short story
Katy Perry, Gayle King and 4 other women are headed for the ‘edge of space.’ Here’s what that means
A group of well-known women, including pop star Katy Perry and media icon Gayle King, are getting ready for an extraordinary journey to the "edge of space." This mission, organized by Virgin Galactic, is part of an initiative to promote diversity in space travel and inspire future generations of female explorers. However, what exactly is involved in traveling to the "edge of space"? Here’s a breakdown of what these women will experience—and why this mission is so groundbreaking. 1. What Is the ‘Edge of Space’? Virgin Galactic flights, in contrast to SpaceX and NASA's traditional orbital spaceflights, reach the "edge of space," or about 50-55 miles (80-88 kilometers) above Earth. Not quite orbit: This is below the Kármán line (62 miles/100 km), the internationally recognized boundary of space, but high enough to experience weightlessness and see the curvature of the Earth. Suborbital flight: The Virgin Galactic VSS Unity spacecraft ascends to its highest point and glides back down, providing a brief state of weightlessness. 2. Who Will Go? The mission, called "Galactic 07," will feature an all-women crew, including: Superstar and singer Katy Perry Gayle King, co-host of CBS Mornings Two astronauts (likely Virgin Galactic crew members) Two undisclosed passengers (possibly scientists or philanthropists) This flight highlights the growing role of private space tourism and efforts to make space more accessible to women. 3. What Will They Experience? A smooth ascent: The spacecraft is carried by a mothership (VMS Eve) before rocket ignition propels it upward. Stunning views: Passengers will see the blackness of space and Earth’s thin blue atmosphere. Weightlessness: For about 3-4 minutes, they’ll float freely inside the cabin. G-forces on re-entry: A brief but intense sensation as the craft descends. 4. What is the significance of this mission? Diversity in space: Despite this mission's efforts to change the narrative, women are still underrepresented in space flight. Influence from celebrities: Well-known people like Perry and King can get more people interested in space exploration. The future of space tourism: As costs fall, more civilians may be able to see space. Last Thoughts While this isn’t a deep-space mission, flying to the edge of space is still a once-in-a-lifetime experience—one that could pave the way for more inclusive and accessible space travel. If you had the chance, would you travel to the edge of space?
By Easin Munnaabout a year ago in Earth
The Little Guardians
A majestic banyan tree stood in a quiet village between emerald-green hills and a clear river. It was so old that it had grown and died over generations and was so wide that it could shade a house. Its tangled roots spread far across the ground like a web of ancient secrets, and its leaves whispered softly to the wind, sharing stories of the past with those willing to listen.
By Abu Rayhan Rupokabout a year ago in Earth
NASA next big Project
The Earth System Observatory of NASA Keeps an Eye on Our Changing Planet As climate change accelerates and natural disasters grow more frequent, the need for accurate, real-time data about our planet has never been more critical. In response to this growing demand, NASA has launched the Earth System Observatory, a bold and comprehensive initiative that aims to revolutionize the way we observe and understand Earth’s interconnected systems.
By Supriya Patra about a year ago in Earth
Pink Micromoon 2025: Date Time and Best Way to Watch April's Full Moon.
Pink Micromoon 2025: Date Time and Best Way to Watch April's Full Moon On Saturday April 12, 2025 skywatchers across the globe will witness a stunning lunar event the Pink Moon which also happens to be the first full micromoon of the year. While the name may suggest a rosy colored moon the “Pink Moon” actually gets its name from the blooming of pink wildflowers (like moss phlox) in early spring especially in North America.
By Adnan Rasheedabout a year ago in Earth
"The Lion and the Wise Monkey"
tnwl--- on Deep within the heart of the Emerald Jungle, where sunlight danced through thick canopies and birds sang their morning songs, there lived a powerful lion named Zubari. Known as the “King of the Jungle,” Zubari ruled the land with strength and courage, and all the animals feared him—some out of respect, others out of pure terror. Not far from Zubari’s territory lived a clever little monkey named Tiko. Unlike Zubari, Tiko wasn’t feared or admired for strength; instead, he was known for his quick wit, boundless curiosity, and mischievous pranks. While the lion prowled the forest floor with his roar, Tiko swung freely through the treetops, whispering jokes to the wind and making even the grumpiest owls chuckle. One dry season, the jungle began to suffer. The rivers thinned, fruits ripened too quickly and fell to the ground uneaten, and the heat made tempers flare. Zubari, used to having his needs met, grew restless. He roared louder and more frequently, demanding the animals bring him food and water. But the jungle could no longer provide as it once had. One day, Zubari wandered near the monkey’s grove, hungry and frustrated. There, in the tallest fig tree, he spotted Tiko, nibbling on sweet fruits and laughing to himself. “You!” Zubari roared, startling a flock of birds into the sky. “Come down this instant! Share your fruit with your king!” Tiko peeked down from the branches, wiped fig juice from his chin, and grinned. “Good morning, King Zubari. I’d love to share—if you can reach me.” Zubari growled. “Don’t mock me, monkey. I command you!” “But you see, mighty king,” said Tiko, still smiling, “mockery is not my intention. I only mean to remind you that sometimes, strength alone cannot feed a hungry belly.” Zubari, too tired to argue, sat beneath the tree. “Then come down and help me. My claws cannot pluck figs, and my roar cannot summon rain.” Tiko looked down thoughtfully. This was not the roaring beast of legends. This lion looked tired. Desperate. Humbled. “All right,” Tiko said. “Let’s make a deal. I will share my food and knowledge of the forest if you promise not to harm any creature who means you no harm.” Zubari hesitated. The lion in him wanted to deny any bargain with a monkey. But his stomach growled louder than his pride. “I agree.” So began an unlikely alliance. Each day, Tiko would guide Zubari to hidden oases, shaded fruit groves, and underground springs. In return, Zubari protected Tiko from snakes and leopards that lurked in the shadows. As weeks passed, the two shared stories—Zubari spoke of ancient lion battles and jungle traditions, while Tiko told tales of wind spirits, dancing trees, and clever beetles who outwitted crocodiles. They began to understand each other. Zubari learned to listen before he roared. Tiko learned that even kings can feel fear and pain. One day, a wildfire broke out on the western edge of the jungle. The flames raced fast, and the wind was cruel. Animals scattered in panic. Zubari and Tiko, caught in the middle, had to act. “Climb on my back!” Zubari roared. “I’ll carry you through the fire.” “No!” Tiko shouted. “The smoke will choke you. I’ll go ahead through the trees and lead you to the river path!” Without waiting, Tiko sprang into the canopy and swung swiftly, signaling with loud calls. Zubari followed the sound through thick smoke and falling embers until finally, they reached the riverbank—just as the fire closed behind them. Exhausted but alive, they watched the fire die down. The jungle would heal, but things had changed. After the fire, the animals of the jungle gathered. For the first time in memory, they saw the lion and the monkey standing side by side, neither dominant nor submissive—just two survivors, two friends. Zubari stepped forward. “My fellow creatures,” he said, his voice calm but strong, “the jungle belongs to all of us. I once ruled through fear, thinking power made me great. But it was Tiko’s wisdom, not my strength, that saved us.” Tiko smiled. “And it was Zubari’s courage, not my tricks, that protected me.” From that day on, the jungle thrived under a new kind of leadership. Zubari became a guardian instead of a tyrant. Tiko served as his advisor, helping resolve disputes with clever solutions instead of tooth and claw. Together, they taught the jungle a powerful truth: strength and wisdom, when united, can build a kingdom far greater than fear ever could. --- tht
By Hazrat umarabout a year ago in Earth
The Earth is 100% round?. AI-Generated.
The Earth is frequently portrayed as a flawless sphere—a smooth, round ball effortlessly gliding through the vastness of space. We get pictures of the Earth that show it perfectly circling from early childhood, and our minds are trained to think of it that way. However, the actual shape of our planet is far more fascinating and intricate. Scientifically, the Earth is better described as an oblate spheroid—not a perfect sphere, but slightly flattened at the poles and bulging around the equator. This subtle bulging is caused by the Earth's rotation on its axis. A centrifugal force that pushes outward most strongly at the equator is produced as the planet spins. The equatorial region expands slightly outward as a result of this force, while the poles are gently pressed inward. The Earth's shape changes as a result, becoming slightly wider from east to west and slightly shorter from north to south. Simply put, our planet is like a ball that has been slightly compressed and is rapidly moving through space. To better understand this difference, let us look at some numbers. The diameter of the Earth at the equator is approximately 12,756 kilometers. In contrast, the distance from the North Pole to the South Pole—the polar diameter—is about 12,714 kilometers. Although a distance of about 42 kilometers may appear insignificant, it is significant on a planet of this size. It affects a wide range of scientific disciplines and technologies. Gravity, for instance, is influenced by this shape variation. Gravity is slightly weaker at the equator than it is at the poles, because the equator is farther from the Earth's center due to the bulge. This means a person would weigh just a little bit less in countries like Kenya, Ecuador, or Indonesia than they would at the North or South Pole. Though we do not notice this difference in daily life, it is critical for precision in scientific calculations. Modern satellite and navigation systems also depend heavily on the true shape of the Earth. The Earth's oblate shape necessitates GPS technology, which we rely on for everything from tracking our location to finding nearby restaurants. Positions would be off by several meters or more if it was based on the assumption that the Earth was a perfect sphere. Even the paths of satellites orbiting Earth are planned using precise models of its real shape. The equatorial bulge also plays a role in shaping our planet’s climate. Regions near the equator, such as Indonesia in Asia, Brazil and Ecuador in South America, and Uganda and Kenya in Africa, all lie along this widest stretch of the Earth. These places often receive more direct sunlight year-round, contributing to warmer climates and unique ecosystems. On the other hand, traveling northward toward Canada, Russia, or Norway—or southward into the frozen expanse of Antarctica—means moving along the Earth's slightly shortened vertical axis. Temperature, daylight patterns, and the kinds of plants and animals that can survive in these polar regions are all affected by the colder temperatures and slanted sunlight. The Earth’s seemingly minor asymmetry adds an elegant complexity to the design of our world. From space, the effects of the bulge and compression can't be seen with the naked eye, but they affect the systems that support life. The Earth's unique shape has a subtle effect on everything from the force of gravity to ocean currents, airplane flight paths, and weather satellites' operation. Although referring to our planet as "round" may appear straightforward, the reality is significantly more complex. Earth is not just a spinning globe—it is a finely tuned, living system whose shape, motion, and internal forces are all connected. It is dynamic, functional, and conducive to life in part because of its slight imbalance between the equator and poles. Nature has created a design that is both beautiful and necessary with its gentle curve and quiet tilt.
By Abul kalam azadabout a year ago in Earth
8 LATEST IMAGES OF BLACK HOLES CAPTURED BY NASA HUBBLE SPACE TELESCOPE
8 LATEST IMAGES OF BLACK HOLES CAPTURED BY NASA HUBBLE SPACE TELESCOPE........ 1. NGC 4951: A Seyfert Galaxy with an Active Core NGC 4951 is a spiral galaxy in the Virgo constellation, about 50 million light-years away. It has a bright, starry spiral structure that surrounds an active galactic nucleus. A supermassive black hole powers this nucleus and accretes surrounding matter, releasing electromagnetic radiation across the spectrum
By Kindless Exeabout a year ago in Earth
Mouths Full of Rain. AI-Generated.
I called the first bone us after the man my dad bought the pills. I felt that was correct. A fatty name. Like something to survive the Apocalypse by raw into a creeping room or licking the shape of a copper pipe. Cretus stared at me through the glass as if he knew I was broken. How did he approve?
By Md.Abdul Wahedabout a year ago in Earth
"Mongolia Travel Guide: Discover Nomadic Culture, Genghis Khan’s Legacy & the Gobi Desert"
Mongolia—a land of vast steppes, rugged mountains, and nomadic traditions—is one of the world’s last great frontiers. Known as the "Land of the Eternal Blue Sky," this sparsely populated country offers breathtaking landscapes, a rich history tied to Genghis Khan, and a culture deeply rooted in horseback riding, throat singing, and eagle hunting.
By Bint E Ruqqyyahabout a year ago in Earth
NASA Webb’s Autopsy of Planet Swallowed by Star Yields Surprise 😇
As a star runs out of fuel, it will billow out to a million times its original size, engulfing any matter — and planets — in its wake. Although hints of stars have been observed prior to and shortly after the act of devouring entire planets, scientists have never observed one in action up until this point. In a study appearing today in Nature, scientists at MIT, Harvard University, Caltech, and elsewhere report that they have observed a star swallowing a planet, for the first time.
By MD RASEDUL ISLAM about a year ago in Earth
