Interesting Headlines of October 2009

Just when you spent years learning that there were nine planets in the Solar System to only find that Pluto has been demoted from ‘planet’ status, astronomers in Europe have now enhanced the list of planets located outside the solar system with an additional 32 new planets. In this article, you will learn about this discovery, as well as information pertaining to ancient Greek and Egyptian discoveries.

32 New Planets

The discovery of 32 new planets sheds even more light on the theory that the universe has many other places where life could develop. The new finds increases the number of planets discovered outside the solar system to more than 400. This is still significant news despite the scientists’ inability to find any planets that resembled the size of Earth. Even with the help of the European Southern Observatory telescope, no planets seemed odd or habitable.

However, six of the newly found planets appear several times bigger than Earth, which increases the population of so-called “super-Earths” by more than 30%. The majority of the planets discovered have been quite large , comparable to Jupiter and in some cases, larger.

Ancient Tooth in Egyptian Skull is Rare Find

The procedure used to remove an ancient tooth from the skull of a 4,000-year-old Egyptian mummy was the first move in extracting DNA from the pulp and hopefully, answer questions for scientists. Since the artifact was a rare find, all involved were concerned that the head was not disturbed in the process. Because of this, it took three hours to extract the molar.

The Return of Nefertiti

In an attempt to have the bust of Nefertiti returned to Egypt, the chief archeologist of the country, Zahi Hawass said he will request its return from the German government. It is his belief that the bust was illegally removed from the country in 1913. A German government art historian replied that there is sufficient documentation and proof of arrangements that will show that the process of obtaining the bust was legal.

Evidence of Viking and Dorset Trade

This month, archaeologists have revealed that they may have stumbled upon evidence that proves trade between the Vikings and the Dorset took place in the Canadian Arctic. If you are wondering who the Dorset are , researchers have identified the culture by taking a look at their fish weirs, tent rings, and drying racks. The group of people is believed to have vanished around 1200 to 1300 AD.  

Ancient Greek Temple Possibly Uncovered

The possible remains of a temple dedicated to a Greek goddess named Nemesis (often depicted as a remorseless goddess) have been uncovered close to the Aegean Sea in Izmir, Turkey. It is believed situated under the Hurriyet Anatolian High School building and plans for its excavation may take place in the near future.