Blue Origin plans to launch its massive New Glenn rocket today from Florida, carrying NASA probes to study Mars. At the same time, the world honors conservation icon Jane Goodall with a funeral in Washington, while other key events unfold like a British pub protest and a rare diamond auction.
Blue Origin Targets Mars Mission Launch
Space fans are watching closely as Blue Origin prepares for a big step in space exploration. The company aims to send its New Glenn rocket skyward from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. This launch carries NASA’s twin Escapade probes, which will orbit Mars to examine how solar winds affect the planet’s atmosphere.
The event was set for November 9 but got pushed back due to bad weather and equipment checks. Now, the window opens at 2:50 p.m. Eastern Time and runs until 4:17 p.m. If successful, this marks the second flight for New Glenn, a heavy-lift rocket designed to compete with giants like SpaceX. Blue Origin, founded by Jeff Bezos, has poured years into this project to boost reusable rocket tech.
Experts say this mission could open doors for more affordable trips to Mars. The probes, built by Rocket Lab, will collect data on plasma and magnetic fields around the red planet. This info helps scientists understand why Mars lost much of its air over billions of years, turning it from a potentially habitable world into a dry desert.
Blue Origin’s team has tested the rocket thoroughly after its first launch in January. They plan to recover the first stage, a key feature for cutting costs. Weather remains a wild card, but forecasts look promising for today.
Honoring Jane Goodall’s Legacy at Washington Funeral
Today, family, friends, and admirers gather in Washington, D.C., to say goodbye to Jane Goodall, the trailblazing primatologist who changed how we see animals. Her funeral at the National Cathedral starts at 11 a.m. Eastern Time, led by church leaders with heartfelt tributes.
Goodall died on October 1 at age 91, leaving behind a lifetime of work that started in Tanzania’s Gombe Stream National Park. She lived among chimpanzees, proving they use tools and have complex social lives. This shattered old ideas about what makes humans unique.
Her efforts went far beyond science. She founded the Jane Goodall Institute to protect wildlife and started the Roots & Shoots program, inspiring young people worldwide to care for the environment. Goodall spoke at global events, pushing for conservation amid climate change threats.
- Key achievements: Revolutionized chimp studies with over 60 years of research.
- Global impact: Her institute now operates in dozens of countries, focusing on habitat protection.
- Awards: Honored with titles like Dame of the British Empire and UN Messenger of Peace.
Millions remember her as a voice for the voiceless, from animals to future generations. Today’s service celebrates that spirit, with speakers sharing stories of her warmth and determination.
Recent tributes have poured in from leaders like King Charles and celebrities. Her work ties into ongoing fights against deforestation, which has worsened in places like the Amazon this year.
British Pub Owners Rally for Tax Relief
Across the pond, British pub owners are taking to the streets today in a push for lower taxes. With the Autumn Budget looming on November 26, they’re demanding changes to ease the squeeze on their businesses.
Pubs, a cornerstone of UK culture, have closed at alarming rates in 2025 due to high costs and taxes. Groups like UKHospitality and the British Institute of Innkeeping lead the charge, calling for reforms in business rates and VAT.
The protest highlights real struggles. Energy bills have spiked, and staff wages are up, forcing many owners to raise prices or shut down. Advocates want a lower VAT rate to match European neighbors, making drinks more affordable for customers.
| Issue | Current Challenge | Proposed Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Business Rates | High for small venues | Permanent cuts for places under £500,000 value |
| VAT on Hospitality | 20% standard rate | Reduce to 12.5% like in France or Germany |
| Closures in 2025 | Over 500 pubs shut | Reforms to save 10,000 jobs |
This action comes as the economy rebounds slowly from recent inflation. Pubs employ thousands and boost local tourism, so their survival matters to communities.
Rare Pink Diamond Hits Auction Block
In Geneva, excitement builds as Sotheby’s auctions off a stunning pink diamond called The Glowing Rose. This 10.08-carat gem could fetch up to 20 million Swiss Francs, drawing bidders from around the world.
Found in Angola’s diamond-rich area, the stone stands out for its vivid color, a mystery scientists still puzzle over. Unlike other colored diamonds, pinks don’t get their hue from known elements, adding to their allure.
This is only the third such diamond over 10 carats at auction in a decade. Set in a design by British jeweler Boodles, it promises to be a highlight for collectors.
The sale reflects a hot market for rare gems, with prices climbing amid global wealth growth. It follows other big auctions this year, like a blue diamond that sold for millions in Hong Kong.
What a day packed with innovation, remembrance, and economic fights. Share your thoughts on these stories in the comments below, and pass this article along to friends who love staying in the know.
