12 May 2026

A remarkable 17th-century brass astrolabe, once owned by the royal family of Jaipur in western India, has shattered auction records by selling for over £2 million ($2.75 million) in London. This extraordinary astronomical instrument, hailed as a “supercomputer” of its time, is now the most expensive Islamic astronomical artifact ever sold at auction.

James O’Donoghue , a planetary scientist from the University of Reading , has earned one of the most esteemed honors in American astronomy for his exceptional efforts in making space science accessible to millions worldwide. James O’Donoghue’s videos have been viewed more than 400 million times Bringing the Cosmos to the Public O’Donoghue has created over 100 educational animations about space, captivating audiences with vivid, scientifically accurate visualizations of planetary phenomena.

The Pentagon has unveiled a comprehensive collection of declassified documents revealing decades of reported encounters with unidentified flying objects (UFOs), including astonishing accounts from both Earth-bound civilians and astronauts on the Moon. This unprecedented release provides fresh insights into the US government’s investigation of unexplained aerial phenomena (UAP) and fuels ongoing public fascination with the possibility of extraterrestrial life.

As Sir David Attenborough celebrates his 100th birthday, his enduring legacy continues to inspire bold conservation efforts across the UK. In Gloucestershire, the Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust has launched a transformative initiative to establish nature recovery zones, aiming to bolster ecosystem resilience in the face of climate change.

Butterflies across the UK face a troubling decline, yet amid this worrying trend, some species are bucking the odds and increasing in numbers. Understanding these shifts is crucial for conservation efforts striving to protect these delicate insects and their habitats.

Hedgehogs face a silent crisis across the UK and Europe , with their populations declining due to habitat loss and human activities. Conservation charities are now urging homeowners to transform their gardens into safe havens, offering practical solutions to halt this alarming trend before it leads to possible extinction.

Pet goldfish released unlawfully into a lake near Cambridge are jeopardizing the survival of a protected native fish species, the Environment Agency has revealed. This reckless act threatens to undo years of conservation efforts aimed at preserving the unique population of crucian carp in Milton Country Park.

Britain is considering a bold ecological restoration: the reintroduction of white storks, a species that vanished from the British landscape over 600 years ago. This initiative, driven by research from Harper Adams University ornithology student Sophie Rabone , is sparking conversations among farmers, landowners, and local communities about restoring a vital piece of the country’s natural heritage.

Every spring, the enchanting blue carpets of bluebells transform ancient woodlands across south-west England into breathtaking natural displays. Yet, these delicate wildflowers face mounting threats—not only from environmental pressures but also from well-meaning visitors whose footsteps can unintentionally damage fragile ecosystems.

The crew of NASA’s Artemis II mission returned not only with groundbreaking technical achievements but also with a profound message of hope and unity that resonates across the globe. In their first public news conference since safely returning last Friday, astronauts Reid Wiseman , Victor Glover , Christina Koch , and Jeremy Hansen opened up about how their journey beyond the Moon deepened their connection to each other—and to humanity itself.

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband has launched a bold challenge to the current energy pricing model, declaring that “you can’t solve a fossil fuels crisis by doubling down on fossil fuels.” His statement underscores the UK government’s commitment to transitioning toward clean energy as a solution to both climate change and spiraling household energy costs. Current Pricing Model Traps Consumers in Gas Price Volatility Despite a historic surge in electricity generated from renewable sources like wind a

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have revolutionized consumer goods with their remarkable stain-resistant and non-stick properties. Yet, these same qualities make PFAS some of the most persistent pollutants in the environment, earning them the nickname “forever chemicals.” Now, UK MPs are urging urgent action to ban PFAS from common products such as school uniforms, cookware, and food packaging to protect both public health and the environment.