Science Quickly

Summer Meteor Showers, Short Summer Days and Ancient Arthropods

Jul 28, 2025
This discussion reveals how Earth's rotation affects our perception of time and prepares us for the dazzling Southern Delta Aquariids meteor shower. It also touches on FEMA's budget cuts amid Texas flood woes. A deep dive into the pandemic's impact on mental health and cognitive aging sheds light on surprising brain changes. Plus, an exploration of ancient arthropods and their link to today's arachnids provides a fascinating look at evolutionary history. Get ready for a celestial and scientific journey!
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INSIGHT

Earth's Variable Rotation Speed

  • Earth's rotation speed varies due to factors like its liquid core, jet stream changes, and lunar gravitational pull.
  • Shorter summer days have been noticed recently, but scientists expect this trend to stabilize.
ADVICE

How to See July Meteor Showers

  • Watch for the Southern Delta Aquariids and Alpha Capricornids meteor showers on July 29-30.
  • Set your alarm for pre-dawn to catch meteors under favorable crescent moon conditions.
INSIGHT

FEMA Delays and Leadership Resignation

  • FEMA's urban search and rescue chief resigned partly due to delayed disaster response in Texas floods.
  • New DHS approval policies caused slow spending authorizations and service lapses during crisis.
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