‘Something we have never seen before’: Artemis II crew describe far side of Moon
‘Something we have never seen before’: Artemis II crew describe far side of Moon
Artemis II Mission Update
NASA’s Artemis II crew members have shared their experience of witnessing the Moon’s far side for the first time. The team, including astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Canadian Space Agency representative Jeremy Hansen, is now in the third phase of their orbital journey, circumnavigating the Moon and returning to Earth. Koch remarked,
“Something about you senses that is not the Moon that I’m used to seeing.”
As of Saturday evening, the spacecraft’s real-time tracking indicated it was over 180,000 miles from Earth, marking a significant milestone in its mission.
Events Across the Nation
During the annual “Great Marshmallow Drop” event, more than 15,000 treats were released from a helicopter, prompting children to sprint for collection. Meanwhile, the airport faced record delays due to a partial government shutdown, with TSA agents operating without compensation.
Conservatives at the CPAC conference in Texas expressed mixed opinions about the current economic climate, while farmers in Alabama, despite financial strain, remained steadfast in their support for President Trump.
Legal and Public Reactions
A recent Los Angeles jury ruled that Meta and Google intentionally designed addictive social media platforms, impacting youth mental health. In her first interview since the disappearance, Savannah Guthrie recounted the moment she learned her mother was missing, questioning whether her fame made her a target.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents were deployed to assist TSA at US airports during the shutdown. Valero, a refinery operator, reported no injuries from the recent collision between a passenger plane and a firefighting vehicle.
Political Protests and Art
Protests against the Trump administration spread across US cities, highlighting the third round of “No Kings” rallies. A public art installation titled “A throne fit for a king” was placed at the National Mall, symbolizing critique of White House renovations.
At the Supreme Court, attendees and demonstrators debated President Trump’s executive order, with the BBC’s Ione Wells capturing their perspectives. The province’s secularism law, Bill 21, now faces legal scrutiny in Canada, with some Muslim women reporting personal sacrifices.
Collisions and Animal Rescues
At New York City’s busy airport, a sinkhole incident left wreckage blocking one runway. The yellow Labrador Retriever named Tessie was unharmed after the fall and rescue, returning to her yard following repairs. BBC Verify analyzed the moments leading to the deadly collision with a fire truck, emphasizing the event’s gravity.
President Trump, hosting a summit on AI and education, also aimed to address digital safety for children. The robot’s presence at the White House with Melania Trump underscored the administration’s technological focus.
Global Context
With fuel prices rising due to the Iran conflict, the average gas cost in the US has surpassed $4 for the first time since 2022. These developments add to the backdrop of a rapidly evolving political and economic landscape.
