Planet Science Archives - Page 20 of 29

The Bronze Age Port City Swallowed by the Sea

September 10, 2025 by Barrie Davenport

Archaeologists say this long-lost settlement reveals how an ancient civilization once thrived before the ocean claimed it.

For thousands of years, the ancient city of Pavlopetri lay hidden just below the waves off the coast of southern Greece. Believed to date back to around 3000 BCE, this Bronze Age port is considered the world’s oldest known submerged city. Archaeologists have uncovered streets, buildings, and even courtyards preserved beneath the sea, offering a rare glimpse into daily life more than 5,000 years ago. Once a bustling hub of trade and culture, Pavlopetri now stands as a haunting reminder of how easily civilizations can be lost to nature’s power.

Bomb Cyclone vs Nor’easter—Which Storm Turns Winter Into a Monster?

September 10, 2025 by Devin Latham

Meteorologists say the explosive difference between these storms could decide how brutal your winter gets.

Winter storms aren’t all created equal, and some pack a far more dangerous punch than others. While the term “Nor’easter” may sound familiar, the phrase “bomb cyclone” has a way of raising eyebrows—and for good reason. These powerhouse storms can unleash rapid drops in pressure and explosive weather shifts that catch people off guard. Understanding what sets them apart isn’t just for weather buffs. It’s the kind of knowledge that could make a real difference when the skies turn dark.

When the Jet Stream Bends Out of Shape, Storms Can Intensify Rapidly

September 10, 2025 by Diana Davenport

Jet stream patterns directly influence how storms gain strength and change quickly.

The jet stream, a powerful ribbon of high-altitude winds, plays a crucial role in shaping weather patterns and storm behavior. When its path bends sharply, it can create conditions that allow storms to intensify rapidly by enhancing atmospheric dynamics and temperature contrasts. Understanding how jet stream shifts interact with air masses and moisture helps explain why some storms escalate quickly, affecting forecasts and preparedness efforts worldwide.

The Incredible Comet From Another Star Racing Through Our Solar System

September 10, 2025 by Barrie Davenport

Astronomers say this rare interstellar visitor could reveal secrets about worlds far beyond our own.

Every so often, our solar system gets a rare visitor from the stars beyond—and astronomers have just spotted one. Comet 3I/ATLAS is only the third known interstellar object ever detected passing through our cosmic neighborhood. What makes this icy traveler even more remarkable is what NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope has uncovered: its glowing coma is rich in carbon dioxide. That discovery offers scientists a rare chance to peek into the chemistry of worlds that formed far outside our own solar system.

The Invisible Gas Slowly Cooking Our Planet

September 9, 2025 by Diana Davenport

Scientists warn rising carbon dioxide is trapping heat and driving Earth toward dangerous climate tipping points.

It’s hard to believe that something you can’t see or smell is reshaping the entire planet. Carbon dioxide may seem harmless, but once it builds up in the atmosphere, it acts like a heavy blanket wrapped around Earth. Instead of letting heat escape, it traps warmth and slowly pushes temperatures higher. The result isn’t just hotter summers—it’s rising seas, shifting weather, and growing risks for life everywhere. This invisible gas is quietly changing our world in dramatic ways.

Lost Tomb of Egypt’s Missing Pharaoh Found

September 9, 2025 by Barrie Davenport

Archaeologists uncover a hidden burial site that solves a royal mystery buried for thousands of years.

For centuries, the fate of Egypt’s King Thutmose II remained one of history’s lingering mysteries. His reign in the 15th century BCE was brief, and compared to other pharaohs, little was known about his life or his final resting place. Archaeologists long suspected his tomb had been lost to time, swallowed by shifting sands and hidden chambers. Now, new discoveries are shedding light on the missing ruler, offering a rare glimpse into a pharaoh whose story seemed destined to stay buried forever.

Scientists Trace Stonehenge’s Altar Stone to a Surprising Source

September 9, 2025 by Barrie Davenport

New research suggests the monument’s central stone may have journeyed hundreds of miles before finding its place.

Stonehenge’s Altar Stone stands out among the monument’s other megaliths due to its unique composition and mysterious origins. Recent geological and archaeological studies suggest that this significant stone may have been transported all the way from Scotland. These findings shed light on prehistoric trade routes, sophisticated stoneworking techniques, and the far-reaching connections between ancient communities across the British Isles during the Neolithic period.

NASA Spots a ‘Super-Earth’ Practically in Our Cosmic Backyard

September 9, 2025 by Devin Latham

A newly discovered planet stuns scientists with its size, potential, and surprising closeness.

You might think Earth is the only neighborhood we’ll ever know—but it turns out we’re not alone. NASA has just revealed a “super-Earth” lurking surprisingly close in space, and scientists are buzzing. This planet, about one and a half times Earth’s size, orbits within the so-called habitable zone of its red dwarf star—meaning it could potentially hold liquid water. As astronomer Aki Roberge of NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center explains, we now have the tools to ask if there are truly Earth-like worlds out there.

The La Brea Tar Pits Hold a Dark Warning About Mass Extinction

September 8, 2025 by Devin Latham

Ancient bones trapped in tar may hold clues to species disappearing today.

Beneath the streets of Los Angeles lies a place where time seems frozen in tar. The La Brea Tar Pits aren’t just a quirky tourist stop—they’re a haunting reminder of how quickly life can vanish. For thousands of years, creatures big and small wandered into the sticky pools and never escaped. Their fate offers more than ancient history—it’s a chilling mirror for the threats facing our world today.

13 Mind-Bending Discoveries About What Lies Inside a Black Hole

September 8, 2025 by Diana Davenport

What happens inside a black hole may defy physics—and scientists are getting closer.

Black holes captivate scientists with their mysterious cores, where gravity compresses matter to unimaginable densities. This extreme environment challenges existing physics laws and blends the concepts of general relativity and quantum mechanics. Investigations by leading institutions like NASA and the Max Planck Institute have unveiled crucial insights about singularities, event horizons, and the complex spacetime structures hidden inside black holes.