The Pentagon UFO report is here: What did it reveal?

Plus, an ancient shark attack victim, visiting Earth-like worlds in the galaxy, Wikipedia wars and much more!

                                                                                                                                                                               

Science June 28, 2021

Eight flights and counting for NASA's Mars helicopter Hello, humans! We're carrying on with the UFO coverage this week, now that the Pentagon's UFO report has finally dropped. I know we call them UAP now but UFO just sounds better. So what's the big deal? What's in it? We read through it so you don't have to. Esteemed eye Eric Mack has a major report just below and CNET video queen Ashley Esqueda wraps it all up in a video at the end of an email. But there's plenty of interesting stuff besides unidentified flying objects this week. Start with an aperitif above and read about NASA's Mars helicopter making an eighth flight. It's all becoming a bit routine, isn't it? Once you're settled, move onto the Wikipedia war over the coronavirus lab leak theory as an entree, then on to the wild US Navy aircraft carrier shock test as your main. Finally, treat yourself to a story about one of the most ancient shark attack victims ever discovered: a 3,000-year-old with one hell of a story. And it's no science newsletter without a second dessert: Your questions (thanks for all the questions, you guys are the best!) -- so let's get to them! 📧The Mailbag📧 Chuck asks: My question is about the Big Bang theory. I have heard about this theory for many years. Every time I have heard anyone talk about it, it makes me wonder -- is the Big Bang theory really the best theory scientists have? Great Q! The first thing to say is "The Best" is very subjective. Is this The Best science newsletter you get? I sure hope so, but you might have differing opinions. The Big Bang -- the moment the universe exploded into existence -- hasn't always been the favourite theory of astronomers but it is the currently accepted best guess. If you were asking this question in 1921, we might be discussing the "steady-state" model, instead. The Big Bang theory (not the TV show) has succeeded that model of the universe because it is consistent with many of the observations scientists have made over the last few decades. For instance, the expansion of the universe fits in with the Big Bang as does the existence of lingering background microwave radiation. BUT! the Big Bang doesn't currently explain everything we can see and it relies on the existence of elusive dark energy and dark matter. So, there are a few anomalies. That means we need to gather more data. Chuck also goes on to ask "isn't it more accurate to say that humans have no clue about the origins of the universe, or if there are multiple universes, or if space is limitless?" and ... I think the truth is we do have clues, but that's about all. If we hope to explain the universe and its beginnings, we will need a lot more. Thanks for your question, Chuck! If you have any burning questions, send me an email or a message on Twitter and check next week for an answer. Have a great week! Enim scientia et astra! Jackson Ryan Science Editor, CNET UFO report: 'UAP threaten flight safety, lack single explanation' Eleven "near misses" have been recorded by pilots. See this Inside Wikipedia's war over the coronavirus lab leak theory See this See US Navy's $13 billion warship go through explosive 'shock trial' See this 3,000-year-old shark charged with attack on prehistoric man See this NASA and Tide team up to do laundry in space See this Earth-like worlds may be less common than we thought See this Scientists closing in on cosmic dawn, when first stars were born See this We now know that Tyrannosaurs roamed the freezing, dark Arctic See this WIRELESS WONDERS  Affordable noise-canceling headphones Here's a look at some of the best wireless noise-canceling headphones which cost less than $100. Read more

WATCH THIS  Pentagon UFO report: We read it so you don't have to See this

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