Latest news with #Southern California

Associated Press
5 days ago
- Science
- Associated Press
Astronauts from India, Poland and Hungary head back to Earth after private space station mission
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — The International Space Station's first visitors from India, Poland and Hungary headed back to Earth on Monday, wrapping up a private mission and catching a ride home with SpaceX. Their capsule undocked from the orbiting lab and aimed for a splashdown the next morning in the Pacific off the Southern California coast. The short, privately financed mission marked the first time in more than 40 years that India, Poland and Hungary saw one of their own rocket into orbit. The three astronauts were accompanied by America's most experienced space flier, Peggy Whitson, who works for Axiom Space, which chartered the flight. They launched from NASA's Kennedy Space Center on June 25. India's Shubhanshu Shukla, Poland's Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski and Hungary's Tibor Kapu conducted dozens of experiments during their stay. They also fielded calls from their countries' prime ministers as well as schoolchildren. 'We will spread the word in our countries that these things are within our reach. These things are possible even for smaller countries like ours,' Kapu said during Sunday's farewell ceremony, which ended in an emotional group hug. Shukla noted that 'it's truly a miracle' when humanity comes together for a common goal. 'The sky is no longer the limit. We can explore space,' added Uznanski-Wisniewski. Uznanski-Wisniewski took special pride in the first pierogies in space. He took up the cabbage and mushroom-stuffed dumplings, which were freeze-dried in advance for easy cooking in zero gravity. Their three countries shared the cost of the mission, paying more than $65 million apiece. It was Axiom's fourth station trip since 2022. The Houston company's clientele includes the wealthy as well as countries seeking representation in space. NASA embraces commercial spaceflight, helping to set the stage for private space stations in the works by Axiom and others, as well as lunar landers. The space station's seven full-time residents remain behind in orbit, representing the U.S., Russia and Japan. Four of them will be replaced in a few weeks by a fresh crew launched for NASA by SpaceX. ___ The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute's Department of Science Education and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.


Thrill Geek
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Thrill Geek
Tickets Go On Sale For Knott's Scary Farm July 25
Knott's Scary Farm is Southern California's longest-running and most haunting Halloween theme park event. At the exclusive preview event, Nightmares Revealed, guests learn about the NEW mazes, shows, and nightmares that will be waiting at Knott's Scary Farm. On Aug. 19, bear witness to a full presentation of Knott's Scary Farm offerings, then take a sinister stroll through the streets of Ghost Town, complete with fog, monsters, and more. Those looking to unleash their inner monster at this year's event can purchase event tickets on July 25 at 10 a.m. Also on July 25, tickets will go on sale for Knott's Scary Farm, the frightful experience that has left no tomb unearthed, no crypt unrattled, and no fear untouched. This year's terror-filled lineup is one that no one will want to miss, running select nights from Sept. 18 through Nov. 1. This year's lineup includes 10 frightening mazes, five sinister scare zones, and three hair-raising shows. Guests can expect to experience their worst nightmare as the most horrendous monsters await around every corner, ready to turn you into their next victim. Nightmares Revealed will take place on Aug. 19 from 7-10 p.m. Knott's Scary Farm returns Sept. 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27 and 28; Oct. 2, 3, 4, 5, 9, 10, 11, 12, 16, 17, 18, 19, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30 and 31; and Nov. 1. Knott's Scary Farm is open 7 p.m.–2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 7 p.m.–1 a.m. on select Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. For those counting, that's 28 fearful nights of horror Clint Gamache is the owner of ThrillGeek. He started ThrillGeek to share his love of theme/amusement parks and pop culture with the world. You can find him at Halloween Horror Nights. Also, be sure to follow him on Twitter/X, Instagram @iamcg83