Nearest planetary nebula

14 July 2014 by admin
No comments
The Helix Nebula (also known as NGC 7293), at distance of around 400 light years, is the closest planetary nebula to the Earth. It formed when a dying star threw off its outer layers which are gradually expanding into space. They are called planetary nebulae because astronomers originally believed they were new planets, due to their often spherical shapes. The Helix Nebula is around 100 times more distant than the nearest stars (excluding the Sun). The gases are expanding into space at a rate of Continue reading →

Newest cetacean

14 July 2014 by admin
No comments
The newest, most recently recognised species of cetacean is the Australian snubfin dolphin (Orcaella heinsohni), formally reclassified as a separate species in its own right in 2005. This shy, tricoloured dolphin with a very rounded bulbous brow and a very small stubby dorsal fin has been sighted regularly in the shallow waters off the Great Barrier Reef, Australia, for many years, but until DNA and other studies confirmed its distinct status it had always been classified as belonging to the same species as the Irrawaddy Continue reading →

Newest bird of prey

14 July 2014 by admin
No comments
The most recently discovered bird of prey species is the Socotra buzzard (Buteo socotraensis), formally described and named in 2010. It is native only to the Socotra archipelago, a group of tiny islands forming part of Yemen in the Arabian peninsula.

Newest species of wild cat

14 July 2014 by admin
No comments
The newest species of wild cat is the Bornean clouded leopard Neofelis diardi. In 2006 scientists officially recognised this species as being significantly different enough to the Clouded Leopard (Neofelis nebulosa) for it to be elevated to a species in its own right. Its preference for tropical and subtropical forest and high altitudes of up to about 2,000 metres (6,500 ft), mean that it can be found in Borneo and Sumatra.

Newest species of tree

14 July 2014 by admin
No comments
Discovered accidentally by a picnicking family in a remote hilly wooded area of northwestern Madagascar in 2006, but only recognised to be a dramatically new species and genus following DNA analysis a year later, the Tahina palm tree (Tahina spectabilis) was not officially named and described until January 2008. What makes this species’ belated scientific discovery so surprising is its huge size, standing over 18 m (58 ft 6 in) tall, with fan-like leaves 5 m (16 ft) across, and its bizarre, suicidal life cycle. Continue reading →