Radioactive Deep Time
At the end of the 19th century, it wasn't easy to put an accurate date on the planet. Scientists knew humans had been around a long time and that Earth had been around even longer. The true numerical scale wasn't attainable though, as the process of dating items was more a historical pursuit than a scientific one. Objects could be determined to predate human history, but the exact age wasn't possible to find.
Radioactivity changed all that. The energy discovered wasn't impressive just for its power, but for its longevity too. Material with millions of years of half lives put into perspective just how long the planet had been turning. Humankind had only just begun its journey compared to the age of the Earth. The effect this discovery had on scientific thought, art, and culture is incredible as the world was filled with a renewed optimism for the vast future that now laid before it.
You can read more about the impact this discovery had in this incredible article from the BBC!
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Cool Things!
Learn About the Tiny Aircraft That Turn Sunlight Into Flight!
Of the five layers of Earth’s atmosphere, the mesosphere (the third layer from Earth’s surface) is a height at which traditional aircraft have, thus far, been unable to reach on their own power. Generally beginning about 154,000 feet above sea level, even the world record for highest aircraft altitude falls about 20,000 feet short. However, a newly developing technology may change this reality, and it involves aircraft that punch high above their weight.
Learn About The Newly Discovered Species of Early Humans!
In studying early human ancestors, known as “hominids,” anthropologists have historically found much wider variations from specimen to specimen than expected, particularly among other paleontological fields. A recent study argues that certain groups of hominid fossils previously thought to be an already discovered species constitute a new one entirely.
Learn About Iron Age Mummy Tattoos!
Tattoos have been a popular form of individual and societal expression for centuries around the world, making them a focal point of study for anthropologists and archaeologists. Unfortunately, the oldest examples are rarely preserved well enough for deep study, since skin usually decomposes before fossilization. In one recent case, however, new technology allowed researchers to draw new conclusions about the tattoos of one fascinating specimen: a well-preserved mummy.
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Long Form Articles
The Artist Behind the Macintosh: Susan Kare and Apple Computers
While the two Steves, Jobs and Wozniak, are the most well known faces behind Apple computers, equally important to the products and culture of the company were those who crafted the experience of using their computers through design. The most notable of these visual architects was Susan Kare, a designer responsible for “humanizing” Macintosh computers.
Can I Lick It? Yes You Can!
Have you ever been unable to tell if a fossil was really a fossil, but you were too embarrassed to admit it? Have you ever wanted to lick a fossil just because, but you didn’t want to risk judgment from your peers? Well, good news! You can kill two birds with one stone! Licking a fossil can actually help you determine if it’s the real deal or just another rock.
Is It Legal To Own a Meteorite: How to Start Your Outer Space Collection!
Meteorites are some of the rarest geological specimens to be found on Earth. Of course, since these stones are not of our world, purchasing them can sometimes be a confusing process. Is it legal to own a meteorite? In short, yes! Read on for help starting your cosmic collection!