Earth and atmospheric sciences

Explained: Near-miss asteroidsWhat to do in the event of an asteroid streaking toward Earth? Activate the asteroid ‘fire drill.’

Researchers calculate size of particles in Martian clouds of CO2 snowMars’ carbon dioxide ‘snowflakes’ are about the size of red blood cells.

First light from a super-Earth spottedDetection reveals a searing planet.

William F. Brace, professor emeritus in EAPS, dies at 86Geologist helped develop systematic descriptions of key physical properties of rocks.

Facing the facts about our changing climateMIT researchers join Boston Globe panel in weighing climate risks and resolutions.

Sara Seager named co-winner of the 2012 Sackler Prize

Oceans apartNew research suggests that ocean-crust formation is a dynamic process.

Water world'Weather in a tank' demonstration helps students grasp fluid dynamics.

A climate window in the Southern OceanAn updated circulation model reveals the Southern Ocean as a powerful influence on climate change.

‘Storm of the Century?’ Try ‘Storm of the Decade’With climate change, today’s ‘100-year floods’ may happen every three to 20 years, according to new research.

The hills are evolvingNew model predicts speed of spreading valleys.

What drove the lunar dynamo?Research supports theory that the moon’s molten core was likely sustained by an alternative power source.

At the core of a continentNew data finds regions of North America have remained extremely stable for more than one billion years.

Microbe metabolismFor the smallest organisms, size determines how microbes spend energy.

Robert van der Hilst named head of the Department of Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary SciencesSucceeds Maria Zuber, who led department for the last eight years.

Marilyn Wolfson named 2012 fellow of the American Meteorological SocietyRecognized for longtime contributions to atmospheric, oceanic sciences.

MIT Lincoln Laboratory researchers receive NASA awardHonored for their role in the Near Earth Object Observation Program

The first hairy microbesNew fossils reveal oldest known ciliates.

Blooming ocean frontsStudy finds fronts are hot spots for phytoplankton blooms.

Battered asteroid may have warm coreNew analysis of Lutetia finds evidence for molten interior.

Young scientists and babies: White House policy begins with alumna requestA new White House initiative to provide workplace flexibility to young scientists — starting with the National Science Foundation — has MIT fingerprints all over it.

To the moonMIT-led GRAIL mission to map the lunar gravitational field.

On thin iceThe most recent global climate report fails to capture the reality of the changing Arctic seascape, according to MIT researchers.

Putting the pieces togetherMIT researchers reconstruct Baja California’s 2010 ‘Easter Earthquake.’

The tallest tree in the landNew model predicts maximum tree height across the United States; gives information about forest density, carbon storage.

3 Questions: Richard Binzel on near-Earth asteroids'2011 MD,' found by a Lincoln Lab team, will pass close to the planet on Monday.

Ancient armorFossils from the Yukon reveal protective plates for microscopic organisms.

Wind, war and weathermenHow a Swedish bon vivant let MIT introduce modern meteorology to America — just in time to help the Allies win World War II.