by Editor’s note: A version of this story appeared in CNN’s Wonder Theory science newsletter. To receive it in your inbox, Register for free here.
Dinosaurs are all around us, figuratively and literally.
Most of these diverse creatures went extinct 66 million years ago, but the ancient ancestors of modern birds are embedded in the fabric of both scientific intrigue and pop culture.
Colorful dinosaurs cavort in animated shows, and their more realistic counterparts in “Jurassic Park” offer a menacing “what-if” look at life alongside the enormous reptiles.
Each year, paleontologists discover dozens of previously unknown dinosaur species, enriching the view of what the world was like before humans set foot on it.
Scientists don’t always get it right the first time when they try to imagine long-extinct creatures by reconstructing their bones.
But let’s imagine living in a time (only 200 years ago) when the existence of dinosaurs was not common knowledge.
Dino-mite!
When huge fossilized bones were found protruding from slate quarries in Oxfordshire, England, in the late 17th century, people thought they were once part of a Roman war elephant. The concept of a dinosaur, and even the word dinosaur, were centuries away from entering the public imagination.
But William Buckland, Oxford University’s first professor of geology, changed all that in 1824 when he named the first known dinosaur: Megalosaurus.
Initial illustrations of the giant reptile were not entirely accurate, but Buckland’s discovery was the beginning. of a new scientific field that continues to grow today.
Paleontologists believe that only a fraction of the dinosaur fossils that once roamed the world have been found, meaning that thousands or millions more species may be waiting to be discovered.
unearthed
Authorities have relocated a power plant facility near Rome after workers discovered an ancient necropolis.
Archaeologists found 67 skeletons, many adorned with gold jewelry, that had been buried surrounded by precious objects inside elaborate tombs designed to look like their homes.
“We found several skeletons still wearing their expensive stockings and shoes,” said Emanuele Giannini, lead archaeologist for the excavation at the site. “All these riches, and the fact that the bones show no signs of stress or physical work, (leads us to believe) were not local farmers, but members of the upper class of Roman families from the cities.”
Many of the tombs were built for those who shared a family connection, and some skeletons were found wrapped around each other.
Defying gravity
The race to the Moon has intensified in recent years, and now the Japanese spacecraft will soon attempt to demonstrate “precise” landing technology. The SLIM lander, also known as “Moon Sniper,” is scheduled to land on the lunar surface on January 19.
And after a long wait, some of the most anticipated space missions are preparing to take off in the fall of 2024.
NASA’s Europa Clipper will set off in October to see if Jupiter’s icy moon Europa has what it takes to support life in its subterranean ocean.
In November, the Artemis II mission is expected to send four astronauts on a trip around the moon. If the lunar venture is successful, it will pave the way for NASA and its partners to launch Artemis III, returning humans to the moon’s surface for the first time since 1972.
The night sky
Get ready to see a sky full of celestial wonders this year.
In addition to meteor showers and full moons, there will be multiple types of lunar and solar eclipses visible from different points around the world.
One of the most anticipated is the total solar eclipse that will cross Mexico, the United States and Canada on April 8.
And keep an eye out for the northern and southern lights in unexpected places as the sun’s activity warms up before reaching solar maximum later this year.
Curiosities
A “living skin” protects the Great Wall of China against deterioration and erosion.
Scientists studied rammed earth parts of the iconic monument. The builders made these sections by compressing natural materials with earth, and they have been considered a weak point of the structure.
Instead, the researchers found that protective biocrusts, or networks of small rootless plants and microorganisms, cover the soil surface. By studying samples, scientists determined that portions covered in biocrust are three times stronger than sections of rammed earth without it.
“They thought this type of vegetation was destroying the Great Wall. Our results show the opposite,” said Bo Xiao, professor of soil sciences at China Agricultural University.
Discoveries
Take a closer look at these fascinating reads:
—The Navajo Nation Objection to the landing of human remains on the Moon. prompted a last-minute meeting at the White House.
— To answer the need for clean energy, some experts believe it’s time to build solar farms in space that transmit sunlight to the Earth’s surface, but others say The plan is too far-fetched.
— During expeditions to a remote part of northern Greenland, researchers discovered fossils of previously unknown predatory worms called “terror beasts” that ruled the seas 500 million years ago.
— Newly processed versions of Voyager 2 images show the true hues of Neptune and Uranus, revealing that the two worlds are more similar in color than previously believed.
Do you like what you have read? Ah, but there is more. sign up here to receive the next edition of Wonder Theory, brought to you by CNN Space and Science writers, delivered to your inbox Ashley Strickland and katie hunt. They find wonders on planets beyond our solar system and discoveries from the ancient world.
For more CNN news and newsletters, create an account at CNN.com
