Do we know how long it took the Sun to form?
While there is consensus that our Sun formed about 4.6 billion years ago from a molecular cloud of gas and dust, less has been known about how long the formation of the star…
Why is the world’s largest volcano in the middle of nowhere?
Mauna Loa in Hawaii is the world’s largest active volcano, and its 2022 eruption was the volcano’s 34th since 1843. But why is such a giant volcano located in the middle of the…
Do kangaroos form longterm relationships?
While kangaroos are a very social species, there has until recently been no evidence that they form long-term relationships between individuals. But a new study by researchers from UNSW Sydney indicates that this…
Who owns the Moon?
In 1967, the United Nations adopted the “Outer Space Treaty”, according to which no nation can claim sovereignty over outer space. It also stated that the Moon and other heavenly bodies are to…
What are food colourings made from?
Food colourings can be made from plants, animals or synthetically. As additives they are given identifying numbers, known as ‘E’ numbers in Europe; in Australia we use the same list but omit the…
How well do elephants smell?
“Does the long trunk of an elephant give it an advantage for a sense of smell? Or is it more designed as a tool for other things?” Elephants have an acute sense of…
Is it dangerous to ignite your farts?
READER QUERY: “I have a friend who claims that he has set light to his farts. Can this be done, and is it dangerous?” The gases released during flatulence are indeed flammable. Gut…
Do other planets have solar eclipses?
Do the other Solar System planets also experience total and partial solar eclipses like the ones we witness on Earth? The answer is yes: solar eclipses frequently happen throughout the Solar System. A…
Can a fright really cure hiccups?
READER QUESTION: “When I get hiccups, someone almost always shouts ‘Boo!’. Is there any reason to believe that this helps?” In scientific terms speaking, there is no proof that a fright can cure…
The smell of fresh-cut grass is an attack warning
We love the smell of fresh-cut grass. But in reality what we are smelling is a warning signal being released by plants under attack. The pheromones emitted by freshly-mown grass are known as…
