This week: A photographer captures an intimate moment between a researcher and some dolphins. Plus, see Australia’s Aboriginal people fight fire with fire, and how old is the oldest ant ever found?

PHOTOGRAPH BY SPENCER LOWELL

Is there life beyond Earth? Probably. And organizations like the SETI Institute are searching for extraterrestrial intelligence. Photographer Spencer Lowell went underwater to capture a moment between three dolphins and Dr. Laurance Doyle, who studies the communication systems of dolphins and whales, and could help scientists decode patterns in alien languages. 

When asked about this photo, Lowell told our photo editors that he “felt a part of it” and that it was “quiet and intuitive, built on mutual respect. ... If this image gives someone pause to reflect on the possibility of communication beyond our species, or even our planet, then I feel like it’s done its job.” 

More stories:
—There’s still time to save the world’s ‘sweetest’ dolphin
—An extremely rare gray whale was spotted in the Atlantic. Scientists say it’s only the beginning.

PHOTOGRAPHS BY ANDERSON LEPCO

A new fossil uncovered in Brazil is the oldest known fossil of the “hell ant.” How old is it?    

A. 1.1 billion years old
B. 500,000 years old
C. 113 million years old
D. None of the above

PHOTOGRAPHS BY MATTHEW ABBOTT

This may look like a regular forest fire, but this fire was set on purpose. Australia’s Aboriginal people are fighting fire with fire, choosing to burn the land gently, and in controlled ways to reduce the destruction of potential wildfires. This helicopter isn’t putting out a fire but rather dropping incendiary pellets that slowly react chemically and then ignite after they are on the ground.

ONE LAST THING: Traveling during hurricane season? Here's what you should know. 

Thanks for reading today’s newsletter, which was edited and curated by Jennifer Baik and Melati Maupin. It was produced by Alisher Egamov. Did someone forward this to you? Sign up here to catch next week’s Photo of the Week newsletter.