Why are Star Wars droids so lovable? It's science
In November 2014, a little orange and white ball named BB-8 rolled across the screen in the first "The Force Awakens" trailer, the next generation of plucky droids in the Star Wars universe.
deserts
Real-life planets you may have first seen in a 'Star Wars' film
A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away, there was a breathtaking diversity of planets. From the cockpit of the Millennium Falcon, rebel ships and Imperial cruisers, we've seen a colorful variety of them come into view. Harsh deserts baked by twin suns, craggy caverns, lush forests, water worlds, mineral-coated surfaces, inhospitable ice, inhabited moons and even lava worlds have greeted our gaze.
7 fun things to do in the desert
Scorching days, freezing nights, precious little water and dangerous reptiles for company.
Marine deserter wanted in killing placed on FBI's Most Wanted list
A Marine deserter who is facing a murder charge has been placed on the FBI's Most Wanted list of fugitives.
Volunteer worker who aided migrants acquitted of harboring charges
A federal jury found humanitarian aid worker Scott Warren not guilty of
Paracas: Peru's perfect seaside escape
While tens of thousands of travelers descend on Peru annually to visit well-known attractions such as Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley and Lima, one of the country's most beautiful and interesting spots is virtually ignored by tourists.
Fighter jet accidentally fires rocket into Arizona desert
A routine training mission turned out to be anything but that aboard an Air Force plane in Arizona.
Burning Man fans in middle of Nevada desert with fire threat
The National Weather Service in Reno, Nevada, has issued a red flag warning for most of Western Nevada and the Eastern Sierra, which includes the grounds of the annual Burning Man event.
Mojave Desert donkeys turning up dead with bullet wounds
Someone is shooting the Mojave Desert's wild burros dead, officials say. Now, they're offering $18,000 to whoever helps nab the suspects.
Atacama Desert offers clues about life on Mars
In order to search for life on other planets, scientists are studying extreme environments on Earth to understand what that life might look like if they find it. Future Mars rovers like NASA's 2020 rover and the European Space Agency's ExoMars missions will search the red planet in the coming years for signs of past life.
Thousands trapped in desert settlement in Syria
Shukri Shehab and his wife have not slept in two nights. Their three-week-old granddaughter will not stop crying. She needs simple medicine for bloating, Shehab says, but it is nearly impossible for them to find.
Note to those hoping to raid Area 51: There's not enough space
Yes, people are seriously planning to travel to Area 51 on September 20, and Rachel, Nevada, has no vacancy to prove it.
Oregon man, 2 dogs saved after being stranded 4 days in high desert
A 72-year-old man and his two dogs took the road less traveled by to explore the isolated Oregon high desert. The cyclist who took it next helped save their lives.
Israeli archaeologists find ancient mosque in Negev desert
Archaeologists working in Israel's Negev desert have discovered an ancient rural mosque, thought to be one of the earliest in the world.
Body of 7-year-old girl from India found in the Arizona desert
The body of a 6-year-old girl believed to be from India was found in a remote desert area in Arizona this week, officials said.
No verdict in controversial border aid case
A federal judge Tuesday declared a mistrial in the closely watched case of a humanitarian aid worker charged with three felonies for helping a pair of undocumented migrants who authorities said entered the United States illegally.
Trial begins for No More Deaths volunteer who aided migrants
For many in the overflow crowd attending the first two days of the federal trial of Scott Warren last week, the stakes were clear: Under the Trump administration, where does humanitarian aid to the thousands of migrants traversing the Arizona desert cross the line into a crime?
'Forbidden Planet' found by astronomers in Neptunian Desert
Astronomers have found an exoplanet so rare that they have deemed it "The Forbidden Planet," according to a new study.
The world's most extreme odysseys
Who in the world would voluntarily do something like this?
Surprise! The world's oldest mummies are not in Egypt
The first humans known to have mummified their dead did so in a rather improbable spot: the driest place on Earth.
Volunteers face prison after leaving food, water in refuge
Four aid volunteers are facing prison time after leaving food and water inside an Arizona national wildlife refuge where undocumented migrants have died trying to enter the United States.
Report for America aims to replenish news deserts hard hit by journalism's 'economic crisis'
The overflowing inbox at Report for America is a testament to the troubled state of local news.
15-year-old triumphs in Moroccan desert challenge -- on e-bike
Biking on the sand is hard enough but imagine doing it for five days across the desert.
Best new hotels to check out in 2019
Whether it's for business or pleasure, travelers these days are savvier than ever about their hotel choices. They demand ultraluxe amenities, show-stopping design, Instagrammable views and unparalleled comfort. Circulation-boosting pillows, anyone?
