Chris Hadfield: ‘Worst space chore? Fixing the toilet. It’s even worse when it’s weightless’

This piece flips the script on the usual narrative about seagulls being pests. Instead of blaming the birds for being noisy or stealing food, the author argues that humans are the real problem—we've invaded their habitats and then act surprised when they adapt. The article highlights extreme measures like using hawks to scare off gulls at high-profile events (like Cannes) and suggests maybe we should just learn to coexist.

Editor’s Note: It’s easy to villainize animals when they inconvenience us, but this story challenges that mindset. If we keep disrupting ecosystems and then wage war on the creatures that survive anyway, who’s really the nuisance? It’s a cheeky reminder that sharing the planet isn’t just poetic—it’s practical.

Scientists have spotted a group of massive asteroids lurking near Venus—dubbed "city-killers" because of their size and destructive potential. These space rocks are tough to track due to the Sun's glare, and their erratic orbits could, over time, be yanked toward Earth by gravity. While not an immediate crisis, the discovery highlights gaps in our asteroid detection systems, especially for objects hiding in the Sun's blinding light. Researchers are pushing for better space-based telescopes to keep an eye on these stealthy threats.

Editor’s Note: It’s not a doomsday alert, but it’s a wake-up call. We’ve long worried about asteroids from the outer solar system, but this reminds us that dangers might be closer—and sneakier—than we thought. If one of these slipped through undetected, it could cause catastrophic damage. The story underscores why investing in planetary defense (like NASA’s DART mission or better telescopes) isn’t just sci-fi drama—it’s practical insurance for Earth.

Retired astronaut Chris Hadfield dishes on the messy realities of space life—like wrestling with a zero-gravity toilet repair—while sharing wild moments from his career, including the sheer chaos of launch (imagine going from 0 to 17,500 mph in under nine minutes). He also drops thoughts on alien life, space movies, and even an "unusual party trick."

Editor’s Note: Hadfield’s candid anecdotes remind us that space isn’t just glamorous moonwalks and stunning views—it’s also hilariously (or grossly) human. His stories bridge the gap between cosmic awe and everyday relatability, making the final frontier feel a little closer to home. Plus, who doesn’t want to hear an astronaut complain about plumbing in zero-G?

NASA is facing what some are calling its "biggest crisis ever" after a public spat between Donald Trump and Elon Musk spilled over into the agency's budget plans. The newly released budget request to Congress slashes funding for science projects by almost 50%—a move that seems tied to tensions between the former president and the SpaceX CEO.

Editor’s Note: This isn't just bureaucratic drama—it could have real consequences for space exploration. NASA's science programs drive everything from climate research to Mars missions, and deep cuts could stall progress for years. The Trump-Musk feud adds a layer of political volatility to an already fragile situation for the agency.

Frank Graham Jr., a prolific writer who blended his love for sports and nature, has passed away at 100. While he once worked for the Brooklyn Dodgers, he’s best known for his conservation work—including a follow-up to Rachel Carson’s groundbreaking book on pesticides. His writing in Audubon Magazine helped shape environmental awareness for decades.