Popular Mechanics US Magazine - January - February 2025

In this issue

War Comes for the Final Frontier - Is the U.S. prepared to face off against its adversaries in an orbital battlefield?

Build a Dream DIY Solar Grid - Installing an off-grid solar system isn’t as complicated as it used to be. Here’s everything you need to power your home on your own terms.

SNOWBALL EARTH

IMAGINE A PLANET WHERE THE AVERAGE temperature is a delightful -58° Fahrenheit every day. Not a place you'd want to visit, right? Lucky for you, then, that you weren't around several hundred million years ago, because these brutal conditions were the unfortunate reality of the \"Snowball Earth.\"

1 min

A Cuneiform Shopping List

MOST OF US CAN DO ALL OF OUR shopping with the click of a few buttons, and while that's certainly convenient, it can make it difficult to keep track of when exactly that new armoire or bookshelf will show up at your doorstep.

1 min

This Ancient Fossil With a Brain and Guts

WE KNOW WHAT FOSSILS LOOK like. For example, typical dinosaur fossils are bones turned to stone and preserved from the passage of time, located, if we're particularly lucky, in large collections that can be reassembled to represent the beast they used to prop up in their entirety.

1 min

The Electroweak Force of the Early Universe

TODAY, THE UNIVERSE AS WE KNOW IT IS governed by four fundamental forces: the strong nuclear force, the weak nuclear force, electromagnetism, and gravity.

1 min

Building a Sixth-Generation Bomber Raptor

THE GLOBAL COMBAT AIR Programme (GCAP)-a project by the U.K., Italy, and Japan to develop a sixth-generation stealth fighter-has been busy at the drawing board reshaping its vision of the future of air warfare. And judging by the new concept model unveiled at this year's Farnborough air show, that future has big triangular wings.

3 mins

The Tools of Copernicus

WAY BACK IN 1508, WITH ONLY LIMited tools at his disposal, Nicolaus Copernicus developed a celestial model of a heliocentric planetary system, which he described in hist landmark work De revolutionibus orbium coelestium. It was a complete overhaul of our conception of the universe-one that, unfortunately, earned him the ire of the Catholic church for decades after his death-and forever changed the way we look at the stars.

2 mins

Quantum Entanglement in Our Brains

IT HAS LONG BEEN ARGUED THAT THE human brain is similar to a computer. But in reality, that's selling the brain pretty short.

2 mins

Fresh Fingerprints on an Ancient Statue

A CLAY FIGURINE HAS SPENT MILLENNIA incomplete, waiting at the bottom of a lake for its long-dead craftsman to finish the Iron Age-era statuette.

2 mins

Are We on the Verge of an ARMS RACE in SPACE?

RUMORS OF A RUSSIAN SPACE NUKE, ALONG WITH OTHER SATELLITE-TARGETING WEAPONS, HAVE MADE GEOPOLITICAL TENSIONS EXTEND INTO ORBIT.

10+ mins

HOW TO DIY OFF-GRID SOLAR

SPEND THE TIME UP FRONT AND PLAN IT CAREFULLY TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT

9 mins

THE WORLD'S TOUGHEST ROW

They rowed 3,000 miles across the Atlantic, battling unpredictable weather, chaotic seas, and finicky equipment. But what they discovered gave them profound new insights into the power of the ocean.

10+ mins

ONE OF THE 'GREATEST THREATS' TO THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST ISN'T WHAT YOU THINK.

EXPERTS ARE PREPARING THE REGION AGAINST THE THREAT OF DANGEROUS VOLCANIC MUDFLOWS, KNOWN AS LAHARS, WHICH COULD INUNDATE THE COMMUNITIES SURROUNDING MT. RAINIER IN AS LITTLE AS 30 MINUTES.

10+ mins

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Popular Mechanics US Magazine Description:

Popular Mechanics US is a widely recognized magazine that caters to enthusiasts of science, technology, and all things related to mechanics. Here's an overview of the magazine's content and its focus on providing valuable insights and information to its readers:

Popular Mechanics US offers a diverse range of content, covering topics such as engineering, DIY projects, automotive advancements, home improvement, technology trends, outdoor adventures, and more. With a rich history dating back to 1902, the magazine has remained a trusted source for practical advice, expert guidance, and in-depth features.
1. Science and Technology: Popular Mechanics US keeps readers informed about the latest scientific discoveries, technological advancements, and innovative ideas shaping the world. It covers topics like space exploration, robotics, artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and emerging technologies, providing insights into how these developments impact our daily lives.

2. DIY Projects and How-Tos: The magazine features step-by-step guides and tutorials for DIY enthusiasts and individuals interested in hands-on projects. From home improvement and woodworking to electronics and automotive repairs, Popular Mechanics US offers practical tips, tool recommendations, and detailed instructions to help readers tackle various projects.
3. Automotive: Popular Mechanics US has a dedicated focus on automobiles, providing coverage on the latest automotive technologies, industry news, and reviews. Whether you're interested in new car models, maintenance tips, or insights into electric and autonomous vehicles, the magazine offers a wealth of information for automotive enthusiasts and consumers.
4. Home and Workshop: Readers looking to enhance their homes or workshops can find inspiration and guidance through Popular Mechanics US. The magazine offers articles on home improvement, DIY renovations, tool recommendations, and tips for maintaining and upgrading living spaces and work areas.
5. Outdoor Adventures and Gear: From camping and hiking to fishing and off-roading, Popular Mechanics US caters to outdoor enthusiasts. It features articles on adventure travel, gear reviews, survival tips, and insights into outdoor recreational activities, helping readers make informed choices for their outdoor pursuits.

6. In-Depth Features and Interviews: Popular Mechanics US delivers in-depth features, interviews, and profiles of experts, innovators, and thought leaders in various fields. These articles provide readers with a deeper understanding of groundbreaking technologies, scientific breakthroughs, and the people behind them.
Popular Mechanics US continues to engage and educate readers by exploring the intersection of science, technology, and mechanics. Through its informative articles, practical tips, and inspiring stories, the magazine empowers readers to stay informed, pursue their interests, and embrace the world of innovation and engineering.