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Why coffee tastes bitter, according to molecular biology
Regular coffee drinkers know there is a big difference between a brew’s aroma and its taste. A cup may smell warm and full-bodied only to leave you with a lingering bitterness behind the first sip. Researchers have long known a coffee’s potentially acrid flavor profile is dictated at a molecular level thanks to your tongue’s taste receptors, but how that occurs has remained a mystery. Now, a team at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has the answer thanks to precise imaging technology—and their findings may have much wider ramifications beyond the coffee pot.
The details were published in the journal Nature Structure & Molecular Biology, and focuses on TAS2R43, one of our 26 different bitter taste receptors. These mechanisms are expressed throughout the human body, and likely evolved to guard the species against toxic substances as well as helping regulate our metabolisms.
“Bitter taste receptors are thought to be important for detecting toxins, pathogens, and harmful bacteria in the airways, gut, skin, and organs, initiating immune responses, clearing pathogens, regulating immune cells, influencing hormone secretion, and aiding digestion,” explained study co-author and molecular biologist Bryan Roth.
Scientists first determined the microscopic structure of TAS2R43 a few years ago, but until Roth’s team, no one had analyzed how it responds to bitter compounds. To accomplish this, researchers relied on a technique called cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM). This method involves flash-freezing biological molecules, then employing electrons to generate highly detailed 3D images of their overall shape. Roth and his colleagues recorded how TAS2R43 receptors responded to coffee’s bitter elements including caffeine and mozambioside, then compared those to the reaction of other receptors.
“In this work, we solved the structures of TAS2R43 bound to bitter compounds and showed, in molecular detail, how this receptor detects bitter molecules,” said molecular biologist and study co-author Yoojoong Kim.
Researchers now have a molecular framework for creating future compounds that intentionally control how someone experiences bitterness in drugs or foods. Aside from finally understanding how taste receptors like TAS2R43 physically respond to bitter molecules, the discoveries could also help develop new medical treatments.
“In the long term, this could help guide the development of new therapeutic strategies for diseases involving airway defense, gut function, inflammation, or host responses to microbes,” Kim added.
The post Why coffee tastes bitter, according to molecular biology appeared first on Popular Science.
Why coffee tastes bitter, according to molecular biology
Regular coffee drinkers know there is a big difference between a brew’s aroma and its taste. A cup may smell warm and full-bodied only to leave you with a lingering bitterness behind the first sip. Researchers have long known a coffee’s potentially acrid flavor profile is dictated at a molecular level thanks to your tongue’s taste receptors, but how that occurs has remained a mystery. Now, a team at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has the answer thanks to precise imaging technology—and their findings may have much wider ramifications beyond the coffee pot.
The details were published in the journal Nature Structure & Molecular Biology, and focuses on TAS2R43, one of our 26 different bitter taste receptors. These mechanisms are expressed throughout the human body, and likely evolved to guard the species against toxic substances as well as helping regulate our metabolisms.
“Bitter taste receptors are thought to be important for detecting toxins, pathogens, and harmful bacteria in the airways, gut, skin, and organs, initiating immune responses, clearing pathogens, regulating immune cells, influencing hormone secretion, and aiding digestion,” explained study co-author and molecular biologist Bryan Roth.
Scientists first determined the microscopic structure of TAS2R43 a few years ago, but until Roth’s team, no one had analyzed how it responds to bitter compounds. To accomplish this, researchers relied on a technique called cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM). This method involves flash-freezing biological molecules, then employing electrons to generate highly detailed 3D images of their overall shape. Roth and his colleagues recorded how TAS2R43 receptors responded to coffee’s bitter elements including caffeine and mozambioside, then compared those to the reaction of other receptors.
“In this work, we solved the structures of TAS2R43 bound to bitter compounds and showed, in molecular detail, how this receptor detects bitter molecules,” said molecular biologist and study co-author Yoojoong Kim.
Researchers now have a molecular framework for creating future compounds that intentionally control how someone experiences bitterness in drugs or foods. Aside from finally understanding how taste receptors like TAS2R43 physically respond to bitter molecules, the discoveries could also help develop new medical treatments.
“In the long term, this could help guide the development of new therapeutic strategies for diseases involving airway defense, gut function, inflammation, or host responses to microbes,” Kim added.
The post Why coffee tastes bitter, according to molecular biology appeared first on Popular Science.
Why coffee tastes bitter, according to molecular biology
Regular coffee drinkers know there is a big difference between a brew’s aroma and its taste. A cup may smell warm and full-bodied only to leave you with a lingering bitterness behind the first sip. Researchers have long known a coffee’s potentially acrid flavor profile is dictated at a molecular level thanks to your tongue’s taste receptors, but how that occurs has remained a mystery. Now, a team at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has the answer thanks to precise imaging technology—and their findings may have much wider ramifications beyond the coffee pot.
The details were published in the journal Nature Structure & Molecular Biology, and focuses on TAS2R43, one of our 26 different bitter taste receptors. These mechanisms are expressed throughout the human body, and likely evolved to guard the species against toxic substances as well as helping regulate our metabolisms.
“Bitter taste receptors are thought to be important for detecting toxins, pathogens, and harmful bacteria in the airways, gut, skin, and organs, initiating immune responses, clearing pathogens, regulating immune cells, influencing hormone secretion, and aiding digestion,” explained study co-author and molecular biologist Bryan Roth.
Scientists first determined the microscopic structure of TAS2R43 a few years ago, but until Roth’s team, no one had analyzed how it responds to bitter compounds. To accomplish this, researchers relied on a technique called cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM). This method involves flash-freezing biological molecules, then employing electrons to generate highly detailed 3D images of their overall shape. Roth and his colleagues recorded how TAS2R43 receptors responded to coffee’s bitter elements including caffeine and mozambioside, then compared those to the reaction of other receptors.
“In this work, we solved the structures of TAS2R43 bound to bitter compounds and showed, in molecular detail, how this receptor detects bitter molecules,” said molecular biologist and study co-author Yoojoong Kim.
Researchers now have a molecular framework for creating future compounds that intentionally control how someone experiences bitterness in drugs or foods. Aside from finally understanding how taste receptors like TAS2R43 physically respond to bitter molecules, the discoveries could also help develop new medical treatments.
“In the long term, this could help guide the development of new therapeutic strategies for diseases involving airway defense, gut function, inflammation, or host responses to microbes,” Kim added.
The post Why coffee tastes bitter, according to molecular biology appeared first on Popular Science.
SpaceX Starship Flight 12 Successful Wet Rehearsal
Meet Sam Houston, the new baby Asian elephant
On April 1, Texas’ Fort Worth Zoo welcomed a 285-pound baby into the world. It wasn’t an April Fool’s joke—the newborn was a healthy male Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) calf, and he represents the newest member of a four-generation Fort Worth elephant family.
Elephants are currently the largest terrestrial animals on earth, and they consist of three species: the Asian elephant, African savannah elephant (Loxodonta africana), and African forest elephant (Loxodonta cyclotis). Asian elephants are a bit smaller than the other two species. On average, they weigh between 6,000 and 12,000 pounds and usually are six to 12 feet tall at the shoulder. Today they exist in limited areas in India and Southeast Asia, and they are classified as endangered in the IUCN Red List, with a decreasing population.
Fort Worth Zoo’s calf is 36 inches tall and is the offspring of father Romeo and mother Bluebell, whose prenatal care included weekly blood tests, regular physical examinations, and sonograms. He has one full sibling, Travis, and two half-siblings, Lady Bird and Brazos.
Keeping with the Texas-theme naming tradition, the new calf has been dubbed Sam Houston after the politician of the same name. Houston who was a veteran of the War of 1812 and an important figure in the Texas Revolution (1834–1836). He also played a significant role in helping Texas become part of the United States. While the historic figure’s first name was Sam (Samuel), and last name was Houston, it’s a double name for the young elephant.
“Given his remarkable size – the largest calf in Zoo history – it felt only fitting to honor one of Texas’ most iconic figures, Sam Houston,” according to a statement. “Like his namesake, the Zoo’s Sam Houston (yes, it’s a double name) represents strength, and a lasting legacy, joining a four-generation elephant family that reflects the rich heritage and enduring spirit of Texas.”
Lady Bird (left) with her new baby Sam Houston (right). Image: Fort Worth Zoo.Sam Houston got down to business right after birth. He was on his feet within six minutes of popping out, steering his trunk competently almost right away, and nursing within an hour. Sam Houston made his public debut May 7th after spending weeks bonding with his mother and becoming familiar with his environment—including being near other members of the herd—away from prying eyes. However, zoo visitors can only see Sam Houston from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., because afternoon naps are imperative to the baby’s wellbeing and development.
“Asian elephants are endangered, with fewer than 40,000 individuals remaining in the wild, and their populations continue to decline,” Ramona Bass, chairman of the Fort Worth Zoo Board of Directors, said in the statement. “Each birth is a step forward, reflecting decades of dedicated care and specialized expertise. As part of the natural world, we play a critical role in their future – and through continued research and innovation, including the Zoo’s CARES Lab, we’re helping ensure Asian elephants thrive for generations to come, right here in Fort Worth, Texas.”
The post Meet Sam Houston, the new baby Asian elephant appeared first on Popular Science.
Meet Sam Houston, the new baby Asian elephant
On April 1, Texas’ Fort Worth Zoo welcomed a 285-pound baby into the world. It wasn’t an April Fool’s joke—the newborn was a healthy male Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) calf, and he represents the newest member of a four-generation Fort Worth elephant family.
Elephants are currently the largest terrestrial animals on earth, and they consist of three species: the Asian elephant, African savannah elephant (Loxodonta africana), and African forest elephant (Loxodonta cyclotis). Asian elephants are a bit smaller than the other two species. On average, they weigh between 6,000 and 12,000 pounds and usually are six to 12 feet tall at the shoulder. Today they exist in limited areas in India and Southeast Asia, and they are classified as endangered in the IUCN Red List, with a decreasing population.
Fort Worth Zoo’s calf is 36 inches tall and is the offspring of father Romeo and mother Bluebell, whose prenatal care included weekly blood tests, regular physical examinations, and sonograms. He has one full sibling, Travis, and two half-siblings, Lady Bird and Brazos.
Keeping with the Texas-theme naming tradition, the new calf has been dubbed Sam Houston after the politician of the same name. Houston who was a veteran of the War of 1812 and an important figure in the Texas Revolution (1834–1836). He also played a significant role in helping Texas become part of the United States. While the historic figure’s first name was Sam (Samuel), and last name was Houston, it’s a double name for the young elephant.
“Given his remarkable size – the largest calf in Zoo history – it felt only fitting to honor one of Texas’ most iconic figures, Sam Houston,” according to a statement. “Like his namesake, the Zoo’s Sam Houston (yes, it’s a double name) represents strength, and a lasting legacy, joining a four-generation elephant family that reflects the rich heritage and enduring spirit of Texas.”
Lady Bird (left) with her new baby Sam Houston (right). Image: Fort Worth Zoo.Sam Houston got down to business right after birth. He was on his feet within six minutes of popping out, steering his trunk competently almost right away, and nursing within an hour. Sam Houston made his public debut May 7th after spending weeks bonding with his mother and becoming familiar with his environment—including being near other members of the herd—away from prying eyes. However, zoo visitors can only see Sam Houston from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., because afternoon naps are imperative to the baby’s wellbeing and development.
“Asian elephants are endangered, with fewer than 40,000 individuals remaining in the wild, and their populations continue to decline,” Ramona Bass, chairman of the Fort Worth Zoo Board of Directors, said in the statement. “Each birth is a step forward, reflecting decades of dedicated care and specialized expertise. As part of the natural world, we play a critical role in their future – and through continued research and innovation, including the Zoo’s CARES Lab, we’re helping ensure Asian elephants thrive for generations to come, right here in Fort Worth, Texas.”
The post Meet Sam Houston, the new baby Asian elephant appeared first on Popular Science.
Meet Sam Houston, the new baby Asian elephant
On April 1, Texas’ Fort Worth Zoo welcomed a 285-pound baby into the world. It wasn’t an April Fool’s joke—the newborn was a healthy male Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) calf, and he represents the newest member of a four-generation Fort Worth elephant family.
Elephants are currently the largest terrestrial animals on earth, and they consist of three species: the Asian elephant, African savannah elephant (Loxodonta africana), and African forest elephant (Loxodonta cyclotis). Asian elephants are a bit smaller than the other two species. On average, they weigh between 6,000 and 12,000 pounds and usually are six to 12 feet tall at the shoulder. Today they exist in limited areas in India and Southeast Asia, and they are classified as endangered in the IUCN Red List, with a decreasing population.
Fort Worth Zoo’s calf is 36 inches tall and is the offspring of father Romeo and mother Bluebell, whose prenatal care included weekly blood tests, regular physical examinations, and sonograms. He has one full sibling, Travis, and two half-siblings, Lady Bird and Brazos.
Keeping with the Texas-theme naming tradition, the new calf has been dubbed Sam Houston after the politician of the same name. Houston who was a veteran of the War of 1812 and an important figure in the Texas Revolution (1834–1836). He also played a significant role in helping Texas become part of the United States. While the historic figure’s first name was Sam (Samuel), and last name was Houston, it’s a double name for the young elephant.
“Given his remarkable size – the largest calf in Zoo history – it felt only fitting to honor one of Texas’ most iconic figures, Sam Houston,” according to a statement. “Like his namesake, the Zoo’s Sam Houston (yes, it’s a double name) represents strength, and a lasting legacy, joining a four-generation elephant family that reflects the rich heritage and enduring spirit of Texas.”
Lady Bird (left) with her new baby Sam Houston (right). Image: Fort Worth Zoo.Sam Houston got down to business right after birth. He was on his feet within six minutes of popping out, steering his trunk competently almost right away, and nursing within an hour. Sam Houston made his public debut May 7th after spending weeks bonding with his mother and becoming familiar with his environment—including being near other members of the herd—away from prying eyes. However, zoo visitors can only see Sam Houston from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., because afternoon naps are imperative to the baby’s wellbeing and development.
“Asian elephants are endangered, with fewer than 40,000 individuals remaining in the wild, and their populations continue to decline,” Ramona Bass, chairman of the Fort Worth Zoo Board of Directors, said in the statement. “Each birth is a step forward, reflecting decades of dedicated care and specialized expertise. As part of the natural world, we play a critical role in their future – and through continued research and innovation, including the Zoo’s CARES Lab, we’re helping ensure Asian elephants thrive for generations to come, right here in Fort Worth, Texas.”
The post Meet Sam Houston, the new baby Asian elephant appeared first on Popular Science.
Leopard moms hide babies in sugarcane fields to go hunting
Leopards (Panthera pardus) in India are doing pretty well, all things considered. According to a report published in 2024, experts estimate their population in the country at a range of 12,616 to 15,132 individuals, which wildlife biologist Thomas Sharp calls “a healthy number.”
Part of their success could be due to the fact that leopards are enduring in areas close to human settlements where their bigger feline relatives, like tigers or lions, simply can’t—partly thanks to their secretive nature and the fact that they subsist on smaller prey.
“This is a good thing in many ways, with the way the world’s been changing and habitat degradation and everything else,” Sharp, who is the director of conservation and research at the organization Wildlife SOS tells Popular Science. “It’s a good thing that they can hang on in some of these areas. But there’s always a tradeoff, and the negative is they get involved in a lot of human-leopard conflict.”
Unsurprisingly, this sort of conflict is usually to the detriment of the leopard. The big cats rarely attack humans, and when they do, the animal is usually acting defensively, Sharp explains. Leopards will more frequently prey on small animals, such as goats or dogs.
Rescue teams will check the cub’s health as quickly as possible before leaving them near where they were found. Image: Wildlife SOS.However, areas in India are now seeing more and more cases of a much more cute encounter: leopard cubs hanging out in sugarcane. The dynamic sounds relatively simple. Humans replace leopard habitat with thick sugarcane fields, and so leopards take the change in stride and start to live—and make babies—in the new flora.
With this new dynamic, humans may come across leopard cubs on their own while the mother is off hunting. The discovery could consist of a passerby hearing their meowing, or a farmer finding them as they harvest their crop. Often the well-intentioned individual will think the cubs are abandoned and move them, “or even take them home because they are so cute and willing to play with humans,” Sharp says.
This might sometimes be necessary for their own safety, so they don’t get injured by harvesting machinery. But the removal separates the cubs from their mother.
“A big part of what Wildlife SOS does in these areas is to make sure people know that, if possible, the cubs should be left where they are found,” Sharp explains. “Their mother’s likely going to come back for them within a few hours.”
If the cubs are moved, Wildlife SOS sends a rescue team to check on the cub’s health and then send them back to their mother as fast as possible. Not only do cubs belong with their mothers, but some evidence indicates that a leopard mother can become more aggressive while looking for her babies, so it’s also in the best interest of nearby humans, according to Sharp.
A female leopard reunited with her cub. Image: Wildlife SOS.Akash Dolas
To make the reunion happen, Wildlife SOS will put the leopard cub or cubs in a box where they were found, or as close to that location as possible. The box has holes so that the leopard mother can hear and smell them, and it protects the cubs from other predators while also keeping them from wandering off. When the mother finds them, she’ll usually knock the box over, and then carry her one or more babies somewhere else.
The organization sets up camera traps to keep an eye on the dynamic, making sure that the family is indeed reunited. To date, they have returned 112 cubs back to 73 mothers, and the five cubs that couldn’t be reunited live at the Wildlife SOS leopard rescue center.
The post Leopard moms hide babies in sugarcane fields to go hunting appeared first on Popular Science.
Leopard moms hide babies in sugarcane fields to go hunting
Leopards (Panthera pardus) in India are doing pretty well, all things considered. According to a report published in 2024, experts estimate their population in the country at a range of 12,616 to 15,132 individuals, which wildlife biologist Thomas Sharp calls “a healthy number.”
Part of their success could be due to the fact that leopards are enduring in areas close to human settlements where their bigger feline relatives, like tigers or lions, simply can’t—partly thanks to their secretive nature and the fact that they subsist on smaller prey.
“This is a good thing in many ways, with the way the world’s been changing and habitat degradation and everything else,” Sharp, who is the director of conservation and research at the organization Wildlife SOS tells Popular Science. “It’s a good thing that they can hang on in some of these areas. But there’s always a tradeoff, and the negative is they get involved in a lot of human-leopard conflict.”
Unsurprisingly, this sort of conflict is usually to the detriment of the leopard. The big cats rarely attack humans, and when they do, the animal is usually acting defensively, Sharp explains. Leopards will more frequently prey on small animals, such as goats or dogs.
Rescue teams will check the cub’s health as quickly as possible before leaving them near where they were found. Image: Wildlife SOS.However, areas in India are now seeing more and more cases of a much more cute encounter: leopard cubs hanging out in sugarcane. The dynamic sounds relatively simple. Humans replace leopard habitat with thick sugarcane fields, and so leopards take the change in stride and start to live—and make babies—in the new flora.
With this new dynamic, humans may come across leopard cubs on their own while the mother is off hunting. The discovery could consist of a passerby hearing their meowing, or a farmer finding them as they harvest their crop. Often the well-intentioned individual will think the cubs are abandoned and move them, “or even take them home because they are so cute and willing to play with humans,” Sharp says.
This might sometimes be necessary for their own safety, so they don’t get injured by harvesting machinery. But the removal separates the cubs from their mother.
“A big part of what Wildlife SOS does in these areas is to make sure people know that, if possible, the cubs should be left where they are found,” Sharp explains. “Their mother’s likely going to come back for them within a few hours.”
If the cubs are moved, Wildlife SOS sends a rescue team to check on the cub’s health and then send them back to their mother as fast as possible. Not only do cubs belong with their mothers, but some evidence indicates that a leopard mother can become more aggressive while looking for her babies, so it’s also in the best interest of nearby humans, according to Sharp.
A female leopard reunited with her cub. Image: Wildlife SOS.Akash Dolas
To make the reunion happen, Wildlife SOS will put the leopard cub or cubs in a box where they were found, or as close to that location as possible. The box has holes so that the leopard mother can hear and smell them, and it protects the cubs from other predators while also keeping them from wandering off. When the mother finds them, she’ll usually knock the box over, and then carry her one or more babies somewhere else.
The organization sets up camera traps to keep an eye on the dynamic, making sure that the family is indeed reunited. To date, they have returned 112 cubs back to 73 mothers, and the five cubs that couldn’t be reunited live at the Wildlife SOS leopard rescue center.
The post Leopard moms hide babies in sugarcane fields to go hunting appeared first on Popular Science.
Test your dog or cat’s IQ using these simple tricks
If you’ve spent any time on TikTok lately, you’ve probably seen the smart dog wall test. Someone scoops up their dog (or cat!), carries them face-first toward a wall, and the internet decides whether the pet is smart or not based on whether it sticks its paw out.
A five-second intelligence test you can do in your living room sounds cool. The problem, according to the researchers who actually study animal cognition, is that it doesn’t measure intelligence at all.
It’s a reflex, not a sign of intelligenceDr. Murat Sırrı Akosman, a veterinary medicine professor at Afyon Kocatepe University in Turkey, recently published a letter in The Journal of Small Animal Practice calling out the TikTok trend for creating confusion.
Experts agree: Don’t do this viral TikTok trend. Video: Will your dog pass the wall test? See how other pups fared. @USAToday“As veterinary professionals, it is our duty to clarify that this maneuver is not a measure of canine cognition but is, in fact, a fundamental neurological assessment known as the visual and tactile placing test,” Akosman writes.
When your dog reaches out toward the wall, that’s an automatic reflex—like when a doctor taps your knee and your leg jerks forward. Vets use it to check if a dog’s nervous system is working properly, he explains.
If your dog “fails” the test, it may be an early warning sign of serious nervous system issues, says Akosman, and you would do well to book a vet visit. (But don’t panic: If they react on the second or third try, it’s likely that they were distracted to begin with, or you moved too fast and it messed with their sense of balance.)
“The wall test is not a valid measure of a cat or dog’s intelligence,” agrees Dr. Gitanjali (Gita) Gnanadesikan, a postdoctoral fellow at the Social Cognition and Primate Behavior Lab at Emory University.
And while some pet owners see the wall test as a fun trend, pets might not feel the same way. “It’s worth noting that most cats and dogs don’t like being held like this!” Gnanadesikan notes.
“I think the wall test is a very ill-advised and potentially harmful way of treating an animal,” says Dr. Juliane Kaminski, director of the Dog Cognition Centre at the University of Portsmouth. “I would never encourage dog owners (or any pet owner) to do that to their pet.”
Don’t do the wall test on your cats either. Video: Tuxedo Cat Fails Intelligence Test, @ViralHog “It’s not possible to put a single number on intelligence”The idea that you could rate a pet’s intelligence through a single test is flawed, experts say.
“The term intelligence is very broad,” says Dr. Shany Dror, a postdoctoral researcher at the Clever Dog Lab at the University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna. What scientists find more valuable is examining specific cognitive (i.e. thinking) abilities—such as physical problem-solving, spatial navigation, and social awareness—using different tests.
Pets who excel at solving physical problems, like figuring out how to open a door, have very good physical cognition, explains Dror.
Others have very good spatial cognition, which means that they are very good at orienting themselves in space and may, for example, always know how to come back home.
And “some animals have exceptionally good social cognition and can easily interpret social interactions and react accordingly,” Dror says.
Gnanadesikan’s own research shows how pet intelligence is really nuanced. “The dogs who have good memories are not necessarily the dogs who have good problem-solving abilities,” she says.
“Instead of having genius dogs that perform well on everything, we find that some dogs do better at some things and others at others. Which also means that it’s not possible to put a single number on intelligence.”
What to try insteadIf you actually want to learn something about how your dog thinks, there are far better options than the wall test.
Kaminski suggests a simple cup game “that is actually fun for dogs and can at the same time potentially tell you something about your dog’s thought process” works.
Try this simple cup game: Place two identical, non-transparent cups in front of your dog, then hide a treat under one of them while your dog isn’t looking. Once the cups are set, use a pointed finger or a deliberate gaze to signal which cup conceals the food—then let your dog choose. Getting it right depends entirely on them reading you, which is what makes it such a revealing test of social cognition. It also builds impulse control, since they have to hold back and wait for your cue before making a move.
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Another test you can try at home involves placing unequal numbers of treats on two identical plates and seeing how close the quantities need to get before your dog stops reliably picking the larger pile. “Usually dogs are quite good as long as the maximum number of pieces on one tray does not go beyond 15—from then on, it becomes hard,” Kaminski notes.
If your dog seems disengaged, resist the urge to draw conclusions—they might simply lack motivation. “Just like us, they have to be motivated to learn something,” Dror cautions. “If you’re trying to teach your dog something new and they’re not interested in what you have to offer, it’s not them that’s failing the test, it’s you.”
What about cats?Compared to dogs, researchers know far less about the thinking abilities of cats, “because cats are a lot harder to study, which I’m sure surprises absolutely no one,” Gnanadesikan jokes.
But the same principle applies: Cat intelligence is far more nuanced than a number on a scale, she says.
I can personally attest to this. One of my cats doesn’t pick up social cues very well, but he’s an expert at opening doors, including kitchen cupboards—low social cognition, high physical cognition.
In Ask Us Anything, Popular Science answers your most outlandish, mind-burning questions, from the everyday things you’ve always wondered to the bizarre things you never thought to ask. Have something you’ve always wanted to know? Ask us.
Related 'Ask Us Anything' StoriesWhy do dogs tilt their heads? It isn’t just cute.
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Would my dog or cat really eat me if I died alone?
The post Test your dog or cat’s IQ using these simple tricks appeared first on Popular Science.
SpaceXAI Launches HUGELY Profitable New AI Business
Mayflies have crazy, acrobatic sex
Researchers studying copulation in mayflies pulled off a stunt worthy of the naughtiest ancient Greek myths. Just like Hephaestus used an unbreakable net to trap his wife Aphrodite and her lover Ares in the middle of their adulterous act, a team of scientists in Germany deployed a long-handled net to catch mating insects, and then used freezing spray to preserve the moment for study.
And that’s not even the strangest part of the study titled, “When mayflies have an erection: functional morphology of the genitalia in Ecdyonurus.”
Frozen in the actMayflies are a group of strange winged insects with dramatic life cycles. They live as larvae in freshwater for most of their lives. When they finally become adults, they stop eating (their gut closes off and turns into a balloon) and they exist to fulfill a single mission—sex.
Before the Insect Systematics and Diversity study, researchers knew very little about mayfly mating. It’s easy to see why, since the act is fast and it takes place mid-flight, in the air. The team was clearly undeterred in their quest to understand the intimate affairs of much smaller beings.
The team collected Ecdyonurus venosus mayflies in Germany’s Black Forest. There, they used a long-handled net to catch copulating pairs. Unsurprisingly, most of the captured duos split up right away. Those that didn’t, however, would experience the literal meaning of Dolly Parton’s hit song “I Will Always Love You.” The team then shock-froze them with freezing spray and preserved them in ethanol.
Benedict Stocker shock-freezing a copulating pair of mayflies in a net. Image: A. Staniczek / SMNS.The researchers then used synchrotron X-ray microtomography (µCT) at the synchrotron particle accelerator of the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, producing images for a digital 3D model.
“The aim of the present work is to clarify the function of genital interactions during copulation in the mayfly genus Ecdyonurus,” the team wrote in the study, “and to unravel the mechanisms that lead to the change in the penis configuration during mating.”
Yes, you read that right. Their penis changes—and the males sort of have two of them.
A tale of two penisesMayfly sex is of a shockingly acrobatic dynamic. Males swarm over bodies of water to seduce females. When a female introduces herself into the fray, the copulation occurs immediately and in midair. The male attaches onto the female from below, using forelegs to hold onto the bases of her wings, and then bends his abdomen up and over. He also uses specialized genital forceps called claspers to secure his grip. Mating can now take place.
Females have a copulatory pouch that opens towards the back. Males have two separate penis lobes that have spines in between them and claspers on both sides of the “paired penis.” Similarly to the claspers, the spines keep the paired penis in place during mating.
Male (left) and female (right) of the mayfly species Ecdyonurus venosus, body length approx. 1.2 cm. Image: Copyright: A. Staniczek / SMNS.“µCT scans show that the penis changes shape during mating powerful muscles cause[ing] a deformation of the penis shaft, making the penis lobes fold over. At the same time, the penial spines extend and prick into the thin membrane of the female’s copulatory pouch,” per a statement. “This stretches the pouch so that it can receive large amounts of sperm, which are stored in a folded membrane at the front of the copulatory pouch.”
As if mayfly mating wasn’t complicated enough, other males frequently attempt to steal the female, so male mayflies’ sturdy attachment is doubly useful. Once the mating is done, however, the couple doesn’t get to celebrate their achievement for long.
Researchers don’t know if they mate multiple times, but not much time passes before the males die of exhaustion from the swarming flight. The females lay the fertilized eggs in upstream water—and then also die.
The post Mayflies have crazy, acrobatic sex appeared first on Popular Science.
19 breathtaking images from the Milky Way Photographer of the Year 2026 awards
Billions of stars illuminate the Milky Way. Down here on Earth, only about 6,000 stars are visible to the naked eye, but with the right camera, we can see tens of thousands more.
The Milky Way Photographer of the Year awards celebrate the celestial light show, honoring 25 truly awe-inspiring images. This year’s competition received more than 6,500 submissions, the highest number in the project’s history.
“Aoraki Mt Cook”My goal with astrophotography has always been to combine my passion for mountains, adventure, and the landscapes of New Zealand. Capturing the Milky Way arch above Aoraki / Mount Cook, the central peak of the national park, became one of the most demanding challenges I had set for myself. Reaching this location required drawing on my experience as a mountaineer, navigating steep rocky terrain and snow-covered slopes under winter conditions. The route presented constant challenges, including large washouts along the mountainside, unstable snow affected by solar radiation, and the demands of winter camping at altitude. The effort required both physical endurance and careful decision-making throughout the journey. Despite these difficulties, the environment offered extraordinary conditions. As night fell, the Milky Way and zodiacal light appeared with exceptional clarity, enhanced by the cold, stable air at elevation. Being positioned so close to Aoraki added a sense of scale and intensity to the moment, especially as the western arc of the Milky Way moved into alignment above the mountain. With only a brief window to capture the scene, there was little margin for error. This image represents that single opportunity, where preparation, experience, and timing came together to document a moment that felt both challenging and deeply rewarding.
Credit: Owain Scullion / Milky Way Photographer of the Year 2026 Owain Scullion
“Every year, this collection reminds us that photographing the Milky Way is not only about technique or planning,”says Dan Zafra, editor of Capture the Atlas, the organization behind the collection. “It is about curiosity, patience, and the desire to experience the night sky in places where it still feels wild,” “Many of these skies are becoming increasingly rare, and we hope these images inspire people not only to admire them, but also to value and protect them.”
Amongst the 25 selected images are scenes from Paranal, Chile, home to the Very Large Telescope and coastal Florida during the Perseids and Geminids meteor showers.
“Botswana Baobabs by Night”I spent ten days traveling through Botswana, living out of my car and moving through remote desert landscapes in complete isolation, focused entirely on photographing the night sky. This location became the highlight of the trip: a small, ancient island rising from the middle of a vast salt pan. Reaching it, however, was far from straightforward. After struggling to find the route and nearly giving up, I only managed to get there by chance, spotting two Jeeps heading in the opposite direction and deciding to turn around and follow them. After three intense hours navigating the terrain, I finally found myself driving across the open salt pan, leaving a trail of white dust behind. The island itself was covered with baobab trees, scattered in small groups or standing alone, each one offering a striking subject under the night sky. Many were naturally positioned beneath the Milky Way core early in the night, while others lent themselves to different compositions, including star trails. This particular group stood out to me the most. Alone in the darkness, I took my time shaping the scene, using a torch to carefully light-paint the foreground. The final image is a blend of one exposure for the landscape, eleven for the light painting, and a stack of four tracked exposures for the sky, combined to balance detail and atmosphere.
Credit: Stefano Pellegrini / Milky Way Photographer of the Year 2026 Stefano Pellegrini “Caldera Galaxy Panorama”
This panorama was captured at the highest point of the volcanic island of La Palma, a location defined by its unique terrain and exceptional night sky conditions. The lack of ambient light made the process more demanding, requiring extensive focus stacking to achieve sharpness across the entire scene, but it also provided ideal conditions for astrophotography. I chose to create a panoramic composition to include the blooming pink Tajinaste flowers, an endemic species of the island, using them to frame the full arc of the Milky Way’s core. The summit itself forms a vast crater, offering expansive views across the island, often rising above a layer of clouds. Although it was already early summer and nearing the end of the blooming season, I was fortunate to find a few flowers still in good condition and positioned perfectly for the composition I had envisioned. This image represents both careful planning and timing, and I’m especially pleased with the result and honored to have it selected for the Milky Way Photographer of the Year collection.
Credit: Max Terwindt / Milky Way Photographer of the Year 2026 Max Terwindt “Celestial Light Over Sea Cliffs”
The night sky takes on a distinctly different character during this time of year, especially with the arrival of the winter constellations. The tones feel cooler, the air sharper, and Orion rises prominently above the horizon, becoming the centerpiece of the scene. It’s a season that brings a quiet, almost meditative atmosphere to nightscape photography. This image was captured along the sea cliffs near my home in the south of France, a place where the coastline, the stars, and the surrounding silence come together in perfect balance. Having access to such diverse landscapes, from mountains to the sea, all within reach of dark skies, makes moments like this not only possible, but deeply rewarding.
Credit: Anthony Lopez / Milky Way Photographer of the Year 2026 Anthony Lopez “Divinity”
Capturing a setting Milky Way core from this beach had been on my list for a long time, with the starfish-covered reef offering a distinctive and compelling foreground. It’s a notoriously difficult scene to photograph, as access to the reef is only possible during the lowest tides, while the sky must also cooperate with favorable moon and cloud conditions. During my short visit, everything unexpectedly aligned. At first, the conditions seemed uncertain due to strong winds, but I decided to attempt the shot with some company for safety. After assessing the reef, I carefully made my way onto it while others kept watch to ensure I remained safe. The terrain is hazardous, with gaps between the rocks posing a real risk, and the rapidly rising tide added constant pressure throughout the shoot. Despite these challenges, I was able to capture the necessary frames, returning to shore just in time. Due to the changing tide, the upper rows of the sky panorama were photographed from the beach, while the lowest row was captured from the reef to maintain proper alignment and perspective in the final composition.
Credit: Kavan Chay / Milky Way Photographer of the Year 2026 Kavan Chay “Double Milky Way over Monfrague National Park”
I am always drawn to traveling to remarkable natural landscapes to capture their essence through night photography. This image, which represented a significant challenge for me, was taken in Monfragüe National Park during one of the few nights of the year when both the winter and summer Milky Way can be seen in the same sky. The scene does not appear this way to the naked eye. It is a composite that captures the transition of the Milky Way over several hours, combining the winter Milky Way visible after dusk with the summer Milky Way rising before dawn. The following morning, I was able to return to this location with my family, who had accompanied me in the search for this long-envisioned image. Those shared moments, along with the effort behind the capture, make this photograph especially meaningful to me.
Credit: Luis Cajete / Milky Way Photographer of the Year 2026 Luis Cajete “Fireball in Paradise”
This single-exposure image became a reminder to always expect the unexpected in astrophotography. I had not even planned to visit this beach, as the forecast called for clouds and rain throughout the night. The capture was part of a larger day-to-night time-lapse that I began shooting at golden hour, working through biting insects and the intense tropical humidity of Florida. After setting up the sequence, I left the camera running and returned to my vehicle. Several hours later, shortly after midnight, I noticed the ground around me suddenly illuminated by a green glow, prompting me to look up. What followed was the largest meteor I have ever witnessed. It moved slowly across the Milky Way for nearly five seconds, and the glowing trail left behind by the fireball remained visible for almost fifteen minutes. It was one of the most memorable moments I have experienced in astrophotography, completely unplanned and impossible to anticipate.
Credit: Jason Rice / Milky Way Photographer of the Year 2026 Jason Rice “Galactic Gandalf”
When I first discovered this location, I immediately envisioned creating something special beneath the night sky. However, upon arriving after dark, I found that a seal had settled exactly where I had planned to set up my tripod. It showed little interest in moving, and judging by how worn and polished the rock was, it was clearly one of its preferred resting spots. Eventually, the seal shifted slightly to the side, remaining within the scene for the duration of the shoot. It can still be seen in the final image for those who look closely, adding an unexpected and memorable element to the composition. Given the complexity of the scene, I knew the final image would require a significant amount of work. Over the following weeks, starting in November, I returned whenever possible to collect the necessary data for this panorama, carefully building the image piece by piece under the night sky.
Credit: Evan McKay / Milky Way Photographer of the Year 2026 Evan McKay “Galactic Spine”
I am drawn to Milky Way photography because of its ability to spark curiosity. It offers a perspective that feels entirely different from other forms of photography, often revealing a world that many people have never experienced. With my images, my goal is to inspire that same sense of curiosity, encouraging others to imagine what it feels like to stand beneath a sky like this and witness it with their own eyes. That sense of wonder is what first drew me to the Milky Way, and it continues to shape the way I approach each image.
Credit: Andrew Imhoff / Milky Way Photographer of the Year 2026 Andrew Imhoff “Galaxy on the Rise”
I’m always drawn to locations that feel unique and relatively undiscovered, and this cave was a perfect example. Although it was only a few minutes from the parking area, it took me nearly four hours of scouting to finally locate it. The conditions made the process even more demanding. Intense heat combined with powerful winds made movement difficult, at times pushing me against sharp rocks. After nearly giving up and heading back, I finally came across the cave, a moment that made the entire search worthwhile. Capturing the image proved just as challenging. Composing and shooting the panoramic foreground required careful positioning, while properly illuminating the upper section of the cave was particularly difficult. To manage this, I used focus stacking across different planes, including the upper edge, the horizon, and the lower foreground, all in near-total darkness, where the brief blue hour offered little assistance. With the Milky Way sitting low on the horizon, bringing out its color and detail required additional effort in both capture and processing. In the end, the result reflects not only the scene itself, but also the persistence and experience behind it, making it especially meaningful.
Credit: Anastasia Gulova / Milky Way Photographer of the Year 2026 Anastasia Gulova “Geminid Symphony Over La Palma Guardian of the Sky”
This winter Milky Way panorama captures a sky filled with Geminid meteors above the Gran Telescopio Canarias, the largest optical telescope in the world. My first trip to La Palma was an intense and unpredictable experience, from storms and summit snowfall to strong winds, rain, and brief windows of clear skies. For the first three nights, we were confined to the southern part of the island, as the road to the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory remained closed, forcing us to search for clear conditions elsewhere. Reaching the summit seemed increasingly unlikely, until the fourth day, when the road finally reopened. We immediately made our way up, filled with anticipation. After scouting compositions and preparing for the night, clouds once again moved in, putting everything at risk. Rather than giving up, we waited, constantly checking the sky for any sign of improvement. Around midnight, the first stars began to appear, and we quickly headed to the Gran Telescopio Canarias. Above us, the sky opened into a field of stars, while a layer of clouds remained below, creating a striking contrast with the illuminated structure of the telescope. Although the dome could not be opened due to humidity, the experience of witnessing such dark skies for the first time was remarkable, with the Milky Way appearing almost three-dimensional. This was also my first successful capture of the Gum Nebula, adding a unique element to the composition. The final image is the result of an extensive post-processing workflow, combining meteor data registered using Auriga RegiStar from six cameras over five nights on La Palma. All RGB frames were captured using the Capture the Night Astro filter by Capture the Atlas. The final resolution reaches approximately 400 megapixels. This image reflects not only the complexity of the process, but also the experience behind it. Each time I revisit it, it brings me back to that unforgettable time on La Palma.
Credit: Uroš Fink / Milky Way Photographer of the Year 2026 Uroš Fink “Lost in the ripples of space and time”
There’s something uniquely powerful about a calm, windless night in the Pinnacles Desert, a place that never fails to remind me how fortunate we are to have such pristine dark skies so close to home, just a short drive away. As the sun sets beyond the Indian Ocean, a profound stillness settles over Nambung, transforming the landscape into an almost otherworldly scene and drawing me back here time and time again. In this composition, the main limestone pillar aligns almost perfectly with the South Celestial Pole, anchoring the image beneath the rotating sky. To the right, the faint but unmistakable red glow of the Gum Nebula, a vast supernova remnant, adds depth and scale to the scene. Western Australia offers some of the finest night skies in the world, yet it’s easy to take them for granted. Nights like this serve as a reminder of just how special these quiet, remote corners of the Wheatbelt truly are.
Credit: Leonel Padrón / Milky Way Photographer of the Year 2026 Leonel Padrón “Milky Way over Tatra mountains”
Taking advantage of the April new moon, I set out to capture my first Milky Way image of 2025. With promising conditions forecast across southern Poland, I returned to the Tatra Mountains, a region I often revisit with my camera, this time exploring the Białka Gorge in Jurgów, a location I had not photographed before. From this vantage point, the Milky Way rises above the Tatras, which in early spring still carry the lingering traces of winter. What drew me most to this scene was the contrast between the dark, rugged landscape and the richness of the sky. The galactic core emerges just above the mountain horizon, accompanied by the subtle colors of the dust and nebulae within the Rho Ophiuchi region. In the foreground, the river creates a natural leading line, guiding the eye from the earth toward the mountains and into the night sky, visually connecting the terrestrial and the cosmic. Beyond the final image, astrophotography is equally about the experience in the field, often shared with others who are drawn to the same conditions and moments, united by a common appreciation for the night sky.
Credit: Lukasz Remkowicz / Milky Way Photographer of the Year 2026 Łukasz Remkowicz “My perfect night”
Reaching this location required traveling deep into the Argentine Puna, a remote region accessible only by 4×4 vehicles along rough dirt tracks, far from any source of light pollution. The nearest settlement was Antofalla, a small village of around 60 inhabitants, where electricity is generated locally and turned off at night. Beyond that, the closest towns are several hours away, surrounded by vast and isolated landscapes. Situated between 3,500 and 4,000 meters above sea level, the altitude and remoteness make this an exceptional environment for night sky photography. What made this place particularly compelling was its rarity. I had never seen photographs of this salt flat before, and its untouched character and minimalist landscape immediately stood out. Photographing the Milky Way in the southern hemisphere brought both challenges and excitement, as its appearance differs significantly from what I was used to in the north. In this moment, the galactic center sits to the left side of the arch, while the Gum Nebula appears on the right, creating a natural visual balance across the sky.
Credit: Daniel Viñe Garcia / Milky Way Photographer of the Year 2026 Daniel Viñé Garcia “Perseid Meteors over Durdle Door”
“Ancient fireworks” from Comet Swift-Tuttle hurtled through the atmosphere to document this ultra-wide angle composite image above the natural limestone arch of Durdle Door. In the foreground, a singular glow worm was documented amongst reeds along the sea cliff edge. As the subject of Astrophotography grows by demand, beauty hotspots and World Heritage Sites including Durdle Door, are getting busy. With good reason that is why as Astrophotographers, we need to set an example in protecting beauty hotspots and local ecology. Through practice of utilising red head torches and adhering to access-restricted areas of UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Credit: Josh Dury / Milky Way Photographer of the Year 2026 Josh Dury “The Milky Way over a field of Lupines”
This image captures the Milky Way rising above a blooming field of lupines in New Zealand during November, when spring wildflowers transform the landscape beneath the night sky. Using a fisheye perspective, the flowers encircle the scene, forming a natural frame that draws the viewer into the celestial sphere above.
Credit: Alvin Wu / Milky Way Photographer of the Year 2026 Alvin Wu “Standing on the shoulders of Giants”
This photograph was captured in the heart of the Sierra La Giganta, in Baja California Sur, following a two-day expedition from the small village of San Juan Londo. The final approach required an ascent of more than 800 meters by mule along a long-forgotten section of the historic Camino Real, once used by vaqueros and their donkeys to transport goods between remote settlements. This path has remained largely untouched for nearly 80 years. The image forms part of an ongoing project focused on documenting and promoting the exceptional dark skies of Baja California Sur for astrotourism. These conditions meet the standards of true Dark Sky Sanctuaries, offering some of the purest night skies in the region. On the right side of the frame, the faint glow belongs to the distant city of Loreto, the first capital of the Californias, located approximately 30 kilometers to the south. We were accompanied by Señor Juan, our guide, whose father first brought him to this hidden location over 65 years ago. Together, we aim to preserve the memory of these historic routes, ancient paths that have been gradually reclaimed by nature over time. This photograph reflects not only the pursuit of pristine dark skies, but also a deeper process of exploration and rediscovery. It brings together the search for untouched landscapes with the recovery of a cultural and historical legacy, helping to position Baja California Sur as a world-class destination for night sky photography while honoring the stories embedded in its terrain. Milky Way photography goes beyond capturing the stars. It becomes a way to explore remote environments, challenge physical limits, and reconnect with both nature and history. If this image encourages others to look beyond established paths in search of truly dark skies, then it has fulfilled its purpose.
Credit: Ignacio Pelaez / Milky Way Photographer of the Year 2026 Nacho Peláez “Valle de la luna”
This photograph was captured in the heart of the Sierra La Giganta, in Baja California Sur, following a two-day expedition from the small village of San Juan Londo. The final approach required an ascent of more than 800 meters by mule along a long-forgotten section of the historic Camino Real, once used by vaqueros and their donkeys to transport goods between remote settlements. This path has remained largely untouched for nearly 80 years. The image forms part of an ongoing project focused on documenting and promoting the exceptional dark skies of Baja California Sur for astrotourism. These conditions meet the standards of true Dark Sky Sanctuaries, offering some of the purest night skies in the region. On the right side of the frame, the faint glow belongs to the distant city of Loreto, the first capital of the Californias, located approximately 30 kilometers to the south. We were accompanied by Señor Juan, our guide, whose father first brought him to this hidden location over 65 years ago. Together, we aim to preserve the memory of these historic routes, ancient paths that have been gradually reclaimed by nature over time. This photograph reflects not only the pursuit of pristine dark skies, but also a deeper process of exploration and rediscovery. It brings together the search for untouched landscapes with the recovery of a cultural and historical legacy, helping to position Baja California Sur as a world-class destination for night sky photography while honoring the stories embedded in its terrain. Milky Way photography goes beyond capturing the stars. It becomes a way to explore remote environments, challenge physical limits, and reconnect with both nature and history. If this image encourages others to look beyond established paths in search of truly dark skies, then it has fulfilled its purpose.
Credit: Gonzalo Santile / Milky Way Photographer of the Year 2026 Gonzalo Javier Santile
The post 19 breathtaking images from the Milky Way Photographer of the Year 2026 awards appeared first on Popular Science.
19 breathtaking images from the Milky Way Photographer of the Year 2026 awards
Billions of stars illuminate the Milky Way. Down here on Earth, only about 6,000 stars are visible to the naked eye, but with the right camera, we can see tens of thousands more.
The Milky Way Photographer of the Year awards celebrate the celestial light show, honoring 25 truly awe-inspiring images. This year’s competition received more than 6,500 submissions, the highest number in the project’s history.
“Aoraki Mt Cook”My goal with astrophotography has always been to combine my passion for mountains, adventure, and the landscapes of New Zealand. Capturing the Milky Way arch above Aoraki / Mount Cook, the central peak of the national park, became one of the most demanding challenges I had set for myself. Reaching this location required drawing on my experience as a mountaineer, navigating steep rocky terrain and snow-covered slopes under winter conditions. The route presented constant challenges, including large washouts along the mountainside, unstable snow affected by solar radiation, and the demands of winter camping at altitude. The effort required both physical endurance and careful decision-making throughout the journey. Despite these difficulties, the environment offered extraordinary conditions. As night fell, the Milky Way and zodiacal light appeared with exceptional clarity, enhanced by the cold, stable air at elevation. Being positioned so close to Aoraki added a sense of scale and intensity to the moment, especially as the western arc of the Milky Way moved into alignment above the mountain. With only a brief window to capture the scene, there was little margin for error. This image represents that single opportunity, where preparation, experience, and timing came together to document a moment that felt both challenging and deeply rewarding.
Credit: Owain Scullion / Milky Way Photographer of the Year 2026 Owain Scullion
“Every year, this collection reminds us that photographing the Milky Way is not only about technique or planning,”says Dan Zafra, editor of Capture the Atlas, the organization behind the collection. “It is about curiosity, patience, and the desire to experience the night sky in places where it still feels wild,” “Many of these skies are becoming increasingly rare, and we hope these images inspire people not only to admire them, but also to value and protect them.”
Amongst the 25 selected images are scenes from Paranal, Chile, home to the Very Large Telescope and coastal Florida during the Perseids and Geminids meteor showers.
“Botswana Baobabs by Night”I spent ten days traveling through Botswana, living out of my car and moving through remote desert landscapes in complete isolation, focused entirely on photographing the night sky. This location became the highlight of the trip: a small, ancient island rising from the middle of a vast salt pan. Reaching it, however, was far from straightforward. After struggling to find the route and nearly giving up, I only managed to get there by chance, spotting two Jeeps heading in the opposite direction and deciding to turn around and follow them. After three intense hours navigating the terrain, I finally found myself driving across the open salt pan, leaving a trail of white dust behind. The island itself was covered with baobab trees, scattered in small groups or standing alone, each one offering a striking subject under the night sky. Many were naturally positioned beneath the Milky Way core early in the night, while others lent themselves to different compositions, including star trails. This particular group stood out to me the most. Alone in the darkness, I took my time shaping the scene, using a torch to carefully light-paint the foreground. The final image is a blend of one exposure for the landscape, eleven for the light painting, and a stack of four tracked exposures for the sky, combined to balance detail and atmosphere.
Credit: Stefano Pellegrini / Milky Way Photographer of the Year 2026 Stefano Pellegrini “Caldera Galaxy Panorama”
This panorama was captured at the highest point of the volcanic island of La Palma, a location defined by its unique terrain and exceptional night sky conditions. The lack of ambient light made the process more demanding, requiring extensive focus stacking to achieve sharpness across the entire scene, but it also provided ideal conditions for astrophotography. I chose to create a panoramic composition to include the blooming pink Tajinaste flowers, an endemic species of the island, using them to frame the full arc of the Milky Way’s core. The summit itself forms a vast crater, offering expansive views across the island, often rising above a layer of clouds. Although it was already early summer and nearing the end of the blooming season, I was fortunate to find a few flowers still in good condition and positioned perfectly for the composition I had envisioned. This image represents both careful planning and timing, and I’m especially pleased with the result and honored to have it selected for the Milky Way Photographer of the Year collection.
Credit: Max Terwindt / Milky Way Photographer of the Year 2026 Max Terwindt “Celestial Light Over Sea Cliffs”
The night sky takes on a distinctly different character during this time of year, especially with the arrival of the winter constellations. The tones feel cooler, the air sharper, and Orion rises prominently above the horizon, becoming the centerpiece of the scene. It’s a season that brings a quiet, almost meditative atmosphere to nightscape photography. This image was captured along the sea cliffs near my home in the south of France, a place where the coastline, the stars, and the surrounding silence come together in perfect balance. Having access to such diverse landscapes, from mountains to the sea, all within reach of dark skies, makes moments like this not only possible, but deeply rewarding.
Credit: Anthony Lopez / Milky Way Photographer of the Year 2026 Anthony Lopez “Divinity”
Capturing a setting Milky Way core from this beach had been on my list for a long time, with the starfish-covered reef offering a distinctive and compelling foreground. It’s a notoriously difficult scene to photograph, as access to the reef is only possible during the lowest tides, while the sky must also cooperate with favorable moon and cloud conditions. During my short visit, everything unexpectedly aligned. At first, the conditions seemed uncertain due to strong winds, but I decided to attempt the shot with some company for safety. After assessing the reef, I carefully made my way onto it while others kept watch to ensure I remained safe. The terrain is hazardous, with gaps between the rocks posing a real risk, and the rapidly rising tide added constant pressure throughout the shoot. Despite these challenges, I was able to capture the necessary frames, returning to shore just in time. Due to the changing tide, the upper rows of the sky panorama were photographed from the beach, while the lowest row was captured from the reef to maintain proper alignment and perspective in the final composition.
Credit: Kavan Chay / Milky Way Photographer of the Year 2026 Kavan Chay “Double Milky Way over Monfrague National Park”
I am always drawn to traveling to remarkable natural landscapes to capture their essence through night photography. This image, which represented a significant challenge for me, was taken in Monfragüe National Park during one of the few nights of the year when both the winter and summer Milky Way can be seen in the same sky. The scene does not appear this way to the naked eye. It is a composite that captures the transition of the Milky Way over several hours, combining the winter Milky Way visible after dusk with the summer Milky Way rising before dawn. The following morning, I was able to return to this location with my family, who had accompanied me in the search for this long-envisioned image. Those shared moments, along with the effort behind the capture, make this photograph especially meaningful to me.
Credit: Luis Cajete / Milky Way Photographer of the Year 2026 Luis Cajete “Fireball in Paradise”
This single-exposure image became a reminder to always expect the unexpected in astrophotography. I had not even planned to visit this beach, as the forecast called for clouds and rain throughout the night. The capture was part of a larger day-to-night time-lapse that I began shooting at golden hour, working through biting insects and the intense tropical humidity of Florida. After setting up the sequence, I left the camera running and returned to my vehicle. Several hours later, shortly after midnight, I noticed the ground around me suddenly illuminated by a green glow, prompting me to look up. What followed was the largest meteor I have ever witnessed. It moved slowly across the Milky Way for nearly five seconds, and the glowing trail left behind by the fireball remained visible for almost fifteen minutes. It was one of the most memorable moments I have experienced in astrophotography, completely unplanned and impossible to anticipate.
Credit: Jason Rice / Milky Way Photographer of the Year 2026 Jason Rice “Galactic Gandalf”
When I first discovered this location, I immediately envisioned creating something special beneath the night sky. However, upon arriving after dark, I found that a seal had settled exactly where I had planned to set up my tripod. It showed little interest in moving, and judging by how worn and polished the rock was, it was clearly one of its preferred resting spots. Eventually, the seal shifted slightly to the side, remaining within the scene for the duration of the shoot. It can still be seen in the final image for those who look closely, adding an unexpected and memorable element to the composition. Given the complexity of the scene, I knew the final image would require a significant amount of work. Over the following weeks, starting in November, I returned whenever possible to collect the necessary data for this panorama, carefully building the image piece by piece under the night sky.
Credit: Evan McKay / Milky Way Photographer of the Year 2026 Evan McKay “Galactic Spine”
I am drawn to Milky Way photography because of its ability to spark curiosity. It offers a perspective that feels entirely different from other forms of photography, often revealing a world that many people have never experienced. With my images, my goal is to inspire that same sense of curiosity, encouraging others to imagine what it feels like to stand beneath a sky like this and witness it with their own eyes. That sense of wonder is what first drew me to the Milky Way, and it continues to shape the way I approach each image.
Credit: Andrew Imhoff / Milky Way Photographer of the Year 2026 Andrew Imhoff “Galaxy on the Rise”
I’m always drawn to locations that feel unique and relatively undiscovered, and this cave was a perfect example. Although it was only a few minutes from the parking area, it took me nearly four hours of scouting to finally locate it. The conditions made the process even more demanding. Intense heat combined with powerful winds made movement difficult, at times pushing me against sharp rocks. After nearly giving up and heading back, I finally came across the cave, a moment that made the entire search worthwhile. Capturing the image proved just as challenging. Composing and shooting the panoramic foreground required careful positioning, while properly illuminating the upper section of the cave was particularly difficult. To manage this, I used focus stacking across different planes, including the upper edge, the horizon, and the lower foreground, all in near-total darkness, where the brief blue hour offered little assistance. With the Milky Way sitting low on the horizon, bringing out its color and detail required additional effort in both capture and processing. In the end, the result reflects not only the scene itself, but also the persistence and experience behind it, making it especially meaningful.
Credit: Anastasia Gulova / Milky Way Photographer of the Year 2026 Anastasia Gulova “Geminid Symphony Over La Palma Guardian of the Sky”
This winter Milky Way panorama captures a sky filled with Geminid meteors above the Gran Telescopio Canarias, the largest optical telescope in the world. My first trip to La Palma was an intense and unpredictable experience, from storms and summit snowfall to strong winds, rain, and brief windows of clear skies. For the first three nights, we were confined to the southern part of the island, as the road to the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory remained closed, forcing us to search for clear conditions elsewhere. Reaching the summit seemed increasingly unlikely, until the fourth day, when the road finally reopened. We immediately made our way up, filled with anticipation. After scouting compositions and preparing for the night, clouds once again moved in, putting everything at risk. Rather than giving up, we waited, constantly checking the sky for any sign of improvement. Around midnight, the first stars began to appear, and we quickly headed to the Gran Telescopio Canarias. Above us, the sky opened into a field of stars, while a layer of clouds remained below, creating a striking contrast with the illuminated structure of the telescope. Although the dome could not be opened due to humidity, the experience of witnessing such dark skies for the first time was remarkable, with the Milky Way appearing almost three-dimensional. This was also my first successful capture of the Gum Nebula, adding a unique element to the composition. The final image is the result of an extensive post-processing workflow, combining meteor data registered using Auriga RegiStar from six cameras over five nights on La Palma. All RGB frames were captured using the Capture the Night Astro filter by Capture the Atlas. The final resolution reaches approximately 400 megapixels. This image reflects not only the complexity of the process, but also the experience behind it. Each time I revisit it, it brings me back to that unforgettable time on La Palma.
Credit: Uroš Fink / Milky Way Photographer of the Year 2026 Uroš Fink “Lost in the ripples of space and time”
There’s something uniquely powerful about a calm, windless night in the Pinnacles Desert, a place that never fails to remind me how fortunate we are to have such pristine dark skies so close to home, just a short drive away. As the sun sets beyond the Indian Ocean, a profound stillness settles over Nambung, transforming the landscape into an almost otherworldly scene and drawing me back here time and time again. In this composition, the main limestone pillar aligns almost perfectly with the South Celestial Pole, anchoring the image beneath the rotating sky. To the right, the faint but unmistakable red glow of the Gum Nebula, a vast supernova remnant, adds depth and scale to the scene. Western Australia offers some of the finest night skies in the world, yet it’s easy to take them for granted. Nights like this serve as a reminder of just how special these quiet, remote corners of the Wheatbelt truly are.
Credit: Leonel Padrón / Milky Way Photographer of the Year 2026 Leonel Padrón “Milky Way over Tatra mountains”
Taking advantage of the April new moon, I set out to capture my first Milky Way image of 2025. With promising conditions forecast across southern Poland, I returned to the Tatra Mountains, a region I often revisit with my camera, this time exploring the Białka Gorge in Jurgów, a location I had not photographed before. From this vantage point, the Milky Way rises above the Tatras, which in early spring still carry the lingering traces of winter. What drew me most to this scene was the contrast between the dark, rugged landscape and the richness of the sky. The galactic core emerges just above the mountain horizon, accompanied by the subtle colors of the dust and nebulae within the Rho Ophiuchi region. In the foreground, the river creates a natural leading line, guiding the eye from the earth toward the mountains and into the night sky, visually connecting the terrestrial and the cosmic. Beyond the final image, astrophotography is equally about the experience in the field, often shared with others who are drawn to the same conditions and moments, united by a common appreciation for the night sky.
Credit: Lukasz Remkowicz / Milky Way Photographer of the Year 2026 Łukasz Remkowicz “My perfect night”
Reaching this location required traveling deep into the Argentine Puna, a remote region accessible only by 4×4 vehicles along rough dirt tracks, far from any source of light pollution. The nearest settlement was Antofalla, a small village of around 60 inhabitants, where electricity is generated locally and turned off at night. Beyond that, the closest towns are several hours away, surrounded by vast and isolated landscapes. Situated between 3,500 and 4,000 meters above sea level, the altitude and remoteness make this an exceptional environment for night sky photography. What made this place particularly compelling was its rarity. I had never seen photographs of this salt flat before, and its untouched character and minimalist landscape immediately stood out. Photographing the Milky Way in the southern hemisphere brought both challenges and excitement, as its appearance differs significantly from what I was used to in the north. In this moment, the galactic center sits to the left side of the arch, while the Gum Nebula appears on the right, creating a natural visual balance across the sky.
Credit: Daniel Viñe Garcia / Milky Way Photographer of the Year 2026 Daniel Viñé Garcia “Perseid Meteors over Durdle Door”
“Ancient fireworks” from Comet Swift-Tuttle hurtled through the atmosphere to document this ultra-wide angle composite image above the natural limestone arch of Durdle Door. In the foreground, a singular glow worm was documented amongst reeds along the sea cliff edge. As the subject of Astrophotography grows by demand, beauty hotspots and World Heritage Sites including Durdle Door, are getting busy. With good reason that is why as Astrophotographers, we need to set an example in protecting beauty hotspots and local ecology. Through practice of utilising red head torches and adhering to access-restricted areas of UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Credit: Josh Dury / Milky Way Photographer of the Year 2026 Josh Dury “The Milky Way over a field of Lupines”
This image captures the Milky Way rising above a blooming field of lupines in New Zealand during November, when spring wildflowers transform the landscape beneath the night sky. Using a fisheye perspective, the flowers encircle the scene, forming a natural frame that draws the viewer into the celestial sphere above.
Credit: Alvin Wu / Milky Way Photographer of the Year 2026 Alvin Wu “Standing on the shoulders of Giants”
This photograph was captured in the heart of the Sierra La Giganta, in Baja California Sur, following a two-day expedition from the small village of San Juan Londo. The final approach required an ascent of more than 800 meters by mule along a long-forgotten section of the historic Camino Real, once used by vaqueros and their donkeys to transport goods between remote settlements. This path has remained largely untouched for nearly 80 years. The image forms part of an ongoing project focused on documenting and promoting the exceptional dark skies of Baja California Sur for astrotourism. These conditions meet the standards of true Dark Sky Sanctuaries, offering some of the purest night skies in the region. On the right side of the frame, the faint glow belongs to the distant city of Loreto, the first capital of the Californias, located approximately 30 kilometers to the south. We were accompanied by Señor Juan, our guide, whose father first brought him to this hidden location over 65 years ago. Together, we aim to preserve the memory of these historic routes, ancient paths that have been gradually reclaimed by nature over time. This photograph reflects not only the pursuit of pristine dark skies, but also a deeper process of exploration and rediscovery. It brings together the search for untouched landscapes with the recovery of a cultural and historical legacy, helping to position Baja California Sur as a world-class destination for night sky photography while honoring the stories embedded in its terrain. Milky Way photography goes beyond capturing the stars. It becomes a way to explore remote environments, challenge physical limits, and reconnect with both nature and history. If this image encourages others to look beyond established paths in search of truly dark skies, then it has fulfilled its purpose.
Credit: Ignacio Pelaez / Milky Way Photographer of the Year 2026 Nacho Peláez “Valle de la luna”
This photograph was captured in the heart of the Sierra La Giganta, in Baja California Sur, following a two-day expedition from the small village of San Juan Londo. The final approach required an ascent of more than 800 meters by mule along a long-forgotten section of the historic Camino Real, once used by vaqueros and their donkeys to transport goods between remote settlements. This path has remained largely untouched for nearly 80 years. The image forms part of an ongoing project focused on documenting and promoting the exceptional dark skies of Baja California Sur for astrotourism. These conditions meet the standards of true Dark Sky Sanctuaries, offering some of the purest night skies in the region. On the right side of the frame, the faint glow belongs to the distant city of Loreto, the first capital of the Californias, located approximately 30 kilometers to the south. We were accompanied by Señor Juan, our guide, whose father first brought him to this hidden location over 65 years ago. Together, we aim to preserve the memory of these historic routes, ancient paths that have been gradually reclaimed by nature over time. This photograph reflects not only the pursuit of pristine dark skies, but also a deeper process of exploration and rediscovery. It brings together the search for untouched landscapes with the recovery of a cultural and historical legacy, helping to position Baja California Sur as a world-class destination for night sky photography while honoring the stories embedded in its terrain. Milky Way photography goes beyond capturing the stars. It becomes a way to explore remote environments, challenge physical limits, and reconnect with both nature and history. If this image encourages others to look beyond established paths in search of truly dark skies, then it has fulfilled its purpose.
Credit: Gonzalo Santile / Milky Way Photographer of the Year 2026 Gonzalo Javier Santile
The post 19 breathtaking images from the Milky Way Photographer of the Year 2026 awards appeared first on Popular Science.
19 breathtaking images from the Milky Way Photographer of the Year 2026 awards
Billions of stars illuminate the Milky Way. Down here on Earth, only about 6,000 stars are visible to the naked eye, but with the right camera, we can see tens of thousands more.
The Milky Way Photographer of the Year awards celebrate the celestial light show, honoring 25 truly awe-inspiring images. This year’s competition received more than 6,500 submissions, the highest number in the project’s history.
“Aoraki Mt Cook”My goal with astrophotography has always been to combine my passion for mountains, adventure, and the landscapes of New Zealand. Capturing the Milky Way arch above Aoraki / Mount Cook, the central peak of the national park, became one of the most demanding challenges I had set for myself. Reaching this location required drawing on my experience as a mountaineer, navigating steep rocky terrain and snow-covered slopes under winter conditions. The route presented constant challenges, including large washouts along the mountainside, unstable snow affected by solar radiation, and the demands of winter camping at altitude. The effort required both physical endurance and careful decision-making throughout the journey. Despite these difficulties, the environment offered extraordinary conditions. As night fell, the Milky Way and zodiacal light appeared with exceptional clarity, enhanced by the cold, stable air at elevation. Being positioned so close to Aoraki added a sense of scale and intensity to the moment, especially as the western arc of the Milky Way moved into alignment above the mountain. With only a brief window to capture the scene, there was little margin for error. This image represents that single opportunity, where preparation, experience, and timing came together to document a moment that felt both challenging and deeply rewarding.
Credit: Owain Scullion / Milky Way Photographer of the Year 2026 Owain Scullion
“Every year, this collection reminds us that photographing the Milky Way is not only about technique or planning,”says Dan Zafra, editor of Capture the Atlas, the organization behind the collection. “It is about curiosity, patience, and the desire to experience the night sky in places where it still feels wild,” “Many of these skies are becoming increasingly rare, and we hope these images inspire people not only to admire them, but also to value and protect them.”
Amongst the 25 selected images are scenes from Paranal, Chile, home to the Very Large Telescope and coastal Florida during the Perseids and Geminids meteor showers.
“Botswana Baobabs by Night”I spent ten days traveling through Botswana, living out of my car and moving through remote desert landscapes in complete isolation, focused entirely on photographing the night sky. This location became the highlight of the trip: a small, ancient island rising from the middle of a vast salt pan. Reaching it, however, was far from straightforward. After struggling to find the route and nearly giving up, I only managed to get there by chance, spotting two Jeeps heading in the opposite direction and deciding to turn around and follow them. After three intense hours navigating the terrain, I finally found myself driving across the open salt pan, leaving a trail of white dust behind. The island itself was covered with baobab trees, scattered in small groups or standing alone, each one offering a striking subject under the night sky. Many were naturally positioned beneath the Milky Way core early in the night, while others lent themselves to different compositions, including star trails. This particular group stood out to me the most. Alone in the darkness, I took my time shaping the scene, using a torch to carefully light-paint the foreground. The final image is a blend of one exposure for the landscape, eleven for the light painting, and a stack of four tracked exposures for the sky, combined to balance detail and atmosphere.
Credit: Stefano Pellegrini / Milky Way Photographer of the Year 2026 Stefano Pellegrini “Caldera Galaxy Panorama”
This panorama was captured at the highest point of the volcanic island of La Palma, a location defined by its unique terrain and exceptional night sky conditions. The lack of ambient light made the process more demanding, requiring extensive focus stacking to achieve sharpness across the entire scene, but it also provided ideal conditions for astrophotography. I chose to create a panoramic composition to include the blooming pink Tajinaste flowers, an endemic species of the island, using them to frame the full arc of the Milky Way’s core. The summit itself forms a vast crater, offering expansive views across the island, often rising above a layer of clouds. Although it was already early summer and nearing the end of the blooming season, I was fortunate to find a few flowers still in good condition and positioned perfectly for the composition I had envisioned. This image represents both careful planning and timing, and I’m especially pleased with the result and honored to have it selected for the Milky Way Photographer of the Year collection.
Credit: Max Terwindt / Milky Way Photographer of the Year 2026 Max Terwindt “Celestial Light Over Sea Cliffs”
The night sky takes on a distinctly different character during this time of year, especially with the arrival of the winter constellations. The tones feel cooler, the air sharper, and Orion rises prominently above the horizon, becoming the centerpiece of the scene. It’s a season that brings a quiet, almost meditative atmosphere to nightscape photography. This image was captured along the sea cliffs near my home in the south of France, a place where the coastline, the stars, and the surrounding silence come together in perfect balance. Having access to such diverse landscapes, from mountains to the sea, all within reach of dark skies, makes moments like this not only possible, but deeply rewarding.
Credit: Anthony Lopez / Milky Way Photographer of the Year 2026 Anthony Lopez “Divinity”
Capturing a setting Milky Way core from this beach had been on my list for a long time, with the starfish-covered reef offering a distinctive and compelling foreground. It’s a notoriously difficult scene to photograph, as access to the reef is only possible during the lowest tides, while the sky must also cooperate with favorable moon and cloud conditions. During my short visit, everything unexpectedly aligned. At first, the conditions seemed uncertain due to strong winds, but I decided to attempt the shot with some company for safety. After assessing the reef, I carefully made my way onto it while others kept watch to ensure I remained safe. The terrain is hazardous, with gaps between the rocks posing a real risk, and the rapidly rising tide added constant pressure throughout the shoot. Despite these challenges, I was able to capture the necessary frames, returning to shore just in time. Due to the changing tide, the upper rows of the sky panorama were photographed from the beach, while the lowest row was captured from the reef to maintain proper alignment and perspective in the final composition.
Credit: Kavan Chay / Milky Way Photographer of the Year 2026 Kavan Chay “Double Milky Way over Monfrague National Park”
I am always drawn to traveling to remarkable natural landscapes to capture their essence through night photography. This image, which represented a significant challenge for me, was taken in Monfragüe National Park during one of the few nights of the year when both the winter and summer Milky Way can be seen in the same sky. The scene does not appear this way to the naked eye. It is a composite that captures the transition of the Milky Way over several hours, combining the winter Milky Way visible after dusk with the summer Milky Way rising before dawn. The following morning, I was able to return to this location with my family, who had accompanied me in the search for this long-envisioned image. Those shared moments, along with the effort behind the capture, make this photograph especially meaningful to me.
Credit: Luis Cajete / Milky Way Photographer of the Year 2026 Luis Cajete “Fireball in Paradise”
This single-exposure image became a reminder to always expect the unexpected in astrophotography. I had not even planned to visit this beach, as the forecast called for clouds and rain throughout the night. The capture was part of a larger day-to-night time-lapse that I began shooting at golden hour, working through biting insects and the intense tropical humidity of Florida. After setting up the sequence, I left the camera running and returned to my vehicle. Several hours later, shortly after midnight, I noticed the ground around me suddenly illuminated by a green glow, prompting me to look up. What followed was the largest meteor I have ever witnessed. It moved slowly across the Milky Way for nearly five seconds, and the glowing trail left behind by the fireball remained visible for almost fifteen minutes. It was one of the most memorable moments I have experienced in astrophotography, completely unplanned and impossible to anticipate.
Credit: Jason Rice / Milky Way Photographer of the Year 2026 Jason Rice “Galactic Gandalf”
When I first discovered this location, I immediately envisioned creating something special beneath the night sky. However, upon arriving after dark, I found that a seal had settled exactly where I had planned to set up my tripod. It showed little interest in moving, and judging by how worn and polished the rock was, it was clearly one of its preferred resting spots. Eventually, the seal shifted slightly to the side, remaining within the scene for the duration of the shoot. It can still be seen in the final image for those who look closely, adding an unexpected and memorable element to the composition. Given the complexity of the scene, I knew the final image would require a significant amount of work. Over the following weeks, starting in November, I returned whenever possible to collect the necessary data for this panorama, carefully building the image piece by piece under the night sky.
Credit: Evan McKay / Milky Way Photographer of the Year 2026 Evan McKay “Galactic Spine”
I am drawn to Milky Way photography because of its ability to spark curiosity. It offers a perspective that feels entirely different from other forms of photography, often revealing a world that many people have never experienced. With my images, my goal is to inspire that same sense of curiosity, encouraging others to imagine what it feels like to stand beneath a sky like this and witness it with their own eyes. That sense of wonder is what first drew me to the Milky Way, and it continues to shape the way I approach each image.
Credit: Andrew Imhoff / Milky Way Photographer of the Year 2026 Andrew Imhoff “Galaxy on the Rise”
I’m always drawn to locations that feel unique and relatively undiscovered, and this cave was a perfect example. Although it was only a few minutes from the parking area, it took me nearly four hours of scouting to finally locate it. The conditions made the process even more demanding. Intense heat combined with powerful winds made movement difficult, at times pushing me against sharp rocks. After nearly giving up and heading back, I finally came across the cave, a moment that made the entire search worthwhile. Capturing the image proved just as challenging. Composing and shooting the panoramic foreground required careful positioning, while properly illuminating the upper section of the cave was particularly difficult. To manage this, I used focus stacking across different planes, including the upper edge, the horizon, and the lower foreground, all in near-total darkness, where the brief blue hour offered little assistance. With the Milky Way sitting low on the horizon, bringing out its color and detail required additional effort in both capture and processing. In the end, the result reflects not only the scene itself, but also the persistence and experience behind it, making it especially meaningful.
Credit: Anastasia Gulova / Milky Way Photographer of the Year 2026 Anastasia Gulova “Geminid Symphony Over La Palma Guardian of the Sky”
This winter Milky Way panorama captures a sky filled with Geminid meteors above the Gran Telescopio Canarias, the largest optical telescope in the world. My first trip to La Palma was an intense and unpredictable experience, from storms and summit snowfall to strong winds, rain, and brief windows of clear skies. For the first three nights, we were confined to the southern part of the island, as the road to the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory remained closed, forcing us to search for clear conditions elsewhere. Reaching the summit seemed increasingly unlikely, until the fourth day, when the road finally reopened. We immediately made our way up, filled with anticipation. After scouting compositions and preparing for the night, clouds once again moved in, putting everything at risk. Rather than giving up, we waited, constantly checking the sky for any sign of improvement. Around midnight, the first stars began to appear, and we quickly headed to the Gran Telescopio Canarias. Above us, the sky opened into a field of stars, while a layer of clouds remained below, creating a striking contrast with the illuminated structure of the telescope. Although the dome could not be opened due to humidity, the experience of witnessing such dark skies for the first time was remarkable, with the Milky Way appearing almost three-dimensional. This was also my first successful capture of the Gum Nebula, adding a unique element to the composition. The final image is the result of an extensive post-processing workflow, combining meteor data registered using Auriga RegiStar from six cameras over five nights on La Palma. All RGB frames were captured using the Capture the Night Astro filter by Capture the Atlas. The final resolution reaches approximately 400 megapixels. This image reflects not only the complexity of the process, but also the experience behind it. Each time I revisit it, it brings me back to that unforgettable time on La Palma.
Credit: Uroš Fink / Milky Way Photographer of the Year 2026 Uroš Fink “Lost in the ripples of space and time”
There’s something uniquely powerful about a calm, windless night in the Pinnacles Desert, a place that never fails to remind me how fortunate we are to have such pristine dark skies so close to home, just a short drive away. As the sun sets beyond the Indian Ocean, a profound stillness settles over Nambung, transforming the landscape into an almost otherworldly scene and drawing me back here time and time again. In this composition, the main limestone pillar aligns almost perfectly with the South Celestial Pole, anchoring the image beneath the rotating sky. To the right, the faint but unmistakable red glow of the Gum Nebula, a vast supernova remnant, adds depth and scale to the scene. Western Australia offers some of the finest night skies in the world, yet it’s easy to take them for granted. Nights like this serve as a reminder of just how special these quiet, remote corners of the Wheatbelt truly are.
Credit: Leonel Padrón / Milky Way Photographer of the Year 2026 Leonel Padrón “Milky Way over Tatra mountains”
Taking advantage of the April new moon, I set out to capture my first Milky Way image of 2025. With promising conditions forecast across southern Poland, I returned to the Tatra Mountains, a region I often revisit with my camera, this time exploring the Białka Gorge in Jurgów, a location I had not photographed before. From this vantage point, the Milky Way rises above the Tatras, which in early spring still carry the lingering traces of winter. What drew me most to this scene was the contrast between the dark, rugged landscape and the richness of the sky. The galactic core emerges just above the mountain horizon, accompanied by the subtle colors of the dust and nebulae within the Rho Ophiuchi region. In the foreground, the river creates a natural leading line, guiding the eye from the earth toward the mountains and into the night sky, visually connecting the terrestrial and the cosmic. Beyond the final image, astrophotography is equally about the experience in the field, often shared with others who are drawn to the same conditions and moments, united by a common appreciation for the night sky.
Credit: Lukasz Remkowicz / Milky Way Photographer of the Year 2026 Łukasz Remkowicz “My perfect night”
Reaching this location required traveling deep into the Argentine Puna, a remote region accessible only by 4×4 vehicles along rough dirt tracks, far from any source of light pollution. The nearest settlement was Antofalla, a small village of around 60 inhabitants, where electricity is generated locally and turned off at night. Beyond that, the closest towns are several hours away, surrounded by vast and isolated landscapes. Situated between 3,500 and 4,000 meters above sea level, the altitude and remoteness make this an exceptional environment for night sky photography. What made this place particularly compelling was its rarity. I had never seen photographs of this salt flat before, and its untouched character and minimalist landscape immediately stood out. Photographing the Milky Way in the southern hemisphere brought both challenges and excitement, as its appearance differs significantly from what I was used to in the north. In this moment, the galactic center sits to the left side of the arch, while the Gum Nebula appears on the right, creating a natural visual balance across the sky.
Credit: Daniel Viñe Garcia / Milky Way Photographer of the Year 2026 Daniel Viñé Garcia “Perseid Meteors over Durdle Door”
“Ancient fireworks” from Comet Swift-Tuttle hurtled through the atmosphere to document this ultra-wide angle composite image above the natural limestone arch of Durdle Door. In the foreground, a singular glow worm was documented amongst reeds along the sea cliff edge. As the subject of Astrophotography grows by demand, beauty hotspots and World Heritage Sites including Durdle Door, are getting busy. With good reason that is why as Astrophotographers, we need to set an example in protecting beauty hotspots and local ecology. Through practice of utilising red head torches and adhering to access-restricted areas of UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Credit: Josh Dury / Milky Way Photographer of the Year 2026 Josh Dury “The Milky Way over a field of Lupines”
This image captures the Milky Way rising above a blooming field of lupines in New Zealand during November, when spring wildflowers transform the landscape beneath the night sky. Using a fisheye perspective, the flowers encircle the scene, forming a natural frame that draws the viewer into the celestial sphere above.
Credit: Alvin Wu / Milky Way Photographer of the Year 2026 Alvin Wu “Standing on the shoulders of Giants”
This photograph was captured in the heart of the Sierra La Giganta, in Baja California Sur, following a two-day expedition from the small village of San Juan Londo. The final approach required an ascent of more than 800 meters by mule along a long-forgotten section of the historic Camino Real, once used by vaqueros and their donkeys to transport goods between remote settlements. This path has remained largely untouched for nearly 80 years. The image forms part of an ongoing project focused on documenting and promoting the exceptional dark skies of Baja California Sur for astrotourism. These conditions meet the standards of true Dark Sky Sanctuaries, offering some of the purest night skies in the region. On the right side of the frame, the faint glow belongs to the distant city of Loreto, the first capital of the Californias, located approximately 30 kilometers to the south. We were accompanied by Señor Juan, our guide, whose father first brought him to this hidden location over 65 years ago. Together, we aim to preserve the memory of these historic routes, ancient paths that have been gradually reclaimed by nature over time. This photograph reflects not only the pursuit of pristine dark skies, but also a deeper process of exploration and rediscovery. It brings together the search for untouched landscapes with the recovery of a cultural and historical legacy, helping to position Baja California Sur as a world-class destination for night sky photography while honoring the stories embedded in its terrain. Milky Way photography goes beyond capturing the stars. It becomes a way to explore remote environments, challenge physical limits, and reconnect with both nature and history. If this image encourages others to look beyond established paths in search of truly dark skies, then it has fulfilled its purpose.
Credit: Ignacio Pelaez / Milky Way Photographer of the Year 2026 Nacho Peláez “Valle de la luna”
This photograph was captured in the heart of the Sierra La Giganta, in Baja California Sur, following a two-day expedition from the small village of San Juan Londo. The final approach required an ascent of more than 800 meters by mule along a long-forgotten section of the historic Camino Real, once used by vaqueros and their donkeys to transport goods between remote settlements. This path has remained largely untouched for nearly 80 years. The image forms part of an ongoing project focused on documenting and promoting the exceptional dark skies of Baja California Sur for astrotourism. These conditions meet the standards of true Dark Sky Sanctuaries, offering some of the purest night skies in the region. On the right side of the frame, the faint glow belongs to the distant city of Loreto, the first capital of the Californias, located approximately 30 kilometers to the south. We were accompanied by Señor Juan, our guide, whose father first brought him to this hidden location over 65 years ago. Together, we aim to preserve the memory of these historic routes, ancient paths that have been gradually reclaimed by nature over time. This photograph reflects not only the pursuit of pristine dark skies, but also a deeper process of exploration and rediscovery. It brings together the search for untouched landscapes with the recovery of a cultural and historical legacy, helping to position Baja California Sur as a world-class destination for night sky photography while honoring the stories embedded in its terrain. Milky Way photography goes beyond capturing the stars. It becomes a way to explore remote environments, challenge physical limits, and reconnect with both nature and history. If this image encourages others to look beyond established paths in search of truly dark skies, then it has fulfilled its purpose.
Credit: Gonzalo Santile / Milky Way Photographer of the Year 2026 Gonzalo Javier Santile
The post 19 breathtaking images from the Milky Way Photographer of the Year 2026 awards appeared first on Popular Science.
Robot probes 16th century Italian shipwreck 1.5 miles below the Mediterranean
An intrepid sub-sea robot recently dove nearly 1.5 miles below the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of southern France. The remotely operated vehicle (ROV) went down to examine the wreckage of a merchant ship that dates back to the 16th century. There, it found hundreds of ornately decorated ceramics, jars, and jugs strewn across the sand. From the boat, a French navy sailor remotely controlling the robot plucked these treasures up ever so gently with the robot’s pincers. Despite centuries of ocean burial, the artifacts still maintained the bold blue and yellow geometric designs they had when the ship mysteriously capsized. But the ship’s discovery was mostly due to luck, and its current exploration is only made possible by modern advances in robotics.
Archaeologists are officially calling the site Camarat 4. It sits roughly 30 miles off the coast of Ramatuelle, but French authorities are keeping the exact location secret to prevent unauthorized visitors from nosing around. Camarat 4 was initially discovered during a routine French navy survey of the region last year, and the wreckage is now considered the deepest shipwreck in French territorial waters. The record for the deepest shipwreck ever found belongs to the USS Samuel B. Roberts. The navy vessel lies about four miles deep off the coast of the Philippines, according to the Guinness Book of World Records.
But reaching 1.5 miles isn’t a day at the beach either. To get down there and explore the mysterious vessel, archaeologists worked alongside the navy and reportedly used the largest robot in their arsenal.The robot is capable of diving down to 8,202 feet and was equipped with several cameras and a pair of pincers capable of grabbing objects. When the robot was deployed, it reportedly took a full hour just to reach the sea floor.
When it did, the cameras revealed the shipwreck in greater detail than ever before. They captured 66,974 images, snapping pictures at a rapid clip of eight photos per second. Those images clearly showed the ship’s six cannons, an anchor, and 12 cauldrons. Strewn across the seabed nearby were a small building’s worth of ceramics, one of which had the first three Greek letters of Jesus Christ’s name inscribed on it.
Archaeologists say that the cannons and the cargo reinforce the idea that this was a merchant ship. Though researchers have traced its origins to somewhere in northern Italy, it remains entirely unclear where its final destination was or what caused it to meet its watery grave.
All of the photos taken by the robot will help create a 3D model of the wreckage, which could aid further research. The robot was also able to grab and recover three pitchers and a plate from the site, though it’s unclear how many others may have been broken in the process. Using a modern robot’s giant pincers to grab nearly 500-year-old, decaying artisan works isn’t exactly a foolproof recovery method.
Exploring the sunken Italian ship isn’t just a matter of mere curiosity. Archaeologists involved in the excavation say that detailed historical records about Mediterranean merchant ships from this period are scarce. Knowing more about why this ship was there and where it was going could shed greater light on trade routes of the time.
Related Shipwreck Stories2,200-year-old Roman shipwreck unlocks mysteries of how ships were built and repaired
Civil War shipwreck remains in ‘fantastic’ shape on ocean floor
Wisconsin ‘ghost ship’ uncovered after 139 years
Nuts, bones, and wood help date a 2,000-year-old Greek shipwreck
Robots bring long lost ocean sites within reachIronically, the sunken Italian ship’s sheer inaccessibility is also what makes it such a valuable site to explore. Its depth and remoteness mean it has been completely untouched by looters or previous explorers. Even so, modern humanity has managed to leave its mark on the ancient vessel in the form of garbage. Beer cans, plastic containers, and old fishing nets were all spotted near the cannons and ceramics.
“After the awe of the discovery comes the sadness of finding such things,” DRASSM director Arnaud Schaumasse said in an interview with Le Monde.
Trash aside, the Camarat 4 expedition highlights the promise of future deep-sea exploration made possible by increasingly capable robotics, some of which are being designed to operate autonomously. By diving deeper than ever before, archaeologists will have the tools to explore mysteries that would otherwise have been left to rot in the ocean’s unforgiving darkness.
The post Robot probes 16th century Italian shipwreck 1.5 miles below the Mediterranean appeared first on Popular Science.
‘Mars’ is 2025’s most popular planet baby name
“Mars, can you please clean up your Legos?”
“Jupiter, finish your peas.”
“Don’t pull the cat’s tail, Mercury!”
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has released its baby name data for 2025 and it’s clear that plenty of parents found inspiration in the cosmos for their little ones. The most popular proper planet in our solar system to name a baby after in 2025 was Mars, followed by Jupiter. Thankfully, no one named their child Uranus, but 80 parents did name their child Cosmo.
Here’s the planet-baby name breakdown:
- Mercury: 10 males
- Venus: 96 females
- Earth: Eight females
- Mars: 27 females, 105 males (132 total)
- Jupiter: 84 females, 37 males (121 total)
- Saturn: 18 females, 8 males (26 total)
- Uranus: Zero
- Neptune: Eight males
A couple of our solar system’s dwarf planets also made appearances on the list:
- Pluto: 11 males
- Eris: 128 females, 26 males (154 total)
Of course it’s important to note that most of our solar system’s planets got their names from Roman and Greek gods and goddesses, so a love of space likely wasn’t the only motivation for new parents.
Last year, 332 parents used the name Artemis for their babies. According to baby name site Nameberry, Artemis is of Greek origin and means “safe” or “butcher.” It’s also the name of NASA’s high-profile mission to return humans to the moon.
And as a bonus fun-with-data note: the name Tesla has completely disappeared from SSA’s data. The name peaked in 2016 with 180 children given the moniker. It last appeared on the charts in 2023 when only 13 babies got the name.
For privacy purposes, the SSA only releases data on names given to at least five children. So maybe somewhere, one little Uranus is ruling the playground.
The post ‘Mars’ is 2025’s most popular planet baby name appeared first on Popular Science.
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