B1June 11, 2026·2 min read·262 words·5 vocab words·Source: NASA

NASA Has Identified a Rhythmic Pulse in Air Quality

Also in
🇫🇷Français🇪🇸Español🇮🇹Italiano🇳🇴Norsk
Read at another level
NASA Has Identified a Rhythmic Pulse in Air Quality
Photo: NASA
In brief

NASA has recently tracked a daily pulse of air pollution over the Northeast region. Scientists have used advanced satellites to monitor these changing patterns from space. In other news, NASA has officially named the crew for the Artemis Moon mission. Meanwhile, the new X-59 aircraft has flown at supersonic speeds for the first time. The agency has also grown stem cells in space to improve treatments for cancer. Finally, the Webb telescope has found evidence for black hole stars, which has fascinated scientists everywhere.

Listen — hands-free audio modeSwipe through today's stories at your level. Lock your screen and keep listening.
Vocabulary · Words with a dotted underline are vocabulary words — tap for an instant definition.

NASA’s Earth Observatory has recently tracked air pollution over the Northeast region. Scientists have identified what they call a "daily pulse" in the atmosphere. This means that pollution levels have changed rhythmically throughout the day. NASA has used advanced satellites to monitor these patterns from space. This research has provided new data about the environmental impact of human activity. In other news, NASA has continued its progress toward the Artemis III mission. They have officially named the crew members who will go to the Moon in 2027. Meanwhile, the X-59 aircraft has flown supersonic for the first time. This achievement has marked a major step for aeronautics and flight innovation. NASA has also released skywatching tips for June 2026. Amateur astronomers have looked for planets and stars during the warm nights this month. In the field of medicine, NASA has grown stem cells in space to improve treatments for cancer and other diseases. They have also studied pneumonia to better understand heart health on Earth. Furthermore, Jim Irons has won the Pecora Award for his scientific contributions as a former Landsat scientist. The Webb telescope has found the strongest evidence yet for "black hole stars." This discovery has fascinated the scientific community worldwide. NASA has also concluded an investigation into an antenna mishap and has released a full report about the incident. They have collaborated with the private sector and NOAA on new satellite systems. These projects have helped everyone understand the complex systems of our planet, including heat, radiation, and the oceans. NASA remains dedicated to science for everyone. (268 words)

Speak about it

Take a position. Out loud, if you can.

Four ways to start. Pick one and try saying it before you scroll on.

Tip · Record yourself, use in a notebook, or practice with a language partner.

Comprehension
Question 1 of 3

What has NASA’s Earth Observatory recently tracked?

Grammar spotlight

Present Perfect for Recent Events

One point · B1

Use the present perfect (have/has + past participle) to talk about recent events that have a connection to the present.

From this article

NASA’s Earth Observatory has recently tracked air pollution over the Northeast region.

What to know · B1

Use it today

Try saying this aloud

Neutral register

Scenario: Discussing current events at work or university.

  1. 01Have you seen the latest report?
  2. 02They have made a lot of progress.
  3. 03It has been a busy month for science.

Register tip · neutral

🔑Key Phrases

has recently trackedhas followed or monitored lately

A common present perfect structure for ongoing or recent research.

present perfect with adverb

The center has recently tracked local weather.

has marked a major stepis a very important progress

An idiomatic way to describe significant advancement.

present perfect idiom

This deal has marked a major step for the company.

🎙️ Article Audio — Kokoro TTS

NASA Has Identified a Rhythmic Pulse in Air Quality

Adapted from NASA · Read the original. LinguaPress rewrites the facts as original graded-reader text for language learners.

Continue reading

Advertisement