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Last word

Â鶹´«Ã½'s popular Last Word series gives readers the opportunity to answer each other's questions about everyday science phenomena, from the shape of scones to the evolutionary history of toenails. To answer a question or ask a new one, email lastword@newscientist.com

Brachiosaurus dinosaur in water next to islands with palm trees. This is a 3d render illustration; Shutterstock ID 2218581533; purchase_order: -; job: -; client: -; other: -

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What is the earliest period in which I could survive on Earth? Part 2

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Watling Street, a Roman road in Great Britain, stretching to the horizon between green fields under a clear blue sky.; Shutterstock ID 666223486; purchase_order: -; job: -; client: -; other: -

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How did Roman road builders know which way to go? Part 2

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It's raining heavily, wearing an umbrella during the rainy season

Last Word

This week’s new questions

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Asteroid impact event. Lateral sectioned view of an asteroid impact, similar to that which is thought to have caused the extinction of the dinosaurs around 65 million years ago. The impact took place at sea near the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico, forming the Chicxulub crater (around 200 kilometres across). The impact threw trillions of tons of dust into the atmosphere and sent tsunamis (massive waves) around the globe, destroying coastal areas. Dust and water vapour in the atmosphere lowered global temperatures. Plant and then animal life began to die off. The dinosaurs never recovered, and mammals rose to become the dominant form of life.

Last Word

Could Earth sustain life without having been hit by a dwarf planet?

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Issue no. 3481 published 9 March 2024

Â鶹´«Ã½ issue 3481 cover
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