NASA Artemis II Crew Suggests Naming Lunar Crater in Honor of Astronaut Reed Wiseman’s Late Wife

The crew of NASA’s historic Artemis II mission honored the late Carol Wiseman, the wife of astronaut Reed Wiseman, by proposing to name a moon crater in her memory. This poignant moment was broadcast live on a NASA livestream.

Subscribe to read this story without ads

Get unlimited access to ad-free articles and exclusive content.


Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen informed mission control on Monday that his team aimed to “honor our mission by naming two craters on the moon.”

One of the craters is named after Carol Wiseman, the wife of Artemis II commander Reed Wiseman, who succumbed to cancer in 2020 at the age of 46.

“We lost a loved one. Her name was Carol, and she was the mother of Katie and Ellie, Reed’s daughters,” Hansen expressed.

He referred to the crater as a “bright spot on the moon.”

“We like to call it Carol,” Hansen noted.

NASA astronaut Reed Wiseman and his late wife Carol Taylor Wiseman. The moon’s craters as seen from the Orion spacecraft on Monday.
Wiseman family via NASA. NASA

Following Hansen’s heartfelt eulogy, the crew linked arms and floated in zero gravity, with both Wiseman and NASA astronaut Christina Koch visibly emotional.

Carol Wiseman “dedicated her life to helping others as a registered nurse in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.” NASA reported.

“Despite his numerous professional accolades, Mr. Reed views his journey as a single parent as the greatest challenge and most rewarding period of his life,” according to Wiseman’s NASA biography.

Wiseman was named commander of the Artemis II mission in 2023. Prior to the launch, he voiced concerns about the time away from his family that the mission entailed.

“As a single father of two daughters,” he said, “it would be simpler to stay home and watch soccer on weekends, but we have four individuals capable of exploring unique opportunities in our civilization.”

The Artemis II crew also suggested naming the second crater “Integrity,” inspired by the name of their Orion spacecraft.

Following the mission, the naming proposal will be formally submitted to the International Astronomical Union, which will decide on the naming of the crater and its features.

The Artemis II team of four accomplished the mission’s lunar flight on Monday, reaching a record distance from Earth. At the mission’s peak, the astronauts were approximately 42,752 miles away, surpassing the record set by the Apollo 13 crew in 1970.

“By achieving the greatest distance ever traveled by humans from Earth, we pay tribute to the extraordinary efforts and achievements of our predecessors in space exploration,” Hansen communicated to mission control upon confirming the milestone.

“We will continue our journey further into space until Mother Earth brings us back to what we cherish most,” he stated. “But most importantly, we challenge this generation and the next to ensure this record does not last.”

Wiseman, Koch, Glover, and Hansen commenced their journey home, officially exiting the moon’s sphere of influence at 1:25 p.m. Tuesday, approximately 41,000 miles from the moon. NASA confirmed.

After 10 days in space, the crew is set to return to Earth on Friday, splashing down off the coast of San Diego.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Honor Magic V5 Review: Top-Notch Foldable Phones Need Improved Android Software | Smartphone Insights

Honor’s newest folding phone-tablet aims to challenge Samsung’s dominance with a sleek SuperSuma design, an impressive battery, and a camera module reminiscent of a giant lens on the back.


Closed, the Magic V5 measures approximately 8.9mm thick, which is comparable to the USB-C port thickness, and feels similar to a conventional flat phone while being able to unfold into a mini tablet format.

Priced at £1,699.99 (€1,999.99), this folding device competes fiercely with offerings from Samsung and Google, though it remains on the pricier side, which may deter some consumers.

The Magic V5 comes in several colors, featuring different materials on the back that affect both thickness and weight. At 222g or less, it is slightly heavier than Samsung’s latest foldable, yet remains lighter than many other competitors, equating its weight to that of a larger standard phone.




When closed, the Magic V5 has a weight, thickness, and width comparable to that of a large conventional phone. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

The external 6.43-inch OLED display is remarkable and functions like a standard smartphone, while the internal 7.95-inch folding screen stands out for its brightness. Though it has visible creasing in the middle, it remains unobtrusive during use. The inner screen is more flexible than typical smartphone displays and requires careful handling, plus it tends to attract fingerprints.

This device is one of the first folding phones to offer water resistance comparable to standard smartphones, ensuring that dust and particles cannot penetrate behind the flexible screen or around the metal hinges, addressing concerns about durability.

Specifications

  • Main screen: 7.95in (403ppi) 120Hz OLED Flexible Display

  • Cover screen: 6.43in (405PPI) 120Hz OLED

  • Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite

  • RAM: 16 GB

  • Storage: 512GB

  • Operating system: Magicos 9.0.1 (Android 15)

  • Camera: 50MP + 50MP Ultrawide + 64MP 3x Tele; 2x 20MP Selfie

  • Connectivity: 5G, Dual SIM + ESIM, USB-C, WiFi 7, NFC, Bluetooth 6, GNSS

  • Water resistance: IP58 and IP59 (Immersion and high pressure jet)

  • Folded dimensions: 156.8 x 74.3 x 8.88-9mm

  • Expanded dimensions: 156.8 x 145.9 x 4.1-4.2mm

  • Weight: 217-222g

Top Snapdragon Chip and Large Capacity Battery




Using a standard 100W USB-C power adapter (not included), it takes 55 minutes to fully charge, reaching 70% in under 30 minutes. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

The Magic V5 is powered by Qualcomm’s top-tier Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, offering robust performance that rivals flagship devices. It handles everyday tasks effortlessly, remains cool under pressure, and excels in gaming.

Its multitasking capabilities shine through, allowing up to four apps to be displayed simultaneously on-screen.

Moreover, the generous battery life extends the device’s usability while maintaining a sleek form factor, larger than typical flat phones. Its battery performance varies significantly based on screen usage; primarily used as a tablet with 5G for video watching, it lasts around 37 hours. Balanced use across both screens can get you through three days before requiring a charge.

Magicos Software Still Needs Improvement




Multitasking on a large internal display offers a delightful experience with three apps available on split screen. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

Running Honor’s Magicos 9 (based on last year’s Android 15) instead of the latest Android 16, the Magic V5 promises seven years of Android updates and security patches for European customers.

While the software features some promising ideas, it still exhibits rough patches and unexpected behaviors. The outer screen operates like traditional Android devices, but the inner display is where the software shines, allowing for multitasking with three apps on split screen. One app can be partially hidden to maximize space without closing the others, a clever feature first seen on the OnePlus Open. The taskbar simplifies window management.




Mini-floating windows offer enhanced desktop multitasking capabilities. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

However, tapping on app notifications within the internal screen consistently opens the app in a mini window, which may be suitable for small messaging apps, but could be unsatisfactory for larger applications like Gmail.

Furthermore, the software doesn’t utilize the partially folded mode that the inner screen offers, lacking a counterpart to Samsung’s well-regarded flex mode—representing a missed opportunity. Another bug in Honor’s font choice makes it challenging to identify unread emails in bold within Gmail, which is frustrating.

While these minor irritations may be overlooked in budget devices, they stand out on a premium device priced at £1,700. Honor has work to do.

Camera




The Camera app features multiple modes suitable for closed, partially open, or fully open configurations, ideal for selfies. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

Equipped with a solid camera array nestled within a pronounced circular camera bump, the Magic V5 features a 50MP main camera that captures appealing images across varying lighting conditions, though details can soften in lower light.

The 50MP ultra-wide camera performs well but slightly distorts edges and loses fine detail. The standout is the 64MP 3x optical telephoto camera, which excels in clarity and color accuracy, even under indoor lighting, and can achieve a 6x zoom that softens details at full size but performs admirably in bright conditions.

The dual 20MP selfie cameras produce decent results, yet using the main camera with the outer screen as a viewfinder yields superior quality.

The camera app supports various modes, including smart motion capture for action shots and robust video capabilities. There’s a range of AI filters and effects typical of many Chinese smartphones, allowing for personalized aesthetics.

Overall, while the camera is one of the better options among folding devices, it falls short of the top-tier camera phones available on the market.

Sustainability




The capacitive fingerprint scanner on the power button integrates seamlessly with the slim design. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

The expected battery lifespan is at least 1,200 charge cycles with a minimum of 80% original capacity remaining. The Magic V5 is generally easy to repair, with the internal screen priced around £700 and the external screen around £200. Additionally, Honor offers complimentary screen repairs for 12 months if purchased within the first month after release.

This device incorporates recycled plastics, and while Honor provides limited environmental reports, trade-in and refurbished options are available.

Price

The Honor Magic V5 retails for £1,699.99 (€1,999.99).

For context, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 is priced at £1,799; the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold costs £1,749; the Galaxy S25 Ultra is listed at £1,249, while the Honor Magic 7 Pro is available for £1,099.

Verdict

Honor has crafted an impressive folding phone, yet the software experience has room for improvement. While the Magicos has progressed over time, it lacks the customization and features seen in competitors.

The main issues are minor glitches, rough edges, and abnormal behaviors throughout the software. None of these detract significantly from the product, but they accumulate and cannot be ignored in a device priced at £1,700.

It’s unfortunate because the phone is rapid, boasts great battery life, has a capable camera, and presents aesthetically well. It’s great to see a meaningful rivalry among Samsung and Google in this foldable segment. Nonetheless, there’s insufficient incentive to choose the Magic V5 when it costs nearly the same as the industry-leading Samsung.

Pros: Super slim design, functions like a regular phone when closed, excellent performance, outstanding battery life, superb internal display, solid camera capabilities, effective fingerprint scanner, and a water and dust resistance rating.

Cons: High price point, software lacks polish for advanced behaviors, less durability compared to standard devices, expensive repairs, and limited folding modes.




The Magic V5 is a visually appealing and well-crafted device. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

Source: www.theguardian.com

The ancient Maya performed cremations for deceased rulers in honor of a new dynasty’s succession

Ornaments found with burned royal bodies in Mayan temple

Dr. Christina T. Halperin

About 1,200 years ago, the bones of several royals were burned in a Mayan city and discarded unceremoniously in the foundations of a new temple. These recently discovered ruins may represent a turbulent period in the Maya world, with violent political changes.

“When we first started excavating, we had no idea what this was,” he says. Christina Halperin at the University of Montreal. She and her colleagues made the discovery in 2022 at the Ucanal ruins in modern-day Guatemala.

Researchers found that beneath the structure of the pyramid temple, sediments were mixed with the rock. The deposit contained the bones of at least four people and thousands of ornamental fragments and beads. The bones of the two people and many of their ornaments showed signs of being burned at high temperatures.

It was clear this was no ordinary body, Halperin said. However, it was the nosepiece and obsidian eyeballs of the burial masks that revealed them as royal individuals. She says it “took forever” to sift these clues from the ashes.

Despite their apparently noble origins, the charred bodies of the royal family were not buried carefully and were “just dumped there,” Halperin said. Radiocarbon dating of the bones and ashes showed that at least one of him had died a century before his remains were burned between 773 and 881 AD. This suggests that the bones were exhumed from a previous burial and then burned.

This timing coincides with the rise of a new Ukanal leader, Papumaril, an outsider who assumed power amid the widespread dissolution of Maya society. In that context, the researchers found that the deposits were linked to the so-called “Burning Ceremony,” a Maya ritual that dramatically marked the destruction and demise of the previous dynasty and the prominence of the next. I think it may be a product. “This ritual seems to be both an act of worship and an act of destruction,” Halperin says.

simon martin Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania say the discovery provides vivid physical evidence for the theory that influences from outside cultures contributed to fundamental changes in Maya society during this period. “These are our ancestors. They are our ancestors,” he says. “Doing something like this will ruin everything.”

topic:

Source: www.newscientist.com

“Remembering the Karaoke Inventor: A Tribute to a Life of Honor and Ridiculousness” | Pop and Rock

R
Conventional wisdom suggests that music critics who criticize popular pop stars are often dismissed as failed musicians. This notion has always seemed like an unfair judgment to me. Rather than being a slight against harsh critics, it seems more like a criticism of musicians who have not achieved success in the industry. The question arises: why do some people fail in music? Implying that success is solely determined by talent or professional circumstances severely underestimates the allure of music, as exemplified nowhere better than in karaoke.

Karaoke establishments embrace a culture of incompetence, where grandeur, off-key performances, and unconventional stage presence are not only accepted but celebrated. In this environment, the “unpopular musician” takes on a captivating persona, becoming a standout figure in the music industry.

The recent passing of Shigekazu Negishi, the inventor of the karaoke machine, at the age of 100 highlighted the significant impact of his creation. Negishi, a Japanese consumer electronics innovator, developed the Sparko Box machine in 1967, initially as a response to a mocking colleague in a factory. Despite facing initial skepticism and criticism from live musicians wary of automated competition, Negishi’s invention went on to become a commercially successful venture.

Critics of karaoke have often deemed it boring, silly, and kitschy over the years, dismissing its artistic value. However, a shift in perception occurred when I personally experienced a karaoke bar in east London, where the magic of public performances unfolded before my eyes. Karaoke transformed from a nostalgic ritual to a high-stakes theatrical spectacle where honor and absurdity intersect.




Not so quiet…Björk.
Photo: REX/Fotex

Karaoke challenges individuals not only to showcase their vocal abilities but also to shed their inhibitions and embrace a sense of playfulness and humor. In a room filled with potential critics, the act of performing transforms into a liberating experience of self-expression and creativity.

Related: Stand up and be a fool: why film-makers love a karaoke scene

Karaoke provides a platform for ordinary individuals to embody a sense of star power, offering a unique form of interaction distinct from traditional concerts. Whether one performs with passion or humor, karaoke encourages participants to let go of inhibitions and embrace the joy of performance.

Shigekazu Negishi’s lifelong dedication to karaoke and his inventions symbolize the enduring power of passion over talent. As his legacy continues to influence music culture, he remains a beacon for aspiring singers worldwide.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Review of Honor Magic V2: Impressive hardware overshadowed by software shortcomings

Honor’s Magic V2 is the best designed foldable phone tablet ever. When it’s closed, it feels like a regular phone, but when it opens like a book, it reveals a big, gorgeous screen.

Magic V2, which was launched in China last year, has now arrived in Europe, but it’s not exactly affordable. Priced at £1,700 (€2,000), it falls between the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 and OnePlus’ slightly cheaper Open.

However, it has one major advantage over competing products. It’s the thinness. Honor has managed to slim down the hinge and body to effectively remove the bulk that has burdened foldable phones in the past. The large, bright outer screen has slim bezels and curved sides, and when closed, it feels and behaves like regular Android. The tablet is also only 4.8 mm thick when opened, which is the same as six credit cards stacked on top of each other. It’s incredible.


The Magic V2 is only 10.1 mm thick when folded, which is about the same as a regular phone in a case. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

The 7.92-inch screen inside is slightly larger than its rivals, but just as bright, smooth, and looks great. The crease in the center is a little more noticeable than the open one, but it blends in better with the background when used.

The hinge is rated to withstand at least 400,000 bends, allowing you to hold your phone open at a variety of angles. However, the hinge doesn’t feel as solid as some rivals, and the phone doesn’t have any water or dust protection.

specification

  • Main screen: 7.92 inch (402ppi) 120Hz OLED flexible display

  • Cover screen: 6.43 inch (404ppi) 120Hz OLED

  • Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 2nd generation

  • Ram: 16 GB

  • storage: 512GB

  • operating system: MagicOS 7.2 (Android 13)

  • camera: 50MP + 50MP Ultra Wide + 20MP 2.5x Tele; 2x 16MP Selfie

  • Connectivity: 5G, dual sim + esim, USB-C, wifi 7, NFC, Bluetooth 5.3, GNSS

  • water resistance: none

  • Dimensions when folded: 156.7×74×10.1mm

  • Unfolded dimensions: 156.7×145.4×4.8mm

  • weight: 237g

Last year’s top Android chips


The phone charges in about an hour using a 45W USB-C charger (not included in the box), but there’s no wireless charging. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

The Magic V2 is powered by Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, Qualcomm’s top chip since 2023, rather than the new Gen 3 version that started appearing in phones last month. It still provides plenty of power for multitasking, gaming, and whatever you want to do with it, but it’s not exactly the latest technology despite the high asking price. Battery lasts longer. With more than 6 hours of active use of two screens and 3 hours of active 5G, the battery will last up to 49 hours between charges. This means recharging every two days.

sustainability

Honor doesn’t provide an expected lifespan for the battery, but it should last more than 500 full charge cycles at at least 80% of its original capacity.The phone is Normally repairable by Honor.full battery Replacement cost is £110 Replacing the folding screen will cost £737.80 outside of warranty.Phone contains recycled plastic and Honor We will publish the breakdown environmental impact and We offer a trade-in system.

MagicOS 7.2 is unsophisticated


The multitasking system allows you to use up to four apps on the screen at the same time, but it comes with a number of quirks. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

Software is the Magic V2’s biggest weakness. It ships with MagicOS 7.2, which is based on 2022’s Android 13, rather than Android 14, which we’d expect from new devices in 2024. Honor only provides Android updates for his 3 years since release and security updates for a total of 5 years. It’s at least two full years short of the benchmarks set by Google, Samsung, and Apple.

MagicOS has some great ideas, like a mode that turns your phone into a digital desk clock when idle, but it’s generally a little rough around the edges when compared to the best software experiences of its competitors. It has advanced multitasking tools and can display up to 4 apps on screen. Two are split screen and two more are displayed in small free-floating pop-out windows.

But when you tap a notification for a message like email or WhatsApp, your phone asks to open each app in a mini floating window instead of full screen. Sometimes that’s useful. Other times, it’s just frustrating and there’s no way to stop it. You never want Gmail to open like a chat app.

This phone also comes pre-installed with unnecessary apps like Booking.com, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, WPS Office, etc. All of this can be uninstalled, but this is a £1,700 phone and you don’t need the kind of bloat you get on lower priced devices.

camera


The Honor camera app has a wealth of features, including manual mode, and can be used in both open and closed positions. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

The Magic V2 has three cameras on the back, one selfie camera on the front, and one camera on the inner screen.

Both selfie cameras are solid, but the main camera is better at taking photos, and you can use the outer screen as a viewfinder to easily take selfies.

The main 50MP camera takes good photos in a variety of lighting conditions, but colors tend to be oversaturated and scenes are frequently brightened, losing contrast and looking a bit flat. The 50MP ultra-wide angle performs well in bright scenes, while the 20MP his 2.5x telephoto typically produces stable images. However, the reach is not very long, especially when compared to his best competitors with 2x optical magnification.

All three cameras struggle a bit in low light levels, losing fine detail and sharpness, and becoming increasingly unstable at night. There is also a noticeable difference in color between the ultrawide camera and his other two cameras, which is disappointing at this price.

None of these issues are deal-breakers, but Honor has some work to do to catch up with the best in the market.

price

Honor Magic V2 cost £1,699.99 (1,999.90 euros).

For comparison, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 prices are as follows: £1,749Google Pixel Fold price £1,749 and OnePlus Open cost £1,599.

verdict

The Honor Magic V2 is a sophisticated piece of hardware with software that doesn’t live up to expectations.

When folded, it looks so much like a regular phone that it’s easy to forget that there’s a huge screen hidden inside.

However, the software isn’t as sophisticated, doesn’t have as many features, and doesn’t have as much support as its rivals. There is no water resistance rating, so durability is questionable, and the camera’s performance may be a little weak in some areas. None of these issues are completely deal-breakers, and many could be fixed with updates. But for a device at this price, it’s disappointing, especially when cheaper rivals are better in these respects.

Strong Points: Ultra-slim and lightweight phone and tablet in one, just like a regular phone when closed, with great performance, very long battery life, a great internal screen, and a great fingerprint scanner. Masu.

Cons: It’s not water resistant, it’s very expensive and expensive to repair, its software isn’t as sophisticated as it needs to be, its software support is short, its chips are outdated, and its camera performance lags behind

Source: www.theguardian.com