Scientists report that Earth will briefly spin faster on July 9, 22, and August 5, shortening those summer days by 1.3 to 1.5 milliseconds. Though undetectable in daily life, this shift offers clues to how lunar gravity and seasonal changes affect planetary dynamics. Experts note that while timekeeping systems like GPS are unaffected, this rare speed-up may one day prompt a “negative leap second” to sync atomic clocks. It’s a subtle, fascinating reminder of how our planet’s rhythm change over time.

NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope has unveiled the “Cosmic Owl,” a jaw-dropping image of two colliding ring galaxies forming a structure that resembles an owl’s face. This double-ring formation is extraordinarily rare, and the event is shedding light on galaxy evolution, black hole dynamics, and rapid star formation. Led by Ph.D. student Mingyu Li of Tsinghua University, researchers say this discovery serves as a powerful lab for studying how galaxies interact and grow. The “Cosmic Owl” may also help scientists understand how young galaxies amassed stars at astonishing speeds.

MIT’s new AI lets soft robots move precisely from just one image input—cutting cost, complexity, and reliance on rigid hardware.

NASA’s Ax-4 mission is set to return to Earth on July 14 after two and a half weeks aboard the International Space Station. The four-member crew, led by Peggy Whitson, includes the first astronauts from India, Poland, and Hungary. They completed over 60 science experiments ranging from algae-based life support to wearable nanomaterials. Expedition 73 astronauts helped prep Dragon for departure, including securing blood and saliva samples. Dragon will carry 580 pounds of science cargo and splash down off the California coast, concluding this groundbreaking international research mission.

NASA’s Mars Sample Return Mission is at risk due to skyrocketing costs, but a new cost-efficient proposal from Lockheed Martin could save the mission. By reusing technology from the InSight lander, the plan promises to bring back Mars samples at a fraction of the expected $11 billion.