Earth is one big spinning mystery in a constant state of change. With more than 4.5 billion years of history locked inside a ball of molten rock and iron, our planet is made up of a vast array of geological wonders, carved by the oceans, shaped by the shifting plates beneath our feet and sculpted by weather across the surface.
—50 interesting facts about Earth
—The deadliest natural disasters in history
—25 weirdest things on Google Earth
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Editor's Picks
The 165-year reign of oil is coming to an end. But will we ever be able to live without it?Like whale blubber, oil as a dominant source of energy will gradually be phased out over the next decades. Here's what that transition may look like.
Will we ever be able to stop using plastic?While the push to reduce carbon dioxide emissions is spurring alternatives to petroleum in other sectors, phasing out plastic, particularly for medical applications, will be very tough.
How much oil is left and will we ever run out?We may never run out of oil, though known reserves are expected to last for about 50 years, current estimates suggest.
Latest about Planet Earth
Arctic 'zombie fires' rising from the dead could unleash vicious cycle of warmingBySebastian Wieczorek, Eoin O'Sullivan, Kieran Mulchrone published 7 June 24Zombie fires that burn underground over winter may be a case of climate change-driven spontaneous combustion, new research reveals.
Climate Change
Blood Falls: Antarctica's crimson waterfall forged from an ancient hidden heartBySascha Pare published 7 June 24Iron-rich waters buried beneath Taylor Glacier in East Antarctica are sporadically released in what looks like a bloody mess — but the so-called Blood Falls aren't as gruesome as they first appear and sound.
Antarctica
Giant viruses discovered living in Greenland's dark ice and red snowByPatrick Pester published 7 June 24The giant viruses might infect algae that are increasing Greenland's ice melt. These viruses could help kill off the damaging algal blooms, helping to reduce some of the impacts of climate change.
Planet Earth
Rare-earth elements could be hidden inside coal minesByStephanie Pappas published 6 June 24Rare earth elements are necessary for modern technology, including green energy, but they only come from a few sources around the globe. New research has discovered them hiding in coal mines in the U.S.
Planet Earth
100-foot 'walking tree' in New Zealand looks like an Ent from Lord of the Rings — and is the lone survivor of a lost forestByHarry Baker published 5 June 24An unusual northern rātā tree that looks like it is striding across an empty field has been crowned New Zealand's Tree of the Year. The giant plant, which looks strikingly similar to an Ent from "The Lord of the Rings," is centuries old.
Plants
Earth from space: Shapeshifting rusty river winds through Madagascar's 'red lands'ByHarry Baker published 3 June 24This 2018 astronaut photo shows the rust-colored waters of Madagascar's Betsiboka River winding through a complex series of mangrove islands. Both the river and islands have been altered in recent years by destructive human practices.
Cutting pollution from the shipping industry accidentally increased global warming, study suggestsByBen Turner published 31 May 24A reduction in sulfur dioxide emissions may have caused "80% of the measured increase in planetary heat uptake since 2020."
Climate Change
The 165-year reign of oil is coming to an end. But will we ever be able to live without it?ByHannah Osborne published 31 May 24Like whale blubber, oil as a dominant source of energy will gradually be phased out over the next decades. Here's what that transition may look like.
Climate Change
Solar power generated enough heat to power a steel furnaceByPrudence Wade published 31 May 24A new proof-of-concept device trapped solar radiation and used it to heat an object to a blistering 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit (1,000 degrees Celsius), raising hopes that steel furnaces could be powered by solar energy.
Planet Earth
Will we ever be able to stop using plastic?ByHannah Osborne published 31 May 24While the push to reduce carbon dioxide emissions is spurring alternatives to petroleum in other sectors, phasing out plastic, particularly for medical applications, will be very tough.
Planet Earth
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