SpaceX's Starship SN8 Prototype Soars on Epic Test Launch, with Explosive Landing

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December 10, 2020

Dear Reader, SpaceX's Starship spaceflight system just took a big step on its path to Mars. The latest Starship prototype, a shiny silver vehicle known as SN8, launched on an epic high-altitude test flight today. Next, read our conversation with FDA commissioner Stephen Hahn about the procedures for evaluating COVID vaccine data and what actions the the agency is taking to gain public trust. Lastly, we have a story on a fascinating technique that was used to create stunning photographs of spiral flowers.

Sunya Bhutta, Senior Editor, Audience Engagement @sunyaaa

Space SpaceX's Starship SN8 Prototype Soars on Epic Test Launch, with Explosive Landing Despite its "rapid unplanned disassembly," the company's highest-yet flight of its next-generation rocket was a success By Mike Wall,SPACE.com

Arts & Culture Slit-Scan Technique Presents a Twist on Flowery Photography Photographers and TikTokers can use the method to show how a narrow strip records something different in a series of sequential images By Leslie Nemo

Conservation A Duet of Fish Owls Part territorial call, part pair bond affirmation, their cries break the silence of a frozen Siberian landscape By Jonathan C. Slaght

Cognition Young Ravens Rival Adult Chimps in a Big Test of General Intelligence At just four months of age, the birds performed equally well as great apes on understanding numbers, following cues and many more tasks By Rachel Nuwer

Medicine FDA Commissioner Says Vaccine Approval Process Will Be Transparent and Guided by Data Stephen Hahn describes how the agency will evaluate vaccines for emergency authorization By Tanya Lewis

Climate Climate Inequality Exists in U.S. Cities and Has Deep Racist Roots Lower-income residents and people of color are more likely to live in the hottest neighborhoods By Chelsea Harvey,E&E News

FROM THE STORE Scientific American Space & Physics For $19.99 per year, your subscription includes six bi-monthly digital issues and every digital Space & Physics issue ever published!

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QUOTE OF THE DAY "Mars, here we come!" Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX via Twitter

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