Speaking of Science: A big day for science

Today was a tremendous day for science. We had a twofer: the first black hole pic (definitely!) and a new human species (probably!).Speaking about the new species, and how it...

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The first photo of a black hole, taken using a global network of telescopes. (Event Horizon Telescope/National Science Foundation) Today was a tremendous day for science. We had a twofer: the first black hole pic (definitely!) and a new human species (probably!). Speaking about the new species, and how it arrived at a Pacific island, anthropologist John Hawks told me, "Our genus is like a shape-shifter. We get into these new places and we can find ways to live there." He imagined that primitive humans sought out distant shores, perhaps following the smell of land or the sight of birds. We haven't stopped seeking, as today's other discovery shows. Our shores are just a little farther and a little stranger. — Ben Bones discovered in an island cave may be a new human species The group of human species includes Neanderthals, ourselves and, scientists say, a unusual sort of oddball named Homo luzonensis. By Ben Guarino · Read more     ADVERTISEMENT   See a black hole for the first time in a historic image from the Event Horizon Telescope The black hole is at the center of Messier 87, the largest galaxy we know of, about 54 million light-years away. By Sarah Kaplan and Joel Achenbach · Read more   A brief history of black holes as we await the big reveal from the Event Horizon Telescope Theorized but never imaged directly, black holes may finally be ready for their close-up. By Sarah Kaplan and Joel Achenbach · Read more     ADVERTISEMENT   As seas rise, the U.N. explores a bold plan: Floating cities Buoyant platforms that can weather cyclones and climate change could provide room for crowded coastal cities to grow. By Ben Guarino · Read more   This heavy metal mini planet survived the death of its star It's a fate that awaits almost all solar systems -- including our own. By Sarah Kaplan · Read more   Recommended for you Get The Energy 202 newsletter PowerPost's daily guide to energy and environment policy, by reporter Dino Grandoni. Sign Up

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