Discover a piece of history that’s been hibernating for 50,000 years! C/2022 E3 (ZTF) is a newly discovered comet that could be visible to the naked eye from Earth in early 2023. Scientists believe that the last time it was this close to Earth was during the Upper Paleolithic period, which means the comet could have been seen by early humans and Neanderthals. Look out for the comet in the Camelopardalis constellation during its close pass, and keep an eye out for its greenish coma and faint cometary tail. Read full article here
Societal Issues
To curb drug deaths, communities turn to Reddit, texts and wastewater
With drug overdose deaths on the rise, authorities are attempting to curb the epidemic by tracking and sharing information in real time. In one unique effort, a nonprofit in New York City is using drug-testing equipment and stamping or marking habits of dealers to identify drug batches that may endanger users. Other approaches are also being used, such as monitoring drug-related chatter on Reddit and analyzing local wastewater for opioid and other drug levels. With the combination of these efforts, researchers hope to put a dent in the opioid crisis and reduce overdose deaths. Read full article here
Merv
June 1, 2023
