Category Archives: Our Planet

Throughout Earth’s History: 250 Key Milestones in Earth Science

A 2013 photograph of locks at the Three Gorges Dam on the Yangtze River, near Sandouping, Hubei Province, China.
1994: The Evolution and Impact of Hydroelectric Power

Hydroelectric power, evolving from ancient milling to modern electricity generation, now forms a significant part of global energy. Its growth, marked by monumental projects like the Three Gorges Dam, also brings environmental and social challenges, [...]

Main image: A composite image from NASA's Suomi ocean science satellite in 2016, showing the distribution of phytoplankton in the California Current (depicted in green). Inset: Astronaut Kathy Sullivan viewing Earth through the Space Shuttle Challenger's windows in 1984.
1993: The Pioneering Role of Satellites in Oceanography

Revolutionizing oceanographic studies, space-based remote sensing, initiated by the Seasat mission and advanced by figures like Kathryn Sullivan, has dramatically enhanced our understanding of ocean dynamics and their impact on Earth’s climate

A 2017 photograph of a lush boreal spruce forest covered in moss in Sweden.
1992: The Vital Role of Boreal Forests in Global Ecology

Covering a vast area in the northern hemisphere, boreal forests or taiga, play a crucial role in global climate regulation due to their significant carbon storage, while also presenting challenges and opportunities in sustainable resource [...]

Scenic trails winding through the high-altitude tundra environment of the Rocky Mountains, Colorado.
1992: Exploring the Tundra Biome – Ecology and Global Significance

The tundra biome, spanning Arctic, Antarctic, and alpine regions, is crucial for climate studies due to its permafrost and unique biodiversity, underscored by international conservation efforts

Photograph of the massive eruptive plume of Mount Pinatubo on the morning of June 12, 1991. This eruption released more ash and dust into the stratosphere than any volcanic eruption since Krakatoa in 1883.
1991: Mount Pinatubo Eruption – Averting a Major Catastrophe

The 1991 Mount Pinatubo eruption, one of the most powerful of the 20th century, led to significant climatic effects and showcased the importance of timely evacuation and volcanic monitoring in reducing fatalities

A 2003 photo taken from inside Biosphere 2, featuring sections of the lake and rainforest biomes.
1991: Biosphere 2 – A Pioneering Experiment in Self-Sustaining Ecosystems

Biosphere 2, an experiment in Arizona, aimed to simulate Earth's biosphere. Despite challenges in maintaining ecological balance, it offered crucial insights into sustaining life in closed systems, aiding research in environmental science and space exploration

British anthropologist Jane Goodall pictured with a chimpanzee companion.
1988: Unraveling the Mysteries of Chimpanzees – Jane Goodall’s Pioneering Research

Jane Goodall's pioneering research has deeply enhanced our understanding of chimpanzees, revealing their complex social structures, emotional capacity, and surprising behaviors, leading to important ethical discussions about their conservation and use in research

This map illustrates artificial night-sky brightness in a portion of the Western Hemisphere, sourced from the US Defense Meteorological Satellite Program. The reddest areas, predominantly in the eastern and western United States, indicate locations where light pollution increases nighttime brightness to nearly ten times that of the natural sky.
1988: The Dilemma of Light Pollution – Losing the Night Sky

Light pollution diminishes the night sky's natural beauty, impacting astronomy and ecosystems. Efforts like the International Dark-Sky Association aim to preserve dark skies and promote efficient lighting

Main image: A section of the initial exploratory tunnel excavated beneath Yucca Mountain during the preliminary assessment studies of the site as a potential long-term repository for nuclear waste. Inset: A 2006 photograph of the summit of Yucca Mountain in southern Nevada.
1987: Yucca Mountain – The Nuclear Waste Dilemma

Yucca Mountain's future as a nuclear waste repository remains uncertain amid safety concerns and political challenges, highlighting the complexity of sustainable nuclear waste management

A 2013 photograph of a California condor perched on a rock at the Grand Canyon in Arizona, one of the native habitats for this critically endangered bird. The California condor boasts one of the widest wingspans of any living bird species, measuring approximately 10 feet (3 meters).
1987: The Resurgence of California Condors – A Conservation Success

Once on the brink of extinction, the California condor is making a comeback thanks to extensive conservation efforts, symbolizing the power of dedicated wildlife preservation