Scientific Discoveries Roundup: Volcanic Forecasts, Saturn Shapes, and Space Maps

With a Better Understanding of Physics, We Could Predict Volcanic Eruptions

“There’s no reason we can’t think that, at some point in the future, we can have volcano forecasts that are like weather forecasts.”

What the Heck? Another Perfect Geometric Shape Has Been Detected on Saturn

The discovery adds to the planet’s history of strange atmospheric phenomena that scientists don’t fully understand.

Two of the Universe's Great Mysteries May Have Their Own Dimension

Dark energy might be getting weaker. Scientists are wondering if interactions with dark matter in a “dark dimension” may be responsible.

A Gravitational Battle Within the Earth Is Changing the Length of Days

A competition between the gravity of the inner core and other forces in the mantle is altering the Earth’s rotation.

Tiny Hairs That Help Corals Breathe May Malfunction in Warming Oceans

Several new studies have uncovered this long overlooked aspect of coral physiology that could be the key to the animals’ fate in a changing climate.

Scientists Detect Radio Signals From an Exoplanet for the First Time in History

No, it’s not aliens, but a phenomenon caused by magnetic activity that astronomers have never before been able to pin on a specific planet.

After 8 Years in Space, ‘BepiColombo’ Is Finally Approaching Mercury

Following a difficult journey, the probe will soon begin unraveling the mysteries of Mercury’s magnetic field and internal structure.

Venus May Have Devoured Its Moon

One of the great mysteries in astronomy has been why Venus has no moon. Now a new theory provides a simple answer: It might have been eaten.

Japan Is Launching a Probe to Collect the First-Ever Samples From a Martian Moon

The mission to Phobos, Japan’s first Mars probe launch in 28 years, may reveal new information about our closest planetary neighbor.

Plastic Is Melting Onto Corals

Scientists have found a new form of pollution, one where plastic and pieces of coral become irreversibly intertwined.

Astronomers Have Completed the Largest Map of Space. Yes, You Can Play With It

The intricate, 5.6 trillion-pixel map covers approximately 75 percent of the sky and includes about 4 billion celestial objects.