Tag Archives: march

March 2026 New Releases: Must-Read Popular Science Books Featuring Rebecca Solnit

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Rebecca Solnit’s New Book Release

Credit: Trent Davis Bailey

March in the Northern Hemisphere signals a perfect opportunity to soak in some vitamin D while dodging those pesky rain showers. Why not unwind at a cozy café with an array of captivating science books waiting for you? This month, dive deep into topics such as how animals have shaped our planet, detecting deception through language, lessons from forest trees, and the revolutionary power of flowers. For those feeling adventurous, consider exploring military AI or engaging in a profound cultural examination of our rapidly changing world. No matter your choice, these reads promise to enrich your intellectual journey.

Have you ever wondered what would happen if women held the reins? Author Megha Mohan draws inspiration from her great-grandmother’s matriarchal society in southern India and uncovers “lessons from environments where women lead.” Explorations of feminism span cultures, from feminist movements in South Korea to revolutionary co-housing projects in Paris and North London. Mohan, a pioneer in global gender reporting, invites readers to visualize collaborative, nurturing societies and challenges traditional structures of power and identity.

Are you maximizing the power of AI? If you’re feeling limited in this technological landscape, picking up Jamie Bartlett’s How to Talk to AI could offer some valuable insights. Drawing from his previous works, Bartlett promises to unpack the cognitive processes behind AI, revealing the best practices to leverage its capabilities. We explore how some individuals effectively integrate AI into their daily tasks while others may struggle with misinformation and mental health challenges.

It’s no exaggeration to say that Find the Mother Tree author, Suzanne Simard, has revolutionized our understanding of tree intelligence and connectivity. A revered forest ecology professor at the University of British Columbia, Simard’s new book, When the Forest Breathes, explores the renewal cycles vital for sustaining forests and safeguarding our planet’s ecosystems. With a background steeped in forestry, her insightful narrative is a testament to sustainable management through personal experience.

Animate by Michael Bond

Michael Bond, a former New Scientist staff member, extends his narrative journey, examining how animals have influenced human thought and culture. From our ancient hunter-gatherer ancestors to Enlightenment thinkers, Bond’s analysis raises profound questions about our identity and role on this planet. What does it mean to be human in a world intertwined with other species?

Can you detect deception or distinguish fact from fiction? Who can you trust in today’s age of misleading deepfakes? Forensic psychologist Kirsty King presents innovative methods for uncovering lies through linguistic analysis. With a keen focus on storytelling and real-life case studies, King offers insights based on forensic linguistics and psychology that promise to intrigue readers.

Tea Tree Featured in David George Haskell’s New Book

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David George Haskell makes a bold claim: without flowers, humans may not exist. In his book, How Flowers Made Our World, he explores the influential role of flora in crafting ecosystems—from sustaining rainforests to maintaining coastlines. Looking ahead, Haskell emphasizes that flowers can teach resilience and creativity amidst rapid environmental changes.

While the utopian visions of Star Trek may seem far-fetched, Rebecca Solnit offers thought-provoking insights into our current political climate in her latest book, The Beginning Comes After the End. As a long-time political thinker, Solnit seeks to inspire hope for change and reminds us of our collective power in altering our future.

What’s not to love about a book dedicated to the wonders of animal reproduction? This upcoming publication promises to explore the quirky science behind how life populates our planet. Written by biology professor Lixing Sun, it offers a captivating glimpse into the bizarre reproductive strategies of species, including female moles and California condors.

Now is a crucial time to delve into Project Maven, by Katrina Manson, which chronicles the U.S. Department of Defense’s initiative to harness AI for military applications. With her background in national security reporting, Manson’s gripping narrative sheds light on a controversial subject, ensuring readers engage with pressing ethical questions.

I Can’t Escape by F. Marina Schaffler

The widespread presence of PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” highlights a pressing environmental crisis. Journalist Marina Schaffler examines this issue through the lens of Maine, showcasing the struggles of various community members confronting PFAS contamination. Her poignant tales resonate beyond the state’s borders, reminding us that these environmental challenges could be occurring near you.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Adrian Tchaikovsky’s New Science Fiction Masterpiece: Best Books of March 2026

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Explore new science fiction releases and in-depth science articles from expert journalists.

Discover the latest science fiction novel by Adrian Tchaikovsky

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March brings exciting new releases for science fiction enthusiasts. This month, we revisit Adrian Tchaikovsky’s acclaimed Children of Time series, featuring a giant mantis shrimp. The narrative even offers a unique retelling of Moby Dick(), set against a cosmic backdrop. Fans of cozy sci-fi mysteries, horror, or thrilling European adventures will find plenty to enjoy!

Emily H. Wilson, a noted science fiction critic, praises Tchaikovsky’s latest work, emphasizing its gripping premise. Set centuries in the future, it follows scientist Alice and Cato, a human-sized mantis shrimp, as they explore a distant planet fraught with danger, in search of their missing crew member.

In a bold reinvention of Moby Dick, our protagonist navigates a post-apocalyptic Earth, relying on “cerebrospinal fluid harvested at great risk from a leviathan-like space creature” for survival. This imaginative twist promises to captivate audiences!

Capturing Moby Dick’s iconic breach in the 1956 adaptation

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Originally published in 1936, this gripping detective novel envisions an alternate 1985 Britain, where a women-only survivor emerges from a toxic pandemic. TV presenter Graham Norton introduces this thought-provoking addition to 20th-century science fiction.

Author Ober, known for his work on the Netflix series OA, narrates the tale of The Thinker. After her home is destroyed by a floating machine named The Construct, she escapes into a void. Six months later, as The Construct approaches, she rallies to confront its threat. The depiction of this mystical void, filled with intriguing landscapes, is captivating.

In a narrative intersecting with Interview with a Vampire and Wolf Company, the story unfolds in 2084, where librarian Christian Cartwright safeguards humanity’s painful memories. After the tragic loss of his lover Isolde, he resurfaces her digital consciousness, unraveling a long-standing conspiracy.

Book enthusiasts will appreciate this engaging blend of horror and science fiction. Set in 1899, creative illustrator Sonia Wilson is tasked with cataloging an extensive insect collection owned by enigmatic scientist Dr. Halder. Yet, as she ventures into the North Carolina woods, she stumbles upon Halder’s eerie research on flesh-eating parasites.

Explore Cecile Pin’s new novel featuring Jupiter’s moon Europa

NASA/JPL-Caltech/SETI Institute

After being nominated for the Women’s Fiction Award with her debut novel Wandering Soul, Cecile Pin’s second science fiction endeavor sounds equally thrilling. The narrative follows Ollie, born during the Challenger disaster of 1986, as he embarks on a decade-long mission to Europe as an astronaut. What challenges await him upon his return?

Eva Written by Victoria Dillon

This “mystery fiction intertwined with social commentary” is set in a futuristic world where technological advancements allow for incubation in lieu of pregnancy, empowering women to control their reproductive choices. As Larkin’s second daughter grows, Eva questions the decisions that shaped her existence.

An intriguing mystery unfolds aboard an interstellar vessel in Olivia Waite’s new novel

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This sequel to a cozy sci-fi mystery series is set aboard the interstellar cruise ship Fairweather. Follow detective Dorothy Gentleman as she unravels the case of a mysterious baby left on her nephew’s doorstep. With the ship cruising through the stars, fertility-related dilemmas take a backseat.

Lastly, while not strictly science fiction, a fascinating exploration of modern sci-fi and fantasy writing is available. Walton and Palmer delve into the essence of these genres, examining their creation and perception—essential reading for science fiction aficionados!

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Source: www.newscientist.com

NASA Plans Lunar Orbit Mission to Launch Astronauts by March 6th

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NASA is set to launch four astronauts on the highly anticipated Artemis II mission, scheduled for March 6. This groundbreaking flight will take astronauts around the moon, marking a historic return to lunar exploration.

The launch date was confirmed after NASA successfully filled the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket with over 700,000 gallons of cryogenic propellant and completed a comprehensive refueling test. This test simulated nearly every countdown step and launch-day procedures.

A successful wet dress rehearsal indicates that astronauts could be just two weeks away from visiting the moon for the first time in over half a century.

The Artemis II mission will be historic, as it will be the first time NASA’s Space Launch System rocket and Orion capsule carry humans. The mission is set to last 10 days, during which astronauts will journey farther from Earth than any humans have ever traveled.

Thursday’s extensive refueling test signaled significant progress for NASA. This was the second attempt at a wet dress rehearsal; the first was halted on February 2 due to a hydrogen fuel leak detected in the rocket’s rear. This issue led mission managers to abandon all launch windows for February.

Lori Glaze, acting deputy administrator for NASA’s Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate, emphasized that the March 6 launch depends on completing necessary work on the launch pad and the thorough evaluation of the wet dress rehearsal results.

The mission team plans to hold a flight readiness review next week, where NASA managers and executives will officially certify the rocket and spacecraft for flight.

“Everything is set in front of us,” Glaze stated at a press conference on Friday. “If we can get through these final preparations, we are in a strong position to target March 6.”

In the interim between the first and second wet dress rehearsals, engineers addressed earlier leaks by replacing two seals in the fuel supply line and conducting repairs and tests on the launch pad. Artemis launch director Charlie Blackwell-Thompson reported that the seals are now “rock solid” after the recent repairs.

“Overcoming this wet dress rehearsal milestone was crucial for our progress,” she noted.

The Artemis II crew consists of NASA astronauts Reed Wiseman, Christina Koch, Victor Glover, and Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen. While they did not participate in the wet dress rehearsal, several crew members were present at Kennedy Space Center, Florida, during the test.

“I had the opportunity to speak with Reid Wiseman, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen,” Glaze shared. “They are extremely enthusiastic about the possibility of a March launch.”

To ensure their health ahead of the mission, the astronauts will undergo quarantine in Houston starting Friday afternoon. They will arrive in Florida about five days before the launch and continue their pre-flight quarantine at Kennedy Space Center.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

In March, Apple Airlifted iPhones worth $2 billion from India amid Trump’s looming tariffs

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Indian suppliers Foxconn and Tata, key partners of Apple, shipped approximately $2 billion worth of iPhones to the US in March. Apple took this step to avoid impending tariffs imposed by former US president Donald Trump.

To counter the potential increase in costs due to tariffs, Apple ramped up production in India and chartered a 600-tonne freight to airlift iPhones to the US. This operation involved using at least six cargo jets, described by a source as a strategy to “beat the tariffs.”

In April, the US administration enforced a 26% duty on imports from India, but later suspended most obligations for three months, except for those concerning China.

According to commercial customs data, Foxconn, Apple’s leading Indian supplier, exported $13.1 billion worth of smartphones in March, including various iPhone models. Their total cargo shipped from India to the US amounted to $5.3 billion this year.

Tata Electronics, another Apple supplier, exported $612 million worth of smartphones in March, a significant increase compared to the previous month. This included iPhone 15 and 16 models. Apple, Foxconn, and Tata have not responded to requests for comment.

Customs data revealed that all Foxconn shipments in March were air freighted from Chennai, India, and landed in various US locations, with Chicago being the primary destination.

Following the Chennai flight, Trump exempted smartphones and other electronic devices, mainly from China, from tariffs. However, these exemptions were expected to be temporary.

To streamline shipments, Apple reduced the customs clearance time at Chennai airport from 30 to 6 hours, benefiting Indian airport authorities.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Where and How to View the Partial Solar Eclipse in March 2025

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There is currently another solar eclipse happening.

On Saturday, the moon will cast a shadow on the earth’s surface, creating a partial solar eclipse visible to some in the US, Canada, the Caribbean, Europe, Russia, and Africa. While not as spectacular as last year’s total solar eclipse in the US, it still offers a chance to pause from daily concerns and observe our position in the solar system.

During a solar eclipse, the moon appears to take a bite out of the sun, but the amount of coverage varies depending on the location. It’s important to note that cloud cover can obstruct visibility.

It’s never safe to view a partial solar eclipse without proper eye protection, as the sun’s surface will still be visible during the event.

The experience of a partial solar eclipse can differ based on location, with the extent of sun coverage and overall visibility varying. It’s also advisable to check local weather conditions for clear viewing.

NASA has released a schedule of solar eclipse times in various major cities here.

In North America, the eclipse begins early in the morning, with the sun mostly partially covered when it rises.

The upcoming solar eclipse will be visible in the northern hemisphere, spanning both sides of the Atlantic. Unlike a total solar eclipse, it covers a larger area of the sun with fewer defined paths.

Viewers along the northeast coast of the US will witness the most significant coverage of the sun during the eclipse. For instance, individuals in Boston may see 43% of the sun covered at 6:38am, while New York City will experience a 22% coverage. Further south, in Washington, D.C., there will be a minimal 1% coverage at 6:59am.

The most substantial sun coverage will occur further north, with areas like northern Quebec, Nunavut, and parts of Newfoundland and Labrador in Canada seeing over 90% of the sun covered by the moon.

Across the Atlantic, residents of Northern and Western Europe, as well as the northwest coast of Africa, will experience the solar eclipse in the late night or early afternoon. In northern Russia, the eclipse will occur in the late afternoon and in some locations close to sunset.

Eclipse duration can vary, with places like Halifax, Nova Scotia experiencing an eclipse lasting over an hour while Buffalo, with just a 2% coverage, will have a shorter duration of seven minutes.

A partial solar eclipse occurs when the moon moves between the Earth and the Sun, partially obscuring the sun from view.

Unlike a total solar eclipse where the sun is entirely covered, during a partial eclipse, only a portion of the sun is obscured. This occurs when the Earth, Moon, and Sun are not perfectly aligned. As a result, the sky does not darken enough during a partial eclipse to reveal stars and planets, and animals are unlikely to exhibit strong reactions.

A solar eclipse typically happens in pairs, two weeks apart, representing the time it takes for the moon to travel to the other side of the globe. Recently, stargazers witnessed a red moon during a full lunar eclipse earlier this month.

Staring at the sun, even for a few seconds, can lead to permanent eye damage as the retina lacks pain receptors. The same risk applies during partial solar eclipses. However, there are ways to protect your eyes while observing the event, such as using proper eye protection like eclipse glasses.

Be cautious of counterfeit solar eclipse glasses and viewers. To ensure safety, refer to a list of trusted suppliers compiled by the American Astronomical Association here.

If you’re unable to find eclipse glasses in time, there are alternative safe viewing methods, such as projecting the eclipse onto the ground using household items like cardboard or a kitchen strainer. The next partial solar eclipse is set to occur on September 21st, primarily visible in Australia, while a total solar eclipse is expected in the summer of 2026.

In addition to future solar eclipses, there are upcoming total lunar eclipses scheduled for September and March of next year, offering different celestial viewing experiences.

Source: www.nytimes.com

Exploring Celestial Events: Tonight’s Comet in March 2024

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In March 2024, early risers should be able to view comet C/2021 S3 (PanSTARRS) through binoculars as it approaches Earth.

Comets, often referred to as “dirty snowballs,” are icy objects that travel through space, leaving behind a trail of dust and gas as they approach the Sun.

C/2021 S3 was discovered in September 2021 by one of the PanSTARS telescopes on Mount Haleakala (Hawaii) and is predicted to reach a magnitude between 7 and 9 (the lower the magnitude, the more powerful the comet is). (looks bright).

You can’t see it with the naked eye, but you should be able to spot it with a decent pair of binoculars. However, predicting a comet’s final brightness is somewhat difficult. Comets are difficult to handle and prefer to act independently.

But don’t worry, Comet C/2021 S3 poses no danger to Earth and will pass us safely.

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When can we see Comet Panstars tonight?

A comet is approaching Earth on March 14, 2024. It reached perihelion, the closest point to the Sun in its orbit, on Wednesday, February 14, 2024, when it became visible from the United States and the United Kingdom.

During the second half of the month, around March 18th to March 29th, the Moon begins to interfere as it approaches the full moon on March 25th. Starting on the opposite side of the sky, the moon gradually approaches the comet towards the end of the month.

In late March, especially if you want to spot the comet passing through the Coat Hanger star map (more on how to find the Coat Hanger below), look up around 3 a.m. GMT. Basically, as soon as the comet is above the horizon. As dawn approaches, an interfering moon will spoil the progress.

How to see a comet

Comet C/2021 S3 is heading northeast, passing roughly between the large constellation of Ophiuchus above and the small constellations Scutum and Aquila below. Ophiuchus and Aquila both straddle the celestial equator, while Scutum lies just south of it.

Until about March 18, look to the southeast early in the morning as the sky begins to lighten. By this point, the comet is visible above the horizon and the Moon appears relatively out of the way.

The best time to see the views is around 3am in late March. Also, at this time, Comet C/2021 S3 will pass over the Coathanger Cluster, a small star group. And yes, it’s exactly like the name! Here’s how to find it:

  1. Find the Summer Triangle. Let’s start by identifying the Summer Triangle. This is an easily recognizable asterism, formed by the bright stars Deneb in Cygnus, Vega in Lyra, and Altair in Aquila.
  2. Find the constellation Little Vulgar. Once you find the Summer Triangle, look for the constellation Little Bitis. It is located between Cygnus and Sagittarius and is shaped like an extended M. It can be found by drawing an imaginary line north from the star Altair in the Summer Triangle.
  3. Move to coat hanger. Once you find Vulpecula, look for the Coathanger Asterism. This is very distinctive and looks like a coat hanger or an upside down question mark. The Coathanger is an asterism within Vulpecula and is easy to find once you enter the right area.

If you’re star hopping and having trouble finding the star on your coat hanger, downloading a stargazing app can help. Here are all the best astronomy apps.

Here’s what you can do to help astronomers discover more Comet

astronomer from University of Reading is seeking photos of comet C/2021 S3 As part of a citizen science project to study the solar wind.

Photos from amateur astronomers help researchers improve space weather predictions and influence solar wind technology.

Comet tails, also known as “cosmic windsocks,” can tell us a lot about the strength and direction of the solar wind. For example, if the tail peels off or wobbles, you can infer that there is increased activity.

Please send images, including date, time and location, to researcher Sarah Watson at srwatson@pgr.reading.ac.uk. The research team is particularly interested in observing the broken tail.

The comet is not expected to be bright enough to be seen with the naked eye, so if you want to photograph it you’ll need a small telescope or a camera with a large lens.

Why do comets get brighter when they get closer to the sun?

Comets become more active as they get closer to the sun. Intense heat from the sun and solar radiation can evaporate ice cores and suddenly release dust and gas. This process forms a glowing coma (a cloud of gas and dust) around the nucleus and a bright tail that reflects sunlight.

This tail can span millions of kilometers and is influenced by a combination of different processes. For example, the solar wind, which is made up of charged particles, can interact with these gases to produce ion tails that point away from the sun.

In addition, the sun’s radiation pressure develops and displaces the dust particles. This can lead to the formation of a separate dust tail, which often lags behind the ion tail. A combination of sublimation (the transformation of solid ice directly into gas), ionization, and radiation pressure all affect the appearance of comet tails as they orbit the Sun.

And the closer the comet is to the Sun, the more intense this activity becomes, and the brighter it appears in the night sky.

the current, 3,922 known comets (and its fragments) of our solar system.

But it can also get dark…

However, this is not always the case. When a comet runs out of volatile matter, it may lose its ability to produce a bright coma and tail. Therefore, comets appear darker as they get closer to the Sun. In addition, comets can develop a crust that makes it completely impossible for material to escape.

Scientists hypothesize that comet C/2021 S3 may already have a mineral crust forming on its surface. If this were the case, the comet’s albedo (reflectance) would be much lower because the crust would protect its volatile-rich interior from the sun. In other words, it won’t be as bright as other comets this year. But if the underlying material continues to evaporate and creates enough pressure to break through the Earth’s crust, a flare can occur. That would be fun.

When is the next comet?

Comet C/2021 S3 is one of the few bright comets we’re watching this year. Next up is Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks, also known as the “Devil’s Comet” thanks to its distinctive “horns” that began to widen towards the end of 2023.

It can be easily seen with a telescope or binoculars, and will begin to brighten towards the end of March 2024, so it could be the first comet of 2024 to be visible to the naked eye.

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com