Trump Issues Stark Warning to Iran Amid Rising Tensions

Astronomers using NASA's James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) have identified several unexpected molecules, including silicon monoxide (SiO), in the atmosphere of the exoplanet WASP-121b, marking its first detection in any planetary atmosphere. Findings were reported in studies published on June 2 in *Nature Astronomy* and *The Astronomical Journal*. WASP-121b, a gas giant located approximately 880 light-years from Earth, is about 1.2 times more massive and 1.8 times wider than Jupiter. This extreme "hell planet" orbits its sun every 30.5 hours, with its day side reaching temperatures of around 5,500 degrees Fahrenheit (about 3,000 degrees Celsius). The presence of SiO suggests origins from silicate-rich materials that may have evaporated from asteroids within its atmosphere, according to Anjali Piette of the University of Birmingham. The extraordinary resolution of the JWST allows researchers to deepen their understanding of gas giant atmospheres under extreme conditions. "Studying the chemistry of ultra hot planets like WASP-121b helps us to understand how gas giant atmospheres work," stated Joanna Barstow, a planetary scientist involved in the studies.

A violent attack on a group advocating for the release of hostages held in Gaza in Boulder, Colorado, left 12 people injured on Sunday. The suspect, 33-year-old Mohammed Sabry Soliman, allegedly targeted the group after planning the assault for a year, intending to "kill all Zionist people," according to court documents cited by various news sources. This incident follows a series of attacks on Jewish communities, including the recent homicide of two Israeli embassy workers in Washington, DC. Adina Vogel Ayalon from the pro-Israel group J Street noted that fears among Jewish Americans have intensified significantly. She remarked that antisemitic hate crimes have blurred political lines, affecting those across the spectrum regarding the Israel-Hamas conflict. The Boulder attack has sparked wider condemnation, with the Muslim Public Affairs Council emphasizing that such acts threaten the principles of pluralism and safety for all. Halie Soifer, CEO of the Jewish Democratic Council of America, highlighted a pervasive sense of insecurity within Jewish communities, and a fundraiser has been organized to bolster local security.

A prominent rift has emerged between Elon Musk and former President Donald Trump, intensifying as Trump's ambitious tax reform bill, estimated to increase the federal deficit by $2.4 trillion, faces criticism. According to reports, Musk publicly denounced the legislation as "pork" and called for Republicans in Congress to reject it. In response, Trump dismissed Musk during a press conference, indicating that their "great relationship" might be coming to an end. He lamented Musk's recent behavior and threatened to revoke government contracts benefiting Musk’s SpaceX, stating, "Elon was wearing thin." Musk retaliated on social media by suggesting the creation of a new political party and insinuating Trump had ties to scandalous activities involving Jeffrey Epstein, though no evidence supports these claims. The heated exchange escalated with Musk endorsing calls for Trump’s impeachment. While no official comment has been forthcoming from the Biden administration, the fallout continues to capture public attention, particularly concerning the implications for American space missions.