Our microbes can survive on the Moon's south pole

NASA scientists have discovered that some Earth microbes could survive in the shadowed areas of the Moon's south pole, where temperatures are extremely low. Presented in a paper published in Science Advances on August 19, these findings alert to the need to better understand microbial survival in extreme lunar environments. The investigators warn that, as humans establish a permanent presence on the Moon, it may become difficult to distinguish ancient lunar chemistry from biological contamination brought by astronauts.

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One of the largest nocturnal butterflies in Europe confirmed for the first time in Portugal

The oleander hawk-moth (Daphnis nerii), one of the largest nocturnal butterflies in Europe, was confirmed for the first time in Portugal in a scientific article published in the journal Zoodiversity by entomologists Eduardo Marabuto and Albano Soares. Five records of the species were documented between 2014 and 2024, including the first evidence of reproduction in the country, discovered in Montijo when researchers found pupae under an oleander tree. This westward expansion, likely driven by climate change, has also been observed in other European countries such as Germany, Hungary, France and Belgium. Although there is still no evidence of resident populations in Portugal, experts believe the species may eventually establish itself in the country, becoming a flagship species for raising awareness about butterflies and biodiversity.

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Wilder27/08/26, 19:02

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Today it's worth waking up early to see the Moon plunge into the Earth's shadow. Find out where to watch the eclipse (including online)

The last partial lunar eclipse of the year offers a spectacle for early risers, with the Moon plunging into Earth's shadow during the early morning hours. For those unable to observe the phenomenon directly, various online broadcasts will be available to follow the celestial event.

SAPO Tek27/08/26, 18:50

Science

  

It is a lunar eclipse night; no, it is not a vengeful monster eating the Moon

A partial lunar eclipse, with a maximum of 83%, will be visible in Portugal in the early morning between approximately 2:30 AM and 7:10 AM, with the "peak" expected to be around 5:10 AM. The article debunks seven myths associated with this astronomical phenomenon, including the belief that it is a sign of bad omen, theories related to pregnancy and babies, and the story of a jaguar. Unlike a solar eclipse, a lunar eclipse does not require special glasses to be observed, as it results from the Earth passing between the Sun and the Moon, rather than the Moon passing between the Earth and the Sun.

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ZAP Notícias27/08/26, 18:30

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Rocks can store enough energy to power cities

Portuguese researchers from the GeoBioTec center at Nova University of Lisbon and the Dom Luiz Institute concluded, through theoretical models, that energy storage in porous rocks located at depth can reach capacities sufficient to supply a small city. This discovery represents a significant advance in the field of renewable energies and geological energy storage.

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Notícias Lx27/08/26, 18:23