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![A spacecraft is seen with a metal box like shape in the middle and a white disk-like shape toward the left.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ZaJbaCzvHktZD9drAosEJN-320-80.png)
1st images from European climate satellite reveal how energy cycles to and from Earth
By Meredith Garofalo published
The European Space Agency's EarthCARE satellite sent back its first images; they should be able to help scientists better study Earth's energy balance.
![a satellite image of earth's northern hemisphere over north america, with map boarder outlines overlayed. Lots of weather is seen.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ofFESiUnwKBQndGJ6fTTEJ-320-80.jpg)
Saharan dust outbreak lingers across some US states this week
By Meredith Garofalo published
A large plume of Saharan dust settled across the Gulf states this week after an epic journey from Africa.
![A swirling storm of white clouds twists over the ocean toward land.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/DKTpSsPqyJzdLNEw5rc5va-320-80.gif)
Hurricane Beryl makes landfall as Category 1 hurricane along eastern Texas (video)
By Meredith Garofalo published
The strongest hurricane to occur this early in the year makes landfall in Matagorda, Texas, as a Category 1 early Monday (July 8) morning.
![looping purple lines](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/wtwfXHFQMXnuEMNMkfprSE-320-80.gif)
Earth has 7 strange quasi-moons — and you could name one of them
By Monisha Ravisetti published
The International Astronomical Union has partnered with the Radiolab podcast to present a quasi-moon-naming contest.
![Charred trees are seen along Pallet Creek Road during the Bobcat Fire in Valyermo, California, September 18, 2020.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/zJpjXjqVgcUWeiJR9t3v6N-320-80.jpg)
Extreme wildfires are on the rise globally, powered by the climate crisis
By Calum Cunningham, David Bowman, Grant Williamson published
Wildfires are the new "polar bear."
![A lonely rider at Altay Mountains.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/2DejnX9AQCmGboxzuoYDrd-320-80.jpg)
Boiling rocks from Earth's crust tore an ocean into Mongolia 410 million years ago
By Stephanie Pappas published
An ocean that opened up in what is now Mongolia 410 million years ago was created by a hot upwelling of rock known as a mantle plume.
![A green aurora rings part of the globe](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/RWBR96vVqYfp5RGBw7QZxJ-320-80.jpg)
Earth's upper atmosphere could hold a missing piece of the universe, new study hints
By Paul Sutter published
Mysterious dark matter could slosh over our planet like a wave. If it does, it may produce telltale radio waves in Earth's atmosphere, new theoretical research suggests.
![A decent sized boat floats in ocean water next to the vertical incline of an ice cliff.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/T5bJiTkvCHHJwmJBMBdx4d-320-80.jpg)
Giant river system that existed 40 million years ago discovered deep below Antarctic ice
By Kristel Tjandra published
"There was this gigantic river system": Researchers find ancient lost world deep beneath Antarctic ice.
![A swirling storm of white clouds twists over the ocean toward land.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/DKTpSsPqyJzdLNEw5rc5va-320-80.gif)
Satellites watch 'extremely dangerous' Hurricane Beryl batter Carriacou island (video)
By Sharmila Kuthunur published
Hurricane Beryl made landfall on Monday (July 1) morning, setting the record of strongest hurricane to happen this early in the year.
![A white plane is seen on a runway. It has a NASA sign on its tail.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/U57UouWZmE2ufGFktzT4rA-320-80.jpg)
NASA is flying planes low over the US to make maps of air pollution sources
By Rahul Rao published
NASA is flying aircraft low over the US in order to learn where, exactly, greenhouse gases are coming from. The results should help the agency fight causes of human-driven climate change.
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