New Atlas

Computers Audio available

Reconstructed Heath Robinson, precursor to the Colossus computer, unveiled

David Szondy April 11, 2019

The Heath Robinson, a reconstruction of a major piece of cybernetic history and the precursor to Colossus, the world's first programmable electronic digital computer, has made its public debut at the National Museum of Computing at Bletchley Park, Buckinghamshire, UK.

The reconstructed Heath Robinson machine

Science Audio available

Oxford anthropologists identify seven universal rules of morality

Rich Haridy February 13, 2019

In the largest cross-cultural survey ever conducted, a team of anthropologists has determined 7 moral rules they suggest are universal. Surveying ethnographic accounts from 60 different cultures the research concludes every single culture analyzed seems to be ruled by the same moral precepts.

A study of 60 different cultures has confirmed seven universal moral rules based on social cooperation

Science Audio available

DNA proves "Prisoner No. 7" who died in Spandau Prison really was Rudolf Hess

David Szondy January 22, 2019

A 70-year old mystery has come to an end after DNA analysis proved that the man called "Prisoner No. 7," who spent over 40 years in Berlin's Spandau prison, was really the Nazi Rudolf Hess and not an imposter, with a likelihood of 99.99 percent.

Collectibles

Historic sledge from first Shackleton polar expedition is up for sale

David Szondy January 21, 2019

One of the surviving sledges from Sir Ernest Shackleton's 1907 failed attempt to reach the South Pole is going up for auction at the Bonhams Bonhams Travel and Exploration Sale in London..

The sledge up for auction was one of four used in an attempt to reach the ...

Space

Blast offs and bubbly: The year in space, 2018

David Szondy December 27, 2018

When it comes to space travel, and space in general, 2018 has been a busy year. It was one marked by remarkable technological firsts, dramatic incidents, and new milestones set. Oh, and space champagne. So, let's look back on the highlights of the year in space, 2018.

Space

Earthrise: 50th anniversary of the pioneering Apollo 8 moon mission

David Szondy December 21, 2018

On December 21, 1968, a space mission lifted off that would change our world forever. Born in the depths of the Cold War and launched at a time of national turmoil, Apollo 8 was more than a great scientific and engineering feat. As you might expect, the story of is a fascinating one.

Digital Cameras

Spectacles of the past showcased by the best historic photography of 2018

Rich Haridy December 3, 2018

The Historic Photographer of the Year is in its 2nd year but it's securing a place as one of the most exciting on the increasingly crowded annual calendar. This year’s winners celebrate a medieval island commune in France, a surreal WW2 anti-aircraft sea fort, and an ancient Scottish stone circle.

English History Winner - Red Sands Sea Forts, Thames Estuary. "Part of the WW2 fortification of ...

Space Feature Audio available

Remembering Apollo 7: Milestones, mutiny and the mission that paved the way for the Moon landing

David Szondy October 11, 2018

On October 11, 1968, America returned to space with its most ambitious manned mission to date. Born in the aftermath of a fiery tragedy, Apollo 7, this first flight not only made possible Neil Armstrong's one small step, it also made history by being the stage for the first mutiny in space.

Science

Oldest-known beer is a 13,000-year-old vintage

Michael Irving September 13, 2018

Beer is generally thought to be about 7,000 years old, but now archaeologists have found clues that could date beer-making to almost twice that age, meaning it predates agriculture and represents the oldest record of man-made alcohol.

Archaeologists have discovered evidence of beer-brewing dating back around 13,000 years – making it the oldest ...

Computers

Rare Apple I computer headed for auction

David Szondy August 26, 2018

A cybernetic pioneer in the form of a fully functional "Byte Shop"-style Apple I computer is going on the block at RR Auction. One of the most significant early personal computers of the 1970s, the restored original Apple I board with its components and accessories is estimated to fetch US$300,000.

The fully assembled Apple I and accessories that is up for auction