Perseid meteor shower peaks under perfect skies Aug 12-13 — here's what to expect

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• SpaceX successfully launched 24 Starlink internet satellites into orbit on August 8. • The mission took place from the scenic central coast of California.

• An international research team using the U.S. National Science Foundation's Inouye Solar Telescope has captured the highest-resolution image of the sun's surface to date. • The new imagery provides an unprecedentedly sharp view of the star, revealing surprising and previously unseen details about its surface structure.

• NASA recently conducted the Artemis II mission in April, marking the first crewed flight around the Moon in over 50 years. • The mission served as a critical milestone to validate key systems required for returning humans to the lunar surface and exploring deep space.

• On August 10, 1972, a 'Great Daylight Fireball' was seen over North America, visible in parts of the United States and Canada. • The fireball was an Earth-grazing meteor that burst through the sky, creating a spectacular sight for observers.