Meet the deep-sea explorer with a plan to map the whole ocean floor

The article discusses the ambitious efforts of deep-sea explorer Vescovo and his marine technology company, Caladan Oceanic, to map the entire ocean floor. Collaborating with the Greenwater Foundation and using satellite-derived bathymetry, they aim to map vast coastal areas, contributing significant data to the Nippon Foundation-Gebco Seabed 2030 project. The initiative highlights the importance of understanding ocean topography for climate studies, biodiversity conservation, and navigation safety. Vescovo's work includes developing a new, efficient deep-ocean mapping vessel and training machine-learning tools to enhance data verification. The project underscores the potential for new discoveries in the largely unexplored ocean depths.

How do you eat Christmas dinner in space? Ask the stuck astronauts

Astronauts Barry Wilmore and Suni Williams, initially on an eight-day test flight of Boeing's Starliner, remain in orbit due to technical issues with the spacecraft. They are now part of the International Space Station (ISS) crew, awaiting a delayed return via SpaceX Crew Dragon. The article highlights their unexpected Christmas in space, detailing their holiday plans, including a special meal and activities. The astronauts maintain communication with family and participate in NASA-organized events to cope with isolation. The narrative underscores the challenges and unexpected nature of space missions, emphasizing the resilience and adaptability of the astronauts and their families.

Yours for $10,000: a painting by Bryan Adams and a chimpanzee

Bryan Adams collaborates with chimpanzees at Save the Chimps sanctuary to create and sell paintings, with proceeds supporting the sanctuary's operations. The artworks, priced between $950 and $10,000, debuted at Spectrum Miami art fair. The initiative highlights the artistic impulses of some chimpanzees and aims to deepen respect for these intelligent animals. The sanctuary, which houses former lab and entertainment industry chimpanzees, provides a safe and enriching environment. The article also touches on the past unethical treatment of chimpanzees at the now-closed Coulston Foundation.

Trump nominates first citizen spacewalker to lead Nasa

Jared Isaacman, a successful entrepreneur and space enthusiast, has been nominated by the Trump administration to lead NASA. Known for his achievements in private space missions and his close ties with Elon Musk, Isaacman is expected to enhance NASA's collaboration with the commercial space industry. His nomination has been met with support from the aerospace community, despite his lack of policy experience. Key challenges include the future of NASA's Space Launch System and the potential for increased public-private partnerships to advance space exploration, particularly in competition with China. Isaacman's vision includes expanding the space economy and fostering a spacefaring civilization.

What’s next for Nasa and space travel under Elon Musk’s regime?

SpaceX's recent successful test flight of Starship highlights its growing influence in space exploration, with Elon Musk's vision of making humans a multiplanetary species gaining traction. Under the Trump administration, there is potential for significant changes in NASA's space policy, possibly favoring commercial partnerships to accelerate human missions to Mars. However, challenges remain, including budget overruns and delays in NASA's Space Launch System, and skepticism about the feasibility of Musk's Mars colonization plans. The geopolitical race with China adds urgency to America's space ambitions.

What’s next for Nasa and space travel under Elon Musk’s regime?

SpaceX's recent successful test flight of Starship highlights the company's growing influence in space exploration, with Elon Musk's vision of making humans a multiplanetary species gaining traction. Under the Trump administration, there is potential for significant shifts in NASA's space policy, possibly favoring commercial partnerships over traditional government-led projects. Musk's proximity to Trump is seen as beneficial for accelerating America's space ambitions, particularly in the race to Mars, despite concerns over the feasibility of such plans. The article also touches on the competitive landscape with China and the potential impact on NASA's Artemis program.

The Onion buys Alex Jones’s Infowars in bankruptcy auction

The Onion has acquired Alex Jones's Infowars in a bankruptcy auction, marking the end of Jones's involvement with the platform. This move was supported by Sandy Hook families and Everytown for Gun Safety, aiming to transform Infowars into a tool for education and to combat misinformation. The acquisition is seen as a victory for those seeking accountability for Jones's defamatory actions against Sandy Hook families. The Onion plans to satirize Infowars, while Everytown has secured a multi-year advertising deal with the publication.

UFO hearing: Congress tells government to come clean on what it knows

Congressional hearings on Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP) have raised concerns about government transparency and national security. Allegations suggest the Department of Defence has not fully disclosed UAP research, leading to public skepticism. Witnesses, including former military and intelligence officials, claim the government has captured alien technology. Concerns also arise about potential foreign adversaries, such as China, using advanced technology. Calls for improved air defense and scientific research on UAPs are emphasized, with Nasa encouraged to play a more active role in destigmatizing the subject.

Slowly, slowly … 18 of 43 escaped monkeys evade capture

Eighteen of 43 rhesus macaques remain at large after escaping from the Alpha Genesis Primate Research Center in South Carolina. The facility, which breeds primates for biomedical research, experienced the breakout due to an enclosure left open. While the monkeys are reportedly calm, concerns have been raised about potential disease risks. Lisa Jones-Engel from PETA criticized the conditions and practices at the facility, highlighting issues of understaffing and animal welfare. Alpha Genesis, which supplies primates for medical research, maintains that their work is crucial for human health advancements.

What happens to Trump’s trials now he will be president again?

Following Donald Trump's re-election as President, his legal challenges, including federal prosecutions led by Jack Smith, face potential dismissal due to presidential immunity. Trump's legal team aims to stall cases related to the 2020 election and classified documents. The Supreme Court's ruling on presidential immunity and political pressure may influence outcomes. Trump's state-level legal issues, such as the Georgia election interference case and civil lawsuits, remain unresolved. His presidency complicates ongoing civil litigation, including defamation and fraud cases. Legal and political dynamics continue to evolve as Trump navigates his return to office.