Planet Earth
Earth is one big spinning mystery in a constant state of change. With more than 4.5 billion years of history locked inside a ball of molten rock and iron, our planet is made up of a vast array of geological wonders, carved by the oceans, shaped by the shifting plates beneath our feet and sculpted by weather across the surface.
Our team of expert science writers and editors are here to reveal our planet’s secrets — from the deepest depths of the ocean, through the coldest places on Earth to the very edge of space — keeping you up to date with the latest discoveries with planet Earth news, articles and features.
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14 of the deadliest natural disasters in history
By Stephanie Pappas, Tiffany Means last updated
Reference The world's deadliest natural disasters span more than 2,500 years of human history and include earthquakes, tsunamis and cyclones.
Y chromosome is evolving faster than the X, primate study reveals
By Nicola Williams published
The male Y chromosome in humans is evolving faster than the X. Scientists have now discovered the same trend in six species of primate.
Earth from space: Trio of ringed ice caps look otherworldly on Russian Arctic islands
By Harry Baker published
This 2018 satellite photo of ice caps on the Arctic islands of Russia's Severnaya Zemlya archipelago highlights the beautiful concentric rings of color in the ice, which stand out against the islands' barren landscape.
Have days on Earth always been 24 hours?
By Sarah Wells published
Earth's day used to be five hours shorter, and it's predicted to continue lengthening over time.
Hot Tub of Despair: The deadly ocean pool that traps and pickles creatures that fall in
By Sascha Pare published
This stagnant brine pool at the bottom of the Gulf of Mexico is so toxic it kills and embalms any crabs and amphipods that are unlucky enough to stumble into it.
Enormous deposit of rare earth elements discovered in heart of ancient Norwegian volcano
By Stephanie Pappas published
The Fen Carbonatite Complex may be Europe's key to a secure rare-earth-element supply chain following the discovery of a huge deposit at the site.
What's the difference between a rock and a mineral?
By Sascha Pare published
Rocks and minerals are closely related, but there are fundamental differences between the two.
What is photosynthesis?
By Daisy Dobrijevic last updated
Reference Photosynthesis is the process plants, algae and some bacteria use to turn sunlight, carbon dioxide and water into sugar and oxygen.
What is the coldest city in the world?
By Joe Phelan last updated
The coldest city in the world is in Siberia, where temperatures plummet to minus 76 degrees Fahrenheit. Here's why it's so cold there.
Earth from space: Mysterious, slow-spinning cloud 'cyclone' hugs the Iberian coast
By Harry Baker published
This 2017 satellite photo shows an unusual cloud "cyclone" nestled up against the coastline of Spain and Portugal. Researchers are unsure what caused the strange structure's spin, but ocean eddies and an extreme heat wave likely played key roles.
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