Webb Spots an Odd Ancient Signal, an 800-Year-Old Solar Storm, and Robot Dogs on Mars
This week, the Webb Telescope spots an unusual signal, China's ancient astronomers are vindicated, and robotic dogs could be headed to Mars.
Micah Hanks
Micah Hanks is creator, co-founder, and Editor-in-Chief of The Debrief. He covers science, defense, and technology in his writing and podcasts, and you can find him at micahhanks.com and on X @MicahHanks.
NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope Has Detected an Unusual Signal from the Early Universe—Could It Be Home to the First Stars?
The James Webb Space Telescope has uncovered evidence of what could be the universe's first stars encircling an enigmatic cosmic companion.
A 2000-Year-Old ‘Lost Script’ Has Been Deciphered—Now It May Help Solve the Enduring Mystery of Ancient Teotihuacan
The meaning behind Teotihuacan’s enigmatic symbols is finally coming to light, revealing new evidence of an early Uto-Aztecan writing system.
The Ancient City of Mohenjo-Daro, a “Lost” Archaeological Enigma, Could Be Centuries Older Than Previously Thought
The enigmatic ancient city of Mohenjo-Daro is likely far older than previously believed, according to new geoarchaeological evidence.
NASA’s Artemis II Astronauts Spot Mysterious New Lunar Features During Historic Mission
This week, a rare look at the far side of the Moon emerges in stunning new Artemis II imagery; but that's not all the astronaut crew observed.
Stunning Artemis II Images Reveal Moon’s Mysterious Far Side and Ancient Lunar Phenomena in Sharpest Resolution Ever Seen
Earth and the Moon take center stage in stunning new Artemis II images, revealing features that have never been seen previously.
A Titanic Cosmic Blast, Advanced Metallurgy in Ancient Egypt, and the Consciousness-Time Connection
This week, a gravitational wave discovery, the enigma Egypt's Middle Kingdom metallurgists, and the connection between time perception and consciousness are all featured.
New Genetic Study of the Famous ‘Shroud of Turin’ Reopens Debate Over the Controversial Relic’s Origins
A new genetic study of the famous Shroud of Turin has revealed the complex interactions it has had with its environment over the centuries.
NASA’s James Webb Telescope Has Revealed the Curious Cosmic Inhabitants of W51, a Once “Invisible” Region of the Cosmos
Astronomers have unveiled new details about a previously hidden star-forming region of the cosmos, thanks to the powerful...
Archaeologists Unearth “First Direct Evidence” of Advanced Ancient Metallurgy in Egypt’s Middle Kingdom
Archaeologists say they have uncovered new evidence that the production of arsenical bronze was known to the ancient Middle Kingdom Egyptians.
A Mysterious Signal Began Transmitting as the Iran War Erupted—Now Someone is Jamming It
A mysterious shortwave radio signal that began broadcasting in the hours after the Iran war commenced has captured the fascination of radio enthusiasts.
12-Billion-Year-Old Space Invader? James Webb Space Telescope Reveals the Ancient Origins of Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS
3I/ATLAS may be more than the strangest space object astronomers have observed within our solar system—it could also be one of the oldest.
In a Landmark Physics First, Scientists Observe Atoms Existing in Two Separate Places at the Same Time
Scientists have made the first confirmed observation of atoms existing in two places at once in a landmark observation in modern physics.
Webb Telescope Makes an Odd Discovery, Mysterious Light Vortices, and Serpent Mound’s Mystery Deepens
This week, the Webb Telescope is peering at 3I/ATLAS, ligth wave vortices are breaking the universal speed limit, and an iconic American archaeology site's mystery is deepening.
Ohio’s Serpent Mound Still Fuels Debate, as Haunting Questions Remain About America’s Most Mysterious Earthwork
Ohio’s famous Serpent Mound has long remained one of America’s most iconic, mysterious, and hotly-debated prehistoric monuments.
NASA Officials Investigating Cause of Mystery Condition That Suddenly Left an Astronaut Unable to Speak
NASA is reportedly reviewing the medical information of its astronauts following an unusual incident that left one of them unable to speak while aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
Red Dawn: Crimson Skies Over Western Australia Revealed in Eerie Imagery Online
Images flooded social media over the weekend revealing an apocalyptic-looking scene that unfolded over Western Australia, as the country's skies turned an eerie blood red.
Webb Telescope Detects Unusually High Levels of “Heavy Hydrogen,” a Key Component of Nuclear Fusion Fuel, in 3I/ATLAS
New data from the James Webb Telescope has identified an unusually high concentration of deuterium in the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS.
Scientists Have Discovered “Buried Mass Anomalies” Deep Below the Martian Surface—Are They Quickening the Red Planet’s Spin?
New findings that reveal the discovery of “hidden structures” pointing to the existence of a gravity anomaly 1,200 kilometers below the Martian surface.
Deep Within a Cave in Central Texas, Scientists Have Made an Unexpected Discovery
Within an unexplored cave in Central Texas, scientists have made an ancient discovery never previously documented in the region.
Experts Warn of Suspicious Trading Around Iran War and Global Events as Alarming Pattern Emerges
This week, a growing wave of suspicious trading activity tied to the U.S.-Iran conflict has raised concerns among experts about the potential misuse of insider knowledge.
Hidden Deep in a Polish Forest for Centuries, a ‘Lost’ Medieval Town Has Resurfaced
A medieval town vanished in the early 19th century, becoming another of history’s forgotten chapters that was ultimately lost to time; until now.
Bronze Age Artifact Made from ‘Space Metal’ Unearthed at a Sacrificial Site is Confirmed as the Oldest of Its Kind
A curious Bronze Age artifact unearthed at a ceremonial site in southwestern China has now been identified as the earliest known and the largest of its kind, according to newly published research.
Evidence of Advanced Medicine in Egypt’s Old Kingdom, Lucid Dreaming Science, and Earth’s 2-Billion-Year-Old Nuclear Reactor
This week, ancient advanced medical knowledge in Egypt's Old Kingdom and new research revealing a surprising link between perception and lucid dreaming are covered in recent stories from The Debrief.
A Mysterious Ancient Egyptian Text Reveals Evidence of Advanced Medicine 1000 Years Earlier Than Once Thought
An obscure ancient Egyptian text discovered in the 19th century led to discoveries that rewrote the timeline of early medical knowledge.
“There Was a Hole in the Ceiling”: Meteorite Smashes into Texas Home Amid Recent Rise in Space Object Reentries
A Texas woman says a meteorite crashed through the roof of her home on Saturday, following a loud boom reported by residents near Houston, Texas.
“This Cannot Be Possible”: How an Ancient Anomaly Led Scientists to Discover a Two-Billion-Year-Old Nuclear Reactor in Africa
An anomalous ore sample found in Africa once left scientists considering the unthinkable; this is the remarkable story of Earth's natural nuclear reactor.
Controversial Study Challenges Age of Famous Monte Verde Site, Reigniting One of Archaeology’s Greatest Debates
A new study questions the age of Chile's Monte Verde archaeological site, reigniting debate over when the first people reached South America.
17,000-Pound Meteor That Rattled Ohio on Saint Patrick’s Day Prompts Update from NASA Officials
Many residents of Northeastern Ohio were left shaken this Saint Patrick’s Day as a thundering “mystery boom” echoed through the morning skies.
1,700-Year-Old Roman “Advanced Engineering” Unearthed in a Rare Archaeological Discovery
A rare 1,700-year-old discovery by archaeologists in Turkey highlights the use of advanced engineering of the Roman-era.
“Very Unusual” Underwater Structure in Norway Linked to 1,100-Year-Old Records Describing a Medieval “Whale Trap”
Divers investigating a mysterious underwater structure in Norway may have found the earliest known example of a medieval “whale trap.”
This Ancient Invention Reveals the Ice Age Technology That Propelled Human Expansion Against Earth’s Frigid Temperatures
New research reveals how the invention of a crucial Ice Age technology helped humans defend against extreme cold during ancient global migrations.
Sheriff’s Office Issues Update on Missing USAF Official: Here’s Everything We Know About the Disappearance of Neil McCasland
The search continues for a missing U.S. Air Force official in New Mexico, as authorities prepare to enter their third week investigating the baffling disappearance with few leads.
The Disappearance of Neil McCasland: Authorities Continue Searching for Missing USAF Official Linked to UFO Speculations
This week, authorities in Albuquerque continue searching for clues in the mysterious disappearance of retired U.S. Air Force Major General William Neil McCasland.
What’s Hidden Inside 3I/ATLAS? Astronomers Reveal Another Unexpected Discovery About Our Latest Interstellar Visitor
3I/ATLAS, the unusual interstellar comet that continues to fascinate astronomers, appears to be keeping an intoxicating cosmic secret, new research has revealed.
Huge Stone Structures in Quebec, the Discovery of a “Space Laser,” and the U.S. Army’s New “Super-Foam”
This week, ancient stone structures in Canada, a "space laser," and the U.S. Army's "super-foam" are in the news, along with the latest developments in the U.S. campaign in Iran.
U.S. Officials Investigating “Mystery Drone” Incident Over Barksdale Air Force Base That Prompted Security Alert
Sightings of an unmanned aerial system over Barksdale Air Force Base (BAFB) early on Monday resulted in a temporary shelter-in-place order.
163-Year-Old Wreckage of Historic ‘USS Monitor’ Revealed in Haunting New Imagery with Cutting-Edge Sonar Tech
State-of-the-art technology has revealed the 19th-century wreckage site of the USS Monitor in stunning new highest resolution images.
MeerKat Telescope Spots Mega-Powered “Space Laser” Beaming Across the Cosmos, Revealing Most Distant Luminous Object Known
In a discovery that astronomers are calling a “truly extraordinary” find, a powerful "space laser" mega-beam has been detected from across the cosmos.
Disinformation Floods Social Media as Iran Conflict Sparks Viral Rumors
The Iran conflict has triggered a surge in online disinformation, including AI-generated imagery and unverified viral claims.
Pentagon Reveals Dramatic Footage of U.S. Submarine Sinking Iranian Warship in Rare Torpedo Attack
Videos released by the Pentagon on Wednesday captured the moment a U.S. attack submarine sank an Iranian warship in international waters.
Operation Epic Fury: U.S. Forces Under Strain as Iran’s Missile Barrage Tests Regional Defenses
U.S.-Israeli war with Iran represents one of the most complex and sustained challenges the U.S. has seen in the Middle East in decades.
NASA Issues an Artemis Update, a Teleportation Breakthrough, and Tardigrades in Martian Soil
This week, as NASA announces massive changes to its Artemis program, quantum teleportation, tardigrades, and space science are also making the news.
Scientists Report New Quantum Teleportation Breakthrough, Toppling a Major Barrier to Practical Quantum Communication
Scientists report a quantum teleportation breakthrough that may have significant implications for advancing quantum communication technology.
60,000-Year-Old “Highly Unusual” Etchings Could Point to Humanity’s Earliest Use of Geometric Design
Evidence of early human use of geometric concepts in prehistoric art has surfaced in Africa, pointing to complex patterns in ancient etchings on ostrich eggshells.
Real-Time Night-Sky Surveillance: Millions of Nightly Signals from Space Expected as Rubin Observatory Comes Online
This week, the Vera C. Rubin Observatory issued its first real-time sky alerts, inaugurating a monitoring system set to transform how we study the universe.
The Fabled “Lost City of Almanzor” Has Eluded Scholars for a Thousand Years—Now This Archaeologist Says He’s Found It
A new archaeological discovery could settle the longstanding debate about the location of the near-mythical "lost city of Almanzor."
“We’ve Seen Them; We Know They Exist”: Scientists Confirm Elusive Electrical Phenomenon That Evaded Scientists for a Century
Scientists report the first field observation of a rare electrical phenomenon that has eluded scientific confirmation for nearly a century.
“We’ve Been Waiting for This”: James Webb Space Telescope Spots a Red “Supergiant” That Could Help Solve a Cosmic Cold Case
The James Webb Space Telescope spots evidence of a stellar explosion that could help solve the cosmic mystery of "missing red supergiants."
Did Archaeologists Uncover Evidence of a Neanderthal “Skull Cult” in This Ancient Spanish Cave?
Archaeologists in Spain have discovered an odd collection of animal bones that may point to evidence of an ancient Neanderthal "skull cult."