The moon today, July 22, 2025, is in the Waning Crescent phase, which means it is nearly invisible from Earth, with only 7% of its surface visible. This phase marks day 27 of the lunar cycle, which spans approximately 29.5 days according to NASA. Observers looking to catch a glimpse of the moon tonight will find it challenging, as much of its surface is obscured.

Understanding the Lunar Phases

The lunar phases result from the varying angles of sunlight hitting the moon as it orbits our planet. During the Waning Crescent phase, the moon lies between Earth and the sun, leaving its illuminated side hidden from view. To see any details, such as the renowned Grimaldi Basin, enthusiasts will need binoculars or a telescope. The Grimaldi Basin is notable for its size, with an outer wall comparable to that of the Grand Canyon.

Tonight’s viewing conditions may not be ideal for casual observers, as the lunar surface lacks significant illumination. For those determined to explore the moon’s features, telescopes can provide a rewarding experience, allowing for a close-up view of the Grimaldi Basin’s unique characteristics.

The next full moon will occur on August 9, 2025, following the last full moon, which took place on July 10, 2025. The cycle of moon phases is a fascinating natural phenomenon, capturing the interest of both casual stargazers and serious astronomers alike.

The Eight Phases of the Moon

The lunar cycle comprises eight distinct phases, each representing a different stage in the moon’s visibility. These phases are:

• New Moon: The moon is positioned between Earth and the sun, resulting in a dark sky.
• Waxing Crescent: A small sliver of light begins to appear on the right side (in the Northern Hemisphere).
• First Quarter: Half of the moon is illuminated, resembling a half-moon.
• Waxing Gibbous: More than half of the moon is lit but not quite full.
• Full Moon: The entire face of the moon is illuminated, fully visible to observers.
• Waning Gibbous: The moon starts to lose light on the right side.
• Last Quarter: Again, half of the moon is visible, but now the left side is lit.
• Waning Crescent: A thin sliver of light remains on the left before it goes dark once more.

This cyclical pattern not only affects how we view the moon but has also played a significant role in various cultural and scientific contexts throughout history. Understanding these phases can enhance the experience of gazing at the night sky.

Professional cycling teams can significantly enhance their performance by implementing innovative formations that reduce aerodynamic drag for their protected riders by up to 76%. This finding stems from a comprehensive performance study conducted by Heriot-Watt University in collaboration with Ansys, a subsidiary of Synopsys.

The traditional single paceline, commonly used in cycling, has long been the standard method for teams aiming to shield their lead riders from wind resistance. However, this research indicates that alternative formations can lead to a remarkable decrease in drag, ultimately improving speed and efficiency during races.

Key Findings and Implications

The study utilized advanced simulation technology to analyze various cycling formations and their impact on aerodynamic drag. The results revealed that when teams adopt formations that deviate from the traditional approach, they can create a more favorable aerodynamic environment for riders. By strategically positioning cyclists, teams can maximize the protective benefits for their designated lead rider, allowing them to conserve energy and maintain higher speeds throughout the race.

This development is particularly relevant in the context of professional cycling, where every second counts. With the potential to shave off significant drag, teams may find themselves at a competitive advantage, especially in high-stakes events such as the Tour de France or Giro d’Italia.

Collaboration and Future Research

The collaboration between Heriot-Watt University and Ansys marks a significant step towards integrating cutting-edge technology into sports science. Researchers emphasized the importance of ongoing studies to further refine these formations and understand the nuances of rider positioning.

As the cycling community continues to evolve, the implications of this research extend beyond just performance. Teams may need to reconsider their training methodologies and race strategies to incorporate these findings effectively. The potential for enhanced team dynamics and improved race outcomes is substantial, paving the way for a new era in competitive cycling.

In conclusion, the study serves as a reminder of the ever-evolving nature of sports and technology. As teams look to optimize their performances, innovations like these will play a critical role in shaping the future of professional cycling, making it not only a test of endurance but also of strategic collaboration and technical prowess.

The discovery of the ancient skull known as Toumaï has sparked a contentious debate over humanity’s origins, with a disputed femur adding fuel to an ongoing feud among scientists. Unearthed in the Sahel region of Chad in March 2001, Toumaï is believed to be over 7 million years old and could provide crucial insights into early human evolution. However, the narrative surrounding its significance has become embroiled in controversy, particularly following the revelation of a femur that some claim belongs to a different species.

The controversy stems from competing interpretations of the evidence. The original research surrounding Toumaï, conducted by a team led by Michel Brunet, posited that the skull represented a pivotal link in the evolutionary chain between apes and humans. However, subsequent studies have questioned this classification, suggesting the need for a reevaluation of what defines humanity’s ancestral lineage.

The discovery of the femur, which has been dated to approximately 3 million years ago, has further complicated the debate. Some researchers argue that it belongs to a separate lineage that diverges from the trajectory suggested by Toumaï. This claim has intensified the rivalry among paleontologists and has raised questions about the validity of current evolutionary models.

In addition to the scientific implications, the dispute carries personal and professional stakes for those involved. The tension has led to accusations of academic misconduct and has raised ethical concerns about the ownership and interpretation of fossil finds. The Robert B. Silvers Foundation has supported reporting on this issue, highlighting its significance within the scientific community.

The ongoing feud reflects deeper philosophical questions about the nature of scientific discovery itself. Who has the authority to define humanity’s origins? As researchers continue to analyze these ancient remains, the implications of their findings are expected to ripple through both academic and public discourse.

This situation underscores the complexities inherent in the study of human evolution, where new findings can challenge long-held beliefs and lead to intense debate. As the scientific community continues to grapple with these questions, the story of Toumaï and the contested femur serves as a reminder of the ever-evolving nature of knowledge and understanding in anthropology.

Water companies in England discharged raw sewage for a record total of 3.61 million hours into rivers and seas during 2024, according to data from the Environment Agency. This figure marks a slight increase from 3.606 million hours in 2023, although the overall number of incidents has decreased. The duration of each spill has lengthened, raising alarms among environmental groups regarding the impact on wildlife and public health.

The increase in sewage spills reflects the challenges posed by the combined sewerage system prevalent in much of the UK, which transports both rainwater and wastewater through the same pipes. When heavy rainfall occurs, especially on dry ground where water cannot be absorbed quickly, the system can become overwhelmed. This leads to the discharge of excess wastewater into natural water bodies via combined sewer overflows (CSOs).

According to the Environment Agency, there were 75 serious pollution incidents in 2024, posing risks to aquatic and human health. Notably, Thames Water was responsible for 33 of these incidents. Critics argue that the industry must improve its management practices to prevent such occurrences.

In response to growing concerns, Water UK, the body representing sewerage companies, stated that sewage spills are “unacceptable.” The organization announced plans to end these discharges into waterways through significant infrastructure upgrades. Over the next five years, a total of £104 billion will be allocated for improvements, with £20 billion specifically aimed at addressing sewage spills.

Despite these commitments, environmental advocates have raised concerns about rising water bills for consumers while water companies continue to distribute dividends to shareholders. The Labour Government, which came to power in Summer 2024, has initiated policies to tackle the issue. In May 2024, a panel of experts warned of increasing public health risks from contamination in rivers and called for more frequent testing.

The presence of sewage can expose individuals to harmful bacteria such as salmonella and E. coli or viruses like hepatitis A. The Environment Agency conducts weekly water quality assessments at bathing sites from May to September, providing daily pollution risk forecasts in certain areas. Additionally, there are ongoing discussions about extending the bathing season to facilitate year-round testing.

The monitoring of sewage spills has only been routine for a few years, complicating efforts to assess trends over time. However, overall water quality has been evaluated for decades, indicating that only 16% of assessed surface waters in England achieved “good” ecological status as of May 2023. In comparison, around two-thirds of surface waters in Scotland and 40% in Wales meet this standard.

In an effort to enhance transparency, Water UK launched the National Storm Overflow Hub, which provides near-real-time data on discharges across England’s overflow points. Nevertheless, this platform lacks information on the volume of sewage released or the presence of harmful organisms in the water.

As the situation evolves, the spotlight remains on how effectively water companies will implement infrastructure improvements and address the critical public health concerns associated with sewage spills. The actions taken in the coming years will have lasting implications for environmental safety and public health across England.