PHOTOGRAPH BY KEYSTONE-FRANCE/GAMMA-RAPHO/GETTY IMAGES
Imagine a window seat on a supersonic jetliner, racing against the sun in a one-of-a-kind scientific effort to extend the viewing of a total eclipse.
Fifty years ago today, at 58,000 feet, an experimental version of the luxury Concorde (shown above) flew at twice the speed of sound to give astounded scientists 74 minutes of total eclipse. What was it like? Will there really be another shot to do this next year?
ILLUSTRATION BY MARK GARLICK, SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Colossal gravitational waves: A new discovery may yield clues about the origins of space. Scientists studying rapidly spinning dead stars have found giant ripples of spacetime trillions of miles long. They likely came from merging supermassive black holes (illustrated above).
PHOTOGRAPH BY CHANG W. LEE, THE NEW YORK TIMES/REDUX
A valuable stunt: What did funding from the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge deliver to the world? On World Social Media Day, it’s worth noting that the social craze nine summers ago resulted in funding for new gene discoveries, more treatment options, and improved care. Researchers say they’re closer than ever to finding a cure for the fatal disease.
Would you eat this banana? Yes, it’s orange-ish. But this experimental banana (above left) was developed for a reason—it contains extra vitamin A. Lack of that vitamin is the leading cause of preventable blindness in children in places like Uganda and it auses many other ailments.
Today’s soundtrack: Ella Baila Sola, Eslabón Armado and Peso Pluma Happy Friday! This newsletter has been curated and edited by Jen Tse, Hannah Farrow, and David Beard. Have a story idea for us? Email david.beard@natgeo.com to let us know. Thanks for reading!
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