In the search for extreme worlds, scientists have found planets with densities that are hard to imagine. Some concentrate enormous amounts of mass into relatively small sizes, offering key clues about how these bodies form and evolve. Among all of them, one stands out in particular and has captured the attention of the scientific community.

Can a Planet Be as Dense as Lead?

As extreme as it sounds, the answer is yes. In recent years, astronomers have discovered worlds outside our solar system with astonishing characteristics, and one of the most striking is K2-360 b.

This exoplanet packs a mass equivalent to 7.7 times that of Earth into a size that is barely 1.6 times larger. The result is impressive: a density close to 11 g/cm³, comparable to that of lead. An extremely compact world that challenges what we know about planetary structure.

What Makes a Planet So Dense?

The answer lies in its composition and the force of its own gravity. In rocky planets, heavier materials — such as iron and nickel — dominate the interior, especially in the core.

During formation, these denser materials sink toward the center in a process known as differentiation, while lighter materials remain in the outer layers. This is how highly compact cores are formed, capable of significantly increasing the planet’s total density.

Another key factor is gravity. The more massive a planet is, the greater the pressure in its interior, which compresses its materials and reduces its volume. The result is an even denser world.

In some cases, these extreme planets may also have lost their outer layers of gases or lighter materials, either due to intense radiation from their star or giant impacts. What remains is a much more compact rocky or metallic core, which explains such elevated densities.

Other Extreme Worlds That Surprise Us

Although K2-360 b is one of the most striking, it is not alone. Other exoplanets have also surprised scientists because of their density:

• Kepler-10b: one of the first rocky planets discovered outside the solar system, with a density higher than Earth’s (≈ 6.5 g/cm³).
• GJ 367 b: an extremely compact world, with a huge iron core that makes it comparable to a “super-Mercury.”

In our own cosmic neighborhood, the champion remains Earth, with an average density of 5.51 g/cm³.

Although Mercury is also very rich in metals, Earth is denser on average due to the greater gravitational compression exerted by its mass.

Why Are These Worlds So Different?

Unlike gas giants — which are much less dense — these planets are essentially rocky and metallic. Their internal structure, dominated by large iron cores, and their evolutionary history — marked by atmospheric loss or impacts — explain their extreme compactness.

These discoveries not only expand our knowledge of planets, but also raise new questions: how many similar worlds exist? Are they truly rare, or more common than we think? For now, each finding reminds us of something fundamental: the universe remains far more diverse — and surprising — than we had imagined.

News References

Phys.org: Astronomers discover an ultra-dense "super-Earth" with an outer companion offering clues about its formation

NASA: Planet Kepler-10 b in Orbit

Guinness World Records: Densest Planet

Our cosmic neighborhood has expanded: a total of 15 new moons have been officially confirmed. Their discovery was announced by the Minor Planet Center, the International Astronomical Union's central body responsible for collecting observational data on small bodies within the Solar System.

According to the announcement, four of the newly discovered moons orbit Jupiter, while eleven belong to Saturn . This brings the number of known Jovian moons to 101. Saturn further extends its lead, now boasting a total of 285 confirmed satellites.

Tiny celestial bodies with unusual orbits

The newly discovered moons consist exclusively of very small objects, measuring only a few kilometers in diameter , making them difficult to compare with the larger, well-known moons. Their orbits are also noteworthy: these moons travel along elliptical paths at a considerable distance from their respective planets.

In addition, some of them exhibit an unusual direction of movement: they orbit in a retrograde manner; that is, in the opposite direction to the rotation of their planet.

The new moons have been under observation for years

The discovery of these moons was not a sudden event, but rather the result of years of observation. The initial sightings of Jovian moons date back to 2011, 2018, and 2025. Saturnian moons were first recorded in 2020 and 2023.

However, official confirmation took considerably longer. The reason: repeated observations are required to calculate their orbits with sufficient accuracy.

Only when this data is available can the objects be conclusively identified and registered. Consequently, they currently only have provisional designations, such as S/2011 J 4 or S/2020 S 45.

Saturn: still in the lead

The fact that new moons are being discovered continuously is not an isolated phenomenon. The number of known satellites has been growing rapidly for years, particularly in the case of Saturn. In March 2025 alone, according to NASA, 128 new Saturnian moons were identified in a single batch.

Experts believe that these numerous small moons, known as "irregular" moons, provide important clues about the history of our Solar System. A study published in the scientific journal Nature linked them to past collisions, and by extension, to processes that may have contributed to the current structure of the planets and their satellites.

A glimpse into the past of the solar system

These new discoveries demonstrate, once again, just how dynamic and complex our Solar System truly is. Even within our immediate cosmic neighborhood, there is still much to explore; and each newly discovered moon adds another piece to the puzzle of understanding its formation.

On April 10, Artemis II came to a successful end as the Orion spacecraft splashed down in the Pacific Ocean, an event witnessed around the world. With the mission now complete, expectations are higher than ever bringing a crewed Moon landing within reach after decades since humanity last set foot on the Moon, and signaling the dawn of a new era in space exploration.

A Milestone Splashdown in the Pacific

The Orion spacecraft reentered Earth’s atmosphere at high speed before deploying parachutes and landing smoothly in recovery waters, marking a major achievement for NASA and its deep space exploration program.

The splashdown not only validated the spacecraft’s heat shield and reentry systems, but also confirmed that Orion can safely return astronauts from deep space missions.

This Artemis mission represents a key step in returning humans to the Moon for the first time since Apollo 17. Engineers and scientists gathered valuable data throughout the flight, including performance in deep space, radiation exposure, and navigation far beyond Earth orbit.

The mission also tested systems that will support long-duration human spaceflight, a necessary milestone before astronauts can safely travel back to the lunar surface and eventually beyond.

What Comes Next: Artemis III

With a successful splashdown complete, attention now turns to Artemis III. This mission will test life-support systems, crew operations, and manual control capabilities. It is designed to ensure that astronauts can safely travel to lunar distance and return, paving the way for more ambitious missions.

The next major milestone will be Artemis IV, which aims to land astronauts on the lunar surface. This mission is expected to include the first woman and the next man to walk on the Moon.

Artemis IV will rely on new technologies, including a human landing system and expanded international partnerships. The mission will target the Moon’s south polar region, where water ice may exist, an essential resource for future exploration.

Beyond individual missions, Artemis is part of a broader strategy to establish a sustained human presence on and around the Moon. This includes plans for the Lunar Gateway, a space station that will orbit the Moon and serve as a staging point for missions.

The successful Pacific splashdown marks more than just the end of a mission, it signals the beginning of a new era in human space exploration. With Orion proven capable of deep space travel and safe return, NASA is now closer than ever to sending astronauts back to the Moon surface.

Each Artemis mission builds on the last, steadily advancing toward a future where humans not only visit the Moon again, but stay, and prepare for the journey to Mars.

Animal feeding operations (AFOs) and concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) can be significant sources of environmental and water pollution with potential impacts on public health.

A new study examining linkages between exposure to AFOs and CAFOs and cancer incidence across California, Iowa, and Texas finds a strong association between such exposure and increased rates of multiple types of cancer.

Experiencing Higher Cancer Rates

According to a study by Yale University researchers, published in the journal Environmental Research, people living near large livestock feeding operations in the three states are experiencing higher cancer rates. However, the researchers note that further studies are needed to clearly determine the cause.

These states are among the most heavily agricultural in the country, with diverse demographic profiles and environmental conditions.

Researchers said they selected these three states because they are among the few with Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) registries that provide population-based cancer incidence data.

These states also offer broad population coverage, have a high presence and wide geographic variation of concentrated animal feeding operations, and represent different types of agriculture, including dairy in California, swine in Iowa, and beef in Texas.

Contaminants with Broad Public Health Impacts

The authors said there are several pathways through which CAFOs could affect cancer risk, including impacts on air and water quality. Animal feeding operations and concentrated animal feeding operations emit a wide range of harmful pollutants that may negatively affect human health.

Long-term exposure to these pollutants is linked to inflammation, damage caused by cell stress, and a weakened immune system, all of which may contribute to the development of cancer.

Water Contaminants

Water contamination is another major route of exposure, particularly in rural areas that rely on private wells. Animal waste from AFOs and CAFOs is often stored in large open-air lagoons or applied to fields as fertilizer, which can lead to nitrate seeping into groundwater. Elevated nitrate levels in drinking water have been linked to intestinal cancers, especially colorectal and gastric cancers.

While the study finds a strong association between CAFOs and increased cancer incidence in the areas included in the research, the authors note that it does not prove that concentrated animal feeding operations are causing the cancers.

They add that, although the consistent findings across all three states raise important public health concerns, more research is needed to strengthen the evidence and determine the underlying cause.

Reference:

Density of animal feeding operations, including concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs), and cancer incidence: A county-level ecological study across three U.S. states. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0013935126006286.

On 29th March, SpaceX lost all contact with the Starlink 34343 satellite following a sudden anomaly in low Earth orbit. This device, launched only in May 2025, was orbiting at around 560 kilometres in altitude, slightly higher than the International Space Station.

Preliminary analyses determined that this event was not the result of any external collision. In fact, the company itself suggested that the true cause of the structural failure likely originated from an internal electrical overload within the device.

Faced with this concerning technological scenario, SpaceX and Starlink engineering teams continue to investigate tirelessly to identify the exact root of the failure. The main objective is to implement corrective measures to prevent similar future incidents.

Although recent assessments have shown that this dangerous cloud of debris poses no immediate risk to the crew of the International Space Station, authorities are maintaining active monitoring of the trajectory of this newly generated debris field.

Impact on ongoing missions

In addition to safeguarding the International Space Station, official reports from Starlink have also guaranteed the full safety of the anticipated lunar programme. This means that the incident posed no danger to the launch of NASA’s Artemis II mission.

There were also no disruptions to other operations scheduled for that same morning, including the Transporter 16 flight and its launch, which was planned to avoid Starlink network hardware by deploying its payload either well above or well below that congested orbital region.

Although official communications currently emphasise calm, SpaceX has committed to maintaining continuous tracking of every fragment of debris to prevent any piece from potentially impacting the Earth’s surface.

All these ongoing orbital monitoring tasks are not being carried out in isolation by private operators, but rather in close and continuous coordination with NASA and the United States Space Force.

The space debris problem

In reality, this incident is not an isolated case within this increasingly criticised global network. Just four months earlier, the Starlink 35956 satellite suffered a serious failure directly linked to its internal propulsion system.

This technical issue caused the spacecraft to suddenly lose stability and release hazardous fragments before re entering Earth’s atmosphere. Concern over the growing and increasingly dangerous accumulation of space debris continues to rise steadily.

To make matters worse, the company, which operates more than 10,000 satellites in low Earth orbit, is facing intense international scrutiny from scientists studying the fragile technological environment surrounding Earth.

This uncontrolled generation of artificial debris forces other satellite operators and launch providers to constantly monitor their trajectories, as they may be required to carry out tactical manoeuvres to avoid potential collisions.

Technical prevention and extreme manoeuvres

The consequences of this ever growing cloud of debris are already evident today. For example, just one week ago, the International Space Station was forced to carry out an urgent avoidance manoeuvre to protect its astronauts.

During that orbital event, a large and potentially dangerous fragment from a destroyed meteorological satellite was set to pass within just four kilometres of the station, triggering international space safety protocols to adjust the orbit of the laboratory.

Through highly coordinated technical action, agencies such as NASA and Roscosmos activated the thrusters of the docked Progress spacecraft, performing a preventive adjustment lasting five minutes and thirty one seconds, successfully avoiding what could have been a serious collision.

In response to these threats, the space technology sector is actively developing innovative countermeasures. European projects are designing mechanical space claws, while other companies are testing magnetic damping systems intended to collect the growing amount of orbital debris.

The world could be drowning in rubbish by 2050, with a predicted 3.86 billion tonnes of municipal solid waste generated annually according to What a Waste 3.0, a new report from the World Bank Group.

The report offers a global analysis of rising waste, climate emissions and failures in basic rubbish collection; what does this mean for environmental and public health?

Growing waste

Data gathered from 217 countries and economies, including 262 cities, revealed waste generation is increasing due to rapid population growth, accelerating urbanization, rising incomes, and increased consumption. And its rising faster than many cities and countries can manage, with implications for public health, climate emissions and urban development.

“Waste is often treated as a local sanitation issue, but the evidence shows it is also a global climate, public health and development challenge,” explained Dr Ed Cook, a research associate in waste management at Imperial, and lead author of the report.

“What this report shows very clearly is that waste generation is rising faster than municipal systems can cope with,” he continued. “At the same time, it also shows that better outcomes are possible if countries invest in collection, controlled management and more ambitious waste prevention and recovery.”

Municipal waste includes household waste, yard and garden waste; waste from commerce and trade, office buildings and businesses; and other waste, like street sweepings and waste from litter bins.

Globally, around 30% of this waste is dumped or left uncollected. In high-income countries, almost 100% of waste is collected, compared to low-income countries where just 28% is collected and 3% is managed in controlled facilities.

Dr Costas Velis, Associate Professor in Waste and Resource Engineering, said the report “presents clear evidence that a global solid waste management crisis persists. Local failures, especially in basic waste collection, have worldwide consequences.”

Poor management

Poor waste management is increasingly affecting the climate, the report found. In 2022, the waste sector generated an estimated 1.28 billion tonnes of CO₂ equivalent (CO₂e), including 1.15 billion from methane; this could rise to 1.84 billion CO₂e by 2050. A major contributor is food waste, which accounts for 38% of municipal waste globally, yet only 6% is composted or treated via anaerobic digestion.

Plastic is also a persistent problem, with an estimated 93 million tonnes mismanaged globally each year. In many parts of the world, plastic waste remains uncollected, representing issues for cleanliness, health, and pollution, particularly in growing cities.

To combat the issue, under a high-ambition scenario, the report suggests global waste generation could be held close to current levels by 2050 with a reduction in emissions to around 0.91 CO₂e.

“Optimistic scenarios show that reducing waste generation and improving management must advance together, particularly in regions with rapidly growing populations and economies,” Velis said. “Still, a clear bold priority for many countries in the Global South would remain basic collection and safe management, and getting that right delivers maximum benefit for health, climate and the environment.”

News source

Global waste to hit nearly 4 billion tonnes a year by 2050, World Bank Group report warns

What a Waste 3.0

April is recognized as International Astronomy Month, a month that brings together a series of events, science outreach campaigns, and educational activities around the world.

Research institutions, observatories, and organizations promote public skywatching events, lectures, and initiatives to popularize astronomy. This period brings the public closer to astronomical knowledge and encourages interest in the field.

This mission represents the return of crewed flights to lunar orbit after decades. By sending astronauts on a cislunar trajectory, the mission will validate systems for future operations, such as the return of humans to the lunar surface. This milestone reinforces the role of space exploration as one of the pillars of astronomy.

Throughout the month, other astronomical phenomena and events will also take center stage. Among them are a meteor shower and the presence of a visible comet, both offering excellent observing opportunities.

While the Artemis mission is focused on the Moon, this month will also see the launch of a mission dedicated to studying the Sun. These events combine direct observation and space exploration, making April 2026 a very active month for astronomy.

Astronomy Month

April is often associated with Astronomy Month because of the science campaigns, observation events, and historic milestones that take place during this month. In 2026, for example, the launch of Artemis II, with the return of humans to lunar orbit, further reinforced the importance of this month in astronomy.

In addition, observation campaigns such as those carried out by the Event Horizon Telescope Collaboration are also often held during this period, taking advantage of favorable observing conditions.

Another important factor is the relationship between astronomical phenomena and the calendar, as in the case of Easter, which is often celebrated in April or on nearby dates. The date of this celebration is tied to astronomical cycles, combining the March equinox with the phases of the Moon. Because of these factors, April has become an important month for astronomy and, as a result, its international month.

What Should We Watch for in April?

During April, those who enjoy observing the sky will have the opportunity to see a comet and the Lyrid meteor shower. Comet C/2025 R3 (PANSTARRS) will be visible between April 20 and 25, reaching its peak brightness.

Another major event will take place on April 22, with the peak of the Lyrid meteor shower, which can reach an average rate of about 18 meteors per hour. This shower originates from debris left by Comet C/1861 G1 (Thatcher) along its orbit around the Sun. When Earth passes through this stream of particles, small fragments enter the atmosphere at high speed, creating the streaks of light we observe.

Artemis II

The launch of Artemis II, which took place on April 1, marks the resumption of crewed missions beyond low Earth orbit. The mission was launched aboard the Space Launch System (SLS), coupled with the Orion capsule, designed to carry astronauts.

During the mission, the crew follows a free-return trajectory around the Moon, without landing on its surface. This type of trajectory allows engineers to test the spacecraft’s performance under real flight conditions beyond low Earth orbit.

The tests carried out with Artemis II are essential for reducing risks in future crewed missions to the lunar surface. In addition, the mission marks the return of astronauts to the lunar environment for the first time since the Apollo program. The April 1 launch opened Astronomy Month with a major milestone in space exploration, one of the pillars of astronomy.

Studying the Sun

Despite the many conversations about the return to the Moon, April will also host a mission aimed at studying the Sun. The SMILE mission is scheduled to launch on April 9, 2026, from French Guiana. Its goal is to study the interaction between the solar wind and Earth’s magnetosphere, investigating the processes associated with solar and geomagnetic storms.

After approximately 57 minutes of flight, the satellite will be inserted into an initial Earth orbit and will use its own propulsion system to reach its operational orbit. SMILE’s final orbit will be elliptical, with an altitude ranging from 5,000 km at perigee to 121,000 km at apogee. This orbital configuration makes it possible to observe the interaction between the solar wind and Earth’s magnetic field across different spatial scales.

Emperor penguin populations could collapse to around half their current number over the next 50 years, according to conservation charity WWF.

The warning came after wildlife experts at the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) moved the species from 'Near Threatened' to 'Endangered' on its Red List.

The population fell by almost 10% between 2009 and 2018. But more recently, the situation has become even more critical, as sea ice has reduced by record levels.

Between 2018 and 2023, the population has fallen by around 22%, with current numbers estimated at some 595,000 adults.

Previous modelling has suggested further decline or even functional extinction by the end of this century.

WWF is now calling for urgent action to halt climate change and protect emperor penguins and their habitat.

Why are emperor penguins in so much trouble?

The species is found only in Antarctica, and is uniquely adapted for survival in this environment.

For nine months of the year, emperor penguins are dependent on ‘fast’ ice - sea ice which is connected to land, seabed or ice shelves.

During this period, they gather in large colonies to mate, lay eggs, raise chicks, and moult to replace their waterproof and insulating feathers.

Since 2013, WWF and British scientists have monitored emperor penguin colonies in Antarctica using high resolution satellite imagery.

This research has revealed an increasingly bleak picture. Since 2016, sea ice in the Antarctic has dramatically decreased both in terms of the area it covers and the length of time that it stays.

The early break up of fast ice at the location of many breeding colonies around Antarctica has resulted in catastrophic breeding failures.

In 2022, four out of five known breeding sites on the West of Antarctica collapsed, with thousands of chicks, who lack waterproof feathers until almost fully grown, likely freezing or drowning.

Even adult penguins risk death in the freezing oceans without spaces to safely moult between January and March each year.

Early breakup of the sea ice in parts of West Antarctica has resulted in moulting penguins concentrating within a smaller area of ice, increasing their chances of falling into the icy waters.

What can be done to save emperor penguins?

WWF is calling for emperor penguins to be listed as a Specially Protected Species at the next Antarctic Treaty Meeting in May.

This would give additional protection from human pressures on their habitat, including tourism and shipping.

Rod Downie, WWF’s chief adviser of polar and oceans, said: “With the shocking decline in Antarctic sea ice that we are currently witnessing, these icons on ice may well be heading down the slippery slope towards extinction by the end of this century – unless we act now.

“Urgent action is needed to limit average global temperature rise as close as possible to 1.5C, to protect the waters surrounding Antarctica, which are teeming with life, and to designate emperor penguins as Specially Protected Species,” he said.

The sky is the stage for fascinating phenomena : clouds that grow like mountains, lightning that streaks across the night, sunsets that seem to set the horizon ablaze. Some are so commonplace that they have become part of the landscape. Others, on the contrary, only appear rarely and only when very specific conditions come together .

In this less frequent group are the so-called fog rainbows: pale, almost white arcs that resemble regular rainbows, but which conceal a very different physics.

A fogbow, or fog arc , is one of those situations where the atmosphere repeats a known recipe, but a key ingredient is altered and the result is completely transformed.

A rainbow that seems to disappear.

Unlike the classic rainbow, with its well-defined sequence of colors, the fog rainbow is faint. Sometimes it appears white, other times with only a reddish border on the outside and a bluish hue on the inside. It is wider, less sharp, as if someone had brushed a damp paintbrush over the colors.

The explanation lies not in the light – which is the same – but in the size of the water droplets floating in the air .

A traditional rainbow appears when sunlight passes through relatively large raindrops . As it passes through, the light is refracted when it enters, reflected inside the droplet, and refracted again when it exits.

This double change of direction separates the colors because each wavelength is deflected at a different angle. That's why red is on top and violet is on the bottom: it's not a whim, it's pure geometry. The result is a well-defined arc, with clear edges and intense colors.

When the drops are too small

In fog, the droplets are much, much smaller, almost microscopic . This is where the fundamental change comes in.

Light continues to be refracted, but diffraction comes into play . Instead of exiting in well-defined directions, the light spreads out into a wide range as it interacts with such small droplets.

The result? The colors are no longer clearly separated . As they "spread" in various directions, they end up overlapping each other in the same sector of the sky. In other words: they are dispersed, but that is precisely why they mix.

That's why the arc loses intensity and that dominant white appears, with colors that are not very faded.

Why are rainbows always curved?

There is another characteristic that all rainbows share, whether they have colors or not: their shape . Although we see an arc from the ground, in reality it is a complete circle . The lower half is hidden by the horizon. From an airplane, this circle can be seen in its entirety.

The shape appears because the light exits the droplets at a very precise angle relative to the direction opposite the sun, which passes overhead.

In a classic rainbow, this angle is about 42° . Only the droplets in this exact position send light to our eyes. If we could draw it, we would see a cone of light with the observer at the vertex.

In fog arcs, the same thing happens , but with more diffuse edges, as if that angle were a wider and less precise area.

And there's a detail that is often surprising: each person sees their own rainbow . If we move, the rainbow moves with us. It's impossible to reach it because it doesn't have a fixed location.

An elusive phenomenon

Fog bows are not common, but they are not impossible either. To see one, a fairly precise combination is needed: fog present, low sun behind the observer , and sufficient visibility to distinguish the contrast.

They are more common in coastal areas, mountainous regions, or places where fog frequently occurs . They can even form under the moonlight, although in that case they are extremely faint.

Other light shows

When conditions change slightly, the sky offers variations of the same phenomenon.

• Double rainbow: sometimes, a second, fainter rainbow appears above the main one . It forms when light reflects twice inside the droplet before exiting. This additional path reverses the order of the colors.

• Supernumerary arcs: these are thin bands, connected to the main arc, with soft tones . In this case, diffraction reappears, showing that light also behaves like a wave.

All these arcs originate from the same thing: sunlight and water suspended in the air. But small changes – such as the size of the droplets – completely alter the outcome.

The rainbow in the fog is not an isolated rarity: it is a demonstration of how sensitive the interaction between light and the atmosphere is.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature has added the emperor penguin and the Antarctic fur seal to its Red List of Threatened Species. According to a report released Thursday by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), climate change in Antarctica, particularly changes in sea ice, is the leading cause of this threat.

The IUCN noted that reduced food availability has already driven a 50% decline in the Antarctic fur seal population since 2000. Climate-driven changes in Antarctic sea ice are projected to reduce the emperor penguin population by half by the 2080s. The report added that the southern elephant seals are also now at risk of extinction, due to disease.

Dr. Grethel Aguilar, Director General of the IUCN, said that the decline of the emperor penguin and Antarctic fur seal on the Red List is a wake-up call about the realities of climate change.

The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species is a key source of information on the global conservation status of animal, fungi, and plant species. Species are classified into nine categories—Not Evaluated, Data Deficient, Least Concern, Near Threatened, Vulnerable, Endangered, Critically Endangered, Extinct in the Wild, and Extinct.

Species at Risk

The emperor penguin has been moved from Near Threatened to Endangered on the list, based on projections that its population could halve by the 2080s. Satellite imagery shows a loss of around 10% of the population between 2009 and 2018 alone, equating to more than 20,000 adult penguins.

The Antarctic fur seal has moved from Least Concern to Endangered on the IUCN Red List as well. Its population has declined by more than 50 percent, from an estimated 2,187,000 mature seals in 1999 to 944,000 in 2025.

The southern elephant seal has moved from Least Concern to Vulnerable, following declines caused by Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza.

There is growing concern that global warming will increase disease-related deaths among marine mammals, especially in polar regions where species have had limited exposure to pathogens.

The Role of Climate Change

The International Union for Conservation of Nature said the threat is primarily driven by climate change and the early break-up and loss of sea ice, which has reached record lows since 2016. Emperor penguins rely on stable sea ice, known as fast ice, as a habitat for their chicks and during their moulting season—ice that is attached to the coastline, ocean floor, or grounded icebergs. Therefore, if the ice breaks up too early that could be deadly for the species, and emperor penguin populations could rapidly decline in such conditions.

At the same time, climate change, along with rising ocean temperatures and shrinking sea ice, is becoming a serious threat to seals. This shift is pushing krill, a key food source for seals, into deeper ocean waters in search of colder temperatures, reducing food availability for seals.

The IUCN Director General said that countries will gather at the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting in May, where these new findings will be presented. The goal of presenting these assessments at the meeting will be to provide essential data to inform decisions about this majestic continent and its unique wildlife species, added Aguilar.

Reference:

Emperor penguin and Antarctic fur seal now Endangered due to climate change – IUCN Red List. https://iucn.org/press-release/202604/emperor-penguin-and-antarctic-fur-seal-now-endangered-due-climate-change-iucn. April 9, 2026.

A team of palaeontologists unearthed eight fossils of an ancient animal from Brazil, each measuring around six inches long, including a jawbone. The jawbones revealed they belonged to a ‘living fossil’ for its time, 275 million years ago, with the jaw oddly twisted, teeth pointing out to the side, and smaller teeth lining the inside of the jaw. This revealed the animal would have been the first of their kind to be able to grin up plants for food.

New species

The new species, named Tanyka Amnicola, was named using the local Indigenous Guaraní language, with Tanyka meaning ‘jaw’ and amnicola meaning ‘living by the river’.

“Tanyka is from an ancient lineage that we didn’t know survived to this time, and it’s also just a really strange animal. The jaw has this weird twist that drove us crazy trying to figure it out. We were scratching our heads over this for years, wondering if it was some kind of deformation,” said Jason Pardo, lead author from the Field Museum in Chicago. “But at this point, we’ve got nine jaws from this animal, and they all have this twist, including the really, really well-preserved ones. So it’s not a deformation, it’s just the way the animal was made.”

Tanyka is part of a group called tetrapods, which are four-legged animals with backbones, including modern-day examples such as reptiles, mammals, and amphibians. The oldest lineage, called stem tetrapods, split into two groups: those that laid eggs in water and those that laid eggs out of water. Today, reptiles, birds and mammals are all descendants of the group that laid eggs on land, whereas modern amphibians are descendants of those that laid eggs in water.

However, after the group split into two, some stem tetrapods remained, including Tanyka.

“In the sense that Tanyka was a remaining member of the stem tetrapod lineage, even after newer, more modern tetrapods evolved, Tanyka is a little like a platypus. It was a living fossil in its time,” said Pardo, a research associate at the Field Museum working on a postdoctoral fellowship through the University of Vilnius in Lithuania.

There are many things about Tanyka that remain a mystery, including its body.

“We found these jaws in isolation, and they're really weird, and they're very distinctive. But until we find one of those jaws attached to a skull or other bones that are definitively associated with the jaw, we can't say for sure that the other bones we find near it belong to Tanyka,” said Ken Angielczyk, a curator of paleomammalogy at the Field Museum in Chicago.

“We can say, by comparison with close relatives, that Tanyka might have looked kind of like a salamander with a slightly longer snout,” said Pardo.

The research team is unsure of Tanyka's size, but estimates it could have grown to 3 feet long and lived in lakes. But their jawbone revealed to the team how strange it was.

Their lower jaw would have been twisted, meaning their teeth would have pointed to the side, not up, and the part of the jawbone that faces the tongue in modern people faces the roof of the mouth in Tanyka. This jawbone surface is also covered in smaller teeth called denticles, which form a grinding surface similar to a cheese grater.

Scientists have not yet found bones from the upper jaw, but they believe its top teeth would be similar to those on the lower jaw.

“We expect the denticles on the lower jaw were rubbing up against similar teeth on the upper side of the mouth. The teeth would have been rasping against each other, in a way that’s going to create a relatively unique way of feeding,” said Pardo.

“Based on its teeth, we think that Tanyka was a herbivore, and that it ate plants at least some of the time,” said Juan Carlos Cisneros, from the Federal University of Piauí (UFPI) in Brazil.

The team said it was surprising that a stem tetrapod such as Tanyka evolved to eat plants, as most stem tetrapods ate meat.

What does the discovery mean for palaeontology?

Discovering Tanyka in the riverbed in Brazil helped scientists fill gaps in the fossil record. Where the fossils were discovered would have been part of the supercontinent Gondwana 275 million years ago, and very few fossil animals from this period have been found in this area.

“The Pedra de Fogo Formation in Brazil is one of the only windows we have into Gondwana’s animals during the early Permian Period of Earth history, and Tanyka is telling us about how this community actually worked, how it was structured, and who was eating what,” said Angielczyk.

News reference:

An aberrant stem tetrapod from the early Permian of Brazil | Proceedings B | The Royal Society. Pardo, J.D., Marsicano, C.A., Smith, R., Cisneros, J.C., Angielczyk, K.D., Fröbisch, J., Kammerer, C.F. and Richter, M. March 2026.

Acrylic is one of the world’s most widely used plastics. Its versatile and durable, with uses ranging from home furnishings and décor to signs, displays and windows.

But it’s environmentally costly to recycle as it requires high temperatures and toxic solvents. A new, less damaging method that unzips acrylic so it can be repeatedly recycled has been developed by researchers at the University of Bath. What does it involve?

Environmentally unfriendly recycling

Acrylic is made from polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), a transparent thermoplastic. Around 3 million tonnes are used across the globe each year, often under the brand names Perspex and Plexiglas.

Its usually recycled mechanically; the plastic is shredded or melted to reform pellets that can be reused. But the material suffers discolouration and a gradual decline in quality so can’t be used for glass-like applications like screens or glasses.

Pyrolysis can also be used to convert acrylic back into its monomer building blocks before the material is rebuilt from scratch, with no loss of quality. But this process is energy intensive, requiring temperatures of 350-400 °C, and subject to contamination by other plastics.

This new method, developed at the Institute of Sustainability and Climate Change (ISCC), uses lower temperatures and sustainable solvents without compromising material quality. This means the plastic can be recycled many times over with minimal environmental impact.

“With current methods for recycling both energy intensive and inefficient, the demand for cleaner, more efficient recycling technologies has never been greater,” explained Dr Jon Husband, ISCC Research Fellow, who led the work.

“Plastic recycling can be tough to make economically feasible, due to issues around high energy costs and low-quality product; this work directly addresses both of these issues.”

The process

Consumer-grade PMMA plastic is chemically unzipped into its original monomer building blocks using UV light under oxygen-free conditions and at 120-180°C. This lower energy requirement helps improve environmental performance and commercial scalability.

The team can currently recycle a few grams of real plastic waste at a time, delivering over 95% conversion of the plastic and returning more than 70% monomer, which can be purified and repolymerised into “as new” materials.

“Developing new chemical recycling approaches matters because it turns waste back into pristine new materials, rather than a lower grade, low-value material destined for eventual disposal,” said Dr Simon Freakley, also of the ISCC.

“This method allows us to recover high-quality monomers from used PMMA, offering a clear pathway toward genuine circularity in acrylic materials.”

The process is compatible with sustainable solvents, offering a greener, simpler and more industrially viable recycling routes. Work is continuing to improve the efficiency and scale the process.

News reference

Photo-initiated solvent-mediated depolymerization of consumer poly(methyl methacrylate) without chlorinated reagents, Nature Communications, 2026. Husband, J.T., et al.

There were nearly 12,000 record high temperatures that were either tied or broken across the U.S. in March, according to the National Centers for Environmental Information. They outpaced record-low temperatures by nearly 11 to 1 during the first month of meteorological spring. Two historic heat waves that hit in March helped drive the large number of locations that experienced record heat.

Colorado was one of several southern states that saw temperatures soar to summer levels. The state alone had nearly 1200 record highs either tied or broken during March. By the time the month ended, at least two locations had broken the previous all-time March record of 96 degrees in Holly in 1907. Walsh hit 97 degrees on the 27th, while Campo hit 99 on the same day, setting the new March temperature record.

Map Shows How Extreme March Was in Colorado

A new map that shows the number of days during March the high temperature exceeded the 1951-2025 March monthly record posted by climatologist Russ Schumacher, Professor of Atmospheric Science at Colorado State University, is both alarming and enlightening. "This map shows that broad swaths of Colorado had more than 7 days with high temperatures warmer than any March temperature from 1951-2025," wrote Schumacher on his Colorado Climate Blog.

"That’s right: a whole week’s worth of days that were warmer than any March day in the last 75 years," added Schumacher. He plans to give a more complete picture of all the records in a monthly summary to be published soon. "But there’s no question that this will go down as the warmest March on record for Colorado—around 3-4°F warmer than any other March in the last 132 years—once all the numbers are tallied," noted Schumacher.

Snowpack Dwindled Amid Warmth and Expanding Drought

With all that heat last month, it should come as no surprise that the average snowpack across the state is running well below average. The average snow water equivalent for Colorado, or the amount of liquid water held within the snowpack, was 4 inches, only 26% of the 1991-2020 median at the start of this week. That means the state has around 50% of the water in its snow compared to 2002, the previous lowest year.

Colorado's snowpack has been facing an uphill battle for months. The warm start to meteorological spring for Colorado was a continuation of an unusually warm overall pattern the state endured this past winter. Colorado's average temperature from December last year through this past February was just over 8 degrees above average, making it the warmest winter on record for the state.

Colorado had its 15th driest winter on record. Nearly 90% of the state is now in at least a moderate drought, an increase of around 14% in just a week, according to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor report. The area of the state currently experiencing a drought has more than doubled compared to 3 months ago.

One of the trickier aspects of seed sowing is manipulating tiny seeds, whether they will one day become pretty flowers or delicious veggies, and getting them in the soil. It can be messy, cumbersome, and wasteful if not done carefully. Here are some nifty hacks for sowing seeds more efficiently.

Squeeze bottles

It is wonderful to witness little sprouts springing up from compost-filled pots on the windowsill or from the fertile ground outside in the veg patch, but such reward does not come without a decent amount of effort and care. Seed sowing is one of the initial tasks that demands a little tact and patience, without which you'll likely dump the whole lot of your seed packet on the ground and lose out. You can just pop down to the garden centre again to pick up some more, but hey, we can all appreciate saving time, money, and our precious seeds.

So, how do we tackle the fiddly task of seed sowing? Well, if you’ve never tried them before, squeeze bottles could serve as a solution. There are a variety of squeeze bottles you can buy that might appeal depending on budget, quantity, and nib size (depending on what seeds you are planting). You might wish to purchase squeeze bottles, typically used for condiments, which you can purchase on Amazon. Smaller squeeze bottles can also be found on Amazon and other sites such as Shein.

Firstly, you need to prepare your seed trays (if growing indoors) by filling them with compost. Next up, have a mini dibber at the ready to make indents in the soil as per the seed packet instructions. Load up your squeeze bottles with the desired seed, and then start sowing, gently applying pressure to the bottle to carefully deposit them. Keep a small watering can/jug at hand to give your newly sown seed a drink to get them started.

For outdoor sowing, prepare the ground or vegetable bed with compost, fork the soil, and level it out with a rake to even it off. When sowing, use the squeeze bottle in the same way as described above.

Other methods for sowing

Another option is the gel sowing technique, which involves combining your seeds with a thick starch-based gel and passing it through a squeeze bottle or a clear plastic bag with a cut corner. This technique guarantees uniform dispersion and shields fragile, germinated seeds from harm when planting.

To extract seeds individually, you could use a regular medical syringe (omitting the needle). You can plant tiny seeds precisely in the middle of seedling trays by applying pressure to the syringe plunger, ensuring accurate sowing.

Brazil is home to mystical places that attract curious tourists and spiritual seekers eager to uncover local mysteries, or even those who simply want to admire the country’s natural beauty.

Whether because of their landscapes that seem straight out of a fairy tale or because of their local legends wrapped in mystery, these Brazilian destinations are an excellent choice for anyone who enjoys traveling through beautiful settings and positive vibes.

And if you happen to be one of those people, join us as we explore four of these incredible places.

4 Destinations in Brazil Known for Their Mysticism

These places, considered mystical, are characterized by a strong connection between nature, spirituality, and symbolic beliefs.

São Thomé das Letras - Minas Gerais

When the subject of mystical places in Brazil comes up, São Thomé das Letras is the first destination that comes to most people’s minds. And for good reason. The town is recognized as one of the main energy vortices on Earth and has countless stories reporting sightings of elves, fairies, and UFOs (Unidentified Flying Objects); although, to this day, none of these claims has been scientifically proven.

The mysteries begin with the town’s very name: according to legend, a runaway slave took refuge in a grotto, where he discovered the statue of a saint — Saint Thomas (São Tomé) — along with inscriptions on the walls; that is how the name São Thomé das Letras (Saint Thomas of the Letters) came to be.

Main attractions include:

• Peanut Hill, where vehicles in neutral roll uphill on their own instead of downhill. It is simply an optical illusion that makes cars appear to “climb by themselves”;
• Witch’s Rock, a rock formation that resembles the face of a witch;
• Pyramid House, a pyramid-shaped building on top of a mountain, where everyone gathers at sunset to watch the sun go down;
• Carimbado Cave, which, according to legend, was connected through an underground cave to the Inca city of Machu Picchu, in Peru.

Roncador Mountain Range - Mato Grosso

The Roncador Mountain Range (Serra do Roncador) is an imposing mountain chain that stretches for 800 km between Barra do Garças, in Mato Grosso, and Pará. It is known for its cerrado landscapes and waterfalls and, of course, for the deep and resonant sound of the wind against the rocky walls, hence its name.

The area is famous for its legends of underground cities and portals. Legend has it that the region is home to a portal to Atlantis, the lost city. This rumor was fueled by the disappearance of British archaeologist Percy Fawcett during an expedition in 1925, without leaving any trace. His intention was to search for this civilization descended from the Atlanteans.

Among its attractions is the Arco da Pedra (Stone Arch), a rock formation considered one of the most energetic points on Earth and a “portal” to other worlds. In addition, the region is home to several Indigenous communities, such as the Xavante, who closely guard the entrance to the Roncador Tunnel, which, according to legend, provides access to underground cities.

Chapada dos Veadeiros - Goiás

This tourist region, located in the northwest of the state of Goiás, is one of the country’s main ecotourism destinations, with canyons, mountains, and valleys. It contains one of the oldest rock formations on Earth, approximately 1.8 billion years old.

The place is wrapped in mysticism and spirituality, known for its quartz crystals and the energy of the 14th parallel. Legend says the region sits on a gigantic rose quartz plate, and that is where the energy visitors feel comes from.

The 14th parallel is an imaginary line that crosses the planet from the Greenwich meridian and connects Alto Paraíso, one of the gateway towns to the Chapada, with Machu Picchu (Peru). It is possible to find a sign indicating where the 14th parallel passes through the region. Legend says there is a portal there leading to the Peruvian city.

Devil’s Cave (Caverna do Diabo) - Eldorado, São Paulo

This cave is located in Caverna do Diabo State Park, in the municipality of Eldorado, São Paulo. In fact, it is the largest cave in the state, stretching 6,000 meters! The area is surrounded by waterfalls, trails, and protected forest, and inside there are walkways and lighting for adventure tourism.

According to legend, mysterious voices and laughter could be heard coming from inside the cave, along with petrified figures resembling human and animal faces. The place gets its name from this: people believed that the devil himself lived in the cave and that the images of people on the walls were the souls he had punished.

However, the sounds coming from the cave are the result of the echo of water and wind colliding with the rocks inside.

News References

The 3 Mystical Cities in Brazil That Attract Travelers in Search of Energy and Connection. January 19, 2026. Maura Pereira.

5 Places in Brazil Known for Their Mysticism. February 18, 2026. Vicenti Ciotta.

7 Mystical Places in Brazil: Incredible Destinations to Visit. October 24, 2022. Rafaela Beatriz.

NASA’s Artemis 2 mission launched last Wednesday, April 1st from Cape Canaveral, FL. The SLS rocket-powered mission sent the Orion spacecraft rocketing into low earth orbit, with astronauts Christina Koch, Victor Glover, Jeremy Hansen, and commander Reid Wiseman along for the ride.

In the following days, the astronauts performed a series of mechanical tests and scientific experiments. This included a critical manual test of the navigation system, and monitoring of their own physiology to the microgravity environment.

Even more critically, mission specialists have been conducting radiation measurements to study the evolution of the radiation field inside the spacecraft. This data furthers an investigation into how changes in the radiation field may impact human physiology-a key question for lengthier space travel to Mars and beyond.

An Historic Lunar Flyby

On April 6 (mission day 6), Orion entered the lunar sphere of influence, where the moon’s gravity takes over as the dominant force guiding the spacecraft. Later that day, the astronauts passed behind the far side of the Moon. The initial images captured by the crew shed light on new regions of the moon never seen before this moment.

They captured compelling geological features peppering the lunar surface, including ancient lava flows and impact craters, which will provide key insights into the Moon’s geological formation. The crew even observed several flashes from small meteors impacting the lunar surface on the dark side.

Dr. Nicky Fox, associate administrator of NASA’s Science Mission Directorate, reveled in the new data. “Our four Artemis II astronauts -- Reid, Victor, Christina, and Jeremy -- took humanity on an incredible journey around the Moon and brought back images so exquisite and brimming with science, they will inspire generations to come,” she said.

Dark Side Wonders and Earth Reveal

Observed characteristics of the lunar surface included color, texture, and brightness. This data was observed and transmitted back to Earth, with NASA scientists already rolling up their sleeves for image and data analyses. Understanding the geological evolution of the Moon is a critical step towards developing infrastructure for a lunar surface station.

As the crew rounded the dark side, they were positioned to view a solar eclipse, nearly two years to the day of the Great North American Eclipse that captured earthbound imaginations on April 8, 2024. And finally, they became spectators for one of the most unique moments for a human being: the earthrise.

Over the following two days, the crew will get some rest as Orion rockets (or, more precisely, free-falls) back towards Earth. They will eventually hit the atmosphere on Friday, April 10th at a speed near 25,000 mph.

Space exploration is entering a new era shaped by diversity and inclusion, and one of its leading figures is undoubtedly Christina Koch. The 47 year old American astronaut, electrical engineer and physicist has made history by becoming the first woman to take part in a crewed mission around the Moon, a decisive step that paves the way for other women to set foot on the satellite in the future.

Her participation in NASA’s Artemis II mission is not only a technical achievement, but also a symbolic one. More than half a century after the Apollo missions, humanity is returning to the lunar environment with a crew that better reflects today’s society. Alongside Koch is Victor Glover, the first Black man to orbit the Moon.

A historic milestone in the space race

Christina Koch’s journey around the Moon marks a turning point in aerospace history. She is now the woman who has travelled the greatest distance from Earth, specifically 406,771.3 kilometres.

On board the Orion spacecraft, Koch and her crewmates have achieved other highly significant technical and scientific milestones, such as observing the far side of the Moon for the first time in human history.

These types of missions are essential because they serve as test platforms for future lunar landings. In this sense, NASA plans for Artemis III and Artemis IV to return humans to the lunar surface, and all indications suggest that a woman will be part of that historic moment.

From Antarctica to deep space

Christina Koch’s career largely explains her success. Trained as an electrical engineer, she has worked in some of the most extreme environments on Earth, such as Antarctica and Greenland. These experiences were key to her selection as an astronaut.

Before Artemis II, Koch had already broken records. In 2019, she completed the longest continuous spaceflight by a woman, spending 328 consecutive days aboard the International Space Station. In addition, together with her colleague Jessica Meir, she took part in the first all female spacewalk, a moment that already signalled a shift in the presence of women within NASA.

Her profile combines physical endurance, technical expertise and a problem solving mindset, qualities that are essential for long duration missions.

What is Koch’s role aboard the Orion spacecraft?

In the Artemis II mission, Christina Koch serves as a mission specialist aboard the Orion spacecraft.

Her role combines operational, scientific and technological validation functions, making her a key figure in ensuring that the mission lays the groundwork for humanity’s return to the lunar surface.

Koch’s main task is to support both technical and scientific operations during the flight around the Moon. This includes monitoring key spacecraft systems, assisting with navigation and taking part in the collection of data that will be crucial for future landing missions.

She also works on evaluating the performance of both the spacecraft and the astronauts in deep space conditions. This type of analysis is essential to guarantee the safety and effectiveness of future missions within the Artemis programme.

An inspiration for new generations

Beyond her technical achievements, Christina Koch’s impact is also measured in social terms. She has become a role model for girls and young women interested in STEM careers, meaning science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

For decades, space exploration has been dominated by men, with around 84 percent of astronauts being male. This has limited the number of female role models such as Valentina Tereshkova, the first woman to travel into space in 1963, Svetlana Savitskaya, the first woman to perform a spacewalk, and Peggy Whitson, who has spent the most time in orbit, totalling 665 days, 22 hours and 22 minutes.

Today, Koch joins them in the vital task of breaking barriers and demonstrating that space is also a place for women.

Having a garden with clay and moist soil does not have to be a problem. Although this type of ground is usually compact, heavy, and prone to retaining water, it can also become a great ally if the right species are chosen.

There are many plants that not only tolerate these conditions, but actually thrive in them and bring beauty, structure, and color to the outdoor space.

Why Is It Important to Choose the Right Plants for Clay and Moist Soils?

Clay soils stand out for their ability to retain moisture and nutrients. This can be an advantage for certain species, especially those that prefer cool ground or consistently moist conditions.

The key is to select hardy plants that adapt well to slower drainage and soil compaction. In addition, choosing suitable species helps create a more balanced, healthy, and easy-to-maintain garden.

Ornamental Foliage Plants for Moist Soils

Not all plants are suitable for every type of soil, and when establishing a small vegetable patch or garden, one of the most important factors to consider is the type of soil you are working with. Choosing the right type of plant can determine the success or failure of your planting.

Hostas

Hostas are one of the best options for gardens with clay and moist soil, especially in shady or partially shaded areas. Their large, decorative, and lush leaves add volume and an elegant look to the garden. In addition, they are easy to care for and offer a very striking presence for much of the year.

Ferns

Ferns are another excellent choice for this type of terrain. They grow very well in cool, moist, and shaded corners, where other plants may struggle more.

Their foliage adds texture, movement, and a natural feel that works especially well in wild-style or woodland gardens.

Ligularia

Ligularia stands out for its large leaves and lush appearance. It is ideal for those looking for a plant with strong visual presence in moist areas. In addition, its yellow or orange flowers add an interesting contrast of color during the blooming season.

Flowering Plants That Thrive in Clay Soils

In addition to lush foliage, there are also more sophisticated plant options with great beauty thanks to their flowers. Some ideal examples are the following:

Astilbe

Astilbe is a highly valued perennial plant for its elegant flower plumes in shades of white, pink, red, or violet. It adapts very well to moist soils rich in organic matter, making it a perfect fit for gardens with heavy ground.

Hydrangeas

Hydrangeas are another very interesting option for clay soils, as long as they have good moisture and a suitable location.

Their large flowers turn any corner into a focal point in the garden and work especially well in cool, partially shaded environments.

Primroses

Primroses are perfect for adding color to moist areas, especially in spring. They are compact, cheerful, and highly decorative plants, ideal for borders or for covering small spaces where the soil retains moisture well.

Ideal Plants for Waterlogged or Very Moist Areas

If the area where your plants will grow receives a large amount of water or even experiences standing water, some perfect examples are the following.

Water Iris

Water iris is one of the most recommended plants for areas where the ground remains moist for long periods. Its showy flowers and great hardiness make it an excellent choice for pond edges, moist flower beds, or poorly drained areas.

Calla Lily or Water Lily

Calla lily also adapts very well to moist soils and brings an elegant and sophisticated feel to the garden. Its flowers have clean lines and its form is very refined, making it a very attractive option for ornamental spaces with high humidity.

How to Make the Most of This Type of Soil

Although these plants are adapted to clay and moist soils, it is always advisable to improve the soil structure with organic matter, such as compost or mulch.

This helps aerate the soil, promotes root development, and improves the balance between water retention and drainage.

It can also be useful to create small level changes, slightly raise some planters, or design different zones according to the moisture level of the soil.

Clay and moist soil does not have to limit a garden’s possibilities. On the contrary, it can become the perfect foundation for a green, lush, and personality-filled space.

NASA astronauts on the Artemis II mission, Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover and Christina Koch, together with Jeremy Hansen of the Canadian Space Agency, will spend time outside Earth’s magnetic field, which acts as a natural protective shield. Periods of heightened solar activity during the mission could therefore pose significant radiation risks to the crew.

The Artemis II mission is planned as a 10 day crewed flight around the Moon and back to Earth, marking a historic return to lunar orbit for the first time since Apollo 17 in 1972. As NASA prepares to send astronauts beyond low Earth orbit, Artemis II represents more than a symbolic milestone. It is a concrete step towards sustained human presence beyond Earth, with the Moon serving as a testing ground for future interplanetary journeys.

Space weather and radiation: their impacts

The role of NOAA in environmental monitoring provides a clear model of how space weather services may evolve in the future. Just as NOAA protects sailors and aviators by monitoring hazardous conditions on Earth, missions such as Artemis II highlight the importance of extending that capability outward, ensuring that human explorers are informed and protected as they venture further into the solar system, beginning with the Moon and eventually Mars.

Human exploration beyond Earth’s immediate environment introduces unique risks that differ fundamentally from those in low Earth orbit. Among the most significant is exposure to space weather, particularly solar radiation generated by solar flares and coronal mass ejections. NOAA plays a key role in monitoring and understanding these hazards through its satellite programmes and its continuous, round the clock forecasting mission.

A key factor in assessing astronaut risk during Artemis II is the relationship between the Moon and Earth’s magnetosphere. This magnetic field forms a vast protective bubble that shields Earth from much of the harmful radiation from charged solar particles. This protective region extends far beyond Earth and, for approximately three to six days during the Moon’s 28 day orbit, the Moon passes through Earth’s magnetotail, a long, comet like extension of the magnetic field shaped by the solar wind. While radiation exposure is not completely eliminated, this region significantly reduces exposure for objects within the magnetotail.

Diagram of Earth’s magnetotail

For most of its orbit, the Moon remains outside Earth’s magnetic field and is directly exposed to the full force of the solar wind and energetic solar particles. As a result, Artemis II astronauts will spend time beyond this natural protective shield. Any overlap between periods of increased solar activity and time spent outside magnetospheric protection could pose significant radiation risks to the crew.

NASA relies on operational space weather forecasts and alerts from NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center. As the official 24 hour space weather forecasting authority, the SWPC provides direct, real time support to human spaceflight missions.

Observations from NOAA’s GOES satellites and the SOLAR 1 observatory at the Lagrange 1 point will provide critical measurements of solar wind speed, magnetic field orientation and high energy particle flux. These observations allow the SWPC to issue timely alerts if radiation levels approach thresholds that could affect astronaut safety. During Artemis II, NOAA forecasters will continuously monitor solar wind conditions and assess any solar flares, coronal mass ejections or energetic particle events.

The Solar Ultraviolet Imager, Extreme Ultraviolet and X ray Irradiance Sensors, Space Environment In Situ Suite and Magnetometer are specialised instruments aboard the GOES R series satellites that measure solar activity and changes in Earth’s magnetic field. In addition, the Compact Coronagraph on board GOES 19 further enhances detection of coronal mass ejections by providing continuous real time monitoring of the solar corona, improving both measurement quality and warning lead time.

The SOLAR 1 observatory at the Lagrange 1 point will extend this continuous upstream monitoring capability from a vantage point closer to the Sun. It will combine continuous imaging from its coronagraph with direct measurements of solar wind and magnetic field conditions using its plasma sensor, suprathermal ion sensor and magnetometer.

These real time observations will enable earlier detection of space weather disturbances that may affect Earth, and will feed into models used to understand and predict the extent and intensity of solar activity and its effects on the terrestrial environment.

Artemis II launched at 18:35 Eastern Time on 1 April 2026 with four astronauts on board, following a free return trajectory around the Moon. The mission will test life support systems, navigation and deep space operations in preparation for future missions to the lunar surface.

As human spaceflight expands beyond government led exploration towards a future that includes commercial and international partners, the need for reliable space weather services will only grow. Artemis II highlights that astronauts venturing beyond Earth’s magnetic protection face hazards that must be monitored, forecast and communicated with the same rigour applied to weather hazards on Earth.

Source: NOAA - NESDIS

In mid-20th-century astronomical archives, luminous traces recorded before the launch of Sputnik appeared. Decades later, their rediscovery has revived an unsettling question: What was orbiting Earth when artificial satellites officially did not yet exist?

The news drew media attention by suggesting the possibility of “unknown satellites.” However, the study itself does not make that claim conclusively. It speaks, cautiously, of unidentified transient phenomena that require deeper analysis and additional systematic comparisons.

The historical context is key, since before 1957 there was no human technology capable of keeping stable artificial objects in orbit, and any signal consistent with that behavior requires careful review of the data, the instruments, and the physical conditions of that time.

So, the finding does not represent an immediate extraordinary revelation, but rather a starting point for studying the sky as it was observed in the past, which to some extent may still hold surprises, as long as they are interpreted rigorously and without rushing into sensational headlines.

What Did the Photographic Plates Actually Detect?

The observed objects are not defined structures or clear trajectories. Rather, they are brief, point-like flashes, visible in only one image and absent in consecutive exposures, suggesting phenomena of extremely short duration that are difficult to classify with traditional methods.

In some cases, the intensity of the flash seemed incompatible with distant stars, leading to the idea that the phenomenon might be relatively close to Earth; that apparent proximity is what fueled more speculative interpretations.

However, old photographic plates have well-known limitations. Chemical emulsions, cosmic rays, material defects, or internal reflections can produce isolated light signals that mimic real objects without actually being so.

In addition, the instrumental calibration of that era does not allow precise reconstruction of distances, velocities, or sizes. The images record light, not physical nature; that is why the researchers themselves insist that these data do not, by themselves, prove the existence of unknown artificial objects.

The Most Plausible Scientific Explanations

One of the most discussed hypotheses links the flashes to atmospheric or ionospheric effects associated with atmospheric nuclear tests conducted during those years. The temporal correlation between explosions and the increase in signals is suggestive, though not definitive.

Another possibility is the impact of cosmic rays on the photographic plates. This phenomenon produces very brief light marks, difficult to distinguish from real astronomical events unless large datasets are analyzed statistically.

Extremely fast meteors, momentary sunlight reflections, or even charged particles interacting with the instrument are also considered. All of these possibilities are well documented in observational astronomy and often explain similar historical anomalies.

The key point is that none of these explanations requires introducing unknown technology or extraordinary external agents. They are known physical processes that, combined with old instruments, can generate puzzling signals.

Science, Headlines, and the Value of Skepticism

The case shows how a legitimate observation can turn into a striking headline if it is disconnected from the scientific method. Talking about “unknown satellites” is appealing, but it does not accurately reflect the real content of the published studies.

Science moves forward by accumulating evidence, ruling out hypotheses, and refining explanations, and these works show that astronomical archives can still offer new information. Revisiting old data with modern tools can reveal interesting phenomena.

They also highlight the importance of critical thinking in science communication, where curiosity is essential, yes, but it must be accompanied by context, caution, and respect for uncertainty and data verification through peer-reviewed articles.

So, far from confirming hidden mysteries in Earth’s orbit, these plates remind us of something deeper: the Universe is always more complex than it seems, and understanding it requires patience, method, and informed skepticism.

The Artemis II mission is progressing successfully on its path towards the Moon, marking the first time since the end of the Apollo programme in 1972 that astronauts have travelled beyond low Earth orbit. Although this mission does not include a lunar landing, as it is a flyby designed to validate systems and procedures, it paves the way for future missions that will aim to place humans back on the lunar surface.

While public attention is focused on the historic events unfolding now, another team of specialists from NASA and the aerospace industry is quietly advancing a crucial task, which is selecting the exact location where future crews will once again walk on the Moon. Their findings were recently presented at the 57th Lunar and Planetary Science Conference, marking an important step towards defining the stage for this long awaited return.

From thirteen to nine: the map narrows

The study revisits and updates a list of nine candidate landing sites, originally revealed in October 2024. This set itself stems from an initial selection published in 2022 that included thirteen possible regions. Since then, the goal has been to narrow them down to the most viable options from both an operational and scientific perspective.

Over those two years, NASA carried out numerous assessments, ranging from vehicle and lander design requirements to lighting conditions, communications, terrain safety and the expected duration of surface operations, which are projected to last between 5.75 and 6.25 days. Each factor provided an additional filter to refine the list.

It is also worth noting that while the study focused on Artemis III, NASA adjusted its timeline before the conference began. Artemis III will now be a test mission in Earth orbit in 2027, intended to rehearse docking with landing modules from SpaceX or Blue Origin. The human landing has therefore been moved to Artemis IV, scheduled for 2028. This means the sites analysed will likely be considered for that mission or possibly for later ones.

The challenge of communication from the lunar south pole

All the analysed sites are located at the Moon’s south pole, a region that is both strategic and complex. Unlike Earth, which has an axial tilt of about 23.5 degrees, the Moon is tilted by only around 5 degrees. This difference creates areas near the poles that remain permanently close to the horizon of the Sun and also outside direct line of sight with Earth.

This creates a problem, as communications may be intermittent. The IM 2 mission from Intuitive Machines demonstrated this recently when it attempted a landing in that region and ended up tipping over inside a crater. During descent, the spacecraft experienced abrupt altitude changes and intermittently lost telemetry, preventing ground control from correcting its trajectory in time.

For autonomous missions, this may result in failure, but for human missions it represents an unacceptable risk. Ensuring continuous communication will therefore be an essential requirement in selecting the final site.

The hidden treasure: ice in permanent shadow

The main reason NASA is focusing on the south pole is well known. Vast deposits of water ice are hidden in craters so deep that they have not received sunlight for billions of years. Extremely low temperatures have allowed this ice to accumulate slowly and remain preserved until today. These areas, known as permanently shadowed regions, formed due to the Moon’s slight axial tilt.

Understanding and eventually using this ice could transform human exploration. It could provide water, oxygen and even fuel, reducing costs and making long duration missions more sustainable.

Which site will be chosen?

The central question remains open, which specific location at the south pole will host the first lunar crew since 1972. Evaluations are ongoing and the final decision has not yet been announced. What is certain is that each study, test and mission brings humanity one step closer to that historic moment.

A new analysis involving researchers from Queen Mary University of London, Lancaster University and the Climate and Community Institute estimates that the first 14 days of the war in Iran generated more than 5 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent.

The findings suggest that the conflict has already produced emissions exceeding Iceland’s total annual carbon output, highlighting the often overlooked environmental consequences of modern warfare.

While the analysis provides an initial overview of emissions, the authors note that the total climate impact is likely to increase significantly as the conflict continues.

The research examines both direct and indirect emissions generated between 28th February and 14th March 2026, including those from military operations, infrastructure destruction and damage to fuel and oil facilities.

These estimates are based on established methodologies previously used to assess emissions from conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine, including earlier work published in One Earth.

The environmental cost of conflict

Dr Benjamin Neimark, professor of International Political Economy at Queen Mary University of London, said that emissions from armed conflicts remain largely invisible in global climate policy, rarely counted, reported or discussed, and that without proper accounting, the true drivers of climate change are being underestimated.

Dr Fred Otu Larbi of Lancaster University added that beyond the human cost, the environmental impact of war is immediate, measurable and comparable in scale to the annual emissions of entire countries.

A growing global impact

Researchers warn that emissions are likely to increase significantly if the conflict continues, driven by factors such as increased production of weapons and military equipment, fires and leaks from damaged oil infrastructure and greater military involvement from other countries.

The analysis identifies several major sources of emissions during the first two weeks of the conflict:

- Destruction of homes and infrastructure accounted for 2.4 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent
- Fuel consumption in military operations accounted for 529000 tonnes of CO2 equivalent
- Oil burning and destruction accounted for 1.88 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent
- Loss of military equipment accounted for 172000 tonnes of CO2 equivalent
- Missiles and drones accounted for 55000 tonnes of CO2 equivalent

About the analysis

This analysis has not been peer reviewed and presents preliminary estimates based on previously established calculation methods.

The methodology builds on earlier research by the authors, including a study published in One Earth examining carbon emissions from the Israel Gaza conflict, which developed a framework for estimating greenhouse gas emissions from armed conflicts using direct, indirect and supply chain emissions.

Source: Universidad Queen Mary de Londres

The first human expedition to Mars is just around the corner. Both NASA and the China National Space Administration (CNSA) have projects that should materialize relatively soon, within the next decade.

Even more problematic is the journey itself, during which gravity would be completely absent for a prolonged period.

The difference compared with previous missions to the Moon lies precisely in the duration. A trip to Mars would take between six and eight months one way, while the astronauts who walked on the Moon returned before weightlessness became a serious problem.

Finding a solution is now a priority.

Weightlessness and Long-Term Damage

On a journey to Mars, a prolonged period in zero gravity exposes astronauts to damage to their bones, muscles, cardiovascular system, and metabolism, with likely long-term effects.

For this reason, recent studies carried out by an international team focus on the effects of low gravity on the human body and on possible methods to counteract them.

Skeletal muscle tissue is the largest tissue in the body and makes up 40% of body mass. Particularly sensitive, it is essential not only for movement but also for metabolic health.

However, the available data on the effects of prolonged weightlessness are still too limited, which is why the first experiments with mice were conducted on the ISS, opening up new possible solutions.

The First Experiments

The mice were placed inside a device called MARS (Multiple Artificial-gravity Research System), capable of simulating four different levels of low gravity, for a period of twenty-eight days.

At the end of the observation period, the team led by Marie Mortreaux, a scientist at the Muscle Biology Laboratory in Rhode Island, carried out analyses on the subjects.

The tests examined bones, muscles, and metabolites, chemical substances found in the blood. It was shown that gravity equivalent to two-thirds of Earth’s is practically harmless to muscles and bones. Gravity at 0.67 g, equivalent to one-third less than Earth’s gravity, causes a loss of muscle strength.

Therefore, the threshold below which it begins to become risky is 0.67 g.

Human Experiments

Replicating the experiments in the human body would be essential, but it has not yet been possible, mainly because there is no place with artificial gravity where people can stay long enough to obtain useful data.

The only evidence of artificial gravity in space is quite old and dates back to the Gemini 11 mission in 1966, in which one spacecraft orbited another using a tether, creating very low gravity, but only for a few hours.

Some experiments were carried out in the laboratory, but again only for a very short period of time.

This is because creating large-scale weightlessness simulators is complicated and expensive, and it is still not fully understood how the human body reacts.

Possible Solutions

However, after the experiment with mice, it was possible to propose some hypotheses about possible solutions for future space travel.

A rotating structure could simulate gravity through centrifugal force. NASA’s Nautilus-X project is based precisely on this idea.

Astronauts on the ISS already use exercise machines to reduce atrophy, or loss, of muscle mass.

A hybrid system combining the use of rotating structures with physical exercise is also an interesting idea. However, it is currently still in the design phase.

News Reference

Matthew Williams - How Will Martian Gravity Affect Skeletal Muscle? Universe Today (2026)

You might think that your back garden is a sanctuary and haven for yourself, your family, visiting family and friends, as well as wildlife. But what if we told you that your garden might harbour a certain creepy crawly that is well worth keeping at bay to safeguard your health? And what if plant power could help deter these pesky critters? Well, you can read on to find out more.

A cause for concern

Ticks enter into gardens via deer, foxes, birds, pets, rodents, and other living vehicles, and they target moist, shaded areas. These blood-sucking parasites are designed to live off the blood of animals and humans, and they even deploy a suite of molecules in their saliva, including a numbing agent when they bite, so you don’t even know they’re there.

The key danger is in what the ticks transmit when they bite, in particular, Lyme disease and tick-bourne encephalitis (TBE). Hard-bodied ticks are the key culprit behind the transmission of these diseases across Europe and the UK, namely infected Ixodes ricinus ticks (also known as castor bean ticks, sheep ticks, or deer ticks).

Ticks are typically active between March and October, when temperatures begin to rise and hit their peak in summer, and the heat filters through to autumn. This week, the UK has seen highs of 21–23°C (for England and Wales), so be on the look out for ticks on your walks and when sunning yourself in the garden.

Luckily, the weather is shifting to cooler temperatures during the latter part of this week. However, keep ever on your guard, and take precautions. Besides wearing appropriate clothing, checking yourself over, and keeping the lawn well-mown, another strategy involves growing and planting natural deterrants.

Tick-tackling plants for your garden

Two plants that you might like to grow to help deter ticks are rosemary and lavender. Both have characteristic, strong aromas, both of which are caused by certain chemicals (including terpenoids) that are repulsive to ticks. Gardeners should also consider mint, which also releases a strong odour and, though invasive, can be managed or placed in pots throughout your garden to limit its spread.

Growers are also encouraged to grow garlic in their borders, which produces a pungent, sulphurous odour that is also known to deter ticks. Citronella in lemongrass also serves as a deterrent, and sage is another strong-scented herb that gardeners might employ. Marigolds, catnip, chrysanthumums, and beautyberry are also reported to help deter ticks.

Route 66, one of the most iconic highways in the world, celebrates its first 100 years this April. Springfield, internationally recognised as the birthplace of the route, will host an ambitious three day national event.

The official celebration will begin where it all started, in Springfield, Missouri, with a programme of events taking place from 30th April to 2nd May 2026.

Birthplace of Route 66: a reason to discover Springfield

Springfield holds the official title of birthplace of Route 66, mainly because it was there, on 30th April 1926, that a telegram was sent to federal highway officials proposing the name “US Route 66”.

This event secured Springfield’s place in American history and marked the beginning of a century of travel, trade and culture along the route that would eventually become the most famous road in the world.

Given the significance of this anniversary, the Missouri Route 66 Centennial Commission is coordinating events and preservation efforts across the state for the upcoming centenary of the historic highway.

The organisation works with communities, tourism partners and preservation advocates along more than 480 kilometres of Route 66 in Missouri to ensure the centenary is celebrated with state pride and national reach.

For the state of Missouri, the centenary represents a key moment in the life of this historic corridor, offering a unique opportunity to showcase the enduring power and legacy of Route 66. From Illinois to California, communities are working together to preserve the road and share its stories with future generations.

This is how the centenary launch of Route 66 will be celebrated

The national celebration launch in Springfield reflects the origins of the road and its timeless ability to connect people, places and experiences.

This event has been specially designed to celebrate the legacy of Route 66 as a meeting point for travellers and residents, inviting visitors of all ages to experience Springfield’s historic corridor as a destination in its own right.

Below is a detailed overview of how the city in the state of Missouri is preparing for this highly anticipated milestone.

Thursday 30th April 2026

Early in the morning at 8.00 CST, NBC will broadcast a live edition of the programme The TODAY Show “3rd Hour”, bringing the birthplace of this iconic corridor to millions of viewers across the United States and around the world.

Later, at around 16.00, the “Birthplace Plaza” will be officially inaugurated, with a formal ceremony at the intersection of Jefferson Avenue and St Louis Street, marking the exact place and moment when the telegram proposing the name “US Route 66” was sent on 30 April 1926.

State, national and international Route 66 leaders will gather to commemorate this pivotal moment in transport history, reaffirming Springfield’s designation as the official birthplace of Route 66 and honouring the road’s global impact over time.

To close the day, between 17.00 and 23.00, the centenary opening concert will take place, a major musical event bringing together legendary and contemporary American artists for several hours of music, storytelling and shared experiences inspired by the Mother Road.

Designed as the central event of the national launch, the concert will attract attendees from across the United States and abroad, combining entertainment with historical significance as Springfield officially begins the Route 66 centenary year.

Friday 1st May 2026

On the second day of celebrations, the Queen’s Gate sculpture will be unveiled along Route 66, with the community and visitors invited to gather at the intersection of St Louis Street and Glenstone Avenue for the inauguration of this new public art landmark celebrating the cultural, artistic and historical importance of Route 66.

In the afternoon, the “America on Route 66 Parade” will take place, offering a journey through the history of the road through movement and spectacle, with more than 100 classic, vintage and iconic vehicles travelling through Springfield, representing the evolution of travel and American car culture along Route 66.

Later, from 18.00 to 21.00, the “Red, White and Bridge Bash” will be held on the Jefferson Avenue footbridge, recently restored and standing as a symbol of the city’s industrial past and ongoing revitalisation, creating a festive space where history, music and community come together.

At the same location, from 19.30 to 20.30, the historic Jefferson Avenue footbridge will be illuminated, marking the centenary of Route 66 while also celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States, combining history, technology and a patriotic visual spectacle visible throughout the district.

Saturday 2nd May 2026

Finally, on the third and final day of celebrations, from 9.00 to 18.00, Springfield will host the continuation of the “Red, White and Bridge Bash” on Commercial Street, where the historic street will come alive with live performances, interactive activities, food stalls and community programming.

From 10.00 to 18.00, a Route 66 themed Art Festival will take place on Walnut Street, bringing together artists, creators and performers to celebrate creativity inspired by this iconic highway.

Visual art exhibitions, live demonstrations, music and interactive experiences will showcase how Route 66 continues to influence American art, design and storytelling nearly a century after its creation.

Later, from 17.00 to 23.00, the National Telegraph Ball will take place, marking the official conclusion of the celebrations with an elegant evening event held at Springfield’s historic Shrine Mosque.

Inspired by the 1926 telegram that gave Route 66 its name, the ball combines live entertainment, gastronomy and a period atmosphere while raising funds for awareness and preservation initiatives related to Route 66, honouring the past and reaffirming the commitment to protect this “Mother Road” for future generations.

Thus, one hundred years after its creation, Route 66 reaffirms its place as far more than just a road. It remains a cultural symbol that continues to connect stories, landscapes and generations of travellers around the world.