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Editors of EarthSky

Insect-like flying machines for surveillance

Scientists are developing tiny aerial vehicles with innovative flapping wings based on those of natural insects. Read more about flying machines.

A Trojan asteroid for Earth?

Astronomers have discovered the first known Trojan asteroid orbiting the sun along with Earth.

After 10,000 year absence, wildfires have returned to Arctic tundra

The huge stock of carbon contained in tundra could increase atmospheric CO2 drastically, when released by a fire. Read more about wildfires.

Aging brains are different in humans and chimps

Evolution of human longevity led to both a large brain and brain shrinkage, compared to chimpanzees, say researchers. Read more on aging brains.

A tipping point for the spread of ideas?

Researchers say the tipping point where a minority belief becomes the majority opinion is at 10 percent. Read more about this tipping point.

New nebula discovered by amateur

An amateur astronomer from Austria helping with the Kepler search for planets like Earth finds a beautiful nebula -- Kronberger 61.

Largest, oldest mass of water in universe around a black hole

The cloud of water vapor - 140 trillion times more water than in Earth's oceans - is 12 billion light-years away and surrounds the black hole of quasar.

Carbon sequestration a surprise benefit of forest plan

When the U.S. Northwest Forest Plan stopped most tree cutting on public lands, the area became a carbon sink. Read more on carbon sequestration.

Does optimism help prevent stroke?

On a 16-point scale, each point increase in optimism correlated with a 9 percent reduction in stroke risk, according to a study by the University of Michigan.

Exoplanet aurora is out of this world

An exoplanet like a hot Jupiter, orbiting close to its sun, would likely have an aurora up to 1,000 times brighter than one on Earth. Read more on exoplanet aurora.