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Exciting Discoveries in Science: A Newly Discovered Dinosaur, Lynx Population Rebound, and Impending Star Explosion

“Discoveries of the Week: New Dinosaur, Lynx Success Story, and Once-in-a-Lifetime Star Explosion!”

In this week’s science news roundup, NPR’s Short Wave podcast hosts Regina Barber and Berly McCoy bring us three fascinating stories that have captured their attention.

First up is the discovery of a new dinosaur species named Lokiceratops rangiformis. This horned dinosaur was found in northern Montana and is named after the Norse god Loki due to the unique blades on its head resembling Loki’s helmet. The discovery sheds light on the diverse population of horned dinosaurs during the late Cretaceous period.

Next, the hosts discuss the remarkable recovery of the Iberian lynx population. Once critically endangered with only 60 mature cats in 2001, conservation efforts have led to a resurgence with over 2,000 lynx now thriving in Spain and Portugal. The lynx has been reclassified from endangered to vulnerable, marking a significant conservation success story.

Lastly, the hosts talk about a rare astronomical event – a nova in the star system T Coronae Borealis. This explosion, visible to the naked eye from Earth, occurs in a binary star system 3,000 light years away. Unlike a supernova, a nova is a rapid increase in brightness caused by material transfer between a white dwarf and a red giant. This event, expected to happen this summer, presents a unique opportunity for astronomers to study novae up close.

Overall, these stories highlight the diversity of life on Earth, from ancient dinosaurs to modern-day wildlife conservation efforts, and the awe-inspiring phenomena of the universe. Stay tuned for more science news updates from NPR’s Short Wave podcast.

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