NewsBite

Jeff Allan

May

The view over Portugal’s Douro River from Vinum Restaurant at Graham’s Port – an evening extravaganza courtesy of Viking Cruise Line.

On your next cruise, try a magical night onshore you won’t forget

Thanks to the growing popularity of cruising, luxury lines are coming up with ever-more exotic excursions on land – especially after sundown.

March

Betelgeuse is set to become the brightest star in our night sky.

A sun in our galaxy is about to explode

There hasn’t been a supernova in this vicinity since German astronomer Johannes Kepler saw one in 1604.

February

When in Lisbon … forget Uber. Catch a yellow tram and enjoy the colour and bustle on the city’s streets.

Here’s how to make the most of 24 hours in Lisbon

Sardines and green wine; books and bakeries. Sensory intoxication is guaranteed in the Portuguese capital.

December 2023

Jason Momoa in ‘Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom’.

Boxing Day films have something for everyone

From Marvel underwater to mallard ducks and a side trip to Greece, there’s plenty of variety at the cinema for a post-Christmas cinematic escape.

October 2023

It is estimated that there could be as many as 150 billion other galaxies.

Australian scientists shine new light on dark matter

It might not yet be the answer to life, the universe and everything, but an analysis of international experiments suggests the existence of an unknown particle.

Advertisement
Viking Torgil on the Douro River in Porto, Portugal.

Nervous about going on tour? Here’s how to survive a group holiday

Fiercely independent travellers never like the sound of groups, let alone cruises. You can enjoy both – while hanging onto your adventurous spirit.

March 2023

Artists rendition of the New Horizons spacecraft nearing Pluto

Even without Pluto, we could still be a nine-planet solar system

Unexplained gravitational tugs on our solar system indicate the possibility that a massive, unseen planet may be lurking far beyond Pluto.

February 2023

xxx

For the first time in 170 years, Sydney will see a total solar eclipse

We have a long history of observing these dramatic solar events, but the next 15 years will give us three shots at experiencing one.

January 2023

Comet ZTF

A once in 50,000 year event – a green comet

We won’t have the best view in the world, but you won’t get a second chance to see this sight.

Nina Hagen has released her first new album in 11 years.

This funk meets punk collaboration is mindblowing

Groove legend George Clinton has teamed up with punk queen Nina Hagen to create a track for her new album.

December 2022

Dr Nick Lomb, author of ‘Australiasian Sky Guide 2023’.

How to (really) read the stars – even in the city

From sunrises to blue moons, astronomer Nick Lomb sets out what to expect in our skies in 2023.

November 2022

Barbra Streisand at the Bon Soir, where she recorded an album that, thanks to new technology, now has a new lease on life.

How high-tech saved a legendary ‘lost’ album

Muffled nightclub recordings could have been left to history, but new technology has brought them to life once more.

October 2022

There are numerous examples in nature of creatures working together, such as deer and their tick eating bird companions.

Why life is really about survival of the fairest, not fittest

Nature can be deadly competitive, but there are often plants and animals that work together, says author Kristin Ohlson. They are lessons we need to learn.

August 2022

The Emu is predominantly the dark spaces between the stars.

How to spot the Emu in the night sky

An Indigenous astrophysicist is sharing ancient knowledge that will change the way you view the heavens.

July 2022

Bambi turns 80 this year.

Vinyl collectors are losing it over these new records from Disney

As five classic Disney films celebrate birthdays in 2022, their famous soundtracks score special-edition re-releases.

Advertisement
An image captured by the James Webb Space Telescope shows galaxy cluster SMACS 0723.

What you need to know about NASA’s new images of the universe

This week NASA released spectacular first images from the James Webb Space Telescope. We take a deeper look.

“If you wait long enough, ultimately entropy wins,” says Brian Greene.

Think you’re in control? This scientist says you have no free will

In his new wide-ranging book, leading string theorist Brian Greene argues that we have no free will, while fear of death - a uniquely human characteristic - drives every decision we make.

April 2022

Barbra Streisand continues to defy sterotypes.

At 80, this star will surprise you

If you think the diva is just a Broadway crooner or middle-of-the-road balladeer, you have missed the bold choices she regularly takes.

New album artwork.

The surprising stories behind Australia’s hottest album covers

With vinyl’s resurgence, the spotlight is back on album artwork. Here are the stories behind the gorgeous cover art of six new LPs by Australian musicians.

January 2022

Meat Loaf performing in 2007

Five Meat Loaf albums you shouldn’t ignore

The singer, born Marvin Lee Aday, had more in his wheelhouse than Wagnerian rock opera.

Original URL: https://www.afr.com/by/jeff-allan-h1b4bd