As Earth Day approaches, the Wonder Theory science newsletter is celebrating its third anniversary, bringing inspiring stories to readers around the world. From young environmental activists to incredible fossil discoveries, the past year has been full of exciting scientific advancements.
One such story is the incredible work of Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots program, which empowers young people to make a positive impact on the environment. This program has inspired countless individuals to take action and make a difference in their communities.
In Somerset, England, 11-year-old Ruby Reynolds made a remarkable discovery when she unearthed a giant ichthyosaur fossil, revealing the existence of a massive marine reptile that roamed the seas millions of years ago. This finding has captured the attention of paleontologists and researchers alike.
Meanwhile, in India, paleontologists have uncovered evidence of a prehistoric snake longer than a school bus, shedding light on the diverse wildlife that once roamed the region. Additionally, archaeologists in Guatemala have made a chilling discovery, finding burned remains of royals inside an ancient Maya pyramid.
In France, the discovery of 5,500-year-old skeletons suggests that women were buried alive in a sacrificial rite, revealing the dark and mysterious practices of ancient civilizations. On a brighter note, astronomers have detected a rainbow-like effect on exoplanet WASP-76b and a bright, white heart on Pluto, offering new insights into our solar system and beyond.
The Gaia space telescope has also made a groundbreaking discovery, uncovering the most massive known stellar black hole in the Milky Way, expanding our understanding of these enigmatic cosmic objects. In the world of insects, Queen common eastern bumblebees have been found to survive underwater for up to a week, showcasing their remarkable resilience.
On a more unusual note, billions of cicadas are set to emerge, potentially affected by a zombifying fungus that manipulates their behavior. Exciting new finds include giant kangaroo fossils in Australia and evidence of camels once roaming in Canada, painting a vivid picture of prehistoric landscapes.
Looking to the future, NASA is seeking innovative methods to bring rare samples from Mars back to Earth, opening up new possibilities for exploration. And in a bizarre incident, space junk from the International Space Station recently survived reentry, crashing into a home in Florida, highlighting the issue of space debris and its potential dangers.
