science.nasa.gov
NASA’s Pandora Satellite, CubeSats to Explore Exoplanets, Beyondhttps://science.nasa.gov/universe/exoplanets/nasas-pandora-satellite-cubesats-to-explore-exoplanets-beyond/A new NASA spacecraft called Pandora is awaiting launch ahead of its journey to study the atmospheres of exoplanets, or worlds beyond our solar system, and their stars. Along for the ride are two shoebox-sized satellites called BlackCAT (Black Hole Coded Aperture Telescope) and SPARCS (Star-Planet Activity Research CubeSat), as NASA innovates with ambitious science […]Jan 9, 2026 2:40 PM
spacenews.com
The Space Force will acquire and integrate systems faster in 2026https://spacenews.com/the-space-force-will-acquire-and-integrate-systems-faster-in-2026/At the beginning of 2026, it’s worth reflecting on the U.S. Space Force’s recent accomplishments. They include the creation of the Commercial Space Office and its Commercial Augmentation Space Reserve, a working capital fund to provide flexibility in providing MILSATCOM services and new acquisition approaches for Resilient GPS and Protected Tactical SATCOM. The list of […] The post The Space Force will acquire and integrate systems faster in 2026 appeared first on SpaceNews.Jan 9, 2026 2:00 PM
spacedaily.com
Trimble positioning tech to enhance Lucid Gravity lane level navigationhttps://www.spacedaily.com/reports/Trimble_positioning_tech_to_enhance_Lucid_Gravity_lane_level_navigation_999.htmlLos Angeles CA (SPX) Jan 07, 2026 Trimble has agreed to provide positioning technology that will feed navigation and driver assistance systems in the Lucid Gravity electric vehicle, delivering centimeter-level accuracy in conditions where conventional GPS often loses reliability, such as tunnels, parking structures and dense urban corridors. The system combines Trimble RTX corrections with the ProPoint Go positioning enginJan 9, 2026 1:29 PM
solardaily.com
3D printed solar cells bring color tuned power to windows and curved surfaceshttps://www.solardaily.com/reports/3D_printed_solar_cells_bring_color_tuned_power_to_windows_and_curved_surfaces_999.htmlLondon, UK (SPX) Jan 09, 2026 Researchers at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem have developed a semi-transparent, flexible perovskite solar cell that generates electricity while allowing control over both light transmission and perceived color for use in windows, building facades, and curved surfaces. The research was led by Prof. Lioz Etgar and Prof. Shlomo Magdassi from the Institute of Chemistry and the Center forJan 9, 2026 1:29 PM
energy-daily.com
Lithium ion battery study on Tiangong space station explores microgravity effects on performancehttps://www.energy-daily.com/reports/Lithium_ion_battery_study_on_Tiangong_space_station_explores_microgravity_effects_on_performance_999.htmlTokyo, Japan (SPX) Jan 08, 2026 A lithium ion battery experiment has been completed aboard China's Tiangong space station, focusing on basic electrochemical processes that govern performance and lifetime. Researchers at the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics under the Chinese Academy of Sciences reported the work, which was carried out by the three astronauts of the Shenzhou XXI crew. The experiment is designed to clarJan 9, 2026 1:29 PM
spacenews.com
2026 will clarify Europe’s new priorities for spacehttps://spacenews.com/2026-will-clarify-europes-new-priorities-for-space/Launchers Isar Aerospace is expected to attempt its second two-stage Spectrum vehicle test flight, a key step after its first, partially successful liftoff in 2025. In parallel, Spain’s PLD Space and its Miura-5 remain the second contender — after Isar — for the European Launcher Challenge, a competition that increasingly looks like Europe’s closest analogue […] The post 2026 will clarify Europe’s new priorities for space appeared first on SpaceNews.Jan 8, 2026 4:00 PM
kiesone.vercel.app
Show HN: Kiesone – Rank anything using Elo (inspired by Chatbot Arena)https://kiesone.vercel.app/arena/logos-unisex-best-programming-language-logosHey HN,I’ve been fascinated by how Chatbot Arena gamified the ranking of LLMs, so I wanted to apply that same pairwise/Elo logic to visual design and aesthetics.The idea is that while it’s hard to objectively rank a list of 50 things, it’s intuitive to choose the better option between two.I just launched with a few categories, but the one you might find most interesting is the "Programming Language Logos" arena.I’m curious to hear your thoughts on the mechanics or if you think this approach actually captures "taste" effectively.Thanks for checking it out.Jan 8, 2026 1:38 PM
esa.int
Tiny patches of deforestation drive tropical carbon losshttps://www.esa.int/Applications/Observing_the_Earth/Space_for_our_climate/Tiny_patches_of_deforestation_drive_tropical_carbon_lossOften called Earth’s green lungs, tropical forests pull down massive amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, release oxygen and help regulate the global climate. While the threat of large-scale deforestation is well known, new findings reveal a surprising culprit – the clearance of small areas of forest accounts for more than half of net carbon losses across the Tropics.Jan 8, 2026 7:30 AM
bing.com
Public urged to avoid contact with dead marine animals on Mossel Bay shorelinehttp://www.bing.com/news/apiclick.aspx?ref=FexRss&aid=&tid=6a8b1bada3a744d9b464d538bb13d835&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ewn.co.za%2F2026%2F01%2F08%2Fpublic-urged-to-avoid-contact-with-dead-marine-animals-on-mossel-bay-shoreline&c=4081301411744934609&mkt=en-usThe Department of Forestry and Fisheries is urging the public not to handle or consume marine animals washed up along the Mossel Bay shoreline. This comes as the Mossel Bay Estuary experiences a mass ...Jan 8, 2026 2:00 AM
bing.com
First photograph of a man standing on the surface of an extraterrestrial world, Apollo 11, July 20http://www.bing.com/news/apiclick.aspx?ref=FexRss&aid=&tid=6a891537b7e24df887fd3ce4359f3a32&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.artnet.com%2Fauctions%2Fartists%2Fnasa%2Ffirst-photograph-of-a-man-standing-on-the-surface-of-an-extraterrestrial-world-apollo-11-july-20&c=911354920655409868&mkt=en-usAfter Neil Armstrong, the first man to walk on the Moon, astronaut Buzz Aldrin joined him and began the famous moonwalk, which lasted just under two and a quarter hours. During this time, the ...Jan 7, 2026 3:59 PM
news.ycombinator.com
New Year 2026: Fusion Updates from Helion and Commonwealth Fusionhttps://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46527550Helion Energy (backed by Sam Altman and Thiel) has a short years end blog post:https://mailchi.mp/helionenergy/2025-at-helion?e=05425b940c> In 2025, Polaris transitioned fully into operations. Our team is now conducting thermonuclear fusion operations daily, refining test parameters, and using real-time plasma, neutron, and electrical diagnostics to increase the amount of fusion energy we recover from the system. Polaris consistently exceeds both the plasma temperatures and FRC size achieved on Trenta.> We also received final approval from the Washington State Department of Health to operate with deuterium–tritium (D-T) fuel, marking the first time a private fusion energy company has been licensed to perform D-T fusion.> One of our biggest milestones of the year was receiving approvals and beginning construction on the world’s first commercial fusion power plant in Malaga, Washington.What is not said: Achieving net energy from the Polaris test machine. Three years ago they announced thJan 7, 2026 3:33 PM
bing.com
WATCH | ‘We grabbed our children and ran’: Mossel Bay families flee firehttp://www.bing.com/news/apiclick.aspx?ref=FexRss&aid=&tid=6a8b1bada3a744d9b464d538bb13d835&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.timeslive.co.za%2Fnews%2Fsouth-africa%2F2026-01-07-watch-we-grabbed-our-children-and-ran-mossel-bay-families-flee-fire%2F&c=15048425321729704021&mkt=en-usFamilies in Mossel Bay are reeling after a fast-moving veldfire tore through parts of Island View, Vakansieplaas and Aalwyndal, destroying homes, vehicles and livelihoods, and forcing residents to ...Jan 7, 2026 5:45 AM
bing.com
Devastating Mossel Bay fire: More than 10 homes destroyed, firefighters injuredhttp://www.bing.com/news/apiclick.aspx?ref=FexRss&aid=&tid=6a8b1bada3a744d9b464d538bb13d835&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.citizen.co.za%2Fnetwork-news%2Flnn%2Farticle%2Fdevastating-mossel-bay-fire-more-than-10-homes-destroyed-firefighters-injured%2F&c=10255454695084237459&mkt=en-usMossel Bay Advertiser is on the scene at Vakansieplaas, where the aftermath of last night’s fire is astounding. Freelance photographer Robert Crous is walking through Vakansieplaas and has counted ...Jan 6, 2026 11:01 PM
news.ycombinator.com
An abstract knot finite state machinehttps://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46519867*Bite 1/2 (Words: 187)*ADDENDUM: KNOT SPECIFICATION. Type: Rational (2-bridge) knot. Conway Notation: (1, 1, 36). Fraction: 37/73. Continued Fraction: [0; 1, 1, 36]. Crossing Number: ≈38. Framing: +3. Hyperbolic Volume: V ≈ 14.153. Complement: S^3 \ K(37/73). Symmetry: Amphichiral + self-dual under {37 ↔ 73}. FSM DEFINITION. Finite State Machine: = (Q, Σ, δ, q₀, C, O). STATES (Q). q₀ = Curvature generation → (3). q₁ = Mass scale setting → μᴴ¹⁹·³¹. q₂ = Mixing parameter → ε₀·₀₂₃₃. q₃ = Fixed point constraint → β_{κ+λ/2}=0. q₄ = Dimensional projection → _{37/73:ε}. q₅ = Flux quantization → ∮J sinδ_ℓ=0. q₆ = Cosmic scaling → Δφ_n → ℓ_D¹⁴⁰⁰. q₇ = Duality transformation → Ω ↻ {37↔73}_{0|∞}⁰ˣ³⁷⁴⁹. ALPHABET (Σ). Integers: {3, 19, 31, 37, 73, 233, 1400, 14153}. Operations: {twist, project, renormalize, dualize}. TRANSITION FUNCTION (δ). Deterministic cycle: δ(qᵢ) = q_{i+1 mod 8}. INITIAL STATE. q₀ = (3). CONSTRAINTS (C) — Must hold in all states. C₁: ∮J sinδ_ℓ = 0 (Flux conservation). C₂: β_{κJan 6, 2026 10:41 PM
bing.com
Top 5 Most-Played Games on Xbox and PlayStation in 2025http://www.bing.com/news/apiclick.aspx?ref=FexRss&aid=&tid=6a8a221e45c349e0a63a2d3e0b85800f&url=https%3A%2F%2Fgamerant.com%2Fxbox-playstation-most-played-games-2025%2F&c=17057184103264116677&mkt=en-usTyler Shipley is an editor for GameRant who has been writing for the team since 2021. Tyler has a degree in English from the University of Toledo. Some of his favorite games are platformers, but he ...Jan 6, 2026 7:09 PM
spacenews.com
Space cyber compliance: managing requirements for today and tomorrowhttps://spacenews.com/space-cyber-compliance-managing-requirements-for-today-and-tomorrow/Space operators face a complex and evolving cybersecurity regulatory challenge. While the importance of cybersecurity in today’s digital world is widely recognized, international approaches remain inconsistent. Long-term global compliance requirements are still unclear. With new regimes emerging across multiple jurisdictions, the cybersecurity landscape continues to shift, posing a challenge that space operators must address now, […] The post Space cyber compliance: managing requirements for today and tomorrow appeared first on SpaceNews.Jan 6, 2026 3:00 PM
bing.com
Mossel Bay residents evacuated after fire destroys structures, vehicleshttp://www.bing.com/news/apiclick.aspx?ref=FexRss&aid=&tid=6a8b1bada3a744d9b464d538bb13d835&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.news24.com%2Fsouthafrica%2Fmossel-bay-residents-evacuated-after-fire-destroys-structures-vehicles-20260106-1234&c=5355920235851997315&mkt=en-usResidents of Island View, Vakansieplaas and Aalwyndal in Mossel Bay were evacuated on Tuesday evening after a fire destroyed several structures and vehicles. The Garden Route District Municipality ...Jan 6, 2026 12:35 PM
news.ycombinator.com
Tell HN: My Experience with Vertical Pod Autoscaler (VPA) in 2025https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46510959It was counter-intuitive to see this much cost saving by vertical scaling, by increasing CPU. VPA played a big role in this. If you are exploring to use VPA in production, I hope my experience helps you learn a thing or two. Do share your experience as well for a well-rounded discussion.# Background (The challenge and the subject system)My goal was to improve performance/cost ratio for my Kubernetes cluster. For performance, the focus was on increasing throughput.The operations in the subject system were primarily CPU-bound, we had a good amount of spare memory available at our disposal. Horizontal scaling was not possible architecturally. If you want to dive deeper, here's the code for key components of the system (and architecture in readme) - https://github.com/rudderlabs/rudder-server, https://github.com/rudderlabs/rudder-transformer, https://github.com/rudderlabs/rudderstack-helm.For now, all you need to understand is that the Network IO was the key concern in scaling as the systeJan 6, 2026 11:09 AM
spacedaily.com
How College Students Really Afford Rent And Groceries Nowhttps://www.spacedaily.com/reports/How_College_Students_Really_Afford_Rent_And_Groceries_Now_999.htmlLos Angeles CA (SPX) Jan 06, 2026 Many college students say that rent and basic food costs feel harder to manage than any other part of school. It's not unusual for students to work, budget, and still feel short at the end of the month. This leaves a lot of them unsure of how to cover the gap without taking on too much stress.Jan 6, 2026 9:17 AM
bing.com
Jan. 6 riot's basic facts cause stubborn fights 5 years laterhttp://www.bing.com/news/apiclick.aspx?ref=FexRss&aid=&tid=6a8ba71b7da746c880d3b48f35ec4db1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cbsnews.com%2Fnews%2Fjanuary-6-attack-5-years-later-trump-pardons%2F&c=16783599634797648444&mkt=en-usFive years after the historic and damaging attack on the U.S. Capitol, millions of dollars in damages have been repaired and clean-up has long been completed. Many of the physical injuries have healed ...Jan 6, 2026 6:51 AM
