Dress rehearsal for Artemis 2 | Space photo of the day for June 19, 2025

Archaeologists in Denmark hit the jackpot—they uncovered 30 Viking Age burials, including one that might belong to a high-ranking chieftain with serious clout. The grave goods were so lavish that experts think this guy could’ve been tight with Harald Bluetooth, the legendary Viking king who unified Denmark.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another dusty dig—it’s a rare glimpse into the power structures of the Viking world. Finding a potential ally or high-ranking figure connected to Harald Bluetooth could rewrite parts of Viking history, showing how influence and alliances worked back then. Plus, who doesn’t love a little royal intrigue from a thousand years ago?

On June 20, 2025, the summer solstice will officially kick off the season in the Northern Hemisphere as the sun hits its highest northern point. It’s the longest day of the year for folks above the equator, meaning more daylight for barbecues, beach trips, and soaking up the sun. Meanwhile, the Southern Hemisphere will be bundling up for winter.

Editor’s Note: The solstice isn’t just an astronomical event—it’s a cultural touchstone, marking the shift into summer (or winter, depending on where you live). For many, it’s a reminder of nature’s rhythms, influencing everything from farming traditions to modern-day festivals. Plus, who doesn’t love an excuse for a little extra sunshine?

Around 70,000 years ago, our ancestors in Africa started venturing into harsher, more challenging environments—think deserts, mountains, and freezing landscapes—according to new research. This adaptability wasn’t just a survival quirk; it laid the groundwork for humans to eventually spread across the entire planet.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just a dusty history lesson—it’s a reminder of how ridiculously resilient humans are. That same knack for adapting to extreme conditions? It’s why we’re everywhere today, from rainforests to skyscrapers. The study also hints that climate shifts might’ve pushed our ancestors to get creative, which feels weirdly relevant now.

Experts are warning that reductions in foreign aid could deepen what they call a "quiet crisis"—the growing number of people who aren't counted in official statistics. This means vulnerable populations, often in low-income countries, might slip through the cracks without access to essential services or support.

Editor’s Note: When people aren't included in official data, governments and aid groups can't accurately allocate resources like healthcare or food assistance. If funding drops, even fewer people will be tracked, leaving entire communities invisible—and at greater risk. It's a ripple effect with real human consequences.

SpaceX’s massive Starship rocket blew up shortly after liftoff during its 10th test flight in Texas. The company called it a "major anomaly," which is engineer-speak for "things went very wrong." This isn’t the first hiccup for Elon Musk’s ambitious moon and Mars rocket—it’s had a bumpy ride so far, with some successes but plenty of fiery setbacks.

Editor’s Note: Starship is a big deal—it’s supposed to eventually carry humans to the moon and beyond, so every test (even the explosive ones) teaches SpaceX something. But these repeated failures highlight just how hard it is to build a rocket this powerful. For now, it’s back to the drawing board—or at least the crash investigation.