Science Alert
Catch up on the latest science news, from space and technology to life and environmental research- all the discoveries shaping our world today.
Updated: 29 min 8 sec ago
From Wright brothers’ 12 seconds in air to Neil Armstrong on Moon: How NASA made it possible in just 66 years
Humanity's rapid ascent from uncertain flight in 1903 to the Moon in 1969 is a testament to relentless innovation. The Wright brothers' controlled flight, wartime aerodynamic advancements, and rocket science breakthroughs converged, culminating in NASA's Apollo missions. This incredible 66-year journey, driven by scientific imagination and geopolitical urgency, continues to inspire future exploration.
10 mind-blowing facts about the blue planet, Earth
The ground below us seems so steady and also unvarying; however, the Earth is a chaotic, bustling work of art. It may have diminishing oceans, and its moon may be drifting at a snail's pace, but all the while, our planet is under the influence of geological and astronomical forces that are constantly altering the planet. For instance, the fact that we are bombarded annually by 1,000 tons of space dust and that our days are actually getting longer demonstrates the intricacies of the third rock from the sun. Let's take a closer look at some facts about the planet we believed we already understood through the use of NASA and other scientific authorities.
‘Alien egg’: NASA astronaut grows purple potato on ISS, internet goes wild
A strange, tentacled object that went viral online was revealed to be a space-grown purple potato. Astronaut Don Pettit cultivated the unusual specimen during a microgravity gardening experiment, highlighting the potential for future food production beyond Earth. The potato's appearance, amplified by its color and the space environment, sparked widespread speculation before its true, less ominous identity was uncovered.
10 strange scientific theories sound absurd today, but scientists once believed them
Throughout history, even the world’s most brilliant minds have fallen for theories that seem completely bizarre today. Before we had modern technology, geniuses often relied on intuition to explain the unknown. From thinking a hidden planet caused space wobbles to believing tooth worms caused cavities, these strange ideas were once defended in famous scientific journals. These ten genius failures show that the path to discovery is full of spectacular mistakes. By exploring these debunked theories- like vegetable lambs and emotional asthma- we see that science isn't just about being right; it’s a constant, self-correcting journey toward the truth.
