Planet Earth
Earth is one big spinning mystery in a constant state of change. With more than 4.5 billion years of history locked inside a ball of molten rock and iron, our planet is made up of a vast array of geological wonders, carved by the oceans, shaped by the shifting plates beneath our feet and sculpted by weather across the surface.
Our team of expert science writers and editors are here to reveal our planet’s secrets — from the deepest depths of the ocean, through the coldest places on Earth to the very edge of space — keeping you up to date with the latest discoveries with planet Earth news, articles and features.
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Editor's Picks
Latest about Planet Earth
![A map showing a hurricane storm cloud over the Gulf of Mexico](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/EvQ4ErKqvEXMTDxbRgUuzV-320-80.jpg)
Birth of a hurricane: What meteorologists look for as they hunt for early signs of a tropical cyclone forming
By Xingchao Chen published
The first signs of a potential hurricane can be detected days before a storm gains its fierce momentum.
![A view from above of a large glacier in the ocean](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/cxCZvnRZBsN9D29LvkTPNR-320-80.jpg)
'Doomsday glacier' won't collapse the way we thought, new study suggests
By Mathieu Morlighem published
![A collage showing many different types of animals](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/wx25zmTw7nGtBgzrMSjGCC-320-80.jpg)
Evolution: Facts about the processes that shape the diversity of life on Earth
By Tiffany Taylor published
Discover interesting facts about how evolution works, the different patterns that can emerge from evolution, how quickly organisms can evolve, and whether evolution is a random or ordered process
![A diagram showing a circular tree of life for flowering plant genera, with illustrations of the plants around the perimeter of the circle](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/A7DFG5sd4eAQvGznSL3Xrh-320-80.jpg)
What is the 'tree of life'?
By Emma Bryce published
The tree of life maps out the relationships between all living things, and it's in constant flux.
![A view of a sailing rock with its track featuring a sharp bend on Racetrack Playa.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/QBC3WiEwT86ZP9spSxyHkA-320-80.jpg)
Racetrack Playa: The home of Death Valley's mysterious 'sailing stones'
By Sascha Pare published
In Racetrack Playa, a dry lakebed in Death Valley National Park, meteorological conditions can push rocks weighing up to 700 pounds along the flat ground.
![A cross-section diagram showing Earth's crust, mantle, and core](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ksCYp9stHzNWtnPnLvCqeD-320-80.jpg)
Weird mystery waves that baffle scientists may be 'everywhere' inside Earth's mantle
By Stephanie Pappas published
Structures that scatter seismic waves deep in Earth's mantle seem to be everywhere researchers look.
![A double rainbow at night](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/XsffHcxSs3mbThTNGp7gn-320-80.jpg)
Rare 'moonbows' light up night sky across US as blue supermoon rises — and you could still spot another one
By Harry Baker published
At least two lunar rainbows, including a stunning "double moonbow," have been spotted above the U.S. in the lead-up to the blue supermoon. And there is still a chance to see one of these elusive arches for yourself.
![A satellite photo of the ocean off the coast of Argentina filled with green swirls of phytoplankton](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/z2g28V6f9NQYRyNjXMnrFo-320-80.jpg)
Picturesque plankton paint peculiar patterns in Patagonia
By Harry Baker published
Earth from space This 2014 satellite photo shows a gigantic, multicolor phytoplankton bloom swirling off the coast of Argentina. More recent research has shown that similarly massive algal outbreaks may become less likely in the future thanks to climate change.
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