13 Gemmy Facts About Spinel
Geology.com
A collection of spinels of various colors. The price of spinel and interest in the gem has been rising since the 2007 discovery of a large deposit in Tanzania. Photos by Greg C. Grace / Alamy Stock Photo.
Visit the Geology.com Gemstones page.
Geology.com
A collection of spinels of various colors. The price of spinel and interest in the gem has been rising since the 2007 discovery of a large deposit in Tanzania. Photos by Greg C. Grace / Alamy Stock Photo.
Visit the Geology.com Gemstones page.
11 Year-Old Boy Earns the Guinness World Record for Being the Youngest Museum Curator
Smithsonian Magazine
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Smithsonian Magazine
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The Paradox of Lencois Maranhenses National Park
NASA Earth Observatory
The satellite image above shows the coastal dune system of Lencois Maranhenses National Park in northeastern Brazil. Numerous freshwater lagoons are interspersed with sand dunes of white quartz, creating a striking landscape. The park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2024. NASA Earth Observatory images by Michala Garrison, using Landsat data from the U.S. Geological Survey.
NASA Earth Observatory
The satellite image above shows the coastal dune system of Lencois Maranhenses National Park in northeastern Brazil. Numerous freshwater lagoons are interspersed with sand dunes of white quartz, creating a striking landscape. The park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2024. NASA Earth Observatory images by Michala Garrison, using Landsat data from the U.S. Geological Survey.
Sizing Up the Sargassum Belt
NASA Earth Observatory
Seaweed composing the Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt hit near-record levels in June 2026, with the Caribbean Sea and Gulf of America both reaching all-time highs. Map by NASA Earth Observatory.
NASA Earth Observatory
Seaweed composing the Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt hit near-record levels in June 2026, with the Caribbean Sea and Gulf of America both reaching all-time highs. Map by NASA Earth Observatory.
BP Puts Its North Sea Business Up for Sale
BBC
This sale will end BP's 60-year history of drilling in the North Sea. The image is a satellite view of the North Sea at night, showing night illumination on oil drilling platforms.
BBC
This sale will end BP's 60-year history of drilling in the North Sea. The image is a satellite view of the North Sea at night, showing night illumination on oil drilling platforms.
Where Is the North Sea?
Geology.com
The North Sea is located off northwestern Europe and is surrounded by the islands of Great Britain, the Scandinavian Peninsula, and the lowland countries of northwestern Europe.
Geology.com
The North Sea is located off northwestern Europe and is surrounded by the islands of Great Britain, the Scandinavian Peninsula, and the lowland countries of northwestern Europe.
Satellite Images of Oil Fields from Space at Night
Geology.com
Shown above is a satellite view of oil and natural gas drilling in the Eagle Ford Shale at night, from about 2010. The image is a composite satellite view provided by NASA; the descriptive text, inset map, and markers are the work of Geology.com.
Geology.com
Shown above is a satellite view of oil and natural gas drilling in the Eagle Ford Shale at night, from about 2010. The image is a composite satellite view provided by NASA; the descriptive text, inset map, and markers are the work of Geology.com.
Antarctic Interior Hits Minus 119.4 Degrees Fahrenheit!
Smithsonian Magazine
This was the Earth's lowest recorded temperature in more than a decade.
Smithsonian Magazine
This was the Earth's lowest recorded temperature in more than a decade.
Rare Fossil Reveals a Three-Tier Food Chain Frozen in Time:
A Pterosaur Eaten by an Ichthyosaur Eaten by a Pliosaur
Smithsonian Magazine
From the article: "Uncovered in part by amateur fossil hunters in Australia, the fossil preserves a unique look at prehistoric predatory dynamics."
A Pterosaur Eaten by an Ichthyosaur Eaten by a Pliosaur
Smithsonian Magazine
From the article: "Uncovered in part by amateur fossil hunters in Australia, the fossil preserves a unique look at prehistoric predatory dynamics."
Birthstones for the Month of August: Peridot and Spinel
Geology.com
Peridot, the gem variety of the mineral olivine, is a traditional birthstone for the month of August.
Spinel was added as an alternative August birthstone by the American Gem Trade Association and the Jewelers of America in 2016.
Geology.com
Peridot, the gem variety of the mineral olivine, is a traditional birthstone for the month of August.
Spinel was added as an alternative August birthstone by the American Gem Trade Association and the Jewelers of America in 2016.
Destructive Fires Char Western Europe
NASA Earth Observatory
The satellite image above shows a large swath of land that was recently charred by wildfires in central Spain. In this false-color image, the burned areas (shown in brown) total approximately 77,000 hectacres of land - about the size of New York City. NASA Earth Observatory image by Lauren Dauphin, using Landsat data from the U.S. Geological Survey.
NASA Earth Observatory
The satellite image above shows a large swath of land that was recently charred by wildfires in central Spain. In this false-color image, the burned areas (shown in brown) total approximately 77,000 hectacres of land - about the size of New York City. NASA Earth Observatory image by Lauren Dauphin, using Landsat data from the U.S. Geological Survey.
A New Sculpture Marks the Spot of an Island Lost to the Sea
UnderwaterSculpture.com
In the Solomon Islands, the island of Kale was once the home of over 26,000 people. As the years passed and the sea level rose higher, the residents were forced to leave, and by 2016, the island was completely submerged at high tide. A new sculpture by artist Jason deCaires Taylor, called The Solomon Siren, was installed to memorialize the island, while providing a resting place for seabirds and a habitat for coral and other marine life. To learn more about the artist and his other environmentally inspired works, you can visit his website at UnderwaterSculpture.com.
UnderwaterSculpture.com
In the Solomon Islands, the island of Kale was once the home of over 26,000 people. As the years passed and the sea level rose higher, the residents were forced to leave, and by 2016, the island was completely submerged at high tide. A new sculpture by artist Jason deCaires Taylor, called The Solomon Siren, was installed to memorialize the island, while providing a resting place for seabirds and a habitat for coral and other marine life. To learn more about the artist and his other environmentally inspired works, you can visit his website at UnderwaterSculpture.com.
Where Are the Solomon Islands?
Geology.com
The Solomon Islands are an archipelago located in the South Pacific Ocean. The Solomon Islands are east of Papua New Guinea and northeast of Australia.
Geology.com
The Solomon Islands are an archipelago located in the South Pacific Ocean. The Solomon Islands are east of Papua New Guinea and northeast of Australia.
Ancient Fossil Footsteps Offer Clues About Early Human Relatives
Smithsonian Magazine
Fossilized footprints found in Kenya suggest that early hominins may have been larger than previously thought. The area also has fossilized tracks from animals such as hippos, antelopes, and water birds.
Smithsonian Magazine
Fossilized footprints found in Kenya suggest that early hominins may have been larger than previously thought. The area also has fossilized tracks from animals such as hippos, antelopes, and water birds.
Where is Kenya?
Geology.com
Kenya is located in eastern Africa. Kenya is bordered by the Indian Ocean and Somalia to the east, Ethiopia to the north, South Sudan and Uganda to the west, and Tanzania to the south.
Geology.com
Kenya is located in eastern Africa. Kenya is bordered by the Indian Ocean and Somalia to the east, Ethiopia to the north, South Sudan and Uganda to the west, and Tanzania to the south.
How Miners Find, Cut, And Transport The Most Expensive Amethysts In The World
Business Insider
In this short video, we visit an amethyst mining operation in Artigas, Uruguay, where some of the world's largest amethyst geodes are found.
Business Insider
In this short video, we visit an amethyst mining operation in Artigas, Uruguay, where some of the world's largest amethyst geodes are found.
Where is Uruguay?
Geology.com
Uruguay is located in southeastern South America. It is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the south, Argentina to the west, and Brazil to the north.
Geology.com
Uruguay is located in southeastern South America. It is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the south, Argentina to the west, and Brazil to the north.
Amethyst: The World's Most Popular Purple Gem
Geology.com
Amethyst is the purple color variety of quartz. Because it is widely available and inexpensive, amethyst is the world's most popular purple gemstone. Pictured above are some amethyst geodes from Uruguay, on display at the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show.
Geology.com
Amethyst is the purple color variety of quartz. Because it is widely available and inexpensive, amethyst is the world's most popular purple gemstone. Pictured above are some amethyst geodes from Uruguay, on display at the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show.
Alien World Chemistry Found Inside Meteorite That Struck New Jersey Home
SETI Institute
Quote from the article: "The meteorite, named 'Hillsborough', is only the second observed fall of a rare primitive CM1/2 carbonaceous chondrite, making it one of the most scientifically valuable meteorites ever recovered."
SETI Institute
Quote from the article: "The meteorite, named 'Hillsborough', is only the second observed fall of a rare primitive CM1/2 carbonaceous chondrite, making it one of the most scientifically valuable meteorites ever recovered."
Amateur Astronomer Discovers 390-Million-Year-Old Meteor Crater Using Google Maps
Canadian Broadcasting Corporation
Joël Lapointe was planning a camping trip when he noticed something unusual in Google Maps - a pit that looked like it could be an impact crater. After a team of researchers visited the area in Quebec, Canada, it was confirmed to be a meteor impact site about 25 kilometers (15.5 miles) in diameter.
Canadian Broadcasting Corporation
Joël Lapointe was planning a camping trip when he noticed something unusual in Google Maps - a pit that looked like it could be an impact crater. After a team of researchers visited the area in Quebec, Canada, it was confirmed to be a meteor impact site about 25 kilometers (15.5 miles) in diameter.
What Are Meteors? What Are Meteorites? There Is a Difference
Geology.com
A fine example of a Sikhote-Alin iron meteorite, weighing 409.9 grams, which was seen to fall in eastern Russia in February of 1947. This meteorite is described as an individual, as it is a complete mass (rather than an exploded shrapnel fragment) which fell to earth on its own. Note the abundant overlapping regmaglypts (thumbprints) caused by surface melting as the meteorite flew through our atmosphere. Regmaglypts are one of the key surface features used to identify meteorites. Photo copyright Aerolite Meteorites / Geoffrey Notkin.
Geology.com
A fine example of a Sikhote-Alin iron meteorite, weighing 409.9 grams, which was seen to fall in eastern Russia in February of 1947. This meteorite is described as an individual, as it is a complete mass (rather than an exploded shrapnel fragment) which fell to earth on its own. Note the abundant overlapping regmaglypts (thumbprints) caused by surface melting as the meteorite flew through our atmosphere. Regmaglypts are one of the key surface features used to identify meteorites. Photo copyright Aerolite Meteorites / Geoffrey Notkin.
Look At Earth's Orbit. This Mess Is Dangerous.
The Washington Post
The space around Earth is cluttered by about 8,000 objects between the size of a marble and a grapefruit, and they are flying at speeds of over 17,000 miles per hour. Collisions with satellites or the International Space Station can cause enormous damage. Public domain image by NASA.
The Washington Post
The space around Earth is cluttered by about 8,000 objects between the size of a marble and a grapefruit, and they are flying at speeds of over 17,000 miles per hour. Collisions with satellites or the International Space Station can cause enormous damage. Public domain image by NASA.
Why Maine's Sandy Shorelines Turn Jagged
NASA Earth Observatory
If you look at the U.S. state of Maine, you may notice that the Atlantic coastline north of Portland becomes very rocky and jagged. This short article explains the state's unusual coastal geology and how it is connected to the area's lobster and oyster industries. NASA Earth Observatory image by Michala Garrison, using Landsat data from the U.S. Geological Survey.
NASA Earth Observatory
If you look at the U.S. state of Maine, you may notice that the Atlantic coastline north of Portland becomes very rocky and jagged. This short article explains the state's unusual coastal geology and how it is connected to the area's lobster and oyster industries. NASA Earth Observatory image by Michala Garrison, using Landsat data from the U.S. Geological Survey.
USGS Report: Undiscovered Oil and Gas in the Buda Limestone of Texas
United States Geological Survey
About the photo: USGS Gulf Coast #3 core drilled by the USGS to analyze various geologic properties of the Buda Limestone. Photo by the USGS Core Research Center.
United States Geological Survey
About the photo: USGS Gulf Coast #3 core drilled by the USGS to analyze various geologic properties of the Buda Limestone. Photo by the USGS Core Research Center.
Mining for Tourmaline in Brazil
Gemological Institute of America on YouTube
Follow a visit to a prolific pegmatite mine in Brazil where owners demonstrate traditional hand-tool mining techniques deep underground. Workers meticulously extract vibrant tourmaline crystals from quartz pockets.
Gemological Institute of America on YouTube
Follow a visit to a prolific pegmatite mine in Brazil where owners demonstrate traditional hand-tool mining techniques deep underground. Workers meticulously extract vibrant tourmaline crystals from quartz pockets.
Optical Effects in Phenomenal Gemstones and Their Underlying Nanotextures
Gems & Gemology
This article reviews many of the special optical effects of phenomenal gemstones, including opalescence, chatoyancy, asterism, schiller, and iridescence. The photograph above shows a specimen of tumble-polished labradorite with twinning.
Gems & Gemology
This article reviews many of the special optical effects of phenomenal gemstones, including opalescence, chatoyancy, asterism, schiller, and iridescence. The photograph above shows a specimen of tumble-polished labradorite with twinning.
Labradorite: The Gem Mineral with Iridescent Blue, Green, Orange and Yellow Colors
Geology.com
A specimen of labradorite feldspar rough about four inches across exhibiting a beautiful play-of-color.
Geology.com
A specimen of labradorite feldspar rough about four inches across exhibiting a beautiful play-of-color.
Get Real-Time Air Quality Data and Forecasts at AirNow.gov
AirNow.gov
AirNow.gov is a multi-agency website that provides current air quality data and forecasts for cities across North America. Enter your ZIP code to see the color-coded Air Quality Index (AQI) for your local area. Above is a screenshot from the website showing details about current air quality in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
The AirNow.gov website also has interactive maps showing the locations of active wildfires and smoke plumes. A screenshot of the interactive Fire and Smoke Map is shown above.
AirNow.gov
AirNow.gov is a multi-agency website that provides current air quality data and forecasts for cities across North America. Enter your ZIP code to see the color-coded Air Quality Index (AQI) for your local area. Above is a screenshot from the website showing details about current air quality in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
The AirNow.gov website also has interactive maps showing the locations of active wildfires and smoke plumes. A screenshot of the interactive Fire and Smoke Map is shown above.
Ontario Wildfire Smoke Moves East
NASA Earth Observatory
In the satellite image above, smoke from wildfires in Ontario moves eastward across the continent on July 14, 2026. NASA Earth Observatory image by Lauren Dauphin, using VIIRS data from NASA EOSDIS LANCE, GIBS/Worldview, and the Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS).
NASA Earth Observatory
In the satellite image above, smoke from wildfires in Ontario moves eastward across the continent on July 14, 2026. NASA Earth Observatory image by Lauren Dauphin, using VIIRS data from NASA EOSDIS LANCE, GIBS/Worldview, and the Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS).
In a First, Scientists Witness the Seafloor Spread in Real Time,
Giving Them a Rare Glimpse at a Mysterious Geologic Process
Smithsonian Magazine
Quote from the article: "Across a matter of days in 2024, the seafloor in part of the Indian Ocean dropped by about 13 feet, and roughly 5.7 billion cubic feet of molten rock rose to the crust's surface, according to a new study." Shown above: The yellow line marks the Southeast Indian Ridge, where the seafloor movement was observed. Image by NOAA.
Giving Them a Rare Glimpse at a Mysterious Geologic Process
Smithsonian Magazine
Quote from the article: "Across a matter of days in 2024, the seafloor in part of the Indian Ocean dropped by about 13 feet, and roughly 5.7 billion cubic feet of molten rock rose to the crust's surface, according to a new study." Shown above: The yellow line marks the Southeast Indian Ridge, where the seafloor movement was observed. Image by NOAA.
Plate Tectonics Map - Plate Boundary Map
Geology.com
According the theory of plate tectonics, Earth's outer shell is made up of a series of plates. The map above shows names and generalized locations of Earth's major tectonic plates. These plates move and interact with one another to produce earthquakes, volcanoes, mountain ranges, ocean trenches, and other geologic processes and features. Map prepared by the United States Geological Survey.
Geology.com
According the theory of plate tectonics, Earth's outer shell is made up of a series of plates. The map above shows names and generalized locations of Earth's major tectonic plates. These plates move and interact with one another to produce earthquakes, volcanoes, mountain ranges, ocean trenches, and other geologic processes and features. Map prepared by the United States Geological Survey.
An Ancient Sea Once Split North America Down the Middle.
Today, Marine Fossils Can Be Found in Every State of the USA
Smithsonian Magazine
To celebrate America's 250th anniversary, the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History has a new exhibit called "From These Lands". The exhibit showcases over 600 artifacts and specimens, including many marine fossils, from U.S. states and territories.
Today, Marine Fossils Can Be Found in Every State of the USA
Smithsonian Magazine
To celebrate America's 250th anniversary, the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History has a new exhibit called "From These Lands". The exhibit showcases over 600 artifacts and specimens, including many marine fossils, from U.S. states and territories.
Fossils of the Green River Formation
Geology.com
Spectacular fish, animal, plant, insect, and other fossils have been found in the rocks of the Green River Formation in Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming. Shown above is Cockerellites liops, a fossilized fish that resembles a modern sunfish. Photo by the National Park Service.
Geology.com
Spectacular fish, animal, plant, insect, and other fossils have been found in the rocks of the Green River Formation in Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming. Shown above is Cockerellites liops, a fossilized fish that resembles a modern sunfish. Photo by the National Park Service.
The Norwegian Archipelago of Svalbard Has Become a Key Outpost for Arctic Science
Pulitzer Center
From the article: "in recent years the archipelago has become especially important to science because it provides a front-row seat to some of the fastest warming on Earth". The map above is a crop from the CIA World Fact Book.
Pulitzer Center
From the article: "in recent years the archipelago has become especially important to science because it provides a front-row seat to some of the fastest warming on Earth". The map above is a crop from the CIA World Fact Book.
What Is An Archipelago?
Geology.com
Stockholm Archipelago: With over 30,000 islands and islets, the Stockholm Archipelago is one of the world's largest. It is located along the Baltic coast of Sweden, and the city of Stockholm stretches across 14 of the islands. Over two million people live on the islands, but many of the islands are remote or tiny and uninhabited. Image copyright by Remus Kotsell / iStockphoto.
Geology.com
Stockholm Archipelago: With over 30,000 islands and islets, the Stockholm Archipelago is one of the world's largest. It is located along the Baltic coast of Sweden, and the city of Stockholm stretches across 14 of the islands. Over two million people live on the islands, but many of the islands are remote or tiny and uninhabited. Image copyright by Remus Kotsell / iStockphoto.
Where Is Svalbard?
Geology.com
The islands of Svalbard are located in the Arctic Ocean - north of Norway and east of Greenland at 78 degrees, 13 minutes north and 15 degrees, 39 minutes east. They are an unincorporated area of the Kingdom of Norway.
Geology.com
The islands of Svalbard are located in the Arctic Ocean - north of Norway and east of Greenland at 78 degrees, 13 minutes north and 15 degrees, 39 minutes east. They are an unincorporated area of the Kingdom of Norway.
Where Venezuela's Earthquakes Shifted the Ground
NASA Earth Observatory
From the article: "Radar data from the NISAR satellite show that La Guaira and nearby areas experienced significant ground displacement from the June 2026 temblors." Image by NASA Earth Observatory / Lauren Dauphin.
NASA Earth Observatory
From the article: "Radar data from the NISAR satellite show that La Guaira and nearby areas experienced significant ground displacement from the June 2026 temblors." Image by NASA Earth Observatory / Lauren Dauphin.
Where is Venezuela?
Geology.com
Venezuela is located in northern South America. It is bordered by the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean to the north, Colombia to the west, Brazil to the south, and Guyana to the east.
Geology.com
Venezuela is located in northern South America. It is bordered by the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean to the north, Colombia to the west, Brazil to the south, and Guyana to the east.
Cottonwood Fire Chars Utah
NASA Earth Observatory
To date, the Cottonwood fire has burned over 150 square miles of forest in Utah. In the false-color satellite image above, burned areas appear red. Quote from the article: "The Cottonwood fire ranked as one of Utah's - and the country's - largest and most destructive fires of the year so far." NASA Earth Observatory images by Michala Garrison, using Landsat data from the U.S. Geological Survey and fire perimeter data from the Fire Events Data Suite.
NASA Earth Observatory
To date, the Cottonwood fire has burned over 150 square miles of forest in Utah. In the false-color satellite image above, burned areas appear red. Quote from the article: "The Cottonwood fire ranked as one of Utah's - and the country's - largest and most destructive fires of the year so far." NASA Earth Observatory images by Michala Garrison, using Landsat data from the U.S. Geological Survey and fire perimeter data from the Fire Events Data Suite.
Ten Spectacular Images From the Astronomy Photographer of the Year Contest
Smithsonian Magazine
For this year's ZWO Astronomy Photographer of the Year competition, thousands of amazing photos were submitted from people around the world. Here you can see 10 of the finalists. Winners will be announced in September.
Smithsonian Magazine
For this year's ZWO Astronomy Photographer of the Year competition, thousands of amazing photos were submitted from people around the world. Here you can see 10 of the finalists. Winners will be announced in September.
Super Typhoon Bavi Brings Destruction to Guam and Surrounding Pacific Islands
NPR
Shown above is a satellite image of Guam, a United States territory in the North Pacific Ocean. Image by Jesse Allen and Robert Simmon of NASA.
NPR
Shown above is a satellite image of Guam, a United States territory in the North Pacific Ocean. Image by Jesse Allen and Robert Simmon of NASA.
U.S. Territories Map
Geology.com
Did you know that the United States holds claim to 16 territories? How many of them can you name? Brush up on your geography with this map and article.
Geology.com
Did you know that the United States holds claim to 16 territories? How many of them can you name? Brush up on your geography with this map and article.
What Causes the Color and Shape of a Fireworks Burst?
Geology.com
An illustrated introduction to the causes of color in fireworks and how the shape of the burst is created. Fireworks shells are loaded with beads of chemicals that burn with different colors. These beads are known as "stars". When the shell explodes in the air, the stars are launched out in a pattern determined by their shape, size, and their arrangement in the shell.
Geology.com
An illustrated introduction to the causes of color in fireworks and how the shape of the burst is created. Fireworks shells are loaded with beads of chemicals that burn with different colors. These beads are known as "stars". When the shell explodes in the air, the stars are launched out in a pattern determined by their shape, size, and their arrangement in the shell.
Birthstone for the Month of July: Ruby
Geology.com
Ruby is the red variety of a mineral called corundum. It is the most popular red gemstone in the world.
Geology.com
Ruby is the red variety of a mineral called corundum. It is the most popular red gemstone in the world.
Why People Risk Their Lives Hunting For Sapphire, Rubies, And Topaz In Sri Lanka
Business Insider
The island country of Sri Lanka is famous for the beautiful sapphires that can be found there. But extracting the gemstones from the earth is a difficult and dangerous job.
Business Insider
The island country of Sri Lanka is famous for the beautiful sapphires that can be found there. But extracting the gemstones from the earth is a difficult and dangerous job.
Photos of the 2026 Kilauea Eruption
United States Geological Survey
Episode 50 of lava fountaining in the ongoing Halemaʻumaʻu eruption at the summit of Kīlauea took place for about 7 hours on June 27, 2026.
United States Geological Survey
Episode 50 of lava fountaining in the ongoing Halemaʻumaʻu eruption at the summit of Kīlauea took place for about 7 hours on June 27, 2026.
Woman Survives 1,500-Foot Fall While Climbing California Volcano
KTLA.com
Quote from the article: The Forest Service said that the hiker was "in good spirits despite suffering a possible broken ankle and other injuries consistent with a significant fallâ€. The photo shows an aerial view of Mount Shasta taken by Mike Doukas, USGS.
KTLA.com
Quote from the article: The Forest Service said that the hiker was "in good spirits despite suffering a possible broken ankle and other injuries consistent with a significant fallâ€. The photo shows an aerial view of Mount Shasta taken by Mike Doukas, USGS.
The Volcano in Illinois That's Hidden in Plain Sight
Islands
Hicks Dome is a dormant Midwestern volcano -- one that's kept scientists fascinated for years because of its unique geology.
Islands
Hicks Dome is a dormant Midwestern volcano -- one that's kept scientists fascinated for years because of its unique geology.
Interactive Heat Risk Map for the Continental U.S. ** Highly Recommended **
National Weather Service
If you live in the continental United States, this interactive map is a great tool to help you prepare for the hot summer days ahead. Temperature is only one risk factor, and this map combines multiple metrics to determine the color-coded heat risk levels. Map by the National Weather Service.
National Weather Service
If you live in the continental United States, this interactive map is a great tool to help you prepare for the hot summer days ahead. Temperature is only one risk factor, and this map combines multiple metrics to determine the color-coded heat risk levels. Map by the National Weather Service.
Al-Bīrūnī — The GGOAT?
Lotus Gemology
Richard W. Hughes, Lisbet Thoresen and John Emmett contemplate the idea that Al-Bīrūnī was the Greatest Gemologist Of All Time. The photograph shows a statue of Al-Bīrūnī at the Persian Scholar Pavilion at the United Nations Centre in Vienna. The photo is displayed here under a Creative Commons License.
Lotus Gemology
Richard W. Hughes, Lisbet Thoresen and John Emmett contemplate the idea that Al-Bīrūnī was the Greatest Gemologist Of All Time. The photograph shows a statue of Al-Bīrūnī at the Persian Scholar Pavilion at the United Nations Centre in Vienna. The photo is displayed here under a Creative Commons License.
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A Turquoise Tint for the Black Sea
NASA Earth Observatory
The satellite image above shows phytoplankton blooms in the Black Sea on June 22, 2026. NASA Earth Observatory image by Michala Garrison, using PACE data from NASA EOSDIS LANCE and GIBS/Worldview and the NASA Ocean Biology Distributed Active Archive Center OB.DAAC.
NASA Earth Observatory
The satellite image above shows phytoplankton blooms in the Black Sea on June 22, 2026. NASA Earth Observatory image by Michala Garrison, using PACE data from NASA EOSDIS LANCE and GIBS/Worldview and the NASA Ocean Biology Distributed Active Archive Center OB.DAAC.
Satellite Views of Phytoplankton Blooms in Oceans and Seas
Geology.com
Phytoplankton Bloom Off New Jersey: An unusual phytoplankton bloom occurred in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of New Jersey on July 6, 2016. This bloom received nutrients from a process known as "upwelling". Strong, persistent winds, blowing off the continent and towards the east, carried surface waters away from the coast. This brought cold, nutrient-rich waters up the continental slope to replace the waters that were blown out to sea. The result was a near-shore phytoplankton bloom. Similar blooms occur periodically along the Atlantic coast in the summer. This NASA satellite image was prepared by Jeff Schmaltz.
Geology.com
Phytoplankton Bloom Off New Jersey: An unusual phytoplankton bloom occurred in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of New Jersey on July 6, 2016. This bloom received nutrients from a process known as "upwelling". Strong, persistent winds, blowing off the continent and towards the east, carried surface waters away from the coast. This brought cold, nutrient-rich waters up the continental slope to replace the waters that were blown out to sea. The result was a near-shore phytoplankton bloom. Similar blooms occur periodically along the Atlantic coast in the summer. This NASA satellite image was prepared by Jeff Schmaltz.
Explosion Produces a New Hydrothermal Feature at Yellowstone
United States Geological Survey
The image shows a new pool of boiling water that formed a few days after the June 13, 2026 explosion. The recent explosion emphasizes the unstable and hazardous nature of some of Yellowstone's thermal areas. Biscuit Basin, and especially the area around Black Diamond Pool, has been the site of numerous hydrothermal explosions for more than a century. Photo by Kiernan Folz-Donahue, Yellowstone National Park.
United States Geological Survey
The image shows a new pool of boiling water that formed a few days after the June 13, 2026 explosion. The recent explosion emphasizes the unstable and hazardous nature of some of Yellowstone's thermal areas. Biscuit Basin, and especially the area around Black Diamond Pool, has been the site of numerous hydrothermal explosions for more than a century. Photo by Kiernan Folz-Donahue, Yellowstone National Park.
Perseverance Rover Detects Complex Carbon Molecules in the Jezero Crater on Mars
The Guardian
The Perseverance Rover was delivered to Jezero Crater specifically because the rocks there were deposited in a deltaic environment thought to be compatible with life. The image above is an artist's concept of the Mars Perseverance rover created by NASA/JPL-Caltech.
The Guardian
The Perseverance Rover was delivered to Jezero Crater specifically because the rocks there were deposited in a deltaic environment thought to be compatible with life. The image above is an artist's concept of the Mars Perseverance rover created by NASA/JPL-Caltech.
Satellite View of Jezero Crater on Mars
NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory
The image is a satellite view of Jezero Crater where the Mars Perseverance rover detected complex carbon molecules. The image was captured by NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, operated by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, a division of Caltech in Pasadena, California.
NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory
The image is a satellite view of Jezero Crater where the Mars Perseverance rover detected complex carbon molecules. The image was captured by NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, operated by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, a division of Caltech in Pasadena, California.
When the Power Company Takes Your Land for a Data Center
The New York Times
It's the "American Dream" to own a home with a nice backyard where kids and pets can run and play. But when an AI data center comes to town, utility companies can build transmission lines in your backyard whether you give them permission or not. From the video: "Many residents say the offers they receive don't cover the property value they will lose from having a power line built in their backyard." Furthermore, if you refuse their offer of "fair compensation", they can seize your property anyway by using eminent domain. This leaves homeowners in a very bad situation, where they are forced to either live next to the new construction, or move out and try to sell their newly depreciated home at a loss.
The New York Times
It's the "American Dream" to own a home with a nice backyard where kids and pets can run and play. But when an AI data center comes to town, utility companies can build transmission lines in your backyard whether you give them permission or not. From the video: "Many residents say the offers they receive don't cover the property value they will lose from having a power line built in their backyard." Furthermore, if you refuse their offer of "fair compensation", they can seize your property anyway by using eminent domain. This leaves homeowners in a very bad situation, where they are forced to either live next to the new construction, or move out and try to sell their newly depreciated home at a loss.
New Natural-Gas-Powered Data Center in Texas Will Consume 2.7 Gigawatts of Electricity.
CNBC
The data center is being built by Microsoft; Chevron will produce the natural gas from nearby fields in Texas and New Mexico; GE Vernova and Caterpillar will convert the gas into electricity using turbines.
CNBC
The data center is being built by Microsoft; Chevron will produce the natural gas from nearby fields in Texas and New Mexico; GE Vernova and Caterpillar will convert the gas into electricity using turbines.
USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026
United States Geological Survey
From the publication: "The annual U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Mineral Commodity Summaries (MCS) is the most authoritative statistical publication on U.S. and global mineral production, consumption, and trade." Image is the cover of the 2026 publication.
United States Geological Survey
From the publication: "The annual U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Mineral Commodity Summaries (MCS) is the most authoritative statistical publication on U.S. and global mineral production, consumption, and trade." Image is the cover of the 2026 publication.
No One Wants AI Data Centers on Earth. Do They Make Sense in Space?
CNBC
From the article: "The successful IPO of Elon Musk's SpaceX may help bring the questionable idea of AI data centers in space closer to the realm of plausibility."
CNBC
From the article: "The successful IPO of Elon Musk's SpaceX may help bring the questionable idea of AI data centers in space closer to the realm of plausibility."
Earth Is Unprepared for the Serious Threat of City-Killer Asteroids
The Washington Post
About the photo: Meteor Crater (formally known as Barringer Crater) is an impact crater located about 37 miles (60 km) east of Flagstaff, Arizona and 18 miles (29 km) west of Winslow. It was formed by the impact of an asteroid about 46 meters (150 feet) in diameter. The collision formed a crater over 1,200 meters (4,000) feet across. Public domain photo by NASA Earth Observatory.
The Washington Post
About the photo: Meteor Crater (formally known as Barringer Crater) is an impact crater located about 37 miles (60 km) east of Flagstaff, Arizona and 18 miles (29 km) west of Winslow. It was formed by the impact of an asteroid about 46 meters (150 feet) in diameter. The collision formed a crater over 1,200 meters (4,000) feet across. Public domain photo by NASA Earth Observatory.