the Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS).
NASA Earth Observatory
From a million miles away, the solar eclipse appeared as a dark shadow crossing over North America. NASA Earth Observatory images by Michala Garrison and Wanmei Liang, using data from DSCOVR EPIC and VIIRS data from NASA EOSDIS LANCE, GIBS/Worldview, and the Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS).