Guest Thinkers — September 1, 2010

Mt. Saint Helens Anniversary

A weekly newsletter featuring the biggest ideas from the smartest people

Happy 28th anniversary of the 1980 Mt. Saint Helens eruption. The volcano had a catastrophic collapse of one side of the edifice that triggered the climatic eruption. Enjoy this clip from the CBS News from 3 days after the eruption.

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A weekly newsletter featuring the biggest ideas from the smartest people

An image of a glowing ring in a dark room.

The Future

Fusion power: Are we getting any closer?

Scientists have been chasing the dream of harnessing the reactions that power the Sun since the dawn of the atomic era. Interest, and investment, in the carbon-free energy source is heating up.

Starts With A Bang

Mt. Vesuvius buried Pompeii, but it incinerated the people of Herculaneum. Here’s how

Nearly 2000 years ago, Mt. Vesuvius erupted, burying Pompeii but incinerating Herculaneum. The most lethal volcanic phenomenon is at fault.

The Present

How Russia’s strange cultural mindset led to Vladimir Putin’s great miscalculation

The Russian mindset is characterized by cynicism and distrust.

Starts With A Bang

A new nova disappeared faster than ever, and an even bigger cosmic catastrophe is coming

If you think you know how an astronomical nova works, buckle up. You’re in for a ride like you never expected.

Strange Maps

Bar chart races: short on analysis, but fun to watch

Any dataset that can be quantified over time can be turned into a contest that is both exciting and (a little bit) enlightening.

Up Next

Guest Thinkers

Chaiten Eruption, Day 7

nn Another day, another development at Chaiten. Military stationed near the volcano helping with evacuations reported “booming noises” and saw incandescent blocks getting hurled from the vent area. This suggests that lava […]