Week in Science: Artemis II launches to the moon

Plus, self-control tips from psychologists                    

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April 3—Building self-control doesn't happen overnight, psychologists say, but there are a few tips to set yourself up for success. Plus, what to know about the new COVID "Cicada" variant, and all things Artemis II. —Emma Gometz, Newsletter Editor Have thoughts? Email newsletters@sciam.com anytime.

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How to build self-control, according to psychologists Exercising self-control doesn't need to be unpleasant, research shows Francine Russo

New 'Cicada' COVID variant is spreading in the U.S.—here's what to know Infections of the BA.3.2 variant of the COVID-causing coronavirus are still at very low levels, but experts are concerned it may be resistant to immunity from vaccines or prior infection Tanya Lewis

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NASA's Artemis II launches on first crewed moon mission of the 21st century A daring 10-day voyage will take four astronauts on a loop around the moon and set the stage for future forays to the lunar surface Nadia Drake

We thought we knew the shape of the universe. We were wrong Decades of data have suggested the universe is flat, much like an infinite plane. But a new analysis reveals deep flaws in that simple conclusion Paul M. Sutter

Artemis II's journey to the moon, day by day The four astronauts aboard the Orion spacecraft will carry out a packed schedule during their trip around the moon's far side Joseph Howlett

These snakes steal poison from their prey—here's how they know they have enough Snakes that gain poisons from eating toads seem to know when they're toxic by keeping track of what they last ate Christa Lesté-Lasserre

An AI-authored paper just passed peer review. The scientific community isn't ready The arrival of AI-generated research papers marks a turning point that could radically accelerate discovery—or drown it in automated mediocrity Jacek Krywko

Artemis II's toilet is a moon mission milestone On their voyages to the moon, NASA's astronauts are finally getting some creature comforts of terrestrial toilets—such as having a door and being able to pee and poop simultaneously K. R. Callaway

Is washing your fruits and vegetables enough to get them clean? Experts weigh in Fresh fruits and vegetables can often come with toxic residues from pesticides, some of which contain so-called forever chemicals. Here's how to limit your exposure Emma Gometz

Why you should keep getting mRNA vaccines The COVID pandemic ushered mRNA vaccines into the spotlight, and the technology has even greater potential. Here's what to know about the way that they work, their safety, and more Meghan Bartels

Trump's new science panel includes 9 tech billionaires—and just one scientist There's a glaring hole in the president's new science and tech council Dan Garisto, Nature magazine

How a statistical paradox can make research findings fall apart Simpson's paradox demonstrates how counterintuitive statistics can be Manon Bischoff

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Artemis 2 is on the way to the moon | Artemis 4 landing sites | Extreme pulsars

NASA's Artemis 2 astronauts are cruising to the moon | Artemis 2 astronauts ace make-or-break engine burn (video) | Can you see the Artemis 4 landing sites from Earth? Created for ceo.studentlike.spuniv@blogger.com | Web Version   April 3, 2026 FOLLOW US FOLLOW US   Taking you out of this world, every day SIGN UP ⋅   WEBSITE   The Launchpad NASA's Artemis 2 astronauts are cruising to the moon (NASA/Reid Wiseman) The action never stops for NASA's Artemis 2 mission. It's Friday, or Flight Day 3 of the historic Artemis 2 mission to the moon. Last night, the Orion spacecraft aced a critical engine burn known as a translunar injection that has now put the four astronauts on a course to loop around the far side of the moon and swing back to Earth. Today, mission commander Reid Wiseman shared breathtaking photos of Earth as seen from the windows of Orion in a reminder of just how far away the Artemis 2 crew will travel - the farthest humans have been from our planet since Apollo 17 in 1972. We have all that and more today here on Space.com. Artemis 2 live updates   Artemis 2: NASA's next moonshot Artemis 2 astronauts ace make-or-break engine burn (video) Artemis 2's Orion capsule aced a critical engine burn this evening (April 2) that sent it from Earth orbit outward toward the moon. Watch Orion engine burn Skywatching Can you see the Artemis 4 landing sites from Earth? NASA's Artemis Program seeks to place American boots close to the moon's south pole. But are those landing sites visible from Earth? We break it down. Artemis landing sites Science & Astronomy What do scientists hope to learn from Artemis 2 moon flyby? Here's what's on the experiment roster for the Artemis 2 moon mission. Artemis 2 science Spinning dead stars found blasting radio signals Astronomers have discovered that rapidly spinning extreme dead stars or pulsars push it to the edge, blasting out radio signals from their extremities. Extreme pulsars Entertainment How to watch 'lost' Doctor Who episodes from anywhere Love Doctor Who? Then you'll be over the moon that two previously lost episodes, The Nightmare Begins and Devil's Planet, have been recovered. Here's how to watch them wherever you are. Lost Doctor Who Editor's Note What a week! From all of us here at Space.com, we'd like to say thank you to all of our readers for joining us on what has been an exciting week with the launch of Artemis 2 and all of the mission updates so far. We'll be keeping the mission livestream going on our homepage throughout the mission and keeping you updated around-the-clock with live updates so you don't miss a thing from the historic moon mission. Ad astra, Brett Tingley Managing Editor, Space.com  Stay up-to-date on all things space science, news, and entertainment by subscribing to our newsletters. Sign Up   Follow SPACE Contact Us: Feedback | Advertise Sign Up | Update Profile | Unsubscribe Privacy Policy | Cookies Policy | Terms and Conditions When you purchase through links in our content, we may earn an affiliate commission.   Future US LLC © Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY, 10036