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BIZARRE: 2 - What They Never Told You

Climate change is altering Saharan dust – and Europe is downwind

In recent years, residents of Spain, France and the UK have looked up to see an eerie sight: deep orange sunrises and skies thick with a yellowish haze. These hazy skies often deposit “blood rain”, rust-colored precipitation that leaves a fine grit on cars and windows.

The Conversation

Paleontologists uncover a new ‘Spinosaurus’ species by following a clue from a decades-old book into the Sahara Desert

My fixation on a small, desolate locale in the heart of the Sahara Desert started with a single line buried in a 630-page tome in French about the rocks of the central Sahara: “Dent de Carcharodontosaurus saharicus Depéret,” which translates to “tooth of Carcharodontosaurus saharicus Depéret” – “Depéret” refers to…

The Conversation

The March full moon glows red through Saharan dust in eerie composite view

Saharan dust and atmospheric filtering combined to give the moon a dramatic red hue.

Space

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Most Saharan dust is generated by ‘hidden thunderstorms’ high above the desert

When Saharan dust reaches the UK and Europe, as a huge country-sized cloud did over the past few days, it can transform the sky. Tiny particles drifting in the atmosphere scatter blue light while allowing reds and oranges to reach us intact, producing beautiful sunsets.

The Conversation

World’s largest desert Antarctica can never have a heatwave, and the reason will surprise you

When most people hear the word "desert," they imagine dunes, scorching winds, and unbearable heat. Images of the Sahara or the Arabian Desert often come to mind. Travel advice usually includes sunscreen, sunglasses, and plenty of water. Heatwaves and deserts almost seem like the same thing.

The Times of India

Saharan dust plume to transform UK sunrises and sunsets this week

Fine sand from Saharan desert will travel thousands of miles and when mixed with rain can leave coating on cars

The Guardian - UK

Why are Europe's skies turning orange? A massive Saharan dust cloud is on the way

"It just shows that we are connected across borders and across continents," says Copernicus scientist Mark Parrington.

Euronews

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‘Intense’ Saharan dust storm to sweep into Europe this week and bring hazy skies

Colourful sunrises, air pollution and dust deposits could impact much of southern Europe

The Independent UK

Horned ‘hell heron’ fossil found in Sahara upends what we knew about iconic Jurassic Park dinosaur

Researchers say find represents new phase of evolution for fish-eating Spinosaurus

The Independent UK

Chad’s Saharan cultures festival brings together desert nations

Chad hosts the sixth International Saharan Cultures Festival in Amdjarass, uniting artists from across the Sahara to celebrate shared heritage.

Euronews

Lost in the sand: 7,000-year-old mummies found in Sahara belong to unknown human lineage

A new study has revealed that two 7,000-year-old mummies found in the Sahara Desert belong to a previously unknown branch of the human family tree.

Euronews

I completed Marathon des Sables 120km edition – this gear got me through

From the Garmin watch that didn’t run out of charge to the sleeping mat that barely passed, Rod Ardehali reviews the gear that survived the Sahara

The Independent UK

Man who had heart transplant completes 110km Sahara trek

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The Independent UK

Heart transplant patient ‘energised’ by 110km Sahara trek two years after op

Fraser Wilson, from Glasgow, has raised more than £11,000 for Crisis following his expedition in November.

Evening Standard

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The Independent UK

Bank worker who had life-saving heart transplant feels he can ‘do anything’ after 110km Sahara trek

Fraser Wilson completed the trek just two years after having a heart transplant

Space

Seeing a bull's-eye in the desert | Space photo of the day for Dec. 5, 2025

Is this really a crater in the Saharan Desert?

LiveScience

Trio of 'black mesas' leftover from Paleozoic era spawn rare sand dunes in the Sahara — Earth from space

A 2023 astronaut photo shows three dark hills, or mesas, towering above part of the Sahara desert in southern Mauritania. The structures are remnants of a single Paleozoic era formation, and have helped to create a series of striking sand dunes.

The Guardian - UK

How rolling sand dunes are creeping up on last remaining oases on edge of Sahara

In western Chad, villagers are desperately trying to hold back the sand as the climate crisis wreaks havoc on one of the hottest countries in the world

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Radio France Internationale

Climate change threatens Morocco's camels, and with them its cultural heritage

Camel livestock in Morocco is on the decline, due to the effects of climate change and diminishing pastures. Camels are part of the fabric of life for Saharan populations, providing meat, income, employment, and an essential draw for tourists. RFI met camel breeders in the Guelmim, the “gateway to the…

The Conversation

Nigeria’s new terror threat: JNIM is spreading but it’s not too late to act

The Sahel region, south of the Sahara, is notorious for being the global epicentre of terrorism. With a combined population of 75 million people, the region has accounted for more fatalities than any other on the African continent since 2021.

LiveScience

Glowering 'skull' stares upward from a giant volcanic pit in the Sahara — Earth from space

A 2023 astronaut photo shows off an unusual cranium-like structure appearing to stare up into space from the floor of a large volcanic caldera in Chad.

The Conversation

Africa’s ‘great green wall’ is stalling: in Senegal very few planted areas show progress

Africa’s Great Green Wall project began as an ambitious plan to build a 15-kilometre-wide band of trees across the north of Africa. The African Union launched the project in 2007 with plans for the trees to extend for 6,000 kilometres through 11 countries in the Sahel, restoring 100 million hectares…

LiveScience

Sea of Saharan 'star dunes' clashes with otherworldly terrain where 2 countries meet — Earth from space

A 2017 satellite photo shows the stark contrast along the boundary between a giant field of golden "star dunes" and a barren rocky wilderness in the Sahara, which overlaps with an international border.

The Conversation

Morocco using economic clout to strengthen grip on disputed Western Sahara territory

Christopher Nolan, known for directing blockbusters like Memento, Interstellar and Oppenheimer, is facing public backlash for filming scenes of his new film, The Odyssey, in part of north Africa called Western Sahara.

The Guardian - UK

Morocco’s rule over Western Sahara is widely accepted

Letter: Along with a number of countries, the majority of the population in the Sahara welcomes Morocco’s sovereignty, writes Andrew M Rosemarine

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