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The Economist explains

Subjects topical and timeless, profound and peculiar, explained with The Economist's trademark clarity and brevity

The Economist explains

Has Voyager 1 left the solar system?

A new paper says Voyager 1 has already left the solar system based on the probe's measurements of cosmic rays; NASA says no

The Economist explains

Why is there talk of a “one-state solution” for Israelis and Palestinians?

Why is there talk of a “one-state solution” for Israelis and Palestinians?

The Economist explains

Who are the Jesuits, exactly?

The election of Pope Francis marks the first time a Jesuit has led the Catholic church. What does this mean?

The Economist explains

Did Vikings wear horned helmets?

Vikings are usually depicted wearing horned helmets. Is this accurate?

The Economist explains

Why has Canada killed off the penny?

Why it makes sense for Canada to eliminate its smallest unit of currency

The Economist explains

Why does Michael Dell want to take his company private?

Why Mr Dell wants to buy his company back again

The Economist explains

Why is the kilogram getting heavier, and what can be done about it?

The kilogram is unique among scientific units in being defined by an artefact, rather than by physical phenomena

The Economist explains

What are Instagram and Twitter fighting about, and why?

Each network is trying to prevent the other from appropriating the valuable data it has amassed from users

Technology quarterly

Technology quarterly