‘Absolutely spectacular’: Artemis II crew see first glimpse of far side of Moon
Absolutely Spectacular: Artemis II Crew Witnesses Far Side of the Moon
NASA’s Artemis II astronauts have recounted their first view of the Moon’s far side during the mission. The crew, including Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen, is on the third day of their journey aboard the Orion spacecraft. As they orbit the Moon, the team captured an image of the Orientale basin, which NASA highlighted as the first time the entire region has been observed by human eyes.
“There’s a distinct feeling that this isn’t the Moon I’ve seen before,” Koch remarked, describing the awe of witnessing the uncharted side.
As of Saturday evening, the Artemis II capsule had traveled more than 180,000 miles from Earth, according to NASA’s tracking data. The mission aims to complete a full lunar orbit, marking a significant step in the agency’s exploration goals.
Great Marshmallow Drop Event
At the annual “Great Marshmallow Drop,” over 15,000 fluffy treats were released from a helicopter, prompting children to race for the catch. The event, a popular tradition, drew crowds and created a festive atmosphere.
Trump’s Legal Ties and Court Hearings
The former prosecutor maintains a long-standing connection with President Trump, having represented him in the criminal hush-money case. During a Supreme Court hearing on Trump’s executive order, the BBC’s Ione Wells interviewed protesters and attendees, capturing diverse perspectives on the administration’s policies.
Fuel Prices and Farmer Support
The average price at the pump in the U.S. has surpassed $4 for the first time since 2022, fueled by ongoing tensions in the Iran conflict. Despite economic strain, a farmer in Alabama expressed continued support for President Trump, highlighting resilience in the face of financial pressures.
Protests and National Mall Installation
Large demonstrations against the Trump administration occurred in multiple U.S. cities, with the third “No Kings” rally drawing attention to the president’s policies. Meanwhile, an art installation titled “A Throne Fit for a King” was placed at the National Mall, serving as a commentary on White House renovations.
Airport Delays and Government Shutdown
New York City’s airport is experiencing prolonged delays due to a partial government shutdown, as TSA agents work without pay. Meanwhile, Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers have been deployed to assist at U.S. airports, expanding their role during the crisis.
CPAC Conference and Economic Sentiment
At the annual CPAC conference in Texas, conservative attendees voiced mixed opinions about the current economic landscape, reflecting uncertainty in the political arena.
Meta and Google’s Addictive Platforms
Recent reactions followed a Los Angeles jury’s ruling that Meta and Google intentionally designed addictive social media platforms, impacting young people’s mental health. This decision has sparked broader discussions about tech companies’ responsibilities.
Savannah Guthrie’s First Interview After Disappearance
In her initial interview following the disappearance, Savannah Guthrie described the moment she learned her mother was missing, grappling with the possibility that her fame may have made her a target.
Airport Wreckage and Robot Appearance
Wreckage from a recent incident blocked access to one of two runways at a busy New York City airport. A robot joined First Lady Melania Trump at the White House, symbolizing technological integration in political events.
AI Summit and Digital Safety
Trump is hosting a summit focused on artificial intelligence, education, and safeguarding children in digital environments, aiming to address emerging challenges.
Tessie the Dog and BBC Verify Analysis
A yellow Labrador Retriever named Tessie suffered no injuries during a fall or rescue and returned to her yard after crews repaired a sinkhole. BBC Verify detailed the moments leading to a deadly collision involving a fire truck at the New York airport.
Refinery Update and Air Canada Incident
Valero, a refinery operator, confirmed no injuries were reported in the aftermath of the incident. An Air Canada plane, carrying