Science

Europe to face shortage of domestic rocket launchers by 2030 — ESA chief

The ESA has asked European launch vehicle developers to come back "in the coming months with estimates of what it could cost to expand their programs," Josef Aschbacher said

How to feel optimistic in the face of crisis? Ask the kids fighting slug-like aliens | Alexander Hurst

The Animorphs books taught my generation about digging deep in the face of an existential threat. We need that spirit now more than ever Recently I found myself thinking about slug-like aliens that crawl through people’s ears and into…

The EU’s answer to Starlink moves one step closer to launch

Rising geopolitcal volatility and conflicts such as the Russia-Ukraine and Middle East war have made it crucial for Europe to invest heavily in its own home-grown satellite network.

Firefighters battle wildfire in eastern Spain's Castellón

More than 300 firefighters and 21 aircraft are battling a wildfire in Tírig, eastern Spain, which has burned 810 hectares since breaking out on Friday.

Mosquitoes have favourites — and each species has its own

Different mosquito species prefer different people. Understanding what makes some people “mosquitoe magnets” could help scientists develop new ways to combat mosquito-borne diseases.

World’s largest solar telescope reveals plasma vortices across the Sun

Austin homeowner pays $3,000 to trim trees after insurance warning

Texas homeowners are increasingly finding that insurance companies are using aerial images of their properties to assess risks and decide whether to renew policies. Insurers use satellite, aircraft and third-party imagery, with some…

Drought and heat fuel wildfire that forced 200 to evacuate near Italy's Lake Garda

Firefighters are still monitoring the Tignale area on Monday after dry conditions and high winds drove a blaze that burned 50 hectares of forest.

Roman shipwreck with 500 amphorae found off coast of Sicily

Discovery of 2,100-year-old vessel hailed as ‘one of the most important underwater archaeological discoveries of recent years’ A 2,100-year-old Roman shipwreck carrying about 500 amphorae has been discovered 3 miles off the coast of Mazara…

Portugal’s solar eclipse comes with decidedly earthly complication

As thousands in Portugal look forward to Wednesday evening’s near-total solar eclipse, electricity grid operator REN has been concentrating on a rather less celestial concern: the temporary loss of solar The post Portugal’s solar eclipse…

June and July hottest on record in Western Europe, monitor says

The Copernicus Climate Change Service says historically low rainfall has worsened the situation in several countries.

Ministry says national park closures conditional on wildfire spread

The Indonesian Ministry of Forestry has ensured that the decision to close visitor access to national parks across the ...