Earth | EarthSky

Global methane levels hitting new highs

By EarthSky Voices in Earth | 3 days ago

Here’s why, after a 2000-era plateau, global levels of the greenhouse gas are hitting new highs.

Fire ants build with no master plan

By EarthSky Voices in Earth | 4 days ago

Researchers identified simple behavioral rules that allow these tiny creatures to collaboratively build elaborate structures – rafts and towers – with no one in charge.

Moon shadow versus sun reflection

By Deborah Byrd in Earth | 5 days ago

This 5-second video shows a reflected image of the sun – a sun glint – as a bright spot crossing Earth from right to left. It also shows a dark spot – the moon’s shadow – moving the opposite way.

Does your dog pronk?

By Deborah Byrd in Earth | 5 days ago

Among wild animals, pronking may be a way of avoiding predators. But when you see an animal pronk, you can’t but think it’s leaping for joy.

Last survivors on Earth?

By Eleanor Imster in Earth | Human World | 1 week ago

Scientists say they’re likely to be tardigrades – tiny, 8-legged marine creatures – which can survive until the sun dies, long after we humans have disappeared.

How to see a green flash

By EarthSky in Earth | 1 week ago

It’s said that once you’ve seen a green flash, you’ll never go wrong in matters of the heart. Here’s all you need to know … plus great pics!

Massive iceberg breaks off Antarctica

By Deborah Byrd in Earth | 1 week ago

An iceberg – about the size of the U.S. state of Delaware – split off from Antarctica’s Larsen C ice shelf sometime between July 10 and 12.

Possible new threat to Earth’s ozone layer

By Eleanor Imster in Earth | Human World | 1 week ago

Recent increases in an unregulated ozone-depleting substance could delay recovery of Antarctic ozone levels by 5–30 years, say scientists.

California’s Alamo Fire, from space

By Deborah Byrd in Earth | Today's Image | 2 weeks ago

Large plume of smoke from the Alamo Fire in southern California, blowing over the eastern Pacific on July 9. Areas burning actively at that time appear in red.

Supernumerary rainbow over NYC

By Deborah Byrd in Earth | Today's Image | 2 weeks ago

Look inside the bright primary bow for colorful fringes, whose number and spacing can change from minute to minute. Alexander Krivenyshev caught this one over New York City on Saturday, July 8.

Sunspot, and chance of weekend storms

By Deborah Byrd in Earth | Space | 2 weeks ago

Experts say there’s a 60% chance this weekend of geomagnetic storms, possibly causing auroras. Plus, over the past couple of days, a lone sunspot has grown rapidly!

Breathtaking night-shining clouds

By Deborah Byrd in Earth | 2 weeks ago

Wonderful video showing noctilucent – or night-shining – clouds recorded on July 1 and 4. These clouds shine in the darkness, typically on summer nights.

How to see anticrepuscular rays

By Deborah Byrd in Earth | Human World | 2 weeks ago

To catch a glimpse of elusive anticrepuscular rays: Next time you see crepuscular rays – sunrays – at sunrise or sunset, turn around.

If greenhouse gas emissions ended now…

By EarthSky Voices in Earth | Human World | 2 weeks ago

Would climate change stop? The simple answer is no. A climate scientist explains.

Earthquake rocks Montana early Thursday

By Deborah Byrd in Earth | Human World | 2 weeks ago

The 5.8-magnitude earthquake in western Montana took place just after midnight, local time. It woke people up near the epicenter and was felt throughout the region. Expect aftershocks.