Have you ever watched a flock of birds fly, turn, and dive in what seems like perfect unison? You might look at this and assume that a lead bird is determining the directions of the flock, or that they are collectively responding to small changes in the wind. All of those are … [Read more...] about How do massive flocks of starlings fly in perfect unison?
Physics
Turns out there are ice volcanoes on Pluto. Here’s how they work
We learn more fascinating and otherworldly things about our universe the farther out into space we explore. Some of our discoveries bend our understanding of science, and some completely baffle us. This is the case now that scientists have confirmed that there are, in fact, ice … [Read more...] about Turns out there are ice volcanoes on Pluto. Here’s how they work
How many worlds exist outside our solar system?
Exoplanets are worlds just like our own that are revolving around a star. Here at The Optimist Daily, we’ve commonly reported on the discovery of new exoplanets, like the first time an exoplanet has been spotted outside our galaxy, or this peculiar planet with the shortest orbit … [Read more...] about How many worlds exist outside our solar system?
Cracking the case of super-hot hydrogen in galaxies
Galaxies don't like to be alone. These huge swirls of stars, dust, and dark matter gravitate together in their thousands to form clusters, offering wonder and puzzlement to us humans watching them. The mystery of the super-hot hydrogen As with many aspects of our awe-inspiring … [Read more...] about Cracking the case of super-hot hydrogen in galaxies
‘Strange metal’ may be the future for a more energy efficient world
Strange metal behavior was first noticed around 30 years ago. These materials are composed of copper-oxides and carry the properties of being high-temperature superconductors. This means they can transfer electricity very efficiently, withstanding much higher temperatures with … [Read more...] about ‘Strange metal’ may be the future for a more energy efficient world