Happy Friday, dudes. Did you know that in 1958, the U.S. accidentally dropped a nuclear bomb on North Carolina? Don’t worry—it didn’t explode (which is why you’ve never heard of the great Charlotte Crater).

Anyway, no nukes here—just some top-tier Dude Stuff to kick off your weekend. Let’s get into it.

Science Stuff

The Call of the Void: Why Your Brain Wants You to Jump

Ever stood on the edge of a cliff, a tall building, or even a crowded subway platform and had a fleeting thought like, "Hey, what if I just... jumped?" Before you panic and call your therapist, let’s clear something up. You’re not alone, and no, it doesn’t mean you secretly want to go skydiving without a parachute. This odd mental quirk has a fancy French name: l'appel du vide—the call of the void.

So, what exactly is going on when your brain randomly decides to troll you with morbid suggestions? Well, psychologists say it’s actually a weirdly reassuring sign that your brain is working correctly. Counterintuitive, right? When you're up high, looking down into the abyss, your brain recognizes danger and fires up the self-preservation alarm. But instead of just sending a polite reminder like, "Hey, don't jump," it dramatically overcorrects with, "WOULDN’T IT BE INSANE IF YOU JUMPED? DON'T DO THAT."

Think of it like your brain testing its own emergency broadcast system. It tosses out the wildest, most dangerous idea possible just to make absolutely sure you know that's the exact opposite of what you should do. Think of it as your brain's internal warning system going into overdrive, like setting off a fire alarm because you lit a birthday candle. Sure, it's dramatic, but it definitely grabs your attention and ensures you're paying close attention—even if it's a bit over the top.

This phenomenon doesn't just apply to heights. Ever been driving along peacefully when your brain suddenly whispers, "What if you jerked the wheel into oncoming traffic?" Or stood on a train platform and thought, "I could totally just step off right now"? Relax, you’re not secretly self-destructive. You're experiencing the call of the void. Again, it’s your brain’s super twisted way of ensuring you don’t actually do anything dumb.

Studies show this is incredibly common. A 2012 study found that about 50% of people experience the call of the void at some point. So the next time it happens to you, instead of freaking out, give your brain a little nod of appreciation for being overly cautious in the most anxiety-inducing way possible.

The call of the void isn’t a red flag—it’s just your subconscious checking in with you, albeit in the weirdest way imaginable. It’s as if your brain is saying, “Just making sure you’re still with us, buddy.”

So, no need to fear those weird urges. Instead, take them as proof that your brain is hilariously—and morbidly—looking out for you.

Check This Out

POV Animation of the London Blitz (1940)

Photo of the Week

The Family Photo Left on the Moon (1972)

When Apollo 16 astronaut Charles Duke left a family photo on the Moon in 1972, he probably hoped it would stay there forever—sentimental, timeless, and super cool. But the lunar environment is merciless. Constant blasts of intense UV radiation, extreme temperature swings, and nonstop solar radiation have likely faded that cherished family portrait into a pale, blank scrap of paper. It’s still there, sure, but now as a ghostly reminder that even the most heartfelt gestures can't outlast the harsh realities of space.

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Random Stuff

Why Does the Vatican Have a Satellite?

When you think of the Vatican, you probably picture Michelangelo, majestic chapels, and maybe the Pope cruising around in his Popemobile—not state-of-the-art telescopes gazing into space. But interestingly enough, the Vatican operates one of the oldest astronomical institutions in the world: the Vatican Observatory.

Established way back in 1582 (that's older than most modern countries), it originally helped refine the calendar, keeping Easter from drifting into Christmas territory. Fast forward to today, and the Vatican operates a high-tech telescope known as the Vatican Advanced Technology Telescope (VATT), located on Mount Graham, Arizona. It's not exactly floating in space like your typical satellite, but it's so advanced and crucial to Vatican astronomy that it's often referred to casually as their "satellite."

But why does the Vatican—a religious institution—care about galaxies and stars? Turns out, they're all about harmonizing science and faith. The Vatican sees astronomy as a way to understand the universe's beauty and complexity, bridging the gap between spiritual wonder and scientific discovery. In short, they’re looking for big answers to big questions—like how the universe began and what humanity's place is in it.

Plus, having their own observatory sends a clear message: science and religion aren't rivals; they're partners in a quest to unravel life's mysteries. So, while the Pope probably isn't hunting aliens, the Vatican's "satellite" is proof they're committed to understanding the heavens—in both spiritual and literal ways.

Check out more images captured by the VATT here

Big shoutout to Margaret Zore for submitting this fascinating topic through our referral program! Want to see something featured on Dude Stuff? Just refer one friend, and you'll get to submit a topic. Easy as that.