Two spacecraft from Earth reached Mars this week - one from the United Arab Emirates, and the other from China. The missions, which launched last July, take on big, new challenges for their countries. A US spacecraft should arrive on February 18.
Published in February 2021
Yesterday, the US Senate began the impeachment trial of ex-President Donald Trump for his part in encouraging the rioters who attacked the US Capitol building on January 6. Yesterday's meeting led to a vote allowing the trial to go ahead.
Scientists have discovered a tiny chameleon from Madagascar that may be the world's smallest reptile. The chameleon is small enough to easily sit on a fingertip. Only two have ever been spotted - one male and one female.
All around the world, there are strong signs that the days of fossil fuels like oil and coal may be coming to an end, as the world shifts to power sources that are easier on the environment.
In today's news roundup, Captain Tom, who inspired Britain, has passed away at the age of 100, a company called bluShift has launched a rocket powered by biofuel, and a woman is caught trying to sneak cactuses into New Zealand - by wearing them.
Governments worldwide have criticized recent actions by the current governments of Russia and Myanmar. Though the two situations are very different, in each case, a popular person has been charged with a crime in order to limit their power.
Scientists at MIT have managed to change ordinary spinach plants into natural sensors which can detect chemicals used in bombs. Using a cheap and small computer system, the spinach can even trigger a warning email.
On Monday, the army took control of Myanmar, removing the country's elected leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, and her government from power. Ms. Suu Kyi and several people who work with her are being held by the military.
It's been over a year since Covid-19 began spreading around the world. Since then, amazing progress has been made on getting the virus under control. But tackling the coronavirus quickly is still important, since the virus is also changing.