The Guardian · 30 May, 05:00
A blue micromoon, a rare lunar event, will be visible this weekend. It is a full moon that occurs when the moon is at its furthest point from Earth, making it appear smaller than usual, and is the second full moon in a single calendar month.
A blue micromoon will be visible in the night sky this weekend. This event occurs when a full moon happens close to the moon's furthest point from Earth, making it appear smaller, and is also the second full moon in a single calendar month. The moon takes 29 and a half days to cycle through its phases, making a full moon typically occur once a month. However, occasionally two full moons will occur in one month, with the second one being referred to as a blue moon.
Why it matters: This event is significant because blue moons occur every couple of years and micromoons occur two or three times a year, but a blue micromoon, which is a combination of both, occurs about once every couple of decades. This makes it a rare spectacle for stargazers. The event is also an opportunity to observe the moon's phases and its elliptical orbit around Earth.
The moon appears about 14% smaller than a supermoon and 6% smaller than a typical full moon during a micromoon. Blue micromoons occur about once every couple of decades. The next blue micromoon for the UK will be in 2066, while some parts of the world, including the US, will have one in 2053. The full moon on 31 May will occur at 9:45 am BST.
The moon will be 'indistinguishable from being full the entirety of the night beforehand and basically the night after as well,' says Dr. Greg Brown, an astronomer at the Royal Observatory Greenwich.
The Guardian · 30 May, 06:00
A Russian missile attack on Kyiv damaged several cultural sites, including the National Chornobyl Museum and the National Art Museum of Ukraine, causing significant destruction and loss of irreplaceable artifacts.
On the night of May 23, Russia launched 60 missiles and 600 drones at Ukraine, mostly targeting Kyiv. The attack damaged many of the city's museums and culturally significant buildings, including the National Chornobyl Museum and the National Art Museum of Ukraine. The Chornobyl Museum's historic building was significantly damaged, with its roof destroyed and exhibition rooms affected. About 40% of the museum's irreplaceable artifacts on display were destroyed.
Why it matters: The attack on cultural sites in Kyiv is significant because it highlights the ongoing impact of the war on Ukraine's cultural heritage. The destruction of these sites not only causes irreparable loss but also erases a part of Ukraine's history and identity. The attack is part of a larger pattern of destruction, with Ukraine's culture ministry reporting that 1,723 cultural heritage sites and 2,524 cultural infrastructure sites have been damaged or destroyed since 2022.
40% (of irreplaceable artifacts destroyed at the Chornobyl Museum), 60 (missiles launched), 600 (drones launched), 1,723 (cultural heritage sites damaged or destroyed), 2,524 (cultural infrastructure sites damaged or destroyed), 26 April 1986 (date of the Chornobyl nuclear disaster), 26 April (date the Chornobyl Museum reopened), 23 May (date of the missile attack), 24 May (date the attack's aftermath was assessed)
“We could hear the roof collapsing. We were constantly wading through water.” - Vitalina Martynovska, director of the National Chornobyl Museum
The Guardian · 30 May, 06:00
The Soho Society, a resident group in London's Soho district, has voted to object to all new bar and restaurant licences, as well as renewals and extended hours, citing concerns over noise, crime, and litter. This move has been criticized by local business owners, who argue it could 'destroy Soho's reputation' and stifle growth and job creation.
The Soho Society, a group of residents established in 1972 to preserve the character of Soho, has voted to challenge all new applications for bars and restaurants in the area, including renewals of existing licences. They will also object to any venue that wishes to open beyond 'core hours', which Westminster council decrees end at 11pm. The society claims the area has seen an intensification of nightlife and unacceptable noise, as well as crime and litter caused by late-night revellers. This new mandate means it will be very difficult for businesses to open or expand in the area.
Why it matters: The Soho Society's actions have significant implications for the local business community, as they could stifle growth and job creation in the area. The society's methods have been criticized by business owners, who argue that the objections are often spurious and costly to defend. This could damage Soho's reputation as a vibrant and diverse entertainment district, both domestically and internationally.
10% (estimated proportion of Soho residents represented by the Soho Society), £44,000 (full legal costs to a gin distillery that was objected to by the society), £27,000 (amount the Soho Society had to pay in legal costs), 1972 (year the Soho Society was established), 11pm (end of 'core hours' as decreed by Westminster council)
“Soho is renowned internationally for its creative activity and it is a melting pot of socialising... It would be a shame if that international reputation was trashed by a few residents.” - Rupert Power, owner of Sophie's steak restaurant and Jack Solomons jazz bar
Ars Technica · 29 May, 22:58
The US Office of Management and Budget has proposed new funding rules that would allow federal agencies to cancel grants at any time if they deem it not in the 'national interest'. The rules would also diminish the role of peer review in grant funding decisions and ban grants on certain topics.
The US Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has proposed new rules for grant funding that would fundamentally alter how grants are handled by the US government. Under the proposed rules, political appointees would have the final say in grant funding decisions, rather than peer reviewers. The rules would also allow federal agencies to cancel any grant at any time if it is deemed not to be in the 'national interest'. Additionally, the rules would ban grants on certain topics, limit international collaborations, and block spending on activities such as publishing papers and attending conferences.
Why it matters: The proposed rules are significant because they could have a major impact on US science research. By diminishing the role of peer review and allowing political appointees to make funding decisions, the rules could lead to less effective and less scientifically sound research being funded. Additionally, the rules could limit the ability of researchers to collaborate internationally and publish their findings, which could hinder the advancement of science.
Ars Technica · 29 May, 21:17
A Kenyan court has blocked the Trump administration's plan to send Ebola-exposed Americans to Kenya for quarantine and treatment. The plan has been stalled due to a petition filed by the Katiba Institute, which advocates for Kenyans' constitutional rights.
The Trump administration had planned to establish a makeshift quarantine and treatment facility in Kenya for Americans exposed to Ebola. The facility was to be set up in Laikipia, about 120 miles north of Nairobi, where the US has an air base. However, a petition filed by the Katiba Institute on Thursday challenged the establishment of the quarantine and treatment facility, leading to the plan being stalled.
Why it matters: This is significant because it highlights the challenges faced by the Trump administration in finding a country to host a quarantine and treatment facility for Ebola-exposed Americans. The plan to send citizens to Kenya was met with resistance, and the court ruling has forced the administration to scramble to find alternative solutions.
50 (number of beds in the proposed quarantine facility), May 29 (expected operational date of the facility)
Ars Technica · 29 May, 18:35
A recent study analyzed a multi-state measles outbreak that started in West Texas, highlighting the severity of the disease. The outbreak resulted in significant hospitalizations, particularly among young children.
In 2021, the US recorded 49 measles cases, but vaccination rates have since slipped due to the rise of anti-vaccine movements. A massive multi-state measles outbreak that started in West Texas occurred, prompting a detailed study by state and federal researchers. The study, published in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, analyzed the outbreak and its consequences. The data showed that about 20 percent of people, mostly younger children, were hospitalized due to the disease.
Why it matters: This outbreak and the subsequent study demonstrate the dangers of measles and the importance of vaccination. The severity of the disease is significant, with a high hospitalization rate, particularly among young children. This highlights the need for continued public health efforts to maintain high vaccination rates and prevent the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases.
49 (2021 US measles cases), 20 percent (hospitalization rate), 2000 (year US declared measles eliminated)
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. described measles as 'just a rash' and claimed that 'Measles outbreaks have been fabricated to create fear.'
NPR News · 29 May, 20:33
A judge has ruled that Donald Trump's name must be removed from the Kennedy Center, as it was originally named after President John F. Kennedy. The judge also blocked the center's plans for a two-year renovation and closure.
A judge issued a 94-page ruling that determined the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts was named after the late President John F. Kennedy, not Donald Trump. As a result, the judge ordered that Trump's name be removed from the center. The judge also ruled that the center cannot proceed with plans to close for two years for renovations. The center had planned to use this time for major upgrades.
Why it matters: This ruling is significant because it preserves the historical integrity and original naming intention of the Kennedy Center. It also impacts the center's future plans for renovation and programming.
94 (number of pages in the judge's ruling), 2025 (year Trump's name was added), 2026 (year photo was taken)
The judge wrote in his 94-page ruling that it was 'crystal clear' that the arts complex was named for the late president John F. Kennedy.
NPR News · 29 May, 17:15
Community members in the Democratic Republic of Congo are attacking Ebola clinics and distrusting doctors due to untrue rumors and mistrust of medical authorities. This is reminiscent of past outbreaks and is hindering efforts to contain the disease.
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, community members are attacking Ebola clinics, distrusting doctors, and following traditional burial practices that could lead to more Ebola cases. This is happening due to untrue rumors and mistrust of medical authorities. The situation is similar to past outbreaks, where community resistance and mistrust of healthcare workers hindered disease control efforts.
Why it matters: The attacks on Ebola clinics and mistrust of doctors are significant because they can lead to more cases of Ebola and hinder efforts to contain the disease. The situation highlights the importance of building trust between medical authorities and local communities in outbreak response efforts.
NPR News · 29 May, 17:14
Louisiana lawmakers have passed a new congressional map that dismantles one of the state's two majority-Black districts, following a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that deemed the current map unconstitutional.
Louisiana's Republican lawmakers have passed a new congressional map that eliminates one of the state's two majority-Black congressional seats. This move comes after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the current map is unconstitutional. The new map was passed in response to the Supreme Court's decision.
Why it matters: This is significant because it changes the state's congressional representation and may impact the voting power of Black communities in Louisiana. The move has sparked controversy and may face further legal challenges.