The Amazing World

Science is one way we make sense of the world around us. Some might even say it’s the most rational way to figure out how things work in an otherwise inscrutable universe. But even science doesn’t have all the answers all the time. While researchers dedicate themselves to coming up with explanations, the rest of us get the chance to conjecture wildly and come up with our own likely false, yet largely fun hypotheses. Here are phenomena that have science stumped at the moment. 1. Immediately  after the Kuiper belt beyond Neptune, there’s a sudden unexpected drop in the density of icy rocks. Scientists think it might be a mystery 9th planet that caused the density of rocks in this region to fall so suddenly, but they haven’t been able to find it. Image Source:  theplanets.org The Kuiper Belt is a disc of icy rocks beyond the eight planets in our solar system. According to theoretical models, the density of the icy rocks beyond 50 astronomical units should increase. Bu...

It has been 16 years since the devastating attacks of September 11. Coverage of the tragedy during which nearly 3,000 perished was the main priority that day for most Western news agencies (the scenes were witnessed by an estimated two billion people - a third of the human race). Together with amateur records, this has produced such an incredible amount of footage, some of it is rarely seen even today. There is a collection of some of the least seen 9/11 pictures from across the internet. From street-shots of the towers going down to satellite images of New York City, these unforgettable photos reveal new angles of the horrific day that changed the world for ever. For more similar September 11 shots, check out  this powerful book  by David Friend.

Birds are a secretive and mysterious species, which makes them one of the hardest to photograph. The British Trust for Ornithology, however, is taking time to appreciate photographers around the world who have mastered the art of capturing the quiet, gentle beauty of birds, and they've just announced their winners for 2017. The Bird Photographer of the Year competition was initiated in 2015, and reportedly received a flood of entries right away. According to BTO Chief Executive Andy Clements, its aim is "to celebrate the artistry of bird photography and aid conservation by supporting the valuable work carried out by the BTO.” A cash prize of £5,000 (~$6,500 USD) is awarded to the top entry, with smaller amounts of cash, equipment, and merchandise being doled out to the others. This year's victor? Alejandro Prieto Rojas from Mexico, who submitted a stunning portrait of flamingo feeding their young. A selection of the winning and short-listed entries are also chosen b...

What started in 1986 as two friends burning an eight-foot statue on a San Francisco beach has grown into an event that sets a 105-feet tall statue on fire around the summer solstice. This year's Burning Man festival is taking place on August 27th to September 4th, but has already been responsible for stunning photos that prove how wild it actually is.     Billed as a "Radical Ritual," Burning Man 2017 has become a desert oasis for about 70,000 people. It describes itself as a "temporary metropolis dedicated to community, art, self-expression, and self-reliance." Scroll down to experience the crazy "ritual" through pictures, and don't forget to vote for your favorite ones! More info: burningman.org (h/t dyt )