Northern Australia

Prescribed burns are lit in Australia's Northern Territory to minimize the severity of fires later in the season

Prescribed burns are lit in Australia's Northern Territory to minimize the severity of fires later in the season Lisa Lock Scientific Editor Andrew Zinin Lead Editor In May and June of most years, NASA satellites typically begin to detect large numbers of wildland fires throughout the Top End and Arnhem Land regions of Australia's Northern Territory. On some days, especially in the afternoon, the blazes can resemble sizable wildfires in satellite imagery, spreading widely and producing...

Diphtheria is a disease of poverty that has no place in modern Australia. When we talk about Closing the Gap, this is the gap | Donna Ah Chee

For those of us working in Aboriginal health, the outbreak doesn’t come as a surprise. We must invest in housing that keeps remote communities safeThe diphtheria outbreak should shock Australia. Not simply because a disease once considered virtually eradicated has returned, but because of where it is spreading and why.More than 220 cases have been recorded in 2026, primarily across the Northern Territory and northern Australia.

Australia confirms first diphtheria death amid worst outbreak in decades

Most cases are in the Northern Territory with some also in Western Australia, South Australia and Queensland.

Australia confirms first diphtheria death amid worst outbreak in decades

Australia has confirmed its first diphtheria death during what is described as the worst outbreak in decades. The majority of cases are concentrated in the Northern Territory, with additional cases reported in Western Australia, South Australia, and Queensland.

Researchers solve 'frustrating' horned cattle mystery

Genetics breakthrough could make horned cattle a rarity in Northern Australia Thu 11 Jun 2026 at 9:33am In short: A new test has helped solve the mystery of why some cattle that were clearly born without horns were still returning "horned" results in commercial DNA tests. Researchers at the University of Queensland have identified a previously undetected gene variant in tropical cattle breeds, such as brahmans, solving a mystery that has frustrated producers for years.

Climate change may shift hailstorms toward Earth's poles—new study

Climate change may shift hailstorms toward Earth's poles—new study Gaby Clark Scientific Editor Andrew Zinin Lead Editor Everyone has a storm story—whether it's that time you just escaped a downpour, or the hailstorm that wrote off your car. Even though hailstorms are relatively rare, they cause significant damage. Two new studies shed light on how hail might change as the world warms.

August 2026 lunar eclipse: Everything you need to know about the 96% 'blood moon'

August 2026 lunar eclipse: Everything you need to know about the 96% 'blood moon' A deep partial lunar eclipse on August 27-28, 2026, will be visible in North America and will be the best lunar eclipse anywhere on Earth until New Year's Eve 2028. On Aug. 27-28, 2026, a very deep partial lunar eclipse will be visible from Europe, Africa, North America and South America, with just over 96% of the moon passing into Earth's shadow. Lunar eclipses happen when Earth is between the sun and a full moon.

Diphtheria is a disease of poverty that has no place in modern Australia. When we talk about Closing the Gap, this is the gap | Donna Ah Chee

Live: Piastri starts Monaco GP seventh, Ferrari boss returns from hospital

live F1 live Monaco Grand Prix: Oscar Piastri starts seventh with Kimi Antonelli on pole Formula 1 championship leader Kimi Antonelli starts tonight's Monaco Grand Prix from pole position, as the teenager aims to continue his impressive run. Australia's Oscar Piastri will need a mighty performance to match his podium triumphs of the past two years, starting seventh on the grid. Meanwhile, Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur has returned to the F1 paddock after being hospitalised on Saturday.

Five mattresses on the floor as families wait months for repairs

Mould, overcrowding and housing delays affecting families in Wilcannia Wed 10 Jun 2026 at 6:56am In short: Remote communities are facing lengthy delays for urgent housing maintenance repairs. A First Nations mother says her rural area has limited housing options for growing families, leading to overcrowding.