SMILE

Japanese actor Yutaka Takenouchi is trending after a press event for a new war-themed film marking over 80 years since the end of World War II. At the event, 13-year-old actress Aoi Kokeshi and co-star Fumi Nikaido shared candid moments with the cast, with the young actress teasing Takenouchi by describing him as 'kyuru-kyuru', leaving him smiling in embarrassment. Veterans Koichi Sato and Jo Odagiri also drew attention with remarks at the gathering.

ESA's Smile mission has returned its first ultraviolet image of Earth's northern aurora, capturing the glowing auroral oval during an auroral substorm. The image was taken by the mission's Ultraviolet Imager, which detects ultraviolet light emitted when energetic solar particles strike Earth's upper atmosphere. Space scientists and enthusiasts are sharing the observation as an early milestone for the newly operational mission.

Japanese actress Satomi Ishihara shared an off-shot photo showing her smiling with soft, curly permed hair, published by TV guide outlet Webザテレビジョン in connection with the drama 'ポリティカルパン'. Fans responded warmly, with comments calling her 'always the cutest' and praising the new hairstyle.

NASA's Astronomy Picture of the Day for October 6, 2026 features a complete auroral oval imaged by the SMILE mission, the joint solar-terrestrial observatory run with ESA. The image shows the glowing ring of aurora around Earth's polar region, and space enthusiasts are sharing the striking view across social platforms.

On July 19, 2013, NASA's Cassini probe slipped into Saturn's shadow and photographed the entire Saturnian system, capturing the rings backlit by the Sun along with seven moons. In the lower right of the image sits a tiny pale blue dot: Earth, some 1.4 billion kilometres away. The image, known as 'The Day the Earth Smiled', is being shared again as a reminder that everyone alive at the time was in the frame.

A reader going through Muriel Spark's novels is praising The Ballad of Peckham Rye, quoting the line where Dougal puts Mr Druce through the process of his smile. They argue that nobody writes like Spark, that her books cannot be boring, and that being somewhat discomfited by them is inevitable. The remark reflects an ongoing appreciation of Spark's sharp, unsettling style among readers revisiting her work.

Jeong-suk, one half of the 'Sang-cheol ♥' couple from season 28 of the Korean reality show 'Flower Path' (Flower Middle Path), shared photos of herself enjoying a shrimp party after finishing her parenting duties, smiling brightly in the images. The lighthearted post has drawn attention from fans of the show who follow the couple's life updates.

A young woman from Gaza has married after the war upended her life, sharing that for one day she smiled and celebrated and felt a piece of life return. She thanked those whose donations and support helped her reach the moment. Posts about her wedding have drawn warm reactions from people moved by a rare note of joy and resilience amid the devastation in Gaza.

Former AKB48 member Rina Kawaei attended the wedding of a fellow AKB48 member, bringing her child along. A comment of 'cute' from the child drew smiles at the celebration. The moment is being shared as a lighthearted entertainment news item, highlighting the close ties among former group members as they move into married and family life.

Payson's community band has become known for blending live music with a quirky touch: rubber chickens used as novelty instruments or props during performances. The local ensemble says the silliness helps connect with audiences and keeps concerts fun for families. The unusual pairing of brass traditions and squeaky toys is drawing smiles in the Arizona town.