At least one case of hantavirus has been confirmed among those who became ill. A British national is currently in intensive care in a Johannesburg hospital after falling ill near Ascension Island. Local health authorities have not allowed the ship to dock in Cape Verde as a precaution.

According to the World Health Organization, hantaviruses are primarily spread by contact with infected rodents’ urine or feces. Hantavirus infections can cause severe respiratory illness, including hantavirus pulmonary syndrome and hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome. However, these infections are uncommon.

Key facts:

• A total of three people have died from the suspected hantavirus outbreak.
• Approximately 150 passengers were onboard the MV Hondius during the incident.
• The ship had departed from Argentina three weeks prior to the outbreak.
• Two crew members require urgent medical care.

Health officials are conducting a public health risk assessment. They have stated that the risk to the wider public remains low. “There is no need for panic or travel restrictions,” said Hans Kluge, a representative from WHO.

Yet, uncertainties persist regarding the source of infection. It remains unclear whether hantavirus has been confirmed in all symptomatic individuals. Jake Rosmarin expressed concern, stating, “There is a lot of uncertainty and that is the hardest part.” The situation continues to develop as health authorities monitor the vessel closely.

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The eclipse lasted for 54 minutes. During this time, the Moon moved directly between the spacecraft and the Sun, completely blocking its disk. Astronauts reported feelings of awe as they observed the Sun’s corona, which is normally too dim to be seen.

During the eclipse, the Moon appeared larger than the Sun. This phenomenon contributed to a unique viewing experience that few have had before. The astronauts also noted the effect of “earthshine,” where sunlight reflected from Earth illuminated the dark side of the Moon.

On May 5, 2026, the Moon will be in its Waning Gibbous phase, with 87.6% of its surface illuminated. The Waning Gibbous phase occurs approximately 18.14 days into its 29.5-day cycle. The Scorpio Full Moon will occur at the start of May.

The next total solar eclipse will occur on August 12, 2026. It will be visible from regions including Greenland, Iceland, Spain, and the Balearic Islands.

Astronauts shared their reactions after witnessing this celestial event. Victor Glover remarked, “We just went sci-fi.” Reid Wiseman added that it felt like experiencing “20 new superlatives.” Jackie expressed that space is dynamic—”It’s not static … it’s alive.”

The Artemis II mission continues to push boundaries in human space exploration. This total solar eclipse experience adds to a growing list of milestones for NASA’s Artemis program.

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Residents in several parts of Nairobi are experiencing a temporary water supply interruption. Areas affected include Westlands, Lavington, Kilimani, Kileleshwa, Upper Hill, Ngong Road, Madaraka, Nairobi West, Uthiru, Karen, Kibera, and Lang’ata.

Repair works are currently underway with teams from Athi Water Works Development Agency and Nairobi City Water on site. The utility company announced that water supply is expected to resume by 6:00 AM on Saturday, May 2, 2026.

Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company Ltd. informed the public of the situation and urged residents to use available water sparingly during the repairs. Both residential and commercial areas will be affected as work continues.

Key facts:

• The disruption was caused by a burst along the NCT–Kigoro–Gigiri–Kabete transmission pipeline at Gigiri.
• Repair teams are actively working to restore the water supply.
• Water bowser services remain accessible for priority needs through the *260# service option.

This incident follows weeks after the utility company announced the completion of major repair works on another transmission pipeline damaged by recent floods. Observers expect that the swift action taken may mitigate further disruptions.

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The African Plate, also known as the Nubian Plate, spans about 61,300,000 square kilometers. It is separating from the Somali Plate at a rate of approximately 4.7 millimeters per year. This movement indicates that geological processes are actively reshaping the region.

Key facts:

• The crust in the center of the Turkana Rift is about 13 kilometers thick.
• Along the edges of the rift region, the crust exceeds 35 kilometers in thickness.
• The Turkana Rift began its necking phase around 4 million years ago after volcanic activity.

Necking occurs when the crust becomes thinner than about 15 kilometers. This thinning leads to continental breakup and eventually ocean formation as magma can create new ocean floor. The Afar Depression is already witnessing early stages of this oceanization process.

The Turkana Rift has produced over 1,200 hominin fossils over the past four million years. These geological changes may have created conditions favorable for fossil preservation. Christian Rowan noted, “We found that rifting in this zone is more advanced, and the crust is thinner than anyone had recognized.” He added that as the crust thins, it becomes weaker, promoting continued rifting.

The temporal coincidence between tectonic transitions and fossil-bearing strata suggests that this necking phase provided critical conditions for fossil preservation. Yet, instead of being merely a birthplace of humanity, Turkana may represent where its story was best preserved.

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Girls in ICT Day is an annual global observance held on the fourth Thursday of April, promoting gender equality in the technology sector. The 2026 edition will specifically focus on the growing influence of artificial intelligence, highlighting its potential to drive innovation and change.

The event will feature a variety of activities, including lectures, training sessions, and mentoring engagements designed to empower participants. Approximately 30 selected girls will take part in afternoon mentoring sessions, providing them with valuable insights and guidance from industry professionals.

Additionally, the INCM Technological Incubator, ThinkLab Mozambique, will be showcased as a platform for fostering digital entrepreneurship. This initiative aims to create an environment where young women can develop their skills and launch their careers in the tech industry.

By focusing on artificial intelligence and its applications, the event seeks to equip the next generation of female leaders with the knowledge and confidence to succeed in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. The emphasis on mentoring and training is crucial in addressing the gender gap in technology fields.

As the event approaches, further details on the specific speakers and training topics are expected to be announced. The initiative reflects a broader commitment to promoting gender equality and empowering women in technology across Mozambique and beyond.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the full lineup of activities and participants, but the anticipation surrounding this year’s Girls in ICT Day underscores the importance of fostering diversity in the tech sector.

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EPRA has stated that companies found hoarding petroleum products will face a minimum fine of Sh1 million or imprisonment of at least one year, or both. This warning underscores the seriousness of the regulatory body’s stance on maintaining market integrity and ensuring that consumers have access to fuel at fair prices.

Further, OMCs that are found to be selling fuel above the approved wholesale prices risk incurring fines of at least Sh10 million or facing jail terms of up to five years. EPRA’s enforcement actions will include prosecution and the revocation of operating licenses for non-compliant firms.

Some oil marketing companies have been reported to charge ex-depot prices that exceed the regulated caps, which constitutes a breach of the Petroleum Act. EPRA has indicated that this behavior is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

According to EPRA, the country is currently well-stocked with fuel, with significant quantities available at various storage facilities. For instance, the Kipevu Oil Storage facility holds 29,648 cubic metres of super petrol, 37,291 cubic metres of diesel, and 60,977 cubic metres of jet fuel.

Kenya Pipeline Company operates a pipeline network spanning 1,342 kilometres and boasts a cumulative storage capacity of one billion litres. This infrastructure is crucial for ensuring a steady supply of fuel across the nation.

EPRA has reassured the public that there is sufficient fuel available in all terminals and depots, and that the products meet both national and international quality standards as prescribed by relevant certification bodies.

Despite these assurances, the situation remains tense as some companies are reportedly withholding supplies in anticipation of price changes, which EPRA categorizes as hoarding. This practice could lead to further regulatory scrutiny and enforcement actions.

As the situation develops, the regulatory authority’s commitment to maintaining fair pricing and availability of fuel will be closely monitored. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the full extent of compliance among oil marketing companies and the potential repercussions for those found in violation of the regulations.

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The NASA Artemis II mission is set to send a crew of four astronauts to the Moon’s far side on April 6, 2026. This mission will mark a significant milestone in lunar exploration, as it aims to establish a permanent lunar base by 2028.

The crew consists of three American astronauts—Reid Wiseman, Christina Koch, and Victor Glover—and one Canadian astronaut, Jeremy Hansen. This diverse team will embark on a journey that will take them approximately 100,000 miles from Earth, or about 160,000 kilometers, to observe the Moon’s far side, which has not been seen by humans in over 50 years.

During the mission, the spacecraft is expected to reach its closest approach to the Moon at a distance of 4,000 to 6,000 miles, or 6,450 to 9,650 kilometers, above the lunar surface. The mission is designed to fly around the Moon without landing, allowing the astronauts to gather valuable data and insights.

Victor Glover expressed excitement about the mission, stating, “Trust us, you look amazing. You look beautiful.” Meanwhile, Christina Koch reflected on the profound experience of seeing Earth from space, saying, “I knew that that is what we would see… there’s nothing that prepares you for the breathtaking aspect of seeing your home planet.”

As part of the preparations, the crew is currently using backup urine collection bags due to a malfunctioning toilet on the spacecraft. Reid Wiseman noted, “Morale is high onboard,” indicating the team’s readiness for the upcoming mission.

The Artemis II mission is part of NASA’s broader Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the Moon for the first time since the Apollo program last sent astronauts there in 1972. This ambitious plan includes not only lunar exploration but also the establishment of a sustainable human presence on the Moon.

Observers are eager to see how this mission will unfold, particularly as it will provide new insights into the lunar environment and pave the way for future exploration efforts. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the specific scientific objectives that the crew will pursue during their flight.

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The NASA Artemis II astronauts, comprising Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen, are scheduled to launch on April 1, 2026, at 6:35 p.m. EDT from Kennedy Space Center in Florida. This mission marks a significant milestone as it is the first crewed test flight under NASA’s Artemis program.

The crew will spend approximately ten days in space, including a lunar flyby that will bring them within 4,066 miles of the Moon’s surface. During this time, they will observe the Moon for about six hours, making them the first humans to directly observe the Orientale basin, which formed around 3.8 billion years ago.

The Artemis II mission is designed to travel a total of 695,081 miles from launch to splashdown, with a maximum distance from Earth reaching 252,757 miles. This mission aims to pave the way for future lunar exploration and potential human settlement.

Christina Koch expressed her excitement about the mission, stating, “Something about you senses that is not the Moon that I’m used to seeing.” This sentiment reflects the anticipation surrounding the crew’s upcoming observations of the lunar landscape.

Kelsey Young, a member of the Artemis II team, emphasized the importance of color in their observations, saying, “Color is really important for us.” She added, “The human eye is the most nuanced detector there is, especially when connected to a well-trained human brain.” These insights highlight the scientific objectives of the mission.

The Artemis II crew will be the first people to see the Moon up close since the last Apollo mission in 1972, marking a new chapter in human space exploration. As the launch date approaches, excitement continues to build within the space community and among the public.

Officials from NASA have expressed confidence in the mission’s objectives and the capabilities of the crew. The Artemis program aims to establish a sustainable human presence on the Moon and eventually prepare for future missions to Mars.

As preparations for the launch continue, the Artemis II astronauts are undergoing extensive training to ensure they are ready for the challenges of space travel. Their mission is expected to inspire a new generation of explorers and scientists.

With the countdown to launch underway, the Artemis II mission represents not only a return to lunar exploration but also a step towards humanity’s future in space.

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“We have a beautiful moonrise,” said Reid Wiseman, one of the four astronauts aboard NASA’s Artemis II mission, which aims to return humans to the moon’s vicinity for the first time since the Apollo program ended in 1972.

The Artemis II mission successfully launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida, and is expected to last approximately 10 days. The Orion spacecraft, which is equipped with advanced life support systems, will conduct extensive checks on its systems while in high Earth orbit during the first two days of the mission.

After these initial checks, the Orion will perform a translunar injection, allowing the crew to fly by the moon on Day 6 of the mission, reaching a closest approach of 4,000 to 6,000 miles above the lunar surface.

Despite a minor setback at the mission’s start, where the Orion spacecraft’s toilet was out of order, Mission Control quickly reported, “Happy to report that toilet is go for use.” Jeremy Hansen, another crew member, humorously noted, “We’re pretty fortunate as a crew to get a toilet with a door on this tiny spacecraft.” This highlights the importance of life support systems for long-duration missions.

The Artemis II crew includes Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen, all of whom are part of NASA’s broader Artemis program aimed at establishing a permanent presence in space.

The mission is set to culminate with a splashdown expected on April 10, 2026, following a high-speed re-entry at speeds of up to 25,000 mph (40,230 km/h).

As part of NASA’s ongoing efforts, Artemis III is planned for 2027, which will involve docking with lunar landers, further advancing human exploration of the moon.

Overall, Artemis II represents a significant step forward in space exploration, rekindling humanity’s journey to the moon and beyond.

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The Pink Moon will rise on April 1, 2026, with peak illumination occurring at 10:12 p.m. EDT. This lunar event is significant as it marks the first full moon after the spring equinox, a period traditionally associated with themes of renewal and rebirth.

Named after the flower Phlox subulata, commonly known as moss pink, the Pink Moon does not actually appear pink. Instead, it retains its usual gray hue in the night sky. The full moon in April is also crucial for determining the dates of Easter and Passover, making it an important event in the lunar calendar.

The Pink Moon may appear full on both April 1 and April 2, 2026, providing observers with an extended opportunity to witness this celestial phenomenon. As Noah Petro noted, “When you look at this full moon, the crew may be on their way. They may have just launched,” referring to the potential overlap with the Artemis II space mission.

The launch window for Artemis II is set to run from April 1 to April 6, 2026, coinciding with the Pink Moon, which adds an exciting layer to this astronomical event. The Pink Moon has roots in various traditions, including Native American, Colonial American, and European customs, highlighting its cultural significance.

As the Pink Moon approaches, observers are encouraged to prepare for what promises to be a stunning display in the night sky. The full moon is already anticipated to be a beautiful sight, with reports of its stunning appearance in the UK during previous occurrences.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the exact visibility conditions for the Pink Moon in different regions, but enthusiasts are hopeful for clear skies. The event not only symbolizes the arrival of spring but also serves as a reminder of the cyclical nature of life and the transitions that come with it.

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