Great Balls of Lightning!
The phenomenon has impressed people for centuries, but it has yet to be created in the lab.
Show, Not Tell: The Rise of the Infographic
Data visualizations are all the rage these days. Here’s a sampler of science-based ones to feed both your brain and your eyes.
A Double Take on the Northern Lights
A method using consumer grade photography gear offers a fresh look at the aurora borealis.
The Scientist and the Philosopher
An excerpt from “Brave Genius: A Scientist, a Philosopher, and Their Daring Adventures From the French Resistance to the Nobel Prize.”
The Uncanny Geometry of Martian Dunes
A lofty view from space reveals the Red Planet’s polygonal geometry.
Music Lover? This Startup Knows What Tunes You Want to Hear
The Echo Nest mines big data to find songs and musical artists that suit a range of auditory affinities.
Following Up on ‘A World Without Us’
An excerpt from “Countdown: Our Last, Best Hope for a Future on Earth?”
Like That Wine? You Might Thank an Earth Scientist
Geologist Kevin Pogue helps winemakers pick out top vineyards based on the region’s terroir, which entails environmental attributes such as soil, climate, and rock composition.
