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Earth

Aurora Borealis, also known as the Northern Lights, putting a show on dancing over Loch Glascarnoch, by Garve, in the Highlands

Northern Lights to be visible from parts of UK tonight

Aurora Borealis, also known as the Northern Lights, putting a show on dancing over Loch Glascarnoch, by Garve, in the Highlands
Aurora Borealis, also known as the Northern Lights, putting a show on dancing over Loch Glascarnoch, by Garve, in the Highlands

Northern Lights set to dazzle Scotland again

Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, Uranus, Mars and the Moon aligned in the night sky earlier this week (Adobe Stock)
Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, Uranus, Mars and the Moon aligned in the night sky earlier this week (Adobe Stock)

Horoscopes: what planets alignment could mean for your star sign

John Lewis has always been staff-owned but that brilliant model is now under threat (Picture: Sean Dempsey/PA)
John Lewis has always been staff-owned but that brilliant model is now under threat (Picture: Sean Dempsey/PA)

A department store with a soul? John Lewis must never close – Aidan Smith

A building-sized asteroid will fly closer to Earth than the moon on Saturday. Astronomers first spotted the space rock on 27 February and have been tracking its potential risk of impacting Earth.
A building-sized asteroid will fly closer to Earth than the moon on Saturday. Astronomers first spotted the space rock on 27 February and have been tracking its potential risk of impacting Earth.

‘Dangerous’ asteroid will come closer to Earth than the moon soon

Undated handout image issued by Nature Communications journal of a conceptual image for sampling materials containing uracil and vitamin B3 on the asteroid Ryugu by the Hayabusa2 spacecraft. Uracil, a key molecule found in all living organisms, has been detected in a near-Earth asteroid. Issue date: Tuesday March 21, 2023.
Undated handout image issued by Nature Communications journal of a conceptual image for sampling materials containing uracil and vitamin B3 on the asteroid Ryugu by the Hayabusa2 spacecraft. Uracil, a key molecule found in all living organisms, has been detected in a near-Earth asteroid. Issue date: Tuesday March 21, 2023.

Key molecule found in all living beings detected in near-Earth asteroid

“An understanding of the natural world is a source of not only great curiosity, but great fulfilment.”
“An understanding of the natural world is a source of not only great curiosity, but great fulfilment.”

Best of David Attenborough: 28 epic quotes in honour of his new 2023 series

Beltane is said to refer to the Celtic sun god, Belenus, and ancient Celts would light two bonfires on this day (May 1) as it was said to increase their fertility and encourage their crops to grow. It was said this date was chosen as it marks the midway point between the Vernal (Spring) equinox and summer solstice. Many other traditions on May 1 have been observed in Scotland for centuries, such as young girls who would rise early that day to wash their faces in the May dew as it was said to offer them good luck.
Beltane is said to refer to the Celtic sun god, Belenus, and ancient Celts would light two bonfires on this day (May 1) as it was said to increase their fertility and encourage their crops to grow. It was said this date was chosen as it marks the midway point between the Vernal (Spring) equinox and summer solstice. Many other traditions on May 1 have been observed in Scotland for centuries, such as young girls who would rise early that day to wash their faces in the May dew as it was said to offer them good luck.

Spring in Scotland: 9 ancient traditions and Celtic customs of Scottish Spring

The Earth is so large that it distorts spacetime (Picture: Nasa/Newsmakers via Getty Images)
The Earth is so large that it distorts spacetime (Picture: Nasa/Newsmakers via Getty Images)

How 19th-century science could help measure Earth's effect on spacetime

The Thames Path 2040, by artist Alex Fefegha, is one of a series of AI-generated images looking at the urban landscape in a future where heavy rainfall will lead to flooding on -- part of a project with the New Real Observatory, a creative platform combining raw satellite data and climate modelling with AI processing engines which is run in a partnership between the University of Edinburgh, Alan Turing Institute and Edinburgh’s festivals .
The Thames Path 2040, by artist Alex Fefegha, is one of a series of AI-generated images looking at the urban landscape in a future where heavy rainfall will lead to flooding on -- part of a project with the New Real Observatory, a creative platform combining raw satellite data and climate modelling with AI processing engines which is run in a partnership between the University of Edinburgh, Alan Turing Institute and Edinburgh’s festivals .

Is AI a danger to human life or are ‘thinking’ machines man’s best friend?

Japan's space agency intentionally destroyed the H3 rocket moments into its launch Tuesday after the ignition for the second stage of the country's first new rocket series in more than two decades failed. (Kyodo News via AP)
Japan's space agency intentionally destroyed the H3 rocket moments into its launch Tuesday after the ignition for the second stage of the country's first new rocket series in more than two decades failed. (Kyodo News via AP)

Japan’s space agency forced to destroy H3 rocket after failed launch

Native species extinction threat as Attenborough films ‘last’ show

Aurora Borealis, Northern lights. Mumemories - stock.adobe.com
Aurora Borealis, Northern lights. Mumemories - stock.adobe.com

Aurora Borealis: Why 2023 is a good year to see Northern Lights

The aurora borealis is one of the most spectacular sights you can experience in the skies over Scotland.
The aurora borealis is one of the most spectacular sights you can experience in the skies over Scotland.

10 of the best places to see the Northern Lights in Scotland

The aurora borealis is one of the most spectacular sights you can experience in the skies over Scotland.
The aurora borealis is one of the most spectacular sights you can experience in the skies over Scotland.

Experts predict aurora borealis could be visible in Scottish skies on Monday

March 2023 stargazing guide: When is the next supermoon

Wild Thang, a 3-year old Pekingese, is shown before the start of the World's Ugliest Dog Competition in 2019.
Wild Thang, a 3-year old Pekingese, is shown before the start of the World's Ugliest Dog Competition in 2019.

16 pictures of adorable dogs from the World’s Ugliest Dog Competition

Stock image of a meteoroid
Stock image of a meteoroid

See footage of small asteroid lighting up sky above English Channel

Locals in Jandaris (Syria) rescue an injured girl from the debris of a building destroyed by a major earthquake.
Locals in Jandaris (Syria) rescue an injured girl from the debris of a building destroyed by a major earthquake.

What is an Earthquake and how is it caused? Turkey Earthquake death count rising

Viewed from afar, humanity's efforts to address climate change appear to be a sign of collective insanity (Picture: Nasa/Newsmakers via Getty Images)
Viewed from afar, humanity's efforts to address climate change appear to be a sign of collective insanity (Picture: Nasa/Newsmakers via Getty Images)

Intelligent aliens would be aghast at humans' stupidity over climate change

A wild Scots pine killed by competition with planted conifers (Picture: Trees For Life/SWNS)
A wild Scots pine killed by competition with planted conifers (Picture: Trees For Life/SWNS)

Humanity is reshaping planet Earth as never before – Scotsman comment

C/2022 E3 (ZTF), a rare green comet, last seen around 50,000 years ago, is due to make its closest pass by Earth.
C/2022 E3 (ZTF), a rare green comet, last seen around 50,000 years ago, is due to make its closest pass by Earth.

Rare green comet last seen 50,000 years ago due to make closest pass by Earth

Graphic issued by Nasa of the Orbital diagram from CNEO's close approach viewer showing BU's trajectory - in red - during its close approach with Earth. Then asteroid will pass about 10 times closer to Earth than the orbit of geosynchronous satellites, shown in green line. An asteroid the size of a small truck will pass by Earth tonight, making one of the closest approaches to the planet ever recorded.
Graphic issued by Nasa of the Orbital diagram from CNEO's close approach viewer showing BU's trajectory - in red - during its close approach with Earth. Then asteroid will pass about 10 times closer to Earth than the orbit of geosynchronous satellites, shown in green line. An asteroid the size of a small truck will pass by Earth tonight, making one of the closest approaches to the planet ever recorded.

Asteroid to pass Earth in one of closest approaches ever recorded

A Nasa image of the Orbital diagram from CNEO's close approach viewer showing BU's trajectory - in red - during its close approach with Earth. Picture: NASA/JPL-Caltech/PA Wire
A Nasa image of the Orbital diagram from CNEO's close approach viewer showing BU's trajectory - in red - during its close approach with Earth. Picture: NASA/JPL-Caltech/PA Wire

Asteroid to pass Earth in one of closest approaches ever recorded

Near miss: NASA says Earth set for ‘close encounter’ with asteroid

Here are the 10 biggest countries in the world in terms of land mass according to the World Economic Forum.
Here are the 10 biggest countries in the world in terms of land mass according to the World Economic Forum.

What is the biggest country in the world? Top 10 biggest countries worldwide

Earth’s inner core may have started spinning in a new direction, accord to scientists.
Earth’s inner core may have started spinning in a new direction, accord to scientists.

Earth’s inner core may have started spinning in a new direction

Alireza Akbari’s has been executed in Iran.
Alireza Akbari’s has been executed in Iran.

British man executed in Iran after being accused of spying for MI6

An image of newly discovered TOI 700 e Earth-sized planet
An image of newly discovered TOI 700 e Earth-sized planet

Nasa finds two new Earth-sized planets in ‘habitable zone’

Full night sky calendar for January 2023

Europe had a record-breaking summer of soaring temperatures, heatwaves and drought, and its second hottest year on record in 2022, new data show.
Europe had a record-breaking summer of soaring temperatures, heatwaves and drought, and its second hottest year on record in 2022, new data show.

Europe saw hottest summer and second hottest year on record in 2022 – report

Stargazers stunned as huge meteor hurtles through the sky

Virgin Orbit’s Cosmic Girl will be the first orbital launch from the UK (Photo: Getty Images)
Virgin Orbit’s Cosmic Girl will be the first orbital launch from the UK (Photo: Getty Images)

Virgin Orbit Space Launch: UK rocket launching over Atlantic tonight

Andy Russell, MD of Bureau, a market leading workspace solutions and furniture consultancy operating.
Andy Russell, MD of Bureau, a market leading workspace solutions and furniture consultancy operating.

Put business sustainability first - Andy Russell

The full moon rises behind Edinburgh Castle.
The full moon rises behind Edinburgh Castle.

Wolf Moon 2023: What is a Wolf Moon? When will it peak? List of full moons 2023

Photosynthesis ultimately powers almost all life on Earth - now Professor Erik Gauger asks if it could inspire engineered solutions for the sustainable generation of energy. PIC: Contribution.
Photosynthesis ultimately powers almost all life on Earth - now Professor Erik Gauger asks if it could inspire engineered solutions for the sustainable generation of energy. PIC: Contribution.

It powers most of life on earth so could it also give us greener energy?

The skies will be hopefully as clear as this for any celestial events in 2023
The skies will be hopefully as clear as this for any celestial events in 2023

Celestial events 2023 - meteor showers, full moons and lunar eclipses

Nasa's Artemis I Space Launch System rocket, with the Orion capsule attached, launches on November 16 at Cape Canaveral, Florida.
Nasa's Artemis I Space Launch System rocket, with the Orion capsule attached, launches on November 16 at Cape Canaveral, Florida.

The sky’s the limit for Graduate Apprenticeships - Prof Gillian Murray

Simple things, like a dog wearing a coat, can raise a smile and brighten your day (Picture: Emmanuel Dunand/AFP via Getty Images)
Simple things, like a dog wearing a coat, can raise a smile and brighten your day (Picture: Emmanuel Dunand/AFP via Getty Images)

How I learned to cherish the small, joyful things in life – Laura Waddell

How to watch The Letter: A Message For Our Earth featuring the Pope

Wondering when winter starts in 2022? It may surprise you to know there are actually two dates.
Wondering when winter starts in 2022? It may surprise you to know there are actually two dates.

When does Winter start UK 2022 and when is the shortest day of the year?

Vaccination is a life-saving medical miracle (Picture: Lesley Martin/pool/Getty images)
Vaccination is a life-saving medical miracle (Picture: Lesley Martin/pool/Getty images)

Scotland may be resistant to 'anti-vaxxers' but we cannot be complacent

The Tokai-to-Kamioka (T2K) experiment in Japan uses the most sensitive neutrino detector on Earth (Picture: Kamioka Observatory, ICRR, The University of Tokyo.
The Tokai-to-Kamioka (T2K) experiment in Japan uses the most sensitive neutrino detector on Earth (Picture: Kamioka Observatory, ICRR, The University of Tokyo.

Why 2023 could be a big year for understanding the creation of the universe

Stunning meteor shower captured over King Charles III stately home

If Mars is 'Planet B', then the future for humanity looks bleak (Picture: Nasa/Getty Images)
If Mars is 'Planet B', then the future for humanity looks bleak (Picture: Nasa/Getty Images)

We must embrace nature-friendly farming to save Earth from 'Age of Loneliness'

It is 50 years to the day since US astronaut Gene Cernan became the last person to set foot on the moon (Picture: AFP via Getty)
It is 50 years to the day since US astronaut Gene Cernan became the last person to set foot on the moon (Picture: AFP via Getty)

Fifty years after the last astronaut landed on the moon, we must go back

You won’t need binoculars to see the Geminids - they can be seen clearly with the naked eye.
You won’t need binoculars to see the Geminids - they can be seen clearly with the naked eye.

Geminid meteor shower 2022 UK: How to see it

Alien bugs could be living deep underground on Mars, according to new research. The Red Planet is volcanically active, suggesting the right ingredients for present-day microbial life.
Alien bugs could be living deep underground on Mars, according to new research. The Red Planet is volcanically active, suggesting the right ingredients for present-day microbial life.

‘Alien bugs’ could be living deep underground on Mars, study finds

The use of heavy farm vehicles is compacting the soil, so that water flashes off rather than soaking in (Picture: Sean Gallup/Getty Images)
The use of heavy farm vehicles is compacting the soil, so that water flashes off rather than soaking in (Picture: Sean Gallup/Getty Images)

Industrial farming is threatening humanity’s ability to feed itself

Laura Paterson who runs eco-friendly candle and gifts business Earth, Mother & Soul in Glasgow is celebrating Small Business Saturday.
Laura Paterson who runs eco-friendly candle and gifts business Earth, Mother & Soul in Glasgow is celebrating Small Business Saturday.

Small Business Saturday 'most crucial ever' as firms battle soaring costs

The creation of a fully realised 'digital Earth' could do much more than just tell people the weather, like this one at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (Picture: Mohd Rasfan/AFP via Getty Images)
The creation of a fully realised 'digital Earth' could do much more than just tell people the weather, like this one at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (Picture: Mohd Rasfan/AFP via Getty Images)

Creation of 'digital Earth', an internet replica, is now possible – Marian Scott

Orion sends image of Moon and the Earth to celebrate halfway point

The earth’s largest active volcano, Mauna Loa, erupts over the weekend

Liat Segal & Dr. Yasmine Meroz's artwork being unveiled on the ISS where microgravity allows the water to stick to the metal frame in large globules
Liat Segal & Dr. Yasmine Meroz's artwork being unveiled on the ISS where microgravity allows the water to stick to the metal frame in large globules

Impossible Object: art and space combine in unique zero gravity work

The northern lights over Villingaholtskirkja Church on the south coast of Iceland. Picture date: Sunday November 27, 2022. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire
The northern lights over Villingaholtskirkja Church on the south coast of Iceland. Picture date: Sunday November 27, 2022. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire

12 stunning pictures of the Northern Lights

The cast of Benidorm won Most Popular Comedy Programme award at the NTAs in 2011.
The cast of Benidorm won Most Popular Comedy Programme award at the NTAs in 2011.

Is Benidorm coming back? Writer teases new series of ITV show

The Scotsman Top Stories

The deposit return scheme (DRS) could be paused by Humza Yousaf. Picture: PA
The deposit return scheme (DRS) could be paused by Humza Yousaf. Picture: PA

Humza Yousaf considering pausing deposit return scheme

New First Minister Humza Yousaf. Picture: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire
New First Minister Humza Yousaf. Picture: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire

Analysis: Pity the poor schoolkids forced to stay and watch this FMQs

The standards committee has ruled against former SNP MP Margaret Ferrier. Picture: PA
The standards committee has ruled against former SNP MP Margaret Ferrier. Picture: PA

Yousaf backs Scottish by-election to replace MP Margaret Ferrier