Environment & Science

Spica is the brightest star in the constellation Virgo. At about 5:35 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 27, grab your binoculars and watch it disappear.

The drought is far from over, but enough precipitation has fallen to boost the confidence of state officials when it comes to outdoor fires.

The precautionary measure across Pennsylvania comes at no cost to farmers. While the virus hasn't been reported in commonwealth cattle, other states have seen a marked uptick in cases.

Officials on Monday morning cut the ribbon on its per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, treatment plant at the Bethlehem Landfill in Lower Saucon Township. The system uses air to separate the chemicals from water.

Jared Isaacman, a Lehigh Valley entrepreneur who recently conducted the first commercial spacewalk as part of SpaceX's Polaris Dawn mission, stopped by Da Vinci Science Center in Allentown Sunday to answer questions about his trip.

Join Megan Frank every Friday at 9:30am and 6:30pm for Insights with LehighValleyNews.com on WLVR. This week, she's joined by Allentown reporter Jason Addy and Environment and Science reporter Molly Bilinski.

State officials announced the awards this week. Grants are earmarked for improving local parks to expanding trails and river access points, and creating more green space in local communities.

Mayor J. William Reynolds attributes the progress so far to the community’s belief in the mission and their “enormous buy-in,” stemming from 125 “Climate Action Champions” and over 30 area organizations.

It’s going to cost an estimated $100 million over the next decade to replace pipes made of lead, galvanized steel and unknown materials throughout the Lehigh County Authority’s service area.

Rodale Institute on Veterans Day celebrated $500,000 in state funding awarded for its Veteran Farmer Training program. The program draws trainees from across the U.S.

Tracking 10 miles makes you eligible for the ticket drawing for next year's headliner shows.

Hazardous trees are cut down due to old age and illness.

An expert says the tragedy illustrates the dangers of handling exotic animals.

Classroom space, laboratories and a visitor center will be part of the state-of-the-art facility.

Don't just go by what's on the packaging. Best to check online, too, a local expert says.

Ice, mist and fruit- or fish-infused 'ice cakes' are being used to cool down inhabitants.

A Lehigh Valley doctor says the antiviral regimen is readily available -- and effective.

It's not just people -- pets need someone to keep watch during extreme heat, too.

There were around 1,500 cases reported in the U.S. as of Monday.

It's OK to feed the birds again since the mysterious illness has disappeared.

Some say the app is still useful and could be adapted to other uses.

If you have symptoms, no matter where you are, isolate yourself as best you can, an expert says.