National Geographic | THE COMPASS

National Geographic

THE COMPASS

This week, Compass gets a little strange. See the newly discovered trait of one of the planet’s strangest creatures, discover ancient footprints that hint at mysterious human relative with a strange walk, and learn the strange histories of the stuff we put in—and on—our bodies. Plus, top stories you may have missed.

A platypus under UV light making it have a blue glow.

PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF JONATHAN MARTIN/NORTHLAND COLLEGE; FROM ANICH ET AL. 2020

We knew platypuses were incredible. Now we know they glow, too

The fur of the platypus glows under a blacklight—a finding that raises questions about its role in these strange mammals.

ANOTHER ODD TRAIT

Model of Laetoli Site A using photogrammetry showing five hominin footprints and corresponding contour map of the site at Laetoli, Tanzania, generated from a 3D surface scan.

PHOTOGRAPHS BY AUSTIN C. HILL AND CATHERINE MILLER

Ancient footprints hint at mysterious human relative with a strange walk

Long written off as bear tracks, prints at a site in Tanzania suggest early humans walked on two feet in surprisingly diverse ways. But questions abound.

A MYSTERIOUS UPRIGHT-WALKING HOMININ

GOOD READS

1.

Noticing more cicadas this year in the U.S.? There may be a reason.

2.

Counter or fridge? Here’s how to store fruits and veggies for maximum freshness.

3.

The Mediterranean diet has stood the test of time for a reason: It works.

4.

10 million enslaved Americans' names are missing from history. AI is helping identify them.

Looking down on the plume from the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai Volcano Eruption.

PHOTOGRAPH BY MAXAR VIA GETTY IMAGES

Tonga's strange volcanic eruption was even more massive than we knew

The ferocious 2021 explosion blew out 2.3 cubic miles of rock, unleashing a 35-mile-high plume and a global tsunami that sent scientists racing to understand the blast. Now they're finally putting together the pieces.

WINDOW INTO THE DEEP

IN THE MOUNTAINOUS FORESTS OF NEW GUINEA, SCIENTISTS HAVE DESCRIBED A NEW KIND OF ANIMAL WHOSE MALES SPORT A SINGLE, FLESHY SPIKE ON THEIR NOSE. WHAT IS IT?

A. RHINO
B. MONKEY
C. FROG

CLICK TO SEE IF YOU'RE RIGHT!

A background with tonic water filled with bubbles.

PHOTOGRAPH BY FOODFOLIO/PICTURE PRESS/REDUX

The strange histories of the stuff we put in—and on—our bodies

What did the ancients use as deodorant? How did salsa become popular? The history of the everyday things we often take for granted is filled with happy accidents.

THE HISTORY OF EVERYDAY THINGS

Skate egg cases, like this one at the Sedge Island Natural Resource Education Center in Seaside Park, New Jersey, are a common sight on Atlantic coast beaches after a storm.

PHOTOGRAPH BY JOEL SARTORE, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC PHOTO ARK

The strangest deep-sea creatures washed ashore by hurricanes

Storms like Hurricane Florence take a toll on marine life and carry in surprises for beachcombers.

RAISING THE DEEP

For Antarctica’s emperor penguins, ‘there is no time left’ +

THE LAST OF THEIR KIND

Did ancient Romans love French bulldogs as much as we do? +

Reconstructing the face of a 700-year-old murder victim. +

UNSOLVED MYSTERY

WHAT WILL WE EXPLORE NEXT?

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