Hackaday Links: February 8, 2026
This week's edition brings a mix of updates, from the closure of a significant scientific facility to the latest developments in cutting-edge technology.
The End of an Era: Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider Shuts Down
The Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC) at Brookhaven National Laboratory in New York has ceased operations after 25 years. This marks the end of the only U.S.-based heavy-ion collider, leaving the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) as the sole option for its kind. However, the RHIC's legacy will live on through the Electron-Ion Collider (EIC), which will take its place in the mid-2030s, utilizing the same tunnel and much of the same hardware.
Self-Driving Cars and Remote Assistance: Waymo's Surprising Admission
During a U.S. Senate hearing, Waymo's chief safety officer, Dr. Mauricio Peña, revealed that their self-driving cars rely on human 'remote assistance operators' when faced with unresolved situations. These operators, based in the U.S. and the Philippines, don't physically control the vehicle, raising questions about transparency and the involvement of foreign personnel in U.S. road operations.
Bitcoin's Uncertain Future: A Market Return to Normalcy?
The cryptocurrency market is experiencing a downturn, with Bitcoin dropping below $63,000 USD for the first time in over a year. David Goldman attributes this to global uncertainty and improving AI technology. However, he also suggests that the market is returning to pre-2024 levels, when candidate Trump's support for Bitcoin caused a surge in its value. As promised changes remain unfulfilled, the initial excitement seems to be fading.
Windows Users: Say Goodbye to the 3D Viewer
Microsoft is deprecating the integrated 3D Viewer in Windows, a tool for inspecting 3D files. While users can still use the existing version, it won't be officially available for download. Microsoft recommends a web-based alternative, Babylon.js, as a suitable replacement.
Mars Mystery: Organic Compounds and the Search for Life
NASA's Curiosity rover has detected organic compounds on Mars, but their origin remains unclear. While geological processes and meteorites could have contributed, no single explanation accounts for all the detected molecules. Researchers emphasize that this doesn't confirm current or active life on Mars, as the breakdown of these molecules over time is still not fully understood.
Satellites in Space: More Space Than You Think
Mathematician John Cook's analysis of low-Earth orbit satellites reveals that with approximately 12,500 satellites, each has around 100,000,000 km³ of space to itself. This challenges the notion of crowded satellite constellations, as the distribution is far from even. The calculation highlights the vastness of space and the potential for future satellite deployment.
Xikipedia: Endless Knowledge Exploration
For those seeking endless intellectual stimulation, Xikipedia offers a unique browsing experience. This open-source project transforms Simple English Wikipedia content into an endless feed, suggesting articles based on personal interests. It's a refreshing alternative to endless social media scrolling, inviting 'knowledgescrolling' instead.
Stay in Touch: Share Your Discoveries
Do you have an interesting find that would fit our weekly Links column? Share it with us via the submission link provided. We'd love to hear about your discoveries and explore the fascinating world of technology together!
