Technology Archives - Saskatchewan Herald

Canadian Astronaut French Words Help Ease Language Tensions

Hunter W. — Sun, 19 Apr 2026 15:35:40 +0000

Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen made headlines after he spoke French in space during the Artemis II mission, and many Canadians say that small moment carried a big meaning.

While traveling toward the Moon, Hansen greeted the world with “Bonjour tout le monde”, becoming the first person to speak French so far from Earth. The moment quickly spread online and drew praise across Canada, especially from French-speaking communities.

This came at a sensitive time. Just weeks earlier, Air Canada CEO Michael Rousseau faced strong backlash after he spoke very little French in a public video tribute. Many people saw that as a lack of respect for Quebec’s French-speaking population. Even Prime Minister Mark Carney criticized the incident, calling it poor judgment.

Hansen’s decision to speak French created a sharp contrast. During a live exchange, Carney even spoke to Hansen in French, praising his effort and saying Canadians felt proud and inspired.

Experts say the reaction shows something important: in Canada, language is not just about communication, it represents identity, culture, and respect. Political scientist Stéphanie Chouinard explained that people do not expect perfect French. They value effort and sincerity.

After returning to Earth, Hansen said the journey reminded him that humans are “small and powerless — yet powerful together.” That message, combined with his choice to speak French, helped shift the national conversation.

At a time when tensions over language had grown, Hansen’s simple words from space showed that respect and effort still matter, even 125,000 miles away.

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Artemis II Crew Returns After Historic Moon Flyby

Hunter W. — Sat, 11 Apr 2026 15:22:44 +0000

They went farther than any human in decades, and made it back safely.

Astronauts from NASA completed a historic mission as the Artemis II crew returned safely to Earth after a 10-day journey around the Moon. This mission marked the first human trip to the Moon’s vicinity in over 50 years, since the Apollo era.

The crew traveled a record 252,756 miles from Earth, going deeper into space than any humans before. Their spacecraft, the Orion capsule, handled one of the mission’s toughest challenges—re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere. As it rushed back at 32 times the speed of sound, intense heat reached about 5,000°F (2,760°C). The capsule’s heat shield performed successfully, proving it can protect astronauts on future missions.

The spacecraft landed smoothly in the Pacific Ocean, where recovery teams quickly reached the crew. Mission commander Reid Wiseman confirmed that all four astronauts returned in good health.

The mission also broke important barriers. Victor Glover became the first Black astronaut to travel around the Moon. Christina Koch became the first woman to complete such a journey, and Jeremy Hansen became the first non-American to take part in a lunar mission.

Artemis II serves as a key test flight for future exploration. NASA plans to send astronauts back to the Moon’s surface in the coming years through the Artemis program. The agency also aims to build a long-term presence on the Moon.

This mission carries global importance. The United States wants to land astronauts on the Moon before China, which targets a similar goal around 2030.

With Artemis II, NASA proves that human space travel has entered a new era—one that could soon lead to missions beyond the Moon, including Mars.

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Artemis II Sets New Distance Record in Space

Hunter W. — Tue, 07 Apr 2026 04:24:22 +0000

Humans have just gone farther than ever before, and it’s a huge moment for space history. The crew of Artemis II has officially broken the record for the farthest distance traveled by humans.

The four astronauts flew about 252,756 miles from Earth, beating the previous record set during Apollo 13 in 1970. This marks the first human trip near the Moon in over 50 years, according to NASA.

During the mission, the crew traveled around the far side of the Moon, a place humans rarely see. For about six hours, they observed the dark surface and even spotted meteor impact flashes, small bursts of light caused by space rocks hitting the Moon.

The astronauts also experienced a communications blackout when the Moon blocked signals to Earth. Despite this, the mission continued smoothly, showing how far space technology has come.

This journey is not just about breaking records. It is a key step toward future Moon landings. NASA plans to send humans back to the Moon by 2028 and eventually build a long-term base to support missions to Mars.

The crew also captured rare images of Earth rising over the Moon’s horizon, reminding everyone how small, and connected, our planet is.

With this mission, humanity takes another big step into deep space, proving that exploration is far from over.

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China Moves to Regulate AI “Digital Humans”

Hunter W. — Fri, 03 Apr 2026 13:30:00 +0000

What if the person you’re talking to online isn’t real, and you don’t even know it? That’s the concern driving new rules in China.

Chinese regulators, led by the Cyberspace Administration of China, have proposed new laws to control “digital humans”, AI-generated people used in videos, chats, and online services. These rules aim to make the internet safer and more transparent, especially for children.

One major rule: all digital humans must be clearly labeled so users know they are not real. This is meant to prevent confusion and deception, which can become a serious problem as AI becomes more realistic.

The draft also includes strong protections for minors. It would ban addictive AI services for children and stop digital humans from offering “virtual relationships” to users under 18. Officials worry these features could harm mental health or create emotional dependency.

In addition, companies cannot use someone’s personal data without consent to create a digital human. The rules also block AI from spreading harmful content, including material that threatens national security or promotes violence and discrimination.

China is pushing hard to grow its AI industry, but at the same time, it wants to keep tight control over how the technology is used. These proposed rules are open for public feedback until May 2026.

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Artemis II Nears Record Distance from Earth

Hunter W. — Fri, 03 Apr 2026 13:22:46 +0000

Humans are heading farther into space than ever before, and it’s happening right now. The Artemis II mission is making history as astronauts travel deeper into space on their way to the Moon.

Four astronauts: Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen, have officially left Earth’s orbit, marking the first time humans have done so since Apollo 17 in 1972. After a successful six-minute engine burn, their Orion spacecraft is now on a “free return” path around the Moon.

The crew is already approaching 100,000 miles from Earth, and if all goes well, they could travel over 250,000 miles, the farthest distance ever reached by humans. According to NASA, this mission is a key step toward returning astronauts to the Moon and eventually building a long-term lunar base.

Despite the excitement, the journey is not easy. The astronauts must exercise daily to prevent muscle and bone loss in space. They also rely on advanced suits that can act as life-support systems in emergencies.

This mission also marks major milestones. It includes the first woman, the first person of color, and the first non-American to travel on a lunar mission, showing how space exploration is becoming more global and inclusive.

As the crew looks back at Earth from deep space, one message stands out: we are all connected.

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Canada and Germany Sign AI Pact to Boost Research and Jobs

Hunter W. — Sun, 15 Feb 2026 09:56:16 +0000

Canada and Germany have signed a joint declaration of intent to work together on developing artificial intelligence (AI) as part of a growing tech partnership between the two countries. The announcement was made on February 14, 2026, as both nations look to strengthen their technology sectors and build economic advantage in the global AI race.

The declaration of intent was signed by Evan Solomon, Canada’s Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation, and Karsten Wildberger, Germany’s Minister for Digital Transformation and Government Modernization. Along with the declaration, the two countries also launched a new Sovereign Technology Alliance, aimed at supporting shared work on important tech issues.

The agreement sets the stage for deeper collaboration on AI research, skills development and infrastructure. It will help both countries tackle critical skills gaps by connecting researchers, students and tech companies. By working together, Canada and Germany hope to share expertise, create jobs and develop safe, responsible AI systems that benefit both economies.

Officials say the pact comes at a time when AI is becoming more important to economic strength and national security. Minister Solomon emphasized that AI technology will shape future industries and make countries more competitive on the world stage. He called the cooperation an opportunity to build real results, such as new products, services and economic growth.

The Sovereign Technology Alliance is designed to reduce reliance on foreign technology and focus on trusted partnerships. It is expected to start with Canada and Germany and may later include other like-minded countries interested in secure, ethical AI development.

Both nations plan to expand secure computing infrastructure, the powerful systems needed to train and run AI programs, while also making it easier for students and professionals to move between the two countries for work and study. This will help address shortages in AI talent and support startups and larger firms alike.

The announcement builds on earlier cooperation within the Canada-Germany Digital Alliance, launched in late 2025 to deepen ties in technology, innovation and digital economy areas. Together, these steps are part of a broader effort by Canada to diversify international technology partnerships beyond traditional allies and ensure it can compete in a changing global tech landscape.

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US Congress To Hold Power Over AI Chip Exports?

Hunter W. — Wed, 21 Jan 2026 15:15:02 +0000

A key committee in the U.S. House of Representatives is preparing to vote on a new bill this week that would give Congress a direct say in the export of advanced artificial intelligence (AI) chips, particularly to China and other strategic competitors. The move highlights growing concern about the global race for AI leadership and the balance between national security and technological competitiveness.

The proposed legislation, known as the AI Overwatch Act, was introduced by Representative Brian Mast (R-Florida), who chairs the House Foreign Affairs Committee. The bill would require that Congress have 30 days to review and potentially block export licenses issued for high-end AI chips before they can be shipped overseas. Supporters argue this added oversight is necessary to prevent cutting-edge technology from bolstering the military or intelligence capabilities of rival nations.

This legislative push comes after the U.S. approved limited exports of Nvidia’s powerful H200 AI chips to China under strict conditions. The administration’s export rule allows shipments only if chips are verified by third-party labs, U.S. customers are prioritized, and the buyer shows adequate security safeguards. China may not receive more than half of the total chips shipped to the U.S., and exports for military use remain barred.

Proponents of the bill say that without congressional review, advanced semiconductors could end up in the hands of foreign entities with ties to military development or government strategy. At a hearing titled “Winning the AI Arms Race against the Chinese Communist Party,” Mast argued that stronger oversight would help protect U.S. technological leadership and ensure that exported chips are not diverted to hostile uses.

However, critics, including some within the tech industry, caution that overly stringent controls could stifle innovation and harm U.S. competitiveness. In past discussions about export limits, tech leaders have warned that restricting chip sales can have economic consequences and may inadvertently encourage foreign countries to accelerate their own semiconductor development.

The White House’s AI czar, David Sacks, has also expressed criticism, sharing social media posts suggesting the bill could undermine executive authority over trade and technology policy. Some conservative commentators have echoed this view, arguing that the measure is unnecessary or poorly timed.

If the AI Overwatch Act clears the House Foreign Affairs Committee, it would still need approval by both the full House and Senate, and a presidential signature, before becoming law. Its progress will be closely watched by tech companies, national security experts, and policymakers who see AI technology as central to future global economic and strategic competition.

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Saskatchewan Receives New Nuclear Research Investment

Hunter W. — Tue, 20 Jan 2026 01:39:39 +0000

Saskatchewan is taking a major step toward becoming a hub for nuclear energy research, with federal and provincial support helping to launch Western Canada’s first small modular reactor (SMR) safety, licensing and testing centre. The facility, housed at the University of Regina, aims to jump-start nuclear innovation and eventually support the development of clean, reliable power in the province.

The initiative comes with a combined investment of over $6 million. Through SaskPower, the provincial utility, $4 million has been allocated to build and equip the facility. The federal government is contributing $1.96 million, while the province adds $1 million in-kind support by providing the space for free.

“It’s a natural evolution to looking at the small nuclear power option that would utilize that world-class uranium,” said Buckley Belanger, Liberal MP for Desnethé – Missinippi – Churchill River, highlighting Saskatchewan’s long history in uranium mining and its potential role in clean energy development.

The new facility will use two test loops filled with pressurized water to simulate real-world SMR operating conditions. This setup allows researchers to observe how key components behave under stress, providing crucial data for safety and licensing standards.

“Fundamentally, you’ve got two loops filled with water, you’re looking at how two components are behaving,” explained Dr. Arthur Situm, research chair of SMR safety and licensing at the University of Regina. He noted that this type of facility has long been part of Western Canada’s role in the nuclear supply chain.

The testing centre is also expected to create 18 direct jobs and support about 10 small businesses, bringing both economic and educational benefits to the region. It will help train future workers in nuclear technology, building local expertise well before larger SMR projects move forward.

Despite possessing some of the world’s richest uranium deposits, Saskatchewan currently generates no nuclear power, relying instead on coal, natural gas and renewables. But rising energy demand and aging infrastructure have pushed small modular reactors to the forefront of future electricity plans.

SaskPower President and CEO Rupen Pandya emphasized that SMRs could offer modular and cost-reducing advantages once initial regulatory and construction hurdles are cleared. The utility remains on track for its nuclear timeline: regulatory work through 2029, construction beginning in 2029, and SMRs supplying power by about 2034.

It’s estimated that building and operating nuclear facilities could require 2,500 to 3,500 jobs by the mid-2030s, a major economic boon for the province.

With this research centre, Saskatchewan not only strengthens its claim as a leader in nuclear expertise but also positions itself for a future in cleaner, stable energy production. As global interest in decarbonizing energy systems grows, initiatives like this could help the province meet both environmental goals and workforce needs.

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Aurora Borealis Amazes Skywatchers Worldwide

Hunter W. — Sun, 12 May 2024 15:11:53 +0000

A breathtaking spectacle unfolded in the night sky this past weekend, captivating skywatchers worldwide with an unprecedented display of the aurora borealis, also known as the northern lights. The event, sparked by intense solar storms, painted the heavens with stunning hues of pinks, purples, and greens.

Shawn Dahl, Service Coordinator of NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Group, described the occurrence as a “very rare event” just hours before the celestial show began. Typically visible only around the Arctic region and northern Canada, the northern lights extended their reach as far south as Alabama and Northern California, surprising even seasoned observers.

Space.com Editor Brett Tingley shared his experience of witnessing the auroras from South Carolina during the Albino Skunk Music Festival, describing them as “highly animated” and appearing in vibrant shades of reds and greens. Similar reports poured in from Middleton, California, where AFP and Getty photographer Josh Edelson captured mesmerizing images of the auroras over campers’ tents and houses.

Even in Vienna, Austria, photojournalist Max Slovenick documented the celestial phenomenon as a pink aurora wave washed over the city. The stunning visuals were not limited to those fortunate enough to witness them firsthand, as NOAA officials pointed out that modern cell phone cameras could capture the northern lights even if they were not visible to the naked eye.

The exceptional display was the result of a series of massive solar flares and coronal mass ejections from the sun, triggering a level G5 geomagnetic storm—a phenomenon not witnessed since Halloween 2003. According to NOAA, the sunspot clusters responsible for these eruptions have unleashed the strongest solar flares in years, with one group spanning a width 17 times that of Earth.

While the solar storms may have provided a mesmerizing light show, they also posed potential risks. Such events can lead to radio blackouts, disrupt power systems on Earth, and pose radiation hazards to satellites and astronauts. However, as of early reports, NASA had not deemed it necessary for astronauts aboard the International Space Station to seek additional shelter.

As the sun enters an extremely active phase of its 11-year solar cycle, scientists continue to monitor space weather closely. Coordination between agencies like NOAA and NASA ensures timely updates and precautions to mitigate any potential risks posed by solar activity.

SOURCES

Space.com | Yahoo! News

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Bitcoin Continues to Mirror 2016 Trends, Predictions Point to Potential $350K Value

Hunter W. — Sun, 12 May 2024 15:11:46 +0000

In recent analyses by cryptocurrency traders, Bitcoin’s current trajectory appears to closely mimic its behavior following the 2016 halving event. Traders note striking similarities in the price chart, suggesting a potential upcoming bullish phase.

According to a post by pseudonymous trader Rekt Capital, Bitcoin’s recent movements echo those seen in the aftermath of the 2016 halving. Rekt Capital highlights a significant reaccumulation range, noting that Bitcoin is currently trading slightly below $61,293, a critical threshold. This phase, identified as the “last pre-halving retrace” stage, historically preceded a substantial 48% surge in Bitcoin’s value within six months.

Meanwhile, Timothy Peterson, founder and investment manager at Cane Island Alternative Advisors, predicts a substantial price increase for Bitcoin. Referring to historical patterns and price drawdowns, Peterson estimates a potential value surge of up to sixfold, reaching between $175,000 to $350,000 by early 2025. He further suggests that the ongoing bull market could conclude in January 2025.

Backing these predictions is the daily 100 moving average, a critical technical indicator signaling Bitcoin’s proximity to its local bottom. Pseudonymous trader Daan Crypto traders emphasize this point, drawing parallels to previous market formations that preceded significant price upticks.

Beyond market trends, institutional interest in cryptocurrency continues to grow. Major financial institutions, including JPMorgan, Citi, U.S. Bank, and Wells Fargo, are collaborating with Visa and Mastercard to test a system for tokenizing assets. This initiative, termed the regulated settlement network, aims to streamline asset settlement processes and could mark a significant step toward mass institutional adoption of cryptocurrencies.

Colin Butler, global head of institutional capital at Polygon, views this collaboration as a pivotal moment, likening it to the five-yard-line for mass institutional adoption. He suggests that the current testing phase holds greater significance than previous trials, potentially paving the way for widespread adoption in the financial sector.

The regulated settlement network draws inspiration from Bitcoin’s blockchain technology, offering a decentralized approach to asset management and settlement. Mastercard’s executive vice president for blockchain and crypto, Raj Dhamodharan, emphasizes the importance of blockchain collaboration in addressing real-world challenges and improving operational efficiency.

The tokenization of assets is gaining traction as the next frontier for financial markets, according to BlackRock CEO Larry Fink. BlackRock, a prominent player in the financial industry, has already ventured into cryptocurrency with the successful launch of a spot bitcoin exchange-traded fund (ETF).

Furthermore, BlackRock’s foray into tokenized private equity funds underscores the growing interest in blockchain-based financial instruments. Sovereign wealth funds are reportedly eyeing Bitcoin, with potential trading activities expected in the near future.

Overall, Bitcoin’s current movements and institutional developments indicate a dynamic landscape for cryptocurrencies, with both traders and institutional players closely monitoring its trajectory and potential for future growth.

SOURCE

Forbes

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