What to do if you find a shipwreck

Twenty years ago, Steven Spielberg gave us his take on War of the Worlds, a gripping, visually stunning sci-fi thriller that—despite its flaws—comes agonizingly close to being one of his all-time greats. The film nails the tension and spectacle of an alien invasion, but as the article points out, it stumbles in the final act, leaving audiences with a sense of "what could have been."

Editor’s Note: Spielberg’s War of the Worlds is a fascinating case study in how even a master filmmaker can fumble the landing. It’s worth revisiting not just for its breathtaking set pieces (that tripod attack still holds up) but also as a reminder that endings matter—especially in stories about the end of the world. For film buffs, it’s a chance to reflect on how close greatness can be, and why some movies linger in our minds despite their flaws.

Jeff Bezos' space venture, Blue Origin, just sent six more tourists on a quick jaunt to the edge of space aboard its New Shepard rocket. The flight, which took off from Texas on June 29, marks the company's 13th crewed mission—and one lucky passenger became the 750th human ever to reach space.

Editor’s Note: While suborbital flights aren't new, each launch inches us closer to a future where space travel isn't just for astronauts. Blue Origin's steady cadence of missions shows private companies are making progress in turning sci-fi dreams into (very expensive) vacation plans. Plus, hitting that 750th-person milestone is a quirky reminder of how few humans have actually been to space—so far.

Muon Space just dropped the first snapshots from its high-tech FireSat satellite, which is part of a planned fleet designed to scan the entire planet every 20 minutes for wildfire outbreaks. Think of it as a global smoke alarm from space—catching fires faster than ever before.

Editor’s Note: Wildfires are getting nastier and harder to control, so spotting them early is a game-changer. This system could give firefighters a serious head start, potentially saving lives, homes, and forests. It’s not just tech for tech’s sake—it’s a real-world tool with teeth.

Ever wondered who picks names like "Katrina" or "Ian" for hurricanes? Turns out, there’s an official system run by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). Each year, they cycle through a pre-approved list of 21 names—one for every letter except Q, U, X, Y, and Z (too hard to find good options, apparently). If a season gets extra rowdy, they dip into a backup list. Fun fact: really destructive storms sometimes get their names "retired" out of respect for the damage they caused.

Editor’s Note: While naming storms might seem trivial, it actually helps people track and remember them more easily—especially during chaotic seasons. The system’s also got quirks (like skipped letters) and a touch of solemnity when names are retired. It’s a small but fascinating glimpse into how science and human practicality intersect.

When tensions flared between Iran and Israel, a young woman in Tehran found herself isolated—her family far away and her therapist gone. With no one to turn to, she sought solace in ChatGPT and video games, using technology as a lifeline for emotional support during a frightening time.

Editor’s Note: This story highlights how people in crisis, especially in restrictive or conflict-heavy environments, are turning to AI and digital escapes when traditional support systems fail. It’s a glimpse into the quiet, personal side of geopolitical turmoil—where coping mechanisms aren’t just about survival, but about finding comfort in unexpected places.