Starwatch: use the moon to find Saturn before its pirouette in the sky

After an unplanned delay, the four crew members of Axiom Space's private Ax-4 mission have finally left the International Space Station (ISS). Their departure wraps up a mission that lasted longer than expected, though details on why haven't been fully disclosed. A short video captures their exit, marking another milestone in the growing era of private spaceflight.

Editor’s Note: Private missions to the ISS are still relatively new, and unexpected hiccups—like extended stays—show how even well-planned space ventures can hit snags. This story matters because it highlights both the progress and the unpredictability of commercial space travel, reminding us that sending civilians (or paid professionals) to orbit isn't quite as routine as catching a flight yet. Plus, every mission like this helps pave the way for more ambitious private space projects down the line.

If you're the kind of person who can't resist a good documentary—whether it's about ancient dinosaurs, space exploration, or deep-sea mysteries—this deal is for you. Curiosity Stream is offering a lifetime subscription that gives you unlimited access to thousands of documentaries and educational deep dives. No more monthly fees; just pay once and binge forever.

Editor’s Note: Let’s be real, streaming subscriptions add up fast. A lifetime pass like this is a rare find, especially for knowledge junkies who want endless content without the hassle of recurring payments. If you’re into learning (or just love a good dino doc), this could be a steal—assuming you’ll actually watch enough to make it worth the upfront cost.

Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla’s 14-day stint aboard the International Space Station (ISS) wasn’t just about science—it was packed with heartwarming and headline-grabbing moments. From savoring gajar ka halwa (a beloved Indian dessert) in zero gravity to a video call with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, his journey blended cultural pride with space exploration. The article highlights these personal and patriotic highlights, complete with photos that make the experience feel tangible.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just a feel-good story—it’s a milestone for India’s space ambitions, humanizing the science behind missions. Shukla’s relatable moments (like missing home-cooked sweets) bridge the gap between cosmic achievements and everyday life, while his chat with Modi underscores national pride in space endeavors. For a country rapidly advancing in space tech, these personal touches make the journey resonate far beyond headlines.

Here's a twist—cleaner air might actually be heating things up. New satellite data shows that a big chunk of recent global warming could be tied to reduced air pollution, specifically sulfate particles that used to brighten clouds and reflect sunlight. The silver lining? This warming effect is temporary, a side effect of cleaning up our skies.

Editor’s Note: It’s a classic case of unintended consequences. We’ve spent decades cutting harmful pollution (a good thing!), but those same pollutants were subtly masking some warming by making clouds more reflective. Now that they’re fading, the planet’s temperature dial is turning up faster—though hopefully not for long. This isn’t an argument against clean air; it’s a reminder that climate science is full of tricky feedback loops, and we’ll need to adapt our strategies as we learn more.

Archaeologists keep scratching their heads over these weird 12-sided bronze doodads dug up across Europe. They’re fist-sized, covered in pentagons, and look like something a Roman blacksmith designed on a whim—except we’ve found over 100 of them. Theories range from knitting tools to religious relics, but after centuries of guessing, nobody’s cracked the case.

Editor’s Note: It’s easy to assume we’ve got ancient civilizations all figured out, but this dodecahedron is a humbling reminder of how much we don’t know. The fact that even experts can’t agree on its purpose—after decades of study—makes you wonder what other everyday objects from history might be hiding in plain sight, silently trolling future archaeologists.