A vest tested on the Artemis I mission blocked some radiation exposure

• NASA astronaut Mike Fincke is leaving the agency several months after a medical emergency forced an early end to his most recent mission. • Fincke returned from the International Space Station in mid-January alongside crewmates Zena Cardman, Kimiya Yui, and Oleg Platonov.

• Advancements in space science are being accelerated by the integration of quantum computing, nuclear fusion, and biological engineering. • Research is heavily focused on achieving controlled nuclear fusion through breakthroughs in magnetic and inertial confinement to provide a source of limitless clean energy.

• Astronaut Mike Fincke has officially retired after a distinguished career that included spending a total of 549 days in space. • His career was marked by a historic milestone during his fourth space journey, when he became the first person ever to undergo a medical evacuation from the International Space Station.

• Astronomers have discovered a new class of celestial objects known as "black hole stars," which are described as gargantuan, ancient, and immensely bright. • These objects represent a previously unseen phenomenon in the universe, combining the characteristics of massive stars with the influence of black holes.

• NASA is deploying high-altitude balloons and a specialized jet to study the total solar eclipse occurring on August 12. • The mission focuses on observing the sun's corona, a region of the solar atmosphere that is typically obscured by the sun's brightness.

• The Perseid meteor shower is expected to reach its peak tonight, August 12, and continuing into August 13. • Viewing conditions are predicted to be ideal due to dark skies provided by a new moon, which minimizes light interference.

• Researchers have achieved several breakthroughs in quantum computing, including new methods to shield quantum information from environmental "noise" and the development of a device for direct communication between multiple quantum processors. • Recent studies have utilized quantum computers to simulate complex physics that exceed the capabilities of traditional supercomputers and pioneered an entanglement microscopy algorithm to explore quantum many-body systems.

• Astronomers using NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope have discovered a new type of cosmic object, described as a black hole "star," located approximately 30 billion light-years from Earth. • The object is characterized by its massive scale, spanning the size of the entire solar system, and emits a brilliant red glow.

• NASA is launching a high-altitude air mission from Iceland to capture rare data and photographs during an upcoming solar eclipse. • Two aviators will fly a specialized aircraft along the path of totality to document the "slam of shadow" as the moon obscures the sun.

• A total solar eclipse is scheduled to occur on August 12, 2026, with the path of totality crossing Greenland and Spain. • Live reporting and expert updates are being provided as the event approaches to prepare observers for the celestial phenomenon.

• The National Academy of Sciences (NAS) has removed the "Reference Guide on Climate Science" chapter from its manual for judges. • The decision follows criticism from President Donald Trump and Republican officials, who claimed the content was biased against fossil fuel companies.