Latest Science News
Physics World Live Series Launches on Quantum Metrology in 2026
Physics World announces a 2026 series starting with quantum metrology to validate and commercialize quantum tech post-International Year of Quantum. The field remains hot despite uncertainties in science predictions.
Events will cover nuclear fusion and medical physics innovations.
Pathology Advances into 2026 with Genomics and AI Integration
Pathology sees momentum from long-read sequencing for neurological diseases like Huntington’s and wider AI adoption in workflows. Challenges include workforce shortages needing better training.
Focus shifts to validation and real-world utility in diagnostics.
Asteroid 40 Harmonia Reaches Full Opposition on January 2
The large asteroid (under 70 miles diameter) in the Mars-Jupiter belt peaks for observation just before midnight on January 2. Requires a decent telescope for viewing at peak elevation.
Marks the start of 2026 celestial events.
Full Wolf Supermoon Illuminates Skies on January 3
The first 2026 full moon, a supermoon, peaks at 5:03 a.m. EST on January 3, the fourth in a row. Known as Wolf Moon, visible brightly January 2-4.
Coincides with Quadrantids meteor shower peak.
Quadrantids Meteor Shower Peaks January 3-4 Amid Supermoon
The shower's brief peak may be obscured by the Wolf supermoon, but fireballs could still appear in the northeast. Known for bright, fiery meteors during its short window.
Best viewed despite moonlight interference.
Jupiter Enters Full Opposition on January 10
The gas giant, over twice Earth's planetary mass, appears prominently in Gemini constellation. Reaches opposition to the sun, ideal for observation.
Continues January's theme of oppositions.
Total Lunar Eclipse of Worm Moon on March 3
2026 features two lunar eclipses, with the March 2-3 total event turning the Worm Moon blood-red for 58 minutes. Visible best from western North America and Asia-Pacific.
Last total lunar eclipse until later years.
DeepSeek R1 Ushers in Efficient AI Models
Chinese startup's open-weight DeepSeek-R1 matches top models using fewer Nvidia H20 GPUs via distillation and MoE techniques. Launched late January 2025, impacted AI stocks.
Enables local deployment with published methods.
AI Models Secure Gold at 2025 IMO
OpenAI and Google DeepMind models achieved gold medal scores in math problems at International Math Olympiad 2025. Highlights progress in AI reasoning beyond text generation.
Signals advancing capabilities for complex tasks.
First AI Model Trained in Space by Starcloud
Nvidia-backed Starcloud trained a generative AI model on orbital GPUs in December 2025. Demonstrates feasibility for satellite-based AI, potentially new industry.
Faces bottlenecks but proves sci-fi concept viable.
AAS 247 Meeting Focuses on Future Astrophysics January 4-8
NASA's PhysCOS hosts sessions in Phoenix on Physics of Cosmos for 2030s, including AI/ML and mission concepts. Joint PAG meetings discuss innovations and surveys.
Covers X-ray and cross-observatory topics.
Earth Reaches Perihelion on January 3, 2026
Sun appears largest as Earth hits closest orbital point on January 3. Aligns with Wolf supermoon and stargazing events.
Key astronomical highlight for early 2026.