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Artemis II splashes down, marking the end of one mission and the beginning of a new era of human spaceflight

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 20:51:34 -0400

SAN DIEGO, Calif. – The Artemis II mission flight has come to a close off the coast of San Diego, California in a historic splashdown, marking the end of the one inspiring journey, but the beginning of a new chapter of human space travel.

After an intense journey around the moon and back, the Orion capsule splashed down in the Pacific Ocean at 8:07 p.m. ET, off the coast of California – and was immediately met by recovery teams from NASA and the U.S. Navy in position to welcome the Artemis II crew back to Earth with open arms.

Artemis II launched from Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida, on April 1, 2026, at 6:35 p.m. ET, bringing the total mission duration to 9 days, 1 hour, 32 minutes, and 15 seconds.

A Dive Medical Recovery Team made up of four U.S. Navy members entered the capsule to conduct initial health exams on the Artemis II crew, before assisting them to inflatable rafts. The four astronauts were then airlifted by Navy helicopters to the USS John P. Murtha for post-flight evaluations.

Once post-flight evaluations are completed aboard the USS Murtha, the crew is flown to the San Diego Naval Air Station to board a NASA plane to fly back to Mission Control at Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas.

"As NASA Administrator, I couldn't be more proud of the entire workforce. The years, the efforts, the late nights, all the hard work from across the country that contributed to this incredible moment right now," NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman said after the successful splashdown.

The Orion capsule re-entered Earth's atmosphere at 400,000 feet at approximately 7:53 p.m. ET, blazing through the sky traveling at roughly 24,500 mph, with friction heat raising the external temperature of the capsule to a sweltering 5,000 degrees.

After the successful splashdown, reports from inside the capsule reported that all four astronauts, Commander Reid Wiseman, pilot Victor Glover, and mission specialist Christina Koch from NASA, and mission specialist Jeremy Hansen from the Canadian Space Agency, are in excellent health.

"These were the ambassadors from humanity to the stars that we sent out there right now, and I can't imagine a better crew than the Artemis II that just completed a perfect mission," Administrator Isaacman said.

The Orion capsule deployed NASA's iconic orange-and-white parachutes at approximately 8:03 p.m. ET to prepare for the gentle splashdown. The sophisticated 11-parachute orchestra was deployed over three phases starting at roughly 22,000 feet, allowing the capsule to have a graceful return to Earth.

After the successful extraction of the Artemis II crew, the focus of the recovery team shifted to the Orion capsule itself.

Recovery teams will secure the capsule in the same manner as NASA and U.S. Navy crews did over three years ago in the Artemis I splashdown.

Once the spacecraft is shutdown and the hatch is closed, the capsule is towed using a winch line deployed from the back of the USS John P. Murtha, where the Orion capsule is towed into a weld deck area.

In the final milestone of splashdown recovery, water is then drained from the weld deck area and the capsule is secured.

With a successful splash down, the 10-day lunar flyby mission has come to a close, forever etching Artemis II into the history books of spaceflight.

After 53 years, NASA has once again successfully sent astronauts to the moon, making history on its daunting journey.

The Orion spacecraft, coined "Integrity", brought humanity further into deep space than ever before – traveling 252,756 miles from Earth.

After traveling roughly 695,000 miles over 10 days, Artemis II has returned home, bringing back a collection of timeless memories—and never-before-seen images of the Moon—from its inspiring voyage.

This is just the beginning.

NASA's Artemis Program aims to land American astronauts on the surface of the moon this decade and maintain U.S. superiority in exploration and discovery.

NASA'S ARTEMIS PROGRAM: PAVING THE WAY FOR HUMANKIND'S RETURN TO THE MOON AND BEYOND

With a successful splashdown, Artemis II has built upon the success of Artemis I, bringing humans to deep space and to the moon for the first time since 1972.

Founded on the idea of further pursuing human expansion across the solar system, the Artemis Program isn't stopping at the moon – with its eyes set on Mars.

"It's a huge moment for everybody. We are back in the business of sending astronauts to the moon, and bringing them back safely," NASA Administrator Isaacman said. "This is just the beginning. We are going to get back into this with frequency, sending missions to the moon, until we land on it in 2028 and start building our base. "

With Artemis II complete, NASA has reached another key milestone—pushing forward its mission to return humans to the Moon and extend exploration beyond.

Timeline: Artemis II's final hours in space to splashdown in the Pacific Ocean

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 12:10:06 -0400

Friday is the last day of the historic Artemis II mission to the Moon and back, and it's a jam-packed schedule for the crew aboard the Orion spacecraft as they prepare to reenter Earth's atmosphere and splashdown in the Pacific off the coast of California.

The 10-day mission had a successful liftoff and journey to the Moon. Now, they're just hours away from completing their final task.

We're taking a look at the schedule for the crew on the last day of the mission as they complete the last steps to getting back to Earth.

Upon waking up at 11:35 a.m. ET, the crew of Orion will spend the first few hours of the day configuring the cabin for reentry to Earth.

This includes stowing final items from the mission, getting seats in the correct position and getting ready for the day.

At 2:53 p.m. ET, Orion will do a Return Trajectory Correction Burn to keep the spacecraft on track.

This is the final RTC burn of the mission, and will fine-tune Orion's path to Earth.

FORECAST SHOWS LIGHT RAIN IS HOLDING OFF FOR ARTEMIS II SPLASHDOWN OFF SAN DIEGO ON FRIDAY

The burn will also put Orion in the right orientation to minimize excessive heating on its heat shield as it enters the atmosphere at 24,000+ mph.

NASA Astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover and Christina Koch, along with Canadian Space Agency Astronaut Jeremy Hansen will continue configuring the cabin.

At 5:05 p.m. ET, the Artemis II crew will begin their entry checklist.

This includes getting into their space survival suits for reentry.

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At 6:30 p.m. ET, NASA will begin its live coverage on the reentry and splashdown of Orion.

Coverage will include the landing and recovery of the crew, expected to end at 9:35 p.m. ET.

At 7:33 p.m. ET, the Crew module will separate from the European Service module about 20 minutes before the crew enters Earth's upper atmosphere.

The European Service Module is the European Space Agency's contribution to the Artemis II mission.

WHY WILL THE ARTEMIS II SPACECRAFT LAND IN THE OCEAN AND NOT ON LAND?

It served as the powerhouse of the spacecraft as it provided in-space maneuvering capability, power, and other commodities necessary for life support, including consumables for the astronauts, like water, oxygen and nitrogen, NASA said.

At 7:37 p.m. ET, Orion will conduct a raise burn.

This burn will get Orion into the correct position for reentry.

At 7:53 p.m. ET, Orion will enter Earth's upper atmosphere at 400,000 feet.

This is when a roughly 6-minute communications blackout between the Artemis II crew and mission control at Johnson Space Center begins.

ARTEMIS II CREW SHARES NEVER-BEFORE-SEEN IMAGES OF THE FAR SIDE OF THE MOON AFTER RECORD-BREAKING LUNAR FLYBY

Peak heating will also occur at this point, when Orion will reach roughly 5,000°, putting the spacecraft's heat shield through the ultimate test.

Just a few seconds before 8 p.m. ET, NASA will regain communications with Artemis II's crew as they get closer to splashdown.

The vehicle will also conduct a few rolls to help slow it down after communication is recovered.

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Four minutes before splashdown at roughly 22,000 feet, the drogue parachutes on Orion will deploy to slow its descent.

One minute after the drogue parachutes deploy, the main parachutes will deploy at 8:04 p.m.

This occurs at roughly 6,000 feet.

At 8:07 p.m., after nearly 10 days in space, Artemis II's crew will splash down in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of San Diego.

Crew extraction and recovery is expected to take 45 minutes to one hour after splashdown, NASA said.

The USS John P Murtha is on standby and will deploy helicopters to pick up the astronauts and take them to the ship for a medical evaluation.

HERE'S WHAT HAPPENS IN THE MOMENTS FOLLOWING THE ARTEMIS II SPLASHDOWN

The crew will remain on the boat dependent on their condition post-splashdown.

NASA will hold a post-splashdown press conference at Johnson Space Center in Houston.

More details on the press conference will follow.

US Forest Service agency headquarters moved to Utah as 'sweeping restructure' begins

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 20:27:27 -0400

WASHINGTON D.C. – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced the beginning of a "sweeping restructure" of the U.S. Forest Service, beginning with the relocation of the agency's headquarters from the U.S. capitol to Salt Lake City, Utah.

Moving the headquarters from Washington D.C. to the West aims to improve the agency's core mission of managing U.S. national forests and grasslands, a USDA press release said.

"For an agency whose lands, partners, and operational challenges are overwhelmingly concentrated in the West, the shift represents a structural reset and a common-sense approach to improve mission delivery," the press release announcing the agency restructuring said.

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Founded in 1905, the Forest Service manages 193 million acres of national forests and grasslands to sustain their health, diversity and productivity.

"This is a big win for Utah and the West. Nearly 90% of Forest Service lands are west of the Mississippi, so putting leadership closer to the lands they manage just makes sense," Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said. "This isn’t symbolic. It means better, faster decisions on the ground. Everyone who depends on our public lands, from hikers and campers to ranchers and timber producers, will benefit from this change."

In the restructure, the Forest Service will transition to a more state-based organizational model, moving away from the regional model the agency has operated under since its formation.

All the agency's nine regional offices will be closed, and under the new model, 15 state directors will be distributed throughout the country to oversee operations in one or more states.

According to the press release, the state-based approach aims to simplify the chain of command, strengthen local partnerships and give field leaders greater ability to respond to conditions on the ground. That being said, federal authorities will remain fully intact, and no authorities are being shifted, reduced or transferred, according to the USDA.

Many functions currently housed in the regional offices will be transferred to six operational hubs that will be established in Albuquerque, New Mexico; Athens, Georgia; Fort Collins, Colorado; Madison, Wisconsin; Missoula, Montana; and Placerville, California.

According to the press release, these centers will provide shared administrative, technical and enabling support to forests and state offices nationwide, allowing field leadership to focus more directly on actions that improve the health, productivity and resilience of our nation’s forests.

"Proper forest management means a healthy and productive forest system that provides affordable, quality lumber to build homes right here in America, and it means preserving and protecting the beautiful landscapes we are blessed with across this great country," U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins said.

TO STUDY CALIFORNIA’S LARGEST ACTIVE VOLCANO, SCIENTISTS FIRST HAVE TO CLIMB

Under the restructure, 57 of the U.S. Forestry Services 77 research stations will be consolidated under a national Forest Service Research and Development organization in Fort Collins. The remaining 20 facilities will continue to serve the agency by supporting essential functions during and after the transition.

According to the USDA, the reorganization does not eliminate scientific positions, cancel research programs or reduce the national research footprint.

"Colorado is known for our outdoor spaces and nation-leading research institutions that are strengthening our forests and public lands, so it only makes sense that the U.S. Forest Service would include a location in our great state," Colorado Gov. Jared Polis said.

The Forest Service's Fire and Aviation Management program will continue to operate under regional hubs that coordinate wildfire response across the U.S., and the program will continue reporting to the deputy chief for fire and aviation management at the National Interagency Fire Center in Boise, Idaho.

While the inter-agency wildland firefighting collaboration will remain as it is, the restructure is a transitional shift that will eventually merge all wildland fire operations into the unified U.S. Wildland Fire Service within the Department of the Interior.

WATCH: WILDLAND FIREFIGHTERS LEAP FROM 3,000 FEET IN THE AIR TO COMBAT THE SPREAD OF WILDFIRES

According to the USDA, throughout the transition, frontline mission work will continue uninterrupted. This includes active forest management, wildfire response, forest and watershed restoration, recreation services and sustained collaboration with states, tribes and communities.

The U.S. Forest Service was founded over 120 years ago to provide quality water and timber for the nation’s benefit, and has since evolved into a vital agency dedicated to protecting U.S. wildlands.

According to the U.S. Forest Service, Congress later directed the agency to broaden its management scope for multiple additional uses and benefits and for the sustained yield of renewable resources such as water, forage, wildlife, wood and recreation.

IS NASA CONSIDERING RECLASSIFYING PLUTO AS A PLANET IN OUR SOLAR SYSTEM?

"This is about building a Forest Service that is nimble, efficient, effective and closer to the forests and communities it serves," Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz said. "Effective stewardship and active management are achieved on the ground, where forests and communities are found—not just behind a desk in the capitol."

The National Federation of Federal Employees condemned the decision to relocate the U.S. Forest Service headquarters, calling the move a "reckless disruption to the dedicated workforce that manages the nation's forests, fights wildfires and services the public."

The agency now manages 193 million acres of public lands in the form of national forests and grasslands, while providing technical and financial assistance to state, private and tribal forestry.

See it: Gushing lava fountains from Mount Kilauea Volcano amid 44th eruption

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 19:56:22 -0400

HAWAII VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK, Hawaii – Kīlauea volcano erupted for the 44th time since Dec. 23, 2024, producing large lava fountains in Hawaii on Thursday.

The 44th episode began in the late morning on Thursday, with lava fountains reaching 800 feet, according to the USGS.

Video footage from the USGS shows the south Halemaʻumaʻu crater gushing large lava fountains from the ground.

TO STUDY CALIFORNIA’S LARGEST ACTIVE VOLCANO, SCIENTISTS FIRST HAVE TO CLIMB IT

As the crater continues to shoot lava, strengthening over time, the risk of tephra falling from volcanic ash clouds and Pele’s Hair increases.

Tephra is a catch-all term that describes various kinds of rocks blasted into the air during eruptions.

RARE ASHFALL WARNING ISSUED AS MOUNT KILAUEA VOLCANO ERUPTS FOR 43RD TIME, PRODUCING LARGE LAVA FOUNTAINS

As a result, officials from the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Service (NPS) have closed the park entrance due to hazardous volcanic material associated with the eruption.

Pele’s Hair consists of thin glass fibers formed by gas during a volcanic eruption, according to the USGS. When gas bubbles near the surface of lava burst, they can stretch the skin of the molten lava into long threads.

These can become airborne and be carried by the wind, posing a threat to humans, as a tiny piece of glass can get lodged in your skin or eyes.

"A combination of fountaining dynamics and wind conditions determines where tephra fall may occur for any given eruption episode," a statement from the USGS said.

As an extra precaution, motorists are advised to avoid the area, with a portion of Highway 11 being closed.

HERE ARE THE DIFFERENT ASHFALL ALERTS THAT COULD BE ISSUED DURING VOLCANIC ACTIVITY

Lava flows will continue to quickly advance downhill as the powerful Mount Kīlauea continues to produce steadily strengthening lava fountains this evening.

Is NASA considering reclassifying Pluto as a planet in our solar system?

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 18:09:58 -0400

It's been 20 years since Pluto was declassified as the ninth planet in our solar system, and many people wish it had never lost its status.

A recent comment from NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman alludes to the possibility of NASA looking into making Pluto a planet once again.

On Thursday afternoon, Isaacman replied to a post by Mike's Weather Page on X, of a letter from 10-year-old Kaela writing to NASA to tell them how much she loves Pluto and asking them to make it a planet again.

ARTEMIS II CREW SHARES NEVER-BEFORE-SEEN IMAGES OF THE FAR SIDE OF THE MOON AFTER RECORD-BREAKING LUNAR FLYBY

"Dear NASA, please make Pluto a planet again," Kaela's letter said. "I really want it to be a planet again!"

She went on to explain the reasons why Pluto should be a planet and let NASA know her knowledge of Pluto.

Isaacman replied to the post saying, "Kaela — We are looking into this."

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In 2006, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) determined Pluto was no longer able to be called a planet because other objects might cross its orbit.

That same year, the IAU set a standard for what could be called a planet.

In order for something to be determined as a planet:

WHEN WILL NASA LAND ON THE MOON? TRACKING THE ARTEMIS PROGRAM'S JOURNEY BACK TO THE LUNAR SURFACE

Pluto was discovered in 1930, and identified as the ninth planet in our solar system then.

It's even smaller than Mercury, the smallest planet in our solar system, and is unlike all the other planets in the system, according to NASA.

Technical advances and discoveries led to several other objects similar to Pluto being located in the Kuiper Belt, where Pluto is.

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It was then that the IAU decided to create a new category for these objects called dwarf planets.

So, Pluto was demoted to dwarf planet, causing discourse among citizens and astronomers alike who disagreed with the IAU's definitions, NASA said.

ICE VOLCANOES SPOTTED ON PLUTO’S SURFACE FROM NASA SPACECRAFT

No official action has been taken to try and get Pluto back on the map as a planet, but will NASA petition to redeem its status? Only time will tell.

Why will the Artemis II spacecraft land in the ocean and not on land?

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 17:51:52 -0400

SAN DIEGO, Calif. – The Artemis II space mission has been nothing short of a success, as the four crew members on the Orion spacecraft have made history during their journey around the moon.

As the Artemis II team wraps up their mission to orbit the moon, they are now on a trajectory back to Earth after physically capturing images of the dark side for the first time in human history.

WHEN WILL NASA LAND ON THE MOON? TRACKING THE ARTEMIS PROGRAM'S JOURNEY BACK TO THE LUNAR SURFACE

As the final days of the mission are upon us, the Orion spacecraft is scheduled to return to Earth on Friday, along the shores of San Diego, where NASA and Naval Recovery crews are waiting for the team to arrive, but why does it land in the ocean?

Simply put, the ocean is an easily accessible option for military personnel to safely secure the area from the public and provide a cool liquid cushion to serve as a shock absorber for the spacecraft to land on, rather than on land.

HERE'S WHAT HAPPENS IN THE MOMENTS FOLLOWING THE ARTEMIS II SPLASHDOWN

"The Navy divers will then assess the environment surrounding the capsule to make sure there are no hazards present," a statement from NASA said "Teams will stabilize Orion before the crew exits the capsule in the open water by installing an inflatable collar."

To safely extract the astronauts, divers will install an inflatable raft, called the front porch, under Orion’s side hatch to aid in the spacecraft’s exit.

The astronauts will be transported to a medical bay on one of the naval ships for a post-mission evaluation, before flying to the Johnson Space Center, according to NASA.

ARTEMIS II CREW SHARES NEVER-BEFORE-SEEN IMAGES OF THE FAR SIDE OF THE MOON AFTER RECORD-BREAKING LUNAR FLYBY

In past missions, such as Apollo 17, the last time humans landed on the moon, the four-person crew ended their 13-day mission by splashing down in the Pacific Ocean, where military recovery teams from the U.S.S. Ticonderoga monitored the spacecraft’s descent and the retrieval of the astronauts.

The splashdown methods have not changed much since the early days of NASA's space exploration.

The Artemis II space crew will be the first to splash down with humans from the moon’s orbit in over 50 years.

EYES TURN TO ARTEMIS II SPLASHDOWN AS LIGHT RAIN POSSIBLE FOR RECOVERY ZONE

After the Orion spacecraft is aboard the naval vessel, NASA technicians will drain any water from the ship before returning to the Naval Base in San Diego.

Watch: Mexican miner found after nearly 2 weeks trapped in collapsed mine underground

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 16:27:38 -0400

EL ROSARIO, Mexico– A 42-year-old miner was discovered and rescued after 13 days trapped underground in a collapsed mine in Mexico.

On March 25, the tailings dam collapsed at the Santa Fe gold mine, trapping four miners inside.

The Government of Mexico said one miner was found alive on March 30 after more than 100 hours of work.

WATCH: ELDERLY COUPLE RESCUED AFTER VEHICLE SLIDES INTO POND DURING HEAVY DOWNPOURS IN PORT ST. LUCIE

The second miner, 42-year-old Francisco Zapata Nájera, was found alive on Tuesday after more than 300 hours of around-the-clock work.

Video shows rescue teams finding the miner in a corner, submerged in water, wearing his mining helmet.

Rescuers let him know they were there to help him, and told him their plan to get him out safely.

VIDEO: SOLO HIKER RESCUED BY HELICOPTER AFTER BECOMING INJURED ON STEEP CALIFORNIA TRAIL

The camera panned around to show a large pile of rocks that had collapsed, as the miner described to rescuers how high the water once was.

The Mexican government said it took 20 hours to get the miner out and above ground.

Another video published by Mexico President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo shows Zapata Nájera being driven out of the mine 20 hours after he was officially located deep in the mine.

"The exceptional members of the Mexican Army's Emergency Response Battalion, along with the faith and resilience of a miner, made this astonishing rescue possible after 13 days," Sheinbaum Pardo said in a social media post. "I'm certain that all Mexicans, every one of us, hold you in our hearts."

PHOTOS: HIKER WITH BROKEN ANKLE RESCUED AFTER USING SOS BEACON IN MOUNT HOOD WILDERNESS

In the video, Nájera is driven out of the mine in a utility vehicle, flanked by rescue workers.

He was then walked to an ambulance and later carried onto a medical helicopter and airlifted to a hospital for treatment.

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On Wednesday after the rescue, the Government of Mexico said they located a third miner, dead.

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The government said the search for the fourth and final missing miner continues.

When will NASA land on the moon? Tracking the Artemis program's journey back to the lunar surface

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 16:04:55 -0400

When will NASA land on the moon?

With Artemis II capturing the attention of the world and bringing humanity into deep space for the first time in more than 50 years, this is just the beginning of a much more daunting journey.

EYES TURN TO ARTEMIS II SPLASHDOWN AS LIGHT RAIN POSSIBLE FOR RECOVERY ZONE

One of the goals of NASA's Artemis program is to establish a sustainable, long-term human presence on and around the moon – and they are laying the foundation for a lunar landing this decade.

Let's take a look at what prediction markets make of NASA's commitment to bring humanity to the moon.

The last time humans walked on the moon was 53 years ago, when Apollo 17 Astronauts Eugene Cernan and Harrison Schmitt spent three days on the lunar surface in 1972 from Dec. 11 to Dec. 14.

Currently scheduled for mid-2027, Artemis III will begin to lay the foundation for lunar landings by testing docking methods on the moon. The test mission will test commercial landers, setting the stage for NASA's mission to the moon.

HERE'S WHAT HAPPENS IN THE MOMENTS FOLLOWING THE ARTEMIS II SPLASHDOWN

Artemis IV, the first Artemis lunar landing mission, NASA is currently targeting a mission date for early 2028.

Prediction markets are in favor of NASA landing on the moon before 2030.

NOAA uses AI and satellites to map out global algae bloom over millions of miles

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 20:49:21 -0400

Scientists from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration are using artificial intelligence and satellite imagery to map global algae blooms just as sargassum reaches peak bloom season in Florida and the U.S. Caribbean.

SMELLY SARGASSUM SEAWEED BLOB INVADES FLORIDA BEACHES DURING BUSY SPRING BREAK TRAVEL SEASON

NOAA’s Center for Satellite Applications and Research (STAR), in collaboration with the University of South Florida (USF), paired AI with more than one million satellite images to detect and quantify floating seaweed and phytoplankton in the world’s oceans.

The research builds on a 2019 study by NOAA and USF, when researchers added new ocean color data to STARS’ Ocean Color Viewer tool.

Scientists realized the update provided a global view of floating algae for the first time, but it was difficult to determine the total surface area covered.

HERE'S WHAT HAPPENS IN THE MOMENTS FOLLOWING THE ARTEMIS II SPLASHDOWN

To address that challenge, researchers combined AI with satellite data from 2003 to 2023. This allowed them to observe floating seaweed and phytoplankton in the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian oceans, as well as in several marginal seas.

The study marked the first time scientists have produced a complete picture of floating algae around the world.

Researchers found that blooms were located in both coastal and deep open waters and cover almost 17 million miles. That is four times the size of the U.S.

TOXIC ALGAL BLOOM OUTBREAK UNDERWAY ALONG CALIFORNIA’S COASTLINE LEADING TO STRANDINGS OF DOLPHINS, SEALS

These findings helped scientists better understand the spatial extent and long-term changes in marine plant growth, which can negatively affect economies.

According to NOAA, most algae species reach peak growth during the spring and summer months. Their optimal growth is determined by temperature and nutrients in the water.

While moderate blooms can benefit marine ecosystems and fisheries, large algal blooms are often harmful to the environment and marine life.

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By mapping these blooms, scientists can identify areas where tourism, commercial and fishing will be negatively impacted.

Photos: Hiker with broken ankle rescued after using SOS beacon in Mount Hood wilderness

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 19:01:41 -0400

ROMONA FALLS, Ore. – First responders were tasked with a search and rescue operation for an injured hiker in Oregon last Saturday.

On Saturday, the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue (SAR) coordinators were notified of an SOS activation from a handheld communicator about 1.5 miles into the Romano Falls trail within the Mount Hood wilderness, according to a Facebook post from the sheriff’s office.

VIDEO: SOLO HIKER RESCUED BY HELICOPTER AFTER BECOMING INJURED ON STEEP CALIFORNIA TRAIL

"SAR coordinators identified the registered owner of the device and contacted a family member, who said the owner was an experienced hiker with no known medical conditions," a statement from officials said.

A family member helped confirm the hiker’s location, officials stated.

Upon arrival at the trail, officers were notified that the hiker had suffered a broken ankle. He had reportedly been hiking with a friend when he slipped on a rock and injured his right ankle.

VIDEO: 2 COLORADO CAMPERS RESCUED IN SNOWY CONDITIONS AFTER BEING STALKED BY A MOUNTAIN LION

Due to the extent of the injuries, a wheeled litter was used to extract the hiker through difficult terrain and to the trailhead, where he was transported to a local hospital for further evaluation.

Thankfully, the group was well-prepared and contacted authorities as soon as a situation arose.

WATCH: DOG SURVIVES 43 DAYS ALONE IN COLORADO WILDERNESS, LEAPING FOR JOY IN HEARTWARMING REUNION WITH OWNER

It is important to always come prepared when exploring the wilderness, and it is always a good idea to have a companion or communicate with friends when you are hiking alone.

3 malnourished gray whales found dead along Washington coast in just a few days

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 18:07:07 -0400

Three different gray whales that were malnourished were found dead in two different instances along Washington's coast in the first few days of April.

It started on April 1, when Cascadia River Collective began monitoring a gray whale that swam into the north fork of the Willapa River.

Cascadia Research said the whale was alive and behaving normally, but was thin.

SUSPECTED CAUSE OF DEATH REVEALED FOR LARGE WHALE FOUND DEAD ON NEW YORK CITY BEACH

They began assessing the situation and made a plan to try and relocate the whale in the following days if it didn't move out of the river on its own.

The nonprofit continued monitoring the whale, noting the next day it hadn't left the river and a team was planned to go investigate the animal on Friday, April 3.

When the team went out the following day, they couldn't locate the whale and hoped it had gone back out to sea. However, on Saturday, the whale was spotted in the river once again.

SPRING STING: PORTUGUESE MAN O' WAR RETURNS TO GULF COAST BEACHES

Upon returning to the river to see the whale, they found it had died.

An examination done on Monday revealed the whale was very malnourished and had internal injuries.

3 GRAY WHALES FOUND DEAD ON CALIFORNIA SHORELINE IN THE COURSE OF A WEEK

The exam showed the whale was closer to adult-sized than originally thought.

Cascadia Research said they believe the whale couldn't have traveled up-river due to its debilitated state.

Samples from the whale were sent off for testing.

YOUNG GREAT WHITE SHARK SPOTTED OFF THE COAST OF THE FLORIDA PANHANDLE

"Our necropsy results support the decision to not take immediate aggressive actions which would have further stressed the whale and not changed the ultimate outcome," Cascadia Research Collective said.

The whale will be left where it is to decompose naturally.

HIGHEST NUMBER OF NORTH ATLANTIC RIGHT WHALE CALVES RECORDED IN 17 YEARS

In the midst of sealing with the whale in the Willapa River, Cascadia teams also investigated two more dead gray whales on Saturday on the beach in Ocean Shores, Washington.

Biologists from Cascadia Research Collective, Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife and SR³ - Sealife Response, Rehabilitation & Research, responded, finding a male and female gray whale, both malnourished.

The male gray whale was found to have significant head trouble consistent with a vessel strike, Cascadia Research said.

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The female gray whale wasn't lactating, so wouldn't have been nursing a calf, Cascadia Research said.

Cascadia Research said though found stranded near one another, gray whales are solitary animals and do not travel in family groups, so the timing and proximity of their stranding was most likely the result of general migration patterns, tides and currents.

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The official cause of death for all three gray whales hasn't been determined or released at this time.

Video: Solo hiker rescued by helicopter after becoming injured on steep California trail

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 15:30:22 -0400

SAN DIEGO, Calif. – First responders were tasked with a complex rescue mission for a hiker in California on Friday.

According to the San Diego Sheriff's Office, a hiker was traveling along the Pacific Crest Trail near the 84.5-mile marker before becoming injured along a steep section of the trail.

VIDEO: 2 COLORADO CAMPERS RESCUED IN SNOWY CONDITIONS AFTER BEING STALKED BY A MOUNTAIN LION

Once injured and unable to continue, the solo hiker activated an emergency beacon, and the California Office of Emergency Services received the alert.

Search and rescue crews were dispatched by helicopter, which located the hiker, but were unable to land due to the rugged terrain. As a result, a Cal Fire paramedic was hoisted down to provide medical assistance and help extract the immobile hiker.

WATCH: POLICE RESPOND TO CALL OF SHARP-TOOTHED HOME 'INTRUDER' HAVING ITS OWN POOL PARTY

Video footage from the San Diego Sheriff's Office shows the paramedic providing immediate medical aid before stabilizing the hiker and safely hoisting the hiker out of the area.

The hiker was transferred to an awaiting ambulance for further evaluation.

The National Park Service suggests always knowing your physical limits and abilities when choosing to connect with nature for a hike.

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It is always safer to hike with a companion, but if you go alone, be sure to take extra precautions to be prepared for the worst.

Watch: Police respond to call of sharp-toothed home 'intruder' having its own pool party

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 12:04:27 -0400

TAMPA, Fla.- While it’s not every day you call the police for an unexpected intruder in your pool — especially one with scales and teeth — Florida residents are more likely than most to encounter these uninvited guests.

SEE IT: ALLIGATOR FOUND LOUNGING AT BOTTOM FLORIDA POOL REMOVED BY TRAPPER

Just after 3:00 a.m. on March 29, Tampa Police responded to a reported intruder, an incident local reports say took place at a home in the Arbor Greene community.

Once officials arrived on scene, they were caught by surprise to see the intruder was an alligator that had made the resident's home its own private swimming pool.

"He’s huge," one of the officers can be heard saying as the alligator hisses and appears to lunge toward the screen, prompting the officer to step back.

WATCH: MASSIVE ALLIGATOR WRANGLED FROM MIDNIGHT SWIM IN FLORIDA POOL

According to local reports, the scaly intruder came in at 9 feet long.

According to the Tampa Police Department, officers, along with the assistance of a nuisance alligator trapper, were able to guide the alligator into the pool so he’d "burn some of that energy off."

Following his splash in the pool, the trapper was able to secure him.

Video shows the officer and trapper hoisting the gator out of the water.

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"One, two, three," you hear one say as they continue to pull him up and out, eventually getting him into the back of a truck.

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"With assistance from a nuisance alligator trapper, the scaly suspect was safely removed, leaving the residents to finally enjoy some well-deserved, gator-free sleep," the Tampa Police Department noted on Facebook.

See it: Meteor caught streaking across New York, New Jersey and Connecticut skies in broad daylight

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 09:20:02 -0400

NEW YORK — A meteor was seen streaking across the sky in the New York tri-state area in broad daylight Tuesday afternoon, amid what NASA calls peak fireball season.

'FIREBALL SEASON' EXPLAINED: WHY METEORS ARE LIGHTING UP SKIES ACROSS THE COUNTRY

An eagle-eyed skywatcher captured video of the space rock hurtling above North Branford, Connecticut.

ARTEMIS II CREW SHARES NEVER-BEFORE-SEEN IMAGES OF THE FAR SIDE OF THE MOON AFTER RECORD-BREAKING LUNAR FLYBY

According to NASA, the meteor was first detected 48 miles above the Atlantic Ocean over Mastic Beach on New York's Long Island, traveling more than 100 miles in the upper atmosphere before disintegrating 27 miles above Galloway, New Jersey, just north of Atlantic City.

This comes after recent meteor sightings last month in Ohio and California.

This uptick in shooting star sightings happens annually from February through April, with an average of 10 to 30 percent more fireballs than the rest of the year, according to the space agency.

Scientists haven't developed a conclusive explanation for this phenomenon.

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Some astronomers speculate that Earth passes through more debris at this time of year.

According to NASA, most meteors smaller than a football field break up as they hurtle through the atmosphere and generally less than 5 percent of the original object makes it down to the ground.

Here's what happens in the moments following the Artemis II splashdown

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 23:31:26 -0400

HOUSTON, Texas – The historic Artemis II mission has taken four astronauts aboard the Orion spacecraft coined "Integrity" further away from Earth than any human ever, and now they're coming home.

After a successful launch and slingshot around the moon, Integrity is on its way back to Earth and the countdown to splashdown is on.

As of now, NASA plans to have the Orion spacecraft splashdown off the coast of San Diego at 5:07 p.m. PST, putting an end to the first crewed mission to the moon in over 50 years.

But what happens once they splash down?

EYES TURN TO ARTEMIS II SPLASHDOWN AS LIGHT RAIN POSSIBLE FOR RECOVERY ZONE

Once Integrity splashes down in the Pacific Ocean, a coalition of forces will be there to greet them as the first steps of the meticulously, well-practiced recovery begin.

About three hours before the capsule enters the atmosphere, U.S. Navy and NASA personnel will be staged in open water, with prepared recovery teams ready to provide support from both sea and air.

Two MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopters equipped with NASA imagery equipment will track the Orion space capsule as it travels through Earth’s atmosphere.

Artemis II Landing and Recovery Director Liliana Villarreal said, "Once we get through splashdown…It's go time for everybody. The ships, the helicopters, the small boats are now just going as fast as they can towards the capsule."

After landing in the Pacific, the crew will perform a post-landing checklist with NASA Mission Control – securing the capsule and preparing them for the power-down sequence.

Once the power-down sequence is performed and the hatch on Orion is opened, the crew will first be greeted by a dive medical officer from the U.S. Navy, who will assess the condition of the crew.

TIMELINE: A DAY-BY-DAY GUIDE TO THE 10-DAY ARTEMIS II MISSION TO BRING HUMANITY BACK TO THE MOON

Following immediate health assessments, Navy recovery divers will assist the four crew members in emerging from the capsule onto Orion's front porch, where the astronauts will dress the crew members in "Astronaut Recovery Vests."

Using the recovery vests, the four crew members will be hoisted up to two HSC-23 helicopters and delivered to the USS John P. Murtha.

Once the four astronauts, who traveled further from Earth than any humans before them, are safely secured on the USS John P. Murtha – recovery crews turn their focus to the capsule.

Practice makes perfect.

Recovery teams performed a staggering 12 Underway Recovery Tests (URTs) to identify the best recovery method, and practice it until it was perfect for splashdown day.

Recovery teams will secure the capsule in the same manner as NASA and U.S. Navy crews did over three years ago in the Artemis I splashdown.

"It's actually the same process we did on Artemis I," Villarreal said.

ARTEMIS II'S SAFE RETURN HINGES ON ITS HEAT SHIELD - NASA IS CONFIDENT IT'S FIXED

In what Villarreal referred to as the "big milestone" – water is then drained from the weld deck area and the capsule is secured.

Tampa Bay Rays back at Tropicana Field for the first time in over 500 days since Hurricane Milton

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 17:29:35 -0400

TAMPA BAY, Fla. – As we are nearly two weeks into the start of the MLB season, the Tampa Bay Rays have reopened their stadium for the first time since Hurricane Milton tore through Florida.

For the first time in 561 days, the Tampa Bay Rays reopened Tropicana Field for their first home game of the season against the Chicago Cubs on Monday.

This comes after Hurricane Milton tore through Florida in October 2024, destroying most of the iconic Tampa Bay stadium in the process, ripping apart large sections of the fiberglass roof during winds of over 100 mph.

TAMPA BAY RAYS PLAN ON RETURNING TO TROPICANA FIELD AFTER HURRICANE DAMAGE REPAIRED

Thankfully, no one was injured in the stadium during the extreme weather event. Still, the stadium sustained serious damage, with the roof completely torn off and pieces of material spread across the field, stands and dugouts.

When scanning through the stadium, the extensive damage showcases the raw strength of Milton and the life-threatening wind gusts that helped tear the structure apart.

Since the devastating hurricane, the Rays were lucky enough to temporarily relocate to the Yankees’ spring training facility, George M. Steinbrenner Field, while renovations and rebuilding occurred at Tropicana Field.

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Part of the return to the stadium includes the fun-filled stingrays, located inside the ballpark, who miraculously rode out the storm before being relocated, according to MLB.com.

They have finally returned home to the ballpark, once again.

Upon landfall, the Category 3 hurricane displaced thousands of Floridians, causing an estimated $34.3 billion in damage across the Sunshine State. The hurricane was responsible for 12 direct deaths in the U.S., according to the NHC’s Tropical Cyclone Report.

Thankfully, the city council of St. Petersburg approved the $23 million plan to repair the ballpark’s roof and other needs.

MUCH-NEEDED RAIN TO DRENCH FLORIDA THROUGH THE WEEK AMID EXTREME DROUGHT

The reopening of the stadium marks a huge milestone and sheds light on the Tampa Bay community’s resilience in rebuilding from what once was.

Artemis II's safe return hinges on its heat shield - NASA is confident it's fixed

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 19:39:42 -0400

The Artemis II mission achieved groundbreaking results before even entering the moon’s orbit, which makes you appreciate how far the spacecraft has come since the first mission in 2022.

During the first Artemis I mission in 2022, the un-crewed spacecraft encountered technical issues with the heat shield, which have since been resolved.

This was the first of a series of increasingly complex missions that will eventually set the stage for astronauts to return to the surface of the moon and establish a base.

NASA'S ARTEMIS PROGRAM: PAVING THE WAY FOR HUMANKIND'S RETURN TO THE MOON AND BEYOND

"Our early Artemis flights are a test campaign, and the Artemis I test flight gave us an opportunity to check out our systems in the deep space environment before adding crew on future missions," Amit Kshatriya, deputy associate administrator of the Moon to Mars Program Office, NASA Headquarters in Washington, said.

During this mission, the Orion spacecraft experienced an unexpected char loss across the ship’s heat shield, according to NASA. Engineers determined that gases generated inside the Orion’s heat shield were not able to vent and dissipate as expected through the shield’s outer material called Avcoat.

"The Apollo crew module’s heat shield relied on a material called Avcoat to beat the heat," a statement from NASA reads. "It’s an ablator, meaning it burns off in a controlled fashion during reentry, transferring heat away from the spacecraft."

MEET THE ASTRONAUTS PREPARING FOR HUMANITY’S RETURN TO THE MOON ON THE ARTEMIS II MISSION

Using data from the Avcoat material, a NASA investigation team was able to replicate the same environment in which the Orion experienced during its trajectory to Earth and experienced significant char loss.

Experts discovered that during the trajectory to Earth, there were periods of dips through the atmosphere, causing heat rates to decrease and thermal energy to build up within the Avcoat heat shield material.

"This led to the accumulation of gases that are part of the expected ablation process," NASA officials explained. "Because the Avcoat did not have permeability, internal pressure built up, and led to cracking and uneven shedding of the outer layer."

The result was a dark, charred spacecraft bearing the scars of its unmanned journey back to our world.

This issue resulted from scientists initially testing the spacecraft at much higher heating rates than those that actually occurred during the mission. The unexpectedly less severe heating observed during the Artemis I reentry into Earth slowed char formation while still generating gases within the char layers.

TIMELINE: A DAY-BY-DAY GUIDE TO THE 10-DAY ARTEMIS II MISSION TO BRING HUMANITY BACK TO THE MOON

Gas pressure built up to the point of cracking and releasing parts of the charred layer, as the Orion ship suffered some damage.

NASA said the extensive investigation and tests to find the root of the issue and to ensure safety going forward are the top priority, with approximately 200 Avcoat samples removed from the ship for analysis.

A heat shield is one of the basic parts of the reentry process back to our planet, and it would be impossible to sustain life inside without it, with temperatures as high as 7,000 degrees at the surface of the spacecraft.

"The process was extensive," Howard Hu, manager of the Orion Program, said. "We gave the team the time needed to investigate every possible cause, and they worked tirelessly to ensure we understood the phenomenon and the necessary steps to mitigate this issue for future missions."

ARTEMIS II MISSION: CREW TRAVELS FARTHER THAN ANY HUMANS IN HISTORY DURING RECORD-BREAKING LUNAR FLYBY

After extensive tests and analysis of the immense amount of data collected from Artemis I, officials are confident in the safety of the heat shield upon the crew’s return to Earth.

Young great white shark spotted off the coast of the Florida panhandle

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 16:20:02 -0400

FLORIDA - A juvenile great white shark, Brookes, was spotted off the coast of the Florida panhandle on Sunday.

The newly tagged shark pinged between Mexico Beach and St. Joseph Peninsula.

LARGEST MALE WHITE SHARK CONTENDER’S LATEST PING OFFERS FRESH INSIGHT INTO SHARK BEHAVIOR

According to OCEARCH, a global nonprofit organization dedicated to researching and protecting sharks, whales, sea turtles and other ocean life, Brookes traveled more than 5,000 miles to reach the Gulf — an area where great white sharks usually frequent during the winter months.

"The Gulf plays an important role in the annual migration of these animals, and continued research will help us better understand the environmental factors that influence where sharks travel and how they use these habitats," OCEARCH Senior Data Scientist John Tyminski said.

In a recent study released by OCEARCH, scientists discovered that the Gulf serves as a regular winter habitat for great white sharks migrating thousands of miles from Atlantic Canada and the northeastern U.S.

By tracking the movements of 92 great white sharks at all the stages of life, they found that the animals typically migrate to this region for the warm waters and abundant food.

MASSIVE 1,400-POUND GREAT WHITE SHARK ‘BRETON’ PINGS NEAR UNCHARTED WATERS OFF TURKS AND CAICOS

"For years we suspected white sharks were using the Gulf more than people realized," Chris Fischer, founder and expedition leader of OCEARCH, said. "This research confirms the Gulf is a regular winter habitat for this population and highlights how connected the ecosystems of the Atlantic Ocean truly are."

Brookes was tagged in Nova Scotia by Tancook Islands Marine Field Station in collaboration with OCEARCH last September to help scientists understand shark migration patterns better.

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She is over 8 feet long and weighs more than 450 pounds, according to OCEARCH.

When and where to catch the best spring blossoms across the country

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 15:01:30 -0400

Spring is here, and with that comes nature's beauty in full prime!

From coast to coast and everywhere in between, spring is awakening landscapes from winter’s nap, transforming fields, neighborhoods, towns, national parks, you name it, into a vibrant tapestry of blossoms, bursting with rows of vibrant colors.

The world is transforming into an open palette, bursting with azaleas, tulips, wildflowers and more.

Explore some of the best places and times to witness spring blossoms in full bloom.

The National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, D.C., runs through April 12.

NATIONAL MALL CHERRY BLOOMS REACH PEAK BLOOM EARLY DUE TO WARMER-THAN-AVERAGE SPRING TEMPERATURES

This annual event lines the National Mall and monuments with iconic cherry blossom trees, creating a breathtaking walkway of pink and white.

The tradition began in 1912, when Japan gifted 3,000 trees to the city, and today, millions of visitors flock to enjoy the scenic pathways around the Jefferson Memorial and the Tidal Basin.

This year, Death Valley’s superbloom peaked early, driven by a historic Southwest heat wave and strong winds.

Many visitors call this phase the "carpet of gold" because of the vibrant yellow Desert Gold flowers that blanketed the valley floor.

RECORD-BREAKING HEAT WAVE CAUSES BREATHTAKING DEATH VALLEY SUPERBLOOM TO PEAK EARLY THIS YEAR

While these yellow blooms at lower elevations reached their peak in March, visitors can still catch spectacular displays at higher elevations, where flowers linger from April through June, according to the National Park Service (NPS).

These higher-altitude blooms will paint the landscape in a diverse palette of purples, pinks and reds, as species like Notch-leaf Phacelia, Desert Five-Spot and Desert Paintbrush take over the show.

Through early May, The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch in California transform the 55-acre field into what looks like a beautiful rainbow.

According to The Flower Fields, rows of 80 million vibrant Ranunculus line the fields in every color, from deep reds and bright yellows to royal purples.

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Adding to the beauty, the fields offer a stunning Pacific Ocean view that perfectly complements the 13 different shades of blooms.

In the heart of the Texas Hill Country, the wildflower season peaks from late March through mid-April.

According to Visit Fredericksburg, Wildseed Farms serves as the nation’s largest working wildflower farm, featuring more than 200 acres of blooming fields.

Visitors can explore a half-mile walking trail through vibrant displays of Texas bluebonnets and red corn poppies, which create a colorful backdrop against the rustic landscape.

While tulips famously line the countryside of the Netherlands, they also blossom every spring in Holland, Michigan.

The city, which was settled by Dutch immigrants, celebrates this heritage annually with its renowned Tulip Time Festival.

According to Tulip Time, this year’s festival runs from May 1 through May 10.

IS MAY TOO LATE TO PLANT SPRING FLOWERS?

This is another area that truly comes alive like a rainbow, as millions of vibrant tulips in every imaginable color line the city streets, public parks and the historic downtown area.

Pine Mountain, Georgia, is home to the world’s largest azalea garden at Callaway Gardens.

According to Callaway Gardens, the Callaway Brothers Azalea Bowl is a 40-acre garden featuring more than 3,000 native and hybrid azaleas.

Each spring, the garden transforms into a vibrant display of pinks, reds, lavenders and whites as the azaleas reach peak bloom.

While peak bloom is typically mid-March to early April, late bloomers can last until mid-April.

The 128th Rochester Lilac Festival in Highland Park kicks off May 8 through May 17.

According to the Highland Park Conservancy, the park is home to over 500 varieties of lilacs spread across 1,200 plants, making it the largest collection of its kind in North America.

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The park is a wash of color, ranging from snowy whites to velvety dark purples across its 150 acres.

According to South Carolina State Parks, Landsford Canal State Park hosts the planet’s densest concentration of Rocky Shoals spider lilies.

These perennials emerge annually along the Catawba River, typically appearing from May through mid-June.

To see them, visitors can take a 1.5-mile round-trip walk via the canal or nature trails to a dedicated viewing area.

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While the plants are currently starting their seasonal debut, experts anticipate a standard peak toward the end of May.

Minnesota's state flower, the Showy Lady’s Slipper, is the star of the Lady Slipper Scenic Byway.

These rare orchids can be found tucked away in damp woodlands, such as the Chippewa National Forest and along County Highway 39.

According to the Lady Slipper Scenic Byway, peak blooming typically occurs between June 15 and July 5, though the most vibrant displays often appear around June 25 to 28.

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Once they arrive, the blossoms last for about 10 to 12 days, though the exact timing depends heavily on the early summer weather.

Artemis II crew shares never-before-seen images of the far side of the moon after record-breaking lunar flyby

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 06:52:35 -0400

The four-astronaut crew of Artemis II is now headed home after making history Monday, completing their record-breaking lunar flyby, traveling approximately 252,756 miles from Earth — farther than any humans have gone before.

See the complete day-by-day guide for the Artemis II mission below:

TIMELINE: A DAY-BY-DAY GUIDE TO THE 10-DAY ARTEMIS II MISSION TO BRING HUMANITY BACK TO THE MOON

According to NASA, Artemis II crew members — Commander Reid Wiseman, pilot Victor Glover and mission specialists Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen — broke the 1970 space travel record set by Apollo 13 by about 4,111 miles shortly before 2 p.m. ET Monday.

The crew aboard the Orion spacecraft exited the lunar gravitational sphere of influence — where the moon's gravity is stronger than Earth's — just before 1:30 p.m. ET Tuesday.

Following a debrief with NASA science officers, the crew will have staggered off-duty hours as they prepare for the final leg of their journey, which is set to end with a splashdown in the Pacific Ocean Friday afternoon.

MEET THE ASTRONAUTS PREPARING FOR HUMANITY’S RETURN TO THE MOON ON THE ARTEMIS II MISSION

A developing storm system could impact the targeted landing area off the coast of San Diego — be sure to watch FOX Weather for full splashdown coverage of Artemis II.

On Tuesday, Artemis II also shared several never-before-seen images of their trip around the far side of the moon.

The capsule's high altitude trajectory around the moon enabled the crew to capture unique pictures of the lunar far side.

"From the cabin of Integrity, as we surpass the furthest distance that humans have ever traveled from planet Earth, we do so in honoring the extraordinary efforts and feats of our predecessors in human space exploration," the crew said after surpassing the record.

ARTEMIS II'S SAFE RETURN HINGES ON ITS HEAT SHIELD - NASA IS CONFIDENT IT'S FIXED

After breaking the record, the crew took a moment to name a few lunar features, noting they were able to see them with their naked eye.

With limited window space, the team dove into pairs to make observations, taking 90-minute shifts. This included future CLPS landing site, Reiner Gamma, a bright, mysterious swirl, and Glushko, a bright, 27-mile-wide crater known for the white streaks that shoot out from it for up to 500 miles.

NASA PAUSES GATEWAY LUNAR-ORBIT SPACE STATION TO BUILD LUNAR BASE ON THE MOON

NASA said that the crew reported color nuances, which will help enhance scientific understandings of the moon.

The crew also recommended naming a bright spot on the moon — a lunar crater — in honor of Commander Reid Wiseman's late wife, Carroll.

NASA lost contact with the Orion capsule for roughly 40 minutes around 6:45 p.m., as Earth disappeared completely behind the moon in a rapid "Earthset" and "Earthrise" phenomenon for the team.

This also marked Artemis II's closest distance to the moon, 4,070 miles, and when the capsule used the moon's gravity to "slingshot" into its return course toward home.

The crew also experienced a unique hour-long solar eclipse as the capsule, the moon and the sun aligned.

After the lunar observation period concluded Monday night, the Artemis II crew was congratulated by President Trump in a live conversation aired by NASA and spoke with NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman.

Late Sunday night, the crew caught a historic first glimpse of the Orientale basin, on the moon's most extreme western side and is nearly impossible to see from Earth.

"This mission marks the first time the entire basin has been seen with human eyes," NASA said on X.

ARTEMIS II BEGINS FIRST FULL DAY IN SPACE, PERFORMING CRITICAL SYSTEM CHECKS, MANEUVERS ON HISTORIC MISSION

Throughout the weekend, the crew made final steering nudges to ensure Orion entered the correct orbital slot, guaranteeing the spacecraft would be able to "whip around" the moon.

In preparation for Monday’s flyby, the crew exercised, practiced medical response procedures and tested the spacecraft’s emergency communications system in deep space, NASA said.

The crew spoke to Trace Gallagher, the host of FOX News @ Night, late last Thursday, and was eager to thank their families for their support for the first time since launching.

Commander Wiseman highlighted the incredible achievement of the American space program.

EVERYDAY INNOVATIONS BORN FROM SPACE TRAVEL

"This is unbelievable, that we can put our minds to something and pull it off," Wiseman said.

NASA released the first high-resolution images of Earth from the Orion spacecraft last Friday. These pictures of the African continent were actually taken at night.

Mission Specialist Koch explained how the crew was getting adjusted to living in space, telling Gallagher that she was very comfortable sleeping upside down in zero gravity.

The historic flight launched last Wednesday at 6:35:12 p.m. ET from the Kennedy Space Center.

A few hours before the mission's launch window opened, the mission very briefly entered a "No-Go" range, while they addressed a glitch with the Flight Termination System.

After roughly 45 minutes, the mission returned to "Go" and things continued as planned.

FOX Weather Correspondent Brandy Campbell covered the launch live, describing the atmosphere during the launch as "electric."

The crew is set to splash down Friday afternoon in the Pacific Ocean just after 5 p.m.

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According to NASA, in order to safely land, winds need to be less than 29 mph and there needs to be no rain within 35 miles, with less than 6-foot waves, to ensure a safe recovery of the crew.

Currently, a cold front could bring storms to the splashdown zone during the expected landing period. Be sure to watch FOX Weather for full Artemis coverage.

This mission serves as a critical test for the Orion spacecraft and a key building block of the Artemis program, which hopes to establish a long-term lunar base by 2030.

Everyday innovations born from space travel

Sun, 05 Apr 2026 06:21:58 -0400

What do we gain from space travel? The answer isn’t just out there. It’s all around us.

Many of the tools and technologies we take for granted every day can be directly traced to humanity's quest to reach space.

In its conquest for space travel, humanity has obtained more than satellites and science: the engineering behind the complex challenges achieved to make life possible in space has since lead to inventions of items that have become indispensable in everyday life.

ARTEMIS II BRINGS PIECES OF THE PAST ON ITS HISTORIC DEEP SPACE VOYAGE

From memory foam to portable computers, space exploration has sparked a wide range of innovations, including scratch-resistant lenses, CAT scanners, LEDs, ear thermometers and more.

Humanity's conquest of spaceflight has pushed the limits of what had been previously thought possible – paving the way for innovation that continues to be essential in everyday life.

The solutions to the extreme engineering challenges behind spaceflight eventually trickled down to consumer markets, onto the store shelves and into households across the world.

The origin of the water filtration system, hand-held vacuum and home insulation material can all be traced back to space travel.

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In the 1960s, NASA developed an electrolytic silver iodizer to purify drinking water for astronauts – the same technology now widely used to kill bacteria in recreational pools.

When NASA pushed the boundaries and set their target on the moon, they approached Black and Decker to develop a lightweight device to collect samples on the moon, which would be commercially released as the Dustbuster in 1979.

TIMELINE: A DAY-BY-DAY GUIDE TO THE 10-DAY ARTEMIS II MISSION TO BRING HUMANITY BACK TO THE MOON

In order to combat the severe temperatures in space, NASA developed insulation from aluminized polyester that is now used in most home insulation.

Space travel is responsible for pushing technological barriers previously thought impossible.

The GRiD Compass, one of the first portable laptops, was developed in 1982 to serve as a single point of contact on space missions. From its creation, the laptop's new software would go on to become popular in the commercial markets.

In the 1960s, a NASA researcher was trying to make computers more interactive, becoming a catalyst for the invention of the computer mouse.

NASA'S ARTEMIS PROGRAM: PAVING THE WAY FOR HUMANKIND'S RETURN TO THE MOON AND BEYOND

Renowned for advancing communications technology, NASA developed wireless headsets to abandon the burden wires posed to the astronauts.

In the 1990s, a team at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory worked to create cameras small enough to fit on a spacecraft with scientific quality – the same technology found in ⅓ of camera phones today.

MEET THE ASTRONAUTS PREPARING FOR HUMANITY’S RETURN TO THE MOON ON THE ARTEMIS II MISSION

The crew of four astronauts on the historic Artemis II mission were equipped with brand-new iPhones, which, among other things, will be used to capture photos.

As NASA and its affiliated space programs pursued what once seemed impossible, they drove innovations that continue to shape the world today—often in unexpected ways. Few could have predicted that inventions like scratch-resistant lenses, athletic shoes and artificial limbs would trace their origins back to the space program.

While researching protective coatings for aerospace applications, the Lewis Research Center developed and patented a process that was later adapted for scratch-resistant lenses.

WATCH: ARTEMIS II LIFTS OFF FROM KENNEDY SPACE CENTER

Even your shoes could be a product of space travel. A former NASA engineer first pitched the idea of Nike Air trainers, which likely wouldn't exist if it weren't for suit construction technology developed by NASA.

NASA's innovations in shock-absorbing materials coupled with robotic and extravehicular activities are being adapted to create more functionally dynamic artificial limbs.

The demands of spaceflight have also driven innovations like CAT scans, mine-detection technology and rescue tools for damaged vehicles.

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The need for a good digital image is essential in a space program, which in turn helped create CAT scanners and radiography.

NASA's surplus rocket fuel is used to produce a flare that can safely destroy landmines by burning a hole through the mine without detonating it.

The jaws of life, an extraction tool used to free people from mangled vehicles, applies a miniature version of the explosive charge used to separate devices on the space shuttles.

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Few realize just how far space-derived technology reaches, shaping industries from sports footwear and home insulation to medical imaging, all driven by the challenges and aspiration of sending humans into space.

See it: Calf rescued from a cave by first responders in Tennessee

Sat, 04 Apr 2026 14:24:18 -0400

When a calf fell into a cave on Thursday, Lawrence County Fire and Rescue in Tennessee were called to help save the animal.

Lawrence County Fire and Rescue said they were dispatched to save a baby cow that had fallen into a cave.

They worked closely with members of the community to rescue the animal.

They assessed if the air in the cave was safe to enter, then built a rope system to lower first responders down into the cave.

NEW JERSEY STATE TROOPERS RESCUED A BABY BEAR ABANDONED IN A ROADSIDE DITCH

Once in the cave, first responders made sure the cow wasn't hurt, and prepared it to be pulled out.

Those on the ground created a haul system to hoist the cow out of the hole.

LARGEST MALE WHITE SHARK CONTENDER’S LATEST PING OFFERS FRESH INSIGHT INTO SHARK BEHAVIOR

Video shows the little red calf being pulled from the cave with a harness around it and its feet tied so it couldn't fall or hurt itself before being pulled out.

It was set on the ground while crews worked to unharness it.

Another video showed the little cow standing up, looking around at all the people and trucks surrounding it, before running off into the field.

Lawrence County Fire and Rescue posted an update on Facebook on Friday saying after much outreach from people online, they called the farmer to check on the calf and determine its status.

VIDEO: BRAVE FIREFIGHTERS RESCUE FAMILY DOG IN DESTRUCTIVE HOUSE FIRE IN LOUISIANA

They said the calf was in good shape and unaffected by the incident.

Lawrence County Fire and Rescue commended the community for its assistance with the ordeal.

Largest male white shark Contender’s latest ping offers fresh insight into shark behavior

Sat, 04 Apr 2026 13:05:23 -0400

The latest location pings from Contender, the largest adult male white shark tagged in the Atlantic, are helping scientists to understand possible reasons for shark migration patterns.

OCEARCH tagged Contender in January 2025 off the Florida/Georgia coast.

Since then, his location has been marked by satellite pings as he moves and migrates during the year.

GREAT WHITE SHARK BELLA PINGS OFF LOUISIANA COAST IN POSSIBLE 'NEW SHARK HOTSPOT'

On Wednesday, April 1, Contender was pinged past the Gulf Stream deep off the coast of Georgia.

OCEARCH scientists said his recent movements from near the coast of Florida to rapidly moving out into deeper waters could be a sign of breeding.

"This sudden movement could be to forage in deeper waters, but we cannot rule out the possibility that it’s related to reproduction at this time of year," said OCEARCH Senior Data Scientist John Tyminski.

OCEARCH said these trends are common among mature male white sharks like Contender and Breton.

MASSIVE 1,400-POUND GREAT WHITE SHARK ‘BRETON’ PINGS NEAR UNCHARTED WATERS OFF TURKS AND CAICOS

Since his tag on Wednesday, Contender has moved back closer to the Georgia coast, still in deeper waters, but just on the edge of the Gulf Stream.

Clocking in at nearly 14 feet long and roughly 1,650 pounds at the time of his tagging, Contender is OCEARCH's largest male white shark ever tagged in the Atlantic.

HIGHEST NUMBER OF NORTH ATLANTIC RIGHT WHALE CALVES RECORDED IN 17 YEARS

His movements have taken him all around the East Coast of the U.S., and up into Canada.

OCEARCH is a global nonprofit organization dedicated to researching and protecting sharks, whales, sea turtles and other ocean life, tagging these animals to track and study their migration habits and behaviors from afar.

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To keep up with Contender and his movements, as well as monitor hundreds of other sharks and ocean animals, check out OCEARCH's free global shark tracker app.

Artemis II mission: Orion spacecraft to line up for moon flyby on Monday

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 12:31:11 -0400

The crew onboard NASA's Artemis II mission is hurtling toward the moon and is expected to begin its historic flyby on Monday.

As of Sunday morning, they were more than two-thirds of the way there, preparing to be captured by lunar gravity, the "moon's influence," late Sunday night before beginning Monday's historic flyby.

See the complete day-by-day guide for the Artemis II mission below:

TIMELINE: A DAY-BY-DAY GUIDE TO THE 10-DAY ARTEMIS II MISSION TO BRING HUMANITY BACK TO THE MOON

Artemis II marks humanity's first return to the moon in 50 years and will travel to the lunar far side — farther than any crewed spacecraft has gone before.

This mission serves as a critical test for the Orion spacecraft and a key building block of the Artemis program, which hopes to establish a long-term lunar base by 2030.

NASA PAUSES GATEWAY LUNAR-ORBIT SPACE STATION TO BUILD LUNAR BASE ON THE MOON

Late last night, the crew caught a historic first glimpse of the Orientale basin.

"This mission marks the first time the entire basin has been seen with human eyes," NASA said on X.

ARTEMIS II BEGINS FIRST FULL DAY IN SPACE, PERFORMING CRITICAL SYSTEM CHECKS, MANEUVERS ON HISTORIC MISSION

After breaking free from Earth's orbit Thursday, the four-person crew coasted through the void of space on a direct course to the moon, having completed pre-planned, precise course corrections early Friday, with NASA announcing the crew was more than halfway to the moon and officially closer to it than Earth.

Throughout the weekend, the crew made final steering nudges to ensure Orion entered the correct orbital slot, guaranteeing the spacecraft would be able to "whip around" the moon.

As they prepared for Monday’s lunar flyby, the crew exercised, practiced medical response procedures and tested the spacecraft’s emergency communications system in deep space, NASA said.

MEET THE ASTRONAUTS PREPARING FOR HUMANITY’S RETURN TO THE MOON ON THE ARTEMIS II MISSION

Orion is expected to enter the lunar gravitational sphere of influence — where the moon's gravity is stronger than Earth's — in preparation for Monday's flyby when they will reach maximum distance from home.

Along the way, the crew members — Commander Reid Wiseman, pilot Victor Glover and specialists Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen — practiced zero-gravity CPR and other emergency procedures.

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The crew also tested a special exercise device onboard to determine if it significantly impacted Orion's flight path. At the same time, engineers continued to monitor the spacecraft’s life support system, which maintained a comfortable cabin environment during the heavy physical exertion.

The crew spoke to Trace Gallagher, the host of FOX News @ Night, late Thursday, and was eager to thank their families for their support for the first time since launching.

Commander Wiseman highlighted the incredible achievement of the American space program.

"This is unbelievable, that we can put our minds to something and pull it off," Wiseman said.

EVERYDAY INNOVATIONS BORN FROM SPACE TRAVEL

Mission Specialist Koch explained how the crew was getting adjusted to living in space, telling Gallagher that she was very comfortable sleeping upside down in zero gravity.

NASA released the first high-resolution images of Earth from the Orion spacecraft on Friday. These pictures of the African continent were actually taken at night.

The historic flight launched Wednesday at 6:35:12 p.m. ET from the Kennedy Space Center.

A few hours before the mission's launch window opened, the mission very briefly entered a "No-Go" range, while they addressed a glitch with the Flight Termination System.

After roughly 45 minutes, the mission returned to "Go" and things continued as planned.

FOX Weather Correspondent Brandy Campbell covered the launch live, describing the atmosphere during the launch as "electric."

Mission control in Houston reported Friday that the Orion spacecraft is performing excellently.

ARTEMIS II BRINGS PIECES OF THE PAST ON ITS HISTORIC DEEP SPACE VOYAGE

After whipping around the moon Monday, the crew will begin the voyage home, set to splash down next Friday afternoon in the Pacific Ocean.

New Jersey State troopers rescued a baby bear abandoned in a roadside ditch

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 08:01:48 -0400

New Jersey State Police officers rescued an abandoned bear cub along the highway on Wednesday.

Troopers from Troop "B" Perryville Station received an unusual call around 1:37 pm about a lone cub spotted in a roadside ditch on Interstate 78.

HIGHEST NUMBER OF NORTH ATLANTIC RIGHT WHALE CALVES RECORDED IN 17 YEARS

According to the New Jersey State Police Facebook post, the bear was found on the East side of I-78 near milepost 12.2 in Union Township.

When troopers arrived at the scene, they found the small cub by itself and in need of assistance.

Authorities safely secured the animal and transported it back to the station. The baby bear was then turned over to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) for proper care.

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"Thanks to the swift response of the troopers, the cub is now safe and receiving the attention he needs," the New Jersey State Police said.

On Tuesday, the NJDEP issued a reminder to residents to start to take preventative measures as more bears begin to emerge from hibernation.

In the past, black bears have been seen wandering into neighborhoods foraging for food.

GREAT WHITE SHARK BELLA PINGS OFF LOUISIANA COAST IN POSSIBLE 'NEW SHARK HOTSPOT'

According to NJDEP, black bears have been sighted in all of New Jersey’s 21 counties. However, most of New Jersey’s black bears live in the northwest portion of the state.

"We’ve had a long winter, and black bears are emerging from their dens and searching for food," said NJDEP Fish & Wildlife Assistant Commissioner Dave Golden. "It’s very important that residents reduce the potential for encounters by removing trash and other potential food sources as the smell can draw them into neighborhoods."