According to a new study, the western South Atlantic humpback population has grown to 25,000. Researchers believe this estimate is close to pre-whaling numbers. Read more. Image via iStock.com/Martin Hristov.
Thanks to abnormal weather patterns in the upper atmosphere over Antarctica, this year's ozone hole is the smallest it’s been since scientists first observed it in 1982. That’s according to a NASA and NOAA report released on Monday. Read more and watch a video.
A 2016 study suggested tall ice cliffs along Antarctica's coast might collapse rapidly under their own weight and contribute to more than 6 feet (2 meters) of sea-level rise by 2100. Now, MIT researchers have found this prediction may be overestimated. Read more.
These next several mornings, you can use the lit side of the waning crescent moon to envision the ecliptic and locate the planet Mars, which is just now returning to the east before sunrise. The waning crescent points to Mars on October 23, 24 and 25. On October 26, look for the moon to swing close to Mars on the sky's dome. Read more. Want a view specific to your location? Try Stellarium.
Tycho - first observed in 1572 - is the remnant of a supernova, located 8,000-9,800 light-years from Earth in the constellation Cassiopeia the Queen. This latest image of Tycho, from the Chandra X-ray Observatory, reveals an intriguing pattern of bright clumps and fainter areas. Read more and watch a video.
