Surprising Science — April 7, 2014

Ancient Monastery Tracked the Sun

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The ancient monastery in Petra, Jordan tracked the sun, helping people tell time and worship their faith, scientists have discovered.

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Starts With A Bang

Ask Ethan: Why do scientists avoid the possibility of God?

When it comes to our Universe’s origins, scientists discuss the Big Bang, cosmic inflation, and other theories. Why doesn’t “God” come up?

Aerial view of people walking on a paved surface, casting long shadows behind them in bright sunlight.

The Present

Most social trends aren’t what they seem

Our minds crave simple, linear narratives. But society rarely follows a straight line.

Starts With A Bang

5 big unanswered questions about the origin of life

Somewhere, at some point in the history of our Universe, life arose. We’re evidence of that here on Earth, but many big puzzles remain.

A painting of a praying woman with clasped hands and an upward gaze appears through the outline of a keyhole, set against a black background, evoking an air of mysticism.

Mini Philosophy

The public-private myth: Why religion can’t be kept behind closed doors

It makes no sense to talk about a “religious life” and a “public life” — there is just life.

Two people sit on a deck at night, illuminated by red light, looking up at a star-filled sky with mountains silhouetted in the background.

Smart Skills

The meaning of your life isn’t a puzzle to solve

It’s something to wrestle and live with, says behavioral scientist Arthur Brooks.

Up Next

Surprising Science

Mars and Earth Are Getting Closer

Every 26 months, an opposition of Mars occurs. The “red planet” gets closer to Earth. On April 14th, Mars and Earth will be at their closest distance during this opposition. […]