The first supermoon of the year to appear today

The moon will appear slightly larger and brighter on Monday night during what’s known as a Supermoon.

October’s Supermoon is the first of three this year.

It happens when a full moon is closer to earth in its orbit. that makes the moon look up to 14% bigger and 30% brighter than the faintest moon of the year, according to NASA.

The subtle difference happens a few times a year, sometimes coinciding with other astronomical events such as lunar eclipses. everyone in the world can see a Supermoon without special equipment if clear skies permit. in the latest viewing, the moon will pass within about 224,600 miles (361,459 kilometers) of earth.

The closest Supermoon of the year is slated for November, followed by another in December.

The spectacles continue in 2026 with two lunar eclipses: a total eclipse across much of North America, Asia and Australia in March, and a partial one in August across the Americas, Africa and Europe.

Reference Sources

1. newyorkpost - The first supermoon of the year to appear on Monday
2. usatoday - The first supermoon of 2025 is rising. Here's when you should look up.

OpenAI and Jony Ive grapple with technical issues on secretive AI device

OpenAI, the start-up run by Sam Altman, and designer Jony Ive are facing technical issues with their new artificial intelligence (AI) device, which they aim to launch next year.

Despite having hardware developed by Ive and his team, obstacles remain in the device's software and the infrastructure needed to power it.

These include deciding on the assistant's "personality", privacy issues, and budgeting for the computing power needed to run OpenAI's models on a mass consumer device.

The device is roughly the size of a Smartphone that users would communicate with through a camera, microphone, and speaker.

However, unresolved issues around the device's "personality," how it handles privacy, and computing infrastructure might delay the launch. For example, rather than waiting for a specific verbal prompt, the device would take an "always on" approach.

The device's sensors would gather data throughout the day that would help to build its virtual assistant's "memory."

OpenAI overtook Elon Musk's SpaceX to become the world's most valuable private company this week, after acquiring IO, the device startup founded by the legendary Apple designer, with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, for $6.5 billion in May.

Reference Sources

1. ft - OpenAI and Jony Ive grapple with technical issues on secretive AI device
2. techcrunch - OpenAI and Jony Ive may be struggling to figure out their AI device

Saudi Arabia’s Water Sector Advances Strategic Shift to Sustainable Reverse Osmosis Technology

Saudi Arabia's water sector is undergoing a transformative strategic shift in its production systems, with the gradual transition from energy-intensive thermal desalination technologies to advanced reverse Osmosis (RO) systems.

The move aims to support the kingdom's broader environmental goals, significantly reducing carbon emissions while increasing operational efficiency and reliability. By enhancing water supply reliability, optimizing operational performance, and lowering both environmental and financial costs, the shift aligns closely with the objectives of Vision 2030, reinforcing the kingdom's commitment to Sustainability. Key achievements in emission reductions across various desalination projects include Shuaibah phase II with 4.0 million tons annually, Yanbu phase III with 4.5 million tons annually, Shuqaiq phase I with 1.2 million tons annually, Shuaiba phase I with 2.3 million tons annually, Jubail phase I with 2.0 million tons annually, Jubail phase II with 8.5 million tons annually, and Al-Khobar phase II with 4.2 million tons annually.

The water sector in the kingdom keeps accelerating the pace of its technological transformation, building strategic partnerships, and leveraging cutting-edge innovations to drive future growth.

Reference Sources

1. aawsat - Saudi Arabia’s Water Sector Advances Strategic Shift to Sustainable Reverse Osmosis Technology

The CommonWealth English daily news digest is a service curated by CommonWealth English team with the help of AI tools.  

Have you read?

• Hitachi & OpenAI Partner on Greener AI
• Microsoft Shifts to Homegrown AI Chips
• US Government Shutdown Looms

Uploaded by Ian Huang