Earth science
Jimi Hendrix called it the 'Third Stone from the Sun', James Lovelock knows it as Gaia, and to us it is our home, planet Earth. The atmosphere is a relatively thin blanket of gas, held in place by the Earth's gravity. Earth science is the study of rocks and minerals in the Earth's crust and plate tectonics looks at how movements of crust cause earthquakes and volcanoes. The 'Blue Marble' photo taken by Apollo 17 is sometimes credited for starting the modern conservation movement, because it underlines how isolated and fragile our planet is.
Mysterious forces are causing Earth's continents to rise. Now scientists think they know why
When the continents split hundreds of millions of years ago, a chain reaction was set off with major consequences for the planet.
Northern lights tonight: How to see stunning summer auroras
Whether you’re in the UK, US or the rest of the world, auroras be visible tonight.
Pompeii disaster survivors were killed by second mysterious force, study finds
People fleeing the deadly volcano were doomed from the start.
Auroras could soon pose serious threat to our electrical infrastructure, study reveals
Sure, they’re pretty, but a new study has revealed how the northern lights can come with a nasty bite.
This ‘Doomsday Glacier’ is melting faster than scientists thought. Now Earth’s biggest cities are at risk
The giant glacier has been losing ice rapidly for several decades.
These scientists want to make Chernobyl’s radiation glow. Here’s why
Sunglasses at night, a strange but genius invention, and abandoned radioactive mines in the desert: Meet the scientists making uranium glow.
More bad weather could cause earthquake ‘swarms’ globally, suggests new study
Recent research suggests that climate such as snow and rain could influence seismic activity.
Earth's magnetic field is overdue a flip. Should we be worried?
From time to time, the Earth's magnetic poles flip, leaving us without a protective magnetic field for up to centuries at a time.
Volcanic eruption: Inside Iceland’s new battle to tame a wave of deadly lava
After three years of fiery eruptions, experts are now confident that Iceland’s Reykjanes Peninsula has entered a new fiery phase.
Spring equinox 2024 today: Exactly what and when is it?
Time to shrug off the winter cobwebs and finally start venturing outside again.
The 4 biggest findings from the major new UN climate report
It was another record-breaking year for the climate in 2023. But there is still hope, scientists say.
Top 10 biggest earthquakes ever recorded
Earthquakes are one of the most deadly natural disasters. Here are the worst humans have witnessed so far.
The real reason we have leap years – and how they’ll change in future
Leap years of the near future could be seriously weird. Here’s why.
17 absolutely mind-blowing Underwater Photographer of the Year winners 2024
Come and dive down with us as we take a look at the best photos taken beneath the waves.
Something very strange is happening to Italy’s underground volcanoes
Earthquakes started to be felt at Campi Flegrei in September 2023. Since then, over 1,100 have been recorded.
Top 10 largest rainforests in the world 2024
Rainforests are often referred to as the 'Lungs of the world'. But which is the biggest?
Volcanoes across the globe are now erupting. Should we be worried?
With volcanic activity being reported everywhere from Iceland to Italy, should we be concerned that a catastrophic event is coming?
Northern lights UK: The best ways to witness the auroras tonight
The northern lights could be visible over the UK, and wider parts of the world. Here’s how to see them.
Something very weird is happening inside Earth’s core. Here's what that means for the planet
The mysteries of Earth’s core – the deeper scientists look into the heart of our planet, the more puzzling it becomes.
Chris Packham on the mind-blowing science of new BBC Earth series, and his TV legacy: ‘I’m not proud of anything!’
After conquering wildlife TV, presenter Chris Packham is taking on the planet in Earth, a BBC series that sheds new light on the history of our home. He talks us through the show’s biggest surprises – and getting pooped on by a giant condor.
What gives clouds their shape?
Why are some clouds puffy and other clouds wispy?
Climate CSI: How counting tree rings can unlock environmental mysteries
At its core, dendrochronology is the science of using tree rings to date and analyse events in the past. But how does it work? Here's a closer look at this fascinating process.
7 books that will change how you think about Earth forever
Discover a new world of ideas and perspectives with these thought-provoking books that will transform the way you think about our planet, its inhabitants, and our place within it.
Earth’s inner core is slowing down its spin. Should we be worried?
The planet’s solid iron inner core has stopped spinning faster than the surface, a new study suggests.