# Nightly News: 2026-10-16

That night's Nightly News edition.

## [Artemis II Heat Shield After Splashdown](https://darkskiesdirectory.com/nightly-news/2026-10-16/artemis-ii-heat-shield-after-splashdown)

Source: [NASA (all news)](https://www.nasa.gov/image-article/artemis-ii-heat-shield-after-splashdown/)

NASA's Artemis II mission splashed down on April 10, 2026, and the US Navy captured underwater imagery of the Orion spacecraft's heat shield shortly after. This is exciting news for sky-watchers interested in space travel and exploration, as a successful heat shield is crucial for protecting both the crew and spacecraft systems during reentry. The confirmation that the heat shield performed as expected is a positive step forward for future Artemis missions. Sky-watchers can look forward to learning more about the examination of Orion's heat shield through NASA's updates and images.

## [Scientists find 'gemstones' in atmosphere of bizarre, scorching-hot 'marshmallow' exoplanet](https://darkskiesdirectory.com/nightly-news/2026-10-16/scientists-find-gemstones-in-atmosphere-of-bizarre-scorching-hot-marshmallow-exoplanet)

Source: [Space.com](https://www.space.com/astronomy/exoplanets/scientists-find-gemstones-in-atmosphere-of-bizarre-scorching-hot-marshmallow-exoplanet)

Scientists have discovered gemstones in the atmosphere of WASP-17b, a scorching-hot exoplanet with a marshmallow-like consistency. This finding is exciting for sky-watchers because it showcases the unique capabilities of the James Webb Space Telescope to study the atmospheres of distant planets. The discovery of these gemstones, likely formed through intense heat and pressure, offers a fascinating glimpse into the extreme conditions on this unusual exoplanet. Astronomers can continue to study WASP-17b using the James Webb Space Telescope to learn more about its atmospheric composition and properties.

## [Plants shift gene activity within minutes of entering spaceflight, experiment reveals](https://darkskiesdirectory.com/nightly-news/2026-10-16/plants-shift-gene-activity-within-minutes-of-entering-spaceflight-experiment-reveals)

Source: [Phys.org (Space News section)](https://phys.org/news/2026-10-shift-gene-minutes-spaceflight-reveals.html)

Plants begin responding to spaceflight almost immediately after leaving Earth, with changes in gene activity occurring within minutes. This rapid adaptation is fascinating for sky-watchers and space enthusiasts, as it sheds light on how living organisms react to the unique conditions of space. Understanding these responses can inform future space missions and the potential for growing plants in space, which could have significant implications for long-term space travel and habitation.

## [The Sky This Week from October 16 to 23: The Orionid meteor shower peaks](https://darkskiesdirectory.com/nightly-news/2026-10-16/the-sky-this-week-from-october-16-to-23-the-orionid-meteor-shower-peaks)

Source: [Astronomy.com](https://www.astronomy.com/the-sky-this-week/the-sky-this-week-from-october-16-to-23-2026/)

The Orionid meteor shower peaks from October 16 to 23, offering a great opportunity for sky-watchers to catch some celestial action. This event is exciting for astronomy enthusiasts as it provides a chance to witness a notable meteor shower. Sky-watchers can look forward to planning their viewing sessions during this period to maximize their chances of spotting meteors. The peak of the Orionid meteor shower is a highlight of the week's astronomical events, which also include Pluto being stationary in Capricornus and the Moon reaching apogee.

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Updated: 2026-10-16T23:01:17.004Z