Thank you for joining us on our exploratory adventures through the wonders of space and science. Thank you for taking the time to read Wonder Theory and share your thoughts — we love seeing what you have to say.
And thank you for being curious. I see curiosity as a gift. We all have it as children, but it seems to be one of the things that is easiest to lose as we age. It’s a true joy to stay curious with all of you each week.
Wild kingdom
There isn’t much better than adorable animals captured on film during an opportune moment.
In addition to giving you a good chuckle, and something to share with any holiday company staying with you, the awards support a great cause.
This year’s competition will donate 10% of its total net revenue to Save Wild Orangutans, which works to safeguard wild orangutans in Gunung Palung National Park, Borneo. Now that’s a good reason to feel warm and fuzzy.
Dino-mite!
Fossils from one of the Show-Me State’s dinosaurs, identified as the species Parrosaurus missouriensis, were uncovered in October.
The specimen of the duck-billed dinosaur was excavated after a years-long process that began in 2017.
The dig site could have more to offer about the ancient environment and exactly what lived there millions of years ago.
Other worlds
It’s the little chopper that could, and we’re so glad it’s still around. Let’s hear it for the Ingenuity helicopter, which keeps flying high on Mars and surpassing expectations.
We kicked off the Wonder Theory newsletter by sharing the excitement of Ingenuity’s first flight on the red planet in April.
Since then, the helicopter has aced 15 more flights, and it’s helping the Perseverance rover explore Mars in unprecedented ways.
Dig this
Sometimes, that intriguing find is really just a log in the lake. Other times, it’s a 1,200-year-old canoe. That’s what divers discovered and resurfaced at Lake Mendota in Madison, Wisconsin.
Those who built the dugout canoes in what’s now Dane County were ancestors of the Ho-Chunk Nation, often referred to as the “People of the Sacred Voice.”
For the next two years, researchers will work on preserving and protecting the canoe before it goes on display.
Going green
It’s coming on Christmas and for many, this weekend is all about the tree.
Some families savor picking out a fresh tree that will fill the house with the scent of pine, while others enjoy the dependability of a reusable artificial tree.
Never fear: We’ve asked the experts to share the pros and cons of each to help you make a decision before picking out your perfect tree this year.
The wonder
A little more fun before you go:
These award-winning photos are guaranteed to make you laugh