Cloudy with a chance of hexagons
Why is there a six-sided cloud on Saturn’s north pole? wonders Marcus Chown
Science & Technology
Why God’s Philosophers did not deserve to be shortlisted for the Royal Society prize
James Hannam's book is a good read but presents a distorted view of the medieval period and the development of science that suits his Catholic agenda, claims Charles Freeman.
Book review: Slaughter on a Snowy Morn by Colin Evans
Louise Foxcroft on a bloody murder and the birth of forensic science
The Sun at night
The 'Super-K' detector is built 3,000 feet down in a mine beneath Hida in Japan. This is one of its most famous images. Marcus Chown explains
Stargazer
David Wootton, author of a new biography, uncovers evidence that Galileo really was a heretic
Diary: Giordano Bruno, my hero
Stephanie Merritt reveals why she made the Renaissance monk her leading man
Lies, damn lies and Chinese science
The People's Republic is becoming a technological superpower, but who's checking the facts? Sam Geall seeks out the Chinese science cops
Aid wars
Mired in controversy from Afghanistan to Sudan, humanitarianism itself is in crisis. Susie Linfield surveys the battlefield
Film review: Inception
Christopher Nolan has created a rare thing – an intelligent summer blockbuster. If only the details were as inspiring as the ideas, says Fred Rowson
A star is born
Since its launch 20 years ago, the Hubble telescope has been sending back stunning images that have transformed our understanding of the universe. This is Marcus Chown’s favourite