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Experience the eerie serenity of 100,000 asteroids in orbit
Located at Apache Point Observatory in New Mexico, the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) has collected imaging data for more than 3 million astronomical objects since it began operating in 2000. Created by the US planetary astronomer Alex H Parker using data from the SDSS, this intricate, awe-inspiring visualisation reveals the colours, relative sizes and orbital paths of more than 100,000 asteroids located in our solar system. Learn more about the research behind the visualisation here.
Video by Alex H Parker
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Biology
The key to geckos’ unrivalled climbing skills isn’t sticky feet. It’s subatomic
4 minutes
video
Technology and the self
Greetings from Green Bank – the small town where modern technology is banned
10 minutes
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Human evolution
Far from frivolous, cuteness is a powerful – and still mysterious – force of nature
6 minutes
video
Space exploration
In the search for life, might alien ocean worlds be a better bet than Earth-like planets?
5 minutes
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Thinkers and theories
Is simulation theory a way to shirk responsibility for the world we’ve created?
13 minutes
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Biology
A dazzling slice-by-slice exploration of wood exposes hidden patterns and hues
2 minutes
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Architecture
Modern architecture should embrace – not ignore or repel – the nonhuman world
8 minutes
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Philosophy of mind
We may never settle the ‘free will’ debate, but tapping into it is still worthwhile
32 minutes
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Ecology and environmental sciences
In an ancient English rainforest, John creates charcoal and cultivates growth
12 minutes