STM Daily News
A Close Encounter: Asteroid 2006 WB Zooms Past Earth Tomorrow
Last Updated on November 26, 2024 by Daily News Staff
As we gaze up at the night sky, pondering the vastness of the universe, an intriguing event is set to unfold: a football field-sized asteroid is making its way past Earth tomorrow. Named 2006 WB, this celestial traveler is estimated by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) to be about 310 feet across, although its size could range anywhere from 240 to 525 feet. For perspective, a football field measures approximately 360 feet in width, making this asteroid a formidable presence as it skims by our planet.
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Approaching Asteroid
At a distance of 554,000 miles—roughly twice the distance to the Moon—2006 WB will pass by us at a speed of about 4.2 km/s, or approximately 9,400 mph. This velocity is several times faster than a bullet fired from a rifle, which can travel up to around 2,700 mph. While 554,000 miles may sound distant, it is remarkably close on a solar system scale, especially when compared to our neighboring planet Venus, which can be about 24 million miles away at its closest approach.
In addition to 2006 WB, there are four other asteroids making their own close passes in the coming days. Today, two bus-sized asteroids, 2024 WF2 and 2024 WJ3, will soar past Earth at distances of 1,780,000 miles and 2,780,000 miles, respectively. Following them, the plane-sized 2009 WB105 will come within 3,600,000 miles, and on Tuesday, another bus-sized asteroid, 2024 WD3, will pass at around 1,080,000 miles.
Jay Tate, director of the United Kingdom’s Spaceguard Centre observatory, highlights that asteroids are frequently zipping past Earth, often without much public awareness. 2006 WB falls into the category of Near-Earth Objects (NEOs), defined as objects that come within 30 million miles of our planet. NEOs are monitored closely, with over 34,000 identified in our solar system, and the JPL’s Center for Near-Earth Object Studies (CNEOS) actively tracking at least 2,300 potentially hazardous asteroids (PHAs).
While the odds of a large asteroid impacting Earth are exceedingly low, the consequences of such an event could be catastrophic. Svetla Ben-Itzhak, an assistant professor of space and international relations at Johns Hopkins University, warns that a cosmic body of 460 feet in diameter could obliterate an entire city and wreak regional havoc. In contrast, larger objects exceeding 1 kilometer in diameter could have far-reaching global implications, potentially leading to mass extinction.
Fortunately, the asteroids currently making their approach, including 2006 WB, do not fall within the category of potentially hazardous objects due to their size and the distances they will maintain from our planet. As we continue to advance our understanding of these celestial bodies, the importance of tracking and monitoring NEOs remains paramount for the safety of humanity.
As we prepare for the close encounter with 2006 WB, let us appreciate the wonders of our universe and the ongoing efforts of scientists and astronomers dedicated to keeping watch over our cosmic neighborhood. Stay tuned for more updates as we witness the majestic dance of these asteroids in the sky above.
Related link:
https://www.newsweek.com/asteroid-near-earth-object-approaching-football-field-space-nasa-1990996
The science section of our news blog STM Daily News provides readers with captivating and up-to-date information on the latest scientific discoveries, breakthroughs, and innovations across various fields. We offer engaging and accessible content, ensuring that readers with different levels of scientific knowledge can stay informed. Whether it’s exploring advancements in medicine, astronomy, technology, or environmental sciences, our science section strives to shed light on the intriguing world of scientific exploration and its profound impact on our daily lives. From thought-provoking articles to informative interviews with experts in the field, STM Daily News Science offers a harmonious blend of factual reporting, analysis, and exploration, making it a go-to source for science enthusiasts and curious minds alike. https://stmdailynews.com/category/science/
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U.S. News Releases 2026-2027 Best High Schools Rankings, Highlighting Charter and STEM Standouts
U.S. News & World Report has released its 2026-2027 Best High Schools rankings, giving families a fresh, data-driven snapshot of top-performing public, charter, and STEM high schools across the country. The new edition evaluated about 27,000 eligible public high schools, with nearly 18,000 schools ultimately ranked at national, state, and local levels.
At the state level, Massachusetts again led the nation, with 47% of its high schools landing in the top quarter nationally. New Jersey followed at 44%, with Maryland close behind at 43%. Metro-area results also highlighted standout regions with high concentrations of top-ranked schools, including San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, California (60%), McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, Texas (59%), and Milwaukee-Waukesha, Wisconsin (56%)—each with the highest shares of ranked schools placing in the top 25% nationwide.
Charter and STEM schools were a major storyline in the 2026-2027 release. While California (96) and New Jersey (50) led the nation in the number of ranked STEM schools, charter schools claimed 23% of the national top 100. U.S. News pointed to Arizona’s BASIS charter network as a key example of that performance, noting it secured three of the country’s top five STEM schools and placed 12 campuses in the overall national top 100.
U.S. News said the rankings are based on six performance indicators, including state assessment achievement, graduation rates, and college readiness measures such as AP and IB participation and performance. The methodology was implemented with RTI International using data from the 2023-2024 school year.
Source: U.S. News & World Report
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Breaking News
Dolly Parton Dies at 80, Leaving Behind an Extraordinary American Legacy
Dolly Parton, the legendary singer, songwriter, actress, entrepreneur and philanthropist, has died at 80. We look back at the remarkable journey that took her from rural Tennessee to becoming one of America’s most beloved cultural icons.
Last Updated on August 28, 2026 by Daily News Staff
Country music legend, songwriter, actress and philanthropist Dolly Parton has died at the age of 80, bringing to a close one of the most remarkable careers in American entertainment.
Dolly Parton Dies at 80
Dolly Parton, whose unmistakable voice, songwriting talent, humor and generosity made her an American cultural icon far beyond the world of country music, died Tuesday, August 25, 2026, in Nashville.
Parton died at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center following a brief battle with cancer, according to her publicist. She was surrounded by loved ones. The specific type of cancer has not been publicly disclosed.
For millions of fans around the world, the news marks the loss of an entertainer who seemed almost timeless.
From the Tennessee Mountains to Stardom
Born Dolly Rebecca Parton on January 19, 1946, in Sevier County, Tennessee, Parton grew up as one of 12 children in a family with little money.
Those beginnings would become an important part of both her identity and her music.
Rather than distancing herself from her Appalachian upbringing after becoming famous, Parton repeatedly returned to those experiences in her songwriting. Songs such as “Coat of Many Colors” transformed childhood memories into stories about poverty, family, dignity and love.
After moving to Nashville, Parton eventually became a nationally known performer, including through her partnership with Porter Wagoner.
But it was her ability to write songs that helped establish her as one of the defining artists of her generation.
Her catalog would eventually include classics such as “Jolene,” “I Will Always Love You,” “Coat of Many Colors,” “Here You Come Again” and “9 to 5.”
“I Will Always Love You,” originally written and recorded by Parton in the 1970s, would find an entirely new audience when Whitney Houston recorded a soaring version for the 1992 film The Bodyguard.
More Than a Country Singer
Calling Dolly Parton simply a country music star never quite captured the full scope of her career.
She crossed into pop music, television and Hollywood while maintaining her country roots.
Her starring role alongside Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin in the 1980 comedy 9 to 5 helped turn her into a major movie star. The film’s title song became another Parton classic and an enduring anthem about the frustrations of working life.
Parton later appeared in films including The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, Steel Magnolias and Straight Talk.
She also became an extraordinarily successful businesswoman.
Her association with Dollywood, the Tennessee theme park bearing her name, helped transform the attraction into one of the state’s best-known tourist destinations while bringing jobs and investment to the region where she grew up.
A Legacy Built Around Giving
Parton’s impact may ultimately be measured by more than records sold, awards won or movies made.
Through the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, founded in 1995, free books have been provided to children from birth to age five.
What began as a literacy program serving children in Parton’s home county in Tennessee grew into an international effort distributing books to children in the United States and several other countries.
Parton also contributed to disaster relief, education and medical research. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she donated $1 million to Vanderbilt University Medical Center research that helped support development of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.
Her philanthropy became almost as recognizable as her music.
An Artist Who Crossed Generations
Perhaps one of Parton’s most unusual achievements was her ability to remain relevant without abandoning the personality that made her famous.
Parents who grew up hearing Dolly Parton records introduced her music to their children and grandchildren. Country fans embraced her, but so did rock musicians, pop artists, actors and audiences who might rarely listen to country music.
Her enormous blonde hair, rhinestones and colorful outfits became instantly recognizable, and Parton frequently made herself the punchline of jokes about her appearance before anyone else had the opportunity.
Behind that carefully cultivated public image was a songwriter responsible for thousands of compositions and a businesswoman who maintained considerable control over her work.
Even late in her career, Parton continued exploring new musical territory. Her 2023 album Rockstar featured collaborations with major figures from rock and pop music and demonstrated yet again her ability to move between genres.
Tributes Pour In
News of Parton’s death quickly prompted tributes from across entertainment and public life.
Musicians, actors, friends and admirers remembered not only her extraordinary career but also the kindness and generosity for which she had become known.
The reaction reflects something that made Parton unusual among celebrities of her stature: she became a figure whose appeal extended across generations, regions and many of the cultural divisions of American life.
Her husband, Carl Dean, died in March 2025 at the age of 82. The famously private Dean and Parton had been married for nearly 60 years.
The Music Remains
Dolly Parton’s career is difficult to summarize because it was never confined to one thing.
She was a country singer who became a pop star.
A songwriter who became a movie star.
A girl who grew up poor in the mountains of Tennessee and became a highly successful entrepreneur.
And a celebrity who turned much of her wealth and fame toward helping children she would never meet.
Dolly Parton died at 80, but the songs, stories and institutions she created will continue long after her passing.
For generations of listeners, hearing the opening guitar of “Jolene,” the tenderness of “Coat of Many Colors,” or the unmistakable opening of “9 to 5” will immediately bring her back.
And perhaps that is one of the greatest legacies a songwriter can leave behind.
STM Daily News will publish a more comprehensive look at Dolly Parton’s extraordinary life, career and lasting cultural impact in the coming days.
Sources:
Associated Press — Dolly Parton dies at 80
Reuters — Dolly Parton dies at 80
Related Links:
Official Dolly Parton Website
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library
amusement and theme parks
Six Flags and Travis Kelce Kick Off 2027 Season Pass Sales With Lowest Prices Through Sept. 7
Six Flags launches 2027 Season Pass sales at its lowest price through Sept. 7, with unlimited visits now through 2027, parking perks, and regional access.
Six Flags is officially in “season pass season” — and it’s starting with a headline deal. The company announced Aug. 7 that it has launched sales of its 2027 Season Passes at the lowest price guests will see this season or next, with a limited-time offer running through Sept. 7, 2026. To mark the 8/7 launch date, Six Flags teamed up with brand ambassador Travis Kelce, celebrating the biggest pass offer of the year on a number that’s become part of his legacy.
The big takeaway for fans: buy early, and you’re not just locking in 2027 access — you’re getting the rest of 2026, too. That includes major seasonal events like Halloween and holiday celebrations, plus the chance to start using the pass right away across participating parks.
What the 2027 Season Pass deal includes
Guests can purchase a 2027 Gold Pass or Prestige Pass at launch pricing and receive admission for the remainder of 2026 and all of 2027.
Kelce framed it in simple terms: unlimited visits, especially heading into fall and winter event season, is the kind of value that would have been “mind-blowing” as a kid — and it’s built for families and friend groups who want more reasons to get together.
Gold Pass: the value play for frequent park visits
The 2027 Gold Pass is positioned as the core option for guests who want maximum visits at the lowest price point. Benefits include:
- Unlimited visits for the rest of 2026 and all of 2027
- Free general parking (restrictions apply)
- Regional park access (East, West, Midwest, or Texas)
- Admission to fall haunt events and seasonal holiday celebrations
- Discounts on select food, merchandise, and tickets
- One bonus Bring-A-Friend Free ticket for renewing passholders and new members who purchase by Sept. 7
Prestige Pass: VIP perks and nationwide access
For guests who want more premium access and in-park benefits, Six Flags is also pushing its Prestige Pass tier. Prestige perks include:
- Access to all Six Flags parks across North America
- Preferred parking at many parks
- Complimentary fountain beverages
- VIP entrance access at participating parks
- Free Bring-A-Friend tickets
- One free single-use Fast Lane per visit
- A $20 in-park credit for new Prestige members and Prestige passholders who renew by Sept. 7
Memberships: month-to-month flexibility
Six Flags also announced 2027 Memberships for guests who prefer a monthly payment option. Memberships include unlimited visits and a range of benefits similar to Season Passes — including multi-park access (based on tier), parking benefits, discounts on food and merchandise, and member-exclusive rewards and offers.
Premium membership tiers add expanded park access and additional VIP-style perks, giving guests more ways to customize how they visit.
Why Six Flags is making a big push now
The 2027 pass launch arrives as Six Flags prepares what it calls one of its most ambitious attraction lineups ever, with major additions planned across regions.
Highlights announced so far include:
- East: Six Flags Great Adventure will debut Bakunawa, billed as the world’s tallest and fastest spinning coaster (382 feet, 100 mph), anchoring a renovated Boardwalk area inspired by Jersey Shore culture. Carowinds will introduce Rip Roarin’ Falls, a super-flume featuring a 100-foot drop.
- Texas: Six Flags Fiesta Texas will debut Werewolf Gorge, described as the world’s longest family launch coaster with immersive storytelling.
- Midwest: Six Flags Great America will open Camp Timber Trail, a family adventure area anchored by Sky Hawk, a suspended family coaster.
- West: Knott’s Soak City will introduce Coral Craze and Kelp Kraze, new family raft slides featuring ride systems making their West Coast and North American debuts.
Six Flags also teased that more major announcements are still on the way.
You can start using the pass in 2026 — and more is coming
Beyond the 2027 pipeline, Six Flags says guests who buy now can take advantage of new or recently opened additions in 2026, including:
- Quantum Accelerator (Six Flags New England)
- Tormenta: Rampaging Run (Six Flags Over Texas)
- Shoreline Pier (Six Flags Great Adventure)
- Daredeviler (Canada’s Wonderland)
- Speedway Stunt Coaster (Six Flags Mexico)
- Looney Tunes™ Land (Six Flags Magic Mountain)
- Phantom Theater (Kings Island)
- A major summer entertainment lineup (Kings Dominion)
And the calendar doesn’t slow down after summer. Six Flags says its 2026 Halloween lineup is coming soon, featuring new horror franchise experiences and new entertainment, followed by holiday events across parks — including the return of a newly reimagined Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Great Adventure and Six Flags Over Georgia.
The deadline to know
If you’re considering a pass, the timing matters: guests must purchase by Sept. 7, 2026 to receive launch pricing and promotional offers. For park-specific details and restrictions, Six Flags directs guests to visit sixflags.com.
For fans, Kelce summed up the pitch: more time at the parks now means more memories later — more rides, more laughs, and more reasons to bring your crew along for the season.
Source: Six Flags
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