Former astronaut Terry Virts talks about his Senate run, Trump and the NASA budget in exclusive Space.com interview (video)

Seoul is dealing with an unexpected and unwelcome guest—lovebugs. These tiny insects are swarming the city in massive numbers, sticking to everything from clothes to buildings, and residents are fed up. While harmless, their sheer volume is causing frustration, especially during outdoor activities.

Editor’s Note: Lovebug invasions might seem like a quirky nuisance, but they highlight how seasonal insect populations can disrupt daily life in urban areas. For Seoulites, it’s a messy reminder of nature’s unpredictability—and a test of patience.

Astronomers have spotted a rare cosmic traveler—Comet 3I/ATLAS—zipping through our solar system. Originally dubbed A11pI3Z, it’s only the third known object from another star system to visit us, following ‘Oumuamua in 2017 and Comet Borisov in 2019. Think of it like an interstellar tourist passing through our galactic neighborhood.

Editor’s Note: These interstellar visitors are like cosmic breadcrumbs, offering clues about how other star systems form and what’s lurking beyond our solar system. While this comet isn’t posing any threat, its journey helps scientists piece together the bigger picture of our universe—like getting a postcard from deep space. Cool, right?

Scientists have cracked a major recycling puzzle: how to break down rubber’s stubborn chemical bonds without wrecking its usefulness. This breakthrough could turn mountains of discarded tires and medical gloves into new products instead of landfill waste—and the method is simpler than you’d think.

Editor’s Note: Rubber is everywhere—from your sneakers to surgical gloves—but recycling it has always been a nightmare because of its tough molecular structure. If this new technique scales up, it could slash pollution and give rubber a second life, making our throwaway habits a little less guilty. That’s a win for both industry and the planet.

This week, skywatchers have a rare chance to spot Mercury in the evening sky as it reaches "greatest elongation"—its farthest apparent distance from the sun. The tiny planet will be briefly visible just after sunset, offering a fleeting but rewarding glimpse for those who know where to look.

Editor’s Note: Mercury is usually tough to spot because it’s so close to the sun, but this celestial alignment makes it easier to see for a short time. If you’ve ever wanted to check the solar system’s smallest planet off your list, grab your binoculars and find a clear western horizon after sunset. It’s a cool little cosmic moment for casual stargazers and astronomy nerds alike.

** Imagine never having to scramble to catch a meteor shower or rocket launch again. This article highlights a handy way to sync your calendar with celestial events—like eclipses, space missions, and even stunning cosmic sightings (like the James Webb Telescope’s snap of galaxy NGC 1512). It’s basically a cosmic reminder system for stargazers and space enthusiasts.