During the 2024 eclipse, biologists like us want to find out how birds will respond to darkness in the middle of the day

Since an eclipse only lasts a few minutes, you need more than just a handful of scientists running around collecting data on bird activity. That’s where a new app comes in.

Liz Aguilar, Ph.D. Student in Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, Indiana University • conversation
April 4, 2024 ~8 min

How medieval chroniclers interpreted solar eclipses and other celestial events

Medieval scholars connected celestial events to changes that happened on the ground, such as the overthrow of the king.

Brian Tanner, Emeritus Professor of Physics at Durham University, Durham University • conversation
April 4, 2024 ~7 min


AI may develop a huge carbon footprint, but it could also be a critical ally in the fight against climate change

AI needs careful monitoring and the right policies to ensure it can benefit the fight against climate change.

Alina Vaduva, Director of the Business Advice Centre for Post Graduate Students at UEL, Ambassador of the Centre for Innovation, Management and Enterprise, University of East London • conversation
April 4, 2024 ~6 min

Climate engineering carries serious national security risks − countries facing extreme heat may try it anyway, and the world needs to be prepared

The big question: Would climate engineering like sending reflective particles into the stratosphere or brightening clouds help reduce the national security risks of climate change or make them worse?

Tyler Felgenhauer, Research Scientist in Civil and Environmental Engineering, Duke University • conversation
April 4, 2024 ~9 min

Why there may be oceans inside dwarf planets beyond Pluto – and what this means for the likely abundance of life

The Solar System could be awash with oceans, not on the surface but hidden inside the most surprising bodies

David Rothery, Professor of Planetary Geosciences, The Open University • conversation
April 4, 2024 ~8 min

Looking to photograph a solar eclipse with your smartphone? Try these features and think about creative angles

Your phone can’t take a perfectly clear picture of a solar eclipse like a professional camera can, but there are lots of other creative directions you can take to capture the rare moment.

Douglas Goodwin, Visiting Assistant Professor in Media Studies, Scripps College • conversation
April 1, 2024 ~7 min

Why aren’t there solar-powered cars?

It’s common to see solar panels on rooftops and fields, but they aren’t widespread on cars − yet.

Chen Liu, Associate Professor of Electrical & Computer Engineering, Clarkson University • conversation
April 1, 2024 ~7 min

The total solar eclipse in North America could help shed light on a persistent puzzle about the Sun

The eclipse will allow scientists to get rare measurements of the Sun’s atmosphere.

Huw Morgan, Reader in Physical Sciences, Aberystwyth University • conversation
March 27, 2024 ~7 min


An eclipse for everyone – how visually impaired students can ‘get a feel for’ eclipses

Eclipses are rare, fantastic celestial events. Here’s how educators can help visually impaired students enjoy eclipses alongside their sighted peers.

David Hurd, Professor of Geosciences, Pennsylvania Western University • conversation
March 22, 2024 ~7 min

California is wrestling with electricity prices – here’s how to design a system that covers the cost of fixing the grid while keeping prices fair

California is considering a controversial proposal for utilities to charge customers for electricity based partly on household income. Two scholars explain how this approach could benefit everyone.

Andrew L. Liu, Associate Professor of Industrial Engineering, Purdue University • conversation
March 21, 2024 ~10 min

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