earth

A new world record for a cold temperature has been recorded in east Antarctica at -135.8 degrees. Newly analyzed satellite data show the temperature was reached in August of 2010. This year in July it almost reached that same temperature when the reading dipped to -135.3 degrees.

Two weeks ago, the Earth came close a catastrophe from a nuclear flare from the sun. Massive surges of energy or electromagnetic pulses, known as EMP’s, could have knocked out electrical equipment all over the planet.

It’s called a Super Moon, and it happens on Saturday, June 22 and Sunday June 23. The moon will appear bigger and brighter than any other time during the year. The reason is the moon will closer to Earth than normal. The astronomers' name for it is perigee full moon but the term super moon first came about March 19, 2011, and since it’s has been used a lot.

Research has been done to determine the smell of Earth 1.9 million years ago using tiny fossils from rocks around Lake Superior, Canada.  The fossils of ancient microbes show the discarded leftovers of early meals showing a type of feeding on organic matter was taking place.

Three new planets have been discovered by astronomers that are close to Earth-size and are the right distance from their sun to make the temperature similar to Earth’s. The planets were discovered in what scientists call the ‘habitable zone’ where the surface of the planet isn’t too hot or too cold.

British physicist Stephen Hawking says human life will not survive another 1,000 years on planet Earth. As a guest speaker at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Hawking said future exploration of space is needed if mankind wants to survive. He called Earth a fragile planet and NASA’s role in finding a habitable planet is crucial.

This Friday, an asteroid known as DA 14, will pass very close to Earth, it’s expected to be within the orbit of the moon or 17,200 miles from earth. The moon is roughly 238,000 miles from Earth making DA 14’s is the closest passing of an asteroid ever recorded.