Scientists reveal the surprising “magic signal” that makes cats instantly respond - Futura, le média qui explore le monde

My dog Pepper is an easygoing senior who loves bedtime. I’m sure his treat is part of it, but he also likes us all settling down for the night. He loves short walks, during which he gets to sniff a lot. And he’s thrilled to see the horse that lives in a field nearby (he used to be afraid of horses, so this still means extra treats). Lots of dogs would like these things, but they’re Pepper’s favourites.

More than 99% of the US population lives under light-polluted skies, according to a 2016 study published in Science Advances. With streetlights, brightly lit parking lots, arenas, and passing headlights brightening the night, it can be easy to forget how dark the sky actually is and how many stars appear when you get away from populated areas. Seeing that many stars for the first time can make you pause and remember where you truly are. You are on a rock spinning through space, surrounded by a universe filled with stars, planets, and galaxies larger than anything you can imagine. A remote mountain excursion can combine a dark sky encounter with a day of hiking and sightseeing. After sunset, bright stars emerge above the slopes and ridgelines. These American mountains lie within officially designated dark sky locations that protect natural darkness and the views of the universe it reveals. In northeastern New Mexico, Capulin Volcano sits among volcanic cones, mesas, and buttes in one of the darker areas of the lower 48 states. These landforms help shield the night sky from distant lights, while the rugged terrain has discouraged development in the area.