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A shoulder of Alexandra Peak, the second heighest peak in the Rwenzori range, as seen from Margherita Peak. In the valley between the two peaks lies Stanley Glacier. The glacier was once so high that guides could lead clients across it on a gentle walk between the peaks. Today the face of the mountain is exposed as the glacier dies.

See the magnificent but melting glaciers of the Rwenzori mountains

31 May 2023

Spanning Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the glaciers of this little-studied mountain range may vanish this decade. These stunning photographs capture them before they disappear

Hidden jerk and where to find it

31 May 2023

Feedback explores the links between jerk (hidden and otherwise), bamboo chopsticks and spaghetti, and admires a quietly charming graphical abstract

The Supermoon rises over houses in Olvera, in the southern Spanish province of Cadiz, July 12, 2014. Occurring when a full moon or new moon coincides with the closest approach the moon makes to the Earth, the Supermoon results in a larger-than-usual appearance of the lunar disk. REUTERS/Jon Nazca (SPAIN - Tags: SOCIETY CITYSCAPE TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY) - GM1EA7D0FC401

This week’s new questions

31 May 2023

When was it first realised that the lit portion of the moon always faces the sun? And in the comics, Thor is pulled into flight by throwing his hammer. Could a machine “fly” using such a principle?

Could land-dwelling octopuses develop technology? (part 2)

31 May 2023

A reader shares their thoughts on how difficult technological development would be for underwater species without access to fire

Hot dogs closeup; Shutterstock ID 373080193; purchase_order: -; job: -; client: -; other: -

How much tea must I drink to counter the effect of eating a hot dog?

31 May 2023

Our readers say just two cups of tea a day would be enough to overcome the negative effects of a twice-weekly hot dog habit

Bernini statue detail of Gange with Latin words engraved on a wall Roman Capitol; Shutterstock ID 131482886; purchase_order: -; job: -; client: -; other: -

Do we actually know how the ancient Romans pronounced Latin words?

31 May 2023

Surviving verse and plays can give us clues about Latin pronunciation, say our readers, as can the languages that are descended from Latin today

Puzzle #224: Can you find the ring inside the Russian dolls?

31 May 2023

Can you solve this week’s logic puzzle, Russian dolls? Plus the answer to puzzle #223

2CNWGJN Ophiuchus star constellation, Night sky, Cluster of stars, Deep space,?Serpentarius, Serpent bearer

How to spot Ophiuchus, the thirteenth zodiacal constellation

31 May 2023

Often referred to as the thirteenth sign of the zodiac, Ophiuchus sits alongside Sagittarius and Scorpius. Now is a great time to spot it, says Abigail Beall