Earth's Place in the Universe

  1. Physics

    Closing in on fusion energy

    Scientists blasted a tiny capsule of hydrogen with laser beams, setting off a reaction that released more energy than in earlier experiments. Still, scientists remain a long way from creating a reaction that releases more energy than it needs to get started.

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  2. Earth

    How Earth’s surface morphs

    Partly melted rock acts like grease to help huge masses of the planet’s surface slip up, around and down.

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  3. Climate

    Watching our seas rise

    Satellites, coral reefs, ancient Roman fishponds and sinking cities help us understand how humans are changing sea level.

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  4. Planets

    A shock to the solar system

    Scientists suspect a nearby exploding star ignited the formation of the sun and planets.

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  5. Science & Society

    Introducing the 2011 Nobel Prize winners

    Scientists in 2011 won for making unexpected discoveries about crystals, the human body and the universe.

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  6. Planets

    Double sunsets on a distant world

    Astronomers discover for the first time a planet circling two stars.

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  7. Space

    Fireworks near the Big Dipper

    Astronomers see a star as it explodes.

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  8. Planets

    Possible new saltwater stains on Mars

    Dark streaks that grow in spring, fade in winter may point to saltwater on the Red Planet.

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  9. Space

    How the outer sun gets so hot

    Magnetic waves boost the corona to extreme temperatures.

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  10. Space

    Not seeing sunspots

    Scientists predict a delay for the sun’s next cycle.

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  11. Space

    The dark side of the universe

    Most of the cosmos is invisible, but that doesn’t stop scientists from searching for it.

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  12. Space

    A curious cosmic explosion

    A bright blowup far, far away keeps astronomers guessing.

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