Space photo of the week: James Webb telescope takes best look at 'Sombrero Galaxy' in 244 years

Conrad Shinn, the daring Navy pilot who made history as the first person to land an aircraft at the South Pole in 1956, has passed away at 102. His brief but groundbreaking touchdown—lasting just 49 minutes—required small rockets to help his plane escape the icy grip of Antarctica for takeoff.

Editor’s Note: Shinn's feat wasn't just a personal milestone—it opened the door for modern Antarctic exploration. Before his risky landing, the South Pole was nearly inaccessible. His mission proved it was possible, paving the way for scientific research and logistics in one of Earth's most extreme environments. Even today, his story reminds us how bold early aviation pioneers really were.

Turns out, ancient North Americans were way more into farming than we thought. Archaeologists studying a thousand-year-old settlement in Michigan found evidence of extensive agriculture, suggesting that large-scale farming took root earlier—and more widely—on the continent than previously believed.

NASA and ISRO are teaming up for a landmark private space mission on June 10, featuring an Indian pilot—a first for ISRO. This mission, Axiom Mission 4, fulfills a pledge made by former U.S. President Trump and Indian PM Modi to send an ISRO astronaut to space, marking a big step in global space collaboration.

Marine geophysicist Vicki Ferrini highlights how open-source data and global teamwork are revolutionizing our understanding of the oceans—just in time for World Oceans Day. She breaks down how shared research is filling gaps in ocean mapping, which could help everything from climate science to undersea cable planning.

Editor’s Note: The oceans are Earth’s last great frontier, and we’re finally pooling knowledge to chart them properly. This isn’t just academic—better maps mean smarter conservation, safer shipping, and even more accurate weather predictions. It’s a reminder that when countries and scientists work together, we make real progress.

Les Squires, a pioneering scientist in non-woven fabrics, passed away at 76. His work led to innovations in medical, hygiene, and industrial materials. After years at Johnson & Johnson, he co-founded Web Dynamics, a company that manufactured advanced fabrics, weathering challenges to leave a lasting mark on the industry.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just a remembrance of a life—it’s a nod to the often-overlooked innovators behind everyday materials. Squires’ work likely touched lives in ways most people wouldn’t notice, from medical supplies to building insulation. His story highlights how scientific curiosity and entrepreneurial grit can quietly shape the world.