Jake Parks

Madison

Associate Editor at Astronomy Magazine

I read, write, and speak about all things science.

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Articles

The Stunning Lyrid Meteor Shower 2025 Peaks This Month

1 week ago | discovermagazine.com | Jake Parks

Every April, as winter's grip finally loosens and the nights grow a little warmer, Earth drifts through a centuries-old cloud of cosmic dust. That's when the Lyrid meteor shower - one of the oldest known and most reliable meteor showers of the year - lights up the night. The Lyrids will peak overnight from April 21, 2025 into April 22, 2025 this year. On the days near that peak, patient skywatchers may be treated to a modest but mesmerizing display of shooting stars streaking across the sky.
Why Babies Shouldn't Drink Water

2 weeks ago | discovermagazine.com | Jake Parks

When it comes to infant nutrition, parents are flooded with information on what's safe and what's not. However, one piece of advice that often catches new caregivers off guard is the strict guideline against giving babies water, especially during the first six months of life. After all, water is essential for survival - so why exactly is it off-limits for infants? When a baby drinks too much water, it can lead to symptoms such as: And in severe cases, water intoxication can lead to coma or death.
5 of the Strangest and Most Dangerous Exoplanets Ever Discovered

1 month ago | discovermagazine.com | Jake Parks

Today, with more than 5,800 confirmed exoplanets, astronomers are finding that some of these worlds are astonishingly strange, defying even the wildest predictions. Some exoplanets rain molten iron, others are largely composed of diamond. Some worlds orbit two suns - and some orbit no star at all. From boiling-hot gas giants to worlds with bizarre weather patterns, here are five of the weirdest exoplanets scientists have discovered so far.
How Long-Term Space Travel Wears Down an Astronaut's Mind and Body

1 month ago | discovermagazine.com | Jake Parks

Crewed space travel isn't just an engineering feat. It's a test of the endurance and resilience of the human body. In microgravity, astronauts' bodies undergo dramatic changes: muscles weaken, bones lose density, fluids shift, and vision can be affected. Beyond that, deep space exposes them to radiation, which can damage DNA and increase long-term health risks.
A Compass Works Differently in Space, Varying Widely From Planet to Planet

2 months ago | discovermagazine.com | Jake Parks

Explorers have long trusted compasses to navigate Earth's land and oceans, using our planet's global magnetic field as their guide. But what happens when you take a compass beyond Earth - into orbit, to the Moon, to other planets, or even beyond our solar system? Would it still point north, or would it aimlessly spin in the absence of a dominant magnetic field? The answer depends on where you are in the cosmos and what other magnetic fields are at play.
Caligula’s Secret Garden Found: A Glimpse into the Roman Emperor’s Extravagance

2 months ago | flipboard.com | Jake Parks

6 hours ago10 Cities That Look Better on Instagram (But Will Disappoint You in Real Life)Social media has made many cities look like dreamy, picture-perfect destinations—but reality doesn’t always match the hype.
A Glimpse into the Roman Emperor's Extravagance

2 months ago | discovermagazine.com | Jake Parks

Deep beneath the streets of Rome near the Vatican, overlooking the banks of the Tiber River, Italian archaeologists have uncovered a hidden gem of Roman history - Caligula's secret garden. Read More: 5 of the Most Ruthless Rulers in Ancient History The Discovery of Caligula's Garden The ruins, which were unearthed by construction crews working on a new overpass at Piazza Pia in Rome, include a travertine wall, the foundations of a colonnaded portico, and a large open garden area.
Octopuses Partner with Fish to Hunt, and Will Slap the Fish That Slacks Off

2 months ago | discovermagazine.com | Jake Parks

Throughout the animal kingdom, resourcefulness often means the difference between a good meal and an empty stomach. And near coral reefs, where competition for food is particularly fierce, nature has cooked up an extraordinary solution: octopus and fish teaming up to hunt. This collaboration isn't just about sharing a meal. It's a carefully coordinated dance where each species plays a distinct and dynamic role. And when a fish slacks off, the octopus isn't shy about delivering it a swift slap.
How Can You Stretch at Your Desk? A Quick Guide to Staying Active at Work

2 months ago | discovermagazine.com | Jake Parks

We've all felt it - that midday slump when your back aches, your shoulders are tight, and your focus starts to fade. The culprit? Hours of sitting at your desk. Although the demands of modern work often tether us to our chairs, staying active doesn't require you to abandon your workspace. By doing just a few simple stretches at your desk, you can loosen up stiff muscles, boost your energy, and improve your focus throughout the day.
Anglerfish Fuse Together to Mate for Life

Jan 21, 2025 | discovermagazine.com | Jake Parks

In the unlit depths of the ocean, where food is scarce, and chance encounters are rarer still, anglerfish have evolved one of nature's most bizarre mating approaches. When a male anglerfish finds a partner, he doesn't just court her - he attaches to her body, sometimes fusing with her for life. This extreme adaptation, known as sexual parasitism , helps ensure reproductive success in a world where mates are few and far between.