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Earth Sciences

Valentines in Mars

NASA marked Valentine’s Day this week by sharing images of heart-shaped formations on the surface of Mars, captured by the Mars Global Surveyor (MGS) over the course of several years. The photos, posted on the agency’s social media accounts, showcased natural surface features resembling hearts, offering a lighthearted tribute to the holiday.

The images were taken over three Martian years, with NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory accompanying the post with a message: “Happy St. Valentine’s Day from the Mars Global Surveyor (and) Mars Orbiter Camera team!” The collection highlighted how the Red Planet’s rugged landscape can occasionally produce familiar shapes through erosion and geological processes. The post quickly gained attention, drawing both admiration and playful responses from users. Some joked that Mars had been “playing Cupid all along,” while others suggested that if humans eventually colonize the planet, these heart-shaped sites could serve as romantic meeting spots.

While the images offered a lighthearted moment, they also served as a reminder of the detailed surface mapping and long-term observation work conducted by the MGS before the mission ended in 2006.

World News

‘Weapon Sacrifice’ Found

Archaeologists in Denmark have made a groundbreaking find at the Iron Age site of Løsning Søndermark, unearthing the country’s first Roman Imperial helmet—only the second example ever discovered in Scandinavia. Known for previous weaponry discoveries, the site yielded a rich assortment of military artifacts, including more than a hundred lance and spearheads, swords, knives, arrowheads, an axe head, chainmail, and even non-military items such as oath rings and a horse bridle. The sheer scale and variety of the finds point to a place of significant martial and ceremonial importance during the period.

Among the recovered objects, the Roman Imperial helmet stands out. Identified as an “Imperial Italic” type from the later Roman Empire, it was found in a fragmented state, with X-rays revealing iron cheek and neck plates essential for protecting soldiers in battle formations. Although Denmark lay outside Roman territory, such equipment may have reached the area through trade, diplomatic exchange, or as spoils of war claimed by Germanic tribes who interacted with Roman forces. The discovery underscores the far-reaching connections and cultural exchanges that shaped Iron Age Europe.

The placement of these artifacts offers further insight into their ceremonial value. Weapons and gear were found in two separate buildings, often deliberately buried: some were placed in postholes after a structure was dismantled, while others were packed around roof supports during construction. This careful positioning suggests a ritual intent rather than mere storage or use in a military barracks. Parts of the discovery will soon be on public display, with the Vejle Cultural Museum set to showcase selected items in early 2025.

Lifestyle

How It’s Made…

Ever wondered how your everyday writing tools—like pencils, pens, and markers—are actually made? Behind these simple objects is a fascinating process that transforms raw materials into the tools we rely on daily. In this video, we’ll take you inside the factories where graphite is molded into pencil cores, ink is carefully formulated, and plastic and metal are shaped into smooth writing instruments. You’ll see how precision machinery and skilled hands work together to create everything from classic wooden pencils to modern gel pens. Get ready for a behind-the-scenes look at the craftsmanship behind the writing tools you use every day.

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