earth day 2025

A newly discovered asteroid, 2026 JH2, will pass within 56,000 miles of Earth on Monday, a distance closer than the moon. Identified by astronomers at multiple observatories, the asteroid is estimated to be 50-100 feet wide. Current calculations indicate no impact risk, despite ongoing efforts to refine its orbit.

"After four years full of challenges and hard work, it's time to move on," said Lewandowski.

Iceland, once a mosquito-free haven, has officially welcomed its first mosquitoes, Culiseta annulata. Scientists confirmed the discovery after a citizen science find, attributing the arrival to a warming Arctic and increased shipping. While a nuisance, these mosquitoes don't carry dangerous tropical diseases, but their presence marks a significant ecological shift.

Daniel Brown became a viral fan favorite during the PGA Championship after stopping mid-round to pose with smoking fans at Aronimink Golf Club. The English golfer later recovered from a difficult start to shoot an even-par 70 on Saturday. Brown, already known for smoking during tournaments, previously called the habit a way to handle nerves during major championship events.

President Trump's visit to China is overshadowed by the Iran War, which has disrupted global energy supplies and impacted his approval ratings. While trade and Taiwan remain on the agenda, the protracted conflict in Iran presents a significant challenge, with the US struggling to achieve its war aims and facing a decline in superpower status.

President Trump embarks on a crucial three-day visit to China, set to engage in high-stakes talks with President Xi Jinping. Discussions will span critical global issues including the Middle East conflict, Taiwan, AI, and nuclear weapons. Business leaders are accompanying Trump, signaling a focus on trade and potential new deals, as both nations navigate complex economic and security landscapes.

As the geopolitical landscape evolves, France's efforts to maintain influence in Africa are confronted with a shifting reality. The Sahel nations, now under military governance, are moving toward new alliances, with Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger seeking support from Russia for defense needs and China for economic growth.

Bees are vital pollinators, crucial for global food security and ecosystems, yet face severe threats from climate change, pesticides, and habitat loss. Their declining populations, particularly in India, signal a critical ecological crisis. Urgent action is needed from farmers and citizens to protect these essential insects.

May offers a celestial spectacle for stargazers, beginning with the Eta Aquariids meteor shower, though moonlight may dim the view. Look for the green Comet C/2025 R3 PanSTARRS with binoculars. Venus and Jupiter will appear to converge in the evening sky. The month concludes with a rare 'blue moon' on May 31, which is also a 'micromoon'.

Donald Trump has landed in Beijing with 17 American companies in tow, worth a combined $16.47 trillion—roughly 90% of China's entire 2025 GDP. Jensen Huang joined at the last minute, boarding Air Force One in Anchorage. Nvidia and Apple alone account for $9.7 trillion of that, while Meta sent its policy chief after Beijing blocked its $2 billion Manus deal.

Anthropic's paper outlines two scenarios for US-China AI leadership by 2028. In one, the US maintains its compute advantage through tightened export controls, leading to democratic AI norms. The other sees China overtaking the US if policymakers fail to act, resulting in authoritarian AI dominance.

With fewer than 500 Timor green pigeons left, this extraordinary bird is racing towards extinction. Its survival is threatened by rampant hunting and habitat destruction. To avert the loss of this unique species, we must prioritize urgent conservation measures that foster local involvement and protect its dwindling habitat in the lush forests of Timor-Leste.

Following a deadly terror attack in Kashmir, India launched precision strikes on militant camps in Pakistan, escalating tensions to a full military standoff. Despite Pakistan's nuclear threats, India maintained a strong stance, ultimately leading to a ceasefire after significant damage to Pakistani military assets.

Construction workers at Sutton Lower School unearthed a remarkably preserved medieval brick and tile kiln in late 2024. This significant find, dating back to the 1400s, offers a glimpse into local industry and architecture. Further excavations revealed evidence of Roman and Iron Age activity, showcasing the site's long history of human use and manufacturing.