Surprising Science — March 21, 2014

Why is Space Dark?

A weekly newsletter featuring the biggest ideas from the smartest people

The night sky isn’t actually dark to begin with, according to MinutePhysics. Then why does Space at night appear dark to us? Because our universe is constantly changing and expanding, for one thing.

MinutePhysics “sheds some light” on why the night sky is dark, and the answers aren’t as simple as “But the Sun is set!”

Image credit: Scotbot/Flickr

A weekly newsletter featuring the biggest ideas from the smartest people

Silhouette of a person against a blue background, overlaid with white node and line networks.

Thinking

Mechanized minds: AI’s hidden impact on human thought

While we’re busy wondering whether machines will ever become conscious, we rarely stop to ask: What happens to us?

Animation of a star being engulfed by another star, emitting bright light and gas in space.

Starts With A Bang

A new origin story for supernovae after 94 years

Since 1930, type Ia supernovae have been thought to arise from white dwarfs exceeding the Chandrasekhar mass limit. Here’s why that’s wrong.

Starts With A Bang

Political realities do not change scientific ones

In partisan political times, recognizing the scientific truth is more important than ever. Scientists must be vocal and clear about reality.

Abstract image of a dark central circle surrounded by radial green and yellow light streaks resembling an eye or vortex.

Hard Science

Signs of “neutrino fog” emerge, complicating searches for dark matter

The race to find dark matter could grow more complex with high-energy neutrino interference.

Starts With A Bang

Ask Ethan: Is antigravity even possible?

Humans, when we consider space travel, recognize the need for gravity. Without our planet, is artificial or antigravity even possible?

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