Discover the fascinating world of asteroids with the Virtual Telescope Project, operated by Italy’s Bellatrix Observatory. This platform is live-streaming stunning views of asteroids, including exciting flybys.
While many smaller asteroids zoom past Earth unobserved, some create spectacular displays, streaking through our atmosphere as bright fireballs.
The Chelyabinsk meteor, which impacted Russia in 2013, is the largest known space rock to enter Earth’s atmosphere. Its explosion caused significant damage, shattering windows and affecting the Chelyabinsk region.
The tremendous energy of the explosion was equivalent to 30 times that of the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima, according to NASA. The Chelyabinsk meteor weighed around 11,000 tons and had a diameter of roughly 59 feet, making it slightly smaller than asteroid 2026 JH2, though the latter’s precise dimensions are still being determined.
Astronomers leverage a network of ground and space-based telescopes to keep tabs on asteroids and comets that may approach Earth. NASA’s Near Earth Observation Program plays a key role in identifying potentially hazardous asteroids and analyzing their orbits to assess any risks.
One asteroid currently under close scrutiny is Apophis, anticipated to approach Earth even more closely than asteroid 2026 JH2 in the years ahead.
Spanning approximately 1,200 feet in diameter, asteroid Apophis is projected to come within 20,000 miles of Earth on April 13, 2029.
NASA’s OSIRIS-APEX spacecraft is set to rendezvous with Apophis in June 2029 to investigate how Earth’s gravitational influence affects the orbits and physical characteristics of such space rocks. This mission follows the groundbreaking OSIRIS-REx mission, which returned the first-ever asteroid samples to Earth in 2023.
Having been in space since its launch in 2016, the OSIRIS-APEX mission faces potential budget cuts under the fiscal year 2027 proposal from the Trump administration. If these cuts proceed, OSIRIS-APEX could be among over 50 NASA missions slated for cancellation.
WWhile navigating the Black Friday sale frenzy can feel daunting, some incredible deals, particularly in travel, are worth exploring. As a travel journalist and magazine writer for my packing list newsletter, I’m continually scouting for luggage, apparel, and gear that can enhance the travel experience. During the Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales, I focus on retailers delivering substantial discounts on items such as carry-on luggages and cozy loungewear. Pro tip: If a product intrigues you, conduct a Google search to discover if other sites offer better prices (which is often the case).
If you’re in the market for upgrading travel gear without breaking the bank, rely on my curated guide for your shopping decisions. We’ll be updating our sale selections frequently over the holiday season, so keep an eye on this space for more deals in the coming weeks.
How I selected my Black Friday and Cyber Monday travel deals
My guiding principle when selecting travel products is to prioritize quality over quantity. You don’t need multiple carry-on suitcases; you need one that you can consistently rely on.
I began by identifying essential items every traveler should have, considering the “nice-to-haves” that have simplified my journeys through the years. I then sought specific products from trusted retailers and brands (many I routinely purchase) to see if discounted prices were justified. The chosen picks are presented below.
Overview: The top travel deals for Black Friday and Cyber Monday
Now $257, previously $343
Now $64.99, previously $99 on Amazon
Now $53.40, previously $89 at Athleta
Top luggage deals
Photo provided by Calpak
Calpak Terra 26L Laptop Duffel Backpack
Now $158.40, previously $198 at Calpak
Since I began using the Calpak Terra 26L Laptop Duffle Backpack last winter, I was thrilled with its carrying capacity. In fact, it holds as much as my suitcase while still fitting under an airplane seat! The clamshell opening simplifies packing, and internal compression straps secure everything. It’s essentially two bags in one: both a backpack and a duffle.
Photo: Provided by Away
Away Packing Pro Bundle
Now $257, previously $343
I always turn to Away for my bag needs. After using the Bigger Carry-On for years and testing numerous other suitcases, I’m convinced it offers more storage than any other carry-on. This bundle includes a set of packing cubes, perfect for organizing your suitcase, making it ideal for new travelers or those prone to overpacking.
Away is running an early Black Friday sale with 25% off all products, but I suggest focusing on items with the best cost per use. For frequent travelers, that’s the Away Packing Pro bundle. It includes the Bigger Carry-On and a set of Insider Packing Cubes (set of 4)—two travel essentials that can be used independently or together. Bonus: choose matching colors or mix and match!
Photo: Provided by ROHM
Roam Check-In Expandable
Now $545, previously $725 at Roam
Quality checked suitcases can be pricey, hence waiting for a sale is worthwhile. While the Roam Check-In Expandable may seem costly, it’s a one-time investment. Crafted with an extension feature (2-inch zipper) and compression board, it can comfortably accommodate 10-13 clothing items.
Top travel tech and gear deals
Photo: Provided by Amazon
European Travel Plug Adapter Set
Now $12.66 on Amazon, previously $16.99
Planning a trip to Europe? Or need a practical gift for someone traveling abroad? Grab this European travel plug adapter set on sale (26% off). It includes a Type-C plug adapter for places like Germany, Italy, France, and Spain, plus a Type-G mini adapter for the UK.
As a person who frequently misplaces AirPods while traveling, I lean heavily on headphones. This JBL pair is currently 50% off and boasts great reviews from countless users. Ideal for anyone hesitant about larger headphones, this model is accessible in multiple colors, including purple and blue.
Photo: Provided by Amazon
Apple AirTags 4 Pack
Now $64.99, previously $99 on Amazon
While you can’t control everything at the airport—like lost luggage—you can equip yourself with technology to track your belongings. Keeping an Apple AirTag in both checked and carry-on luggage provides reassurance, especially when connectivity is unreliable. It’s an opportune time to invest in your own set of AirTags.
Buying a 4-pack of AirTags at Apple.com means paying full price, but you can find these nifty tracking devices on Amazon and Walmart for under $65. Not only are AirTags handy for travel, but they also come in handy for daily life—attach one to your keys, slip it in your bag, or place it in your wallet.
Photo: Provided by Amazon
Travel Inspira Luggage Scale
Now $9.99 on Amazon, previously $12.99
Searching for a practical gift? The Travel Inspira Luggage Scale is that underappreciated item most don’t realize they need until they experience the relief of weighing their suitcase pre-flight. Simply loop the weighing strap through your luggage handle, lift, and check. Not only will the sale price save you money, but you’ll also avoid potential overweight baggage fees.
REI’s Holiday Sale highlights numerous items suited for any traveler’s wardrobe, but the Men’s Evolution EMB Oversized Parka (currently 30% off) stands out. It offers a refined oversized fit that remains stylish, with ribbed cuffs and hem for a polished appearance, making it ideal for your journeys.
Photo: Provided by Amazon
Women’s Pioneer Camp Packable Puffer
Now $47.59, previously $55.99 on Amazon
Selecting outerwear can be challenging when packing. One tip is to wear your coat while traveling (no need to stuff it in a suitcase), yet a lightweight layer is essential. The Pioneer Camp Women’s Packable Puffer is an excellent choice: it’s lightweight, water-resistant, and packs neatly into a carry bag. The timing of this sale is ideal for the winter trips ahead.
Photo: Provided by Athleta
Women’s Forever Fleece Relaxed Crew Sweatshirt
Now $53.40, previously $89 at Athleta
I firmly believe travel attire should be both flattering and comfortable. I favor sweats and loungewear in solid, neutral hues like the Athleta Forever Fleece Relaxed Crew sweatshirt. Stylish yet practical, this navy piece will conceal any travel stains.
Athleta’s pre-Black Friday sale (download the app for 30% off everything) is a real advantage for athleisure enthusiasts, but don’t rush in. Instead, focus on pieces worthy of a spot in your suitcase. This cotton crewneck is machine washable (a must for travel clothing) and available in multiple neutral colors. This will serve you well for all upcoming travels.
Photo: Courtesy of Nordstrom
Italic Amara Cashmere Wrap
Now $167, previously $279 at Nordstrom
A cashmere wrap is a travel must-have. It’s larger than a blanket, providing warmth on chilly flights, and doubles as a stylish scarf. Versatile travel items score high in my book. This 100% cashmere wrap from Italic, marked down by over $100, is chic, functional, and versatile.
The Spring Skywatch is in top condition. The annual Lilid Meteor Shower is back, offering people in the Northern Hemisphere the chance to catch shooting stars in the night sky.
The Meteor Shower began on April 16th, but peaks on Monday nights and early Tuesday mornings. When the weather allowed, the Skywatcher could see up to 15 shooting stars per hour during that period, as long as they were in dark places.
Lilid is usually one of the most reliable meteor showers of the year, and its timing coincides with milder spring temperatures throughout the Northern Hemisphere, making it a popular celestial show.
This year’s peak occurs in a declining crescent moon that will satisfy approximately 27% of the time. According to NASA which means that the shooting star is unlikely to be washed away by the bright moonlight.
To enjoy the peak to the best, NASA recommends watching outside from Monday nights from 10pm in the area until the next morning dawn. However, whenever it is late on a Monday evening, and before the moon rises around 3:30am, local time you will have the chance to see meteors scattered across the night sky.
Lilids are usually the most clearly observed from the Northern Hemisphere, but according to NASA, Eagle Eyed Skywatchers in the Southern Hemisphere may be able to find some shooting stars.
If conditions are clear, it is best to choose an unobstructed viewing location under the darkest sky possible, away from city lights and other forms of light pollution.
Skywatchers must face roughly eastward and look straight ahead. Meteors are striped from every point, and it is known that Lilids sometimes leave bright trails when dancing across the night sky.
Meteor showers can be enjoyed without special equipment, but experts suggest giving your eyes time to adjust to the darkness, so that you can spend about 45 minutes without seeing a mobile phone or bright light.
Meteor showers occur when Earth passes through remaining debris from comets and asteroids. As our planet orbits the Sun and shakes these rocks and dust clouds, the fragments evaporate into the atmosphere, appearing like stripes of light in the sky.
Lilid is C/1861 G1, or Comet Thatcher. It was named after Alfred E. Thatcher, an amateur astronomer who first observed a comet in 1861.
After the peak, the Lyrid meteor shower will continue to be on display until April 29th.
Skywatchers on a budget will be excited for a night of celestial luck on Monday, as they have the chance to witness a supermoon and a seasonal blue moon together.
NASA explains that a blue moon, by its technical definition (the third full moon in a season of four), occurs approximately once every 10 years.
A supermoon happens when the moon is full at its closest point to Earth in its orbit. These occurrences vary, with the most intense supermoons appearing around 14 percent larger than when the full moon is farthest from Earth. While this supermoon may not be among the most intense, it still qualifies as a supermoon according to NASA.
The moon’s colors will appear off-white and grey, with hints of brown and yellow.
As per NASA, a “super blue moon” can happen every 20 years. NASA’s FAQ confirms: It’s set to be a bright Monday night.
People watch as a super blue moon rises behind Nacka in Stockholm on Monday. Jonathan Nackstrand/AFP-Getty Images
With the new blue moon definition (the second full moon in a month with two full moons) and the traditional seasonal blue moon definition, a super blue moon can be expected once every five years.
The next occurrence of a moon similar to Monday’s, as a supermoon coinciding with a seasonal blue moon, is scheduled for August 21, 2032, according to NASA. The next supermoon aligned with a monthly blue moon will take place in January 2037.
Monday’s super blue moon also acts as an indicator for the remaining 30 days of summer, which ends on September 21st.
“Seasonal blue moons consistently occur roughly a month before the vernal equinox or summer solstice,” NASA highlights in an FAQ.
Many Americans anticipating this unique celestial event may face disappointment as the National Weather Service forecasts thunderstorms overnight from the northern Mid-Atlantic to New England, with a chance in the High Plains regions.
For those in the San Francisco Bay area, where the moon is expected to be visible, skies are predicted to be mostly clear, ensuring that “the supermoon will be visible tonight,” as stated by the National Weather Service.
During the Giants-Chicago White Sox game, scheduled to commence an hour before sunset, Denver’s Blue Moon Brewing is organizing a post-game drone spectacle for fans at Oracle Park.
“Once the Giants-White Sox game concludes, the stadium lights will dim, and the sky above Oracle Park will illuminate with a drone show titled ‘Once in a Blue Moon,’ as confirmed by the brewery in a statement.
Monday marked the hottest day ever recorded on Earth, surpassing the previous record.
The global average temperature soared to 17.15 degrees Celsius (62.87 degrees Fahrenheit) on Monday, reported by the European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service.
Climate change and the El Niño phenomenon contributed to the extreme heat experienced this summer.
Sunday’s record as the hottest day ever recorded on Earth lasted only one day.
This week saw two consecutive days with the highest temperatures ever recorded on Earth.
Copernicus attributed the record-high global temperatures to an unusually warm winter in Antarctica.
Despite the record-breaking temperatures, climate scientists anticipate further warming in the future due to human-induced climate change.
On Monday, people braved scorching heat in Tehran, Iran; China; France; Florida; Athens, Greece; and Tokyo. Reuters, AP, Getty
Bob Henson, a meteorologist and climate writer at Yale University’s Climate Connections, expressed concern over the recent temperature spikes, emphasizing the urgent need to address climate change.
Extreme heat conditions have led to triple-digit temperatures in various regions, including California, raising wildfire concerns.
Furthermore, the El Niño weather pattern has exacerbated the summer heat, contributing to higher global temperatures.
Henson predicts a cooling La Niña event later this year, which may help lower average temperatures.
Despite potential fluctuations, the long-term trend indicates a continuous rise in global temperatures if climate change remains unchecked.
Copernicus analyzes global temperature trends using climate reanalysis data dating back to 1940, monitoring temperature changes worldwide.
While Monday’s record could be surpassed, experts suggest a slight decrease in temperatures in the near future.
“The phenomenon is ongoing, and temperature patterns may shift, but early data indicates a potential cooling trend in the coming days,” mentioned Carlo Buontempo, director of the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
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