Aurora borealis seen at low latitudes on February 18-19

Observers in the northern half of the United States and Canada captured it in photos.

Earth-orbiting satellites see Arctic surface darkening faster

The retreat of Arctic sea ice is diminishing Earth's albedo, or reflectivity, by an amount about twice as large as previously thought.

Warm U.S. West balanced cold U.S. East to create average January

Overall, the average temperature for January 2014 in the U.S. was 30.3 degrees, only one-tenth of a degree below normal for the month.

Fewer shark attacks in 2013, but more fatalities

Shark attacks worldwide in 2013 were the lowest since 2009, but fatalities were above average, a new study reports.

Help name this polar bear cub

Help choose a name for this polar bear cub. Here are a few videos to help you decide.

How oil spill chemicals cause heart failure in fish

New research by scientists studying environmental damage from the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill explains why crude oil causes heart failure in fish.

Ronan the sea lion still rockin’ to a variety of beats

We knew Ronan could keep a beat. A new video presents Ronan's ability to respond to a familiar song at a range of unfamiliar tempos.

Counting whales from space

A new method for detecting whales using satellite imagery that's more reliable and efficient than counting whales from ships or shore.

2014 Great Backyard Bird Count

The 17th annual Great Backyard Bird Count takes place worldwide February 14-17. It's your chance to help scientists track the health of bird populations.

Kelud volcano in Indonesia is erupting, thousands evacuating

Thousands are being evacuated on densely populated island of Java. Eruption took place 90 minutes after alert status for volcano was raised to highest level.