The Most Dangerous Volcano in the World (and 9 Scary Others)

Volcanoes are some of Earth’s most awe-inspiring features — but also among its deadliest. When asking which is the most dangerous volcano in the world, scientists consider not just eruption history but also population density, eruption style and potential global effects. Now, let’s take a look at some of the most dangerous volcanoes on Earth. Contents … Read more

Where Are Tornadoes Most Common Around the World?

1. Tornado Alley (Central United States) The region known as Tornado Alley — including Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Nebraska — experiences the highest frequency of tornadoes in the U.S. According to NOAA’s Storm Prediction Center, these central Plains states collectively experience several hundred tornadoes each year. The Southern Plains provide ideal conditions for tornado formation, especially in … Read more

Anatomy of an Underwater Explosion

One hand grenade is in the pool, the other is by your chair. Which blast is more dangerous? If you chose to jump in the pool rather than endure the explosion on land, we have some bad news for you: You made a disastrous decision. Assuming the blast from both hand grenades was identical in strength and … Read more

What Is the Strongest Military in the World?

Military power isn’t distributed evenly across the globe. Some countries have huge armies, air forces and navies, while others have little more than some semi-professional militias. When it comes rankings, there are some that stand head-and-shoulders above the rest, which can prompt the question: Who has the strongest military in the world? Contents How Do You … Read more

The Independent Variable vs. Dependent Variable in Research

The Independent Variable vs. Dependent Variable in Research In any scientific research, there are typically two variables of interest: independent variables and dependent variables. In forming the backbone of scientific experiments, they help scientists understand relationships, predict outcomes and, in general, make sense of the factors that they’re investigating. Understanding the independent variable vs. dependent variable is so … Read more

Why a Geomagnetic Storm Makes for Pretty Skies and Tech Scares

When the Sun gets rowdy, Earth feels it. A geomagnetic storm happens when solar activity stirs up Earth’s magnetic field, producing large magnetic disturbances that can mess with everything from navigation systems to power grids. These storms are a big deal in space weather, which is why scientists issue geomagnetic storm watches to keep tabs on the … Read more

15 Famous Astronauts Who Expanded Our Universe

Some brave explorers travel across oceans; others blast off into space. This list of famous astronauts celebrates the pioneers of space exploration — those who took “one giant leap” for humankind and expanded our reach beyond Earth. These astronauts have played major roles in NASA missions, space shuttle launches and international efforts aboard the space station. Their … Read more