Astronomy
May 15, 2025

Japan Is Making History by Harnessing Solar Power From Space

Japan is taking the concept of solar energy to a new level by moving into outer space. The country's OHISAMA project, named after the Japanese word for sun, will launch a space-based solar power station that can wirelessly beam energy back to Earth. At the International Conference on Energy from Space, held in London in April 2024, Koichi Ijichi, an adviser at Japan Space System, discussed how OHISAMA would work.

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News
May 14, 2025

Here Are Pope Leo XIV’s Newly Unveiled Portrait, Signature, and Coat of Arms

On May 8, the conclave elected Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as the Catholic Church’s next pope, marking a historic moment for the papacy. Prevost, who has since taken the regnal name Pope Leo XIV, is the first pope from the United States. Because of this, his election came as a surprise, with his name being floated less frequently by experts than other leading candidates.

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Travel
May 14, 2025

This Japanese Airport Hasn’t Lost a Bag In 30 Years—Here’s How

There’s much to be anxious about while traveling: delays, bad weather, long lines, and, perhaps worst of all, lost luggage. At Kansai International Airport, however, your bags are almost guaranteed to be safe. Since opening in September 1994, the airport has apparently never lost a piece of luggage, even though it’s one of two airports servicing Osaka, Japan’s third-largest city. It’s an impressive feat, especially considering that, in the U.S.

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Dogs
May 13, 2025

Ancient Roman Epitaphs Show That Family Dogs Were Deeply Loved Even Thousands of Years Ago

There’s one unfortunate and universal experience as a pet owner: in almost all cases, you will outlive your beloved animal. While we can recognize this intellectually, it doesn’t lessen the pain caused when our pets cross the rainbow bridge. Not only is this fact universal, but it’s also timeless. If you need proof, just look at Roman epitaphs from thousands of years ago.

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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.