17 dazzling images from 2025 Milky Way Photographer of the Year awards

NASA’s Perseverance rover is on the move again, this time trundling onto a Martian plateau nicknamed "Crocodile" (or Krokodillen in the mission’s playful naming scheme). Scientists are buzzing because this spot might contain some of the oldest rocks ever studied on Mars—clues that could help piece together the planet’s ancient history and whether it once hosted life.

Editor’s Note: Every new patch of ground Perseverance explores is like flipping through an unread chapter of Mars’ geological diary. If these rocks are as old as researchers suspect, they could reveal secrets about the planet’s wetter, warmer past—and maybe even hints about how life could have emerged there. It’s not just about rocks; it’s about filling in the gaps of a story billions of years in the making.

Yosemite’s native pond turtles are facing a gnarly predator—invasive American bullfrogs, which are big enough to swallow baby turtles whole. But researchers aren’t giving up on the reptiles just yet; there’s a glimmer of hope for turning the tide.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just a weird nature fact—it’s a real ecological problem. Invasive species like bullfrogs can wreck local ecosystems, and Yosemite’s turtles are caught in the crossfire. The story matters because it shows how human-introduced species can throw nature out of balance, but also hints at ways we might fix it. If we care about keeping places like Yosemite wild and diverse, this fight’s worth paying attention to.

If you've ever wanted to turn your bedroom into a mini planetarium without spending a fortune, this guide has you covered. The article highlights affordable star projectors (all under $100) that range from cozy mood lighting to surprisingly realistic celestial displays—perfect for stargazers, relaxation seekers, or kids obsessed with space.

Editor’s Note: Star projectors aren’t just for kids—they’ve become a popular way to unwind or add ambiance to a room. With prices under $100, this roundup makes it easy for anyone to get that dreamy, starry-night effect without splurging on high-end tech. It’s a small luxury that’s suddenly very accessible.

Babbel is offering a lifetime subscription to its language-learning platform, giving users unlimited access to all its courses. The deal promises to help learners pick up practical, travel-friendly phrases and conversations in multiple languages, backed by expert linguists.

Editor’s Note: If you've ever wanted to learn a new language—whether for travel, work, or just personal growth—this could be a solid investment. A lifetime subscription means no recurring fees, which is great for anyone serious about sticking with it. Plus, in a world that's more connected than ever, being multilingual is a handy skill to have.

Astronomers have caught a rare glimpse of two galaxies smashing into each other a staggering 11 billion light-years away. The collision is so violent that it’s nicknamed the "cosmic joust," and it’s giving scientists a front-row seat to how a supermassive black hole—busy gobbling up material—can choke off star formation in a neighboring galaxy.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just a cool space spectacle—it’s a peek into the chaotic early universe. Galaxy collisions shape how galaxies evolve, and this one shows how black holes can act like cosmic bullies, shutting down star birth in their vicinity. Understanding these violent interactions helps explain why some galaxies thrive while others fade away. Plus, "cosmic joust" is just fun to say.