Author archives: César Tomé

Planck data back standard cosmic evolution model, shake up dark-matter theories Data collected by the European Space Agency’s Planck space observatory have resulted in a detailed full-sky survey of the cosmic microwave background, the remnants of radiation left behind by the Big Bang 13.8 billion years ago, reaffirming the standard model of cosmic evolution. However […]

Hummingbird flight similar to that of insects Scientists recorded a hummingbird as it hovered then created a 3D model to assess the airflow patterns created by the flapping of its wings. While other birds use the downstroke of their wings to fly, hummingbirds use upstrokes and downstrokes to create small vortices that merge into one […]

Massive mountain range in Antarctica covered by protective ice The Gamburtsev Mountains in Antarctica are 100 million years old but look much younger due to lack of erosion because its massive expanse is entirely encased in ice. Scientists used airborne imaging technology to survey the range’s massive peaks and also found a network of subglacial […]

Massive storms on Uranus baffle scientists Astronomers have detected a wave of powerful storms touching down on the planet Uranus, surprising scientists who previously observed much more placid weather. Some of the storms are so bright that even amateurs can observe them using less advanced equipment. National Geographic The puzzle over organic matter on Mars […]

Half of all stars exist outside of galaxies As many as half the stars in the universe may be galaxy castoffs, causing a diffuse glow in the cosmos. Researchers sent a rocket beyond the atmosphere’s edge to record images in wavelengths of near-infrared light, leading them to the surprising discovery. Los Angeles Times / Science […]

Earth’s water may be more ancient than previously estimated Scientists have come across evidence suggesting that Earth’s water may have been around for much longer than previously thought. The latest findings show that water may have been present in the inner solar system at least 135 million years earlier than previous estimates and that it […]

3D map shows the adolescent universe Astronomers have pieced together an image of what the adolescent universe looked like using just four hours of telescope observation time, producing a three-dimensional map. The map, millions of light-years across, shows areas of high-density matter that appear to be galaxies as they were just 3 billion years after […]

Breaking waves provide some warmth to surf zones Breaking waves warm the water in the surf, and in some cases may provide more heat than sunshine. Scientists said that in areas like the Pacific Northwest, which have more powerful waves and cloudy skies, heating could be almost three times stronger that what the sun provides […]

Ancient Antikythera wreckage holds treasure trove of artifacts Researchers excavating the 2,000-year-old wreckage of the Antikythera in Greece have found a treasure trove ancient goods. “The evidence shows this is the largest ancient shipwreck ever discovered,” said marine archaeologist Brendan Foley. The wreckage was discovered more than a century ago but the current excavation has […]

Giant lava plain on moon likely due to tectonic stretching, not impact The massive plain of solidified lava on the moon, known as Oceanus Procellarum, wasn’t caused by an asteroid impact as previously thought, according to a study published in Nature. Instead, researchers say, the volcanic basalt was formed by tectonic stretching, according to data […]