You could probably argue that the mind of the architect has never dreamed up a style of building quite as romantic as the Gothic fortress. There is something about its points and precision - sharp turrets pointing towards the heavens, a room at the top perfect for a trapped princess or a fairytale character in some curious peril - that sings across the centuries. What, after all, is the Cinderella Castle - the fibreglass fantasy which adorns Disney theme parks across the planet - but a modern evocation of this grand design?
Skywatchers around much of the world watched a complete lunar eclipse in 2018 that is the longest of this century which coincides with Mars’ closest approach in 15 years. The so-called “blood moon,” when it turns a deep red, was visible at different times in Australia, Africa, Asia, Europe and South America when the sun, Earth and moon line up perfectly, casting Earth’s shadow on the moon. The total eclipse lasts 1 hour and 43 minutes, with the entire event lasting closer to four hours. For about half the world, the moon will be partly or fully in Earth’s shadow for six hours and 14 minutes in all. The only total lunar eclipse of 2019 took place on Saturday, January 20, 2019 according to NASA.
Architect Zaha Hadid captured the world's attention and shattered glass ceilings (in addition to designing some) by becoming the first woman to win the Pritzker Architecture Prize in 2004. She was also the first woman awarded the Royal Gold Medal by the Royal Institute of British Architects. Initially dubbed the “paper architect”, Dame Zaha Hadid’s plans were once perceived to be unbuildable. She died in London at the age of 65 of a heart attack in March of 2016.
Mysterious signals have been picked up from distant galaxies. When fast radio bursts or FRBs, as they are called, reach Earth's telescopes they shine brightly for a few milliseconds, then disappear. Astronomers have detected dozens over the past decade, and have just announced they've found more of them, including a rare repeating signal. We don't know exactly what they are or where they're from, but here are several theories.
