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NASA’s James Webb telescope is about to arrive at an exceptional point in space
Jan 22, 2022 3:00 PM
Climate change is coming for Indonesia’s cocoa farms; candy companies aren’t helping
Jan 21, 2022 7:51 PM
Featured in light
Nov 08, 2021
When light flashes for a quintillionth of a second, things get weird
The shortest light pulses in the world come in pairs, and scientists can now control them.
Aug 09, 2021
How are rainbows formed? With simple atmospheric science.
These optical illusions require a mix of the right weather, eye direction, and luck.
Jul 05, 2021
The best ways to reduce light pollution and improve your quality of life
One of the few times we recommend you embrace darkness.
May 04, 2021
Understanding the weird Biden-Carter photo could help you take better selfies
It's likely not lens distortion that caused the curious appearance. Instead, it's something called perspective distortion.
Feb 15, 2021
This lightbulb is more than 100 years old—and it still works
A former fire chief recounts the story of a light that never burns out.
Jan 19, 2021
In perfect conditions, rainbows can come alive at night
They’re called moonbows, y’all.
Dec 30, 2020
Fireworks scare us—that’s why we love them
Our brains enjoy fear, but only in small, controlled doses.
Sep 17, 2020
How raging wildfires create hellish skies across the country
The strange effect is now creeping over to the East Coast.
Jul 17, 2020
These ultra-black fish camouflage with the darkness of the deep sea
They can almost vanish—escaping predators and sneaking up on prey.
