Five Things We Learned This Week

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Week of September 29 – October 5, 2025

Another week where science, markets and policy nudged the world in small and big ways. Below are five date-checked items from September 29 → October 5, 2025, each drawn from primary reporting and checked for event dates.

🔭 Webb hints at an atmosphere on TRAPPIST-1e

On Oct 1, 2025 teams working with James Webb Telescope data reported spectral hints consistent with an atmosphere around the rocky exoplanet TRAPPIST-1e. The results are preliminary and require follow-up spectroscopy, but they raise the possibility that this nearby world could retain gases relevant to habitability. Why it matters: Detecting an atmosphere on a nearby rocky planet would be a major step toward assessing exoplanet habitability and prioritizing future observations.

🛰️ Webb detects moon-forming chemistry around CT Cha b

Between Sept 29 – Oct 4, 2025, NASA and STScI highlighted Webb spectroscopy showing a circumplanetary disk around the young planet CT Cha b with molecules associated with moon formation — organics and simple hydrocarbons were reported in the disk. Why it matters: Observing moon-forming chemistry beyond the Solar System gives new insight into how satellite systems assemble and how common moon formation may be.

📉 U.S. services sector stalls as new orders weaken (ISM, Oct 3)

On Oct 3, 2025 the ISM non-manufacturing index fell to the 50 breakeven level, with new orders plunging and employment in the sector remaining weak — a clear slowdown in the U.S. services economy. Why it matters: Services dominate the U.S. economy; a stall raises the odds of central-bank easing and changes the outlook for jobs and growth.

📉 Canada’s services PMI contracts further (S&P Global, Oct 3)

Also on Oct 3, 2025 S&P Global reported Canada’s services PMI at 46.3 in September — a three-month low signaling continued contraction, with declines in employment and outstanding business. Why it matters: The slide points to economic vulnerability in Canada and will factor into Bank of Canada policy deliberations.

👷 Planned hiring at its weakest in 16 years even as layoffs ease (Oct 2)

On Oct 2, 2025 reports showed U.S. planned hiring for the year fell to its lowest level in 16 years, even as announced layoffs eased in September — a sign of persistent caution among employers. Why it matters: Weak hiring intentions alongside lower layoffs indicate a cautious labour market that could keep wage and inflation pressures muted and alter growth prospects.

Closing thoughts: From possible atmospheres on nearby rocky worlds to warning lights in services sectors and hiring plans, this week mixed cosmic curiosity with economic caution. We’ll keep tracking these threads—scientific, fiscal, and social—and bring you the five things worth your attention every Saturday.

Sources

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