A general view exterior of Caesars Superdome, home of the NFL New Orleans Saints, on October 13, 2024 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Credit: Aaron M. Sprecher/Getty ImagesShareOver the weekend, the Federal Aviation Administration officially designated the airspace above the Caesars Superdome as a No Drone Zone during and ahead of the big game. Drone operators who do fly their devices into the restricted area, accidentally or otherwise, could have their drones confiscated or receive hefty fines up to $75,000. The decision comes just weeks after a hobbyist drone collided with a plane helping combat wildfires in California and amid an uptick in drone sightings around the country.Starting at 1:30 p.m. CST on game day (Sunday, February 9) the FAA will prohibit drones from flying within a 1.5 nautical miles radius and 2,000 feet in altitude of the Caesars Superdome. The restricted area space will expand to a 30 nautical-mile radius and 18,000 feet in altitude between 4:30 and 10:30 p.m CST that same day. There are also additional flight restrictions around Lafayette Square in downtown New Orleans occurring during the day all this week starting Tuesday, February 4. The FAA also issued additional temporary flight restrictions around the New Orleans area for general (non-drone) aviation pilots.At the request of the Department of Homeland Security, the Federal Aviation Administration will establish airspace restrictions over Super Bowl LIX, to be played February 9, 2025, at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, LA, the FAA wrote in a flight advisory. An FAA spokesperson told Popular Science they expect nearly 7,000 non-drone aerial takeoffs and landings and 600 aircraft parked at local airports during Super Bowl week.The FAA is working with law enforcement, the aviation community and the National Football League to ensure safe, secure and efficient aircraft operations for Super Bowl LIX, the FAA spokesperson said. Pilots flying near New Orleans from Feb. 6-11, 2025, must be aware of temporary flight restrictions, follow special air traffic procedures and comply with additional operational requirements that will be in effect for Super Bowl LIX.Drones can disrupt games and pose safety risksUnauthorized drones flying in restricted areas can cause major disruptions. In 2023, a nationally televised Ohio State-Maryland college football game was temporarily suspended after a drone was spotted flying overhead players. More recently, a referee called a rare administrative timeout with five minutes remaining in the third quarter of the Ravens-Steelers playoff game after a drone was visibly spotted in the area. The delay sparked an ongoing law enforcement investigation. These arent isolated incidents. The National Football League (NFL) says it has reported a staggering 20,000% increase in unauthorized drone activity during games between 2017 and 2023. In some cases, like last years Summer Olympics, some teams have even been accused of using drones to spy on their opponents.These drones can also present possible security risks. Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee chair and Michigan senator Gary Peters previously told NBC Newsworried enough about these concerns that theyve sent counter-drone teams armed with jamming technologies to major sporting events like the World Series. But theres an appetite for even more action. Officials from the NFL urged US lawmakers late last year to fast-track legislation that would expand the US governments authority to intervene and destroy drones over stadiums. That bill was ultimately rejected but could be reintroduced this year.The FAA also regularly issues temporary drone flight restrictions during natural disasters in an effort to reduce possible collisions with first responder aircraft. People who break those rules can cause real damage. Just last month the Los Angeles County Fire Department was forced to ground a SuperScooper firefighting aircraft after it collided with a consumer-grade hobbyist drone. The drone pilot, who reportedly co-founded one of the game developers behind the Call of Duty franchise, pleaded guilty to one count of unsafe operation of an unmanned aircraft last week. As part of that plea deal, the pilot agreed to pay full restitution to the Government of Quebec, which supplied the plane, as well as a company that repaired it. He also agreed to complete 150 hours of community service. Hobbyist drones flying in unauthorized airspaces also contributed to an uptick in mid-air close-call events during Hurricane Helene rescue efforts.Part of the explanation for this apparent rise in drone sightings and interference is due to the fact that high-quality, consumer-grade devices are simply cheaper and easier to access than ever before. The FAA estimates the total number of recreational drones in the US could reach 1.82 million by 2027. And while recreational drone operators are technically required to complete a UAS Safety Test with details about restricted areas, many drone hobbyists inevitably end up flying without a certification.

A selection of finds from Hezingen. Credit: Jan-Willem de Kort, et al.ShareAn early medieval archeological site in the eastern Netherlands likely hosted cult rituals involving the devils money. But while the ruins indicate a local belief system based on pre-Christian deities, the age of the find suggests a seismic cultural shift. The cultists may have been some of the regions first people to convert to the new faith.Knowledge about early medieval societies across the Germanic-Nordic world varies greatly by region. In some locations, well-excavated sites offer archeologists detailed looks at the cultic belief systems that existed before Christian missionaries first arrived in the 7th and 8th centuries. In others places like the Netherlands, however, knowledge of spiritual life before this religious shift remains more nebulous. These beliefs also werent universal, so the pantheon of early medieval Germany didnt necessarily look exactly the same in the Netherlands.Learning details from this era often comes from archeological findseven those that may initially seem relatively minor. Back in 2019, for example, a group of metal detector enthusiasts discovered multiple ancient coins in a field in the eastern Netherlands. These artifacts quickly drew interest from researchers, who soon traveled to the area to begin work. Over the next two years, a team including Netherlands Cultural Heritage Agency archeologist Jan-Willem de Kort excavated portions of a complex they later named after the nearby hamlet, Hezengin. Their results, published in the journal Medieval Archeology, reveal a pre-Christian society on the verge of a potentially seismic cultural shift.But according to de Kort, the researchers were operating under a deadlinelocal land management plans called for disrupting and possibly destroying any remaining, hidden archeological finds.The research was also born out of necessity, as the site was threatened by nature development, de Kort said in an accompanying statement on Tuesday. This would involve removing the topsoil to encourage the original vegetation (heath) to come back.Their excavations eventually uncovered a large ring of 17 wooden postholes encircling both an unusually shaped building and a potential Herrenofthe home of a local wealthy magnate. Archeologists identified three specific sites inside Hezingen based on where they found various artifacts likely left as offerings to deities. These included gold and silver jewelry, as well as small gold coins known as tremisses. Further investigation of the posthole locations also indicated they were carefully aligned to the spring and autumn equinoxesmeaning that Hezingen likely served as a location for seasonal agricultural rituals and religious rites. Get the Popular Science newsletter Breakthroughs, discoveries, and DIY tips sent every weekday. By signing up you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.The four rows of poles are [aligned] exactly east-west. Because of the high elevation, the sun rises here at the spring equinox exactly in the east, said de Kort.While the exact identities of the local gods and goddesses remain unknown, medieval missionary texts hint at who they could have been. In any case, its that the Christian newcomers did not approve of them.The gods that may have been worshipped in Hezingen can be learned from a Saxon baptismal promise, handed down in a 9th-century codex, de Kort and co-authors explain in their paper. This vow mentions the gods UUden (Wodan), Thunr (Donar) and Saxnte (Saxnot), who the reader of the promise must renounce.Missionaries were particularly offended by the gold and silver offerings, which they referred to as diobolgeld, or the devils money. Such extravagant gifts to the gods werent common for most medieval people in the Netherlands.I think that this cult site was mainly used by local elites to emphasize their own status, and of course, you do that pre-eminently with valuables, said de Kort.Archeologists estimate these elites eventually abandoned the Hezingen site by the late 7th or early 8th centuryan interesting timing, given the wider historical context. The team notes some of the first Christian missionaries, Plechelmus and Lebuinus, traveled through the region around 760 CE, while the very first Christian churches were also consecrated around the same time. But Christianity did not become common across the Netherlands for at least another century, implying that Hezingen visitors were some of the first to abandon their devils money in favor of the new religion. Other theories may also help explain Hezingens end.Perhaps the place was abandoned or even desecrated by missionaries, with almost everything of value taken away. Another possibility is that it was looted by thieves, they write.Regardless of the reason, de Kort and colleagues stressed the importance of treating such discoveries with respect and care.[T]he results should be studied with an open mind, they write. Treasure finds should be approached first and foremost not as treasure but as archaeological sites.

A century ago, science went quantum. To celebrate, physicists are throwing a global, year-long party.In 1925, quantum mechanics, the scientific theory that describes the unintuitive rules of physics on very small scales, began to crystallize in the minds of physicists. Beginning in that year, a series of monumental papers laid out the theorys framework. Quantum physics has since permeated a wide range of scientific disciplines explaining the periodic table, the lives and deaths of stars and more and enabled technologies from the laser to the smartphone.In honor of that century of progress, physicists are celebrating 2025 as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, as designated by the United Nations. The festivities kick off February 4 with an opening ceremony in Paris, and continue throughout the year with scientific conferences, public lectures and more, including QuantumFest, an event in March at the American Physical Society Global Physics Summit in Anaheim, Calif., featuring hands on activities and demonstrations.Beginning around 1900, a variety of experiments and theoretical advances began unveiling bits and pieces of the puzzling quantum realm. Then, a 1925 paper by German physicist Werner Heisenberg, followed shortly thereafter by papers from others including Austrian physicist Erwin Schrdinger, turned the hodgepodge of hints into a cohesive picture.We still use those equations that were published in 1925 and 26, says theoretical physicist Ana Mara Cetto of the National Autonomous University of Mexicos Institute of Physics in Mexico City. And they have led to a huge amount of theoretical results and experimental results and technological applications. The ensuing quantum revolution became the basis for much of modern physics.In those all-important years, says quantum physicist Smitha Vishveshwara of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, the foundations of a completely different way of looking at nature became solidified.According to that new view of nature, matter absorbs energy in tiny, discrete packets, or quanta. And strangely, seemingly disconnected objects can be entangled, their properties correlated by an intangible link. Heisenbergs uncertainty principle, formulated in 1927, states that its impossible to precisely determine both the speed and momentum of an object. The weird quantum limbo known as superposition was famously illustrated in 1935 with Schrdingers cat, a scientific parable in which a hypothetical feline is both dead and alive. Over the past century, such oddities have permeated not only science but also the popular imagination.Science News spoke with Cetto and Vishveshwara, who are involved with this years celebration. Their responses have been edited for length and clarity.SN: Whats the importance of quantum physics today?Cetto: In these 100 years, quantum physics has become one of the major areas if not the major area of contemporary physics. It is difficult to find some area in physics or some problem in physics where quantum mechanics doesnt play a role, especially now that we are working with systems that are smaller and smaller in scale or shorter and shorter in time. Because that is where the quantum phenomena really show up.SN: What are the technological applications?Vishveshwara: Semiconductor technology, MRI, quantum computation, lasers all this comes from understanding quantum physics. You absolutely need to have an understanding of the atoms and elements and compounds at a quantum level to even create the basic circuit element that goes in your smartphone.Sponsor MessageSN: What are the goals of the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology?Vishveshwara: One is to really help raise public awareness of the wonders of quantum science and the way it affects our daily life. There are 60-plus countries behind it, so its really a global celebration. In addition to raising public awareness and bringing together different communities, I think its bringing people together from across the globe and across different walks of life in a way that I havent seen in my lifetime.SN: Quantum physics has a reputation for being mysterious is it?Vishveshwara: Its absolutely mysterious. I think thats part of its charm, because we all love mysteries. Already in popular culture, theres appeal. Now quantum is this ultracool word, where you have [Marvel character] Ant-Man going into the quantum realm.SN: What are some open questions that remain in quantum physics?Cetto: We are still lacking some basic elements that can get us the full picture. What is the physical cause of entanglement? What is the physical cause of the indeterminacy that is expressed in the Heisenberg [uncertainty principle]? Its not that it cannot be understood, because its not magic, its physics. We just have to work on it.

Nature, Published online: 04 February 2025; doi:10.1038/d41586-025-00343-5Despite strong interest in using artificial intelligence to make research faster, easier and more accessible, researchers say they need more support to navigate its possibilities.

Nature, Published online: 04 February 2025; doi:10.1038/d41586-025-00351-5The world must move forwards with plastics treaty

What was once the floor of an ancient ocean is still shaping the landscape between Arabia and Eurasia.

According to astronomers, there are approximately 200 billion trillion stars in our observable universe chances are, theres life out there somewhere.

HBO's The Last of Us returns for its highly anticipated second season this April, and now we've learned a key piece of information about it. Showrunner Craig Mazin said in an interview that Season 2 will not follow the timeline of the game exactly. It will depart from the game's timeline, but Mazin didn't say how--only that the changes from the game were made with care and designed to tell the best story for TV."We certainly are going to mess around with time the way it was in the source material... we messed around in ways that we felt were appropriate for the show," Mazin told Entertainment Weekly. "When I say 'messed around,' I mean scientifically determined in a narrative way what we thought would be most impactful." The Last of Us: Part II the game told its story through a non-linear setup as well, as players bounced between playing as Ellie and Abby. The other showrunner, Neil Druckmann, said revealing the story structure for The Last of Us Season 2 would be a spoiler, but he did confirm the team "tried different things" before settling on what will show up on screen.Continue Reading at GameSpot

A new season of Marvel Snap kicks off this week, and in February, the online game will feature several new cards inspired by Captain America: Brave New World. The first Captain America movie that features Sam Wilson as the star-spangled Avenger, Marvel Snap is drawing inspiration from it with a season pass card that offers several opportunities for tag-team tactics.Additionally, the game will see a few other familiar faces from the Captain America mythos, including the new Captain America's trusty sidekick Redwing, a general Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross card that can be used to stack your hand with gamma-powered heavyweights, and a member of the Serpent Society who'll fit in very nicely with a Hazmat deck. On top of that, there are also two new locations, a brand-new game mode launching February 14, and some good-looking variants to grab this month.Due to Second Dinner being caught up in the TikTok crossfire last month, regular players recently got a compensation package that included a ton of credits, gold, and keys to use in the game, so if you've been hoarding those resources, you should be able to grab quite a few of the new cards this month. Here's a closer look at everything you can expect this month. Sam Wilson: Captain AmericaGame start: Add Captain America's shield to a random locationOngoing: You can move Cap's shield once per turn Captain America's ShieldOngoing: Give Captain America +2 power when it moves to his location, can't be destroyed. Joaquin Torres: FalconOngoing: The on reveal abilities of your 1-cost cards here happen twice. Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" RossWhen your opponent ends a turn with unspent energy, draw a card with 10 or more power. RedwingThe first time this moves, add a card from your hand to the old location. DiamondbackOngoing: Enemy cards here afflicted with negative Power have an additional -2 Power. Uncle Ben (No, really)When this card is destroyed, replace it with Spider-Man. GorgonOngoing: Your opponent's cards that didn't start in their deck cost one more. LaufeyOn reveal: Steal one power from each other card here. New game mode: Sanctum ShowdownStarting February 18, Marvel Snap players can take part in the new Sanctum Showdown game mode. You'll earn points each turn for each location that you're winning. You'll get one point for each location you're in control of, while the zone marked as the "Sanctum" will be worth bonus points and moves after every turn. Snapping will add an extra bonus point to the Sanctum location and the first player to reach 16 points will win. New location: MadripoorAfter each turn, give the highest-cost card(s) here +2 power. New location: Smithsonian MuseumYour cards here have +1 power for each Ongoing among them.

Star Wars content is now available for purchase in Destiny 2.