Here are today’s most important updates from the realm of Science and Space.

A Moon Rock's Quiet Journey Rewrites Lunar History

A seemingly mundane moon rock, collected by Apollo 17 astronauts over 50 years ago, could revolutionize our understanding of the lunar timeline by revealing it as 4.25 billion years old and reshaping theories about the solar system’s formative impacts. pic.twitter.com/PAbkieFyHr

— unumihai Media (@unumihaimedia) September 26, 2025

(@unumihaimedia/X)

That unassuming moon rock picked up by Apollo 17 astronauts? It’s a geological bombshell. This ancient sample, formed deep within the lunar crust, has long been a puzzle. Scientists thought a cataclysmic impact on the moon's far side blasted it across the surface.

But the rock shows no signs of such a violent journey. New computer simulations offer a simpler, more elegant explanation. It turns out a massive, but more local, impact near its landing site could have lifted this deep rock to the surface without brutalizing it. This "gentle giant" theory not only solves the rock's mystery but forces us to rethink how massive impacts truly work, rewriting a key chapter in the moon’s early story.

The Great Milk Safety Check: Why Your Pasteurized Dairy is Bird Flu-Proof

Pasteurization completely inactivates the H5N1 bird flu virus in milk — even if viral proteins linger.https://t.co/sX1U9PXVZ7

— Science News (@ScienceNews) September 26, 2025

(@ScienceNews/X)

Here's some reassuring news: even if bird flu (H5N1) gets into milk, standard pasteurization completely neutralizes the virus. While tests might still detect harmless viral fragments - think of them like a shadow of the original threat - they pose no risk.

Researchers confirmed this by feeding mice pasteurized milk containing these inactivated remnants. The result? The fragments did nothing - they didn't make the mice sick, nor did they offer any immune boost or suppression. The conclusion is clear, as one virologist states, "Pasteurized milk is safe; raw milk is not."

While the milk supply remains secure, the goal is still to keep H5N1 out entirely. So, you can confidently enjoy your pasteurized dairy, but experts strongly caution against consuming raw milk.

Watch a Golden Moon Rise: October's Harvest Supermoon Beckons

(@the.z.axis/Instagram)

Get ready for a celestial treat! This year's Harvest Moon, which is also a supermoon, will grace our skies in early October. For a few nights around its peak on October 6th, expect a spectacularly large, low-hanging moon that glows with a rich, golden hue.

Traditionally, this moon provided crucial light for farmers harvesting their crops. Today, it’s a dazzling sight for everyone. For the best view, find an open spot away from city lights just after sunset. Watch as it rises, appearing like a brilliant orange orb on the horizon. No special equipment is needed - just look up and enjoy one of nature’s most beautiful shows!

Mars Mission on Deck: Blue Origin's New Glenn Gears Up for October Launch

Blue Origin gives a look at work on its New Glenn rocket in Florida: pic.twitter.com/Xy0qeSRCK3

— Michael Sheetz (@thesheetztweetz) October 13, 2021

(@thesheetztweetz/X)

Blue Origin is gearing up for the second launch of its massive New Glenn rocket, and this time, the destination is Mars. Slated for mid-October from Florida’s Space Coast, the mission will carry NASA’s twin ESCAPADE satellites.

These probes have patiently waited over a year for this ride. Originally bumped from New Glenn's debut flight, NASA is now confident after the rocket's successful first test. The ESCAPADE mission is a major vote of confidence, marking New Glenn's first journey to another planet.

Once in Mars orbit, the satellites will study how the solar wind interacts with the planet's atmosphere. Blue Origin will also use this launch to attempt another recovery of the rocket's first stage. It’s a crucial step forward for the company, blending an interplanetary science mission with the goal of reusable rocketry.