The world’s largest aircraft

Hello and welcome to New Scientist’s weekly run-down of the best stories in science and technology. Today we’re looking at stars, smells, and a simply enormous plane.

How the US military wants to use the world's largest aircraft

There is something inherently appealing to the inner child in me about a plane that could carry planes – a prospect the US military is currently exploring for an aircraft that will be the largest ever built. The WindRunner plane is planned to have an 80-metre wingspan and a 108-metre length, and was originally intended to deliver wind turbine blades to remote places.

Astronomers double down on claim of strongest evidence for alien life

You may remember that we recently reported on a claim that the detection of a molecule on exoplanet K2-18b was the “strongest evidence” for alien life yet. We have had a few stories in which other researchers have poured cold water on the idea, but now the original team behind the claim has hit back with a new data analysis, saying the evidence is still there.

Ancient Maltese temples may have been schools for celestial navigation

From the cutting-edge of stargazing, to a more ancient form – temples in Malta dating back as far as 3800 BC all have a similar south-facing alignment, and now researchers think they may have been built to capturing the rising and setting of specific stars, perhaps as a form of training in celestial navigation.

More from New Scientist

• Some handy tips to avoid global nuclear war.
• Our magazine cover story this week is all about your sense of smell – and why it could be key to keeping your mind sharp as you age.
• Spend a weekend uncovering the mysteries of the universe with us – book your tickets now.

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Jacob Aron, News Editor