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How Long Is the Amazon River?
The Amazon might be the world’s longest river. Most scientists believe it is at least 4,000 miles (6,400 km) long—still shorter than the Nile, which is about 4,132 miles (6,650 km). Others, however, have asserted that the Amazon is actually much longer. The Amazon’s start and end points have been difficult to determine.
See also:
Amazon River,
Nile River
On This Day
Solidarność
In 1980 Solidarity, the Polish trade union and political party that became a major resister of Soviet control, was founded when 36 union delegates met and united under the leadership of Lech Wałęsa.
Science in Pictures
Small Magellanic Cloud
A picture taken from the Hubble Space Telescope shows a galaxy called the Small Magellanic Cloud. New stars are forming from the galaxy's hot gas and dust.galaxytelescope
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Bio of the Day
Michael Faraday
Michael Faraday, born this day in 1791, was an English scientist whose pioneering work in electromagnetism included producing an electric current from a magnetic field. He also invented the first electric motor and dynamo.
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Scientists Discover Feathered Dinosaur Tail in Amber
A sample of amber discovered in Myanmar contained a pristine section of a feathered tail traced to a juvenile dinosaur from the Cretaceous Period.
See also:
amber,
Cretaceous Period
Spotlight
Ocean Acidification: How Carbon Dioxide Is Hurting the Seas
Ocean acidification, the increase in seawater’s acidity, is caused by the absorption of large amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2) by the oceans.
See also:
seawater,
Keeling Curve
Spotlight
How Service Animals Help Humans Live Fuller Lives
Dogs, cats, horses, and even monkeys provide dedicated assistance to people with disabilities.
See also:
guide dog,
Dorothy Leib Harrison Wood Eustis
Spotlight
Where Is “Old Zealand”?
Located just northwest of the Belgian city of Antwerp, Zeeland is more than 11,000 miles (17,700 km) from New Zealand. In December 1642 Dutch navigator Abel Janszoon Tasman was the first European to sight New Zealand’s South Island, and Dutch cartographers named the territory after the province of Zeeland.
See also:
Abel Tasman,
Zeeland
Spotlight
King Tut’s Out-of-This-World Dagger
Researchers believe a dagger buried with King Tut was crafted from a meteorite.
See also:
Tutankhamun,
iron meteorite
Spotlight
Julius Caesar Was Captured by Pirates
In 75 BCE pirates in the Aegean Sea captured Julius Caesar, who had been on his way to study oratory in Rhodes. According to Plutarch, the capture was a minor inconvenience for Caesar but very bad luck for the pirates. After a ransom was delivered, Caesar went free. Later, he had the pirates killed.
See also:
Julius Caesar,
piracy
Spotlight
Fireworks on the Fourth of July
Fireworks have been part and parcel of U.S. Independence Day, the anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, since its first celebration in July 1777.
See also:
Independence Day,
firework
Spotlight
Wireless Link Helps Paralyzed Monkeys Walk Again
Scientists show that a wireless link between the brain and the spinal cord can help paralyzed monkeys regain the use of their legs.
See also:
spinal cord injury,
neuroplasticity
Spotlight
The Deep Sea Is a Pollution Sink
Pollution occurs in the deepest of deep-sea trenches—where crustaceans were found to contain surprisingly high levels of toxic contamination.
See also:
Mariana Trench,
plastic pollution
Spotlight
Botanical Gardens
Most modern botanical gardens have become important scientific institutions and are key players in plant conservation and the education of the public.
See also:
botanical garden,
conservation
Spotlight
Ancient Roman Coins Found in Japan
Archaeologists found ancient Roman coins among the ruins of Katsuren Castle on Okinawa Island. Several of the coins feature a portrait of Roman Emperor Constantine I.
See also:
Constantine I,
coin
Spotlight
When Are Volcanoes Safe?
Volcanoes can be harmful even when they’re not spouting lava. Volcanoes have four states: active (has erupted in the past 10,000 years), erupting (is experiencing an eruption), dormant (has the potential to erupt again), and extinct (has not erupted in over 10,000 years). While extinct volcanoes aren’t threatening, the others are unpredictable and may pose danger.
Spotlight
Ten Days That Vanished: The Switch to the Gregorian Calendar
When the Gregorian calendar was implemented in October 1582, 10 days were dropped to bring the vernal equinox from March 11 back to March 21.
See also:
calendar,
Gregorian calendar
Spotlight
Celebrating Women’s History
Women’s History Month is a celebration of women’s contributions to history, culture and society. The United States has observed it annually throughout the month of March since 1987.
See also:
National Women's History Month,
women's suffrage
On This Day
September 21
Delivering Plates of Gold
September 20
Uniting Italy
September 19
Washington Says Good-bye
September 18
Ice Breaker
September 17
Historic Peace
September 16
Mayflower Sets Sail
September 15
Independencia
September 14
Dante Dies
September 13
Birth-Control Pioneer
September 12
Run Jesse Run
September 11
9/11
September 10
America’s 1st President?
September 9
Chairman Mao
September 8
He Was Not a Beumb
September 7
Good Queen Bess
September 6
Social Reforming Nobelist
September 5
Sioux Resister
September 4
A Romantic Diplomat
September 3
Reaching for the Skies
New & Revised
Hua Mulan
NEW
Apocalypse Now
NEW