Minerals in ancient meteorites offer insights into the origin of almost three-quarters of the Earth’s surface. By Michael Allen Dr Alice Stephant, an astrophysicist, is helping to solve a longstanding mystery about water on Earth: where it came from. Scientists long thought that water, which covers 70% of the Earth, is probably rare or non-existent … Read more
Satellites and on-the-ground sensors are helping Kenya, Ghana and Zambia tackle inundation risks and farmers cope with drought. By Anthony King Like most people, Mark Noort reacted with horror to images last month of devastating floods in Libya. Unlike most others, Noort had a professional reason to follow the drama. An expert in Earth observation … Read more
As Europe turns increasingly to clean sources of energy, EU researchers are on a quest to make hydrogen from solar rays and heat. By TOM CASSAUWERS In July 2023, when southern Europe endured an unprecedented heatwave with temperatures soaring to around 45 °C, a particular place in Spain got much hotter without becoming headline news. The … Read more
As the number of objects launched into orbit grows, the EU is working to prevent debris from getting out of hand. By GARETH WILLMER An upsurge in worldwide rocket and satellite launches into space means collisions are an increasing danger that EU research projects are seeking to curb. The number of satellites in space may exceed … Read more
At the centre of Earth is a vast ball of metal, the planet’s core. While unreachable without the help of Jules Verne, it can be studied and plays a vital role for the world. The iron-nickel interior generates a magnetic field that protects the planet from harmful radiation and allows life to flourish. Exactly how … Read more
Simulating the Red Planet’s geology and hydrology reveals how the landscape has changed, helping the search for landing sites for future missions. By Michael Allen Humans have been fascinated by Mars probably since the first of the species turned their gaze to the night sky. Space exploration today attests to that continuing fascination. Since the … Read more