SeaWorld announced that it will eventually shut down its iconic Orca show and stop breeding these large mammals. Read more about SeaWorld's CEO Joel Manby's decision here.

A record number of Americans have applied to become an astronaut at NASA. According to NASA, the agency received more than 18,300 applications for its 2017 astronaut class. This is more than three times the amount that applied in 2012. Only 8-14 people will be accepted in the NASA program. These candidates will then go through 2 years of training to learn spacecraft systems, spacewalking skills, and to speak Russian! 

Ever wonder what kind of sounds can be heard from the deepest part of the ocean? Scientists from Oregon State University and NOAA placed an underwater microphone in the Mariana Trench. Check it out here! 

NOAA scientists have discovered a ghost-like octopod nearly 2.5 miles underwater near Hawaii. This is potentially a new species, never seen until now. It was found by the Deep Discover, a remotely operated vehicle or ROV equipped with cameras that captured the video above. Learn more here!

 On Tuesday, American astronaut Scott Kelly returned to Earth after spending 1 year aboard the International Space Station. Kelly, along with Russian cosmonauts Sergey Volkov and Mikhail Kornienko touched down in Kazakstan. NASA will evaluate Kelly as they try to learn more about the effects of space on the human body, in preparation for a mission to Mars in the 2030's. During his year in space, Kelly orbited the Earth 5,440 times!  Read more here!

Written by educator Charlton Brownell