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Tom Metcalfe

Tom Metcalfe is a science journalist based in London, where he writes mainly about space, energy, archaeology, Earth, and the oceans. He has written for Scientific American, National Geographic, Live Science, NBC News, BBC News, and others.

A Movie Camera for the Cosmos

The Rubin observatory will allow scientists to see how the cosmos has evolved over time.

September 10, 2024

How to Solve the Drone Traffic Problem

For a clear path, follow the birds.

August 16, 2024

The Moss That Could Terraform Mars

A superhero plant that could thrive on the Red Planet.

July 10, 2024

Bringing Mars to Earth with Music

A new symphony turns the science of the Red Planet into art.

June 20, 2024

The Smartphone of the Middle Ages

An accident of lighting uncovers Jewish, European, and Islamic origins.

May 31, 2024

A Cosmic Glitch in Gravity

Is gravity weaker over distances of billions of light-years?

May 15, 2024

Nine Rebel Astronomy Theories That Went Dark

Bright ideas from astronomy’s biggest stars haven’t always worked out.

April 17, 2024

Could Modified Gravity Kill Planet Nine?

A controversial theory can explain phenomena attributed to the mystery planet.

February 27, 2024

How Did Life Begin?

By imitating early conditions of Earth in the lab, scientists gain new insight into the origin of life.

February 2, 2024