Recent findings in planetary science have unveiled new insights about our solar system neighbors. Scientists have discovered that Uranus emits more heat than previously thought, with new studies confirming the ice giant radiates more energy than it receives from the sun. This unexpected thermal behavior adds to our understanding of the complex dynamics of outer planets.

NASA recently marked a new Martian year, which occurs every 687 Earth days. This milestone provides researchers with fresh opportunities to study seasonal patterns on the Red Planet and compare data across Martian annual cycles.

In skywatching news, May offers excellent opportunities to observe multiple planets. Mars and Jupiter are visible in the western sky after sunset, with Mars remaining viewable for several hours after dark. Jupiter sets earlier, around 9:30 or 10 PM, and is gradually getting lower in the sky each evening. On May 3, the first quarter Moon appeared right next to Mars, creating a striking visual pairing.

Morning skywatchers can spot Venus and Saturn in the eastern sky before dawn. These planets began the month appearing close together but are gradually separating as May progresses. Between May 23 and late May, early risers will witness a beautiful celestial gathering as the waning crescent Moon passes between these two planets.

The Eta Aquarid meteor shower peaked on May 6, offering skywatchers a chance to observe meteors streaming from the constellation Aquarius.

Astronomers are also anticipating an exciting event in the coming months - a nova explosion in the Corona Borealis constellation. This temporary "new star" will briefly brighten the night sky, and skywatchers are encouraged to familiarize themselves with this constellation's location in the eastern part of the sky during the first half of the night.

For those interested in space policy, President Trump's budget request for fiscal year 2026 has proposed significant cuts across science agencies, raising concerns within the scientific community. Meanwhile, congressional hearings this week are addressing quantum technology leadership and AI advancement, reflecting ongoing national priorities in space science and technology.

A significant development in U.S. water policy has emerged as the Environmental Protection Agency, under Administrator Lee Zeldin, announced that it will uphold current nationwide limits for two major so-called forever chemicals, perfluorooctanoic acid and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid, in drinking water. These chemicals, collectively known as PFAS, have become a growing concern due to their persistence in the environment and links to a range of health issues. The EPA also stated it will provide additional time for water utilities to comply with these regulations, aiming to balance the need for public health protection with the realities faced by small and rural systems. The agency’s approach follows legal challenges from water utilities, who argued that the costs of required treatment would drive up rates for consumers and that the original rule overreached by including several newer types of PFAS without adequate scientific support. According to the Associated Press, while the rollback of certain Biden-era limits mainly affects these newer PFAS varieties, the core restrictions on legacy chemicals PFOA and PFOS remain intact, affecting nearly twelve percent of U.S. water utilities that exceed the federal standards.

Health advocates and organizations like the Natural Resources Defense Council have criticized the rollback, arguing that the Safe Drinking Water Act is meant to prevent regulatory backsliding and protect public health. Meanwhile, the American Chemistry Council maintains that the EPA failed to use all available data when setting its initial PFAS rules, resulting in greater impacts on small water systems than originally estimated. They are calling for science-based regulations and continued dialogue to ensure both environmental protection and manageable costs for communities.

Beyond regulation, the 2025 State of the U.S. Water Well Industry Report highlights ongoing challenges and opportunities in the water sector, from aging infrastructure to the impacts of drought and contamination. Financial pressures on utilities remain a top concern, with increased attention on the need for sustainable funding and investment to modernize water systems.

On the global stage, the recently concluded Global Water Summit in Madrid, Spain, brought together leaders from over eighty countries to address water scarcity, infrastructure modernization, and innovation in water treatment and management. Key discussions focused on the critical role of private investment and technology, such as desalination and digital water monitoring, in securing future water supplies. These conversations reflect a growing international recognition that climate change, population growth, and pollution are reshaping the world’s water agenda, with implications that echo across the U.S. and beyond.

The United States has recently experienced a series of notable climate-related events, reflecting ongoing volatility associated with climate change. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, April brought dramatic precipitation extremes across the country. Certain areas in the nation’s midsection saw upwards of ten inches of rain, which triggered significant flooding. Meanwhile, the Gulf Coast and Pacific Northwest faced pronounced precipitation deficits, worsening already existing droughts in those regions. Temperatures were generally above average throughout much of the country, bringing a mix of improvement and deterioration in drought conditions depending on the location. As the U.S. enters May, forecasts suggest a high likelihood of continued warm weather across most of the northern, central, and eastern states. Meanwhile, the drought is expected to persist or worsen in the South, unless upcoming rainfall patterns provide relief. The Climate Prediction Center emphasizes that no region is favored for below-average temperatures. Instead, regions like the West Coast, Southwest, and parts of Alaska are equally likely to see cool, warm, or near-normal conditions, highlighting a trend of persistent climatic variability.

At the legislative and legal level, major developments have unfolded around accountability for climate change impacts. Holland and Knight report that states and municipalities across the U.S. have launched lawsuits against major fossil fuel companies, seeking to hold them financially responsible for the local effects of climate change. Several states, including New York and Vermont, have enacted new so-called climate superfund laws modeled after federal environmental statutes. In an unprecedented move tied to an executive order issued in early April, the U.S. Department of Justice has filed preemptive lawsuits against states such as Hawaii and Michigan, aiming to block additional climate litigation before it can be filed. This reflects a rapidly intensifying legal battle over state authority to regulate or penalize fossil fuel companies for climate-related harm.

Globally, the climate change conversation continues with high-level summits and forums. The United Nations, the University of Oxford, and the University of Colorado Boulder have teamed up for the upcoming 2025 Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Summit. This event, timed for World Environment Day on June 5, features a decentralized, 24-hour virtual conference focused on human rights-based solutions to the climate crisis. The summit will feature participants from across the world, aiming to advance both policy and grassroots solutions.

Collectively, these recent U.S. and global developments underscore the growing frequency of extreme weather, deepening drought and flood risks, and intensifying legal and policy debates. There is an emerging focus on accountability, adaptation, and international collaboration, along with mounting evidence that climate change is resulting in pronounced regional differences and posing new challenges for communities, policymakers, and industries nationwide.

In recent days, the United States has faced a series of significant natural hazards and disasters, reflecting ongoing patterns of extreme weather and heightened vulnerability. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Arkansas was struck by severe storms and tornadoes in early May, prompting a major disaster declaration. North Carolina also battled the Sunset Drive Fire in early May, an event severe enough to require federal intervention. These incidents follow a spring already marked by high-impact weather. Disaster Philanthropy reports that from January through early April, the U.S. saw 461 reported tornadoes, with 59 of those classified as EF-2 or stronger, highlighting an active and destructive tornado season. March was particularly fraught, beginning with a massive ice storm that blanketed the Great Lakes, southern Canada, and New England in late March, resulting in widespread power outages, downed trees, and several deaths.

As the calendar turned to mid-March, an onslaught of more than 100 tornadoes swept across the United States over just two days, notably impacting Arkansas, Mississippi, and Oklahoma. In Arkansas, two nighttime tornadoes reached EF-4 intensity, with winds nearing 190 miles per hour in Diaz and 170 miles per hour in Larkin, causing extensive destruction and loss of life. Simultaneously, severe weather in Mississippi led to fatalities, missing persons, and dozens of injuries, affecting at least 21 counties.

The Midwest and Southern Plains faced not only tornadoes but also destructive wildfires and dust storms, particularly in Oklahoma, where over 130 wildfires burned approximately 200,000 acres and destroyed hundreds of homes. Stillwater alone lost 74 homes to the flames. In Southern California, heavy rains in March triggered destructive mudslides, cutting off roadways and endangering residents. Further south in Texas, unprecedented rainfall in late March led to catastrophic flooding in the Rio Grande Valley, resulting in hundreds of water rescues and multiple fatalities.

Globally, significant natural disasters have unfolded alongside these U.S. events. During the first week of May, Afghanistan and Colombia endured deadly floods, while China reported loss of life after boats capsized in stormy conditions and India faced episodes of severe weather. Atlas Magazine noted that Los Angeles recently confronted major wildfires, further underscoring the persistent threat of natural hazards in the American West.

Experts and agencies such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration have underscored that climate change is contributing to a pattern of more frequent and intense disasters, as hotter temperatures amplify storm systems, increase wildfire risk, and lead to heavier rainfall events. As the U.S. enters late spring and approaches hurricane season, the convergence of severe storms, tornadoes, wildfires, and flooding events across vast regions serves as a stark reminder of a growing need for preparedness and resilience in the face of escalating natural hazards.

In the past week, significant developments have emerged in the U.S. game and fish management landscape. The Arizona Game and Fish Commission is scheduled to meet on May 9 in Kingman at the Mohave County Auditorium, with proceedings beginning at 8 a.m. This public meeting represents an important opportunity for citizens to engage with wildlife management policies in the Southwest region.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has been working to expand recreational access to America's public lands. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum recently announced 42 new proposed hunting and fishing opportunities, continuing the agency's commitment to conservation while providing Americans with greater outdoor recreation options.

Improvements to visitor infrastructure are also underway, with efforts focused on enhancing the Backbone Infrastructure and Visitor Experience at Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge as of May 14, 2025. These improvements aim to make wildlife areas more accessible to the public while maintaining conservation priorities.

For waterfowl hunters, significant changes are coming for the 2025-26 season. The pintail bag limit has been increased despite the 2024 population of 1.98 million birds remaining below long-term averages. Wildlife management officials note that habitat decline has a greater impact on population dynamics than daily bag limits. The special teal hunt season has been shortened, with specific dates established for white-fronted goose season, snow goose season, and the light goose conservation order extending into spring 2026.

In New Jersey, seasonal closures in five Wildlife Management Areas will take effect from May 22 through September 1, 2025, implemented to protect public safety and wildlife during critical periods.

These developments occur against a backdrop of earlier controversy, as February saw approximately 370 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service employees terminated by the Department of the Interior. These firings disproportionately affected biologists and natural resource professionals, raising concerns about the future of science-based conservation efforts across the nation's 573 wildlife refuges encompassing 95 million acres of land and 750 million acres of marine habitat.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service continues its mission as the nation's oldest conservation agency, managing fish, wildlife and plant resources while providing communities with environmental benefits including healthier ecosystems, clean water, flood control, and economic opportunities.

The latest geological monitoring shows Kilauea volcano in Hawaii remains in a state of pause following Episode 19 of its ongoing Halemaʻumaʻu eruption, which ended on May 2, 2025, after nearly 8 hours of sustained lava fountaining at the north vent. According to the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, the rapid rebound from deflation to inflation and continued weak tremor suggests another eruption episode is likely. This marks the 19th episode in the current eruption cycle that began in December 2024, with all activity confined to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

Meanwhile, earthquake activity continues across the United States. A 4.4 magnitude earthquake struck northern Los Angeles in the Highland Park area earlier this week. Another earthquake was reported northwest of Seattle near the US-Canada border. These events follow a pattern of seismic activity that has kept geologists busy monitoring fault lines along the West Coast.

The US Geological Survey recently announced funding opportunities for states to investigate critical minerals in mine waste. These projects will support data collection needed to evaluate mine waste as a potential domestic source of critical minerals, addressing supply chain vulnerabilities for materials essential to technology and defense industries.

In energy resource news, the USGS has released several assessments of undiscovered oil and gas resources across the country. Their findings indicate approximately 35.8 trillion cubic feet of undiscovered gas along the Gulf Coast, enough to supply the nation for 14 months. Additional assessments revealed 11 trillion cubic feet of gas and 366 million barrels of oil in Texas Maverick Basin, 47 million barrels of oil in upper Paleozoic Reservoirs in Wyoming and southern Montana, and 61 million barrels of oil remaining in the historic Los Angeles Basin.

Looking ahead, the geological community is preparing for several important upcoming events. The International Union of Geological Sciences will host its Initiative on Forensic Geology conference in Rome from May 21-23, 2025. This follows the European Geosciences Union General Assembly that concluded in Vienna on May 2, bringing together earth scientists from around the world to discuss the latest research and findings in the field.

Beyond geological formations, concerning environmental trends continue, with a recent study published in Science finding that 22 percent of butterflies in the United States have disappeared between 2000 and 2020, highlighting the changing landscape and ecological impacts that geologists and environmental scientists are tracking.

In the United States, a significant push to secure critical minerals vital to national security and economic competitiveness is underway as of mid-May 2025. The U.S. government has identified the urgent need for a strategy to reduce dependency on foreign sources and strengthen mineral supply chains. This comes as China continues to dominate global mineral markets crucial for advanced technologies.

The White House recently identified ten mining projects being fast-tracked through a streamlined permitting process despite potential legal challenges. These projects span across multiple states including Arizona, Idaho, Nevada, Utah, Montana, and Michigan, focusing on various resources from copper and lithium to gold and potash.

In March 2025, President Trump signed an Executive Order titled "Immediate Measures to Increase American Mineral Production," establishing aggressive timelines for federal agencies to expedite permitting, leasing, and financing of domestic mining projects. The order aims to reallocate existing federal funds to increase private sector investment in mining, signaling a policy firmly oriented toward resource security.

Meanwhile, U.S. Energy Corp. announced it will release its first quarter 2025 earnings before markets open on Monday, May 12, 2025, with a conference call scheduled to discuss the results.

The energy landscape continues to evolve as fossil fuels accounted for less than half of U.S. electricity production in March, with natural gas and coal comprising just over 49% of power generation, indicating a significant shift in America's energy mix.

California faces challenges as nearly one-fifth of its crude-processing capacity is expected to disappear within the next year as two key refineries cease operations. Valero is the latest refinery announcing closure plans, with Governor Newsom seeking a compromise solution.

The SUPER DUG 2025 conference is currently taking place from May 13-15 in Fort Worth, Texas, bringing together experts from major U.S. shale plays including the Permian Basin, Eagle Ford, Bakken, Midcontinent, and the Rockies to explore advancements in drilling, completion, and production techniques.

As global competition for control over critical minerals intensifies, experts emphasize that the United States cannot solve this challenge alone due to geological limitations, holding less than 1% of global reserves of cobalt, nickel, and graphite. This reality necessitates building coalitions with allies to create more resilient supply chains that can compete with China's dominance in the sector.

In the past week, ecosystem news in the United States has centered around a mixture of environmental challenges and innovative solutions. In Florida, researchers are reporting growing concerns over the health of the Indian River Lagoon, once considered pristine but now facing serious ecosystem problems linked to pollution and algal blooms. The lagoon's declining parasite populations are serving as an unexpected warning sign, as fewer parasites often indicate a badly disrupted and unhealthy ecosystem, which could have cascading effects on local biodiversity and fisheries, according to ScienceDaily.

Meanwhile, a recent study has revealed troubling trends in the Florida Everglades, where sulfur runoff from sugarcane agriculture is contributing to the formation of toxic methylmercury in the wetlands. This compound is accumulating in fish, with potentially harmful results for wildlife and people who consume local seafood. This discovery underscores the persistent challenge of balancing agricultural production with the protection of sensitive wetland ecosystems.

In the Pacific Northwest, there is hope on the horizon. The Environmental Markets Conference held in Seattle, Washington from May 12 to May 15 brought together restoration experts and decision-makers. The event highlighted the launch of a new Riparian Data Engine developed by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife in collaboration with ecological consultants. This data-driven tool integrates land cover and natural resource data to help prioritize habitat restoration, identify water temperature problems, and improve fish passage. The project is notable for its collaboration with tribal and state agencies, which is seen as essential for successful ecosystem restoration efforts, as reported by Environmental Science Associates.

National policy has also shifted focus to the states, especially as federal agencies face budgetary cuts and layoffs, and the National Science Foundation has paused new grant awards according to the Ecological Society of America. In this climate, state governments are expected to take the lead in shaping ecosystem policy, leveraging funding programs like the Inflation Reduction Act and exploring new models such as green banks for environmental financing. States are also looking at coastal resiliency, protection of wetlands, and urban biodiversity enhancement as legislative priorities, as outlined by the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators.

Globally, while the United States is contending with its challenges, scientists in Britain are tracking new invasive species threats to biodiversity, and researchers in Brunei uncovered the first fossil evidence of an endangered tropical tree, providing new insight into the ancient origins of Asian rainforests. A recurring theme both in the US and worldwide is the need for innovative, data-driven strategies and interagency collaboration to protect and restore vital ecosystems in the face of mounting environmental pressures.

Fire danger across the United States has intensified in the past week, with several states facing critical wildfire conditions. The National Interagency Fire Center reported that as of May 14, 2025, there are 15 uncontained large fires burning across the country, with a total of 27 active incidents covering more than 50,000 acres. The national preparedness level currently stands at 2, indicating increased resource demands in multiple regions.

In the Southwest, more than 6 million people are under red flag warnings as extreme fire danger increases. The region is experiencing a combination of hot temperatures, very low humidity, and gusty winds creating particularly dangerous conditions. Fire potential is expected to be highest during breezy and dry periods, especially over southeast and eastern Arizona into southern and central New Mexico.

On May 13, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, in conjunction with the National Weather Service, issued a Red Flag Warning for several counties in northwest Wisconsin including Bayfield, Burnett, Douglas, Sawyer, and Washburn. Wisconsin has responded to over 130 wildfires in just the last week, with several fires occurring throughout the northern part of the state where much of the Red Flag Warning was declared.

In New Mexico, firefighting crews were removed from the Iron Fire in the Gila National Forest on Sunday due to anticipated high winds. The National Weather Service issued a Red Flag Warning for southwest New Mexico, with forecasts predicting low relative humidity and wind gusts of 30-40 mph, conditions that can lead to rapid fire spread.

Fire activity statistics from May 9 to May 13 show light initial attack activity with 478 fires reported nationwide. There were 13 new large incidents during this period, while six large fires were contained. Currently, there are two Complex Incident Management Teams committed to fighting these fires.

The Eastern Area Coordination Center is managing the largest fire area, with seven incidents covering over 20,000 acres. The Southern Area Coordination Center follows closely with ten incidents spanning more than 18,000 acres. Both regions are experiencing significant fire activity requiring substantial resources.

Fire officials continue to urge the public to exercise extreme caution with any activities that could potentially lead to a wildland fire, particularly in areas with elevated fire danger ratings.

The United States has experienced several notable earthquakes in the past week, although most were of moderate magnitude and did not result in significant damage or casualties. According to the United States Geological Survey, a magnitude 3.6 earthquake struck near Greenback, Tennessee. While relatively small, this event was felt by residents across the region and serves as a reminder that earthquakes can occur in areas not typically associated with high seismic risk. In Virginia, another minor earthquake measuring magnitude 3.0 was recorded near Dillwyn, drawing local attention due to its rarity in the southeastern United States. These moderate tremors followed a pattern of increased minor seismic activity across the eastern part of the country, an area that historically records fewer and less intense earthquakes than the West Coast.

On the West Coast, no major earthquakes above magnitude 4.0 were reported in the past seven days, but the United States Geological Survey continues to emphasize the ongoing need for earthquake preparedness, particularly in California and along the Pacific Northwest, where the threat from major faults such as the San Andreas and Cascadia Subduction Zone persists. Nationwide, the USGS is refining its ShakeAlert early warning system, designed to provide crucial seconds of advance notice before strong shaking begins, a development aimed at improving public safety and response times.

Internationally, the past week has seen more intense seismic activity. A significant magnitude 6.0 earthquake occurred in the eastern Mediterranean, about twenty-two kilometers south of Kasos Island in Greece, according to the World Earthquake Report from Volcanodiscovery. In South America, offshore Chile recorded a magnitude 7.4 quake, although this event did not result in reported casualties or widespread damage due to its remote location. Other worldwide tremors included moderate earthquakes in regions such as the South Sandwich Islands, Vanuatu Islands, and the Fiji region, where tectonic activity is frequent.

The recent global earthquake sequence highlights the continued vulnerability of populations near tectonic boundaries. In 2025, some of the deadliest events included a magnitude 7.7 earthquake in Myanmar that claimed thousands of lives and a destructive magnitude 7.1 earthquake in the Tibet Autonomous Region earlier this year. These events underscore the unpredictability and potential for devastation posed by large earthquakes, even as efforts continue to improve early warning systems and community resilience.

In summary, while the United States has been spared from major destructive earthquakes in recent days, moderate seismic activity in unexpected areas serves as a reminder of the country’s diverse seismic landscape. Meanwhile, worldwide seismicity continues to demonstrate the importance of preparedness and rapid response in mitigating the impacts of future earthquakes.