NASA satellite sees sea ice crack apart in Canada | Space photo of the day for June 18, 2025

Forget sci-fi fantasies—this article dives into the practical side of space mining. Researchers suggest that instead of going all-in on risky asteroid missions, we might have a smarter starting point: scavenging metals from asteroid impact sites already littered across the moon. It’s like finding a goldmine without having to dig the hole yourself.

Editor’s Note: As Earth’s resources dwindle, the debate over off-world mining is heating up. This isn’t just about tech—it’s a strategic pivot that could make space industry dreams more realistic (and cheaper). If we play our cards right, lunar impact craters might become the 21st-century equivalent of striking oil.

Meet the kākāpō—a quirky, chunky parrot that can’t fly, comes out at night, and might just outlive you. Found only in New Zealand, this rare bird is a fascinating oddball of the animal kingdom, with a lifespan that rivals some humans.

Editor’s Note: Beyond its adorable weirdness, the kākāpō’s story highlights the importance of protecting unique species in a world where habitat loss and human activity threaten biodiversity. Plus, who doesn’t want to root for a chonky, long-lived parrot? It’s a reminder that nature still has some delightful surprises up its sleeve.

Ever wished you could actually understand what your pet is thinking? A new research center is diving into that very question, exploring how AI might help decode animal behavior and even bridge the communication gap between humans and pets. From figuring out why your cat is giving you the cold shoulder to understanding your dog’s excited whines, the center will study animal consciousness and the ethical implications of using AI in our relationships with them.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about satisfying curiosity—it could reshape how we interact with animals, improving their welfare and deepening our bonds with them. If AI can help us "speak" pet, it might lead to breakthroughs in veterinary care, training, and even ethical treatment. Plus, who wouldn’t want to finally know what their cat really thinks of them?

Archaeologists have uncovered ancient Egyptian rock art near Aswan that could date back to the very beginnings of the first dynasty—around 5,000 years ago. These carvings might offer fresh clues about the cultural and political shifts happening just as Egypt was transitioning into a unified kingdom. Think of it like finding a long-lost prologue to one of history’s greatest civilizations.

Editor’s Note: Discoveries like this don’t just add to the museum collection—they help rewrite the early chapters of human history. If these carvings are indeed from the pre-dynastic era, they could reveal how ancient Egyptians thought, governed, or even worshipped before the pharaohs took the stage. For anyone fascinated by how societies evolve, this is a big deal.

These binoculars aren’t your grandpa’s birdwatching gear—they’re a compact, $100 gadget that lets you shoot crisp 4K video and high-res photos from over 1,000 feet away, even in the dark. Think of them as a hybrid between binoculars and an action camera, perfect for hikers, hunters, or anyone who wants to document their outdoor exploits without lugging around heavy gear.

Editor’s Note: Affordable, versatile gear like this makes high-quality adventure documentation accessible to more people. Whether you’re tracking wildlife, capturing a sunset from a ridgeline, or just nerding out over specs, it’s a sign of how consumer tech keeps blurring the line between specialized tools and everyday gadgets.