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Showing posts from June, 2025

Astronomers discover a galaxy frozen in time for billions of years: 'Fossil galaxies are like the dinosaurs of the universe'

Astronomers have discovered a galaxy that has been "frozen in time" for billions of years. Like a celestial dinosaur fossil, this galaxy could reveal the secrets of cosmic evolution. from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/dNpK0s9

Was ancient Mars habitable? NASA's Perseverance rover is grinding into a 'weird, uncooperative' rock to find out

NASA's Perseverance rover is digging deeper into Mars' geologic past as it begins grinding into rock surfaces to expose material that could hold clues to the planet's ancient environment and habitability. from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/2qBwT8x

NASA exoplanet-hunting spacecraft and citizen scientists discover a cool new alien world

With the aid of NASA's exoplanet-hunter TESS, citizen scientists have discovered a new gas giant that is cool, literally and figuratively. from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/FhMwIs7

NASA budget cuts threaten Europe's already troubled flagship Mars rover

An illustration of Europe's planned Rosalind Franklin rover on the surface of Mars. from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/Kh8Mmew

NASA discovers link between Earth’s core and life-sustaining oxygen

For over half a billion years, Earth’s magnetic field has risen and fallen in sync with oxygen levels in the atmosphere, and scientists are finally uncovering why. A NASA-led study reveals a striking link between deep-Earth processes and life at the surface, suggesting that the planet’s churning molten interior could be subtly shaping the conditions for life. By comparing ancient magnetic records with atmospheric data, researchers found that these two seemingly unrelated phenomena have danced together since the Cambrian explosion, when complex life first bloomed. This tantalizing connection hints at a single, hidden mechanism — perhaps even continental drift — orchestrating both magnetic strength and the air we breathe. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/TzqXPhC

Look for the 'Other Dipper' this summer: How to find Ursa Minor, the Little Bear with a little help from the North Star

Most people have never seen the Little Dipper, because most of its stars are too dim to be seen through light-polluted skies. from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/agXdOTb

15 years before Helldivers 2, Lost Planet 2 taught us that the only good bug was a dead bug

One of the most overlooked sequels in Capcom's history, Lost Planet 2 walked so games like Helldivers 2 and Space Marine 2 could run. from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/Wf3gAT2

Nozzle blows off rocket booster during test for NASA's Artemis program (video)

A solid rocket engine for NASA's Space Launch System rocket experienced an anomaly during a static fire test at the booster's Northrop Grumman facilities June 26. from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/x7GBsIO

New test unmasks illegal elephant ivory disguised as mammoth

Poachers are using a sneaky loophole to bypass the international ivory trade ban—by passing off illegal elephant ivory as legal mammoth ivory. Since the two types look deceptively similar, law enforcement struggles to tell them apart, especially when tusks are carved or polished. But scientists may have found a powerful new tool: stable isotope analysis. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/hl1g06W

Scientists finally know why early human migrations out of Africa failed

New research reveals why early human attempts to leave Africa repeatedly failed—until one group succeeded spectacularly around 50,000 years ago. Scientists discovered that before this successful migration, humans began using a much broader range of environments across Africa, from dense forests to harsh deserts. This ecological flexibility, developed over thousands of years, gave them the adaptive edge needed to survive the more difficult exit routes into Eurasia. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/tx4VhZW

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Season 3: Release date, cast & how to watch Paramount+'s summer sci-fi series

Captain Pike and the Enterprise crew are back and on the hunt for The Gorn. Here’s everything we know about 'Strange New Worlds' Season 3 after 2023’s cliffhanger finale. from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/aQktpVZ

Human remains lost after memorial spaceflight capsule crashes into the sea

The remains of 166 people part of a Celestis Memorial Spaceflight are presumed lost after The Exploration Company's "Mission Possible" capsule presumably crashes into Pacific Ocean. from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/dAWvTJB

NASA's been pulling out of major astronomy meetings — and scientists are feeling the effects

NASA and the National Science Foundation cancelled their major events at a major astronomy conference this summer. Scientists who attended were left disappointed. from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/ZyJwTh2

Scientists reveal your morning coffee flips an ancient longevity switch

Caffeine appears to do more than perk you up—it activates AMPK, a key cellular fuel sensor that helps cells cope with stress and energy shortages. This could explain why coffee is linked to better health and longer life. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/q4cpP92

Watch live: Axiom-4 astronauts aboard SpaceX Crew Dragon dock with International Space Station on June 26

After more than 24 hours on orbit, the the private astronaut crew of Axiom-4 will catch up to the International Space Station to dock for their two-week mission. from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/HxM95dc

Orion constellation glows red in gorgeous deep space photo

Miguel Claro captured the Orion Constellation glowing red due to hydrogen gas, as seen from the Dark Sky Alqueva Reserve in Portugal. from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/YKGQcxo

Private Japanese moon lander crashed due to laser errors, ispace says

Japanese company ispace lost its Resilience lunar lander this month due to laser range finder errors, the company said. from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/zMDyIGl

Astronomers discover origins of mysterious double hot Jupiter exoplanets: 'It is a dance of sorts'

Astronomers have discovered the strange dance that leads to the creation of rare "double hot Jupiters" in binary star systems that are "just right." from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/OyhtreN

How to see Mercury, the moon and the Gemini twins pass close together in the night sky this week

On June 26, you'll have an opportunity to behold the sight of a slender waxing crescent moon positioned just to the right of Mercury. from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/sOZJ8hW

The Lego Marvel Team Spidey Web Spinner Headquarters, one of the best Lego Marvel sets available, is now at its lowest prices pre-Amazon Prime Day

One of the best Lego Marvel sets, the Team Spidey Web Spinner Headquarters set, is ideal for young fans and is now 20% off ahead of Amazon Prime Day. from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/6BH9tLP

The Rubin Observatory found 2,104 asteroids in just a few days. It could soon find millions more

The Rubin Observatory released its first magnificent images of the cosmos on Monday (June 23) — and included a special asteroid bonus. from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/6sXJHwm

Atlas V rocket launches 2nd batch of satellites for Amazon's Project Kuiper megaconstellation (video)

A powerful Atlas V rocket lifted off from Florida's Space Coast today (June 23), carrying 27 satellites aloft for Amazons' new Project Kuiper broadband network. from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/VrHJew5

This supermassive black hole is eating way too quickly — and 'burping' at near-light speeds

Using the XMM-Newton telescope, astronomers have witnessed high-speed "burps" erupting from a distant overfeeding supermassive black hole. from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/X3uYi8n

When it comes to auroras, pink is the new white, astronaut says | On the ISS this week June 16 - 20, 2025

With the arrival of a visiting crew still delayed, science and maintenance work on board the International Space Station continued to fill the Expedition 73 crew's week. from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/1ZaLetH

Scientists to unveil 1st images from the Vera C. Rubin Observatory on June 23: Watch the big moment live

The Vera C. Rubin Observatory's first images will be unveiled on Monday (June 23), and you can watch the action live. from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/bcglGkV

May 2024 solar storm cost $500 million in damages to farmers, new study reveals

GPS positions were off by up to 230 feet during the Gannon Solar Storm in May 2024 in a disruption that lasted for up to two days, a new study has revealed. from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/K5SWv7Z

Royal Observatory Greenwich: The birthplace of modern astronomy turns 350

That's a lot of standard candles. from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/hPQ1jpH

SpaceX’s Transporter 14 launch today will carry more than 150 capsules of DNA, human remains

Houston-based Celestis and The Exploration Company are teaming up to fly a memorial payload on SpaceX's Transporter 14 rideshare mission on Sunday (June 22). from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/DeUAsJ9

The 2025 Bootid meteor shower peaks June 27: Here's what to expect

You'll need luck on your side to spot these shooting stars. from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/v6xZE2L

From 'Toy Story' to 'Elio', here's every space-themed Pixar movie and short so far

'Elio' isn't the legendary animation studio's first adventure on the final frontier. Here's every Pixar movie and short that explores space. from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/9I4unpy

This galaxy cluster has mysterious cosmic tendrils over 200,000 light-years long (image)

Astronomers have taken an unprecedentedly detailed look at the tendrils and filaments that wrap around supermassive black hole-dominated galaxies of Abell 2255. from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/mI2PviY

Get relaxed views of the universe for a fraction of the price with a huge $675 off the Unistellar Odyssey Pro

The Unistellar Father's Day sale ends in two days — grab the Odyssey Pro with $675 off from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/hMR7uXV

Is Mars really red? A physicist explains the planet’s reddish hue and why it looks different to some telescopes

For centuries Mars has been called "the Red Planet" and there's a scientific reason why. from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/xRyPtoX

New technique promises clearer, more frequent views of black holes

A powerful new technique is poised to revolutionize how astronomers observe black holes, by producing sharp, multicolored images that could reveal their dynamic evolution in real time. from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/tHC7Gxv

Summer solstice 2025 brings changing seasons to Earth on June 20

The sun will reach its most northern point on June 20, marking the start of the summer season in the Northern Hemisphere. from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/7SXFE6z

Lego Marvel Team Spidey Web Spinner Headquarters review

This 4+ Lego set is colorful and fun, ideal for young Marvel fans looking for an early introduction to building Lego. from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/oDTCrw4

See the moon rise alongside the giant planets Neptune and Saturn predawn on June 19

The alignment occurs hours after the moon hits its third quarter phase. from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/VdOvMEX

2 Chinese spacecraft just met up 22,000 miles above Earth. What were they doing?

A new Chinese refueling spacecraft met up with an older satellite in high Earth orbit this month, apparently marking a step forward in orbital servicing. from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/kJ4tCXW

Mars joins the Spring Triangle this week: Here’s when and how to see it

Mars will remain in the Spring Triangle until mid-September. from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/dDu1jBp

Watch Honda launch (and land) its 1st reusable rocket in this wild video

The Japanese automaker Honda just hit a key milestone in rocket reusability with a near-bullseye landing during a vertical test flight in Hokkaido. from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/A7OIgEy

Tiny ‘primordial’ black holes created in the Big Bang may have rapidly grown to supermassive sizes

Supermassive black holes that seem too large to exist in the early universe may have grown from primordial black holes formed in the first second after the Big Bang. from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/oUV0mrE

Northern lights and glowing noctilucent clouds collide in a rare night sky show over Alberta (photo)

The surprise display was captured on June 9 by aurora chaser Harlan Thomas. from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/l8Og0tA

Nat Geo documentary 'SALLY,' about the 1st US woman in space, now streaming on Disney+ & Hulu

You can now watch the award-winning documentary "SALLY" about the first American woman in space, Sally Ride, on Disney+ and Hulu. from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/XziNLHg

China's next-gen astronaut capsule for moon missions aces crucial pad-abort test (video)

China's human spaceflight agency just conducted a crucial pad abort test for its Mengzhou spacecraft as it continues toward its goal of putting boots on the moon before 2030. from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/3MtyLWp

SpaceX launch from California sends 26 Starlink satellites into low Earth orbit

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket placed 26 Starlink internet broadband satellites into low Earth orbit, lifting off from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on June 16, 2025. from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/mxO7PsC

SpaceX, NASA target June 19 for launch of private Ax-4 astronauts after ISS leak repairs

Leaks aboard the International Space Station, as well as on SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket, delayed Axiom's next private astronaut mission, but the crew now has a target launch date of June 19. from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/v29aBpm

Lego Marvel Infinity Gauntlet review

There's a good reason the Lego Marvel Infinity Gauntlet has been around since 2021: Few sets are as striking as this. from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/dmzYkE9

Star-forming cloud Chamaeleon I looks like a cosmic masterpiece in new Dark Energy Camera image (video)

Part of the closest star-forming region to us, known as the Chamaeleon Complex, has been illuminated by the light of young stars in this artwork by nature captured by the Dark Energy Camera. from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/jLu5yeE

Koalas on the brink: Precision DNA test offers a lifeline to Australia’s icons

A University of Queensland-led project has developed a tool to standardise genetic testing of koala populations, providing a significant boost to conservation and recovery efforts. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/jdeDQk1

Brain food fight: Rutgers maps the hidden switch that turns cravings on and off

Rutgers scientists have uncovered a tug-of-war inside the brain between hunger and satiety, revealing two newly mapped neural circuits that battle over when to eat and when to stop. These findings offer an unprecedented glimpse into how hormones and brain signals interact, with implications for fine-tuning today's weight-loss drugs like Ozempic. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/mjNZUMO

Astronomers discover ultrapowerful black hole jet as bright as 10 trillion suns lit by Big Bang's afterglow

"It's like looking for candlelight in close vicinity to a flashlight that's blazing toward us." from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/i1KuwBL

FLITI Galaxy Projector review

The coverage offered by the Fliti Galaxy Projector is incredible, but it doesn’t have the best build quality. from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/K3xgvnP

Astrophotographer captures the heart of the Lagoon Nebula glowing below a cosmic Trifid (photo)

The lagoon nebulas were observed under the near-pristine dark skies of northern Arizona. from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/TP7bkmz

How to see Mars visit a bright star and the moon this June

During the latter part of June, Mars will put on a couple of eye-catching shows, teaming up first with a bright star and then, late this month, with the moon. from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/iPm8fUu

Mars settlement and more: Global space leaders will tackle big ideas next week at ISDC 2025

Space visionaries, scientists, entrepreneurs and students from around the world are set to gather in Florida next week for this year's International Space Development Conference. from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/xQaH3MA

Missing link star? Why this 'teenage vampire' white dwarf has scientists so excited

Astronomers have discovered a "teenage vampire" dead star in the process of devouring a companion star during a short-lived, "missing link" phase of its evolution. from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/HbcLauA

Pluto's hazy skies are making the dwarf planet even colder, James Webb Space Telescope finds

Simultaneously cooling Pluto while energizing atmospheric molecules to allow them to escape into space, Pluto's haze plays a key role in the planet's energy balance. from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/OcDJoGL

NASA astronaut aboard ISS captures colorful aurora in time-lapse footage of Earth from space (video)

The time-lapse footage was captured by NASA astronaut Jonny Kim. from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/ABdDlJU

Laws of physics are still broken: Attempt to explain away black holes' central singularity falls short, scientist says

A researcher throws cold water on a recent effort that purported to eliminate black holes' greatest and most enduring mystery — the existence of their central singularity. from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/jZbiGly

Lego Dune Atreides Royal Ornithopter review

Grab a Lego set worthy of the Lisan al Gaib with the Lego Dune Ornithopter. from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/Hwn7Uam

NASA begins push to slash workforce with more staff buyouts, early retirements as budget cuts loom

NASA employees have until July 25 to decide if they'll stay or go. from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/Ed3W96B

'Uranus is weird.' Big moons of tilted ice giant hide a magnetic mystery, Hubble telescope reveals

Scientists find surprising evidence that space dust is shaping the surfaces of Uranus' largest moons. from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/8o3UmP5

Summer Game Fest 2025: The biggest space & sci-fi game reveals and announcements

Another summer, another series of hot gaming showcases. These are the space and sci-fi video games that caught our attention during this year's events. from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/d6O7Kfi

'I was a good, visible target': Jared Isaacman on why Trump pulled his NASA chief nomination

Jared Isaacman has opened up on why he believes his nomination to be NASA administrator was abruptly withdrawn by the White House. from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/MU2lF9u

2nd launch of Blue Origin's powerful New Glenn rocket delayed to Aug. 15 at the earliest

Blue Origin is now targeting Aug. 15 at the earliest for the second-ever launch of its New Glenn rocket, a slip of several months. from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/q6sQneF

Who is Franklin Richards, the superpowered baby shown in the new 'The Fantastic Four: First Steps' trailer (video)

Blink and you'll miss him! The immortal son of Reed Richards and Sue Storm is in the new 'The Fantastic Four: First Steps' trailer, but who is this adorable little Omega-level mutant? from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/5qTopOX

NASA raises the odds that an asteroid could hit the moon in 2032

Asteroid 2024 YR4, once the highest impact risk ever recorded, now poses no threat to Earth but has a slightly increased chance of striking the moon in 2032. from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/U3cPMrY

How to see the 'Horse and Rider' in the Big Dipper's handle this summer

Mizar, a star in the Big Dipper's handle, has a tiny companion. This star, Alcor, was known to the ancients. The pair was popularly known as the "Horse and Rider." from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/uGj807B

Marathon: Release date, trailers & everything we know about Bungie's extraction shooter

Bungie's next game is a return to the Marathon universe, but it's not what fans of the series were expecting. Here's everything we know so far. from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/NZqLUv4

SpaceX launches Starlink satellites to orbit on 70th Falcon 9 flight of the year (photos)

SpaceX launched 26 Starlink satellites to orbit from California on Sunday (June 8), on the 70th mission of 2025 for the company's Falcon 9 rocket. from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/hbizxj8

New evidence reveals advanced maritime technology in the philippines 35,000 years ago

In a bold reimagining of Southeast Asia s prehistory, scientists reveal that the Philippine island of Mindoro was a hub of human innovation and migration as far back as 35,000 years ago. Advanced tools, deep-sea fishing capabilities, and early burial customs show that early humans here weren t isolated they were maritime pioneers shaping a wide-reaching network across the region. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/GnWBERs

Photonic quantum chips are making AI smarter and greener

A team of researchers has shown that even small-scale quantum computers can enhance machine learning performance, using a novel photonic quantum circuit. Their findings suggest that today s quantum technology isn t just experimental it can already outperform classical systems in specific tasks. Notably, this photonic approach could also drastically reduce energy consumption, offering a sustainable path forward as machine learning s power needs soar. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/Q4fAJeZ

This battery self-destructs: Biodegradable power inspired by "Mission: Impossible"

Scientists at Binghamton University are bringing a sci-fi fantasy to life by developing tiny batteries that vanish after use inspired by Mission: Impossible. Led by Professor Seokheun Choi, the team is tackling one of the trickiest parts of biodegradable electronics: the power source. Instead of using toxic materials, they re exploring probiotics friendly bacteria often found in yogurt to generate electricity. With engineered paper-based batteries that dissolve in acidic environments, this breakthrough could revolutionize safe, disposable tech for medical and environmental use. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/kTuFGEj

Cannabis use among seniors surges 46% in two years—Study reveals

Cannabis use among older Americans has climbed dramatically, with 7% of adults 65 and older now reporting recent use. This rise isn't just in numbers but also in diversity older users today are more likely to be women, college-educated, and higher-income. Researchers suggest legalization and growing social acceptance are contributing factors, especially in states with medical marijuana laws. The trend is especially notable among those with chronic illnesses, raising both opportunities and concerns for medical professionals trying to balance symptom relief with the complexities of aging. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/795m8al

The Hidden DNA Repair System That Could Transform Cancer Treatment

A powerful new discovery reveals that Nup98 a protein once thought to only ferry molecules through the nucleus plays a vital role in safeguarding the most vulnerable areas of DNA. By forming droplet-like 'bubbles' around damaged DNA within dense regions called heterochromatin, Nup98 safely escorts the damaged segments to repair zones and times the involvement of risky repair proteins. This precise choreography prevents genetic errors that could trigger cancer or speed up aging. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/jkAep86

Sega Toys Homestar Classic star projector review

If it's realism you're looking for, the Sega Toys Homestar Classic is the gold standard of star projectors. from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/4yXjMGJ

Scientists uncover 230 giant ocean viruses that hijack photosynthesis

Scientists have uncovered over 200 new giant viruses lurking in ocean waters that not only help shape marine ecosystems but also manipulate photosynthesis in algae. These massive viruses once nearly invisible to science are now being exposed using powerful supercomputing and a new tool called BEREN. By studying these viruses, researchers hope to predict harmful algal blooms and even explore biotech applications from the novel enzymes found in these viral genomes. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/dau3MXr

3,500-year-old graves reveal secrets that rewrite bronze age history

Bronze Age life changed radically around 1500 BC in Central Europe. New research reveals diets narrowed, millet was introduced, migration slowed, and social systems became looser challenging old ideas about nomadic Tumulus culture herders. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/mHA1K9l

Scientists freeze quantum motion using ultrafast laser trick

Harvard and PSI scientists have managed to freeze normally fleeting quantum states in time, creating a pathway to control them using pure electronic tricks and laser precision. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/kHfvdJ1

Saving Gateway, SLS and Orion? Sen. Ted Cruz proposes $10 billion more for NASA's moon and Mars efforts

Sen. Ted Cruz's newly unveiled legislative directives for Senate Republicans’ budget reconciliation bill would dedicate almost $10 billion to win the new space race with China. from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/GgSneJj

Fate of private Japanese moon lander unclear after ispace landing attempt

Japan's private Resilience lunar lander went dark just before it was scheduled to touch down on the moon today (June 5), raising doubts about the venture's success. from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/1EkXwV2

'Star Wars: Zero Company' – Release window, trailers & everything we know

XCOM meets the Clone Wars in Star Wars: Zero Company, the upcoming squad-based strategy game coming in 2026. from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/NsVIig7

James Webb Space Telescope reveals largest-ever panorama of the early universe

Astronomers unveiled the James Webb Space Telescope's largest view yet of the early universe in a richly detailed catalog of nearly 800,000 galaxies. from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/jBAm3G4

'Joy,' a plush baby swan, will launch with Axiom Mission-4 crew as zero-g indicator

When an international crew of astronauts launch on a commercial space mission, they will be joined by a स्वैन, a Å‚abÄ™dź or a hattyú. Or, in English, a swan. from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/autKnS8

A tiny star gave birth to a giant exoplanet, but no one knows how

A giant exoplanet is surprisingly chill given how close it is to its red dwarf star — perhaps because the star is so little. from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/dnJGC1Q

Mount Etna's terrifying eruption from orbit | Space photo of the day for June 4, 2025

A satellite from the European Space Agency captured huge plumes of ash and smoke from Europe's largest volcano. from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/tTklBqw

Two plant species invent the same chemically complex and medically interesting substance

The biosynthesis of the great variety of natural plant products has not yet been elucidated for many medically interesting substances. In a new study, an international team of researchers was able to show how ipecacuanha alkaloids, substances used in traditional medicine, are synthesized. They compared two distantly related plant species and were able to show that although both plant species use a comparable chemical approach, the enzymes they need for synthesis differ and a different starting material is used. Further investigations revealed that the biosynthetic pathways of these complex chemical compounds have developed independently in the two species. These results help to enable the synthesis of these and related substances on a larger scale for medical use. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/atgkXvN

Two space vets added to Astronaut Hall of Fame as one awaits launch

The U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame just held its annual induction ceremony, but one of this year's two honorees could not attend for a reason unique to all past enshrinements. from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/79V4ObB

What's at the center of Mars? Maybe the stench of rotten eggs

Mars' core formed within just a few million years, scientists say compared to the hundreds of millions or even billions of years that it took for Earth's core to form — it also might smell like rotten eggs. from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/ObQlgdM

Northern lights may be visible in these 15 US States tonight

Auroras may be visible from Alaska to Massachusetts geomagnetic storm conditions continue. from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/Bpscx1G

Amateur astronomer captures ghostly outer shell of the Cat's Eye Nebula (photo)

The planetary nebula is located 3,000 light-years from Earth in the constellation Draco. from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/NgV0iB8

Don't miss the half-lit first quarter moon rise tonight: Here's what to look for

The first quarter moon is the perfect opportunity to explore shadowed craters lining the terminator. from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/nBKDifh

Turning the Red Planet green? It's time to take terraforming Mars seriously, scientists say

A new study debates the complex ethical questions that must be considered if we're to terraform Mars and lays the blueprint for a potential path forward. from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/apNOum5

Severe G4 geomagnetic storm sparks northern lights across US and beyond (photos)

The speedy solar storm arrived in style, sparking stunning aurora displays as far south as California and New Mexico. from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/rD2BLNY

Super-magnetic dead star throws a violent temper tantrum as NASA X-ray spacecraft looks on

NASA's X-ray space telescope IXPE has made the first observation of polarized light emerging from an outbursting magnetar, neutron stars that possess the universe's strongest magnetic fields. from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/UQxaLre