Scientists found traces of argon (a noble gas) in the Crab Nebula, a supernova remnant in the constellation of Taurus. Noble gases rarely engage in chemical reactions, but in this case it has reacted with hydrogen, forming a molecule called argon hydride. This is the very first time that a noble-gas based molecule has been found in space.
Organic matter has been discovered inside meteor glass created by an impact on Earth almost a million years ago. Although the material is from our planet, the discovery suggests similar samples could have been thrown around space, allowing organics to be transported from one planet to another. The researchers found there are tiny pockets inside the meteor glass containing material such as cellulose and proteins.
Researchers have created a 'Wikipedia' for intellectual property, including millions of scientific articles, inventions and all existing gene patents. The Lens is an open web facility that aims to bring clarity and equality to the contentious issue of patenting. Created by social enterprise Cambia and Queensland University of Technology, users will be able to collect, annotate, edit and share their findings.
Each day a different image or photograph of our fascinating universe is featured, along with a brief explanation written by a professional astronomer.2001 May 18
This stunning image of an iceberg in Greenland was shot by American photographer, Michael Quinn. Greenland is famous for its huge, rippling icebergs, and last year an enormous, 75-square-kilometre one broke off Greenland's Petermann Glacier and floated to Newfoundland in pieces.
Congratulations, China!
Chang’e-3 and the lunar rover Yutu (Jade Rabbit) landed on the lunar surface on December 14 at about 1:11 pm UTC. This is the first successful landing on the moon by any spacecraft in more than 30 years.
