Scientists Plan for Apophis's Unnervingly Close Brush With Earth

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In our top stories this week, reporter Passant Rabie explores potential projects to visit and study asteroid Apophis when it performs a close encounter with Earth in 2029. Consumer Reports reveals that about 20% of fruits and vegetables sold in the U.S. may have unsafe pesticide levels, raising concerns about whether rinsing under the tap effectively removes these residues. NASA confirmed that the Voyager 1 probe, after months of spewing gibberish, is finally making sense again, and researchers pinpoint the source of the famous Hope Diamond. - George Dvorsky

This is radar image of a near-Earth asteroid similar to Apophis. We actually know very little about what Apophis looks like, but its pending flyby in 2029 will provide scientists with an unprecedented look.Image: NASA/JPL-CalTech

In about five years' time, a potentially hazardous asteroid will swing by Earth at an eerily close distance of less than 20,000 miles (32,000 kilometers). During this rare encounter, Apophis will be ten times closer to Earth than the Moon and scientists want to take full advantage of its visit. - Passant Rabie Read More

Strawberries being washed under running water.Image: Nataly Mayak (Shutterstock)

A recent analysis from advocacy organization Consumer Reports is the latest to highlight the potential threat of pesticides in our produce. It suggests that around 20% of commonly sold fruits and vegetables in the U.S. could contain unsafe levels of pesticides. Given that concerning news, you might be wondering how to lessen your risk of exposure. Rinsing produce under the tap is a common practice, but does it actually remove significant amounts of pesticide residue? Here's what the research suggests. - Ed Cara Read More

An artist's concept of NASA's Voyager 1 spacecraft.Illustration: NASA/JPL-Caltech

The Voyager 1 spacecraft returned usable data for the first time in more than five months, giving hope for the 46-year-old mission to finally be able to resume its normal operations. - Passant Rabie Read More

Image: Hollie Adams (Reuters)

It's not only food CEOs who need to worry about their bottom lines thanks to in-demand weight loss drugs like Ozempic. Big Tobacco and Alcohol have reason to fret, too. - Bruce Gil, Quartz Read More

The Hope and Koh-i-Noor diamonds—two of the most famous Golconda diamonds—may have come from southern India's Wajrakarur Kimberlite Field, according to a team of researchers that reviewed the possible origin points of the gems. - Isaac Schultz Read More

An artist's depiction of the Solar Sail System spacecraft in orbit.Illustration: NASA/Aero Animation/Ben Schweighart

A new experimental mission by NASA is now flying in low Earth orbit, aiming to use photons from the Sun to propel its way to higher altitudes. - Passant Rabie Read More

A dairy cow.Photo: Alberto Menendez Cervero (Shutterstock)

Food and Drug Administration officials reported this week that lab tests have found genetic material from strains of H5N1 avian influenza in samples of store-bought pasteurized milk. Officials say these samples do not appear to contain live virus and that the commercial milk supply should still be safe. But the results suggest that the virus has spread further across dairy farms than previously indicated. - Ed Cara Read More

Perseverance's view of 'unsen Peak.Image: NASA/JPL

Unlike its predecessor Curiosity, NASA's Perseverance rover is explicitly intended to "search for potential evidence of past life," according to the official mission objectives. It's now reached a location on the Red Planet where it can truly flex its muscles as a fossil-hunting rover. - Sean McMahon, The Conversation Read More

Photo: George Dvorsky

Robotic telescopes of various shapes and sizes are hitting the market these days, each promising clear views of the cosmos and ease of use—attributes not often found paired together in a single telescope. Amateur and backyard astronomers are now fully embracing this ongoing, auto-GOTO revolution, but not every manufacturer delivers on its promises. Unistellar is not one of these companies; the French firm stands out from the crowd with its recently released Odyssey and Odyssey Pro robotic telescopes. They aren't perfect, but they come pretty darned close. - George Dvorsky Read More

A Falcon 9 booster stage following its landing atop the SpaceX droneship Of Course I Still Love You. Photo: NASA

SpaceX, the world leader in rocket launches, is increasingly coming under scrutiny for its workplace practices. A recent safety review performed by Reuters highlights an upsetting trend at the aerospace company. For the second year in a row, injury rates at SpaceX far exceed the industry average. This is according to a Reuters review of 2023 safety data that the company filed to U.S. regulators, specifically the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Discouragingly, the injury rate worsened at SpaceX compared to the previous year. - George Dvorsky Read More