EarthSky | Updates on your cosmos and world

Does exoplanet TRAPPIST-1 b have an atmosphere? A new study said it either has a hazy atmosphere or is geologically active, with volcanoes or plate tectonics.

Paul Scott Anderson

December 24, 2024

Earth

Science Wire

Why does an evergreen tree have a pyramid shape?

Those who admire the pyramid shape of an evergreen tree might enjoy knowing that its shape has evolved in response to wind, snow, and light.

EarthSky Voices

December 24, 2024

Human World

Wild weather: Best satellite imagery of 2024

Enjoy our 12 favorite pieces of satellite imagery from the past year, from historic hurricanes to a total solar eclipse. Thank you, GOES satellites!

Meredith Garofalo

December 23, 2024

Earth

Orphaned bonobos can develop social skills and empathy

According to a new study, orphaned bonobos can overcome trauma and develop the social skills typical of the members of that species, gender and age.

Cristina Ortiz

December 23, 2024

Astronomy Essentials

Mercury farthest from the sunrise this week

Mercury reaches its greatest elongation - greatest distance from the sunrise - on December 25, 2024. Look east at dawn. It'll brighten for the next few weeks.

Editors of EarthSky

December 22, 2024

Space

See the top 10 stories of 2024 from EarthSky

Here are the top 10 stories of 2024. We had a busy year with asteroids hitting Earth's atmosphere, dinosaur tracks, cicadas and more!

Kelly Kizer Whitt

December 22, 2024

Space

ESA’s 2025 calendar: Best of Hubble and Webb

The European Space Agency has announced its 2025 calendar, featuring the best images from Hubble and Webb from the past year. And it's free for you to download!

EarthSky Voices

December 22, 2024

Today's Image

EarthSky’s top photos from 2024: See them here!

See the top photos from 2024 submitted by our EarthSky community. We had an amazing year for skywatchers, from auroras to comets to a total solar eclipse.

Kelly Kizer Whitt

December 22, 2024