15 articles from SUNDAY 8.1.2023

Thousands expected in Cornwall for Europe’s first satellite launch

Start Me Up mission will send nine civil and defence satellites into orbit from Newquay spaceport on MondayThousands of people are expected to descend on Cornwall to witness the first orbital rocket launch from UK soil in what is being heralded as the start of a “new era” for the British space industry.As long as there are no last-minute technical hitches – and the Cornish weather does not...

‘A landmark step’: how pioneering foetal surgery is transforming lives

Guardian is given unique access to observe procedure that can radically improve outcomes for babies with spina bifidaEmily Ellis flicks through photos of her four-day-old baby, Austin, on her phone. “He is perfect,” she says with the certainty of any new parent. But the journey to his arrival has been more complicated than most. Austin has spina bifida and is one of a growing number of babies...

Sinking land forces hundreds to leave Indian temple town

Authorities in an Indian Himalayan town have stopped construction activities and started moving hundreds of people to temporary shelters after a temple collapsed and cracks appeared in over 600 houses because of sinking of land, officials said Saturday.

Thor the disoriented walrus enthralled Brits, but cut no ice with climate sceptics | Robin McKie

Warming seas almost certainly prompted the huge mammal’s wanderings, even if deniers claim all is well in the ArcticAs migrant arrivals go, the appearance of Thor the Walrus in British waters last week was encouraging. Thousands flocked to greet the huge mammal as he meandered up England’s east coast after his arrival in Hampshire in December.Subsequent stopovers included Scarborough, where...

Natural History Museum under fire for gagging order with Danish oil sponsor

Wildlife photography contest that was subject to the agreement described environmental impact of oil rigs in positive lightThe Natural History Museum has been denounced for signing a gagging order which prevented it from criticising a Danish oil company that sponsored its wildlife photography competition.The clause was put into a contract with Dong Energy, now known as Orsted, for its sponsorship...