Europe’s first mission dedicated to studying variations in our planet’s ice cover entered polar orbit just minutes after launch last Thursday, marking the start of three days of intense activity. Mission controllers at ESOC, ESA’s European Space Operations Centre, have been monitoring CryoSat-2 around the clock to ensure the satellite’s systems and payload were functioning normally.

Watching a flock of starlings smoothly transform themselves into stunning and mesmerizing shapes in the evening sky, I am convinced that there is a group consciousness at work. You might look at the same display and be equally in awe of the speed at which each individual bird reacts to the slight and subtle physical signals from its nearest neighbour. Physical senses or group consciousness?

Read about the amazing phenomenon of bird flocks in "Flight Plan," from our March-April 2009 issue.

 
One of the great perks of living in New York City is having access to the best of both worlds... the jolt of the city and the recharging elements of nature. Being able to experience both extremes helps provide contrast and uncovers details in both terrains that I would not ordinarily see.

The time is almost here for Audubon Magazine's first ever photography awards, Birds In Focus. After years of being inspired by the spectacular photos that have been showcased in Audubon, photographers will soon have the opportunity to reveal their own amazing bird images!

The Australian Solar Tower is scheduled to rise in the year 2012.  It will produce 200-megawatts of power which is equivalent to about 200,000 typical Australian homes.  EnviroMission Ltd. is the company behind this magnificent undertaking.  This solar tower will alleviate an estimated 920,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually from fossil fuels.  The tower itself will be 130 meters wide and visible up to 80 miles from its site on Tapio station near Buronga and Mildura on the southern reaches of the Murray river.