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GOES-16 satellite image of earth

Beauty In The World

NASA’s GOES-16 satellite, which launched in November of last year, sent back its first images to Earth this week—and they are gorgeous. The satellite captures images in 16 different wavelengths of light, allowing scientists to better study atmospheric conditions. In the process, it makes some really nice looking images of our lovely planet. Don’t believe me? Take a closer look here.
gray seal pup

Cuteness Needed

Zoos and aquariums across the country decided we needed an infusion of cuteness after this long week of political news. So they started a #cuteanimaltweetoff on Twitter, with each facility posting the cutest animal photo they have. If you need a bright spot in your day, this is sure to cheer you up. Here’s a newborn female gray seal pup, born on Saturday at the National Zoo and posted on the Smithsonian’s twitter account. H/T The New York Times
Saturn's moon tethys

Death Star Moon

This is not a screenshot from Star Wars. It’s a moon in our solar system that looks eerily similar to the Death Star. Orbiting Saturn, Tethys boasts a huge, suspiciously cinematic crater.
Harryplax severus

Harry The Crab

Meet the newest Harry Potter character—except this one doesn’t do magic. Instead, you can find him crawling around near the coast of Guam. A group of researchers announced this week that the newest species of crab discovered would be named Harryplax severus, a combination of the main character in the popular children’s book series and the misunderstood Severus Snape.
fire fighting jetpack

Firefighting Jetpack

Yes, that’s a man in a jetpack, and yes, he’s putting out a fire. First responders in Dubai tested out the new Dolphin jetpack this week. The system seems to lift the rider into the air via a tube, allowing him a better angle for putting out the fire. Read our take on how it works here.
boeing new spacesuit

Sky High Fashion

The first astronauts traveling to space with private companies are going to fly in style. Boeing just released its new spacesuit, which is meant to be more comfortable and less bulky than NASA’s current offerings. Hopefully it will be just as functional, too.
Claire Maldarelli
Claire Maldarelli

was the Science Editor at Popular Science. She has a particular interest in brain science, the microbiome, and human physiology. In addition to Popular Science, her work has appeared in The New York Times, Scientific American, and Scholastic’s Science World and Super Science magazines, among others. She has a bachelor’s degree in neurobiology from the University of California, Davis and a master’s in science journalism from New York University's Science, Health, and Environmental Reporting Program. Contact the author here.

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