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If you want to be a creator, I have great news for you: There are plenty of jobs.
Creators are now the fastest-growing job segment within the digital economy. According to a new study from by the Interactive Advertising Bureau and written in conjunction with Harvard Business School professor emeritus John Deighton (and first reported by Axios), creator jobs grew 7.5 times in four years. Total job opportunities for creators grew from 200,000 in 2020 to 1.5 million in 2024. Creators now make up one out of every ten full-time, internet-dependent jobs.
How does the IAB define a creator? "Someone who produces original content, often with a specific skill, passion, or expertise at the core. Their value comes from what they show — whether it’s knowledge, creativity, or entertainment. Their audience follows them because they consistently deliver engaging, high-quality content that provides intrinsic value."
The report also states: "This remarkable growth stems from three key factors: 1) the shift of ad budgets to digital platforms, streaming services, and online publishers, 2) the ease of creating and distributing digital content, and 3) the rise of a more professionalized creator economy," the report states."
And the digital economy isn't showing signs of slowing down, according to the report. In fact, the IAB claims it's the fastest-growing and leading driver of U.S. GDP growth, valued at $4.9 trillion.
SEE ALSO: The trade war’s surprising targets: content creatorsLeora Kornfeld, principal research consultant and co-author of the study, told Axios that this is at least in part due to more consumer choice enabled by the internet and social media.
This comes as more and more people want to become influencers. According to a 2023 Morning Consult survey, 57 percent of young people want to be influencers. The same survey found that even 41 percent of adults would choose influencing, too.
Jessica Biel and Elizabeth Banks navigate familial tension, secrets, and murder at home in Prime Video's adaptation of Alafair Burke's crime novel The Better Sister.
In the eight-part series, with a trailer out today, the pair play estranged sisters Chloe and Nicky, whose lives are very different. Chloe is soaring at the top of her executive job and living a seemingly idyllic family life. Conversely, Nicky is in a pretty bad place, struggling with addiction. But the kicker is that her ex Adam (Corey Stoll) is now Chloe's husband and they live together with and Nicky's teen son Ethan (Maxwell Acee Donovan) — essentially, Chloe is living what could have been Nicky's life.
When Chloe returns home after a fancy event to find Adam murdered, Chloe and Nicky find themselves reunited and wading into some family truths while Detectives Nancy Guidry (Kim Dickens) and Matt Bowen (Bobby Naderi) investigate his death. Matthew Modine, Lorraine Toussaint, Gabriel Sloyer, and Gloria Reuben also star.
The last time Jessica Biel was in a crime thriller series about sisters everything turned out fine, right?
SAVE 50%: As of April 30, you can get the official Atari 7800+ Console for $64.99, down from $129.99, at Woot. That's a 50% discount and $65 in savings. It's also a new all-time low price.
Opens in a new window Credit: Deep Silver Official Atari 7800+ Console & Wireless Controller $64.99 at WootIf you’re feeling a little burnt out by all the AI news, maybe a little nostalgia is what you need. The retro Atari 7800+ console could be your ticket back to the pixelated yesteryear. (Yes, they still make Ataris.)
Right now, you can get your hands on an official Atari 7800+ Console and wireless controller for just $64.99, down from $129.99, at Woot. That’s a 50% discount and a savings of $65. It’s also the lowest price we’ve seen on this modern-classic console, so you can go back to the future while keeping money in your pocket.
SEE ALSO: Check out over 35 of the best Amazon Gaming Week dealsThe Atari 7800+ connects via HDMI and supports both 2600 and 7800 game cartridges. It comes with a USB-C power cable and new wireless CX78+ gamepad. (You’ll need to pick up a 1A USB power adapter if you don’t have one on hand.) It also comes with a 'Bentley Bear’s Crystal Quest' cartridge, so you can start playing right out of the box.
SAVE $50: As of April 30, get the Google Pixel Watch 3 for $299.99, down from its usual price of $349.99. That's a discount of 14%.
Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Google Pixel Watch 3 $299.99 at AmazonSummer is just about here, and that means spending more time outdoors for many of us. You'll want to make sure you're reachable if need be, and that you can get in touch with anyone you need to talk to while out and about as well. That's where a great smartwatch comes in. If you're looking for one and use an Android device as your primary phone, you might be interested in this deal from Amazon.
As of April 30, get the Google Pixel Watch 3 for $299.99, down from its usual price of $349.99. That's $50 off and a discount of 14%.
SEE ALSO: The best fitness trackers you can buy in 2025: From smartwatches to ringsThe Google Pixel Watch 3 is more than just a regular smartwatch. It's got tons of options in terms of fitness tracking, with plenty of features that can help you keep abreast of your workouts and their efficacy. It also has sleep and resting heart rate tracking to see how ready you are for the day and your planned workouts each day. You can even build custom run tracking and get real-time commentary on your form to make sure you're getting the most out of each session.
Each morning, your watch prepares a Fitbit Morning Brief with a cardio load report to measure how hard you're pushing your heart, while serving up a report on how you're training. It'll also give you notes on how you slept and calculate a readiness score so you know if you should go all out for the day or not.
Beyond fitness tracking, you can use the Pixel Watch 3 for calling, texting, and using a variety of apps. If you're ready to go out into the world with a reliable piece of wrist candy this summer, snag your watch now at Amazon.
SAVE $12: The Star Wars Echo Dot bundle with Echo Dot speaker and Star Wars TIE Fighter stand is on sale at Amazon for $97.98, down from the list price of $109.98. That's an 11% discount.
Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Star Wars Echo Dot bundle $97.98 at AmazonIt's not an official holiday but, for many of us, May 4th is a day to be celebrated. May the Fourth is the unofficial Star Wars Day, but it might as well be official, since Lucasfilms has plenty of ideas on how to celebrate, and even the Disney Parks have events in store. May the Fourth always brings about tons of deals on fun Star Wars items, like all the Lego sets you could ever want and even a free Grogu model if you're lucky. If you're looking for a fun way to celebrate Star Wars all year long at home, there's a really cool deal in store today at Amazon.
As of April 30, the Star Wars Echo Dot bundle is on sale for $97.98 at Amazon, down from the list bundle price of $109.98. That's a savings of $12 thanks to the 11% discount. The bundle includes the Amazon Echo Dot smart speaker and the limited edition Star Wars TIE Fighter stand that houses the speaker. The stand has a release date of May 6, and if you already own the Echo Dot, you can snag the Star Wars stand at Amazon for $59.99 instead of the bundle.
SEE ALSO: Score 18% off the Lego Star Wars Darth Vader Helmet ahead of May 4The Star Wars Echo Dot bundle is one of the most functional ways to incorporate some Star Wars vibes into your everyday life. The TIE Fighter Stand serves as a great home for the Echo Dot speaker — not a necessity, but certainly a fun way to add some Star Wars into your home.
The stand's design means the light ring on the Echo Dot will illuminate the engine port on the stand. Plus, the bundle comes with a TIE Fighter hangar diorama for the perfect display.
SAVE 25%: As of April 30, you can get a 75-inch Hisense Class A7 Series TV for $489.99, down from $649.99, at Amazon. That's a 25% discount and $160 in savings. It's also the lowest price we've seen for this model yet.
Hisense 75" Class A7 Series 4K UHD Smart Fire TV (75A7NF) - Wide Color Gamut, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, AI Sports Mode, Game Mode, ALLM, Alexa Built in with Voice Remote, Streaming TV, Black $489.99 at AmazonYou don’t have to be a football fan or have any excuse, really, to buy a 75-inch 4K TV. And with prices as low as they are on Amazon right now, it's hard to find a reason not to upgrade.
As of April 30, you can score a 75-inch Hisense Class A7 Series 4K UHD Smart Fire TV for $489.99, down from $649.99, at Amazon. That’s a 25% discount and a savings of $160. It’s also the lowest price we’ve seen on this model yet. (If you prefer a smaller screen, the 50-inch is on sale for $249.99.)
SEE ALSO: The best time to buy a TV: A guide to the times of year that you'll find the best TV dealsThis Hisense TV features Dolby Vision HDR and HDR10+ for a sharp picture with vibrant colors and rich contrast. The AI UHD Upscaler also makes it easy to watch older, non-4K content. Plus, it's a Fire TV, so you can stream from services like Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, and more without connecting an external device. (You'll get an Alexa Voice Remote, too.)
Gamers will also appreciate the Game Mode, which features a higher Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM).
TL;DR: Live stream Sabalenka vs. Kostyuk in the 2025 Madrid Open for free on RTVE. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
The quarter finals of the 2025 Madrid Open are finally here after some serious power isses this week. There are a number of really interesting games at this late stage, including Sabalenka vs. Kostyuk. Can Sabalenka build some momentum as she looks to win the French Open for the first time.
If you want to watch Sabalenka vs. Kostyuk in the 2025 Madrid Open for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
How to watch Sabalenka vs. Kostyuk for freeThe 2025 Madrid Open is available to live stream for free on RTVE, including Sabalenka vs. Kostyuk.
RTVE is geo-restricted to Spain, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Spain, meaning you can unblock RTVE from anywhere in the world.
Access free live streams of the 2025 Madrid Open by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in Spain
Visit RTVE
Watch the 2025 Madrid Open for free from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading services do tend to offer incentive deals such as free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these deals, you can live stream Sabalenka vs. Kostyuk without actually spending anything. This isn't a long-term solution, but it gives you enough time to watch the Madrid Open before recovering your investment.
What is the best VPN for RTVE?ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live tennis on RTVE, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries including Spain
Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure
Fast connection speeds
Up to eight simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $139 and includes an extra four months for free — 61% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.
Live stream Sabalenka vs. Kostyuk in the 2025 Madrid Open for free with ExpressVPN.
SAVE $10: As of April 30, the Lego Botanicals Orchid is on sale for $39.99 at Amazon. That's 20% off its list price of $49.99.
Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Botanicals Orchid $39.99 at AmazonMother's Day is coming up soon and if you're looking for some fun gift ideas, the Lego Botanicals sets are always a cool choice. Each set highlights different flowers and they make for nice display pieces. Plus, they're a fun project to work on together. At the moment, some are also enjoying some nice discounts, including the lovely Lego Botanicals Orchid.
The Lego Botanicals Orchid has been discounted at Amazon from its list price of $49.99 to $39.99, saving you 20%. If you've had your eyes on this set, now is a good time to scoop it up and save some cash.
SEE ALSO: May the savings be with you: The best Lego Star Wars Day deals in the galaxyWith 608 pieces, the Lego Botanicals Orchid features white and pink flowers with a cute little pot to hold them in. Once completed, you can set it up proudly on a table, bookshelf, or desk to show off. What makes it even better is you don't have to worry about watering or maintaining it afterward, which is a huge bonus. This Lego set will stay standing for as long as you want it to.
Don't miss out on 20% off the Lego Botanicals Orchid at Amazon.
This isn't the only Lego Botanicals set that's on sale right now, either. If you want another option that would make for a great Mother's Day gift, you can also save on the Lego Botanicals Wildflower Bouquet at the moment.
It's been over a week since not all of us survived the second episode of The Last of Us Season 2, and people are still reeling from the loss — for gamers, it was a moment that reopened old wounds.
Gabriel Luna, who plays Tommy, brother to Joel (Pedro Pascal), in the show, chatted to Seth Meyers on Late Night bout the shift in dynamic both within the show and on set, and how the cast dealt with it.
"I knew that early in that second game there's the abrupt departure of a beloved character and a beloved person to me personally, as the character Tommy and as the person Gabriel," says Luna in the clip above.
"We all had to prepare for what that is. It’s going to be a dynamic shift. When things like that happen in life, family dynamics change, and it was very much the same for us on the set, because (I'll just say it) Pedro is a beautiful, wonderful person and led with such grace and talent. And I thought we all just felt that transition when it now rests in the hands of Bella Ramsey, Kaitlyn Dever, and myself."
"I’ll tell you the other side," Meyers responds. "I think he got what was coming to him."
New episodes of The Last of Us Season 2 premiere on HBO and Max Sundays at 9 p.m. ET.
Watching The Last of Us and want to play the games? Here's how.
Amber Ruffin was supposed to perform at the White House Correspondents Dinner on Saturday, but was disinvited by WHCA president Eugene Daniels in March, with the comedian telling Stephen Colbert the reason on Tuesday night.
"I had said that it would be impossible to make jokes about both sides," Ruffin said on The Late Show. "Because we're at a point now where one side is snatching people up off the street and putting them on a plane, and the other side is, you know, not doing that."
"After they fired me I looked back at my Google Doc and was like, this would have been bad," Ruffin added later. "They would not have liked it."
Colbert, who performed at the WHCA in 2006, absolutely ripping into then-President George W. Bush, asked Ruffin of any jokes she might like to share with The Late Show — to which she said "absolutely not." However, she did share her potential wrap-up.
"I was going to end it with like, 'This administration is trying to get you to hate other people and that's not your natural state. Human beings are made to love one another. But, I mean, it's true! They got you by convincing you that you're filled with hate and you absolutely aren't. It's the opposite of what you're made for.' And saying that out loud now makes me glad that I got cancelled."
TL;DR: Live stream Keys vs. Swiatek in the 2025 Madrid Open for free on RTVE. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
The quarter finals of the 2025 Madrid Open showcase some really interesting matchups, including Keys vs. Swiatek. All eyes will be on the defending champion as she takes on the talented American.
If you want to watch Keys vs. Swiatek in the 2025 Madrid Open for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
How to watch Keys vs. Swiatek for freeThe 2025 Madrid Open is available to live stream for free on RTVE, including Keys vs. Swiatek.
RTVE is geo-restricted to Spain, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Spain, meaning you can unblock RTVE from anywhere in the world.
Access free live streams of the 2025 Madrid Open by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in Spain
Visit RTVE
Watch the 2025 Madrid Open for free from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading services do tend to offer incentive deals such as free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these deals, you can live stream Keys vs. Swiatek without actually spending anything. This isn't a long-term solution, but it gives you enough time to watch the Madrid Open before recovering your investment.
What is the best VPN for RTVE?ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live tennis on RTVE, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries including Spain
Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure
Fast connection speeds
Up to eight simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $139 and includes an extra four months for free — 61% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.
Live stream Keys vs. Swiatek in the 2025 Madrid Open for free with ExpressVPN.
SAVE $30: As of April 30, the JBL Flip 6 portable speaker is on sale for $99.95 at Amazon. That's 23% off its list price of $129.95.
Opens in a new window Credit: JBL JBL Flip 6 $99.95 at AmazonWarmer weather is here, and if you're hoping to set out on outdoor adventures to the beach or the pool, a portable speaker can help make that journey a bit more entertaining. Thankfully, there are some great deals on portable speakers right now that are worth checking out. In particular, the JBL Flip 6 has been discounted at Amazon, dropping below $100.
The JBL Flip 6 has received a 23% discount at Amazon which has dropped its price from $129.95 to $99.95. This offer applies to quite a few different color options as well, so you can choose between blue, black, camo, green, grey, pink, red, teal, and white. That's not all, though. Select speaker colors also come with a 90-day free trial of an Amazon Music Unlimited Individual Plan. It's only available to new subscribers, though.
SEE ALSO: The 8 best Bluetooth speakers, testedThis portable speaker is a great size for taking on the go and is even waterproof and dustproof, so no matter where your journeys take you, it's built to handle it. It also boasts powerful sound and up to 12 hours of battery life, so you can keep the music going for hours and hours without having to worry about recharging too frequently.
It's currently listed as a limited-time deal. Don't miss out on 23% off the JBL Flip 6 at Amazon.
If you prefer to listen to music, podcasts, or audiobooks on your own, there are some great headphone and earbud deals available right now as well. A couple of our favorites that are worth a look are on the AirPods 4 (without ANC) and Bose QuietComfort headphones at Amazon.
Dating can be a challenge no matter your age, but the truth is that the older we get, the more in tune we become with our wants and needs.
While the over-50 dating pool might seem smaller, it's actually getting bigger all the time. Thanks to online dating, you now have new opportunities to connect with people who share your interests and values.
If you’re still hesitant, consider this: A 2025 report from Seniorly (using data from the U.S. Census Bureau) found that 25.9 million older adults in the U.S. are forgoing marriage, a jump of 5.8 million in the last decade. With an estimated 4.2 million Americans turning 65 this year, the senior dating pool is larger than ever.
SEE ALSO: Best dating sites for singles over 40 What is the most successful dating site for seniors?While niche sites like SeniorMatch, Singles50, and Just Senior Singles might come to mind, we've found that these platforms can be expensive and sometimes even predatory, offering a poor user experience and limited matches. Plus, with romance scams costing Americans over 50 an estimated $1.14 billion in 2023, and a concerning doubling of STIs among seniors between 2000 and 2022, it's wise to do your research first.
That's why we often nudge folks toward the bigger, more established platforms like eharmony, SilverSingles, and Match. These popular apps aren't just for the younger crowd — they're filled with singles of all ages, including a significant number of mature users. What's also interesting is that current dating trends show that there's a growing openness to wider age gaps in relationships. This means senior daters might find connections not just within their immediate age range, but also with potentially compatible partners who are just a little younger.
SEE ALSO: What are romance scams and how can you avoid them?Whether you're looking for something casual or a committed relationship, we've got you covered. Below, you’ll find our top picks for the best dating sites and apps for seniors based on our own experiences, hands-on reviews, and comparative research on the experiences of other online daters. We’ve also answered some FAQs to help you get the most out of your online dating experience, from setting up your profile to avoiding romance scams.
A quick note on pricing: just like everything else, the costs for dating apps and sites can sometimes change. We work hard to keep this guide current for you, but you might encounter slight variations.
Stephen Colbert's mission is to truly know Will Ferrell, but some people clearly cannot be fully known.
In the clip above the Late Show host gives the You're Cordially Invited star his trademark "Colbert Questionert" asking about everything from the scariest animal ("Penguin," responds Ferrell. "You know the old saying, never turn your back on a penguin.") to his favorite action movie (Sense and Sensibility is Ferrell's immediate response).
The highlight? An impromptu but welcome rendition of Rick Astley's "Never Gonna Give You Up."
SAVE $50: As of April 30, the Fitbit Sense 2 is on sale for $199.95 at Amazon. That's 20% off its list price of $249.95.
Opens in a new window Credit: Fitbit Fitbit Sense 2 $199.95 at AmazonA fitness tracker or smartwatch is a good pick-up if you're looking for a little extra help to keep up with your fitness progress or keep an eye on your health stats. If you've been on the lookout for a new model, there have been some very nice deals floating around recently. One of our favorites is this discount on the Fitbit Sense 2, which has dropped below $200 for a limited time at Amazon.
The Fitbit Sense 2 is currently listed for $199.95, a 20% discount from its list price of $249.95. A few different color options are on sale as well, so you can choose between the shadow grey/graphite smartwatch, the blue mist/pale gold, or the lunar white/platinum.
SEE ALSO: Upgrade to the Garmin Venu 3S for less with this limited-time offerAlongside the nice design, the Fitbit Sense 2 is ready to help tackle the day with its numerous health and fitness features. These include all-day activity tracking, 24/7 heart rate tracking, 40+ exercise modes, sleep tracking, and all-day stress detection. So whether you're heading out for a workout or staying inside for the day, this watch is a helpful item to have by your side.
Amazon has this listed as a limited-time deal, so act fast to save on the Fitbit Sense 2.
This isn't the only Fitbit deal we've come across recently. If you want to spend a little less cash, the Fitbit Charge 6 is also discounted right now at Amazon.
Save $350: As of April 30, the Eufy X10 Pro Omni robot vacuum is on sale for $549.99 at Amazon. That's a savings of 39% on list price.
Opens in a new window Credit: Eufy Eufy X10 Pro Omni Robot Vacuum $549.99 at AmazonCalling all robot vacuum lovers, we've found another great deal at Amazon. As of April 30, the Eufy X10 Pro Omni Robot Vacuum is back down to its lowest-ever price. Save a whopping $350 with this limited-time offer.
If you're not convinced, this vacuum needs only speak for itself. Standout features include self-emptying functionality, AI obstacle detection, carpet detection, and voice reminders. If you have an Alexa device, it'll even work with voice control. Because who doesn't want to tell their vacuum exactly what to do?
SEE ALSO: This robot vacuum has the same features as $1,500 vacuums but costs under $400And it doesn't just pick up dirt, this model also mops your floors too, as well as self-cleans and refills. Basically, your work is always done. For a full overview, check out what we thought when we gave it a review.
For pet owners, you may be wondering if a robot vacuum is smart enough to pick up those annoying little hairs that end up everywhere, and you'll be pleased to know, it is. The detangling brush will become your favorite feature. The roller brush rotates in reverse, and the Pro-Detangle Comb flips down to loosen and remove hair that's wrapped around the roller brush so you don't have to do anything.
This deal is stamped as limited-time only, so head to Amazon now to grab this great discount.
The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe.
With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.
So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered.
SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on MashableHere are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Wednesday, April 30, 2025:
AcrossPicture holderThe answer is Frame.
The answer is Remix.
The answer is Elite.
The answer is Tiger.
The answer is Cost.
The answer is Fret.
The answer is Relic.
The answer is Amigo.
The answer is Mites.
The answer is Exert.
If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
Featured Video For You The Wordle Strategy used by the New York Times' Head of GamesAre you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.
Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Mini Crossword.
Astronomers poring through a now-retired space telescope's data have spotted a bizarre family of fledgling stars breaking all the rules of how they're expected to behave.
The star group, which scientists have recently named Ophion, consists of more than 1,000 stars that formed together but are now scattering at high speeds. Stars that share the same birthplace usually migrate together for millions to billions of years.
But Ophion, just 20 million years old, is already flying apart in a fraction of the time it’d usually take to disperse. Researchers say all of these relatives are about to become estranged, completely removed from their ancestral home.
The discovery, made with the European Space Agency's Gaia star-surveying spacecraft, could change how astronomers find and study stellar groups — and reveal previously unknown ways they shape the Milky Way.
"Ophion is filled with stars that are set to rush out across the galaxy in a totally haphazard, uncoordinated way, which is far from what we’d expect for a family so big," said Dylan Huson of Western Washington University in a statement. "It’s like no other star family we’ve seen before."
SEE ALSO: Webb telescope may have just revealed a spiral galaxy's startling secret In this graphic, dots show the location of Ophion, a young star family discovered by the now-retired Gaia mission. Credit: ESA / Gaia / DPAC graphicTo find Ophion, scientists used a new machine-learning computer tool to analyze data from Gaia, which mapped the galaxy for more than a decade but recently retired because it ran out of fuel. Though the mission concluded this year, these new findings are a tease to another vast data release expected in 2026.
Gaia has revealed long strings of stars that have stayed together for billions of years and even uncovered old star streams that helped shape the galaxy itself.
The tool, aptly named Gaia Net, has sifted through the massive amount of survey data and figured out basic traits of stars, such as their temperatures, sizes, ages, and ingredients.
By searching for young stars, Gaia Net homed in on the young family about 650 light-years away, a relatively short distance in cosmic scales. The new paper, led by Huson, appears in The Astrophysical Journal.
The exact reason for Ophion’s strange behavior is still unclear. One idea is that powerful events near the group — like explosions of old stars into supernovas — might have pushed the stars apart. Another idea is that nearby star groups may have disrupted Ophion with their energy and gravity.
Whatever the cause, Ophion seemingly escaped traditional methods of detection because they rely on spotting stars that move similarly through space. Because of that, there may have been a confirmation bias in only finding star families that behave in that specific way. Perhaps more star groups that don't fit the mold, previously eluding researchers, are waiting to be found, too.
"Previous methods identified families by clustering similarly moving stars together, but Ophion would have slipped through this net," said Marina Kounkel, a co-author based at the University of North Florida, in a statement. "Without the huge, high-quality datasets from Gaia, and the new models we can now use to dig into these, we may have been missing a big piece of the stellar puzzle."
TL;DR: Tired of your charging cables tangling? Get a 2-pack of these self-coiling charging cables with built-in magnets for $29.99 with free shipping (reg. $39.98).
Opens in a new window Credit: Statik MagStack Slim 3-foot Magnetic Tangle-Free Cables $29.99Most charging cords end up looking like a bird’s nest after two weeks of real life (especially if you put them in your travel bag or purse), but not this one. The MagStack Slim uses built-in magnets to stay neatly coiled, tangle-free, and ready to charge with faster speeds and transfer limits than your basic one.
Order a 2-pack of magnetic charging cables for just $29.99 with free shipping while supplies last (reg. $39.98).
Untangle your desk and your problemsThe real problem with regular cords isn’t just the mess — it’s the frustration. Tugging knots apart every time you need a charge isn’t just annoying, it’s avoidable. The MagStack Slim completely sidesteps the chaos by automatically coiling itself into a clean, compact circle that fits easily into your bag, desk, or even sticks to your fridge (yes, really — it’s magnetic).
It’s not just about organization, either. These fast-charging cables support 27W power boosts, so you aren’t sitting around waiting for your phone or devices to catch up. Plus, they allow data transfers up to 480Mbps, meaning you can move files quickly without needing a separate setup.
With a reinforced nylon braid and 2x stronger magnetic connection than cheaper knockoffs, the MagStack Slim is designed to survive daily life, even when that means being crammed into your backpack or yanked off the nightstand in a half-asleep daze.
Get your 2-pack of these USB-C to USB-A magnetic cables for $29.99 with free shipping while supplies last (reg. $39.98).
StackSocial prices subject to change.
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