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New Scientist. Science news and long reads from expert journalists, covering developments in science, technology, health and the environment on the website and the magazine.

Earth

We know of no other planet like Earth. The Earth sciences, which include geology, hydrology and atmospheric science, have helped us uncover the 4.5-billion-year history of our home. Explore the mysteries of our planet and learn its diverse natural wonders with our expert coverage.
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Earth

Ancient humans may have faced radiation risk 41,000 years ago

A weakening of Earth’s magnetic field known as the Laschamps event would have increased the threat of solar radiation, perhaps requiring ancient humans to invent protective measures

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Diamond with inclusions

Earth

Inside the hunt for unknown minerals in super-deep diamonds

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Earth

Arabia has been green for long spells in the past 8 million years

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Earth

Earth's upper mantle is revealing the deepest effect of human activity

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Dinosaurland Fossil Museum

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New Scientist recommends the esoteric Dinosaurland Fossil Museum

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We now know how much emissions have delayed the next glacial period

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Kids play with a giant snowball

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Do world record snowflakes observed in 1887 stand up to science?

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Volcano in Ethiopia is releasing unusually large plumes of methane

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Volcano in Ethiopia is releasing unusually large plumes of methane

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Welcome to Hawaii's 'plastic beach', one of the world's dirtiest places. Hawaii has long evoked images of a Pacific paradise but Kamilo Beach, located on the Big Island, presents a starkly different reality. Hawaii??s efforts to push back on rampant plastics consumption have been among the boldest in the country. ?? Liz Barney / Guardian / eyevine Contact eyevine for more information about using this image: T: +44 (0) 20 8709 8709 E: info@eyevine.com http://www.eyevine.com

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In millions of years, what could a future civilisation learn about us?

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Mount Etna, located on the east coast of Sicily, Italy, is known as the most active stratovolcano in the world, with regular, ongoing volcanic activity. As of 8 February 2025, a new eruptive phase of Etna has begun. The volcano spewed out ash clouds and a lava flow extending approximately 3 kilometres. As a result of the volcanic activity, parts of the Catania Airport were closed temporarily, although overall airport operations have remained unaffected. This image, acquired by one of the Copernicus Sentinel-2 satellites on 12 February 2025, shows the lava flow descending from the volcano. The Copernicus Sentinel satellites provide essential data on volcanic activity around the globe, providing authorities and researchers with insights into eruptions and their impacts on human activities.

Earth

See Mount Etna's latest lava flow glow on the snow-covered volcano

A river of lava flowing for around 3 kilometres down the volcano has been imaged by one of the Copernicus Sentinel-2 satellites

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Earth

Clever chemistry can make rocks absorb CO2 much more quickly

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We are finally getting to grips with how plate tectonics started

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Earth’s oceans may have been green for billions of years

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Earth wouldn’t have ice caps without eroding rocks and quiet volcanoes

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