PLANET Earth experienced a very close encounter with a space rock - the size of a HOUSE. The asteroid was watched by astrophysicists as it zoomed past at a distance of about 27,300 miles, which is an eighth of the distance from the Earth to the Moon, according to the European Space Agency. The asteroid dubbed 2012 TC4 first flitted past our planet in October 2012 at about double the distance before disappearing from view. It is between 15 and 30 metres long and was travelling at a speed of about nine miles per second when spotted. The Very Large Telescope of the European Southern Observatory (ESO) in Chile has been playing close attention and tracked it's trajectory ahead of the close encounter. TC4 flew past Earth at roughly 16,000mpg (4.5 miles a second) and passed within 27,000 miles of Antarctica. The head of the European Space Operations Centre in Germany said: “It's damn close. The farthest satellites are 36,000 kilometres [22,000 miles] out, so … [Read more...] about Asteroid the size of a HOUSE zoomed past Planet Earth
The lowdown on asteroids – including the house-sized rock that will whizz close to Planet Earth in October
NASA maintains a constant monitoring programme on asteroids, gigantic space rocks that can come close to Earth and even strike the planet. So should we be worried about them – and what would happen if one struck our planet? An asteroid is a small, airless rocky mass which orbits the sun, but is too small to be classed as a planet. Most of them are found in the Asteroid Belt – a ring which lies between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter. It’s thought that asteroids are debris left over at the formation of the universe about 4.6 billion years ago. Some can be very large, but others can be tiny – even as small as a grain of sand – because of their smaller size, asteroids lack the gravitational pull to shape themselves into a sphere – meaning they usually have a rocky, irregular appearance. When an asteroid crashes into the Earth, it’s known as a meteorite – and it can cause potentially huge damage, depending on the size. For example, it was an … [Read more...] about The lowdown on asteroids – including the house-sized rock that will whizz close to Planet Earth in October
Get the lowdown on asteroids – including the house-sized rock that will whizz close to Planet Earth in October
NASA maintains a constant monitoring programme on asteroids, gigantic space rocks that can come close to Earth and even strike the planet. So should we be worried about them – and what would happen if one struck our planet? An asteroid is a small, airless rocky mass which orbits the sun, but is too small to be classed as a planet. Most of them are found in the Asteroid Belt – a ring which lies between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter. It’s thought that asteroids are debris left over at the formation of the universe about 4.6 billion years ago. Some can be very large, but others can be tiny – even as small as a grain of sand – because of their smaller size, asteroids lack the gravitational pull to shape themselves into a sphere – meaning they usually have a rocky, irregular appearance. When an asteroid crashes into the Earth, it’s known as a meteorite – and it can cause potentially huge damage, depending on the size. For example, it was an … [Read more...] about Get the lowdown on asteroids – including the house-sized rock that will whizz close to Planet Earth in October
Asteroid the size of a HOUSE will zoom terrifying close to Planet Earth in October
PLANET Earth is set to experience a very close encounter with a space rock – the size of a HOUSE. The asteroid will zoom past at a distance of about 27,300 miles, which is an eighth of the distance from the Earth to the Moon, according to the European Space Agency. But could the space rock hit Earth? The asteroid dubbed 2012 TC4 first flitted past our planet in October 2012 at about double the distance before disappearing from view. It is between 15 and 30 metres long and was travelling at a speed of about nine miles per second when spotted. Now, the Very Large Telescope of the European Southern Observatory (ESO) in Chile has managed to track the rock down and determine its trajectory. Scientists expect the asteroid to return for a near-Earth rendezvous on October 12 at around 6.40am. New observations reveal the asteroid could pass earth as near as 4,200 miles. But researchers believe the space rock will still be far enough to miss satellites which orbit at about … [Read more...] about Asteroid the size of a HOUSE will zoom terrifying close to Planet Earth in October
Forget ‘Earth hour’, we need to adopt real solutions to our environmental predicament
Facing economic stagnation, the approaching scarcity of non-renewable resources and irreversible environmental damage, policy makers are vigorously doing nothing. They argue about the correct solution, spend money on faux strategies unlikely to accomplish anything significant or lasting and claim chronic crisis fatigue. Ultimately, a major change in behaviour is needed. It requires embracing a more frugal lifestyle, following the advice of John Stuart Mill [seeking] “happiness by limiting … desires, rather than in attempting to satisfy them.” Caught in what philosopher Montesquieu called a “spiral of expectations”, the population of Western economies believe that they have a right to constantly improve living standards. Those in less developed countries, understandably, aspire to the lifestyle and opportunities of their peers in advanced economies. But a significant portion of higher living standards is based on unsustainable financial, … [Read more...] about Forget ‘Earth hour’, we need to adopt real solutions to our environmental predicament
Monkey made famous on Planet Earth 2 born for first time at ZSL London Zoo
The sight of a troop of Hanuman langurs free-running over the rooftops of an Indian city were among the most incredible moments of Sir David Attenborough's recent landmark BBC nature series.Visitors to London Zoo were today being greeted with the sight of the monkeys in a far more sedate mood as they nursed and cuddled a newborn langur called Kamala.Already the tiny youngster is showing her climbing skills as she tries to wriggle away from her doting mother Saffron, while her proud father Rex looks on protectively. Everyone is very pleased with Kamala's progress so far Agnes Kiss, zookeper This is the first time ZSL London Zoo's Hanuman langurs have produced young.The troop is part of the zoo's Land of the Lions exhibit which tells the story of India's famous Gir Forest, where the last 500 critically endangered Asiatic big cats survive.Hanuman langurs - named after the Indian monkey god … [Read more...] about Monkey made famous on Planet Earth 2 born for first time at ZSL London Zoo
Woman spots dead mother on Google Earth
An American woman living in the UK was left stunned after she saw her mother pictured on Google Street View, 18 months after she passed away. Denise Underhill, who moved from Florida to Tamworth, Staffordshire, was given the fright of her life when she saw her mother, Beryl Turton outside their old home, watering the plants. "As I went about my housework, I somehow instantaneously had the impulse to call my mother but realising that it was completely out of the question," she told the Tamworth Herald. (Google Streetview) "I decided to Google Earth my mother's home to see how it looked, considering, since she had passed away in 2015 and the property had been sold." After Underhill located the home on Chaytor Road, which she recognised thanks to a tall silver birch tree, and zoomed in on the street view, she spotted her mother pottering around in their old garden in a photograph that had clearly been taken years earlier. (Google Streetview) "I got the BIGGEST surprise EVER! I just … [Read more...] about Woman spots dead mother on Google Earth
Dumping of billions of tonnes of plastic waste is ‘uncontrolled experiment’ on planet Earth, scientists warn
Humans are carrying out an “uncontrolled experiment on a global scale” by dumping vast amounts of plastic into the natural world, according to researchers who estimated the total amount produced since the artificial material became widely used in the 1950s. They found 8.3 billion metric tonnes of plastic had been produced over the period, creating 6.3 billion tonnes of waste. And 79 per cent of that was thrown away, either into a landfill site or the environment with just 9 per cent recycled and the rest incinerated. The figures came as Surfers Against Sewage launched a campaign to persuade people to resist single-use plastics, saying the average person threw away the equivalent of 1,212 Coca Cola bottles or 4,600 plastic forks every year. Writing in the journal Science Advances, the researchers warned that if current trends continued some 12 billion tonnes of plastic waste would be in landfill sites or the natural environment by 2050. Concern over plastic waste … [Read more...] about Dumping of billions of tonnes of plastic waste is ‘uncontrolled experiment’ on planet Earth, scientists warn
County rates top TV moments including Planet Earth and Poldark
Gloucestershire has rated its best moments and most popular TV shows from the last year. BBC TV Licensing has revealed Planet Earth II and Poldark top the tables when it comes to TV moments "worth the licence fee". Tweets from viewers in Gloucestershire show Strictly Come Dancing and Horrible Histories were also popular programmes worth the TV licence. But dancing bears from Planet Earth II topped the list of memorable TV moments, with Twitter users labelling it "worth the licence fee". Read More: Health care assistant cleared of groping women at hospital The phrase was used by more than 5,000 licence fee payers in the past year to recognise moments viewers truly appreciated in return for the licence fee, according to data gathered by TV Licensing over the past year. Noteworthy scenes from Strictly Come Dancing also made the list, with more than 100 tweets affirming Ed Balls' salsa routine to 'Gangnam Style' was 'worth the licence fee alone'. The Top 5 TV Moments "Worth the Licence … [Read more...] about County rates top TV moments including Planet Earth and Poldark
David Attenborough and Hans Zimmer talk Planet Earth 2
David Attenborough has said that while there is "overwhelming reason to be pessimistic" about the health of the planet, giving up our efforts to protect it would be "catastrophic". The broadcaster said mankind must continue to try to come together to fix the problems we have caused – as even though progress is slow, we are moving forward. Attenborough, 90, was speaking at a conference ahead of the release of his new series Planet Earth II, and The Story of Life – a free app featuring the largest ever digital release of Attenborough's work from the last 60 years. Discussing the problems facing the planet, he said: "The dangers are very urgent. Never in history – the whole of history – has humanity around the world agreed on something, except once, which was the ozone hole. People saw that problem and they realised if we don't do something, humanity will fry. Nations around the world got together and did something about it and took action. That ozone hole has … [Read more...] about David Attenborough and Hans Zimmer talk Planet Earth 2
Sir David Attenborough returning with Blue Planet II on BBC after Planet Earth triumph
If you were bowled over by the incredible footage on Planet Earth II last year, there’s good news – the BBC have another long-awaited nature series in the works. Sixteen years after the original series, Blue Planet II is set to arrive later this year, with Sir David Attenborough once again set to lend his iconic voice the show. "I am truly thrilled to be joining this new exploration of the underwater worlds which cover most of our planet, yet are still its least known," he said. Seven episodes of the water-focused wildlife documentary will be airing on BBC One later in 2017. The new series will feature erupting methane volcanoes, octopi demonstrating their hunting skills, and footage shot by attaching suction cups to the back of orca whales. "The oceans are the most exciting place to be right now, because new scientific discoveries have given us a new perspective of life beneath the waves,” says executive producer James Honeyborne. "Blue Planet II is taking its cue … [Read more...] about Sir David Attenborough returning with Blue Planet II on BBC after Planet Earth triumph
Someone’s dubbed Planet Earth 2 footage with human screams and it’ll have you laughing in seconds
You might not have thought it possible to improve Planet Earth II, but it is. So 2017 isn’t off to a bad start then, as if you’re currently in the throes of Monday blues they’re about to be blasted away with this clip. Youtuber Matt Amys took footage from the most recent series of the BBC wildlife show and dubbed over the animals with audio of humans screaming. That’s lizards, penguins, lions, crocodiles and one very upset bobcat screaming their little heads off at life in a dangerous world. There’s even wailing David Attenborough at the end. We challenge you to make it through 30 seconds without having a little titter, especially at that hatchling iguana trying to escape those snakes. By the looks of this, he was as traumatised as we were. Perhaps this was inspired by that screaming sheep. Any excuse to remind ourselves of that. There could well be more where that Planet Earth little beauty came from, as the BBC are reportedly keen to get cracking on … [Read more...] about Someone’s dubbed Planet Earth 2 footage with human screams and it’ll have you laughing in seconds
The BBC want to make Planet Earth III before David Attenborough turns 100
The BBC are keen to make Planet Earth three before its host Sir David Attenborough turns 100. The hugely popular nature series, which just finished its second run, is usually aired once every ten years. Attenborough, 90, has ten years to go before he gets to 100, but the Beeb are keen on making Planet Earth III before then. Producer Mike Gunton told The Independent that he can’t imagine the show with Sir David. He said: ‘It’s pointless trying. We love working with Sir David and I think he loves working with us, and we want that to last as long as possible. ‘When he decides he doesn’t want to do anymore, we will have to rethink how we make these programmes.’ Planet II was a roaring success, often scoring higher ratings than Saturday night juggernaut The X Factor. However, among all the glowing praise the series came under fire from viewers who weren’t happy about some of the show’s footage being more than a decade old. But the BBC told The … [Read more...] about The BBC want to make Planet Earth III before David Attenborough turns 100
BBC viewers were utterly bamboozled by this monstrous fish who hunts pigeons on Planet Earth 2
Planet Earth II’s final episode last night left viewers brimming with amazement once more, this time at a giant predatory fish who hunts down pigeons. Planet Earth 2 producers reveal terrifying moment they got caught in hyena ‘gangland war’ The ancient French city of Albi plays host to ‘monstrous’ Wels catfish, who have ‘virtually exterminated the local fish stocks’ over forty years, according to David Attenborough. And BBC One viewers could barely stomach footage of pigeons being ambushed by the scaly killers as they took a casual dip in the River Tarn. Because pretty much everyone can agree birds are meant to eat fish, seeing the finned catfish get their own back felt all kinds of wrong. Apparently it’s the pigeons’ biggest strength — a lack of fear — that allows the beasts to prey on them so easily. It seems a catish is only able to pick off one pigeon at a time, usually by pulling down their feet with their mouths. … [Read more...] about BBC viewers were utterly bamboozled by this monstrous fish who hunts pigeons on Planet Earth 2
Planet Earth viewers could really relate to the fox with its head in the snow
Planet Earth II has consistently been one of the greatest things about a year that’s been full of political upheaval and the death of numerous cultural icons. But while we’ve been continually stunned by the action shots that provide a unique glimpse at nature’s finest, it seems that we’re able to relate to it in ways that we had never imagined. Presenting this fox, which stole the hearts of viewers tonight as it stuck its head in the snowy ground while hunting for a vole. Although it’s an effective tactic, people couldn’t help but find the whole thing oddly relatable. And others couldn’t quite believe how adorable the tiny critter was. We are all the fox with its head in the snow, right? Amazing stuff. Planet Earth returns to BBC One next Sunday at 8PM. MORE: Turns out that Planet Earth II is being watched by more young people than The X Factor MORE: Planet Earth crew left devastated as 150,000 antelope drop dead in front of them during filming … [Read more...] about Planet Earth viewers could really relate to the fox with its head in the snow
Snoop Dogg backs petition for him to replace David Attenborough on Planet Earth
Snoop Dogg has given his backing to a petition calling for him to voice Planet Earth. After the rapper jokingly recorded voice-overs for a segment on Jimmy Kimmel Live last year, a fan has started a petition for him to replace David Attenborough on the new series. The petition on Change.org, started by Kelly Ooten, has already amassed nearly 8000 signatures and has now been promoted by the man himself. “Snoop Dogg has narrated some Planet Earth in the past but yo we need him to narrate full episodes. Sign the petition if you agree,” it reads. The rapper then posted a link to the campaign on his Instagram, writing: “Who made this? Let’s get this s**t going. Who want more #PlizzanetEarth?” The BBC natural history programme has been fronted the British TV veteran since 2006 and airs on Animal Planet in the US. Planet Earth, which is shown in 130 countries, has won a number of awards, including Best Nonfiction Series at the Emmy Awards. … [Read more...] about Snoop Dogg backs petition for him to replace David Attenborough on Planet Earth
Planet Earth crew devastated as 150,000 antelope die in front of them in the space of just three days
A horrified TV crew working on Planet Earth II saw 150,000 antelope killed off by disease in just three days as they filmed at calving grounds. Fans of the David Attenborough series will see scenes featuring the Saiga Antelope of Kazakhstan in Central Asia on Sunday. But Chadden Hunter, producer of the Grasslands episode, told how he thought he was witnessing the “extinction of the species” as the animals started to die. He said: “When we were out there in the calving grounds, with hundreds of thousands of females all giving birth at the same time, a very virulent disease swept through the population and killed around 150,000 of them in a matter of three days. “At the time we thought we were watching the greatest natural catastrophe that I’d ever heard of. We watched 150,000 of these magnificent animals die in front of us. "At the time we didn’t know if it was the final extinction of the species, which was devastating, emotionally, for the … [Read more...] about Planet Earth crew devastated as 150,000 antelope die in front of them in the space of just three days
If You Want to Meet the Man With the Best Dad Dance Moves on Planet Earth, We Found Him!
We dare you to watch this video without bopping your head to the beat and biting your lip, because there is no way that this dude and his moves won't inspire your own dad dancing. Go on! We double dog dare you! During The Vamps concert at Thorpe Park in England over the weekend, people witnessed an extraordinary event: a dad "smashing the dance floor" and completely out-shining the young folks around him. We're not 100 percent sure he is a dad, but the blue polo shirt tucked into the jeans and the fact that he's at a boyband concert in the first place sort of signifies "DAD!" WATCH: The honest trailer for Magic Mike is so accurate it's scary Oh, and also his dance moves. Those also scream "DAD!" They also scream: "OMIGOD DAD STOPPP!" But he can't stop, won't stop! Did someone order The Robot, shaken and stirred?! Meanwhile, the dad in the white shirt is standing still, completely unaffected by the rhythm. Don't be the dad in the white shirt. Be the dad in the blue shirt. … [Read more...] about If You Want to Meet the Man With the Best Dad Dance Moves on Planet Earth, We Found Him!
Here’s Why ‘Shocked Capybara’ Is the Latest Amazing Planet Earth II Meme
Planet Earth II If you haven't been keeping up with Planet Earth II, you need to get on that. Not only is it the coolest and the most mesmerizing thing you'll watch all day, but it's also great at giving us some killer memes. Not long ago the internet fell in love with a clip featuring a pile of snakes chasing a baby iguana. We won't spoil the ending for you if you haven't watch it yet. We do highly recommend you see it for yourself, however. It's equal parts terrifying and fascinating. If that sounds like your vibe, we've got another Planet Earth II moment for you to enjoy. This time, an amazing Capybara has meme'd himself into the public eye. When you see that face, you will understand why this buddy has already won the hearts and tweets of so many. If you aren't familiar with this animal, you will be. The Capybara is basically a giant rodent (with kind of the most adorable mug ever) and a relative to the guinea pig. Why is this guy so internet famous? Recently on Planet Earth … [Read more...] about Here’s Why ‘Shocked Capybara’ Is the Latest Amazing Planet Earth II Meme
This year on planet earth proves literally anything can happen so we must be careful of Dundee United trumping Hibs
So, what could possible trump Trump the new president of the US of A? A full on Alien invasion? Surely the only fitting way to see out this most unpredictable of years. Scotland beating England on Friday? Steady on now, it's not miracles we're talking about, perhaps he'll spread the love among his fellow shock troops in a year that has seen the underdog triumph time after time. A few of the mogul's millions would come in handy down Leith way and he's as Scottish as, well, clogs. There's every chance though he might look to add to his golfing interests in Scotland with a football club. Given the strong Hibs supporters club in the Western Isles, it's not outwith the realms of possibility that Trump is a Hibee, his mother comes from there after all. He could join Saddam Hussein as one of our most controversial and colourful supporters. Could we possibly attract a man who is secretive about his tax returns, talks big about how much he is worth and then refuses to prove it? Nah, the … [Read more...] about This year on planet earth proves literally anything can happen so we must be careful of Dundee United trumping Hibs
