Declassified Satellite Images are Helping Cambodia Uncover Hidden Mine Fields Safely

Declassified U.S. military satellite images are playing a crucial role in locating forgotten minefields in Cambodia, offering hope for a safer future. The HALO Trust, a de-mining NGO active in Cambodia since the 1990s, is using these images to tackle the remnants of decades-long conflict that ended in 1998. During the Cambodian war from the late 1960s to the 1990s, over 10 million mines were scattered across the country. More than half remain hidden, posing a deadly threat. Since then, more than 20,000 people have died and 45,000 have been injured due to mine accidents. "Last year alone saw over 50 accidents," said Tobias Hewitt, HALO Trust's country director for Cambodia. "The number is decreasing but remains significant." The de-mining process has been slow and labor-intensive as teams comb through land with detectors. However, recent access to declassified images from U.S. HEXAGON satellites has been transformative. "We overlay old satellite images on Google Earth to find old roads where mines were likely placed," Hewitt explained. "This information is invaluable." These historical images reveal changes in landscapes—jungles have grown and villages have been abandoned—helping pinpoint high-risk areas more efficiently. As Cambodia's economy grows and mechanized farming becomes common, dormant anti-vehicle mines pose new risks. "Mechanization triggers these long-buried mines," Hewitt noted. Despite progress clearing about 1,200 square miles of contaminated land since the '90s, an estimated 180 square miles remain dangerous. With targeted efforts using satellite data, Cambodia aims to be mine-free by 2030. "You need to focus on high-priority areas," said Hewitt. "These assets help us prioritize effectively.

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Solar Power Breakthrough: A Pioneering Project is Lighting Up the Arctic Circle

In Finland, a massive new solar power project is taking shape near the Arctic Circle. This ambitious initiative promises to deliver clean and reliable energy on an unprecedented scale while showcasing the feasibility of integrating renewable sources in even the most challenging environments. The project, spread across 95 hectares, will feature 120,000 solar panels. Sungrow, a prominent player in the solar industry, is supplying 80 units of its advanced solar string inverters for this venture. These inverters connect a series of solar panels into one system, efficiently channeling electricity into the grid. Renewable Energy Magazine highlights that this solar installation will work alongside existing wind turbines to form a hybrid power plant. This configuration aligns with Finland's goals for carbon neutrality by harnessing both wind and solar resources to supply clean energy. Solar energy continues to gain momentum globally as people look for sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels. Renewable energy reduces environmental impacts associated with electricity generation and supports various applications like powering homes and charging electric vehicles without pollution. Henry Särkisilta, key account manager at Sungrow Finland, emphasized their commitment to supporting partners with dependable technology under any climatic conditions: "As solar energy expands into new frontiers, we are proud to support our partners with technology that performs reliably — no matter the conditions." A common misconception about solar panels is their ineffectiveness in harsh or cloudy weather conditions such as those found near the Arctic Circle. While sunlight is essential for generating power during daylight hours, solar systems can effectively integrate with other energy sources like batteries and wind power. The Finnish plant's hybrid model exemplifies how innovation can drive renewable energy even in remote regions. "This project is a great example of how innovation can drive the energy transition," added Särkisilta, highlighting its significance for Europe's renewable energy efforts. Beyond environmental advantages, installing solar panels offers economic benefits by potentially reducing monthly energy bills significantly. For those interested but unsure where to start with solar installations, platforms like EnergySage provide services for comparing quotes from vetted local installers. Such comparisons could lead to savings of up to $10,000 on installation costs. As global interest in renewable solutions grows amid climate change concerns and rising electricity demands worldwide, projects like this Finnish solar plant demonstrate viable pathways toward achieving sustainable futures through innovative technologies and strategic collaborations within the green sector.

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Last-Minute Rescue: How NASA Saved a Dying Camera to Capture Hidden Wonders in Space

NASA’s Juno spacecraft, launched in 2011 to study Jupiter's origins and development, has been navigating through some of the most intense radiation fields found around any planet. Recently, this exposure started taking a toll on JunoCam, its visible-light camera designed for capturing images of Jupiter and its moons. In December 2023, with a critical opportunity approaching to photograph Io, one of Jupiter’s moons, the mission team faced an urgent need for a fix. The solution turned out to be surprisingly simple: heat up the camera and then cool it down slowly. This process is known as annealing. Jacob Schaffner from Malin Space Science Systems explained that they increased the camera’s temperature to 25 degrees Celsius while hoping for the best outcome. “We knew annealing can sometimes alter a material like silicon at a microscopic level but didn’t know if this would fix the damage,” he said. Initially, JunoCam was expected to handle radiation for just eight orbits. However, issues only began showing up during the spacecraft's 47th orbit around Jupiter. The team suspected that radiation had impacted the voltage regulator in JunoCam's power supply, making communication with Earth crucially important despite being hundreds of millions of kilometers away. When image quality continued declining after orbit 55, with streaks and noise appearing in photos, Michael Ravine from Malin Space Science Systems described their predicament: “We tried different schemes for processing the images to improve the quality, but nothing worked.” With an encounter with Io looming, they decided on a more intense annealing approach by cranking up JunoCam’s heater even further. Though initial results were not promising, something clicked just days before their close pass by Io. Suddenly, images improved significantly. On December 30, 2023, JunoCam successfully captured detailed photographs of Io’s north polar region and uncovered previously unknown volcanoes. These findings were shared at a conference in Nashville on July 16. However, during its recent 74th orbit around Jupiter, image corruption returned once again. Despite this setback, Scott Bolton from Southwest Research Institute remains optimistic about what these experiences teach us about building spacecraft resistant to radiation. He noted that lessons from Juno could benefit not only future NASA missions but also defense and commercial satellites orbiting Earth. This unexpected learning opportunity has provided insights into how space technology can adapt and continue functioning despite harsh conditions far beyond Earth.

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From Courtroom to TV Star: How a Fateful Letter Changed This Bailiff's Life

Petri Hawkins-Byrd, the instantly recognizable bailiff from Judge Judy, didn’t start out in Hollywood — he started in a real courtroom. In a recent appearance on Nostalgia Tonight with Joe Sibilia, the 67-year-old New York native opened up about how a chance letter — and a long-standing professional relationship — turned him into one of the most beloved figures in daytime television. Before television fame, Hawkins-Byrd was a court officer in Manhattan Family Court, where he was occasionally assigned to a certain no-nonsense judge named Judith Sheindlin. “The one that always caught my eye, the one that I always had the best time with was when [it was] Judge Sheindlin,” he recalled. “She didn’t take no stuff.” While others found her courtroom intimidating, he appreciated her fast-paced style and sharp wit. “It was almost like working with Joan Rivers,” he said. “It was actually a delight to work for her and to watch her work.” After five years in the court system, Hawkins-Byrd left law enforcement and moved to California to work as a high school counselor. One day, while reading Liz Smith’s gossip column, he noticed a small item: Judge Sheindlin was developing a television show. He couldn’t resist. “I decided to write a letter to her to congratulate her on her good fortune,” he said. He ended it with a tongue-in-cheek line: “P.S. If you ever need a bailiff, I still look good in uniform.” He faxed the letter off, thinking that would be the end of it. Three weeks later, Sheindlin called him. “You were kidding at the end of your letter about needing a bailiff,” she said, “but we do.” She explained that they had tried casting a professional actor, but it hadn’t worked — the show was unscripted, and the actor didn’t know how she operated. She remembered Byrd from their court days, including the impersonations and jokes he used to crack. “I said, ‘Well, I’m still kinda crazy,’” Byrd recalled. She laughed and told him, “If you’re crazy enough to try this with me, I’ll recommend you for the job.” He sent in a headshot, flew down for an interview — and the rest, as he says, is history. Byrd went on to serve as Judge Judy’s loyal bailiff for all 25 seasons of the show, from 1996 to 2021. Though he was left out of Sheindlin’s follow-up series Judy Justice, he now stars as the bailiff on Amazon’s Tribunal Justice, a new courtroom show created by Sheindlin. “I was always interested in entertainment,” he said. And thanks to a bit of kindness, a touch of humor, and perfect timing, he found his way in.

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Heroic Rescue: A Stranded Dolphin was Freed Thanks to This Daring Team

A dolphin found stranded in a lagoon in Bluffton, South Carolina, was rescued by a team of firefighters and wildlife volunteers. The dolphin, known by locals as Lucky, likely entered the body of water during high tide and became trapped when waters receded, local media said. Lucky was spotted in a shallow tidal lagoon inside the Hampton Lake community on July 12 by a passerby, who contacted a neighbor familiar with wildlife response. Lowcountry Marine Mammal Network (LMMN), together with the Bluffton fire department and other volunteers, carefully rescued the dolphin and carried her “about 75 feet over debris and fallen trees.” “After a quick health check she was determined to be a seven-foot female known to local researchers at USC Bluffton as Lucky,” LMMN said. “She’s regularly seen in the May River.” Lucky was successfully released into deeper water from a private dock around 6 pm. “This was a textbook example of interagency teamwork and calm under pressure,” LMMN Executive Director Lauren Rust said. “From our trained responders to the Bluffton firefighters and helpful community members, everyone played a vital role in ensuring Lucky’s safe return home.”

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A 700-Year-Old Cathedral Finds Its New Voice With a Modern Organ Installation

The historic St. Vitus Cathedral in Prague is about to get a fresh musical upgrade with the near completion of a new organ installation. This grand cathedral, which has stood for over 700 years as the largest temple in the Czech Republic, will soon have an instrument worthy of its stature. An international team is hard at work on scaffolding above the main entrance inside the cathedral, carefully fitting some of the last remaining pipes into place. The project is set to wrap up by late August, with voicing and tuning scheduled to continue through the end of the year. According to officials, the public will get their first chance to hear this new organ on June 15 next year during the feast of St. Vitus. This impressive organ boasts around 6,000 pipes that vary significantly in length, from a minuscule 7 millimeters up to a towering 7 meters. It features four manuals and was crafted in El Papiol near Barcelona by Gerhard Grenzing's workshop. Grenzing, a reputable German organ builder, has created nearly 140 organs and refurbished more than 90 historical instruments worldwide. Once completed in Spain, crews disassembled the organ and transported it piece by piece via trucks to Prague. The importance of St. Vitus Cathedral extends beyond its religious functions; it's deeply connected to Czech history as the coronation and burial site of Czech kings and as home to the Czech crown jewels. Notably, this was also where Vaclav Havel's funeral Mass was held on December 23, 2011. The previous organ installed in the early 1930s proved inadequate for such a monumental space and suffered frequent breakdowns. During World War II and throughout over four decades of communist rule, interest in repairing or replacing it waned. The push for a new organ began in earnest in 2017 with an enthusiastic crowdfunding campaign that raised over 109 million Czech crowns ($5.2 million), covering about 98 percent of what was needed for this ambitious project.

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Astronomers Capture First-Ever Glimpse of a Planet Forming Around Its Star

For the first time, astronomers believe they may have photographed a planet in the act of forming — a process that, until now, has remained theoretical despite decades of indirect evidence. The potential discovery, published this week in The Astrophysical Journal Letters, centers on a protoplanetary disk roughly 440 light-years away in the binary star system HD 135344AB. Using the European Southern Observatory’s Very Large Telescope (VLT) in Chile, researchers captured a single image at one wavelength that appears to show an object embedded within the swirling disk of gas and dust — a possible newborn planet. “We have only one image [in] only one wavelength,” said Francesco Maio, a doctoral researcher at the University of Florence and lead author of the study. “We have three images where we don’t see this object. So we need to understand the properties of these candidate protoplanets.” The object, if confirmed, is estimated to be roughly twice the size of Jupiter and orbits its host star (HD 135344B) at a distance similar to that of Neptune from our Sun. What makes the finding particularly compelling is that this object appears to sit right at the base of a spiral arm — a distinctive feature believed to be carved into the disk by the gravitational influence of a forming planet. Maio used a vivid analogy to describe the scene: “The disk is like a cappuccino. The planet is like a spoon in the cappuccino. And when you move the spoon inside the cappuccino, you start to form spirals.” Those spirals have been observed many times before, but the source — the “spoon” — has never been directly spotted. “This is an interesting observation,” said Hanno Rein, an exoplanet researcher at the University of Toronto who was not involved in the study. “What’s usually missing is the object that is actually creating those spiral arms… This team here seems to have found one strong candidate.” The disk had been imaged before by another team using a different tool — SPHERE, a high-contrast instrument also attached to the VLT, designed to block out the light of the host star to better detect surrounding objects. That team didn’t detect any planets. But the ERIS instrument used in this latest study operates at a different wavelength, allowing astronomers to see what might have previously been hidden. Adding to the intrigue is that HD 135344B’s twin star, HD 135344A, has no visible protoplanetary disk, despite being roughly the same age. “We don’t know why two very similar stars evolved together as two different systems,” Maio said. In a curious twist, recent observations found a massive planet — around 10 times the mass of Jupiter — orbiting the star that doesn't have a disk. The differences between these two stars could shed light on how environmental factors affect planet formation. As for the current find, more data is needed. Future observations using different wavelengths and instruments will be crucial in confirming whether the object is truly a planet in the act of forming — or something else entirely. But if it is what researchers suspect, it would be a historic moment: the first direct glimpse of a planet in its cosmic cradle.

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Students Revolutionize Space Gear: Inside NASA's Thrilling Design Challenge

NASA's latest adventure in tech innovation wrapped up with a bang at the Johnson Space Center in Houston. More than 100 students from 12 U.S. universities rolled up their sleeves for the NASA Spacesuit User Interface Technologies for Students (SUITS) challenge. The focus was on creating user interface designs that could reshape future spacesuits and rovers. The "rock yard," a simulated Moon and Mars surface, served as their testing ground. Students tackled the humid Texan weather and swarms of mosquitoes to trial their cutting-edge ideas. Geraldo Cisneros, the tech team lead, praised this year's SUITS challenge as "a complete success." He highlighted how it allowed NASA to evaluate software designs that could influence human-centered Artemis missions. "My favorite part of the challenge was watching how the students responded to obstacles and setbacks," he said. The week wasn't just about testing; it also featured guest speakers and facility tours. Swastik Patel from Purdue University expressed his excitement: “All of the teams really enjoyed being here, seeing NASA facilities, and developing their knowledge.” He noted how camaraderie among participants helped them navigate challenges. By week's end, each team presented its projects to experts including NASA astronaut Deniz Burnham and Flight Director Garrett Hehn. These presentations showcased technical achievements along with teamwork and problem-solving skills. The feedback offered fresh insights for refining ideas, with Burnham noting, “The students did such a great job.” Awards capped off the event, recognizing standout contributions. Team JARVIS from Purdue University and Indiana State University snagged the Innovation Award for their inventive approach. Team Selene from Midwestern State University earned the Pay it Forward Award for community education efforts. Maggie Schoonover from Wichita State University received the Artemis Educator Award for her exceptional guidance. Jamie Semple, NASA Activity Manager, emphasized that this challenge is crucial for fostering skills needed in STEM careers linked to NASA’s missions. Students worked on proposals, design tasks, AI utilization and mission operation solutions that connect directly to future Artemis missions.

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Forgotten Pay Phones Make a Comeback: Engineer Brings Free Calls to Remote Areas

In the hills of rural Vermont, where cell service can vanish for miles, one electrical engineer is reviving an old-school solution: pay phones. Patrick Schlott, a full-time engineer at electric airplane company BETA Technologies, has spent years restoring old technology in his spare time. But it wasn’t until he moved to North Tunbridge, Vermont, that he realized his hobby could be a lifeline for his community. “I realized, wow, there’s no cell service for 10 miles in either direction,” he said. “The community could really benefit from something like this.” With that in mind, Schlott approached Mike and Lois Gross, owners of the North Tunbridge General Store, and asked if he could install a restored pay phone outside their shop. It would be free to use, cost the store nothing, and serve anyone in need. “Everyone’s pretty surprised, and they’re like, ‘Is that a real pay phone? Does that really work?’” said Mike Gross. “And I’m like, ‘Yeah, but it doesn’t cost any money now.’ We’ve had people use it that broke down. It’s a great thing because service is so spotty in Vermont.” Since that first installation, Schlott has added two more public phones — one outside the Latham Library in Thetford and another inside an informational booth off I-89 in Randolph. More are on the way, including one planned for the Brownell Library in Essex. “All the other phones so far have been people reaching out, which is pretty cool,” Schlott said. The setup is simple. Schlott buys old pay phones — usually between $100 and $500 — from flea markets, auctions, or online sellers, and refurbishes them in his basement. A small device converts an internet phone line into the analog signal the pay phones need. No coins, no phone cards — just pick up and dial. Each phone costs Schlott about $2–$3 per month for the line, and under $5 a month for calls. He covers the costs himself — for now — and even serves as a kind of 21st-century operator. Dialing zero from one of his phones rings his personal cellphone. An app lets him manage calls without revealing his number. The Latham Library location has been the busiest. In five months, users have made 370 calls, many of them from students who don’t have cellphones but need to call home for rides. “It does make me feel safer if the kids are out and about,” said local resident Hannah McClain, who frequents the North Tunbridge General Store. “If they had an emergency up this way, they could stop and use this. I think these are a great service.” Schlott hopes to continue expanding the project, though he acknowledges he may eventually need support to maintain it. Still, he sees something lasting — and meaningful — in these humble relics of the past. “It’s cool to see something retro that has that old-school appeal but also works,” he said. “To actually hear it ring, to pick it up and have a dial tone — I think there’s real power in that. And I don’t think they should end up in a landfill. They should be recycled and put to good use.”

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Venus Williams Defies Age, Triumphs in Comeback Match at 45

Venus Williams is back on the tennis court, and she means business. At 45, she's not just playing; she's winning. On Tuesday night at the DC Open, Williams beat Peyton Stearns, a player 22 years her junior, with a score of 6-3, 6-4. This victory makes her the second-oldest woman to win a tour-level singles match in professional tennis. Williams' return to singles competition comes after more than a year-long hiatus due to health issues. She had surgery to remove uterine fibroids and hadn't played since March 2024. Her last singles win was in August 2023 in Cincinnati. Until recently, the WTA Tour listed her as "inactive." Reflecting on her journey back to competitive form, Williams admitted there were doubts along the way. "Each week that I was training," she said, "I was like, 'Oh my God, I don't know if I'm good enough yet.' And then there would be weeks where I would leap forward." The only woman older than Williams to have won a tour-level singles match is Martina Navratilova at Wimbledon in 2004 when she was 47. The crowd in Washington showed up for Williams; their support was palpable throughout the match. Fans cheered as she demonstrated skills reminiscent of her Grand Slam-winning days—she has seven titles in singles and 14 in women's doubles with her sister Serena Williams. Stearns acknowledged Williams' performance, saying, "She played some ball tonight... Her serves were just on fire." Despite showing signs of rustiness early on, Williams regained momentum quickly. However, closing out the match required persistence; she needed six match points before finally securing victory with a powerful serve that Stearns couldn't return effectively. Afterward, an elated Williams expressed gratitude for being able to compete again while maintaining focus on staying healthy: "I'm just constantly praying for good health so that way I could have an opportunity to play with good health."

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Mrbeast and Mark Rober's Bold Plan: $40M to Bring Clean Water to Millions

YouTube sensation MrBeast, also known as Jimmy Donaldson, and fellow YouTuber Mark Rober have announced a new philanthropic campaign aimed at providing access to clean water for millions. The duo, who previously led successful initiatives like #TeamTrees and #TeamSeas, are now focusing on raising $40 million through their latest project, #TeamWater. The goal is ambitious: provide two million people with clean water for decades. To achieve this, they plan to rally content creators from across YouTube to promote the cause throughout August 2025. In a video message sent exclusively to creators but available on YouTube, MrBeast stated, “Starting August 1st throughout the entire month, we need you to upload a video to your channel where you promote and educate your audience on #TeamWater.” He urged viewers to donate via teamwater.org. Mark Rober emphasized the importance of clean water in the video, saying, “Clean water is the most fundamental thing that people need to survive and thrive.” The planned fundraising effort will support WaterAid, a nonprofit organization working in 22 countries to provide clean water and sanitation facilities. With an estimated reach of over one billion people through their combined subscriber bases and participating creators like Hank Green and Gordon Ramsay, MrBeast and Rober hope for significant engagement. Creators are encouraged to integrate campaign messages into their content creatively—whether by showcasing cool water technology or incorporating themes into gaming videos. The urgency of the issue is highlighted on a dedicated webpage for #TeamWater. It notes how climate change affects water accessibility through droughts and contamination. However, it also stresses that smart systems and support can overcome these challenges. MrBeast's commitment to environmental causes is not new. Following his success with the #TeamSeas campaign in removing trash from oceans and waterways, he launched the "Water Is Life" campaign through Beast Philanthropy in 2023. This initiative funded 109 freshwater wells across several African countries, benefiting over 250,000 people. This upcoming campaign has been in planning for some time. On August 29, 2024, Beast Holdings LLC filed a trademark for #TeamWater with the intent to promote access to clean water. Such efforts align with MrBeast’s track record of using his platform for philanthropy while engaging younger audiences, often hard to reach by traditional charity models. Despite facing some backlash over other projects like his "Beast Games" competition show on Amazon due to production conditions, Donaldson remains committed to leveraging his influence for good causes. Similarly motivated is Mark Rober, who told Curly Tales recently: “We’ve already changed oceans and forests; now we’re focusing on water.”

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