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

High school students across the country are getting hands-on experience in space science by helping researchers monitor solar activity using radio antennas. The project, led by M. Akhavan-Tafti and others, turns classrooms into mini research hubs, giving teens a real-world role in tracking the sun’s behavior—like solar flares and radio bursts—that can affect Earth’s technology.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another science class—it’s a chance for students to contribute to actual astrophysics research while learning. With solar storms posing risks to satellites and power grids, involving young people in monitoring helps build both future scientists and public awareness. Plus, it’s a refreshing reminder that big discoveries don’t always start in labs; sometimes, they begin in high schools.

A fossilized "terror bird" from 13 million years ago has teeth marks on its bones, suggesting it was killed by a large reptile—possibly a crocodilian. These apex predators, which stood taller than humans and had deadly beaks, weren't invincible after all.

Editor’s Note: This discovery flips the script on terror birds, showing they weren’t always the top killers in their ecosystem. It’s a rare glimpse into prehistoric predator battles, proving even the scariest creatures had their own nightmares. Cool for science, bad news for terror birds.

If you've ever felt a little judged for letting your kid crawl into your bed at night, this might make you feel better. A new piece highlights how co-sleeping with children is not just common in many Asian cultures—it’s often the norm. While Western parenting often pushes independence early on, families in places like Japan or India see shared sleep as a natural part of bonding and security.

Editor’s Note: Parenting trends can feel like a minefield of "shoulds" and "shouldn’ts," but this story is a refreshing reminder that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. It challenges the idea that certain sleep habits are "right" or "wrong" and instead frames them as cultural differences—something worth considering if you’ve ever stressed over sleep training. Plus, it’s a nice nod to the idea that closeness doesn’t have an expiration date.

A grassroots effort led by Indigenous communities in New Mexico is flipping the script on energy access—installing solar power systems for Navajo and Hopi families who’ve lived without electricity for decades. Around 15,000 homes in these areas still lack power, but this nonprofit is stepping in with renewable solutions that respect both the land and local traditions.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about flipping switches—it’s a quiet revolution in energy justice. Many Native communities have been left behind by traditional power grids, but solar offers more than light; it’s a way to reclaim self-sufficiency while honoring cultural ties to the environment. For a population often sidelined in infrastructure debates, this project could be a blueprint for equitable, sustainable change.

Turns out, North Carolina’s soggy, overlooked bogs are hiding something surprising—they’re quietly trapping massive amounts of carbon, making them unsung heroes in the fight against climate change. Scientists are now pushing to protect these mucky ecosystems, which have been undervalued for far too long.

Editor’s Note: Most people think of bogs as just wet, muddy patches of land, but this story flips that idea on its head. Protecting these ecosystems isn’t just about preserving nature—it’s a practical, low-tech way to keep carbon out of the atmosphere. It’s a reminder that sometimes the best solutions are right under our feet (or in this case, squelching beneath them).