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Science

The latest science news, photos and videos covering space, the environment, human development and more.

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First image captured of black hole at center of Milky Way

Scientists call it the “gentle giant” of the Milky Way: a massive black hole called Sagittarius A*. It’s about 4 million times larger than the sun in our solar system. NBC News’ Tom Costello explains the history behind the monumental discovery and the facts about this phenomenon.
First image captured of black hole at center of Milky Way
First image captured of black hole at center of Milky Way
2d ago

Supermassive black hole in Milky Way, at 'heart of our galaxy,' revealed for first time

The photo, which shows an oval-shaped void surrounded by a bright ring of glowing gas, is only the second image captured of a black hole.
The Sagittarius A*, the supermassive black hole at the centre of our own Milky Way galaxy.
The Sagittarius A*, the supermassive black hole at the centre of our own Milky Way galaxy.

Leaders descend on Miami, 'ground zero' for climate change in America, to find solutions

The inaugural Aspen Ideas: Climate conference, a four-day event that began Monday, attracted hundreds of scientists, policymakers, activists and business leaders.
Image: Aspen Institute Hosts Aspen Ideas: Climate Event In Miami Beach
Image: Aspen Institute Hosts Aspen Ideas: Climate Event In Miami Beach
2d ago

Mexican environmentalists, Indigenous leaders denounce Mayan Train project

"It will degrade our entire forest," a scientist and environmentalist said about the train project through jungle, cave systems and Mayan archaeological sites.
La zona donde se construye el tramo 5 sur del Tren Maya, que conectará a las ciudades de Cancún y Tulum.
La zona donde se construye el tramo 5 sur del Tren Maya, que conectará a las ciudades de Cancún y Tulum.
2d ago

Dallas airport converts used cooking oil from restaurants into jet fuel

Dallas Fort Worth International Airport is taking used oil, some of it from McDonald’s restaurants in the airport, and converting it into airliner energy.
An airplane at the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport
An airplane at the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport
3d ago

'Irreplaceable' fossils dating as far back as 251M years ago stolen from national park in Utah, officials say

Officials are offering a reward of up to $1,000 for information that leads to the identification and prosecution of whoever is responsible.
The National Park Service is seeking information to aid the investigation of stolen fossils from Capitol Reef National Park, Utah.
The National Park Service is seeking information to aid the investigation of stolen fossils from Capitol Reef National Park, Utah.

Most Great Barrier Reef coral studied this year was bleached

Bleaching is caused by global warming, but this is the reef’s first bleaching event during a La Niña weather pattern, which is associated with cooler Pacific Ocean temperatures.
A diver swims past coral on the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, on Oct. 18, 2016.
A diver swims past coral on the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, on Oct. 18, 2016.

Earth given 50-50 chance of hitting key warming mark by 2026

In 2018, a major United Nations science report predicted dramatic and dangerous effects on people and the world if warming exceeds 1.5 degrees Celsius.
Residents Evacuate Greek Island Hit By Wildfires
Residents Evacuate Greek Island Hit By Wildfires
4d ago

Over half of U.S. in drought as wildfires burn, tornado activity surges

The blazes began earlier and twisters were more numerous than average in April, NOAA reports.
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Coral reefs provide stunning images of a world under assault

A marine biologist and a musician have been on a 15-year mission to raise awareness about dying coral reefs by combining science and art to bring undersea life into pop culture.
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Utilities push back against growth of rooftop solar panels

In most states, utilities pay solar customers for power they send back to the grid. But there's a battle over what that sun-fueled energy is worth.
Lynn Krell stands in front of solar panels on her garage in Hattiesburg, Miss.
Lynn Krell stands in front of solar panels on her garage in Hattiesburg, Miss.

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