Earth is spinning faster & days are getting shorter, but only for now

Stunning shots of the cosmos are stealing the spotlight as the shortlisted images for the 2025 ZWO Astronomy Photographer of the Year Awards are revealed. From swirling nebulae to crisp lunar close-ups, these photos showcase both the beauty of space and the skill of the photographers who capture it. The winners will be crowned at a ceremony this September—but honestly, just making the shortlist is a huge win.

Editor’s Note: Space photography isn’t just pretty pictures—it’s a blend of art, science, and patience. These awards celebrate the people who make the universe feel a little closer, whether they’re pros with high-end gear or amateurs shooting from their backyards. Plus, jaw-dropping space images always spark curiosity about what’s out there beyond our planet.

Apple’s 2017 MacBook Air is getting a second life as a refurbished bargain—weighing in at under $200, this lightweight laptop promises solid performance without the usual Apple premium. It’s being pitched as a no-frills, budget-friendly option for anyone who wants reliable tech without breaking the bank.

Editor’s Note: For years, Apple’s sleek designs came with a steep price, but this deal makes their ecosystem a little more accessible. It’s a sign that older, refurbished models can still deliver great value—especially for students, remote workers, or anyone who just needs a dependable machine without the latest bells and whistles.

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is sounding the alarm about India’s love affair with salt, warning that excessive consumption is becoming a serious public health hazard. The report highlights how everyday staples—from pickles to processed snacks—are pushing salt intake far beyond recommended limits, raising risks for hypertension, heart disease, and strokes. It’s not just about the salt shaker; hidden sodium in packaged foods is a big culprit.

Editor’s Note: We all know too much salt isn’t great, but this isn’t just a nudge—it’s a red flag. With heart disease already a leading killer in India, the ICMR’s warning underscores how dietary habits are quietly fueling a health crisis. The bigger challenge? Changing deep-rooted tastes and tackling the food industry’s role. For readers, it’s a wake-up call to check labels and rethink that extra pinch—because the stakes are higher than just a bland meal.

Scientists estimate that Earth likely has at least six tiny "minimoons" orbiting it at any given time—small asteroids temporarily captured by our planet's gravity. These space rocks, often just a few feet wide, are tough to spot but new telescopic tech is making it possible. The article highlights how mind-blowing it is that we can now detect such small, distant objects.

Editor’s Note: Minimoons aren’t just cosmic trivia—they’re potential goldmines for research. Studying them could reveal secrets about the early solar system, and future missions might even visit one. Plus, their discovery shows how far our space-tracking tech has come, turning what was once invisible into something we can actually study. Cool, right?

In a rare cosmic collaboration, NASA’s James Webb and Hubble telescopes teamed up to capture a stunning glimpse of stars forming inside the Small Magellanic Cloud, a dwarf galaxy orbiting our Milky Way. The combined image reveals intricate details of this stellar nursery, showcasing the power of pairing next-gen infrared (Webb) and visible-light (Hubble) observations.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another pretty space pic—it’s a scientific two-for-one. By merging Webb’s infrared vision with Hubble’s sharp optical view, astronomers get a fuller picture of how stars are born in neighboring galaxies. For space nerds, it’s like watching two master chefs combine their skills to cook up a cosmic feast. Plus, it hints at how future multi-telescope projects could unlock even deeper mysteries of the universe.