Martian Minerals, Toilet Heist, and a Planet Parade

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Staffers Exit DOGE

At least 21 federal workers resigned yesterday from the Elon Musk-led Department of Government Efficiency. In a joint resignation letter, the group of engineers, data scientists, and product managers said they refused to use their expertise to dismantle critical public services.

The group also claimed DOGE (see website) was recruiting politically motivated individuals who lack the necessary expertise and believed such hires undermine government systems and jeopardize sensitive data. The group of resignees once worked for an Obama-era office known as the United States Digital Service, which sought to modernize government technology and initially focused on issues related to the rollout of HealthCare.gov.

The mass exit comes amid a swath of legal challenges against DOGE as it leads the Trump administration's efforts to downsize the government and slash billions of dollars in federal spending. The lawsuits against DOGE focus on data access and privacy as well as the department's overall existence.

In related news, Nashville technology executive Amy Gleason was named interim administrator of the group late yesterday afternoon.

Why Mars is Red

A new NASA-funded study revealed yesterday the iron mineral ferrihydrite is likely responsible for Mars' distinctive red color, suggesting the planet once had a cool, wet, and possibly habitable environment. Researchers in the study analyzed data from Mars missions and replicated Martian dust in a lab.

The findings challenge previous theories that Mars’ red hue was due to hematite, a dry iron oxide that forms in warm conditions. However, the study indicates ferrihydrite, which forms in cool water, is widespread in Martian dust and rock formations. The presence of ferrihydrite—commonly found on Earth in environments such as freshwater systems, hot springs, and volcanic settings—suggests water may have been present on Mars for a longer period than previously thought, potentially supporting the existence of life, and possibly even forming ancient beaches.

The red planet has captivated astronomers for millennia. Ancient Romans named Mars after their god of war due to its blood-like color, and ancient Egyptians called it "Her Desher," which means "the red one."

Golden Toilet Heist

Three English men went on trial yesterday for their alleged 2019 theft of a satirical golden toilet from an art exhibit at the sprawling 18th-century Blenheim Palace in southern England. Prosecutors claim five men broke through a window and removed the functioning, 200-pound gold toilet in under five minutes. The three men deny the charges, while a fourth pleaded guilty to burglary. The toilet has not been recovered.

The piece—insured for $6M—was created by artist Maurizio Cattelan in 2016, an Italian known for creating provocative pieces often for comic effect (see images). Titled “America,” the piece debuted at New York’s Guggenheim Museum where hundreds of thousands used it. In 2019, the piece was moved to Blenheim Palace, the traditional seat of the Dukes of Marlborough where Winston Churchill was born (whose father was the third son of the Duke).

The theft occurred days after the exhibition of Cattelan’s works opened. The 18-karat gold—roughly 75% pure—is believed to have been quickly melted down and sold.

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