This week has seen an array of astonishing discoveries from the cosmic realm, captivating our imagination with the wonders of space science.

The headlines were dominated by two groundbreaking findings: the detection of gravitational waves reverberating in the cosmic background and the creation of the first map of the Milky Way using matter, specifically by tracing the origins of thousands of neutrinos, also known as “ghost particles.” These breakthroughs offer new insights into the mysteries of our universe.

In addition, space-time distortions have been challenging Einstein’s theory of relativity, essential carbon compounds for life have been found in a star system 1,000 light-years away, rare streaks of light above the U.S. have signaled the approaching solar maximum, and an alien planet hiding within our solar system has been revealed – and it’s not “Planet X.”

Closer to home, we discovered that the world’s largest crocodile living in captivity has passed a medical examination with flying colors. Moreover, an awe-inspiring video captured the moment a 28-year-old laboratory chimpanzee experienced the open sky for the first time, and a deep-sea exploration revealed a shapeshifting eel with a remarkably full tummy.

However, there have also been some unfortunate developments. White Gladis, the orca believed to have instigated attacks on boats in Iberian waters, may have been pregnant at the time of her initial strike, and her obsession with stopping boats ultimately resulted in her neglecting her calf once it was born.

Beyond the animal kingdom, archaeologists discovered a silver medal featuring a winged Medusa at a Roman fort near Hadrian’s Wall, enigmatic Anglo-Saxon ivory rings, and a 2,000-year-old fresco in Pompeii that offers a tantalizing glimpse into the Roman diet.

These stories are just a snapshot of the week’s science news. From controversial topics like vaginal seeding to the mysteries of Yellowstone’s supervolcano, the origins of honey bees, and collapsing mountain peaks, the world of science has been abuzz. Stay up to date by visiting our site daily, following us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and signing up for our daily newsletter.

Picture of the Week: A raw image captured by the James Webb Space Telescope reveals Saturn’s pitch-black appearance, with only its radiant rings visible. The unprocessed black-and-white image offers a haunting yet mesmerizing glimpse into the cosmic beauty of the ringed planet.