Absolutely Spectacular: Artemis II Crew Witnesses Moon’s Far Side
Nasa’s Artemis II mission has captured the attention of its crew, who recently shared their first view of the Moon’s far side. The team, comprising astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Canadian Space Agency member Jeremy Hansen, are currently in their third day aboard the Orion spacecraft. Their journey will take them around the Moon’s uncharted side before returning to Earth.
“There’s a certain feeling when you see a part of the Moon you’re not familiar with,” Koch remarked.
A photo taken by the crew of the Orientale basin has been released, marking the first time the entire structure has been observed by human eyes, according to Nasa. As of 23:00 BST on Saturday, the spacecraft was recorded at over 180,000 miles (289,681km) from Earth.
Great Marshmallow Drop Draws Thousands
During the annual Great Marshmallow Drop event, more than 15,000 fluffy treats were released from a helicopter, prompting children to rush for the catch. Meanwhile, the BBC’s Ione Wells engaged with demonstrators and participants outside the Supreme Court during a hearing on President Donald Trump’s executive order.
Trump’s Support Amid Economic Strain
Despite economic pressures, a farmer in Alabama continued to back President Trump, as reported by the BBC’s Gary O’Donoghue. The former prosecutor has maintained a close connection with the president, having represented him in a hush-money case. The Supreme Court also faced a challenge regarding Bill 21, a secularism law in the province, with Muslim women highlighting personal sacrifices.
Delays and Disruptions at the Airport
US airports are grappling with extended delays, partly due to TSA agents operating without pay during a partial government shutdown. The wreckage of a collision between a passenger plane and a firefighting vehicle blocked one of two runways at a busy New York City airport. BBC Verify detailed the moments leading to the deadly incident, while Valero noted no injuries in the refinery accident.
Public Demonstrations and Presidential Engagements
Across the country, large protests against the Trump administration erupted, featuring the third No Kings rally. The installation “A Throne Fit for a King” at the National Mall served as a critique of White House renovations. Meanwhile, the robot joined First Lady Melania Trump at the White House during a summit focused on AI, education, and youth safety in digital environments.
Animal and Human Safety
A yellow Labrador Retriever named Tessie remained unharmed after a fall and subsequent rescue, returning to her yard as crews repaired the sinkhole. The event also saw the presence of a robot alongside First Lady Melania Trump, underscoring the intersection of technology and public engagement.
