Once upon a time, these frogs doubled as pregnancy tests — now they carry a deadly fungus. The African clawed frog was shipped around the world for medicine, but brought along chytrid, a pathogen that has devastated amphibians.
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A golden blob found 10,600 feet deep left scientists stumped, with guesses ranging from eggs to coral. DNA analysis now reveals it’s the remains of a giant deep-sea anemone.
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Some rays use fake eyes to throw off predators. A study of 580 species found these markings tend to show up when stronger defenses are missing.
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From frozen moons to distant planets, geology takes on strange forms, showing how differently worlds can evolve beyond Earth.
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Discover’s Tip of the Week
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You don’t need a telescope to start stargazing — just a little planning and patience.
The best way to ensure a successful stargazing outing is to plan ahead, and one of the best resources is your phone. Apps like Stellarium or SkySafari can help you map out what will be visible in the night sky at specific dates and times.
When it comes to location, your backyard could be the perfect place. However, you’ll likely get a much better view away from city lights, tall buildings, and trees. Ideal spots include the countryside and national parks.
Once you’ve chosen your spot, don’t rush the process as your eyes will need time to adjust to the dark. Astronomers call this “dark adaptation,” and it takes about 15-30 minutes. During this time, avoid checking your phone because even a quick glance can ruin your night vision.
A few tips to identify what you’re looking at:
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- A twinkling object is a star.
- A steady light is likely a planet.
- A steady, moving light is probably a satellite.
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And don’t forget to keep an eye on the Moon, as a bright, near-full Moon can wash out fainter objects like stars.
With the right conditions and a bit of patience, the night sky is open to everyone!
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Hey Reader,
My fascination with science comes more from curiosity, rather than the classroom — meaning, I love making observations on hikes, spotting local species, and traveling to new places to see ancient history with my own eyes, like Pompeii. But I didn’t earn a degree in history or biology.
If this sounds like you, I’m excited to share that our team at Discover Magazine is launching a weekly tips feature focused on science and travel — ideas to enhance the hobbies or interests you already love. One week, you could learn how to take better bird-watching photos; another, how to plan a trip around rare butterfly migrations.
And if there’s a topic that you’re especially curious about, reach out to us at editorial@discovermagazine.com and let us know. As always, stay curious.
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Erin Berge
Managing Editor
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