13 serene nature images from the Florida State Parks photo contest

Florida’s state parks are showing off their stunning landscapes through a photo contest, and Popular Science is sharing 13 of the most peaceful shots. Think sun-drenched marshes, quiet forests, and wildlife caught in perfect moments—basically, a visual love letter to the state’s untouched beauty.

Editor’s Note: In a world crammed with bad news, this is a refreshing reminder of how much quiet wonder exists just outside our doors. It’s not just pretty pictures—it’s a nudge to appreciate (and maybe protect) these wild spaces. Plus, who doesn’t need a little eye candy to unwind?

The European Space Agency just pulled off something pretty wild—they’ve released the first-ever images of an artificial solar eclipse, courtesy of their Proba-3 mission. Instead of waiting for the moon to block the sun, they used two spacecraft working in perfect sync to create the effect. Think of it as a high-tech cosmic puppet show, but with groundbreaking science behind it.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just a cool space trick—it’s a big deal for scientists studying the sun’s corona, the mysterious outer atmosphere that’s usually drowned out by the sun’s blinding light. By creating these artificial eclipses on demand, researchers can get clearer, more frequent data, which could help unravel solar mysteries and even improve space weather forecasting (you know, the stuff that messes with satellites and power grids). Plus, it’s a slick demonstration of how precise modern space tech has become.

You know those cheap, generic gadgets that usually disappoint? Well, this "Hommkiety" galaxy projector (never heard of it either) is shockingly good—crisp star projections, swappable disks for different cosmic vibes, and way better than its no-brand status suggests.

Editor’s Note: Budget tech can be a gamble, but when an off-brand product overdelivers, it’s worth shouting about. This could save star-gazers and mood-lighting lovers a bundle compared to pricier name-brand options. Plus, who doesn’t want a mini planetarium in their bedroom?

Scientists are exploring whether trees might have an innate sense of the summer solstice—basically, if they can "tell time" in sync with Earth's longest day. But not everyone's buying it; some researchers remain skeptical about how much trees truly "know."

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about trees marking a calendar—it’s part of a bigger debate about how much awareness plants actually have of their environment. If trees do track the solstice, it could reshape how we think about plant intelligence and ecosystems. But for now, it’s a cool idea with plenty of unanswered questions.

Forty years after its release, Ron Howard's Cocoon still stands out as a sci-fi gem that feels refreshingly out of step with today's Hollywood. The film—a quirky blend of heartwarming drama and extraterrestrial wonder—centers on a group of retirees who stumble upon a fountain of youth thanks to some friendly aliens. It’s a reminder of how blockbusters used to balance spectacle with genuine emotion, something that’s become rare in today’s franchise-heavy landscape.

Editor’s Note: Cocoon isn’t just a nostalgia trip—it’s a case study in how movies used to tell smaller, weirder stories with big budgets. In an era dominated by superheroes and sequels, looking back at films like this shows what’s missing from modern cinema: charm, originality, and a willingness to take risks on unconventional ideas. It’s a love letter to storytelling that doesn’t need explosions to leave a lasting impact.