What are your chances of a white Christmas this year?

Dreaming of a white Christmas? Here’s a map depicting which places in the US have the best chance of being snowy on Christmas Day 2020. Source: https://earthsky.org/earth/chances-of-white-christmas-us-2020…

Sluggish start for Arctic sea ice freeze-up

Early ice retreat amid warm Arctic air temperatures set the stage for the slow refreeze in 2020. Source: https://earthsky.org/earth/sluggish-start-for-arctic-sea-ice-freeze-up-2020…

Spectacular! Moon and Venus before sunrise

Over these next few days – December 11, 12 and 13, 2090 – watch for the waning crescent moon to pass by the dazzling planet Venus. Source: https://earthsky.org/tonight/spectacular-moon-and-venus-before-sunrise…

South American total solar eclipse December 14

The new moon moves smack-dab in front of the sun on December 14, 2020, to present this year’s one and only total eclipse of the sun. Source: https://earthsky.org/astronomy-essentials/south-american-total-solar-eclipse-december-14…

For 3rd data release, Gaia gazed toward galactic anticenter

The 3rd data release from the Gaia mission will provide astronomers with a “treasure trove” of information they didn’t have before. As they analyze Gaia’s data in the years ahead, we’re sure to learn new and surprising things about our home galaxy, the Milky Way. Source: https://earthsky.org/space/gaia-3rd-data-release-edr3-dec-2020…

The World’s First DNA ‘Tricorder’ In Your Pocket

Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) scientists developed the world’s first mobile genome sequence analyzer, a new iPhone app called iGenomics. By pairing an iPhone with a handheld DNA sequencer, users can create a mobile genetics laboratory, reminiscent of the “tricorder” featured in Star Trek. Phys.Org reports: The iGenomics app runs entirely on the iOS device, reducing the need for laptops or…

Third Monolith Reappears, Fourth and Fifth Monoliths Discovered

“People taking a stroll on Sunday morning stumbled upon another mysterious monolith,” reports Insider.com. “This one was found in a northern province of the Netherlands.”
The monolith was covered in ice and surrounded by a small pool of water, according to local reports. The hikers told the Dutch paper Algemeen Dagblad that they’re not sure how the monolith got there. They said…