Long-lasting greenhouse gas breaks all the records

A newly identified greenhouse gas shatters all other records for the chemical’s potential to contribute to climate change.

Rare snow storm hits Middle East

A rare snow storm hit the Middle East, producing record snows and extreme conditions for Syrian refugees.

It’s time for Audubon’s Christmas Bird Count

The National Audubon Society’s 114th Christmas Bird Count starts this weekend. It runs until January 5. Info on how to participate here.

1.34-million-year-old remains of strong, tree-climbing human ancestor

Researchers found a partial skeleton including arm, hand, leg and foot fragments. They say that P. boisei may have been as tall as 4.5 feet tall, with a robust frame.

How to see Comet Lovejoy in December 2013

Around mid-December, Comet Lovejoy is near the famous Keystone asterism in the constellation Hercules. Photos and charts here.

Arctic caught a break in 2013, as long-term warming continues

"The relatively cool year [in 2013] does little to offset the long-term trend of the last 30 years: the Arctic is warming rapidly, becoming greener and experiencing a variety of changes." - David M. Kennedy

Antarctic ozone hole is not yet in recovery

Twenty years after Montreal Protocol limited emissions of ozone-destroying chemicals, the Antarctic ozone hole has stabilized but has not begun to recover.

Proposed step to help society prepare for a solar storm disaster

"We would like space weather users, operators of systems, and policy makers adopt this event immediately and do war game scenarios with it." - Daniel Baker

The rock-cut cave temples of Badami, India

The town of Badami in India lies at the mouth of a ravine with rocky hills on either side. The cave temples are carved out of the soft sandstone of these hill cliffs.

Outburst of Andromedid meteors may continue tonight

Watch for a possible continuation of the unexpected Andromedid meteor outburst tonight! The Geminid meteor shower is now rising to a peak, too.