A team of researchers has gathered potentially some of the oldest ice samples on Earth. The team, comprised of members from 12 European scientific institutions, successfully drilled and recovered a 9,186-foot-long (2,800-meter) ice core from the Antarctic ice sheet. This ice core reached such depths that it exposed the underlying bedrock. Spanning a minimum of 1.2 million years of Earth’s climate history, the ice core contains valuable air bubbles and particles that could unveil the reasons behind the sudden elongation and intensification of the planet’s ice ages around 1 million years ago, possibly leading to a decline in ancient human populations.
In other news, Tahlequah, a mother orca, gained global recognition in 2018 for carrying her deceased calf over 1,000 miles (1,600 kilometers) for 17 days. Tragically, she is now observed mourning a second loss, as her new calf was reported in Puget Sound on December 20 but confirmed dead by New Year’s Eve. Just as before, Tahlequah began carrying her lost calf, indicating her deep grief. This behavior has raised concerns among researchers, not only for its emotional and physical impact on Tahlequah but also for its implications on her vulnerable killer whale population.
Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket is poised for its inaugural flight from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, potentially challenging SpaceX’s dominance in commercial space endeavors. The launch is anticipated to occur early Sunday morning and will aim to propel the uncrewed New Glenn rocket, named after renowned astronaut John Glenn, into orbit. This endeavor represents Blue Origin’s first step in utilizing its most powerful rocket, which could play roles in launching Amazon internet satellites and supporting a space station project.
Pluto stands out in our solar system due to its unusually large moon, prompting astronomers to investigate their unique relationship and origin. Recent studies propose that about 4 billion years ago, Pluto and its moon, Charon, engaged in a distinct collision termed “kiss and capture.” Rather than melding together or ricocheting, they merged into a snowman-like formation before gradually parting into their current shared orbit. This peculiar collision is believed to have played a role in the suspected subsurface ocean beneath Pluto’s icy surface.
Lastly, in Oxfordshire, England, the discovery of nearly 200 dinosaur footprints dating back 166 million years has fascinated scientists. These prints, found in Dewars Farm Quarry, were stumbled upon by quarry worker Gary Johnson while extracting limestone. This finding has unveiled a “dinosaur highway,” shedding light on the creatures that roamed the region during the Middle Jurassic Period.
Englands’ Jurassic Coast boasts the impressive distinction of hosting the largest known dinosaur track site in the United Kingdom. At this remarkable location, known as the Broadmayne trackway, visitors can marvel at the preserved imprints left behind by ancient giants that once roamed these lands. Among the diverse collection of tracks are those made by the lumbering long-necked dinosaurs like Cetiosaurus, as well as the footprints of massive three-toed predators such as Megalosaurus. These tracks offer valuable insights into the behaviors and movements of these prehistoric creatures, providing a unique window into their daily lives.
Kirsty Edgar, a respected professor of micropaleontology at the University of Birmingham, aptly describes the significance of the Broadmayne track site as a “snapshot into the day of the (dinosaurs’) life.” Through careful examination of these tracks, researchers and enthusiasts alike can piece together a more comprehensive understanding of the activities and habits of these ancient inhabitants of the Jurassic Coast.
In a world filled with curiosities and wonders, the golden lion tamarins of eastern Brazil stand out as a prime example of nature’s resilience. These small monkeys, once teetering on the edge of extinction, are now experiencing a resurgence, thanks to dedicated conservation efforts aimed at protecting their fragile populations. Described by the sixteenth-century explorer Antonio Pigafetta as “beautiful, simian-like cats similar to small lions,” the golden lion tamarins serve as a poignant reminder of the importance of preserving biodiversity and safeguarding endangered species for future generations.
Meanwhile, the quest for extraterrestrial knowledge continues to capture the imagination of scientists and space enthusiasts alike. NASA’s ambitious plans to retrieve crucial samples from Mars represent a significant milestone in the exploration of our neighboring planet. By 2026, the space agency will be tasked with choosing between two key proposals aimed at securing samples that could potentially hold clues to the existence of life beyond Earth. This groundbreaking endeavor has the potential to reshape our understanding of the cosmos and shed light on the mysteries of our solar system and beyond.
Closer to home, the battle against invasive species rages on, with water hyacinth emerging as a formidable foe in ecosystems around the world. Known for its ability to choke fish populations and disrupt waterways, this prolific plant has earned the dubious distinction of being the world’s most widespread invasive species. However, in a promising turn of events, a Kenyan company has devised an innovative solution to repurpose the troublesome water hyacinth into bioplastic, offering a sustainable means of combating its harmful effects while simultaneously supporting reforestation efforts.
As we navigate the intricacies of our ever-evolving world, it is essential to stay informed and engaged with the latest discoveries and developments. If you find wonder in the mysteries of space, the wonders of the natural world, and the marvels of scientific exploration, consider signing up to receive the next edition of Wonder Theory, a newsletter curated by CNN Space and
