Science News Brief: July 17, 2025
Empty Space May Alter Light Polarization
A research team reports observing evidence that 'empty' space can alter the polarization of passing light, potentially confirming a long-standing prediction from quantum electrodynamics about the behavior of the quantum vacuum. Read more: Scientists may have finally caught "empty" space changing light
Missing Indigo Light in Indoor Lighting Linked to Myopia
Researchers have found that indigo light, largely absent from standard indoor LEDs, completely prevented myopia in tree shrews, suggesting that redesigning indoor lighting to better mimic natural sunlight could potentially reduce the growing global burden of nearsightedness in children. Read more: A missing color in indoor light may help prevent myopia
NASA's Roman Space Telescope to Hunt Thousands of Exoplanets
NASA's Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope is set to launch on a mission to detect and characterize thousands of alien worlds, significantly expanding our understanding of planetary systems beyond our solar system. Read more: NASA's Roman Space Telescope is ready to hunt thousands of alien worlds
Manhattan-Sized Ice Island Breaks Off Greenland Glacier
A Manhattan-sized ice island has broken away from Greenland's Petermann Glacier after years of growing fractures weakened its floating ice tongue, with scientists warning that two additional large sections could soon follow, potentially removing nearly a quarter of the remaining ice tongue. Read more: Manhattan-sized ice island breaks off Greenland's Petermann Glacier
Space Mirrors Could Brighten Night Sky 40 Times More Than Full Moon
A new study finds that Reflect Orbital's proposed sun-reflecting space mirrors could be up to 40 times brighter than the full moon, raising concerns about light pollution impacts on both professional astronomy and the natural night sky worldwide. Read more: Massive space mirrors could be 40 times brighter than the full moon
NASA Demonstrates GPS-Free Navigation Using Space Debris
NASA has successfully demonstrated a new autonomous navigation system called FALCON that allows satellites to determine their position in orbit without relying on GPS, using other spacecraft and orbital debris as reference points. Read more: NASA just used satellites and debris to navigate without GPS