A Newark air traffic controller on the moment systems went dark

NASA and other space agencies have spotted some of the most intense black hole explosions ever recorded—so bright they rival the energy of 100 supernovas combined. Dubbed "Barbie," these cosmic outbursts happen when black holes rip apart nearby stars, flaring up with insane amounts of energy. The blasts are so powerful they’re revealing hidden black holes in far-off galaxies, giving scientists a rare peek into how these mysterious cosmic monsters behave.

Editor’s Note: Black holes are usually invisible unless they’re chowing down on something—and when they do, it’s a spectacular light show. These extreme explosions aren’t just cool to look at (from a safe, cosmic distance); they help astronomers uncover black holes we didn’t even know existed. It’s like turning on a flashlight in the darkest corners of the universe—suddenly, we can see things we’ve been missing for billions of years.

Historians at Cambridge’s Institute of Astronomy are shining a light on Annie Walker, a long-overlooked 19th-century woman who wasn’t just crunching numbers for male astronomers—she was doing groundbreaking observational work herself. Starting at just 15 in 1879, Walker logged thousands of stars, but her contributions were buried for over a century. Now, researchers are hunting for her photo to finally give her the recognition she deserves.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just a dusty history lesson—it’s about correcting the record for countless women whose work was erased or downplayed. Walker’s story mirrors wider gaps in how we acknowledge women in science, and it’s a reminder that today’s "firsts" often stand on hidden shoulders. Plus, it’s a satisfying twist: the "computer" was actually the astronomer all along.

DNA evidence from the ancient city of Çatalhöyük—one of the world’s earliest urban centers—suggests women held the reins of power 9,000 years ago. Genetic analysis of skeletons reveals a matriarchal society where family ties were traced through mothers, women stayed in their birth homes, and men moved in after marriage. The graves of women were also packed with more artifacts, hinting at higher social status. This flips the script on assumptions about early human societies being male-dominated.

Editor’s Note: We often picture ancient civilizations as patriarchal, but Çatalhöyük’s story challenges that. If women were leaders here, it reshapes how we think about power, family, and culture in early human settlements. It’s a reminder that gender roles weren’t always what we assume—and that history might be full of surprises.

This week, skywatchers are in for a treat as the bright star Spica—actually a pair of stars masquerading as one—will appear near the moon. From London, you can catch this celestial meetup in the southwest sky on July 3rd, 2025, around 10:15 PM BST. The moon will be in its waxing gibbous phase, about 60% lit, on its way to becoming full.

Editor’s Note: If you love stargazing, this is a low-key but lovely event to mark on your calendar. It’s a reminder of how dynamic our night sky is, with the moon’s phases and star alignments offering quiet, free entertainment—no telescope required. Plus, Spica’s hidden binary nature adds a cool "Easter egg" for astronomy nerds.

Scientists in China have identified 20 new bat viruses, including some linked to dangerous diseases like Nipah and Hendra. Bats are notorious for carrying viruses without getting sick themselves, thanks to their unique immune systems. This makes them a major reservoir for outbreaks—think SARS, Ebola, and even COVID-19. The problem is getting worse as deforestation and farming push bats closer to humans, raising the risk of spillover events.

Editor’s Note: Bats aren’t villains—they’re just really good at hosting viruses without showing symptoms. But as humans encroach on their habitats, the chances of these viruses jumping to us go up. This isn’t just about future pandemics; it’s a reminder that how we treat wildlife and ecosystems directly impacts global health. Ignoring the connection could cost us dearly.