Earth atmosphere blocks astronomical X-rays water shielding

Earth's atmosphere is a shield against cosmic X-rays

X-rays from space are absorbed high in Earth's atmosphere, long before they can reach the ground. This protects life from much of the universe's high-energy radiation, but it also hides X-ray sources from ordinary observatories. To observe black holes, neutron stars and other X-ray-emitting objects, astronomers must send their detectors above the atmosphere.

Repeated word parts exposed Linear B’s grammar

Alice Kober noticed that words in the ancient script Linear B shared recurring beginnings and endings. Signs between them seemed to bridge the parts. She used these patterns to infer that the language changed word forms to show grammar, even before anyone knew what language it was.

A tsunami can hit a distant coast harder than a nearby one

The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami struck Somalia harder than Bangladesh, even though Bangladesh was much closer to the earthquake. Tsunami waves do not spread evenly: coastlines, underwater geography, and the direction of wave energy all affect where destruction is greatest. Distance alone is a poor measure of safety.

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Earth atmosphere blocks astronomical X-rays water shielding

Earth's atmosphere is a shield against cosmic X-rays

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