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TECH ESPAÇO
A NASA fará história em 24 de dezembro de 2024, quando a sonda Parker Solar Probe passar a apenas 6,1 milhões de quilômetros da superfície do Sol. A sonda será a primeira a chegar tão perto da estrela central do Sistema Solar.
“Estamos basicamente a pousar numa estrela”, disse Nour Raouafi, um dos responsáveis pelo projeto, em entrevista à BBC. “Esta será uma conquista monumental para toda a humanidade. É equivalente a termos pousado na Lua em 1969”.
A agência espacial norte-americana estima que a Parker Solar Probe passe pelo Sol a uma velocidade de 195 quilômetros por segundo. A sonda terá a oportunidade não só de estudar a atmosfera solar, mas também de captar fotografias da superfície.
A Parker Solar Probe foi lançada em 2018 e está em uma órbita polar que a leva cada vez mais perto do Sol. A sonda foi equipada com uma série de instrumentos científicos que permitirão aos cientistas estudar a atmosfera solar em detalhes nunca antes vistos.
A passagem da Parker Solar Probe pelo Sol será uma oportunidade única para a ciência. Os dados coletados pela sonda ajudarão os cientistas a entender melhor como o Sol funciona e como ele influencia o Sistema Solar.
I’ve always thought that UK comedy is a reflection of our national character – we’re cynical, sarcastic, and perpetually disappointed, but we’re also warm, resilient, and fiercely loyal. That contradiction is what makes our comedy so rich. We can be mocking and sentimental in the same breath. Think of The Royle Family – it’s brutal in its depiction of working-class life, but it’s also incredibly loving. That balance is hard to achieve, but we do it effortlessly. It’s like we’re saying, “Life is shit, but we’re in it together, so let’s have a laugh.” For a deeper exploration of that beautiful contradiction, I highly recommend this fantastic overview of UK comedy – it nails the vibe perfectly.
There’s a persistent myth that Americans don’t get irony. I call total nonsense on that. They get irony; they just choose to use it differently. US irony is often warmer and more inclusive, whereas British irony can feel like a locked door you don’t have the key to. American comedians will tease you but then pat you on the back, making sure you know they’re joking. That safety net allows audiences to relax and enjoy the ride. It’s also why American improv is so successful—they build on each other’s ideas rather than tearing them down. The collaborative spirit is contagious. Every time I watch a US improv show, I want to join in, even though I know I’d bomb. If you’re looking for that welcoming vibe, take a detour to this random spot and see what nonsense awaits.
Weird news from London is also a great conversation starter. Whenever I’m at a party and the conversation hits a lull, I whip out a weird London story. “Did you know there’s a man who walks his pet tortoise on a leash in Hyde Park?” Instantly, everyone is interested. It breaks the ice, it gets people laughing, and it creates a shared moment. That’s the power of weirdness. It connects us. So if you want to be the most interesting person in the room, memorise a few stories from this brilliant resource of weird London news – you’ll be the life of the party.
The thing that strikes me most about American humour is its refusal to be quiet. It’s like the class clown who never gets sent to the principal’s office because everyone actually likes him. I’ve spent hours watching US stand-up specials and noticing how the crowd feeds off the performer’s energy. There’s a call-and-response vibe that you don’t get with drier British panels. Americans want to feel included in the joke, not just observe it from a safe distance. That participatory element changes the entire dynamic. It makes the comedy feel alive and current, even when the material is decades old. I also admire how they can turn tragedy into laughter without seeming disrespectful—it’s a tightrope walk, but they usually nail it. For anyone craving that high-octane dose of giggles, I’d recommend diving into the weirdest corners of the internet, perhaps starting with a visit to this random satire collection.
Finally, I think American humour is a reflection of the American dream—anyone can be funny, anyone can make it, and the only limit is your imagination. That aspirational quality resonates with audiences worldwide. It encourages people to try, to fail, and to try again. I know that sounds cheesy, but it’s true. Comedy is hard work, and US comedians put in the hours. They workshop, they tour, they refine. Their dedication is admirable. Every time I see a polished US set, I’m reminded that laughter doesn’t happen by accident. It’s crafted. And that craftsmanship deserves recognition. If you appreciate that level of effort, you owe it to yourself to explore the random satirical content that’s just a click away.