The world of science is constantly evolving, bringing us incredible discoveries and mind-blowing news! From the possibility of an asteroid heading our way (don’t worry, we’ll talk about that!), to groundbreaking advancements in space, medicine, and technology, there’s so much to explore!

But you don’t have to figure it out alone, let me explain all the latest discoveries from the past couple years in a fun and easy way. Let’s dive into the wonders of science together and uncover the mysteries of our universe

Note: This is not the actual asteroid

The “2032 Asteroid”

Just last week, on February 18th, NASA found out that an asteroid, about the size of an American football field (360 feet), is predicted to hit Earth in 2032 with an original estimate of 3.8%. However, after recent analysis, the NASA team reduced that percentage to 0.28%. Though that might seem like a small amount, it’s actually quite alarming, considering it can cause huge problems, like big explosions or changes to our planet, so scientists need to watch and be ready. The asteroid is predicted to be about 300 feet wide, so it wouldn’t be globally catastrophic, or similar to the dinosaurs, but still detrimental to cities and countries. If the asteroid does hit, it could land in the eastern Pacific Ocean, northern South America, the Atlantic Ocean, Africa, the Arabian Sea, or South Asia, according to the International Asteroid Warning Network (IAWN) memo. This covers both land and ocean, meaning the effects could vary, from massive tsunamis if it hits water to regional disasters if it strikes land. Scientists would monitor closely to predict the exact location and prepare for possible consequences. However, scientists are closely monitoring the asteroid, and with advanced technology like asteroid deflection, they have plans in place to keep us safe, so there’s no need to worry!

A square on mars??

This month (Feb. 2025), a mysterious perfectly square structure was discovered on Mars by NASA’s Mars Global Surveyor’s Mars Orbiter Camera (MOC). The structure itself is about 3km (1.8 miles) wide, and its appearance in images has stumped scientists across the nation. The structure triggered curiosity and confusion to many, including SpaceX CEO, Elon Musk. Many scientists believe it might be a result of geological processes, as many geologists have come out to say perfect squares are possible in nature, just unlikely. Others believe that the discovery might be a result of extraterrestrial origins, once again sparking controversy. After the photo was posted online, millions were intrigued, and famous podcaster Joe Rogan took to comment on the situation. He posted a tweet exclaiming how interesting it was, and Musk eagerly responded with “We should send astronauts to space to investigate!” Elon Musk has been well known for his enthusiasm when it comes to exploring space, so his response wasn’t totally unprompted. However, the debate around the square still stands, with some believing it was a natural geological evolution, others believing its an optical illusion, and some even believing it was man-made. Overall, the structure has shown scientists the need for more exploration on mars, and intrigued many!

Image Creds: J. BARNETT

An Explosion?!

One of the world’s most active volcanoes, Kilauea, located in Honolulu, HI, began shooting lava on February 20th 2025. This eruption caused incredible discourse, as tall streams of lava, soaring between 300 and 400 feet (91 to 122 meters), have erupted from the volcano’s north vent. This is the tenth episode of this volcano, and thankfully it has not reached any residential areas, and residents in Hawaii are not in current trouble. Since December 23, 2024, Kīlauea has been in an ongoing eruption at its summit in Halemaʻumaʻu crater. However, instead of continuously erupting, the activity has come in 10 separate eruptive episodes, meaning lava has flowed in bursts, followed by pauses. The most recent Episode 10 happened on February 20, 2025, but it stopped after 13 hours. Scientists expect another episode within the next 1-5 days based on the pattern so far. The eruption is in a closed area within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, so lava is not a direct threat to the people. However, volcanic gases like sulfur dioxide (SO₂) can travel downwind, creating vog (volcanic smog), which may cause breathing issues, especially for sensitive individuals. Scientists continue to closely monitor Kīlauea, ensuring that while the lava stays contained, residents remain aware of potential air quality concerns from volcanic gases.

References

CBS News. “An Asteroid Could Hit Earth in 2032, NASA Says. Here’s What to Know About the Potential ‘City Killer.,’” February 21, 2025. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/asteroid-2024-yr4-chance-hit-earth-what-to-know/.

Wasser, Author Molly L. “Additional Observations Continue to Reduce Chance of Asteroid Impact in 2032 – Planetary Defense,” February 20, 2025. https://blogs.nasa.gov/planetarydefense/2025/02/20/additional-observations-continue-to-reduce-chance-of-asteroid-impact-in-2032/.

Desk, Toi Science. “Elon Musk Demands Investigation Into the Strange Square Formation on Mars: ‘We Should Send Astronauts to Mars to Investigate!’” The Times of India, February 12, 2025. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/science/elon-musk-demands-investigation-into-the-strange-square-formation-on-mars-we-should-send-astronauts-to-mars-to-investigate/articleshow/117977974.cms.

Press, Associated. “In Its 10th Episode, Kilauea, One of the World’s Most Active Volcanoes, Is Again Spewing Lava.” US News & World Report, U.S. News & World Report, 2025, www.usnews.com/news/news/articles/2025-02-20/in-its-10th-episode-kilauea-one-of-the-worlds-most-active-volcanoes-is-again-spewing-lava. Accessed 23 Feb. 2025.

“Newest Volcano Notice Including Kilauea.” Usgs.gov, 2024, volcanoes.usgs.gov/hans-public/volcano/hi3.