Newsletter #149 State Of The Planet Earth - 2019-01-05

If you love articles about Nature and Earth, this page is for you. Happy reading!

NASA spacecraft completes farthest flyby in history. What's next?: Michael Greshko

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Scientists at last have their first good look at a primordial piece of the solar system orbiting more than four billion miles away.

Thailand works to preserve its natural wonders:

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Tourism authorities are encouraging visitors to leave "only their footprints and take only good memories".

Dueling eclipses, and more top sky-watching events in January: Andrew Fazekas

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Ring in the new year with a sparkling meteor shower, a pair of eclipses, and a planet parade.

This baby sperm whale was tangled in ocean trash for 3 years: Craig Welch

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Digit’s survival is critical to her family. Her story highlights the marine pollution crisis.

Take a road trip through Tuscany's breathtaking countryside: Vicky Hallett

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This scenic route links fairy-tale castles, artistic treasures, picture-perfect vistas, and vineyards galore.

10 iconic Italian dishes, by the region: Eugenia Bone, Julia della Croce

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When in Rome—or Venice or Sicily—savor the unique flavors of Italy.

Pictures from NASA's farthest flyby reveal space 'snowman': Michael Greshko

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The first full-fledged images of 2014 MU69 showcase an icy world that's actually made of two primordial parts.

A running list of action on plastic pollution: Brian Clark Howard, Sarah Gibbens, Elaina Zachos, Laura Parker

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The world is waking up to a crisis of ocean plastic—and we're tracking the developments and solutions as they happen.

A brief history of how plastic straws took over the world: Sarah Gibbens

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It all started with a mint julep on a hot summer day.

China just landed on the far side of the moon: What comes next?: Michael Greshko

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The lander-rover combo touched down where no human or robot has ventured before. Find out what it's doing there, and what else is headed for the lunar surface.