Purple Frog
June 5, 2007 - 9:08am
In this photograph released by Conservation International on Monday, June 4, 2007, an Atelopus frog is shown. Scientists said Monday that they have discovered 24 new species of wildlife in the remote plateaus of eastern Suriname, including this frog with fluorescent purple markings discovered by Surinamese scientists Paul Ouboter and Jan Mol.
Ban the Bulb!
May 30, 2007 - 10:04am
If there was a worldwide shift from incandescent light bulbs to compact fluorescents, the drop in electricity use would permit the world to close 270 coal-fired power plants. These power plants are contributing enormously to global warming.
The best choice for a light bulb is a compact floresctent bulb. Compact florescent bulbs (CFLs) are those swirley little guys that look like soft-serve ice cream cones. They use about a quarter as much energy and last many times longer than old-fashioned incandescent light bulbs. Every CFL has the life span of 8, or even 10 equivalent incandescent bulbs. More.
The best choice for a light bulb is a compact floresctent bulb. Compact florescent bulbs (CFLs) are those swirley little guys that look like soft-serve ice cream cones. They use about a quarter as much energy and last many times longer than old-fashioned incandescent light bulbs. Every CFL has the life span of 8, or even 10 equivalent incandescent bulbs. More.
A View of Earth from Saturn
April 30, 2007 - 10:10am
This beautiful image of Saturn and its rings looks more like an artist’s creation than a real image, but in fact, the image is a composite (layered image) made from 165 images taken by the wide-angle camera on the Cassini spacecraft over nearly three hours on September 15, 2006. The bottom image is a closeup view of the upper left quadrant of the rings, through which Earth is visible in the far, far distance. More.
Pororoca: Surfing the Amazon
March 15, 2007 - 1:12pm
Twice a year, between the months of February and March, the Atlantic Ocean waters roll up the Amazon river, in Brazil, generating the longest wave on the Earth. The phenomenon, known as the Pororoca, is caused by the tides of the Atlantic Ocean, which meet the mouth of the river. This tidal bore generates waves up to 12 feet high which can last for over half an hour.
The name "Pororoca" comes from the indigenous Tupi language; it translates into "great destructive noise". The wave can be heard about 30 minutes before its arrival, and it's so powerful that it can destroy anything, including trees, local houses and all kind of animals.
The wave has become popular with surfers. Since 1999, an annual championship has been held in São Domingos do Capim. However, surfing the Pororoca is especially dangerous, as the water contains a significant amount of debris from the margins of the river (often, entire trees).
The name "Pororoca" comes from the indigenous Tupi language; it translates into "great destructive noise". The wave can be heard about 30 minutes before its arrival, and it's so powerful that it can destroy anything, including trees, local houses and all kind of animals.
The wave has become popular with surfers. Since 1999, an annual championship has been held in São Domingos do Capim. However, surfing the Pororoca is especially dangerous, as the water contains a significant amount of debris from the margins of the river (often, entire trees).
The Giant Ocean Sunfish
February 26, 2007 - 10:10am
The ocean sunfish (mola mola) is the largest bony fish in the world. It is a unique pelagic fish, and specimens of ocean sunfish have been observed up to 11 ft in length and weighing up to 5,100 lb. Curiously, the Ocean Sunfish has a very small brain compared to its size: A 200 kg specimen may have a brain the size of a nut weighing only 4 g. It would explain their quiet behaviour and how often they get trapped into fisher nets.
More.
Colossal Squid Caught off Antarctica
February 26, 2007 - 8:30am
In Antarctica's Ross Sea, a fishing boat has caught what is likely the world's biggest known colossal squid (yes, that's the species' name), New Zealand officials announced today. The new specimen weighs in at an estimated 990 pounds. he deep-sea species was first discovered in 1925, though the only evidence was two tentacles found in a sperm whale's stomach. The new specimen is likely the first intact male ever recovered. More.
Volcanic Eruption on Jupiter's Moon
February 13, 2007 - 1:30pm
What's happening on Jupiter's moon Io? Two sulfurous eruptions are visible on Jupiter's volcanic moon Io in this color composite image from the robotic Galileo spacecraft that orbited Jupiter from 1995 to 2003.
What if the Glaciers Melted?
January 24, 2007 - 9:33pm
What would Manhattan look like if sea levels continue to rise? Photo illustration by John Blackford; original photograph by Cameron Davidson.
Dolphins Come Close to Long Island
January 12, 2007 - 12:30pm
Usually at home in deep waters some 80 miles off the tip of Long Island, the dolphins were first seen here earlier this week feeding and playing off Cedar Point Park. Observers estimate there may be between 40 and 75 dolphins. The group was seen in the shallow waters of Sag Harbor on Wednesday before returning to Northwest Harbor Thursday.
Space Shuttle Lifts Off!
January 4, 2007 - 1:11pm
This is a great picture of the recent NASA space shuttle launch on December 04, 2006.
