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This week’s new questions

Why does the return journey always seem much shorter than the outward journey on a day out? And do black holes look the same from any angle?

14 August 2024

Âé¶¹´«Ã½. Science news and long reads from expert journalists, covering developments in science, technology, health and the environment on the website and the magazine.

Marco Bottigelli/Getty Images

Why does the return journey always seem much shorter than the outward leg on a day trip?

Derek Long,

Cambridge, UK

This is a 3D illustration of Three Merging Supermassive Black Holes.

Declan Hillman/Shutterstock

Do black holes look the same from any angle?

Johnny Cleveland,

Columbus, Indiana, US

To answer this question – or ask a new one – email lastword@newscientist.com.

Questions should be scientific enquiries about everyday phenomena, and both questions and answers should be concise. We reserve the right to edit items for clarity and style. Please include a postal address, daytime telephone number and email address.

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