Atacama Desert’s Hidden Residencia: A Secret Base for Astronomers A building hidden in plain sight Deep in Chile’s Atacama Desert, a strange structure hides in the rocky landscape. From outside, the Residencia is almost invisible. Its entrance sits behind a plain door at the bottom of a ramp, blending into the dry terrain so well that most people walk past without noticing it. The surrounding land feels harsh and empty, with only rocky plains, distant mountains, and the occasional bird cutting through the dry sky. A sudden green world inside Stepping inside changes everything. The dry desert disappears, replaced by a cool, humid environment filled with life. Plants and trees grow in a central indoor garden, creating a green oasis in the middle of one of the driest places on Earth. At the heart of the space sits a bright blue swimming pool under a large dome. The air feels moist on the skin, a sharp contrast to the desert outside. A place that looks like a movie set The design of the Residencia gives it a cinematic feel. Its hidden corridors, open terraces, and unusual layout once attracted filmmakers. It even served as a filming location for a major spy movie finale, where dramatic scenes and explosions were shot across the building. Despite that dramatic past, the structure was not built for films. It was designed for science. Home for scientists and engineers Today, the Residencia serves as a private residence for astronomers and engineers. It cannot be booked by the public. More than one hundred rooms are reserved for staff working at nearby observatories. Most residents are involved with facilities like the Very Large Telescope on Cerro Paranal, only a short distance away. They live here while conducting research in one of the most extreme environments on the planet. Built for extreme conditions The European Southern Observatory operates the Residencia. The goal is simple: support scientific work in a remote desert where conditions are tough but the skies are perfect for astronomy. The design allows scientists to rest, recover, and continue their work without leaving the harsh environment that makes their research possible. A desert base like no other The Residencia sits between two worlds. Outside, there is silence, heat, and dry land. Inside, there is water, greenery, and calm. It feels more like a luxury retreat than a scientific base, yet its purpose is deeply practical. For the people working there, it becomes a temporary home while they study the universe from one of the clearest skies on Earth.
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Atacama Desert’s Hidden Residencia: A Secret Base for Astronomers

A building hidden in plain sight Deep in Chile’s Atacama Desert, a…

The New York Knicks complete a historic NBA Finals comeback with a dramatic Game Four win over the Spurs
Sports

Knicks Pull Off Historic NBA Finals Comeback, New York Celebrates Wild Win

New York Knicks Make NBA Finals History The New York Knicks have…

Everest Guide’s Miraculous Survival Raises Questions Over High Altitude Tourism Safety Introduction A climbing guide on Mount Everest has been found alive after being presumed dead for nearly a week, sparking global attention and serious concerns about safety standards in the high altitude tourism industry. Discovery at the Khumbu Icefall A cleanup team working near the upper slopes of Everest spotted a man in a blue summit suit struggling at the base of the Khumbu Icefall, one of the most dangerous sections of the mountain. The man was identified as Hillary Dawa Sherpa, a 57 year old guide who had gone missing during his descent six days earlier. Condition After Survival Hillary Dawa was severely frostbitten and exhausted, but still conscious and able to communicate when rescuers reached him. He was later airlifted to Kathmandu for urgent medical treatment after surviving extreme cold and isolation at high altitude. How He Became Separated The guide was originally employed as a cook at Camp 2 but was later reassigned to guide clients after another staff member became ill at Base Camp. He joined a descent with two climbers and another Sherpa guide after the team reached Camp 4 at 7,920 meters. During the descent, he paused briefly near Camp 3 at around 7,500 meters, a point where he reportedly became separated from the group. Concerns Over Safety and Responsibility The company responsible for the expedition, Himalayan Traverse Adventure, stated that weather conditions made rescue efforts difficult and that procedures were followed correctly. However, questions have emerged about why a cook was used as a guide and whether safety protocols were strong enough. Family members have accused the company of negligence and have filed a police report. Nepal’s tourism authorities have also launched an investigation into the incident. Wider Industry Concerns The case has sparked debate about the growing Everest tourism industry, especially the use of low cost expedition packages and the working conditions of Sherpas. Many are now questioning whether guides and support staff are given enough protection in such extreme environments.
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Everest Guide’s Miraculous Survival Raises Questions Over High Altitude Tourism Safety

A climbing guide on Mount Everest has been found alive after being…

El Niño has officially begun in the Pacific Ocean, with scientists warning it could become a very strong event. Experts expect rising global temperatures
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El Niño Officially Begins: Scientists Warn of Possible Extreme Global Weather in 2027

El Niño conditions confirmed in the Pacific Ocean Scientists in the United…

Somali FIFA referee Omar Artan has been denied entry to the United States ahead of the 2026 World Cup despite his internationa
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Somali Referee Omar Artan Blocked from US Entry Ahead of 2026 World Cup

Who is Omar Artan? Omar Artan is a 34 year old football…

Police Launch Manhunt After Deadly Johannesburg Shooting Police in South Africa are searching for suspects after a violent attack in Johannesburg left 12 people dead and nine others injured. The incident took place in an informal settlement in the Cleveland area late Tuesday night. Authorities say a group of armed men arrived in the area and opened fire on residents before escaping in a vehicle. How the Attack Happened Police report that more than 10 armed suspects entered the Jumpers Informal Settlement. They moved through different parts of the community and fired on people at several locations. Officials say the attackers fled the scene in a white Toyota Quantum after carrying out the assault. Emergency services arrived after receiving reports of ongoing gunfire at around 23:10 local time. Police and medical teams found multiple victims at the scene. Casualties and Injuries Eight men and three women died at the location. One more victim died later in hospital due to severe injuries. Nine additional people were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment. Their condition has not been fully updated by authorities. Possible Motive Under Investigation Investigators have not confirmed a clear motive yet. However, police and local residents suspect the attack may be linked to disputes involving illegal mining groups operating in the area. Illegal mining has grown in parts of South Africa and is often connected to criminal networks and territorial conflicts. Police have described the attack as violent and deeply disturbing while continuing efforts to identify those responsible. Community and Police Response Residents of the informal settlement believe the violence may be connected to ongoing turf tensions. Police have not ruled out organized criminal activity. Law enforcement teams are reviewing evidence and following multiple leads to track down the suspects. A senior police official said the area remains under close investigation due to its proximity to illegal mining zones. Illegal Mining and Rising Violence Illegal mining continues to be a major concern in South Africa. It often takes place in abandoned mine areas where groups compete for control of resources. Authorities say such conflicts can escalate into violent confrontations that put local communities at risk.
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Manhunt launched after deadly Johannesburg informal settlement shooting leaves 12 dead

Police in South Africa are searching for suspects after a violent attack…

CI Co-op has launched its Community Impact Fund using dormant member account money, awarding £69,000 to projects across Jersey
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CI Co-op Launches Community Fund Supporting Island Projects

Funding From Dormant Member Accounts The Channel Islands Co-operative Society has started…

Alleged Hitman Teen Mocked Police During Huddersfield Arrest Arrest at Briar Court Hotel A 19 year old Norwegian man named Johannes Natland has been accused of travelling to the United Kingdom for a planned killing linked to organised crime. Police arrested him at the Briar Court Hotel in Huddersfield. Officers found two firearms and 12 live rounds of ammunition. Body worn camera footage shown at the Old Bailey captured the moment he opened his hotel room door. A laser sight was pointed at his chest. He then allegedly mimed holding a gun and acted out shooting toward officers. Charges and Court Plea He has admitted possession of two working firearms and ammunition. He denies conspiracy to murder. Prosecutors claim he was sent to the UK to carry out a targeted killing for a criminal group known as Foxtrot Network. They say the group has links to Iran. The case is being heard at the Old Bailey. Messages and Travel Into the UK Court evidence says he joined a Signal group chat shortly after turning 18. He reportedly asked who the target was soon after joining. He later travelled from Stavanger in Norway to Manchester using an emergency passport. At the airport, Border Force officers questioned him. He had only a small amount of cash, no return ticket, and no accommodation booked. He was refused entry but allowed a temporary stay before a planned return flight. Cash Drops and Firearms Instructions After arriving in the UK, he took a taxi to Huddersfield. He was allegedly guided by messages to hidden cash near a walkway underpass. He collected the money and checked into a hotel, paying in cash. Further instructions reportedly led him to woodland outside the town, where he collected two handguns. He was also directed to a stolen car with a hidden key placed under a wheel. Online Sharing and Behaviour Later that day, he bought alcohol and sent videos of the weapons to a friend. He also sent images showing cash spread across a hotel bed. In another image shared earlier, he posed with money laid out in front of him inside the hotel room.
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Alleged Hitman Teen Mocked Police During Huddersfield Arrest

Arrest at Briar Court Hotel A 19 year old Norwegian man named…

The siblings of Sara Sharif have been living in Pakistan since October 2023. They currently stay with their paternal grandfather in Jhelum. A long running legal process has taken place across both England and Pakistan over custody and where the children should live. Sara Sharif, a 10 year old girl, was killed in August 2023 in Woking. Her father Urfan Sharif and stepmother Beinash Batool were later convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment. Her uncle Faisal Malik was also convicted for his role in the case. Custody situation in Pakistan Five children in the family have been at the center of custody proceedings in Pakistan. They were initially placed in temporary care after being found in Jhelum in September 2023. Later, their paternal grandfather gained temporary custody. He has continued to argue that the children should stay with him in Pakistan. The children attend school in Pakistan, except the youngest. Position of Surrey County Council Surrey County Council was involved in efforts to return the children to the United Kingdom through Pakistani legal channels. The council later withdrew from the case. It stated that it no longer had a legal route to continue proceedings in Pakistan, as the English legal process was closing. Current legal outlook The final custody decision is still not completed in Pakistan. However, both possible outcomes under discussion would keep the children in Pakistan for now. The grandfather’s legal team says the children hold dual nationality. They also say the children can choose to return to the United Kingdom in the future if they wish.
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Sara Sharif Siblings to Remain in Pakistan as UK Repatriation Case Is Withdrawn

The siblings of Sara Sharif have been living in Pakistan since October…

Overnight Parking Restrictions in Eryri National Park Paused After Local Concerns Rise Overview Overnight parking rules at several car parks in Eryri National Park have been paused after concerns grew about worsening antisocial behaviour. The authority had introduced limits in April across eleven car parks to reduce litter, damage, and inappropriate overnight stays. Nine car parks will now allow overnight parking again while further public consultation takes place. Why the Restrictions Were Introduced The park authority brought in overnight parking limits to control growing issues linked to camper vans and late night stays. These issues included littering, noise, and misuse of public spaces. The aim was to protect the environment and improve conditions for both visitors and residents. Nearly four million people visit the park each year, and many begin early morning hikes to reach Yr Wyddfa for sunrise. Local Concerns About the Ban Some residents and local business owners said the restrictions created new problems instead of solving them. In Betws y Coed, a guesthouse owner reported increased camper van parking on residential streets. He also described situations where private gardens were being used inappropriately, raising concerns among homeowners. Locals said the pressure on nearby streets increased after the restrictions came into force. Decision to Pause the Policy At the authoritys annual meeting, members agreed to pause the overnight parking restrictions. The decision followed feedback from residents, visitors, and tourism operators who raised concerns about the impact of the policy. Officials said further consultation is needed to find a better balance between visitor access and local wellbeing. What Happens Next The authority will continue reviewing parking management across the national park. The focus is now on reducing antisocial behaviour while still supporting tourism and early morning access to key hiking routes.
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Overnight Parking Restrictions in Eryri National Park Paused After Local Concerns Rise

Overnight parking rules at several car parks in Eryri National Park have…

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