Rare snowfall in Atacama Desert forces the world's most powerful radio telescope into 'survival mode'

Mary K. Gaillard, a pioneering physicist who overcame gender discrimination to make groundbreaking contributions to subatomic particle research, has passed away at 86. Her theoretical work provided crucial guidance for experimental physicists in discovering new particles, leaving a lasting legacy in the field.

Editor’s Note: Gaillard's story is a reminder of the barriers women in STEM have faced—and continue to face—while also highlighting how perseverance and brilliance can reshape scientific understanding. Her work laid the foundation for discoveries in particle physics, making her death a moment to reflect on both her achievements and the ongoing challenges of diversity in science.

A German court dismissed a decade-long lawsuit by a Peruvian Indigenous man against energy company RWE, which sought to hold the firm accountable for climate damage in his homeland. While the plaintiff lost his case, the ruling sets a precedent for future climate litigation by acknowledging the legal arguments linking corporate emissions to global harm.

Editor’s Note: Even though the lawsuit didn’t succeed, it pushed courts to seriously consider how big polluters contribute to climate change—a big step in the fight for climate accountability. This case could inspire more legal challenges against corporations, shaping how climate responsibility is enforced worldwide.

Scientists have confirmed that a lightning bolt in 2017 set a new world record for the longest distance ever recorded, stretching an astonishing 515 miles across the sky. This "megaflash" event, detected over South America, left meteorologists amazed by its unprecedented scale.

Editor’s Note: While lightning is common, this record-breaking bolt highlights how extreme and unpredictable weather phenomena can still surprise experts. It’s a reminder of nature’s power and the importance of advancing weather-tracking technology to better understand these rare events.

SpaceX successfully launched 19 Starlink internet satellites into orbit from California using a Falcon 9 rocket, which then made a precision landing on a drone ship in the ocean—a now-routine but still impressive feat of reusable rocket technology. The mission was captured on video, showcasing SpaceX's continued advancements in spaceflight.

Editor’s Note: This launch highlights SpaceX's growing dominance in the commercial space industry, particularly in expanding global internet coverage through its Starlink constellation. The successful rocket landing also reinforces the cost-saving potential of reusable rockets, paving the way for more sustainable space missions in the future. For everyday folks, it means better internet access in remote areas—and for space enthusiasts, it's another cool milestone in private spaceflight.

A new study reveals that people who see society as highly competitive are more likely to admire or support leaders who are aggressive or confrontational. In contrast, those who view the world as cooperative tend to prefer more collaborative leaders. The research highlights how personal beliefs about society shape leadership preferences.

Editor’s Note: This study matters because it helps explain why some people are drawn to divisive or combative leaders—it’s often tied to their own worldview. Understanding this dynamic could shed light on political and workplace dynamics, especially in polarized environments.