Mission To The Centre Of The Earth

It's 150 years since the publication of Jules Verne's classic novel Journey to the Centre of the Earth, but a real-life mission to the Earth's core remains tricker than landing a spacecraft on a comet.

Published: November 13, 2014 at 12:00 am

On sale date: 13th November 2014

Issue: 275

Mission to the centre of the Earth

It's 150 years since the publication of Jules Verne's classic novelJourney to the Centre of the Earth, but a real-life mission to the Earth's core remains tricker than landing a spacecraft on a comet. Inside the December issue ofFocus, we look at a new mission to drill deeper than ever - a journey that will uncover our planet's past and may even reveal new forms of life.

The science of SAD

Many people feel gloomy at this time of the year. The days are short and the weather is bad. But for an estimated two million people in the UK, this feeling deepens into a type of depression known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD). In this month's issue, we reveal how the latest research suggests there's more to SAD than a simple lack of sunlight.

The world's worst smells

Our noses can distinguish over a trillion different smells, but what are the most pungent pongs? In the latest issue, we go on a tour of the world's worst smells, from the 'corpse flower' and the African skunk to the durian and the tiny South African island that's home to over 60,000 seals. Hold your noses!

Also inside this issue:

Mystery messages:The extragalactic signals that have scientists baffled

Australian bushfires:The scientists who are working to understand this deadly phenomenon

Christmas gifts:Our guideto the best books, gifts and gadgets for science lovers

Thinking caps:We investigate the gadgets that claim to boost your mental performance

Tablets on test:Fancy finding a tablet in your Christmas stocking? We check out your options

Plus

Q&A:Can you hear a meteor?

MegaPixel:Awe-inspiring images from the world of science

Tech Hub:The add-on that could make driverless cars affordable

To Do List:The Wellcome Collection opens itsInstitute of Sexology

How Do We Know:The nature of light?

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