Astrophotography
May 8, 2025

Astronaut Don Pettit Captures Bright Green Aurora From the International Space Station

Astronaut Don Pettit recently returned to Earth, having accumulated 590 days in space. At age 70, he is considered NASA's oldest active astronaut, and the third oldest to ever be in orbit. Across his four space missions, Pettit has shown a knack for orbital astrophotography—that is, images of space shot from orbit aboard the ISS. Just a couple of weeks before flying home, he captured a bright green aurora from his unique perspective.

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History
May 7, 2025

30,000 Ceramic Red Poppies Flow Across the Tower of London’s Lawn

To commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, 30,000 ceramic poppies have returned to the Tower of London. Originally part of the 2014 Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red public art installation, they will remain on view until November 11, Armistice Day. Ceramic artist Paul Cummins created 888,246 red ceramic poppies for the 2014 installation, one for every British or Colonial service person killed during the First World War.

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Body Art
May 7, 2025

Woman Embraces Her Vitiligo by Transforming Her Skin Into Stunning Art

Vitiligo affects less than 1% of the global population; but, in recent years, this rare skin condition has been increasingly embraced and represented in toys like Barbie dolls and LEGO figurines. One person celebrating her vitiligo is Amara Aleman, who transforms her skin into incredible body art. Vitiligo happens when the skin doesn’t make enough melanin—the pigment that gives it color. This leads to white patches appearing where the pigment is missing.

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My Modern Met

Celebrating creativity and promoting a positive culture by spotlighting the best sides of humanity—from the lighthearted and fun to the thought-provoking and enlightening.