This Week In Space podcast: Episode 165 — Guardians of Space
On Episode 165 of This Week In Space, Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik talk with NASA astronaut Nick Hague, the first U.S. Space Force Guardian to launch to the International Space Station in that role.
Space is rapidly becoming a critical domain for so much of 21st-century living. Banking, transport across the sea and land, agriculture, and dozens of other things we take for granted all depend on satellites, and tracking them to avoid collisions.
We invited Hague to talk to us about the Space Force, living on the ISS, his frightening abort on a Soyuz rocket in 2018, how the Space Force tracks orbital objects, and much more. He's a very accomplished guy who makes it all sound routine — and we suspect, for him, it is. Join us for this very special interview.
Download or subscribe to this show at: https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space.Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit
European Space Agency reveals 3 key space missions threatened by Trump's NASA budget cuts
Trump's 2026 budget cuts would force the world's most powerful solar telescope to close
Humanity takes its 1st look at the sun's poles: 'This is just the first step of Solar Orbiter's stairway to heaven'
Wanted: One NASA administrator
Nick Hague
Space Force
Space Force Guardian returns to Earth after six-month space mission
Why Cislunar Security Must Be a Space Force Concern
How do Astronauts Sleep on Space?
TOP TELESCOPE PICK:
Looking for a telescope to see planets and comets? We recommend the Celestron Astro Fi 102 as the top pick in our best beginner's telescope guide.
Finally, did you know you can launch your own SpaceX rocket? Model rocket maker Estes' stunning scale model of a Falcon 9 rocket that you can pick up now. The launchable model is a detailed recreation of the Falcon 9 and retails for $149.99. You can save 10% by using the code IN-COLLECTSPACE at checkout, courtesy of our partners collectSPACE.com.
This Week in Space covers the new space age. Every Friday we take a deep dive into a fascinating topic. What's happening with the new race to the moon and other planets? When will SpaceX really send people to Mars?
Join Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik from Space.com as they tackle those questions and more each week on Friday afternoons. You can subscribe today on your favorite podcatcher.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
34 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Southern Company Is One of the Largest Utilities Companies by Market Cap. But Is It a Buy?
Southern Company is a sprawling utility business with strong positioning for a nuclear energy resurgence. The dividend offers a solid starting yield and comes with growth potential. However, the stock may not be as attractive following its recent rally. 10 stocks we like better than Southern Company › Providing key energy resources, such as electricity and natural gas, to consumers and businesses isn't easy. However, it's a big industry, and that's where utility companies shine. The Motley Fool recently researched the largest utility companies, and Southern Company (NYSE: SO) ranked third, with a market capitalization of just over $100 billion. The utility giant seemingly does it all; it operates electric and gas utilities, provides fiber optic and wireless communications services, and sells wholesale energy. The company has over 9 million customers across the southeastern United States. But is Southern Company worth your hard-earned cash today? Here's how the stock might appeal to investors and whether it's a buy currently. The surge in data center construction for artificial intelligence and cloud computing could strain the U.S. electric grid. Goldman Sachs estimates that data center power consumption will rise by 165% from 2023 levels by the end of this decade. That has revived interest in nuclear power. Some of the leading technology companies have already begun inking deals with nuclear companies to supply power, and the Trump administration is calling for increased investment in nuclear to quadruple the country's capacity by 2050. Southern Company is positioned well as an incumbent leader in nuclear power. Its subsidiary, Southern Nuclear, operates eight nuclear units across three power plants, including its recently completed Vogtle Units 3 (2023) and 4 (2024), the first newly built commercial units in the United States in approximately three decades. Vogtle Units 3 and 4 took approximately 15 years to build and cost over $36 billion, so having this done ahead of what could be a golden age for nuclear power demand is a key advantage. It also frees up Southern Company from what has been a costly endeavor, to say the least. Utility companies are typically stable investments and fantastic dividend stocks. People almost always need energy, and the regulated nature of the industry limits competition in exchange for continued investment and price stability from the utilities. Southern Company operates multiple subsidiaries, spanning power generation, transmission, electric and gas utilities, nuclear, and telecommunications. Cumulatively, Southern Company anticipates 8% annualized load growth (power demand) through 2029, translating to 5% to 7% annualized long-term earnings-per-share growth. That is more than enough to fund continued dividend increases. Southern Company already has an established dividend track record of 24 consecutive annual increases and hasn't cut its dividend in 78 years. The stock's dividend yield is 3.2% at its current share price. That growth and dividend could push the stock's annualized investment returns to 8% to 10%. That won't excite everyone, but utility stocks are famously resilient, and Southern Company's beta of just 0.38 should allow shareholders to sleep well at night when the broader market tumbles. Southern Company's stock has risen about 16% over the past year, likely due, at least in part, to the increased excitement surrounding nuclear energy producers. I probably wouldn't call Southern Company stock a bargain. Not at a price-to-earnings ratio of 21, using 2025 estimated earnings, when the business is expecting 5% to 7% annualized earnings growth. Management indicated there could be some upside to its growth forecast, so perhaps Southern Company comes in at the high end or even exceeds that. However, that's speculation at this point. It's probably fine to nibble on Southern Company at its current price. But, ideally, the stock would pull back to around 17 to 18 times earnings, a more attractive valuation for a slow-and-steady stalwart like Southern Company. Before you buy stock in Southern Company, consider this: The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the for investors to buy now… and Southern Company wasn't one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you'd have $671,477!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you'd have $1,010,880!* Now, it's worth noting Stock Advisor's total average return is 1,047% — a market-crushing outperformance compared to 180% for the S&P 500. Don't miss out on the latest top 10 list, available when you join . See the 10 stocks » *Stock Advisor returns as of July 7, 2025 Justin Pope has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Goldman Sachs Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Southern Company Is One of the Largest Utilities Companies by Market Cap. But Is It a Buy? was originally published by The Motley Fool Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Washington Post
43 minutes ago
- Washington Post
Superman's father taught me how to write
Jennifer Finney Boylan is president of PEN America. Her newest book is 'Cleavage: Men, Women, and the Space Between Us.' Superman's father taught me my most important lesson at college. I don't mean Jor-El, the Kryptonian scientist who foresaw the fate of his doomed planet, nor do I mean the various versions of 'Pa Kent,' who adopted the baby from another planet, and, along with his wife, raised him as their own.
Android Authority
44 minutes ago
- Android Authority
I've tested all the best smart rings in 2025, and these are the only ones I would buy
While fitness trackers and smartwatches are the better-known devices in the wearable tech world, there is a third, less popular option. Smart rings are slowly becoming more attractive alternatives. I've tested more than a dozen of these minimalist devices, and below are the best smart rings you can buy. Oura Ring 4: The best smart ring overall Oura Ring 4 Thinner design • Refreshed app experience • Smarter health sensing MSRP: $399.00 The top smart ring gets an upgrade. The Oura Ring 4 is the biggest rival to the Samsung Galaxy Ring. The new generation features upgraded hardware and a sleeker design and pairs with a refreshed Oura app for an improved software experience. See price at Amazon Positives Flatter sensor bumps Flatter sensor bumps Titanium inner layer Titanium inner layer Long list of metrics tracked Long list of metrics tracked Excellent software experience Cons Bulky, thick design Bulky, thick design Still scratches easily Still scratches easily Not fully coated on some colorways Not fully coated on some colorways Oura membership needed for most features No matter how many smart rings I test, Oura continues to set the standard. The company's newest model, the Oura Ring 4, solidifies the brand's lead with reliable sensors, a refined form factor, and one of the best companion apps in the wearable space. It's the ring I reach for most often, and the one I always compare new products against. To start, the device consistently delivers accurate heart rate, SpO2, and respiratory tracking. The company's sleep tracking platform is also still virtually unmatched, which makes sense given its roots as a sleep-focused brand. But what really sets the Oura Ring apart is its holistic approach to wellness. Instead of chasing step counts and streaks, Oura blends my data into big-picture insights so I can make healthier big-picture choices. The brand promotes rest, recovery, and sustainable activity goals, and the app's guidance only gets smarter the longer you wear the device. The Oura Ring 4 features trimmed-down internal sensor bumps and a titanium interior, making it lighter on the hand and easier to slip on and off. With an upgraded Smart Sensing system, now with 18 signal pathways up from 8, it also delivers even more reliable data than previous generations. In my testing, heart rate and sleep tracking remain highly accurate. Oura claims up to a week of battery life, though I average closer to four days per charge in real-world use. Meanwhile, the updated app experience feels cleaner and smarter, with tools like Timeline and Spotlights, plus the AI-powered Oura Advisor, which helps users contextualize their data trends. On the flip side, activity tracking/training tools are somewhat limited, and the device lacks any niche features like haptics for alarms or NFC support. Oura offers an unmatched software experience and reliable all-day health monitoring. Starting at $399 plus a $5.99/month subscription, it's undeniably pricey. While I wish Oura would drop the ongoing fee, the Ring 4 still justifies the cost with a best-in-class companion app, data reliability, and a sleek, comfortable build. If you're serious about health tracking and want it in a truly minimalist form factor, the Oura Ring 4 is the smart ring to beat. Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority Read more Samsung Galaxy Ring: The best smart ring for Samsung users Samsung Galaxy Ring Lightweight, comfortable build • Convenient case-style charger with built-in battery • No subscription fee MSRP: $399.99 Fancy Titanium ring, with fancy sensors The Samsung Galaxy Ring is a leap into a new device segment for Samsung. Available in nine sizes 5 through 13, this jewelry-inspired wearable is packed with sensors to track your health and fitness, and some basic controls for your smartphone. Designed for 24/7 wear. See price at Amazon Positives Lightweight, comfortable build Lightweight, comfortable build Convenient case-style charger with built-in battery Convenient case-style charger with built-in battery Unique integration with Galaxy watches and phones Unique integration with Galaxy watches and phones No subscription fee Cons Disappointing battery life Disappointing battery life Unreliable sleep and heart rate tracking Unreliable sleep and heart rate tracking Expensive at checkout Expensive at checkout Some tools locked to Samsung phones A thoughtfully designed smart ring that fits seamlessly into Samsung's broader ecosystem, the Galaxy Ring is purpose-built for users already invested in the brand. It integrates intelligently with other Samsung devices, optimizing battery life and enabling unique features like gesture controls. With a minimalist titanium build that's ultra-light and impressively durable, it's also one of the most comfortable smart rings I've worn. Though Samsung's smallest wearable yet, the Galaxy Ring still tracks everything from sleep stages, heart rate, and SpO2 to skin temperature and activity, including automatic workout detection for common movements. In the app, a Vitality Score offers actionable wellness insights and organizes metrics in a clean, digestible view. When paired with a Galaxy Watch, the ring smartly delegates tracking tasks to conserve battery life while maintaining seamless integration in the Samsung Health app. For me, it's a petite and practical alternative for overnight health monitoring when I don't want to wear my bulky Galaxy Watch Ultra. With unique device integration, the Galaxy Ring is the best option for users already invested in the Samsung ecosystem. Yet my favorite feature is the ring's compact charging case. With a built-in battery, it powers the device on the go and streamlines what's already a convenient multi-day battery experience. A quick 30-minute top-up typically gets me several more days of use, and the case itself looks and feels premium. At $399 with no subscription fee, the ring offers impressive value, especially for Samsung users looking for a discreet health tracker that's a natural extension of their existing tech. Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority Read more RingConn Gen 2 Air: The best value smart ring RingConn Gen 2 Air Low price point • Lightweight, comfortable design • Fantastic battery life MSRP: $199.00 A great budget smart ring. The RingConn Gen 2 Air crams all the smart ring essentials into a slimline, lightweight package, and at a great price of under $200. See price at Amazon Positives Low price point Low price point Lightweight, comfortable design Lightweight, comfortable design Fantastic battery life Fantastic battery life Tracks all core health metrics Cons No sleep apnea detection No sleep apnea detection Puck-style charger Puck-style charger Limited workout/training tools For anyone interested in exploring smart rings without breaking the bank, the RingConn Gen 2 Air is my favorite wallet-friendly pick. For less than $200 and with no monthly subscription, it delivers reliable health tracking, a featherlight build, and one of the longest battery lives I've tested in a ring. It may not have the polish or ecosystem advantages of bigger brands, but it nails the basics and offers real value for Android or iOS users. To start, the ring measures in at just 2mm thick and no more than 4g (depending on your size). It's unobtrusive through workouts, sleep, and daily tasks, and its stainless steel build feels durable despite being so light. I barely notice it's on, which is exactly the feel I what in something I wear around the clock. It also tracks all the essentials, including heart rate, sleep stages, HRV-based stress, SpO2, skin temperature, and general activity, and syncs them to a clean (and steadily improving) companion app. The RingConn platform isn't as refined as Oura, but it offers meaningful metrics and AI insights that show the brand has potential. RingConn may not be as established a brand as competitors, but the Air 2 is a fantastic, budget-friendly pick with great battery life. Meanwhile, battery life is a clear standout as the device easily lasts me more than a full week, nearly twice as long as my Oura Ring 4. The RingConn app also alleviates charging stress with helpful info, including time estimates and a suggested 'charge by' window. Once on the charger, the app even displays how long it will take to fully recharge. Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority Read more RingConn Gen 2: The best subscription-free smart ring RingConn Gen 2 Comfortable, lightweight design • Impressive battery life • Low price point compared to the competition MSRP: $299.00 A top-tier Galaxy and Oura Ring alternative. The RingConn Gen 2 offers shoppers an alternative to the heavy hitters; Samsung and Oura. The device is comfortable, lightweight, and attractive and tracks all the basic wellness metrics users expect. See price at Amazon Positives Comfortable, lightweight design Comfortable, lightweight design Impressive battery life Impressive battery life Low price point compared to the competition Cons Limited workout tracking Limited workout tracking App experience could use work App experience could use work Sleep apnea detection not medically validated At a slightly higher but still competitive price point, the RingConn Gen 2 delivers strong performance as well, including even better battery life than the Air. On my finger, it's slightly bulkier, but still comfortable, and remains one of the most accessible and well-rounded smart rings available (especially for shoppers who don't want to pay a recurring cost). I was impressed by the refinements RingConn made from its first generation, proving that the company is here to stay and compete with leaders like Oura and Samsung. In addition to delivering all the staple health tracking features I expect on a smart ring, RingConn continues to push its platform. The Gen 2 currently offers sleep apnea detection (though not medically validated), plus more stats and data than I could possibly digest and a useful Wellness graphic for at-a-glance insights. The RingConn Gen 2 remains an attractive price tag to anyone willing to step away from Oura in favor of a subscription-free experience. Not to beat a dead horse, but I can't emphasize enough how much I love a charging case over a charging puck. RingConn delivers the former, adding further convenience to the Gen 2's already impressive 12-day battery life. According to specs, the case should power up the ring up to a dozen times before you need to track down your cable. Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority Read more Amazfit Helio Ring: The best smart ring for larger hands Amazfit Helio Ring Small, lightweight form factor • Useful sleep and readiness data • Seamless integration with Amazfit smartwatches MSRP: $199.99 A smart ring with tight integration with Amazfit smartwatches. The Amazfit Helio Ring is a lightweight, comfortable fitness tracker that offers background data collection to anyone not interested in wearing a smartwatch around the clock, but also offers extra features for existing Amazfit smartwatch users looking to double down. See price at Amazon Positives Small, lightweight form factor Small, lightweight form factor Useful sleep and readiness data Useful sleep and readiness data Seamless integration with Amazfit smartwatches Seamless integration with Amazfit smartwatches Great price Cons Limited sizes available at launch Limited sizes available at launch Relatively short battery life The Amazfit Helio Ring is a solid entry into the smart ring space, offering reliable health tracking, a subscription-fee experience, and a sleek titanium build, all at a competitive $199 price point. It shines brightest when paired with an Amazfit smartwatch, unlocking deeper insights in the Zepp app. However, while the Helio Ring nails the fundamentals, I found it unwearable due to its limited sizing options, and had to call for reinforcements during testing. I love the premium look and feel of the Helio Ring's titanium build, especially the subtly dimpled texture. It's lightweight and thin, yet still packs enough sensors to deliver all the basics, including useful readiness scores. In the Zepp app, the user interface is clean, intuitive, and doesn't lock features behind a paywall, a huge win in a market where subscriptions are becoming the norm. As mentioned, if you pair the ring with an Amazfit smartwatch, you'll also be able to access even more features, just like with Samsung's ring and watches. If you can fit into the few rather large sizes available, the Amazfit Helio Ring is a feature-packed pick at a great price. Battery life is solid, though not best-in-class. I consistently got 3.5 to 4 days on a single charge, which is enough for stress-free use but slightly behind competitors. However, sizing is a real issue. Currently, the Helio Ring only comes in large sizes, which is why my partner had to do most of the active testing for this device. Amazfit says more options are on the way, but for now, this limitation may make it hard for many shoppers to find the right fit. Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority Read more Honorable mentions Oura Ring 3 Oura Ring 3 Inconspicuous • Clean design • Excellent sleep tracking MSRP: $299.00 An excellent and unintrusive sleep tracker that focuses on personal wellness more than numbers The Oura Ring 3 is a smart ring that tracks your sleep, activity, and heart rate. Its minimal design makes it inconspicuous to wear while sleeping, working, exercising, or even when out to a fancy dinner. The companion Oura app takes a well-rounded approach to health, focusing on your overall well-being. See price at Amazon See price at Oura Though now outdone, the Oura Ring 3 is still a very reliable tracker that will give you access to many of the brand's top features. I wore mine consistently for nearly two years, and it was easily the best smart ring I owned, until the Oura Ring 4 arrived. The Evie Ring is the most popular smart ring specifically designed with women in mind. Featuring a wellness tracking platform with an emphasis on menstrual cycle tracking, the Evie comes in three finishes, eight sizes, and a unique open ring design. Ultrahuman Ring Air Ultrahuman Ring Air Lightweight build, comfortable fit • PowerPlug platform has potential • AFib detection MSRP: $349.00 Lightweight smart ring. The Ultrahuman Ring Air brings health tracking to a lightweight ring form factor, and without mandatory subscription fees. See price at Amazon The Ultrahuman Ring Air delivers a dedicated fitness focus with a unique platform. In addition to tracking the basics, the company's Power Plugs program allows users to add more tools to their arsenal, including regionally available AFib detection. What to look for in a good smart ring Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority Choosing a smart ring can feel overwhelming at first. With so many models offering overlapping features, it helps to zero in on what matters most to you. Are you mainly looking for a discreet health tracker, or do you want to monitor sleep and stress more closely? Maybe you're simply after a subtle way to stay connected, without relying on a smartwatch you already own. Some smart rings are best used as companion devices, while others deliver a surprisingly robust standalone experience. Most smart rings may look similar, but they offer a broad range of features and specs. Beyond looks and core functionality, things like battery life, price, and app support can seriously impact your overall experience. These are key areas to think through before clicking checkout: Wellness tracking: Health and fitness tracking capabilities vary widely between rings, not just in which metrics are tracked, but also in the quality of the insights offered. Make sure any ring you're considering covers the basics you care about, like heart rate, sleep, and activity tracking. If you're serious about health data, look for options that go further with features like readiness scores, temperature sensing, or SpO2 monitoring. Health and fitness tracking capabilities vary widely between rings, not just in which metrics are tracked, but also in the quality of the insights offered. Make sure any ring you're considering covers the basics you care about, like heart rate, sleep, and activity tracking. If you're serious about health data, look for options that go further with features like readiness scores, temperature sensing, or SpO2 monitoring. Battery life: Unlike smartwatches, smart rings don't have power-hungry displays, so they tend to last longer between charges. Still, battery life can range from 2 days to a full week, depending on the model and usage. Pick a ring that suits your routine, especially if you want to wear it overnight for sleep tracking (which I highly recommend). Unlike smartwatches, smart rings don't have power-hungry displays, so they tend to last longer between charges. Still, battery life can range from 2 days to a full week, depending on the model and usage. Pick a ring that suits your routine, especially if you want to wear it overnight for sleep tracking (which I highly recommend). Fit and finish: Most smart rings feature similar internal components, but you'll find a range of sizes, materials, and finishes from brand to brand. Comfort is critical, so make sure the ring you choose fits snugly enough to be worn all day and night. Materials like titanium and ceramic are ideal for durability. The colorway and design should match your personal style. Most smart rings feature similar internal components, but you'll find a range of sizes, materials, and finishes from brand to brand. Comfort is critical, so make sure the ring you choose fits snugly enough to be worn all day and night. Materials like titanium and ceramic are ideal for durability. The colorway and design should match your personal style. Price: Some premium smart rings can cost as much as a high-end smartwatch, and that's before factoring in any recurring subscription fees, which some brands charge to unlock full app features. Consider the cost of ownership when choosing the right ring for your budget. Some premium smart rings can cost as much as a high-end smartwatch, and that's before factoring in any recurring subscription fees, which some brands charge to unlock full app features. Consider the cost of ownership when choosing the right ring for your budget. Companion app: The app is where you'll actually engage with your data, so don't overlook it. Look for one that's easy to navigate, visually clear, and offers meaningful insights. The app is where you'll actually engage with your data, so don't overlook it. Look for one that's easy to navigate, visually clear, and offers meaningful insights. Ecosystem integration: Some rings, like the Samsung Galaxy Ring or Amazfit Helio Ring, are tightly integrated into their respective ecosystems. If you already use a Samsung phone or Zepp app, those might be natural picks. Consider how well a smart ring will work with your other devices and services before buying. Some rings, like the Samsung Galaxy Ring or Amazfit Helio Ring, are tightly integrated into their respective ecosystems. If you already use a Samsung phone or Zepp app, those might be natural picks. Consider how well a smart ring will work with your other devices and services before buying. Additional features: Some smart rings offer niche but useful extras. These might include NFC support for contactless payments, haptic feedback for silent alarms, or even gesture controls for interacting with your phone. While not essential, these features can add convenience or a more interactive experience. Why you should trust me Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority I've spent the last several years professionally reviewing wearables across the board—from smart rings and smartwatches to fitness trackers and heart rate monitors. My experience with finger-based devices began with an early-generation Oura Ring and has since expanded to more than a dozen alternatives. For every smart ring I test, I wear it 24 hours a day, over multiple days, evaluating performance during workouts, sleep, travel, and everyday routines. That includes everything from heart rate accuracy and battery life to comfort, app integration, and practical usability. I've tested the market's leading smart extensively, zeroing in on wellness and workout tracking, sleep detection, and real-world functionality. My approach to reviewing smart rings focuses on both standard user experience and technical accuracy. Once I assess a ring's comfort, fit, and design, I compare its health data against trusted benchmarks, including chest strap heart rate monitors, sleep trackers, and pulse oximeters. I also test each ring alongside comparable models to get a full picture of where it excels, where it falls short, and how it stands up to leading devices (especially Oura). I don't just evaluate from a personal perspective, but also consider broader use cases. If a smart ring is designed to work best within a particular device ecosystem, I test it accordingly. If it's built for athletes or recovery-focused users, I explore its training tools and performance tracking features in depth compared to alternative fitness tracking form factors. I do my best to consider every feature each ring touts and weigh their contributions to the device's overall value. What do you look for in a smart ring? 0 votes Wellness tracking NaN % Extended battery life NaN % A comfortable fit and attractive finish NaN % An approachable price NaN % A powerful companion app NaN % Ecosystem integration with my existing devices NaN % Niche features NaN % Other NaN % In short, whether it's a silent haptic alarm at 6 a.m. or monitoring recovery after a hard workout, I look at whether a smart ring truly delivers on its promises and whether it's worth your money. Of course, that also includes a close look at pricing, factoring in subscription fees vs one-time purchases and long-term software support vs unreliable companion apps. My belief is that a smart ring should be a seamless health companion, and I evaluate every single one as such.
