A 2017 photograph of the Chernobyl Victims Memorial located in front of reactor #4 at the Chernobyl nuclear power station. The reactor chamber is now sealed within a cement sarcophagus.
1986: The Chernobyl Nuclear Disaster – A Historical Overview

The 1986 Chernobyl disaster, the worst nuclear accident in history, led to significant environmental and health consequences and reshaped nuclear safety standards globally

Main image: A glimpse of the RMS Titanic's bow, captured in June 2004 by the ROV Hercules during an expedition to the shipwreck site. Inset: Oceanographer and explorer Robert Ballard.
1985: Exploring Underwater History – Robert Ballard’s Contributions

Robert Ballard, a pioneer in underwater archaeology, has made significant discoveries like the RMS Titanic, contributing greatly to our understanding of maritime history

Main image: Illustration of the Earth's magnetosphere (blue lines) shielding against the solar wind (orange, at left) and protecting life from radiation. Inset: Margie Kivelson in 2017.
1984: Margaret Kivelson and Earth’s Magnetosphere

Margaret Kivelson's research on Earth's magnetosphere and other planetary magnetic fields has significantly advanced our understanding of these complex systems

Main image: Plant geneticist Barbara McClintock in her laboratory in 1947, known for her discoveries on gene regulation. Inset: A 2008 photo of various plant chromosome pairs from a science museum in South Kensington, London.
1983: Pioneers of Plant Genetics – Mendel and McClintock

Gregor Mendel and Barbara McClintock were foundational figures in plant genetics, making significant contributions to our understanding of genetic inheritance and regulation

Zoologist and conservationist Dian Fossey, with mountain gorillas in Rwanda, central Africa.
1983: Dian Fossey’s Legacy – Protecting Mountain Gorillas

Dian Fossey's groundbreaking work on mountain gorillas has significantly influenced primatology and conservation efforts, though these primates remain critically endangered

A 1970 photograph of a 30-foot-high (10 meters) lava fountain eruption from the Mauna Ulu vent of the Kilauea volcano on the Big Island of Hawaii.
1982: Understanding Volcanic Eruptions – The Volcanic Explosivity Index

The Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) categorizes volcanic eruptions based on their explosivity, aiding in understanding their potential impact on local communities and global climate

A 2017 photograph of a sizable solar collector power station located in Andalusia, Spain.
1982: The Rise of Solar Power – A Sustainable Energy Future

Discover the evolution of solar power, from the early discovery of the photoelectric effect to its emergence as a key player in the global energy landscape, shaping a sustainable future

Main image: Scenic view of Basin and Range National Monument in Nevada. Inset: John McPhee, renowned author of various popular science books on earth sciences.
1982: The Geologic Story of the Basin and Range Province

John McPhee's "Basin and Range" explores the unique geological formation of the Basin and Range Province in the American southwest, offering insights into its complex history and the role of storytelling in science

Examples of uniquely colored and shaped maize from Latin America used in genetic crossbreeding with domestic US corn crops to enhance their genetic diversity.
1982: Advancing Food Security – The Role of Genetic Engineering in Modern Agriculture

Genetic engineering in agriculture has significantly advanced food security by enhancing crop resistance and yield, despite public skepticism and regulatory challenges

A 2014 photo of shallow-water tropical corals and fish at Flynn Reef in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, off the coast of Queensland, Australia.
1981: The Great Barrier Reef – A Crucial Bioindicator and World Heritage Site

The Great Barrier Reef, the world's largest coral system, serves as a vital bioindicator and UNESCO World Heritage Site, currently facing threats like bleaching due to environmental changes