Read the latest articles from Popular Science (Page 88)

This is HOPS-315, a baby star where astronomers have observed evidence for the earliest stages of planet formation. These observations show that hot minerals are beginning to solidify. In orange we see the distribution of carbon monoxide, blowing away from the star in a butterfly-shaped wind. In blue we see a narrow jet of silicon monoxide, also beaming away from the star. These gaseous winds and jets are common around baby stars like HOPS-315.
Space Telescope

For the first time, astronomers spot the beginning of a solar system

The discovery is like finding a solar system's 'baby picture.'

an illustration of a marine reptile with large fins and a beak swimming by several squid and one shark
Evolution

Ichthyosaurs were silent assassins of Jurassic seas

Special fins may have helped these marine reptiles become apex predators.

TORONTO , ON- APRIL 11 - Pasta Buca .Detail of Su filindeu. David Marcelli of Buca makes pasta from scratch for The Star. April 11, 2018. (Rene Johnston/Toronto Star via Getty Images)
The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week

The rarest pasta on earth is almost physically impossible to make

Plus cloacas and other weird things we learned this week.

A young girl sitting on a plane holds her hears in pain.
Ask Us Anything

Why do our ears pop on a plane? An audiologist explains.

Tricks to fix it go beyond chewing gum.

Medieval book opened to pages
Archaeology

A 600-year-old Chaucer mystery may finally be solved

A medieval sermon packed with 'memes' and simple spelling mistakes could explain a baffling line in 'The Canterbury Tales.'

Six Tesla electric cars burn on the trailer of the moving lorry carrying them after one of them catches on fire due to unknown reasons in Istanbul, Turkiye on October 06, 2023. (Photo by Muhammed Gencebay Gur/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
Electric Vehicles

New lithium batteries have built-in fire extinguishers

A prototype aims to prevent not just the flames, but the fumes that cause them.

a full moon rises over rusty-colored mountains
Deep Space

18 awesome images from the 2025 Astronomy Photographer of the Year awards

Our universe is vast and absolutely incredible.

a person holds a turtle with piercing eyes
Endangered Species

World’s largest known turtle nesting site found in the Amazon

Drones spotted roughly 41,000 giant South American river turtles.

Pitcher throwing cricket ball towards batter with catcher in background
Science

What’s the safest helmet?

It comes down to the materials. And sometimes your athletic skills.

Anker charging bricks on a blue background
Gear

The only charging brick you’ll need for all your devices is 42% off right now at Amazon

These Anker charging bricks offer tons of power in small packages. Grab a few extras for your travel bag.

a person cracks an egg over a campfire into a skillet with red peppers
Ask Us Anything

Why does food by the campfire taste better?

From boosted flavors to primal memories, campfire meals tap into something deep and delicious.

The best power lift recliners arranged in a row
Home

The best power lift recliners in 2025 for mobility and comfort

These cozy, yet contemporary chairs will lift your spirits and, most importantly, your body.

The best party speakers sliced header
Speakers

The best party speakers for 2025, tested and reviewed

Bring the funk, noise, and everything in between with party speakers that aren't a cheap trick (but are made to play some).

Milwaukee M18 tool kits on a plain background
Gear

Get a free Milwaukee M12 tool worth up to $159 with purchase at The Home Depot

Milwaukee's compact line of power tools still deliver pro-grade power. Right now, the Home Depot is offering a free tool.

hand holding aluminum ion trap for atomic clock
Engineering

World’s most accurate clock requires a 2-mile laser beam

It measure a second down to the 19th decimal.

Forensic science specialist work at a war crime scene investigation
Biology

When blood hits clothes, physics takes over

Researchers fired pig’s blood at fabrics to decode the messy mechanics of crime scenes.

a larger shark and smaller one photographed from below near the surface
Sharks

17 fascinating images from the 2025 Shark Photographer of the Year awards

From Australia to Cuba, and Mexico to South Africa, our planet is home to hundreds of beautiful shark species.

a blue research vessel called the blue heron on water (left). a cup half full of black goo (right).
Biology

Mysterious ‘ship goo’ contains new life forms

No one quite knows how the tar-like substance got on a Great Lakes research vessel.

Three Action Comics issues with Superman on cover
Renewables

Yes, Superman’s kryptonite is (sort of) real

The mineral jadarite has the same chemical composition as Superman’s weakness. It may be a problem for humans, too.

a drawing of ancient horse butchery
Archaeology

Medieval Hungarians kept eating horse meat, despite Christianity’s influence

Analysis of over 500 equine bones show the real reason the once dietary staple declined.