Abigail Beall

United Kingdom

Features Editor, Physics and Astronomy at New Scientist

features editor and resident stargazing enthusiast @newscientist

Articles

Already know the Big Dipper? There's more to this group of stars

1 day ago | newscientist.com | Abigail Beall

Some of my earliest stargazing memories involve the same seven stars. Whether you call it the Plough or the Big Dipper – or even the saucepan, the panhandle or the wagon – the stars that form this asterism are ones I think many people learn to recognise from an early age. But just because most people can recognise the Plough, and, by extension, Ursa Major, the constellation in which it lies, doesn’t mean we have explored everything in this patch of the sky. And May is as good a time…
How to spot Haumea, one of the solar system's strangest objects

1 month ago | newscientist.com | Abigail Beall

I find the outer reaches of our solar system fascinating. It’s a place that we know very little about considering how relatively close it is – even its size is up for debate. It’s littered with icy rocks, most of which are detectable only by huge telescopes. But soon we will have a chance to spot one of these strange worlds. Pluto is undoubtedly the most famous of all the dwarf planets, because it was once considered part of the main lineup of planets in our solar system. But there are…
Why you're probably applying your makeup and skincare wrong – and how it should be done, according to the experts

Nov 22, 2024 | mamabella.uk | Abigail Beall

Why you’re probably applying your makeup and skincare wrong – and how it should be done, according to the experts 22nd November 2024 | Author: Abigail Beall Here is exactly how you should be applying all of your most-used products if you want to get the very best out of themIt’s easy to spend hours deciding between different skincare and makeup products.
What is mascara made of and how does it actually work?

Oct 15, 2024 | mamabella.uk | Abigail Beall

What is mascara made of and how does it actually work? 15th October 2024 | Author: Abigail Beall We break down the basics of mascara – from what mascara is made of to how it works and the key ingredients to look forFor many of us, mascara is considered a makeup bag essential, but have you ever stopped to consider what it actually does, how it works, and what it’s made of?
Is life better as a dog? A philosopher investigates

Sep 11, 2024 | newscientist.com | Abigail Beall

Unlike humans, dogs may know what they know through living rather than through thinkingShutterstock/Tom WangThe Happiness of DogsMark Rowlands (Granta Books)Do you spend a large chunk of your day looking at your dog, asking questions like “what do you think he is thinking right now?” Or “does she understand how much I love her?” If that sounds familiar, then a new book by philosopher Mark Rowlands may be just the thing.
Get ready to spot comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS next month

Sep 4, 2024 | newscientist.com | Abigail Beall

One of my favourite memories of July 2020 is standing outside on a clear summer evening looking at a beautiful comet, known as C/2020 F3, or Neowise, through a shaky pair of binoculars. It was a strange period, to say the least, but stargazing made me feel closer to friends and family who share this interest, who I couldn’t be with in person due to covid-19 restrictions. And glimpsing Neowise (pictured) was a true highlight for me during that time. If you missed out on seeing it you won’t…
Why NASA is sending a probe to Europa - and what it’s looking for

Aug 21, 2024 | newscientist.com | Abigail Beall

Seen against the backdrop of Jupiter’s dramatic, swirling atmosphere, Europa might at first appear a bit drab. With its greyish-white surface, you might even say it resembles a well-worn cue ball in a run-down pool hall. On closer inspection, however, the Jovian system’s fourth-largest moon is shimmering with intrigue from deep within. From what we can tell, its icy outer layer conceals a vast global ocean containing twice the volume of water on Earth.
The truth about weight loss: Weight loss tips that actually work, according to science

Aug 2, 2024 | mamabella.uk | Abigail Beall

The truth about weight loss: Weight loss tips that actually work, according to science 2nd August 2024 | Author: Abigail Beall There are no quick fixes – certainly not cheap ones – when you’re looking for how to lose weight but there are some scientifically backed tips you can use to help you on your way Whether it’s a fad diet or a celebrity like Adele and Rebel Wilson’s new weight loss regimes, it’s hard to go online without encountering weight loss tips promising all sorts of quick fixes....
Get ready to watch the dazzling Perseid meteor shower in August

Jul 31, 2024 | newscientist.com | Abigail Beall

One of the highlights of the astronomical calendar, and something I look forward to every year, is the Perseid meteor shower. This impressive display, which is visible in the northern and parts of the southern hemisphere, will peak on the evening of 12 August, running into the early hours of 13 August. What makes it special is that, at least where I am in the northern hemisphere, it tends to happen on a warm evening – unlike the equally spectacular Geminids in December.
Why you should feel comforted, not scared, by the vastness of space

Jun 26, 2024 | newscientist.com | Abigail Beall

Space Some people find the scale of the universe existentially frightening, but here's why you should take it as a source of comfort On a cold evening last October, I went into my garden to gaze at a fuzzy blob in the night sky. Unless you are in the darkest of places, this blob is so faint to the naked eye that it would be easy to convince yourself there is nothing there. I raised my binoculars to my face and an elongated smear with a bright centre appeared.