November 2018

How this spacecraft will sample an asteroid’s rocks, without even landing on it

11.29.18.

More than two years after it launched, a spacecraft called OSIRIS-REx is approaching its target, an asteroid named Bennu. Scientists hope that rock samples from Bennu will provide insight into the likelihood of life on other planets, as well as the risk the asteroid poses to earth. PBS NewsHour science correspondent Miles O’Brien explains the…
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Why Europa is the most likely spot we’ll find aliens – with NASA’s Kevin Peter Hand

11.26.18.

Jupiter has many moons, but none are quite like Europa: it has a thick crust of ice and a huge amount of liquid saltwater underneath its surface. In fact, many believe it’s the best place in the Solar System that we could find other lifeforms. To dive deeper into the mysteries of this icy world–and…
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Why wildfires are getting so big, science wins in midterms, new Chinese space station: science roundup

11.15.18.

Here’s a look back at the most interesting happenings in science, with stories you don’t want to miss. (By the way, we will be taking some time off for Thanksgiving next week–this newsletter and the Miles To Go podcast will be back after!) California is on fire–here’s why The Camp Fire in Northern California this…
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The science behind California’s surging wildfires

11.14.18.

As three major fires blaze in California, we consider some of their causes, both human and meteorological. PBS NewsHour science correspondent Miles O’Brien has been filming a NOVA documentary on megafires and witnessed the Camp Fire not long after it began. He joins William Brangham to describe that stunning experience, along with the broader scientific…
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Jet stream accounting, natural Martian batteries, paralyzed patients walk again: this week in science

11.02.18.

Here’s a look back at this week in science, with stories you don’t want to miss. Current climate models struggle to capture effects of weak jet stream New research published this week is refocusing attention on the polar jet stream and its impact on climate change. Renowned climate scientist [and good friend] Michael Mann co-authored…
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