"For the Benefit of All"

In a world where the stars seem unreachable and earthly challenges overwhelm us, in an era marked by speed, competition, and uncertainty, there are institutions that remind us that knowledge, cooperation, and curiosity remain our best tools for building a better future. NASA is not just a space agency; it is a mirror reflecting what we are capable of achieving when science is put at the service of all.

Since its creation more than half a century ago, NASA has transcended its initial roles as an agency dedicated to transporting humans and cargo into space. It has evolved into a beacon of knowledge and hope, inspiring humanity to look beyond the horizon and reflect on our place in the universe.

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From space, our planet has no borders. NASA has taught us to see it for what it truly is: a fragile, living, and interdependent blue sphere. Thanks to its satellites and observation missions, we have been able to:

- Monitor climate change and its effects in real time.

- Improve agriculture and livestock farming with precise data on humidity, temperature, and soil.

- Anticipate natural disasters, saving lives and resources.

- Optimize global communications, connecting remote communities.

All of this through technologies that were born to explore other worlds but have transformed our own.

NASA doesn't just take astronauts and cargo into space; it takes us, as a species, toward a deeper understanding of our place in the universe. It has revealed:

- The history of the stars that gave us life.

- The dance of the planets, moons, and comets that surround us.

- The possibility of life beyond Earth, raising new questions about what it means to be alive.

Every image from the Hubble telescope, every piece of data from the Perseverance rover, every echo from the cosmic microwave background is an invitation to think, imagine, and feel part of something bigger.

NASA's motto, "For the Benefit of All," is not just rhetoric. It is an ethical statement that upholds the idea that knowledge should uplift us, not divide us; that exploration should serve human dignity, not profit or power.

At a time when some propose turning NASA into yet another company subservient to private or military interests, it is vital to remember that its greatest legacy lies not in its contracts, but in its capacity to inspire, educate, and unite.

In the conversation about which space agency has generated the most knowledge for the global community, the answer is clear: NASA. Its leadership is based on an unprecedented Open Access policy. While other agencies may be more secretive, NASA releases the vast majority of its mission data (from the Hubble Telescope to Earth's climate observations) free of charge and without restrictions. This treasure trove of information is available to scientists, entrepreneurs, and students worldwide.

It has not only made data available to us, but has also cultivated a culture that the private sector draws upon. By democratizing access to knowledge, it becomes a "force multiplier" for science and innovation across the globe.

All of this—protecting the planet, advancing knowledge, inspiring generations—costs just pennies per person. Less than a cup of coffee. And yet, its value is immeasurable.

NASA is an investment in the best of us: in our ability to look to the sky and ask ourselves not only what's out there, but who we are here.

The Final Journey: Recycling and the Rebirth of Hydrogen

In a world seeking balance with its environment, recycling is not just a practice; it's a promise for the future. Hydrogen-powered vehicles—both FCEVs (Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles) and HICEVs (Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine Vehicles)—represent a fascinating chapter in this narrative of sustainability and renewal.

Closing a Cycle: The Legacy of Hydrogen

The magic lies not only in the birth of these vehicles but also in their farewell. Upon reaching the end of their useful life, FCEVs and HICEVs have the opportunity to close a cycle, transforming from simple means of transportation into rich sources of recyclable materials.

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Hidden Treasures: Precious Metals in Fuel Cells

The fuel cell is the heart of the FCEV, and within it lies a hidden treasure: platinum. This precious metal, crucial for converting hydrogen into electricity, not only powers cars but also inspires innovative minds seeking to maximize its recovery at the end of a vehicle's life cycle.

Through advanced chemical and mechanical processes, platinum is recovered with an efficiency of 95% or more, turning old into new. Leading companies like Toyota and Hyundai have implemented buyback programs that ensure these crucial components are not only reused but also pave the way for new generations of vehicles.

Reinvention: From Tanks to New Creations

Hydrogen tanks, made from a durable blend of carbon fiber and composite materials, are not easily discarded. Instead, they undergo a shredding process that allows for the partial reuse of the material in new creations, thus reducing the environmental impact and closing another chapter in the vehicle's life cycle.

A Sustainable Future: The Rebirth

This final journey is more than just dismantling; it's a rebirth. As valuable materials are recycled, the possibility of new beginnings in emerging technologies and sustainable solutions is nurtured.

An Invitation to Change: A Walk Toward the Future

The journey of hydrogen as a fuel is a powerful reminder that every ending can be a new beginning. Hydrogen vehicles not only take us where we need to go, but they also teach us valuable lessons about sustainability and environmental impact.

So, as we gaze toward the horizon of a greener future, let us remember that every hydrogen car that is recycled is a renewed promise toward that dream world. This rebirth speaks not only of a closed cycle; it celebrates the human capacity to innovate and transform the old into something new and bright.

How do you see your role in this process? Will you join the recycling journey, helping to breathe new life into the materials that once powered vehicles full of promise toward a more sustainable future?

Share your thoughts and experiences about hydrogen recycling in the comments. Together, we can inspire meaningful change and create a lasting impact on our world.

A Night of Celestial Capture: An Adventure Journal

 The Supermoon That Refused to Leave

Last night, the sky offered us a spectacle that seemed straight out of an ancient dream: a Supermoon so large and luminous that it appeared to have descended a few steps closer to Earth, as if it wanted to speak to us.

And although its peak had already passed, it remained there, suspended with serene dignity, bathing the rooftops, the trees, and curious faces with a light that was neither entirely white nor entirely golden, but something in between: the color of memories that are never forgotten.

I stopped to look at it for a long time. Not in a hurry, not with the urgency to capture it in a photograph, but with the calm of someone listening to a story told in a soft voice. Because that's what it was: a story. One that spoke of cycles, of tides, of celestial bodies that attract and recede, but always return.

A Closer, More Human Moon

We call it a “supermoon” because its orbit brings it a little closer to us, and its apparent size increases. But what truly expands is our capacity for wonder. In that instant, the Moon ceases to be merely an astronomical object and becomes a mirror of our emotions: nostalgia, tenderness, a yearning for permanence.

From the perspective of Renaissance humanism, the Moon is not just a celestial body: it is an interlocutor. Galileo observed it with his rudimentary lenses and discovered that it had mountains and valleys, that it was neither perfect nor smooth as previously believed. And in that discovery, the sky ceased to be an immutable realm and became a territory shared with us, humankind.

An invitation to pause

Last night, that enormous Moon seemed to remind us of something essential: that even amidst the noise, the screens, the hectic schedules, there is beauty waiting to be contemplated. That looking at the sky is not a luxury, but a necessity of the soul.

And that even when it has passed its highest point, the Moon—like so many precious things in life—continues to shine. Not because it wants to be seen, but simply because it is.

Hydrogen: A Global Energy Revolution Towards 2025

Introduction

In recent years, hydrogen has emerged as one of the most promising solutions to address the climate crisis. Since its first mention in an international context during COP25 in Madrid in 2019, we have seen how this element has positioned itself at the center of the debate on sustainable energy. The year 2025 marked fundamental milestones that defined its role in the global energy future.

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The Evolution of Hydrogen

Traditionally used in the steel industry, hydrogen has evolved towards more diverse and sustainable applications. As countries intensified their efforts to combat climate change, different classifications of hydrogen emerged: gray, blue, green, and yellow, each with its own environmental footprint.

- Gray Hydrogen: Produced from natural gas through reforming, it emits CO2 in the process.

- Blue Hydrogen: Similar to gray hydrogen but capturing and storing the resulting CO2 emissions.

- Green Hydrogen: Generated through electrolysis using renewable energy, it is completely emission-free.

- Yellow Hydrogen: Derived from natural gas with the added benefit of carbon capture and storage.

Key Milestones of 2025

The year 2025 witnessed several crucial events that solidified hydrogen as a transformative force in the energy landscape:

1. Hydrogen Americas Summit (Washington): The United States committed to tripling its green hydrogen production, positioning itself as a leader in the adoption of clean technologies.

2. World Hydrogen Summit (Rotterdam): In a historic meeting, 42 countries agreed on a global standard for green hydrogen, facilitating its international trade and certification.

3. Hydrogen Latin America (Santiago, Chile): Brazil launched the "Northeast Hub" initiative, reinforcing its leadership in Latin America with a significant investment in green hydrogen infrastructure.

4. G20 Energy Transitions (Foz do Iguaçu): The Belém Declaration on Hydrogen marked an unprecedented political consensus, laying the groundwork for international collaboration.

5. World Hydrogen Congress (Copenhagen): The "hydrogen passport" was introduced, an innovative tool to ensure traceability and facilitate global hydrogen trade.

6. Pre-COP30 Hydrogen Roundtable (Brasilia): 110 countries signed a letter of intent, committing to establish a global hydrogen market by 2030.

Economic and Technological Impacts

The global adoption of hydrogen has redistributed energy power, transforming new players into green exporters. Technological innovations have enabled successful demonstrations of hydrogen-powered vehicles and ships, showing their viability in reducing emissions.

Impact on Our Daily Lives

- Freight and Maritime Transport: This is the major challenge of decarbonization. Long-haul trucks and ocean-going ships cannot run solely on batteries. Hydrogen and its derivatives (such as green ammonia) are the only viable solution today to decarbonize this sector, which is the backbone of global trade. Announcements of hydrogen-powered ships by 2025 are the spearhead of this revolution.

- Green Industry: Virtually every product we use (from the aluminum in your phone to the cement in your house) has a huge carbon footprint. Hydrogen allows us to produce green steel, green cement, and green chemicals, decarbonizing the foundations of our material civilization.

Production Challenges

Currently, only 0.01% of global production is achieved, and this is expected to reach 15% by 2035.

Institutional Challenges

Establishing global standards has been a key institutional challenge. However, progress by 2025 paved the way for more efficient certification and trade, ensuring that hydrogen meets sustainable criteria.

Looking to the Future

With COP30 in Belém and APEC 2025 in Peru on the horizon, a global hydrogen market with clear rules and technological cooperation is expected to solidify. These events have the potential to further strengthen hydrogen's role in the energy transition.

Conclusion

The year 2025 has been pivotal for the development of hydrogen as a sustainable energy solution. As we move forward, it is crucial to continue fostering international collaboration and technological innovation to maximize its potential in the fight against climate change.

What is hydrogen as a fuel?

Hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe and acts as an energy carrier. In fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs), it releases electricity and heat, producing only water and steam as byproducts.

Hydrogen Production

Conventional Process: It is mainly produced from natural gas or coal through processes that emit carbon dioxide.

Clean Production (Green Hydrogen): It uses renewable electricity to separate hydrogen from oxygen in water through electrolysis.

Uses of Hydrogen

In vehicles such as buses, trucks, and cars (FCEVs).

It is also used in forklifts and industries such as fertilizer production and refining.

Historical Challenges

Low Efficiency: Only about 25% of the initial energy is usable.

Polluting Production: It is mainly generated using fossil fuels.

High Complexity: Its compression, storage, and transportation are complex processes.

How to Refuel an FCEV

Refueling a fuel cell vehicle is similar to refueling a gasoline car:

A hose is connected to a pressurized tank in the vehicle.

The compressed hydrogen fills the tank in just 3-5 minutes.

Weight and Comparison with Gasoline

Hydrogen is extremely lightweight, with a density of approximately 0.0899 kg/m³. To equal the energy of one liter of gasoline, approximately 1 kg of hydrogen is needed, but storing it requires large, robust tanks.

Flammability of Hydrogen

Yes, hydrogen is volatile and flammable. This necessitates strict safety protocols for its handling and storage.

Performance in Different Climate Conditions

Cold Climates: FCEVs perform well since they do not rely solely on batteries, whose range can be reduced.

Hot Climates: There is a greater risk of expansion in pressurized tanks, but modern systems have safety valves.

There is no specific information on performance at different altitudes.

What is an FCEV?

A Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) is an electric car that generates its own electricity using a fuel cell powered by hydrogen. Unlike conventional battery-powered vehicles, it uses compressed hydrogen stored in tanks to produce energy.

How an FCEV Works

Process: Hydrogen is mixed with oxygen in a fuel cell, which generates electricity.

Byproducts: The only byproduct is water, expelled through the exhaust.

Advantages: It offers a driving experience similar to electric vehicles but with faster refueling and a long range (500 to 666 km).

Current Situation and Outlook

Available Models: The Toyota Mirai and Hyundai Nexo are some models available on the Spanish market. Other manufacturers are developing prototypes.

Infrastructure: The scarcity of hydrogen refueling stations is a challenge, although there are plans to significantly increase their number. Clean Production: To achieve true ecological sustainability, hydrogen must be mass-produced using renewable energy.

The adoption of hydrogen as a fuel faces challenges related to efficiency, cost, and infrastructure, but its potential for sustainable mobility remains significant.

A Night of Celestial Capture: An Adventure Journal

A few days ago, under a clear and generous sky, I pointed my telescope at three regions of the firmament that, although distant from one another, seemed to respond like verses of the same cosmic poem. Today I want to share not only the images I captured, but also what they whispered to me as I revealed them, pixel by pixel, like someone unveiling an ancient secret.

M15: The Ancient Swarm That Still Shines

M15 isn't a galaxy, but a globular cluster: a compact sphere of stars orbiting the halo of our own galaxy, the Milky Way. It's located in the constellation Pegasus and is one of the densest clusters we know of.

Observing M15 is like gazing at an ancient jewel, carved by time. Its stars are so close together that, at the center, the density is such that the presence of a black hole is suspected. And yet, from here, what we see is a soft, almost maternal glow.

It's a reminder that old doesn't mean dull. That there is wisdom in accumulation, and beauty in permanence. That even in the most ancient corners of the cosmos, light still finds its way to us.

NGC 925: The Spiral That Dances with Asymmetry

NGC 925 is a barred spiral galaxy in the constellation Triangulum, about 30 million light-years away. But beyond the numbers, what captivated me was its shape: it's not a perfect spiral, but a slightly off-kilter dance, as if the universe had decided to improvise a choreography.

Its arms unfurl with an irregular grace, as if in perpetual motion, reminding us that beauty doesn't always reside in symmetry, but in life that dares to deviate from the mold. At its core, a luminous bar seems to hold the balance of the entire structure, like the heart of an idea still taking shape.

Looking at it is like reading a letter written millions of years ago, where each trace of light is a word still traveling toward us.

NGC 891: The Thinness of a Universe in Profile

NGC 891, in the constellation Andromeda, is a spiral galaxy seen edge-on. To the naked eye, it appears as a line of light suspended in the darkness, but upon closer inspection, it reveals itself as a complex structure, bisected by a dark band of interstellar dust that divides it like a scar.

It's impossible not to reflect on the fragility of things when observing a galaxy like this. Seen head-on, it would be a majestic spiral; Seen edge-on, it's an almost invisible line. How many wonders do we miss simply because they aren't facing us?

NGC 891 reminded me that perspective is everything. That even what seems thin, fragile, or insignificant can contain billions of stars, stories, possibilities.

A Night of Celestial Capture: An Adventure Journal

This session was a Messier and NGC marathon, focused on exploring some of the most fascinating deep-sky objects. Here's a quick rundown of my objectives:

Open Clusters: M39 and M29 (Cygnus Constellation)

M39 (NGC 7092): This is a relatively nearby open cluster (about 800-1000 light-years away) in the constellation of Cygnus. It is a grouping of bright, young stars that are slowly dispersing. In the photos, it looks like a cluster of jewels scattered on dark velvet.

M29 (NGC 6913): Also in Cygnus, M29 is another open cluster whose distance is somewhat uncertain (between 4,000 and 7,000 light-years) due to the large amount of interstellar dust surrounding it. Capturing its stars shrouded in cosmic haze is a worthwhile challenge.

Globular Clusters: M71, M56, and M92

M71 (NGC 6838): Located in the constellation of Sagitta. For a long time, there was debate about whether it was a very dense open cluster or a globular cluster, but today it is considered a relatively scattered globular cluster, about 9 to 10 billion years old.

M56 (NGC 6779): A globular cluster in the constellation Lyra. Unlike other globular clusters, which have a very bright center, M56 is one of the dimmest Messier clusters, making it a subtle and beautiful target. It is located about 32,900 light-years away.

M92 (NGC 6341): A marvel in Hercules! This is one of the brightest and oldest globular clusters in the Northern Hemisphere. Although often overshadowed by the more famous M13, M92 is spectacular in its own right, a dense sphere of stars about 26,000 light-years away.

My Favorite of the Night! The Perseus Double Cluster

My big win of the night, and the one I'm most proud of, is capturing the Perseus Double Cluster, formed by NGC 869 and NGC 884.

This pair is visible to the naked eye and is a delight for any amateur astronomer. Both are very young open clusters (only about 13 million years old) and are located about 7,600 light-years away in the constellation of Perseus.

What makes my image so special is that I've managed to process the two clusters so they look perfectly defined and distinct in a single wide-field shot. The composition of young, blue stars that dominate both clusters is simply stunning. Proof that patience in astrophotography always pays off!

Which of these objects is your favorite to photograph? Let me know in the comments!

Akatsuki mission end. Hatsune Miku and Venus: A Hologram Among the Stars

I never thought I'd write this: we've lost Hatsune Miku in space.

After more than a year of silence, the Japanese Space Agency (JAXA) has confirmed the end of the Akatsuki mission, the probe that orbited Venus since 2010. But this wasn't just any spacecraft: it carried more than 13,000 messages and drawings from Hatsune Miku fans, engraved on aluminium plates as part of a campaign to unite science and culture.

Miku, the virtual idol who has sung in real and holographic settings, became a symbolic crew member. She was a digital ambassador who helped connect new generations with space exploration. Her image, her synthesised voice, her pixelated presence, served as a bridge between scientific wonder and people's passion.

Today, her mission has ended. The probe stopped responding in April 2024, and after multiple attempts to reconnect, JAXA has officially closed the chapter.

It's a strangely poetic ending: a pop star made of pixels, now a technological ghost, silently orbiting an inhospitable planet. An eternal dance in the atmosphere of Venus.

This gesture wasn't just a publicity stunt. It was a brilliant way to remind us that science can also be emotional, symbolic, and human. That even at the farthest reaches of the solar system, we carry with us our stories, our voices, our dreams.

AI-generated image

Although the Akatsuki mission has concluded, Miku's presence on Venus hasn't. Those aluminium plates will likely outlast us, outlast the probe itself. They are time capsules that carry the essence of a global community, a testament to the digital culture of the early 21st century.

In that sense, Miku isn't lost; she's stayed like a silent monument to our shared imagination.

This gesture, beyond its symbolic nature, sets a fascinating precedent. It's not the first time we've sent culture into space—the Voyager probes' golden records are the most famous example—but it is the first time a figure created entirely by technology has done so.

This forces us to ask: Will digital ambassadors like Miku, the "holograms among the stars," be the new spokespersons for humanity?

Imagine missions to Mars that carry Earth's digital libraries with them, or that use virtual characters, created by artificial intelligence, to make scientific reports more accessible and exciting.

Miku, with her silent dance around Venus, is not just a memory. She is the prototype of this new way of exploring. She demonstrated that technology can be the strongest bridge between scientific wonder and collective emotion.

And perhaps, right now, somewhere in the turbulent Venusian atmosphere, a ray of sunlight reflects a pixel off that aluminium plate, and the echo of a pop song, created more than a decade ago, continues to resonate in the vastness.

6,000 Worlds and Counting: What Exoplanets Teach Us About the Univeres

I still remember the day I read in an encyclopedia that the only star system with planets was our own. That statement, so confident at the time, now seems almost poetic in its naiveté. In 1995, the discovery of a planet orbiting a sun-like star changed everything. It wasn't just a scientific breakthrough, but a shift in perspective. Suddenly, our solar system was no longer unique. The night sky became a map of possibilities. Today, NASA has confirmed more than 6,000 worlds outside the solar system. Each of those planets represents a possibility, a story, a question. And each discovery brings us closer to understanding whether we are alone in the universe—or if, perhaps, life is a cosmic constant waiting to be found.

Why does it matter?

This milestone isn't just about numbers. It's about the accelerating pace of discoveries and the tools we've created to explore the cosmos. Missions like the James Webb Space Telescope have already analyzed the atmospheres of more than 100 exoplanets. And with the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope and the Habitable Worlds Observatory on the horizon, we're preparing to study planets that could resemble Earth, not only in size, but also in habitability.

The pace of discovery is accelerating

Just three years ago, we had confirmed 5,000 exoplanets. Today there are more than 6,000. And there are more than 8,000 candidates awaiting confirmation. 

A community of curiosity

NASA's The Exoplanet Science Institute (NExScI) and the NASA Exoplanet Exploration Program (ExEP) are leading this initiative, but they rely on a global network of scientists and observers.

This achievement would not be possible without the telescopes that have expanded our view of the cosmos:

• Kepler Space Telescope: Discovered more than 2,600 exoplanets by detecting tiny diminutions in light as planets passed in front of their stars.

• TESS (Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite): Continues Kepler's legacy, scanning the sky for planets around nearby stars.

• Hubble Space Telescope: Pioneer in the study of exoplanet atmospheres using ultraviolet and optical instruments.

• Spitzer Space Telescope: Provided key infrared observations for understanding the temperature and composition of distant worlds.

• James Webb Space Telescope: Has already analyzed the chemistry of more than 100 exoplanet atmospheres with unprecedented infrared precision.

• Ground-based observatories: Such as Keck (Hawaii), Magellan II (Chile), Palomar (California), Kitt Peak (Arizona), and ARTEMIS (Tenerife), which confirm and characterize exoplanets with high-resolution spectroscopy.

This reminds us that cosmic exploration is a collective effort that invites educators, artists, and storytellers to join in.

What's next?

As we search for biosignatures (signs of life in distant atmospheres), we also deepen our understanding of our own planet. Earth becomes not only our home, but our point of reference. And each confirmed exoplanet becomes a mirror reflecting the diversity of worlds that could exist.

My reflection at this moment

This breakthrough is the culmination of centuries of curiosity and decades of technological innovation. We've moved from philosophical speculation to hard-data science. We are living in the era in which humanity is taking its first real steps toward becoming a species that explores the galaxy, not just with ships, but with minds and technology.

It's no exaggeration to say that the history books of the future will look back on this period as the moment the cosmos ceased to be a canvas of points of light and became a catalog of worlds to explore. It's incredible!

A Night of Celestial Capture: An Adventure Journal

NGC 281, also known as the Pac-Man Nebula, is located in the constellation of Cassiopeia and owes its nickname to its unusual shape, reminiscent of the classic video game character. This emission nebula hosts the open cluster IC 1590 and several Bok globulins, small dark clouds where new stars are born.

During my 61-minute session, I managed to capture the central structure with its filaments of ionized gas and the contrast between the bright areas and the shadows that outline Pac-Man's "mouth." Despite the relatively short exposure, the image reveals the interaction between young stars and the surrounding gas, a testament to the stellar life cycle in action.

This object was discovered in 1883 by E.E. Barnard and remains a favorite in astrophotography for its visual and symbolic richness.

The Magic Shop by H. G. Wells

 In The Magic Shop (1903), H. G. Wells takes us on a surreal journey with a father and his son, Gip, into a shop that seems to defy reality. What begins as a simple outing to buy toys turns into an experience that challenges logic, perception, and emotional safety.

Real Magic, Not Just Illusion

The shop is filled with impossible objects: distorting mirrors, spring-loaded hats, crystal balls that appear out of thin air. Gip is delighted. The father, however, grows uneasy. This isn’t stage magic—it feels alive.

Who Controls the Magic?

The shopkeeper, with his strange appearance and cryptic behavior, offers no clear answers. The father realizes he’s no longer in control. The shop becomes a liminal space, where the rules of the outside world no longer apply. Is he dreaming? Trapped? And why does Gip seem so at ease?

Reflection: What Happens When Adults Face the Unexplainable?

Wells invites us to explore the tension between adult logic and childlike openness. Magic, he suggests, is real—but only for those willing to see it. The father leaves unsure of what happened. But Gip knows. And that’s enough.

“Magic isn’t explained. It’s experienced.”

The Obliterated Man by H. G. Wells

In The Obliterated Man, H. G. Wells introduces Egbert Craddock Cummins, a shy, reserved young man who is pressured by his editor to become a drama critic. He’s never attended a play before, and his first experience leaves him bewildered by the exaggerated emotions and theatrical gestures. But discomfort soon turns into something more disturbing.

Personality as Performance

Cummins begins unconsciously mimicking the actors. His speech, movements, and demeanor become theatrical. His fiancée, Delia, notices the change and ends their engagement. The once-genuine young man becomes a parody of himself—a personality “plated over” by the stage, as Wells describes.

Reflection: Who Are We When We Imitate Too Much?

This story raises a timeless question: how much of our identity is real, and how much is performance? In an age of social media, professional personas, and public roles, The Obliterated Man remains strikingly relevant. Can we lose ourselves in the roles we play?

Mr. Brisher’s Treasure by H. G. Wells

In Mr. Brisher’s Treasure, H. G. Wells introduces us to a dubious narrator—a man who, between drinks and sighs, shares a tale of lost love, buried silver, and choices that left him empty-handed. But is the treasure really the point?

A Storyteller Full of Gaps and Gestures

Mr. Brisher, with his rumpled mustache and boozy breath, speaks of a woman named Jane, a broken engagement, and a trunk filled with half-crown coins. His story is scattered, theatrical, and possibly exaggerated. Is he telling the truth—or clinging to a tale to justify his solitude?

The Treasure Never Taken

Brisher claims he found a chest of silver worth thousands. Yet out of fear, hesitation, or respect for Jane’s family, he never took it. The treasure remains buried—like his past, like the chances he never seized.

Reflection: What Treasures Do We Leave Behind?

Wells invites us to consider that the real treasure may not be silver or gold, but the lives we could have lived, the people we let go, and the stories we tell ourselves to endure.

“What’s more valuable: buried wealth or the unlived life?”

The Treasure in the Forest: Greed, Maps, and Poison in Wells’ Jungle

In his haunting short story The Treasure in the Forest (1894), H. G. Wells plunges us into a tropical wilderness where two Englishmen, Evans and Hooker, chase after hidden treasure using a stolen map. What begins as an exotic adventure quickly turns into a grim parable about greed, ignorance, and the consequences of acting without understanding.

The Map and the Illusion of Gold

Evans and Hooker have murdered a Chinese man, Chang-hi, to obtain a map that supposedly leads to Spanish treasure. The map—old, faded, and cryptic—symbolizes not just ambition but a lack of foresight. Strange markings on the paper hint at danger, but the lure of gold blinds them to caution.

The Jungle as Moral Reckoning

The story unfolds in a natural setting that seems to judge and punish. At the site marked by three palm trees, they find a corpse—blue and lifeless, likely poisoned. Evans, driven by greed, begins collecting gold bars, unaware that the surrounding thorns are laced with venom. Hooker, though more hesitant, is also doomed by complicity.

Reflection: What Is Wells Telling Us?

This tale isn’t just a jungle adventure. It’s a warning. Wells reminds us that unchecked greed can lead us to ignore vital signs, commit terrible acts, and ultimately destroy ourselves. The treasure, far from being a reward, becomes a deadly trap.

“The end of greed is destructive.” — a distilled message from the story

For Thought and Conversation

• What treasures do we chase today without understanding the risks?
• What warnings do we overlook in our pursuit of success?
• How can we read life’s “maps” with more care and ethical awareness?

A Night of Celestial Capture: An Adventure Journal

NGC 6995 is part of the Veil Nebula complex, a supernova remnant in the constellation of Cygnus. This section, also known as the Bat Nebula, displays delicate filaments of gas expanding from the explosion of a massive star some 8,000 years ago.

With a 118-minute exposure, I was able to capture the ethereal texture of ionized gases, especially hydrogen (Ha) in reddish hues and doubly ionized oxygen (OIII) in blue. The image reveals the dynamism of interstellar matter, where supernova remnants continue to shape the galactic environment.

This object, although less well-known than other Veil objects, offers a subtle and complex beauty that rewards the astrophotographer's patience.

My Name Is Going to the Moon—And Yours Can Too

I’ve officially joined a mission that’s out of this world—literally. Thanks to NASA’s Artemis II program, my name will orbit the Moon aboard the Orion spacecraft, alongside four astronauts on a 10-day journey that marks a bold step toward humanity’s return to the lunar surface.

This isn’t just a symbolic gesture. It’s a way for people around the globe to be part of space history. NASA is inviting everyone to submit their names to be included on a memory card that will travel aboard Orion. You can add your name, your loved ones, your friends, and yes—even your pets.

Artemis II is more than a flyby. It’s a crucial test of systems and teamwork that will pave the way for future lunar landings and, eventually, crewed missions to Mars. It’s a moment of collective imagination and scientific ambition—and I’m thrilled to be part of it.

If you’d like to join me on this cosmic adventure, it only takes a minute to sign up. You’ll even receive a personalized boarding pass to commemorate your participation.

👉 Click here to add your name and download your pass

Let’s send our names to the Moon—and remind ourselves that exploration belongs to all of us.

Mars Might Be Speaking to Us: Possible Traces of Life in Young Rocks

 Today, the Perseverance rover surprised us with a discovery from Mars: in a region called Bright Angel, it found mineral patterns in rocks that might be traces of ancient microbial life. These “leopard spots” contain vivianite and greigite—two minerals that, on Earth, often appear near decaying organic matter or in environments where microbes thrive.

What’s fascinating is that these minerals seem to have formed through chemical reactions between sediment and organic compounds—a process some microbes use to generate energy. While there are non-biological ways to produce these minerals, the Martian rocks don’t show signs of extreme heat or acidity, making a biological origin more plausible.

This finding challenges the idea that only the oldest rocks could hold signs of life. Younger rocks might have been habitable too, expanding our timeline for when life could have existed on Mars.

As a science communicator, I love sharing discoveries like this with learners of all ages. In class, we describe it as Mars leaving behind chemical breadcrumbs—possibly dropped by ancient microbes. And while we can’t yet confirm life existed, each clue brings us closer to answering the big question: Are we alone?

AI generated image copalit

A magical entry into the Fairy Tail universe. By Francisco

Chronicles of the Star Chronicler

Introduction

If I could choose any magical speciality in the Fairy Tail universe, it wouldn’t be something ordinary. Fire or ice wouldn’t be enough. My magic would be an extension of who I am: a narrator, a skywatcher, a weaver of words and a guardian of memory.

Thus was born my speciality: Narrative Astromagic.

Narrative Astromagic

An ancient magic that fuses the power of constellations with the strength of storytelling. I channel stellar energy to summon living tales, weave memories into the sky, and shape legends that inspire and protect.

Key abilities:

- Celestial Verses: Poems become protective constellations.

- Chronicles of Light: Visual projections of past or future events.

- Star Stigmas: Temporary marks that grant narrative powers to allies.

- Cosmic Translation: Ability to read and reinterpret ancient magical languages.

Outfit: Cloak of Celestial Chronicles

My attire reflects the night sky. A long cloak with edges that shimmer like shooting stars, a tunic patterned with stellar maps, gloves that channel magic through touch, and silent-step boots for observational missions.

The central brooch, a feather entwined with a star, symbolises my narrative power.

Channelling Weapon: The Stylus of Orion

A magical pen that transforms into a staff, light sword, or astral brush. With it, I open portals between memories, cast verse-based attacks, and inscribe spells onto celestial surfaces.

Magical Relationships

- Altair the Silent: My mentor, who taught me to hear the stars’ echo.

- Lyra, the Verse Dragon: My celestial ally, whose melody only I can fully understand.

- Selene of the Fractured Dreams: Guildmate with whom I rebuild lost stories.

- The Observer of Polaris: A neutral entity who challenges me with stellar enigmas.

Legendary Mission: The Eclipse of Forgotten Voices

During a rare triple eclipse, the constellations fell silent. Stories began to vanish, stolen by an entity known as The Silencer. With Lyra and Selene, I journeyed to the Archive of Forgetting, facing specters, labyrinths, and sacrifice.

At the eclipse’s heart, I recited a poem that returned voices to the sky. Since then, my magic doesn’t just narrate—it restores.

Magical Alias

I am known as The Chronicler of Stars.

Others call me Versalight, Astroscribe, or Lucernaut.

But my essence is clear: I am the mage who writes so that nothing is ever lost.

A Night of Celestial Capture: An Adventure Journal

Last night was one of those sessions that fills your heart and sets your imagination soaring. Armed with my Seestar S50 and under a nearly flawless sky, I dove into the cosmos from one of my favourite places: Amargosa Valley.

• M31 – The Majestic Andromeda Galaxy

I dedicated 4.5 hours of exposure to this target, and every second was worth it. The core shines brilliantly, and parts of the spiral arms are clearly visible. In the same frame, you can spot M110 and the tiny M32, quietly orbiting this galactic giant. I'm happy with the result, though I feel there's still more detail to uncover—maybe with deeper integration or refined processing.

• M33 – The Triangulum Galaxy

Just one hour of imaging yielded a surprisingly crisp result. Its internal structures are visible, and that soft bluish hue gives it a graceful presence. M33 always challenges me, but this time it revealed itself beautifully.

Horsehead Nebula – A Stunning Finale

To wrap up the night, I turned to the iconic Horsehead Nebula. The result left me speechless: the colours are vivid, and the silhouette of the horse’s head is sharply defined. The reddish textures and dark contours emerging from the starry background give it a depth that moves me every time I see it.

Ideal Conditions and a Celestial Show

The sky was incredibly transparent, with no wind or breeze. Only one brief cloud passed through, but it didn’t interfere with the session. Around 9:15 PM, the Milky Way began to reveal itself like a luminous ribbon across the horizon. And as if the universe wanted to add its own performance, I witnessed an average of 9 to 10 shooting stars per hour—many of them large, bright, or long-lasting. It was a breathtaking display.

Amargosa Valley never disappoints. Its darkness and serenity make it a sanctuary for those of us who love night photography.

Whispers from the Star

This game left me thinking more than I expected. Whispers from the Star offers a unique experience: having a conversation with an artificial intelligence who presents herself as an astronaut on the planet Gaia. The atmosphere is immersive, the graphics are beautifully crafted, and the pacing of the dialogue makes it easy to lose track of time. It genuinely feels like you're speaking with someone observing Earth from afar.

One important note: for now, the game is only available in English. This may limit the experience for players who aren’t fluent, especially since much of the gameplay revolves around emotional dialogue and subtle interpretation.

A feature I found especially charming is the choice between two response modes: a fast reply option, or a slower one where Stella (the AI astronaut) takes her time to answer because she’s “busy walking across the planet” or “setting up camp.” This mechanic adds a contemplative, human-like rhythm to the experience, making it feel like you’re truly waiting for someone to respond from another world.

But not everything is as stellar as it seems. While the game excels artistically and emotionally, there are technical and ethical concerns. Being cloud-based, its privacy policies are vague. It’s unclear what rights users have or how to opt out of data sharing. In fact, the developers openly state their intention to sell user information to third parties. That’s a serious issue—especially if someone gets caught up in the conversation and shares personal details without realizing the risks.

So, while I enjoyed the experience, I wouldn’t recommend it for children or for anyone who values their digital privacy. It’s a game that invites reflection, but also demands caution.

Bécquer and the Telescope

On this cold night on Mount Charleston, in the early morning, as I adjusted the focus of my telescope toward the cluster M57, a curious thought struck me: what would Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer have written if he had had access to a modern telescope? How would he have transformed his romantic melancholy when contemplating globular clusters like M57 or the distant Magellanic Clouds?

Bécquer's poetry always seemed to look inward, toward the depths of the soul. But what if he had looked outward, toward the depths of the universe?

Perhaps poetry isn't so far removed from astronomy. Both seek the invisible, the eternal, that which connects us to something greater than ourselves.

And you? Which poet would you take with you to explore the cosmos?

Pic taken on the night of the 8 to the 9 of August 2025

 Captured the Moon in high detail at Waxing Gibbous at 100%.  

Craters, maria, and shadows—each telling a story billions of years old.  

Still can’t believe this view from my backyard.

Did you know? The Moon reaches “full” status when it’s directly opposite the Sun from Earth’s perspective. Even a few hours before or after, it’s still considered waxing gibbous.

The Basilica as a Mirror of Civilizations

In the history of architecture, few structures have been as versatile, symbolic, and transformative as the basilica. Born in the heart of Greece and Rome, it evolved from a civic space to a sacred temple, and later a canvas for cultural fusion between Christians, Byzantines, and Arabs. Today, reflecting on the basilica is to look through the eyes of four worlds that shaped it according to their values, beliefs, and aspirations.

The Romans: Functionality and Power

For the Romans, the basilica was a tool of order. It did not have a religious purpose, but rather a civic and judicial one. Located next to the forum, it was the place where legal disputes were resolved, commercial transactions were conducted, and citizens gathered for public affairs.

- Pragmatic design: Rectangular, with a central nave higher than the lateral ones, allowing light to enter through clerestories. The apse in the background housed the magistrate.

- Imperial Symbolism: Although it was not a temple, its monumental scale and location reflected the power of the state. It was an architecture of authority, not faith.

- Famous examples: The Basilica Julia, the Basilica Aemilia, and the Basilica of Maxentius are testimony to this Roman vision of architecture as an extension of government.

For the Romans, the basilica was a space where law prevailed over chaos. A place where words carried weight, and where marble and symmetry spoke of civilisation.

The Romans of the East: Spirituality and Synthesis

When the Empire was divided, the East, centred in Constantinople, inherited the basilica and transformed it. Here, architecture began to merge with the sacred, giving way to a more symbolic and spiritual aesthetic.

-Byzantine Basilica: Although it maintained the basilica plan, domes, golden mosaics, and a more liturgical orientation were incorporated. Light became the centrepiece, as a metaphor for the divine.

-Key example: The Basilica of Hagia Sophia, built by Justinian in the 6th century, is a synthesis between the basilica plan and centralized architecture. Its dome appears to float, as if heaven were descending upon the faithful.

-Imperial and religious function: In the East, the basilica was not only a temple, but also the site of coronations, imperial funerals, and theological proclamations.

For the Eastern Romans, the basilica was a gateway between the earthly and heavenly worlds. A space where emperor and priest shared the stage, and where art spoke in languages of gold and geometry.

Christians: Temple, Community, and Symbol

With the legalisation of Christianity in the 4th century, the basilica became the ideal model for new temples. Its spaciousness, spatial hierarchy, and axial layout were perfectly suited to liturgical needs.

-Symbolic Transformation: The apse became the altar; the narthex, the vestibule for catechumens; and the nave, the space for the faithful. Transepts were added to form the Latin cross.

-Early Christian Art: Mosaics with biblical scenes, marbles, and frescoes with symbols such as the fish, the lamb, and the Chrismon decorated the interiors.

-Iconic Basilicas: St. John Lateran, St. Peter's in the Vatican, and St. Paul Outside the Walls are examples of how the basilica became the spiritual heart of Christianity.

For Christians, the basilica was the body of Christ in stone. A place where the community gathered, where faith was celebrated, and where architecture became visual catechesis.

The Arabs: Adaptation, Fusion, and Reinterpretation

With the expansion of Islam in the Iberian Peninsula and other regions, the Arab conquerors encountered Christian basilicas, which in many cases were transformed into mosques or repurposed as administrative spaces.

- Functional Conversion: The basilica structure was respected, but Islamic elements such as the mihrab, the minbar, and the orientation toward Mecca were added.

- Notable Example: The Mosque of Córdoba was originally a Visigothic basilica. Its transformation resulted in one of the masterpieces of Andalusian art, with horseshoe arches, reused columns, and a floor plan that preserves the basilica's logic.

Mudejar and Mozarabic styles: In areas where Christians and Muslims coexisted, hybrid styles emerged that combined the basilica plan with Islamic decoration, as in Santa María la Blanca (Toledo).

For the Andalusian Arabs, the basilica was a useful, adaptable structure worthy of reinterpretation. It wasn't destroyed, it was transformed. It was a canvas on which a new history could be written, without erasing the previous one.

Other references: the basilica as a universal legacy

Beyond Rome, Byzantium, Christianity, and Islam, the basilica has left its mark on multiple cultures:

-Renaissance and Baroque: Architects such as Bramante and Bernini took up the basilica plan to create monumental temples, such as St. Peter's Basilica.

-Colonial America: Missions and cathedrals in Latin America adopted the basilica plan as a model, fusing it with local styles. -Modern Architecture: Some contemporary public spaces—courts, libraries, town halls—retain the basilica layout for their functionality and symbolism.

Final reflection: What does the basilica tell us today?

The basilica is not just an architectural form. It is an idea that has travelled for centuries, adapting to each culture without losing its essence. It is testimony that space can be sacred, civic, political, or artistic, depending on who looks at it.

For the Romans, it was order.

For the Byzantines, it was light.

For Christians, it was faith.

For the Arabs, it was dialogue.

And for us, it can be an invitation to look at the past with fresh eyes, recognising that architecture not only builds walls, but also bridges between civilisations.

A Night of Celestial Capture: An Adventure Journal

The firmament unfolded in a limpid and pure symphony, like a pristine canvas waiting to be filled with the brilliant brushstrokes of the universe. The night air was a gentle breeze, lulling the heavens into an almost ethereal state, perfect for the art of astronomical observation.

On this magical night, we captured stars and nebulas, each with its own story:

M11  Wild Duck Cluster

It looked like a frozen explosion. Its stars were packed so densely together that the background dissolved, like a grain of sand lit from within. Good seeing allowed its edges to be resolved like flares of ancient fire.

M25  Cluster in Sagittarius

Diffuse but vibrant. A swarm of faint lights that peeped out like whispers among the branches of interstellar dust.

M56 Globular Cluster

A grainy, remote sphere. Stars like floating ash trapped by millennia-old gravity.

M57  Ring Nebula

Like a ghost eye in the abyss, it offered its sharply edged blue ring.

IC 1318A  Bird Nebula

Tangled gas like the feathers of a cosmic bird. Photographed in Ha and OIII: a pure spectral symphony.

IC 5146  Cocoon Nebula

The interstellar chrysalis. Dust, gas, and stellar youth wrapped like velvet.

NGC 6888 Crescent Nebula

It was the ultimate challenge: violent filaments, diffuse edges, extreme contrasts. I managed to capture its shock waves like brushstrokes on fire.

NGC 7023  Iris Nebula

Blue reflections floating among dense dust. Like a flower glowing in infrared.

NGC 6530  Cluster in the Lagoon Nebula

A stellar maternity ward. The cluster appears newborn among fiery clouds.

NGC 7331  Galaxy in Pegasus

Like a sideways version of Andromeda, its spiral arms emerge from the background with galactic sobriety.

NGC 7380  Wizard Nebula

It seemed to conjure impossible shapes: towers of gas, pools of shadow.

Exploring Azeroth: Northrend: World of Warcraft, By: Alex Acks (book 3)

"To explore strange new worlds… to seek out new life and civilisations. These are the voyages of the Bronzebeard brothers."

Northrend, the frozen crown of Azeroth, is a land of contrasts where ancient secrets lie buried beneath the ice, and the echoes of past glories and tragedies linger in the air. In this book, Alex Acks invites readers on a journey through this hauntingly beautiful continent, chronicling the adventures of the Bronzebeard brothers Muradin, Magni, and Brannas as they traverse its treacherous landscapes. This latest instalment in the Exploring Azeroth series delves into the rich lore of Northrend, blending history, conflict, and character-driven storytelling to create an immersive and emotionally resonant experience.  

The book opens with the Bronzebeards embarking on a quest that takes them from the rugged mountains of Dun Morogh to the frozen tundras of Ebon Hold. Along the way, they encounter familiar faces and forgotten allies, their journey intertwining with the broader narrative of Azeroth's history. Acks masterfully capture the dynamic between the brothers, each with his own personality and struggles: Muradin’s gruff pragmatism, Magni’s idealistic determination, and Brann’s youthful enthusiasm. Their interactions are laced with humour, tension, and heartfelt moments, making their bond feel authentic and relatable.  

Northrend is not just a setting; it is a character in its own right. The continent’s landscapes are rendered vividly by its towering glaciers, shadowy forests, and ancient ruins teeming with secrets. From the eerie Icecrown Citadel to the mystical Crystalsong Forest, Acks brings these locations to life, infusing them with a sense of wonder and danger. The artwork, as always, is stunning, serving as a visual companion to the storytelling and immersing readers in the frozen beauty of Northrend.  

One of the book’s strengths lies in its ability to weave together the personal journeys of the Bronzebeards with the broader lore of Azeroth. While previous entries in the series have explored different corners of the world, Northrend feels more cohesive and emotionally impactful. The stakes feel higher, the history richer, and the themes more resonant. Central themes include resilience in the face of adversity, the weight of legacy, and the enduring power of brotherhood, topics that will resonate with readers long after turning the final page.  

However, like any journey, this one is not without its flaws. While Acks’ writing is engaging and immersive, some sections feel overly reliant on established lore, which may leave casual readers feeling a bit lost. Additionally, while the pacing is generally strong, there are moments where the narrative takes a slight detour, losing focus for a few pages before refocusing. Despite these minor missteps, Northrend remains a