Extraordinary Aurora Given a Very Ordinary Name

Termed as an aurora, but technically an aurora-like feature, this phenomenon behaves differently—and has been named differently too. While most auroras ripple and fade horizontally, this one appears as a bright green/purple vertical streak. “Steve,” as its known, was discovered by the Alberta Aurora Chasers, who follow and photograph the Northern Lights and it’s now been verified by the European Space Agency’s Swarm satellites. While …

NASA’s Cassini Mission Gets a Google Doodle

Today, NASA’s Cassini spacecraft is making the first of 22 dangerous swoops between Saturn and its rings. Part of what’s called the “Grand Finale,” this mission will give us humans an unprecedented view of our solar system’s second-largest planet (after, of course, Jupiter) and is set to take 13 years all up. The Doodle is adorable, and shows a smiley little satellite taking snaps of …

Japanese Artist Gaku’s Incredible Food Carvings

Using just an X-acto knife, Japanese artist Gaku turns fruit and vegetables into remarkable works of art. From avocados to apples, strawberries and lemons, Gaku’s mini sculptures are meticulously created and—of course—do not last forever. Ultimately, the ornate carvings are edible. To see more of this geometric work, head to his Instagram.