Space & Science

News and insights from NASA, ESA, and the frontier of space exploration and scientific discovery.

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New evidence that some supernovae may be a “double detonation”

In other cases, another member of the system will go on to form a second white dwarf. If gravitational instabilities bring these two objects together, then their collision will create a single object with a much higher mass. This will also restart fusion, leading to an explosion.
We have found evidence for both of these events happening. However, there are some questions about whether they happen often enough to explain the frequency of type Ia supernovae that we see. Both mechanisms require stars of sufficient mass orbiting within a reasonably close distance for either mass transfer or a collision to occur. So, astronomers have been considering other ways of blowing up a white dwarf.
The most promising option appears to be a double detonation. This can also require the transfer of some helium-rich material from another companion, but it can also occur if the white dwarf ends up with some unfused helium left on its surface. Regardless of how it ends up there, the helium can start fusing if enough of it pools up, or simply if its movement causes a sufficiently high local density in one region. However it happens, once fusion starts, the entire surface of the white dwarf will quickly follow, creating detonation number one.
That in turn will create compression in the carbon-oxygen portion of the white dwarf, pushing it past the density needed for that to start fusing. Once again, the initiation of fusion heats and compresses nearby material, creating a chain reaction that triggers widespread fusion in the white dwarf, blowing it to pieces as part of detonation two.

A shell game
The key thing about this is that it allows the explosion of white dwarfs before they reach a mass sufficient enough to trigger the fusion of their carbon and oxygen. Instead, it can potentially happen any time enough helium gathers on their surface. A double-detonation event would also be very difficult to detect, as the explosions would happen in rapid succession, and the environment in the immediate surroundings of a type Ia supernova is going to be complex and difficult to resolve.

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NASA Awards Simulation and Advanced Software Services II Contract

NASA has awarded a contract to MacLean Engineering & Applied Technologies, LLC of Houston to provide simulation and advanced software services to the agency.
The Simulation and Advanced Software Services II (SASS II) contract includes services from Oct. 1, 2025, through Sept. 30, 2030, with a maximum potential value not to exceed $150 million. The contract is a single award, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quality contract with the capability to issue cost-plus-fixed-fee task orders and firm-fixed-price task orders.
Under the five-year SASS II contract, the awardee is tasked to provide simulation and software services for space-based vehicle models and robotic manipulator systems; human biomechanical representations for analysis and development of countermeasures devices; guidance, navigation, and control of space-based vehicles for all flight phases; and space-based vehicle on-board computer systems simulations of flight software systems. Responsibilities also include astronomical object surface interaction simulation of space-based vehicles, graphics support for simulation visualization and engineering analysis, and ground-based and onboarding systems to support human-in-the-loop training.
Major subcontractors include Tietronix Software Inc. in Houston and VEDO Systems, LLC, in League City, Texas.
For information about NASA and agency programs, visit:
https://www.nasa.gov/
-end-
Tiernan DoyleHeadquarters, Washington202-358-1600tiernan.doyle@nasa.gov
Chelsey BallarteJohnson Space Center, Houston281-483-5111Chelsey.n.ballarte@nasa.gov

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Rice could be key to brewing better non-alcoholic beer

Rice enhances flavor profiles for nonalcoholic beer, reduces fermentation time, and may contribute to flavor stability.

Credit:

Paden Johnson/CC BY-NC-SA

He and his team—including Christian Schubert, a visiting postdoc from the Research Institute for Raw Materials and Beverage Analysis in Berlin—brewed their own non-alcoholic beers, ranging from those made with 100 percent barley malt to ones made with 100 percent rice. They conducted a volatile chemical analysis to identify specific compounds present in the beers and assembled two sensory panels of tasters (one in the US, one in Europe) to assess aromas, flavors, and mouthfeel.
The panelists determined the rice-brewed beers had less worty flavors, and the chemical analysis revealed why: lower levels of aldehyde compounds. Instead, other sensory attributes emerged, most notably vanilla or buttery notes. “If a brewer wanted a more neutral character, they could use nonaromatic rice,” the authors wrote. Along with brewing beers with 50 percent barley/50 percent rice, this would produce non-alcoholic beers likely to appeal more broadly to consumers.
The panelists also noted that higher rice content resulted in beers with a fatty/creamy mouthfeel—likely because higher rice content was correlated with increased levels of larger alcohol molecules, which are known to contribute to a pleasant mouthfeel. But it didn’t raise the alcohol content above the legal threshold for a nonalcoholic beer.
There were cultural preferences, however. The US panelists didn’t mind worty flavors as much as the European tasters did, which might explain why the former chose beers brewed with 70 percent barley/30 percent rice as the optimal mix. Their European counterparts preferred the opposite ratio (30 percent barley/70 percent rice). The explanation “may lie in the sensory expectations shaped by each region’s brewing traditions,” the authors wrote. Fermentation also occurred more quickly as the rice content increased because of higher levels of glucose and fructose.
The second study focused on testing 74 different rice cultivars to determine their extract yields, an important variable when it comes to an efficient brewing process, since higher yields mean brewers can use less grain, thereby cutting costs. This revealed that cultivars with lower amylose content cracked more easily to release sugars during the mashing process, producing the highest yields. And certain varieties also had lower gelatinization temperatures for greater ease of processing.
International Journal of Food Science, 2025. DOI: 10.1080/10942912.2025.2520907  (About DOIs)
Journal of the American Society of Brewing Chemists, 2025. DOI: 10.1080/03610470.2025.2499768

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1 costcos ev charging move signals major shift

Costco’s EV charging move signals major shift

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Costco has always been a go-to destination for bulk groceries, electronics and even gas. Now, the retailer is making headlines by bringing fast, reliable EV charging to its parking lots. With electric vehicles becoming more popular and over a million new EVs registered in 2024 alone, the need for convenient charging options has never been greater. Costco EV charging stations are stepping up to meet this demand, offering a seamless way for drivers to power up while they shop.MORE THAN A DOZEN STATES SUE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION OVER EV CHARGING STATION FUNDS Costco ultra-fast charging stations. (Electrify America)Costco partners with Electric Era to bring fast EV charging to storesIn a move that’s turning heads, Costco partnered with Electric Era, a startup founded by former SpaceX engineers, to install ultra-fast charging stations at select locations. The North Port, Florida, warehouse was among the first to benefit, with six fast chargers installed in just 54 days-an impressive turnaround in an industry where installations can take months or even years. These chargers deliver up to 200 kWh, allowing most EVs to reach 80% charge in just 20 to 60 minutes. That’s enough time to shop for groceries, grab a slice of pizza and return to a car ready for the road. WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)?How Costco EV charging stations work and what makes them uniqueCostco EV charging stations stand out for several reasons. They offer fast charging, which means less waiting and more time for shopping, and their battery-backed system minimizes the need for major grid upgrades, allowing installations to be completed more quickly and efficiently. These stations are also highly reliable, boasting over 98% uptime and more than 90% session reliability, so EV drivers can count on them to keep moving.The chargers themselves are user-friendly, equipped with both CCS and NACS connectors, 24/7 monitoring, automatic fault detection, over-the-air updates, and even integration with Costco’s loyalty program. Large screens at the stations display promotions and store information, making the experience even more engaging. By strategically placing these chargers at popular warehouse locations, Costco not only offers greater convenience for drivers, but also encourages customers to spend more time in-store, benefiting both shoppers and the retailer. Costco ultra-fast charging station. (Electrify America)Costco expands EV charging access through Electrify America partnershipCostco isn’t stopping with Electric Era. The retailer has also teamed up with Electrify America to roll out DC fast chargers at select locations in California, Colorado and Florida. These stations deliver up to 350 kW and are compatible with nearly all EV makes and models, making them a practical option for a wide range of drivers.GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HEREThe future of EV charging at Costco: Nationwide expansion on the horizonWith over 500 warehouses across the U.S., Costco has the potential to dramatically expand the nation’s fast-charging infrastructure. If the North Port pilot proves successful, thousands of new charging stalls could pop up nationwide, making EV ownership easier and more appealing. Costco ultra-fast charging station. (Electrify America)Kurt’s key takeawaysCostco EV charging stations are more than just a convenience; they’re a glimpse into the future of retail and transportation. By integrating fast, reliable charging with the everyday shopping experience, Costco is helping to drive America’s transition to electric vehicles, one parking lot at a time.CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPIs Costco quietly becoming one of the most powerful players in America’s EV revolution, or should it be betting on other fuels instead? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy ReportGet my best tech tips, urgent security alerts, and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide – free when you join my CYBERGUY.COM/NEWSLETTER.Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com.  All rights reserved.  

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1 new google ai makes robots smarter without the cloud

New Google AI makes robots smarter without the cloud

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Google DeepMind has introduced a powerful on-device version of its Gemini Robotics AI. This new system allows robots to complete complex tasks without relying on a cloud connection. Known as Gemini Robotics On-Device, the model brings Gemini’s advanced reasoning and control capabilities directly into physical robots. It is designed for fast, reliable performance in places with poor or no internet connectivity, making it ideal for real-world, latency-sensitive environments.GOOGLE WORKING TO DECODE DOLPHIN COMMUNICATION USING AI Robots using Gemini Robotics On-Device. (Google)Smarter robots that work anywhereUnlike its cloud-connected predecessor, this version runs entirely on the robot itself. It can understand natural language, perform fine motor tasks and generalize from very little data, all without requiring an internet connection. According to Carolina Parada, head of robotics at Google DeepMind, the system is “small and efficient enough” to operate directly onboard. Developers can use the model in situations where connectivity is limited, without sacrificing intelligence or flexibility. WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)?Easy to adapt and trainGemini Robotics On-Device can be customized with just 50 to 100 demonstrations. The model was first trained using Google’s ALOHA robot, but it has already been adapted to other platforms like Apptronik’s Apollo humanoid and the Franka FR3. For the first time, developers can fine-tune a DeepMind robotics model. Google is offering access through its trusted tester program and has released a full SDK to support experimentation and development. Robot using Gemini Robotics On-Device. (Google)Local control means more privacy and reliabilitySince the artificial intelligence runs directly on the robot, all data stays local. This approach offers better privacy for sensitive applications, such as in healthcare. It also allows robots to continue operating during internet outages or in isolated environments. Google sees this version as a strong fit for remote, security-sensitive, or infrastructure-poor settings. The system delivers faster response times and fewer points of failure, opening up new possibilities for robot deployment in real-world settings.Safety requires developer inputThe on-device model does not include built-in semantic safety features. Google recommends that developers build safety systems into their robots using tools like the Gemini Live API and trusted low-level controllers. The company is limiting access to select developers to better study safety risks and real-world applications. While the hybrid model still offers more overall power, this version holds its own for most common use cases and helps push robotics closer to everyday deployment. Robots using Gemini Robotics On-Device. (Google)Kurt’s key takeawaysThe release of Gemini Robotics On-Device marks a turning point. Robots no longer need a constant cloud connection to be smart, adaptive, and useful. With faster performance and stronger privacy, these systems are ready to tackle real-world tasks in places where traditional robots might fail.CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPWould you be comfortable handing off tasks to a robot that doesn’t need the internet to think? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy ReportGet my best tech tips, urgent security alerts, and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide – free when you join my CYBERGUY.COM/NEWSLETTER.Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com.  All rights reserved.  

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To the Spacemobile!

In this Nov. 1, 1964, image, three members of NASA’s Lewis Research Center’s (now NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland) Educational Services Office pose with one of the center’s Spacemobile space science demonstration units. Once the NACA (National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics) became NASA, public outreach became one of the agency’s core tenets. Lewis, which had previously been a closed laboratory, began hosting open houses and elaborate space fairs in the early 1960s.
In addition, the center initiated educational programs that worked with local schools and a robust speaker’s bureau that explained NASA activities to the community. One aspect of these efforts was the Spacemobile Program. These vehicles included a delegated speaker, exhibits, models, and other resources. The Spacemobiles, which made forays across the Midwest, were extremely active throughout the 1960s.
Image credit: NASA

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FlarePlanets.JanineFohlmeister201280

Discovery Alert: Flaring Star, Toasted Planet

A giant planet some 400 light-years away, HIP 67522 b, orbits its parent star so tightly that it appears to cause frequent flares from the star’s surface, heating and inflating the planet’s atmosphere.

On planet Earth, “space weather” caused by solar flares might disrupt radio communications, or even damage satellites. But Earth’s atmosphere protects us from truly harmful effects, and we orbit the Sun at a respectable distance, out of reach of the flares themselves.

Not so for planet HIP 67522 b. A gas giant in a young star system – just 17 million years old – the planet takes only seven days to complete one orbit around its star. A “year,” in other words, lasts barely as long as a week on Earth. That places the planet perilously close to the star. Worse, the star is of a type known to flare – especially in their youth.

In this case, the proximity of the planet appears to result in fairly frequent flaring.

The star and the planet form a powerful but likely a destructive bond. In a manner not yet fully understood, the planet hooks into the star’s magnetic field, triggering flares on the star’s surface; the flares whiplash energy back to the planet. Combined with other high-energy radiation from the star, the flare-induced heating appears to have increased the already steep inflation of the planet’s atmosphere, giving HIP 67522 b a diameter comparable to our own planet Jupiter despite having just 5% of Jupiter’s mass.

This might well mean that the planet won’t stay in the Jupiter size-range for long. One effect of being continually pummeled with intense radiation could be a loss of atmosphere over time. In another 100 million years, that could shrink the planet to the status of a “hot Neptune,” or, with a more radical loss of atmosphere, even a “sub-Neptune,” a planet type smaller than Neptune that is common in our galaxy but lacking in our solar system.

Four hundred light-years is much too far away to capture images of stellar flares striking orbiting planets. So how did a science team led by Netherlands astronomer Ekaterina Ilin discover this was happening? They used space-borne telescopes, NASA’s TESS (Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite) and the European Space Agency’s CHEOPS (CHaracterising ExoPlanets Telescope), to track flares on the star, and also to trace the path of the planet’s orbit.

Both telescopes use the “transit” method to determine the diameter of a planet and the time it takes to orbit its star. The transit is a kind of mini-eclipse. As the planet crosses the star’s face, it causes a tiny dip in starlight reaching the telescope. But the same observation method also picks up sudden stabs of brightness from the star – the stellar flares. Combining these observations over five years’ time and applying rigorous statistical analysis, the science team revealed that the planet is zapped with six times more flares than it would be without that magnetic connection.   

A team of scientists from the Netherlands, Germany, Sweden, and Switzerland, led by Ekaterina Ilin of the Netherlands Institute for Radio Astronomy, published their paper on the planet-star connection, “Close-in planet induces flares on its host star,” in the journal Nature on July 2, 2025.

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Exoplanet HIP 67522 b triggers flares from its host star artist s impression pillars

Clingy planets can trigger own doom, suspect Cheops and TESS

Science & Exploration

02/07/2025
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Astronomers using the European Space Agency’s Cheops mission have caught an exoplanet that seems to be triggering flares of radiation from the star it orbits. These tremendous explosions are blasting away the planet’s wispy atmosphere, causing it to shrink every year.This is the first-ever evidence for a ‘planet with a death wish’. Though it was theorised to be possible since the nineties, the flares seen in this research are around 100 times more energetic than expected.

This planet’s star makes our Sun look sleepy

Exoplanet HIP 67522 b orbiting close to its host star

Thanks to telescopes like the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope and NASA’s Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS), we already had some clues about this planet and the star it orbits.The star, named HIP 67522, was known to be just slightly larger and cooler than our own host star, the Sun. But whilst the Sun is a middle-aged 4.5-billion-year-old, HIP 67522 is a fresh-faced 17-million-year-old. It bears two planets. The closer of the two – given the catchy name HIP 67522 b – takes just seven days to whip around its host star.Because of its youth and size, scientists suspected that star HIP 67522 would churn and spin with lots of energy. This churning and spinning would turn the star into a powerful magnet.Our much-older Sun has its own smaller and more peaceful magnetic field. From studying the Sun, we already knew that flares of energy can burst from magnetic stars when ‘twisted’ magnetic field lines are suddenly released. This energy can take the form of anything from gentle radio waves to visible light to aggressive gamma rays.A la carte research with CheopsEver since the first exoplanet was discovered in the 1990s, astronomers have pondered whether some of them might be orbiting close enough to disturb their host stars’ magnetic fields. If so, they could be triggering flares.A team led by Ekaterina Ilin at the Netherlands Institute for Radio Astronomy (ASTRON) figured that with our current space telescopes, it was time to investigate this question further.“We hadn’t seen any systems like HIP 67522 before; when the planet was found it was the youngest planet known to be orbiting its host star in less than 10 days,” says Ekaterina.The team was using TESS to do a broad sweep of stars that might be flaring because of an interaction with their planets. When TESS turned its eyes to HIP 67522, the team thought they could be on to something. To be sure, they called upon ESA’s sensitive CHaracterising ExOPlanet Satellite, Cheops.

Cheops

“We quickly requested observing time with Cheops, which can target individual stars on demand, ultra precisely,” says Ekaterina. “With Cheops we saw more flares, taking the total count to 15, almost all coming in our direction as the planet transited in front of the star as seen from Earth.”Because we are seeing the flares as the planet passes in front of the star, it is very likely that they are being triggered by the planet.A flaring star is nothing new. Our own Sun regularly releases bursts of energy, which we experience on Earth as ‘space weather’ that causes the auroras and can damage technology. But we’ve only ever seen this energy exchange as a one-way street from star to planet.Knowing that HIP 67522 b orbits extremely close to its host star, and assuming that the star’s magnetic field is strong, Ekaterina’s team deduced that the clingy HIP 67522 b sits close enough to exert its own magnetic influence on its host star.They think that the planet gathers energy as it orbits, then redirects that energy as waves along the star’s magnetic field lines, as if whipping a rope. When the wave meets the end of the magnetic field line at the star’s surface, it triggers a massive flare.It’s the first time we see a planet influencing its host star, overturning our previous assumption that stars behave independently.And not only is HIP 67522 b triggering flares, but it is also triggering them in its own direction. As a result, the planet experiences six times more radiation than it otherwise would.

How planets orbiting close to their host stars can cause their own downfall by triggering flares

A self-imposed downfall

The flares blast away the planet’s wispy atmosphere

Unsurprisingly, being bombarded with so much high-energy radiation does not bode well for HIP 67522 b. The planet is similar in size to Jupiter but has the density of candy floss, making it one of the wispiest exoplanets ever found.Over time, the radiation is eroding away the planet’s feathery atmosphere, meaning it is losing mass much faster than expected. In the next 100 million years, it could go from an almost Jupiter-sized planet to a much smaller Neptune-sized planet.“The planet seems to be triggering particularly energetic flares,” points out Ekaterina. “The waves it sends along the star’s magnetic field lines kick off flares at specific moments. But the energy of the flares is much higher than the energy of the waves. We think that the waves are setting off explosions that are waiting to happen.”

More questions than answers

When HIP 67522 was found, it was the youngest known planet orbiting so close to its host star. Since then, astronomers have spotted a couple of similar systems and there are probably dozens more in the nearby Universe. Ekaterina and her team are keen to take a closer look at these unique systems with TESS, Cheops and other exoplanet missions.“I have a million questions because this is a completely new phenomenon, so the details are still not clear,” she says.“There are two things that I think are most important to do now. The first is to follow up in different wavelengths (Cheops covers visible to near-infrared wavelengths) to find out what kind of energy is being released in these flares – for example ultraviolet and X-rays are especially bad news for the exoplanet.

A flare on our own host star, the Sun, seen by the ESA-led Solar Orbiter mission

“The second is to find and study other similar star-planet systems; by moving from a single case to a group of 10–100 systems, theoretical astronomers will have something to work with.”Maximillian Günther, Cheops project scientist at ESA, is excited to see the mission contributing to research in a way that he never thought possible: “Cheops was designed to characterise the sizes and atmospheres of exoplanets, not to look for flares. It’s really beautiful to see the mission contributing to this and other results that go so far beyond what it was envisioned to do.”Looking further ahead, ESA’s future exoplanet hunter Plato will also study Sun-like stars like HIP 67522. Plato will be able to capture much smaller flares to really give us the detail that we need to better understand what is going on.

By detecting a dip in brightness of a star as a planet crosses in front of it, Cheops measures the sizes of exoplanets. In this research, astronomers instead made use of brightness measurements to detect flares of energy released by the star.

NOTES FOR EDITORS‘Close-in planet induces flares on its host star’ by Ekaterina Ilin et al. is published today in Nature. DOI 10.1038/s41586-025-09236-zThe research was carried out through Cheops’s ‘Guest Observers’ Programme’. Researchers from outside the Cheops science team are granted time based on an open application process, showcasing the mission’s utility for the scientific community across Europe and worldwide.In an accompanying paper, published today in Astronomy & Astrophysics (DOI 10.1051/0004-6361/202554684), the authors confirm that HIP 67522 is a magnetically active star with strong radio wave emission powered by its magnetic field. The team observed the star at low radio frequencies for about 135 hours with the Australian Telescope Compact Array (ATCA), revealing it as a bright and bursty source of radio waves. At the same time, the authors found no signs of radio wave flares that could be attributed to the interaction of the star with the planet. The non-detection is compatible with expectations that the planet-induced flares are too faint to be detected by ATCA, in line with the Nature paper’s conclusion of magnetic star-planet interaction driving flaring activity.

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1 how to detect fake amazon emails and avoid impersonation scams

How to detect fake Amazon emails and avoid impersonation scams

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A convincing fake email claiming to be from Amazon shows up in your inbox. It warns you of a sign-in from an unknown device or says your account is locked. Or maybe it thanks you for a purchase you never made. The email urges you to click a link and take action immediately. This is exactly how scammers trick people into giving up personal details, login credentials, or even payment information.Let’s break down how this scam works, what to watch for, and how Amazon is helping customers verify what’s real.Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy ReportGet my best tech tips, urgent security alerts, and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide – free when you join my CYBERGUY.COM/NEWSLETTER.NEW PAYPAL SCAM USES REAL EMAILS TO TRICK YOU Amazon app on a Samsung phone     (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)What is the Amazon phishing email scam?Scammers are sending out emails that appear to be from Amazon. These messages might:Warn you about a suspicious login attempt.Ask you to verify a payment.Say your account has been locked or on hold.Offer a gift card or refund.Confirm an order you never placed.The emails usually include Amazon’s logo and familiar formatting. Some even spoof the “From” address to make it appear as if it came from @amazon.com. The goal is always the same: get you to click a link or button that leads to a fake website where you’re asked to log in or share sensitive information. Once you do, scammers can steal your Amazon credentials and gain access to your account, payment info, shipping addresses, and more. Below is an example of what one of these phishing emails might look like, so you can see how convincing they can be.GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE Fake Amazon Prime email  (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)How to check if an Amazon email is realScam emails can be convincing, but there are a few easy ways to tell if an Amazon message is real. The most foolproof method is to use Amazon’s Message Center, a secure inbox built into your account that stores every official communication sent by Amazon. If you receive an email and you’re not sure it’s real, go to your Amazon Message Center using a browser or the Amazon Shopping app. If the message isn’t listed there, it wasn’t sent by Amazon. To access your Message Center:WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)?On the Amazon websiteLog in to Amazon.com.Navigate to Accounts & Lists. Steps to check if an Amazon email is real on Amazon website   (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)Click Your Messages. Steps to check if an Amazon email is real on Amazon website        (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)Click Inbox. Steps to check if an Amazon email is real on Amazon website    (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)  On the Amazon app:Open the Amazon app on your phone.Tap the Menu icon (☰) in the bottom-right (iOS) or top-left (Android) corner.Select Account from the menu.Scroll down to Message Center and tap Your Messages.Choose All Messages to view your full message history, including order updates, buyer/seller messages, and promotions. Steps to check if an Amazon email is real on Amazon app      (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)How to spot a fake Amazon email: 6 red flags to watch forYou can also spot fake messages by looking for these signs:Suspicious sender email: Hover over the “From” name to view the full address. Scammers often use email addresses that closely resemble Amazon’s, with slight changes that are easy to miss at a glance. Authentic emails always come from an address ending in @amazon.com.Spelling or grammar mistakes: Professional messages from Amazon are rarely sloppy. If the email contains obvious typos or unusual phrasing, it’s a red flag.Generic or vague greetings: Watch for messages that start with “Dear Customer” instead of using your name. Emails tied to your account usually address you directly.Links that look off: Hover over any links in the email before clicking. Fake messages often use domains that mimic Amazon or redirect to sketchy sites. A real link will begin with https://www.amazon.com/.IP address-style links: Be cautious of links that start with a string of numbers, such as http://123.456.789.123/Amazon.com. This is a strong indicator of a spoofed phishing page.Unverified email visuals: Inboxes like Gmail and Yahoo may show a smile logo next to verified @amazon.com messages. If it’s missing, that alone doesn’t confirm a scam, but it’s worth a closer look if anything else feels off.Get Kurt’s picks for Best Early Prime Day deals: Cyberguy.com/AmazonPrimeDay. Amazon app   (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)How Amazon is helping customers spot fake emailsThat smile logo you may see next to Amazon’s name in your inbox isn’t just for show. It is part of a larger verification system designed to help customers distinguish between real emails and scams.In an interview with CyberGuy, Amazon’s VP of Worldwide Buyer Risk Prevention explained:”We’ve made it harder for bad actors to impersonate Amazon communications through implementing industry-leading tools, including the adoption of a secure email capability to make it easier for customers to identify authentic emails from Amazon and avoid phishing attempts. Customers using Gmail, Yahoo!, and other common email providers can be confident that when they receive an @amazon.com email with the smile logo in their inbox, that email is really from us.”The smile icon now appears next to verified @amazon.com emails in inboxes like Gmail, Yahoo, and Apple Mail. It is a quick visual cue that the email has passed Amazon’s security checks and can be trusted.  Smile icon next to verified @amazon.com emails (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)This system helps reduce guesswork, but it is not foolproof. If you ever doubt the legitimacy of a message, go directly to your Amazon Message Center. Any real communication from Amazon will be listed there.How to protect yourself from fake emailsEven with Amazon rolling out new safeguards like verified sender logos and the Message Center, scammers are still targeting customers with sophisticated phishing emails. Here are the top ways to protect yourself:1. Know the signs of a scam: Fake Amazon emails often try to scare you or tempt you into clicking by using familiar tricks. You might see a message claiming your account has been locked, offering a gift card or refund, confirming an order you never placed, or asking you to verify payment details or login credentials. These tactics are meant to create urgency or curiosity. It’s important to remember that Amazon will never ask for your password, banking information, or gift card codes by email.2. Double-check every message: If something feels off, don’t click anything. Instead, visit Amazon.com or open the app to check your order history and account messages. If the email doesn’t appear in your Amazon Message Center, it’s not real. Also hover over the sender’s name to see the full email address. Genuine messages come from @amazon.com and may show the Amazon smile logo if your inbox supports it. Genuine email sent from @amazon.com  (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)3. Avoid clicking on unknown links and use strong antivirus software: Phishing emails often contain links that appear to lead to Amazon but actually take you to fake websites designed to steal your information. Instead of clicking, it’s safer to type amazon.com directly into your browser to verify any claims. For added protection, consider using antivirus software that can detect scam links, block dangerous sites, and alert you to phishing emails or ransomware threats. This extra layer of security helps keep your personal information and digital assets safe. Get my picks for the best 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices by visiting CyberGuy.com/LockUpYourTech.CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP4. Reduce your exposure to scammers: Phishing emails often originate from personal information found on public databases, people-search sites, and data broker platforms. To limit how often you’re targeted, consider using a data removal service. While no service promises to remove all your data from the internet, having a removal service is great if you want to constantly monitor and automate the process of removing your information from hundreds of sites continuously over a longer period of time. Check out my top picks for data removal services by visiting here Cyberguy.com/Delete.5. Report suspicious emails: If you receive a phishing message pretending to be from Amazon, report it right away. This helps Amazon investigate the scam and improve their ability to block similar messages in the future. You can forward the suspicious email to stop-spoofing@amazon.com, or submit it through Amazon’s official reporting form. Kurt’s key takeawaysScam emails that pretend to be from Amazon are getting more realistic, but there are still clear ways to protect yourself. Use the Message Center to confirm any message tied to your account. Always double-check the sender’s address, look for the smile logo in your inbox when supported, and never click on links unless you’re certain they’re safe. A few quick habits can go a long way in keeping your personal information secure.Have you ever received a suspicious email claiming to be from Amazon or another company? How did you spot the red flags, or did it almost fool you? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy ReportGet my best tech tips, urgent security alerts, and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide – free when you join my CYBERGUY.COM/NEWSLETTER.Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.  

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s25 017 dwayne lavigne

NASA Stennis Engineer Takes Pride in Test Support Work

As a controls engineer at NASA’s Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, Dwayne Lavigne does not just fix problems – he helps put pieces together at America’s largest rocket propulsion test site.
“There are a lot of interesting problems to solve, and they are never the same,” Lavigne said. “Sometimes, it is like solving a very cool puzzle and can be pretty satisfying.”
Lavigne programs specialized computers called programmable logic controllers. They are extremely fast and reliable for automating precisely timed operations during rocket engine tests as NASA Stennis supports the agency’s Artemis missions to explore the Moon and build the foundation for the first crewed mission to Mars.
However, the system will not act unless certain parameters are met in the proper sequence. It can be a complex relationship. Sometimes, 20 or 30 things must be in the correct configuration to perform an operation, such as making a valve open or close, or turning a motor on or off.
The Picayune, Mississippi, native is responsible for establishing new signal paths between test hardware and the specialized computers.
He also develops the human machine interface for the controls. The interface is a screen graphic that test engineers use to interact with hardware.
Lavigne has worked with NASA for more than a decade. One of his proudest work moments came when he contributed to development of an automated test sequencing routine used during all RS-25 engine tests on the Fred Haise Test Stand.
“We’ve had many successful tests over the years, and each one is a point of pride,” he said.
When Lavigne works on the test stand, he works with the test hardware and interacts with technicians and engineers who perform different tasks than he does. It provides an appreciation for the group effort it takes to support NASA’s mission.
“The group of people I work with are driven to get the job done and get it done right,” he said.
In total, Lavigne has been part of the NASA Stennis federal city for 26 years. He initially worked as a contractor with the Naval Oceanographic Office as a data entry operator and with the Naval Research Laboratory as a software developer.
September marks 55 years since NASA Stennis became a federal city. NASA, and more than 50 companies, organizations, and agencies located onsite share in operating costs, which allows tenants to direct more of their funding to individual missions. 
“Stennis has a talented workforce accomplishing many different tasks,” said Lavigne. “The three agencies I’ve worked with at NASA Stennis are all very focused on doing the job correctly and professionally. In all three agencies, people realize that lives could be at risk if mistakes are made or shortcuts are taken.”

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