2001
Where LightningStrikes
Dec. 5, 2001
New maps from orbiting sensors that can detect flashes of Lightningeven during the daytime reveal where on Earth the powerful bolts will most likely strike.
A Supernova Sheds Light on Dark Energy
April 3, 2001
A discovery by astronomers using the Hubble Space Telescope supports the notion that the Universe is filled with a mysterious form of energy pushing galaxies apart at an ever-increasing rate.
Bizarre Boiling
Sept. 7, 2001
Watching liquids boil in low gravity is an out-of-this-world experience. The strangely turbulent liquids have plenty of entertainment value, and they're teaching scientists some important Physicslessons, too.
Dashing through the Snows of Io
Oct. 15, 2001
Today, NASA's Galileo spacecraft is heading for its closest-ever flyby of Jupiter's moon Io -- an alien world where fiery volcanoes belch sulfurous snow.
Global Warming on Mars
Feb. 9, 2001
Artificial greenhouse gases that are bad news on Earth could provide the means to make Mars a more comfortable place for humans to live.
Floating Fertility
Nov. 21, 2001
Researchers have found that gravity -- either too much or too little of it -- affects the behavior of sperm in puzzling ways.
A Disco Ball in Space
Oct. 9, 2001
Students and scientists are teaming up for a far-out experiment to monitor the outer reaches of Earth's atmosphere.
Space Bones
Oct. 1, 2001
Weightlessness sure looks like a lot of fun, but prolonged exposure of Astronautsto zero-G can have some negative side effects -- like the weakening of human bones!
'tis the Season for Auroras
Oct. 26, 2001
Lately, sky watchers have been enjoying plenty of Northern Lights. Indeed, say researchers, autumn is a good time to spot auroras. But why? Read this story and find out.
After Three Strikes, Is La Nina Out?
March 6, 2001
La Nina-like conditions that have persisted in the Pacific Ocean for three years might finally subside this Fall.