page_title: 2015 in science
section_title: September
hierarchical_section_title: 2015 in science / Events / September
caption_attribution_description: English: Dark narrow streaks called recurring slope lineae emanating out of the walls of Garni crater on Mars. The dark streaks here are up to few hundred meters in length. They are hypothesized to be formed by flow of briny liquid water on Mars. The image is produced by draping an orthorectified (RED) image (ESP_031059_1685) on a Digital Terrain Model (DTM) of the same site produced by High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (University of Arizona). Vertical exaggeration is 1.5. Credits: NASA/JPL/University of Arizona
context_page_description: A number of significant scientific events occurred in 2015. Gene editing based on CRISPR got significantly improved. A new human-like species, Homo naledi, was first described. Gravitational waves were observed for the first time, and dwarf planets Pluto and Ceres were visited by spacecrafts for the first time. The United Nations declared 2015 the International Year of Soils and Light-based Technologies.
context_section_description: 1 September – Scientists report the discovery of Pentecopterus decorahens, the oldest described eurypterida (sea scorpions), an extinct arthropod group that lived as early as 467.3 million years ago. With an estimated length of up to 1.83 metres (6 ft 0 in), it has been described as "the first real big predator".
  2 September
  A report by Climate Action Tracker warns that pledges by governments for the upcoming UN climate change conference in Paris, are grossly inadequate if the rise in global temperatures is to be kept below 2 °C.
  There are just over three trillion trees on Earth, according to a new assessment.
  3 September
  Researchers at MIT demonstrate the first 3D printing technique able to make transparent glass objects.
  Philips introduces the world's first quantum dot monitor.
  Scientists working on the Large Hadron Collider report that the production of quark-gluon plasma, a state of matter present in the early Universe, is possible with fewer particles than previously thought.
  7 September – A bright fireball over Thailand, believed to be a bolide, is seen in Bangkok and some other locations.
  10 September
  Paleontologists report a new human-like species, Homo naledi, based on the discovery of 15 partial skeletons, the largest single find of its type in Africa. It is believed that H. naledi could have lived in Africa up to three million years ago and were capable of ritualistic behaviour. Although the discoverers claim the bones represent a new species of early humans, other experts contend that more evidence is needed before such a claim can be justified.
  A report by scientists, ethicists and policy experts from the Hinxton Group states that research into genetically modified human embryos is "essential" and that GM babies could be "morally acceptable" in the future.
  11 September
  NASA releases the first clear images of Pluto's small moon Nix, showing rough edges and a prominent crater.
  A study by the British Psychological Society warns that constant pressure on teenagers to use social media technology causes lower sleep quality, lower self-esteem, higher anxiety and increased depression levels.
  Through DARPA, a 28-year-old paralysed man becomes the first person to feel physical sensations through a prosthetic hand directly connected to his brain.
  13 September – A partial solar eclipse occurred.
  14 September
  First observation of gravitational waves, announced 11 February 2016.
  The next two years could be the hottest on record globally, according to research by the UK's Met Office.
  Astronomers report unusual light fluctuations of KIC 8462852, an F-type main-sequence star in the constellation Cygnus, as detected by the Kepler space telescope, while searching for exoplanets. Various explanations have been presented, including those based on comets, asteroids, as well as, an alien civilization.
  15 September – NASA's Cassini probe finds a global ocean lying beneath the icy crust of Saturn's geologically active moon Enceladus.
  16 September
  It is reported that oil companies knew that burning oil and gas could cause global warming since the 1970s but, nonetheless, funded deniers for years.
  A study by WWF and the Zoological Society of London finds that populations of marine mammals, birds, fish and reptiles have declined by 49% since 1970. The report highlights tuna and mackerel as in a particularly dire state, having declined 74%.
  22 September
  Researchers announce discovery of the second known human pegivirus, HPgV-2.
  Researchers teleport quantum information carried in light particles over 100 kilometres of optical fibre, four times farther than the previous record.
  Scientists announce the discovery of a new dinosaur species, Ugrunaaluk kuukpikensis, a 30 foot long plant eater, that lived 69 million years ago above the Arctic Circle, the farthest north of any known dinosaur.
  23 September
  A NASA study indicates that oceanic phytoplankton are declining significantly in the northern hemisphere.
  Tiny carbon-capturing motors are developed at the University of California, potentially offering a way to absorb carbon dioxide from the o
caption: 28 September: After a review of evidence from the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, NASA concluded that liquid water occurs on present day Mars.
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