Scientists are constantly exploring the universe for the big and small discoveries and two recent findings captured my attention: one is 3x larger than Earth while the other is 15 inches (40 centimeters) in length.
Let’s begin with outer space. In an article written by Konstantin Batygin and Mike Brown and posted in Astronomical Journal, the Caltech scientists found compelling evidence of a ninth planet (we can discuss Pluto later). Rather than me trying to explain time and space – never a good thing – take a look at the stellar animation that the New York Times put together:
National Geographic goes on to explain that if Planet Nine is confirmed, it’s so distant and dim that it’s not a surprise that it hadn’t been detected. Best quote: “This thing will be faint. Like, crazy faint,” says Greg Laughlin, UC-Santa Cruz who calculated that Pluto could be as much as 10,000 times brighter than the new planet.
From the celestial heavens to earthly creatures, the species known as Lumbricus terrestris a/k/a the common earthworm is anything but on the Isle of Rum just off the shores of Scotland.
The Glasgow Naturalist posted the findings after scientists from the University of Central Lancashire discovered very large worm burrows on the remote island and wondered which animal was responsible as the hole was too large for the typical and lowly earthworm. Thanks to optimum conditions including fertile soil and no natural predators, the earthworms are not only getting larger but living longer. While typical worms have a two year life span, the super-sized version can live up to a decade.
Best quote is via The Telegraph and their interview with earthworm expert, Dr. Kevin Butt. “If they (worms) feel footsteps, they will just go down deeper into the earth. They’re not going to jump out and grab people.”
Good to know.