Space and astronomy news dominated by asteroid flybys, geostationary orbit competition, and efforts to leverage old energy infrastructure for clean power generation.

Asteroid 2026 JH2, roughly the size of Chicago's Cloud Gate sculpture, will pass Earth on May 18 at approximately four times the Moon's distance, providing a close approach opportunity for observation and study.

Russia, China, and the United States are intensifying competition for geostationary orbit (GEO) positioning, raising concerns about space congestion and potential conflicts over valuable orbital real estate.

A theoretical cosmologist Chanda Prescod-Weinstein has released a second pop-science book exploring the intersection of physics, poetry, and cosmic phenomena from her unique cultural and scientific perspective.

Old oil and gas wells across the United States are being repurposed to generate clean energy, offering states a solution to convert major pollution sources into renewable power production facilities.

Stardust Solutions is proposing tiny reflective spheres as a geoengineering solution to cool the planet by reflecting solar rays, though critics argue private companies should not unilaterally alter Earth's atmosphere.

Solar power production is being significantly undermined by coal pollution, which reduces the efficiency and output of solar installations in affected regions.

Scientists are urging Congress to address the dismissal of National Science Foundation board members and slowdowns in research funding, warning that delays could disadvantage the United States relative to China's space and science initiatives.

The discovery of an Egyptian mummy buried with copies of Homer's Iliad reveals that ancient Roman-era Egyptians may have valued Greek literature as spiritual guidance for the afterlife.

Bird-flu (H5N1) poses potential pandemic risks if the virus jumps to humans in 2026, with experts warning it could trigger an outbreak worse than COVID-19.