Summary
Highlights
The four astronauts of NASA's Artemis 2 mission have successfully returned to Earth after a 10-day journey around the moon. They received a standing ovation at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, and reunited with their families. The Orion capsule's splashdown in the Pacific Ocean marked the end of their mission, during which they traveled farther from Earth than any humans before, witnessed the far side of the moon, and saw a solar eclipse from behind the moon. NASA officials confirmed the mission concluded with incredible accuracy, with splashdown off the coast of San Diego. Engineers will now examine the heat shield of the Orion spacecraft to prepare for future crewed missions to the moon, Artemis 3 in 2027 and Artemis 4 in 2028.
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran is significantly impacting global energy markets, causing chaos in countries like Ireland. Roughly one-third of Ireland's gas stations have run out of fuel, and key roadways have been blocked by farmers and haulers protesting rising fuel costs. The Irish government has even put the army on standby to help clear roads, as emergency services are at risk of delay. Protesters claim that the soaring diesel prices, partly linked to disruptions in oil supplies due to the war, are pushing them to the brink, and government measures have not been sufficient.
Emperor penguins and Antarctic fur seals have been listed as endangered by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Their decline is attributed to warming ocean waters, melting sea ice, and decreasing food availability, specifically krill. Emperor penguins rely on ice for nesting and raising offspring, while fur seal populations have shrunk by over 50% since 1999. Experts fear that emperor penguin populations could be halved by 2080 if current trends continue, highlighting the urgent need for action against climate change.
Orthodox Christians, particularly in Eastern Europe and Asia, celebrated Orthodox Easter this past weekend, using the Julian calendar which places it later than Western Easter. In Jerusalem, the ancient Holy Fire ceremony took place at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. A single flame, believed to be lit by the spirit of Jesus Christ, emerges from his tomb and is then shared among hundreds of worshippers who have gathered for prayers and chanting. This thousand-year-old tradition spreads the flame throughout the church and to thousands waiting outside.
Over 300 items from Queen Elizabeth II's wardrobe are now on display at Buckingham Palace to commemorate 100 years since her birth. The exhibition, "Queen Elizabeth II her life in style," showcases fashion from nearly a century of her royal life, including dresses, tiaras, and her wedding necklace. More than half of the displayed items have never been exhibited before, providing a comprehensive look at the Queen's style evolution from birth until her death.
Six-year-old Kayn Lundel from Pittsburgh has launched a charitable initiative called "Draw for a Dream" to help children battling cancer at St. Jude Children's Hospital. Inspired by a radio ad, Kayn and her mom organize art auctions where children's artworks are sold, with bids starting at $100. All proceeds go to St. Jude's, and Kayn aims to raise $100,000, hoping to make a significant difference for families in need.