NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft has successfully showcased a novel method of interstellar navigation by utilizing the light from just two stars to determine its location and trajectory. This groundbreaking technique was developed by an international team of researchers and marks a significant advancement for future missions exploring the farthest reaches of our solar system and potentially beyond.

On April 23, 2020, New Horizons imaged the star-fields containing Proxima Centauri and Wolf 359, two of the nearest stars to Earth, while astronomers conducted similar observations from our planet. At that time, New Horizons was approximately 47.1 astronomical units (AU), or around seven billion kilometers, from Earth, as measured by NASA’s Deep Space Network. This distance was crucial for demonstrating the concept of parallax, where observations from two different vantage points allow for precise measurements of celestial positions.

The team, led by Tod Lauer from NOIRLab, focused on these two stars due to their proximity—Proxima Centauri is just 4.2 light-years away, while Wolf 359 is located 7.9 light-years from Earth. The difference in perspective from New Horizons and Earth enabled the researchers to observe these stars in slightly different positions relative to the background stars, resulting in a measurable parallax angle. The observations indicated a parallax angle of 32.4 arcseconds for Proxima Centauri and 15.7 arcseconds for Wolf 359.

To calculate New Horizons’ position using these measurements, the team applied basic trigonometry, leveraging the known distances to the stars. Although the project was more a proof-of-concept than a definitive navigation solution, it highlighted the feasibility of using this method for future spacecraft.

The COVID-19 pandemic presented challenges for the team in executing their observations. Edward Gomez from the UK’s Cardiff University shared his experience in coordinating these efforts. “Tod Lauer contacted me saying that these two observations were going to be made, and was there any possibility that I could take them with the Las Cumbres telescope network?” Gomez reflected. Ultimately, he was able to capture images of Proxima Centauri from the Las Cumbres telescope at Siding Spring in Australia, while Wolf 359 was observed by the University of Louisville’s Manner Telescope at Mount Lemmon Observatory in Arizona.

The analysis of these observations utilized a 3D model of the stellar neighbourhood, based on data from the European Space Agency’s Gaia mission. Despite the limitations in precision—New Horizons’ position was calculated to within 0.27 AU and its heading to an accuracy of 0.4 degrees—the research team found value in the results. Gomez noted, “The good thing about this method is just having two close stars as our reference stars. The handed-down wisdom normally is that you need loads and loads [of stars], but actually you just need two and that’s enough to triangulate your position.”

While more sophisticated navigation methods, such as pulsar measurements, exist, they often require larger and more complex equipment. Current techniques have been successfully demonstrated on the International Space Station in low-Earth orbit, but this is the first instance of interstellar navigation being attempted for a spacecraft located far from Earth.

As of now, New Horizons continues its journey, having cleared the Kuiper Belt and currently situated at 61 AU from Earth. Looking ahead, Gomez expressed hope for future parallax measurements under better conditions. “I hope so. Now that we’ve written a paper in The Astronomical Journal that’s getting some interest, hopefully we can reproduce it, but nothing has been planned so far.”

This innovative navigation technique not only illustrates the potential for future interstellar missions but also brings a sense of nostalgia for Gomez, who reminisced about his early interests in mathematics and space exploration. “When I was doing [high school] mathematics more years ago than I care to remember, I was a massive Star Trek fan and I did a three-dimensional interstellar navigation system as my mathematics project!” Now, he finds himself as part of a team using the stars to guide humanity’s exploratory emissaries into the cosmos.

A team of researchers has identified a new genus and species of mole, named Vulcanoscaptor ninoti, from a fossil discovered at the Camp dels Ninots site in Caldes de Malavella, Spain. This significant find sheds light on the evolutionary history of moles, revealing insights into their past distribution and anatomical diversity.

The fossil, unearthed at one of southern Europe’s most important paleontological sites, dates back over 3.5 million years to the Pliocene epoch. Researchers from the Institut Català de Paleoecologia Humana i Evolució Social (IPHES-CERCA), the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), and the Institut Català de Paleontologia Miquel Crusafont (ICP-CERCA) collaborated on this groundbreaking study, published in Scientific Reports.

The specimen maintains an impressive state of preservation, including the mandible with complete dentition, parts of the torso, and numerous bones from both forelimbs and hindlimbs. Many of these bones remain in anatomical connection, making this fossil one of the most complete and oldest moles ever found in Europe.

Unexpected Evolutionary Insights

Anatomical and phylogenetic analyses indicate that Vulcanoscaptor ninoti belongs to the Scalopini tribe, which is currently found only in North America and parts of Asia. This discovery suggests a more complex evolutionary scenario for moles than previously understood.

“Despite its clearly fossorial morphology, this mole is closely related to extant North American species of the genera Scapanus and Scalopus, which points to a far more intricate evolutionary history for these animals than we had imagined,” noted Dr. Marc Furió, a professor at UAB and co-author of the study. The presence of this mole in Europe indicates possible transcontinental migrations, challenging the notion that moles are limited in their dispersal capabilities.

The fossil, which was found embedded in compact sediment, was entirely extracted during excavation. To study it without causing damage, the research team employed high-resolution micro-computed tomography (microCT) scanning. This technique allowed them to create a detailed three-dimensional digital reconstruction of the skeleton.

“With the microCT, we were able to analyze extremely small and delicate structures—such as phalanges and teeth—that would have been nearly impossible to study otherwise,” explained Adriana Linares, the study’s lead author and a researcher at IPHES-CERCA. This innovative approach facilitated the identification of unique anatomical features, solidifying the placement of this new taxon within the Scalopini tribe.

Unique Geological Context

The Camp dels Ninots site, where the fossil was discovered in 2010, has been a focal point for paleontological research since 2003. Declared a Cultural Asset of National Interest by the Government of Catalonia in 2015, this location is situated within the crater of a Pliocene maar volcano. The sediments, deposited in anoxic conditions, have created an environment that preserves a rich fossil record.

The site is renowned for its diverse vertebrate remains, including large mammals, microfauna, birds, amphibians, reptiles, and fish, as well as macrovegetal remains and microorganisms. Notably, complete skeletons of large mammals such as Stephanorhinus jeanvireti and Tapirus arvernensis have been found in excellent anatomical condition.

“Camp dels Ninots is an extraordinary site, in terms of both the quality and diversity of its fossil record,” stated Dr. Gerard Campeny, co-director of the excavations and researcher at IPHES-CERCA. “It allows us to reconstruct entire ecosystems from this fascinating period: the Pliocene.”

The findings regarding Vulcanoscaptor ninoti contribute to a reassessment of the evolutionary history of moles, highlighting the potential for intercontinental dispersals and an underappreciated anatomical diversity among small mammals. This research emphasizes the significance of exceptional fossil sites in enhancing our understanding of species that are rarely represented in the fossil record.

For further details, refer to the study by Adriana Linares-Martín et al., titled “An unexpected Scalopini mole (Talpidae, Mammalia) from the Pliocene of Europe sheds light on the phylogeny of talpids,” published in Scientific Reports in 2025.

Staffordshire University has launched an innovative esports broadcasting course at its Stoke-on-Trent campus, establishing itself as the first higher-education institution in the UK to offer such a program. This initiative is part of a recent multimillion-pound expansion, which has resulted in the creation of a state-of-the-art esports arena, broadcast galleries, and a fully-equipped studio designed to meet the demands of the rapidly evolving esports industry.

The newly inaugurated facilities feature a 60-seater esports arena, two dedicated broadcast galleries, and a multifunctional studio. The design allows the operation of the galleries either in parallel, with one linked to the arena and the other to the studio, or as a single comprehensive production suite. This flexibility is crucial for the diverse range of activities the space is expected to accommodate.

To equip the broadcast facilities, Staffordshire University collaborated with UK-based integrator and supplier Digital Garage, which partnered with Audio-Technica for the audio components. The sound system includes eight channels of the Audio-Technica 3000 Series Digital wireless and two Allen & Heath Avantis digital mixers. The choice of equipment was influenced heavily by the need for operational flexibility, which was achieved through the integration of Dante-enabled solutions.

Innovative Design Meets Educational Needs

Tom Gill, the design manager at Digital Garage, emphasized the importance of versatility in the facility’s audio design. He stated, “We needed to design a very versatile space. We couldn’t have one piece of audio kit connected to a single other piece of kit – everything needed to be able to ‘dial in’ to any input or output across the facility. So it was fundamental to the project to have Dante at the core of the audio design.”

The collaborative effort has resulted in an audio setup that not only meets educational needs but also mirrors professional standards in the esports broadcasting industry. The Avantis mixers were selected for their broadcast-friendly features, which include tie-lines that are often lacking in standard equipment. This capability allows each console to function independently, enhancing workflow and efficiency.

Gill added, “Presenters generally use handheld microphones in the arena, and because capsules on the 3000 Series transmitters are interchangeable, we could specify the C6100 hypercardioid option to avoid picking up unwanted spill from the PA.” The thoughtful selection of equipment ensures that students gain hands-on experience with tools they will encounter in their future careers.

Preparing Students for Future Careers

The emphasis on practical training is echoed by Richard Mortimer, the university’s technical services manager. He remarked, “Our students need to be industry ready, particularly in a fast-moving industry like esports broadcasting. So we’re not just bringing in technical kit for the sake of it. We’ve invested in equipment that our students will experience in the world of work, ensuring that they’re immediately employable post-university.”

In addition to the Avantis consoles, the facilities are equipped with a range of supplementary Allen & Heath components, including three DT168 Dante-enabled 16-input/eight-output expanders and two SQ-5 48-channel digital mixers. Control over the studio and other areas is further enhanced by six IP1 rotary and an IP8 8-fader controller, creating an integrated environment for students to learn and grow.

The investment in these advanced facilities reflects Staffordshire University’s commitment to providing its students with the skills necessary to excel in a competitive job market. As esports continues to grow globally, institutions like Staffordshire are paving the way for the next generation of industry professionals, ensuring they graduate with the experience and expertise required to thrive in this dynamic field.

Efforts to eradicate invasive mussels in Idaho’s Snake River may inadvertently threaten native animal species. A recent study published in Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry highlights the potential ecological fallout from the state’s decision to treat the river with a copper-based molluscicide. This action comes in response to the detection of larval and adult quagga mussels near Twin Falls, marking the first occurrence of these invasive species in the Columbia River Basin.

Dreissenid mussels, which include zebra and quagga mussels, have wreaked havoc on freshwater ecosystems since their introduction to the United States in the late 1980s. Initially discovered in the Great Lakes, these invasive mollusks have spread throughout eastern and central U.S. waters, causing significant ecological and economic damage. The costs of managing their impact from 1989 to 2004 were estimated at $267 million for water treatment and electrical plants.

In a bid to prevent further spread, Idaho’s eradication plan involved the application of approximately 46,000 gallons of a copper-based molluscicide, containing 28.2% copper ethanolamine and 9.1% metallic copper, over a period of ten days. While such treatments are common in smaller bodies of water, their use in large rivers raises concerns about unintended consequences.

Research Findings on Ecological Impact

Researchers assessed the effects of this copper treatment on the benthic community in the Snake River. They collected water samples from seven locations throughout the treatment period. The findings revealed that nearly half of the original copper mass dissipated by the end of the observation period. However, dissolved copper levels remained above toxic thresholds for over two weeks after the treatment commenced.

The study found a drastic decline in animal abundance, with reductions ranging from 54% to 94% at the monitored sites. Various species, such as water nymph worms, flatworms, midge flies, freshwater shrimp, and pebblesnails, experienced significant population drops. Alarmingly, some species, including the New Zealand mud snail, the gyro snail, and the tadpole snail, vanished entirely from the river.

While a few new organisms appeared post-treatment, such as sludge worms and seed shrimp, the overall shift in animal diversity poses serious risks. The copper’s effects extended almost 40 miles downstream, potentially impacting federally protected species in the region, including various threatened and endangered fish.

The implications of this research are crucial for decision-makers. The decline in native animal populations could disrupt food chains and habitats, threatening the ecological balance in the Snake River and surrounding areas. As Idaho continues to grapple with invasive species management, the findings of this study underscore the need for a careful assessment of the ecological impacts of eradication efforts.

For more details, refer to the study titled “Fate and effects to the benthic community of a copper treatment to eradicate invasive mussels in a large western river, USA,” published in Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry in March 2025.