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Artemis II Launch Day Updates LIVE: NASA is preparing for a historic mission to the Moon. April 1 will enter history books as the day man started his journey to the Moon once again after 54 years. This is the first time humans are going to deep space since the Apollo 17 mission, which last landed humans on the Moon. The launch will happen from NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre in Florida at 6:24 pm ET on April 1. The launch countdown started Monday at 4:44 pm ET. Live views and audio commentary of tanking operations started at 7:45 a.m. on NASA’s YouTube channel as teams load propellant into the SLS rocket. Orion, named Integrity by the Artemis crew, is the spacecraft that will fly the astronauts to the Moon.

At a press conference hours after the launch, NASA said that the crew is “safe, secure and in great spirits”. Meanwhile, astronaut Reid Wiseman said they had a “great view” shortly after take-off, and "got a great Moonrise".

NASA says crew is safe, secure and in great spirits

Artemis II crew—Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen—is currently performing system checkouts and “proximity operations”. They are currently putting the capsule through its first proper manoeuvre in space. Only after these functions are successfully done will the engines be fired for the Trans-Lunar Injection, finally setting Orion on a trajectory to the Moon.

Artemis II crew performs system checkouts

NASA launched the historic mission that will take humans to the moon after over 50 years. The rocket lifted off at 6:35 pm.

Artemis II launched: Orion lifts off on historic mission

A precise series of automated commands to prepare the&nbsp;SLS&nbsp;(Space Launch System)&nbsp;rocket&nbsp;and Orion spacecraft for liftoff&nbsp;at a T-0 time of 6:35 pm EDT is being carried out. This ensures that all systems, starting with propulsion to avionics, transition into flight mode.&nbsp;

Artemis II countdown enters terminal count

The spacecraft is now fully configured ahead of the historic launch. NASA’s Artemis&nbsp;II&nbsp;closeout&nbsp;crew completed its final work and has left Launch Complex 39B&nbsp;at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center&nbsp;in Florida. The team spent hours helping astronauts with suiting up, hatch closure, and performing critical spacecraft checks. Orion&nbsp;spacecraft&nbsp;sealed and ready for flight.&nbsp;

Artemis II Live: Orion spacecraft sealed and ready for flight

People in Florida and some parts of Georgia will be able to see the rocket from their homes as it takes off for the Moon. NASA shared details of how and when to watch. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/watch-artemis-ii-rocket-launch-from-these-areas-in-america-nasa-shares-details-1775027852049">Full story here</a>

Watch Artemis II rocket launch from your backyard

Engineers have fixed the problem identified with communication to the flight termination system. They performed a confidence test to ensure the hardware is functioning before the launch. This system allows sending a signal from the ground to destruct the rocket if it were to veer off course during ascent, so it does not pose a danger to the public.

Communication problem with the flight termination system fixed

NASA technicians&nbsp;have completed the&nbsp;launch&nbsp;abort&nbsp;system hatch closure, a step that ensures the Orion spacecraft is fully sealed and ready for flight. The hatch acts as an&nbsp;additional&nbsp;protective barrier for the crew module as the capsule flies towards its target. It also allows for a rapid escape&nbsp;in case of an emergency.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Artemis II Live: Launch abort system hatch closure done

Even as the countdown to the launch continues, a problem that has been identified can make it a no-go. The Eastern Range is trying to fix an issue related to their communication with the flight termination system. This system allows engineers on the ground to send a signal to destroy the rocket if it changes course during ascent. This is crucial to ensure public safety, and if it doesn't work, the launch might become a no-go, NASA said. However, the engineers are testing a solution.&nbsp;

Artemis II Live: Safety issue identified ahead of launch

The four astronauts have begun heading to the launch pad ahead of the launch window, which is scheduled to open shortly after 23:20 BST (18:20 local time). The Artemis II astronauts stepped outside the Neil A. Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center at 1:50 p.m. ET. The crew members were greeted by a cheering crowd of NASA staff, as well as members of the media and their families.&nbsp;NASA announced at 12:23 p.m. ET that it had completed the fast fill of liquid oxygen into the Space Launch System rocket's upper stage —&nbsp;a milestone in its tanking operations.

Astronauts head to launch pad

Astronauts in space carry a soft toy that acts as a zero-gravity indicator to give them a clear visual signal that the vehicle has reached weightlessness (microgravity). It is a small, lightweight object, mostly a plush toy. Artemis II astronauts are taking a small round face plushie wearing a cap. It has a micro SD card with the names of 5.6 million people. Rise, zero-gravity indicator for Artemis II<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2026/20260401/image-1775060423596.png"></figure>

Rise, the zero-gravity indicator for Artemis II

The fast fill of liquid oxygen (LOX) into the&nbsp;interim cryogenic propulsion stage is currently going on as part of NASA's Artemis II countdown. During this stage, the oxidiser is rapidly loaded after chilldown is complete. This sets up the&nbsp;SLS&nbsp;(Space Launch System) rocket&nbsp;upper stage to send the Orion spacecraft&nbsp;into a high Earth orbit.&nbsp;

Liquid oxygen (LOX) being loaded into the Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage (ICPS)

Artemis II will carry the names of 5.6 million people to the Moon when Orion is launched on the evening of April 1. A micro SD card with the names was placed inside Rise, their zero-gravity indicator.&nbsp;

Names of 5.6 million people are going to the Moon

Artemis II is currently in its final countdown for launch today, April 1, 2026. The process of chilldown happened in the morning after the tanking sequence started. It is a critical process of thermally conditioning the rocket's hardware to handle super-cold cryogenic propellants. The Space Launch System (SLS) uses liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen, but the pipes in the rocket are warm. If these liquids are put into "warm" pipes at ambient temperature, a catastrophic thermal shock could occur, potentially warping or cracking the metal.

Artemis II Live: What is "chilldown" and why it matters during tanking sequence

Tanking operations started at 7:45 am and can be seen live on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@NASA">NASA’s YouTube channel</a>. During this time, reams will load propellant into the SLS rocket. Full coverage for the mission launch will start on <a href="https://plus.nasa.gov/">NASA+</a> at 12:50 pm.&nbsp;

Where to watch the Artemis II launch Live

Fuelling is preceded by replacing the oxygen-rich atmospheric air inside the rocket's internal cavities with gaseous nitrogen. This process serves two primary functions. First, it prevents fire. By displacing oxygen, nitrogen creates a non-combustible environment, neutralising the risk of accidental ignition. It also serves the purpose of contamination control. Removing moisture and impurities protects sensitive internal systems from corrosion or freezing during the next phase of operations.

Why Inerting is a crucial step during tanking operations

On Wednesday morning at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, engineers completed the air-to-gaseous nitrogen changeover and cavity inerting. This critical procedure ensures both crew safety and the structural integrity of the launch vehicle.

Artemis II Live: Air-to-gaseous nitrogen changeover and cavity inerting

7:45 am: Live coverage of tanking operations to load propellant into the SLS rocket begins.12:50 pm: NASA+ coverage of launch begins.6:24 pm: Launch from Kennedy Space Center in Florida at EDT on Wednesday, April 1.

Artemis II launch schedule

Artemis Launch Director Charlie Blackwell-Thompson gave the official “go” for tanking at 7:33 am ET. Teams started loading propellants into the SLS (Space Launch System) rocket. This step begins with the chilldown&nbsp;of the core stage liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen transfer lines.

 Artemis II LIVE: Tanking operations on

Artemis II Launch Day Updates LIVE: NASA has launched Artemis II, scripting history as a crewed spacecraft takes humans to the Moon once again. 

Artemis II Launch Day Updates LIVE: NASA is preparing for a historic mission to the Moon. April 1 will enter history books as the day man started his journey to the Moon once again after 54 years. This is the first time humans are going to deep space since the Apollo 17 mission, which last landed humans on the Moon. The launch will happen from NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre in Florida at 6:24 pm ET on April 1. The launch countdown started Monday at 4:44 pm ET. Live views and audio commentary of tanking operations started at 7:45 a.m. on NASA’s YouTube channel as teams load propellant into the SLS rocket. Orion, named Integrity by the Artemis crew, is the spacecraft that will fly the astronauts to the Moon.

Artemis II Launch Day Updates LIVE: NASA has launched Artemis II, scripting history as a crewed spacecraft takes humans to the Moon once again.&nbsp;

NASA's Artemis II Launch Day Updates LIVE: Crew 'safe, secure and in great spirits'

NASA's historic moon mission, Artemis II, is ready for launch. The launch date is April 1, and the targeted launch time is 6:24 pm with a two-hour margin. The space agency has started the countdown for the April 1 takeoff. Four astronauts will enter the history books when they fly to the moon, the first time humans will be doing so in nearly 60 years. Three American and one Canadian astronaut will board the Orion capsule and shoot into space for a 10-day mission. The mission will also be different from the Apollo missions because it will take the astronauts to the farthest point in space humans have ever been to. Here is everything you need to know about Artemis II.

NASA recently overhauled the Artemis moon mission. Previously, human landing was supposed to happen in 2027 with the Artemis 3 mission. But now this mission will act as a test flight. The astronauts will carry out several technology tests in Low Earth orbit. The landing will now happen in 2028 with the Artemis 4 mission.

Artemis II launch LIVE: When will humans land on the Moon again?

No. The astronauts are not landing on the moon. The four crewmembers will check all systems in space to prepare for a future landing, which is not scheduled to happen for another two years. But the Artemis II astronauts will still make history since they will be the first ones to go to deep space in over 50 years.

Are Artemis II astronauts landing on the moon?

Reid Wiseman, commander of the mission, is a single father to two teenage girls. He says his daughters understand the risks associated with a mission like Artemis II, but they also know the importance of exploration. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/artemis-ii-astronaut-a-single-dad-to-two-girls-reveals-he-has-told-them-what-to-do-if-he-dies-1775018063808">Read his full story here</a>.

Artemis II astronaut, a single dad, shares what he told his teen daughters

The spacecraft Orion is one single open space. There is a small kitchenette, a gym, six windows that will offer them views of the world outside and later the Moon, and a stowage compartment that can be converted into a radiation shelter in case of emergency.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/orion-for-artemis-ii-design-size-inclusions-trip-time-and-the-toilet-problem-1774851817391">Read full story on Orion</a>&nbsp;

Artemis II Live: Orion, home away from home for 10 days

NASA has said that some people might be able to see the Artemis II rocket soaring in the sky from their backyards. According to the space agency, it might be visible from some places in Florida and southern Georgia.

Will Artemis II Live launch be visible from houses in the US?

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman shared a video of the Artemis II rocket SLS and Orion, ready for launch on April 1. He wrote, "Tomorrow, we launch. At sunset tonight, Artemis II waits on the pad, ready to carry astronauts potentially farther than any humans have traveled in more than half a century. The next era of exploration begins."

Artemis II Launch: 'The next era of exploration begins'

NASA has backup dates in case Artemis II is not launched on April 1. <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/artemis-ii-mission-availability.pdf">NASA Artemis II launch window for March</a>

Check out NASA's March launch calendar for Artemis II

The weather on Earth is not the only consideration to have a smooth and safe launch. Our Sun has been very active and unleashed X-class solar flares on Sunday. NASA is keeping one eye on the Sun and hopes it does not release more material as Artemis II takes off. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/artemis-ii-latest-updates-why-is-nasa-keeping-close-watch-on-sun-1774874269513">Here is more on the Sun and Artemis II</a>.

Artemis II and the Sun

Artemis II will take humans to the farthest point in space anyone has ever been to. The Orion will travel several kilometres beyond the far side of the Moon, giving the four astronauts a glimpse of never-before-seen features of the Moon. This already means that Artemis II stands out from the Apollo missions.

How is Artemis II special? 

Launch can only happen when an optimal window opens. This depends on the moon's position, and the need to align the spacecraft's trajectory with it. This leaves NASA with only a handful of dates for the Artemis II moon launch.&nbsp;

How are Artemis II launch dates decided?

Orion is the spacecraft carrying Artemis II astronauts to the Moon. It has been built to protect against solar radiation. The high-tech "deep-space minivan" has been named Integrity by its crew. Here is <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/orion-for-artemis-ii-design-size-inclusions-trip-time-and-the-toilet-problem-1774851817391">everything you need to know about Orion</a>.&nbsp;

Artemis II spacecraft Orion

In case NASA is forced to cancel the April launch due to some circumstances, the space agency has come up with other dates. Backup launch windows have been set from April 2 to 6 and on April 30, each with a two-hour launch period. However, it has said that April 1 offers the best weather conditions.

Artemis II launch windows - What happens if launch does not take place on April 1?

Preparations for Artemis II are underway at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Launch teams are completing a sequence of highly choreographed steps to ready the SLS (Space Launch System) rocket and Orion spacecraft, which will take the crew around the Moon on a 10-day journey.

Teams gearing up for Artemis II launch at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida

Live views and audio commentary of tanking operations ahead of the launch begin at 7:45 am on April 1 on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@NASA">NASA’s YouTube channel</a>. Teams will load propellant into the SLS rocket, which will be shown here. Full coverage for the mission launch will start on <a href="https://plus.nasa.gov/">NASA+</a> at 12:50 pm.&nbsp;

How and where to watch Artemis II launch Live

Weather conditions will be crucial in deciding whether the Artemis II rocket will be launched on April 1. NASA and weather officers with the US Space Force’s Space Launch Delta 45 are keeping a tab on the weather conditions ahead of tanking operations. The weather forecast for launch day shows an 80% chance of favourable conditions. Cloud coverage and the potential for high winds in the area are the two main things they need to keep an eye on.&nbsp;

Weather conditions ahead of Artemis II launch

The Artemis II crew spent the final countdown phase getting through technical verification and checking readiness. They have been in quarantine for days, and their health is being strictly monitored. Medical checks were carried out to ensure fitness for launch. The astronauts followed a controlled sleep schedule and nutrition plan to ensure optimum energy and hydration for launch. They were also being given regular updates on the rocket’s configuration and weather conditions.

How are Artemis II astronauts preparing for the launch?

Artemis II is taking four astronauts to the Moon, three American and one Canadian. The Artemis crew includes NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman,&nbsp;Victor Glover, and&nbsp;Christina Koch, and CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut&nbsp;Jeremy Hansen. They are currently at the Astronaut Crew Quarters inside NASA Kennedy’s Neil A. Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building.&nbsp;

Who are Artemis II astronauts?

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Space Weather Prediction Centre (SWPC) said that a cluster of sunspots called active region 4405 produced the X1.4 flare on Sunday. This means solar radiation has slammed Earth. Could the Artemis II launch be affected? <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/artemis-ii-latest-april-1-launch-in-jeopardy-following-major-solar-activity-1774937254120">Full story here</a>

Sun unleashes solar flare and Coronal Mass Ejection - Could it affect Artemis II?

The countdown to the Artemis II mission has started at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Team members are at their consoles inside the Rocco Petrone Launch Control Center. The launch is scheduled for 6:24 pm ET on Wednesday, April 1. The clock started ticking down at 4:44 pm ET.

NASA’s Artemis II Launch Mission Countdown Begins

NASA’s Artemis II Launch to the Moon Live: The historic moon mission is set for takeoff on April 1. The mission will carry four astronauts to the Moon and to the furthest point in space humanity has ever reached. Follow WION for LIVE updates. 

NASA's historic moon mission, Artemis II, is ready for launch. The launch date is April 1, and the targeted launch time is 6:24 pm with a two-hour margin. The space agency has started the countdown for the April 1 takeoff. Four astronauts will enter the history books when they fly to the moon, the first time humans will be doing so in nearly 60 years. Three American and one Canadian astronaut will board the Orion capsule and shoot into space for a 10-day mission. The mission will also be different from the Apollo missions because it will take the astronauts to the farthest point in space humans have ever been to. Here is everything you need to know about Artemis II.

NASA’s Artemis II Launch to the Moon Live: The historic moon mission is set for takeoff on April 1. The mission will carry four astronauts to the Moon and to the furthest point in space humanity has ever reached. Follow WION for LIVE updates.&nbsp;

NASA’s Artemis II Launch to the Moon Live: Date, time, launch site and other key questions answered

Scientists have recorded dark spots inside a light wave that seem to be moving much faster than light itself. Even though they appear to be in a quicker motion, they carry no energy or information, and hence, nothing really happens. These dark spots inside a complex light wave are formed when some points go completely dark, because the wave cancels itself out. So there is no light, only darkness. Scientists have known about them for a long time. A study published in Nature states that they have been filmed for the first time. Researchers at the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology collaborated with others from Harvard, Stanford, MIT and other institutions to track these dark points. An electron microscope that can capture events lasting just three femtoseconds, or three quadrillionths of a second, was used to see them passing through a special material. Their work confirmed a long-held belief that what we believe to be darkness can outrun the light surrounding it.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/chaos-heat-and-a-star-that-went-bonkers-scientists-see-major-collision-between-two-planets-1773668599698">Chaos, heat and a star that went bonkers: Scientists see major collision between two planets</a>&nbsp;Known as phase singularities, they appear at the exact point where a light wave’s amplitude drops to zero, leaving its phase undefined. The light vanishes into darkness, while the surrounding phase wraps smoothly through a full 360° rotation around the void. These dark points come in two types, based on the spin direction of the phase. One has a positive charge, the other a negative. They can only disappear if they meet each other. As they move closer, they speed up, and right before they collide and vanish, their speed is expected to shoot toward infinity. This extreme behaviour had been theorised before, but it hadn’t been directly measured until now.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/earth-days-are-getting-longer-it-has-not-happened-in-3-6-million-years-1773408587727">Earth days are getting longer. It has not happened in 3.6 million years</a><h2>Watching dark points inside light</h2>“Phase singularities do not carry energy or information and thus can ‘move’ superluminally without breaking causality,” the authors write. What we think is faster than light, is just “a pure kinematic property of the evolving phase landscape.” But witnessing these dark points needs special conditions. Scientists identified hexagonal boron nitride, a two-dimensional crystal that supports a special class of light-matter waves called hyperbolic phonon polaritons, as the ideal material. Inside it, the waves travel more than 100 times slower than light in a vacuum, and this is what sends the dark points racing. The spacing of dark points matched existing theories, as they mirrored the distance patterns found among molecules in a liquid.

Light carries darkness, which sounds contradictory but is actually true. Scientists have known about dark points inside light for a long time, yet they have only now been able to record them. A new study published in Nature details the experiment.

Scientists have recorded dark spots inside a light wave that seem to be moving much faster than light itself. Even though they appear to be in a quicker motion, they carry no energy or information, and hence, nothing really happens. These dark spots inside a complex light wave are formed when some points go completely dark, because the wave cancels itself out. So there is no light, only darkness. Scientists have known about them for a long time. A study published in Nature states that they have been filmed for the first time. Researchers at the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology collaborated with others from Harvard, Stanford, MIT and other institutions to track these dark points. An electron microscope that can capture events lasting just three femtoseconds, or three quadrillionths of a second, was used to see them passing through a special material. Their work confirmed a long-held belief that what we believe to be darkness can outrun the light surrounding it. Also Read: Chaos, heat and a star that went bonkers: Scientists see major collision between two planets Known as phase singularities, they appear at the exact point where a light wave’s amplitude drops to zero, leaving its phase undefined. The light vanishes into darkness, while the surrounding phase wraps smoothly through a full 360° rotation around the void. These dark points come in two types, based on the spin direction of the phase. One has a positive charge, the other a negative. They can only disappear if they meet each other. As they move closer, they speed up, and right before they collide and vanish, their speed is expected to shoot toward infinity. This extreme behaviour had been theorised before, but it hadn’t been directly measured until now. Also Read: Earth days are getting longer. It has not happened in 3.6 million years Watching dark points inside light “Phase singularities do not carry energy or information and thus can ‘move’ superluminally without breaking causality,” the authors write. What we think is faster than light, is just “a pure kinematic property of the evolving phase landscape.” But witnessing these dark points needs special conditions. Scientists identified hexagonal boron nitride, a two-dimensional crystal that supports a special class of light-matter waves called hyperbolic phonon polaritons, as the ideal material. Inside it, the waves travel more than 100 times slower than light in a vacuum, and this is what sends the dark points racing. The spacing of dark points matched existing theories, as they mirrored the distance patterns found among molecules in a liquid.

Light carries darkness, which sounds contradictory but is actually true. Scientists have known about dark points inside light for a long time, yet they have only now been able to record them. A new study published in Nature details the experiment.

Scientists see darkness inside light for the first time, and it moves even faster

Artemis 2 is facing its first hurdle right before a scheduled launch on April 1, and it is coming from none other than the Sun, just like we called it in an <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/artemis-ii-latest-updates-why-is-nasa-keeping-close-watch-on-sun-1774874269513">earlier report</a>. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Space Weather Prediction Centre (SWPC), the Sun has unleashed a powerful solar flare and Coronal Mass Ejection (CME), which can force NASA to move the Artemis 2 launch forward. Notably, humanity is preparing to land on the Moon once again, and Artemis 2 will make history, taking four astronauts to the Moon for the first time in nearly 60 years. It is meant to test logistics and technology, and uncover any issues with the Orion before Artemis 3 and Artemis 4 missions. On Sunday evening, a cluster of sunspots called active region 4405 produced the X1.4 flare, sweeping the solar system with radiation. NOAA stated that Earth witnessed a high-frequency radio blackout, with Southeast Asia and northern Australia being affected as this side of the planet was facing the Sun at the time.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/artemis-ii-latest-updates-why-is-nasa-keeping-close-watch-on-sun-1774874269513">Artemis II latest: Why is NASA keeping a close watch on the Sun?</a>&nbsp;The sunspot region AR 4405 is now rotating and will soon be a better view from Earth, putting more areas at risk if another eruption occurs. Besides, the solar flare was followed by a CME, which shot plasma towards Earth. A G2 (moderate) geomagnetic storm watch has been issued for Tuesday. The timing and the intensity of the storm could affect the Artemis 2 mission launch. “The CME is still being analysed, and the forecast could change as some model results suggest a slightly more Earth-directed arrival,” the SWPC stated. When particles from CMEs slam into Earth’s magnetosphere, satellites and navigation systems could malfunction, while also creating beautiful auroras.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/orion-for-artemis-ii-design-size-inclusions-trip-time-and-the-toilet-problem-1774851817391">Artemis II latest updates: Orion design, size, inclusions, trip time, and the toilet problem</a>&nbsp;https://www.wionews.com/videos/nasa-artemis-mission-nasa-astronauts-prepare-for-lunar-flyby-1774927800675/embed<h2>Weather conditions for Artemis 2 launch</h2>Artemis 2 has a weather criterion for launch that must be met for takeoff. According to NASA, the mission cannot launch "during severe or extreme solar activity." This is because the increased density of solar energetic particles can "damage electronic circuits and make radio communication with the launch vehicle difficult or impossible." NASA's latest Artemis update on Monday gave an 80 per cent chance to favourable weather conditions for the Wednesday launch. But now, it will have to closely monitor the active sunspot region AR 4405. Solar physicist Tamitha Skov told Space.com that "radio bursts can really impact [high frequency/very high frequency radio communications] as well as satellite radio communications during critical launch operations and early orbit manoeuvres!" &nbsp;

Artemis II latest: There is bad news for the April 1 launch as the Sun has unleashed a powerful solar flare and Coronal Mass Ejection. This could damage electronic circuits and make radio communication with the launch vehicle difficult or impossible.

Artemis 2 is facing its first hurdle right before a scheduled launch on April 1, and it is coming from none other than the Sun, just like we called it in an earlier report. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Space Weather Prediction Centre (SWPC), the Sun has unleashed a powerful solar flare and Coronal Mass Ejection (CME), which can force NASA to move the Artemis 2 launch forward. Notably, humanity is preparing to land on the Moon once again, and Artemis 2 will make history, taking four astronauts to the Moon for the first time in nearly 60 years. It is meant to test logistics and technology, and uncover any issues with the Orion before Artemis 3 and Artemis 4 missions. On Sunday evening, a cluster of sunspots called active region 4405 produced the X1.4 flare, sweeping the solar system with radiation. NOAA stated that Earth witnessed a high-frequency radio blackout, with Southeast Asia and northern Australia being affected as this side of the planet was facing the Sun at the time. Also Read: Artemis II latest: Why is NASA keeping a close watch on the Sun? The sunspot region AR 4405 is now rotating and will soon be a better view from Earth, putting more areas at risk if another eruption occurs. Besides, the solar flare was followed by a CME, which shot plasma towards Earth. A G2 (moderate) geomagnetic storm watch has been issued for Tuesday. The timing and the intensity of the storm could affect the Artemis 2 mission launch. “The CME is still being analysed, and the forecast could change as some model results suggest a slightly more Earth-directed arrival,” the SWPC stated. When particles from CMEs slam into Earth’s magnetosphere, satellites and navigation systems could malfunction, while also creating beautiful auroras. Also Read: Artemis II latest updates: Orion design, size, inclusions, trip time, and the toilet problem https://www.wionews.com/videos/nasa-artemis-mission-nasa-astronauts-prepare-for-lunar-flyby-1774927800675/embed Weather conditions for Artemis 2 launch Artemis 2 has a weather criterion for launch that must be met for takeoff. According to NASA, the mission cannot launch "during severe or extreme solar activity." This is because the increased density of solar energetic particles can "damage electronic circuits and make radio communication with the launch vehicle difficult or impossible." NASA's latest Artemis update on Monday gave an 80 per cent chance to favourable weather conditions for the Wednesday launch. But now, it will have to closely monitor the active sunspot region AR 4405. Solar physicist Tamitha Skov told Space.com that "radio bursts can really impact [high frequency/very high frequency radio communications] as well as satellite radio communications during critical launch operations and early orbit manoeuvres!"

Artemis II latest: There is bad news for the April 1 launch as the Sun has unleashed a powerful solar flare and Coronal Mass Ejection. This could damage electronic circuits and make radio communication with the launch vehicle difficult or impossible.

Artemis II latest: April 1 launch in jeopardy following major solar activity - Details

Radiation sickness is a real thing in space, and it is something that NASA is preparing for as Artemis II prepares for launch on April 1. Our Sun also releases immense radiation, and a protective shield around Earth protects us. But when the astronauts leave the safe space and fly towards the Moon, they will be at risk of solar radiation slamming into their spacecraft. This is exactly why the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is keeping an eye on the Sun. If a solar storm is reported when Orion is in space, the crew will need to take steps to safeguard itself. Space weather depends on the Sun, and when it releases X-class flares and coronal mass ejections, a stream of highly charged particles races towards the Earth and the rest of the solar system. Our planet has a magnetic field, and the International Space Station is also somewhat located inside this zone. But Orion would be out there fending for itself.<h2>Artemis capsule and radiation in space</h2>Radiation levels inside the spacecraft and on the Moon will register a spike. NASA has prepared for such an eventuality. While the Orion has been built keeping in mind that something like this can happen, engineers are also prepared to alert the astronauts on board the spacecraft. If an intense solar storm occurs during the travel time of the Artemis 2 crew, a warning would be quickly sent, and the astronauts would then hide inside the safe space on Orion. It has been fitted with radiation sensors that can measure the radiation doses and dose rates in different parts of the ship. Radiation dosimeters worn by the astronauts also do the same job.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/orion-for-artemis-ii-design-size-inclusions-trip-time-and-the-toilet-problem-1774851817391">Orion for Artemis II: Design, size, inclusions, trip time, and the toilet problem</a><h2>Astronauts can use equipment to create barrier between solar radiation and themselves&nbsp;</h2>If ever radiation levels spike inside the spacecraft, onboard alarms will sound and alert the astronauts, who can take steps to monitor the situation closely. &nbsp;There is a stowage compartment in the capsule that can be used as a radiation shelter in case of need. The crew has been trained to reconfigure the insides of the capsule, which includes removing stowed equipment and other materials from storage bays and using them to act as barriers between themselves and incoming particles. Once crews add mass to the places that tend to be hotter in terms of radiation exposure, they can then continue to go about their duties,” Stuart George, a space radiation analyst at NASA Johnson, told Universe Today.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/artemis-ii-and-apollo-8-the-ultimate-test-drive-for-humanity-s-return-to-the-moon-1774447885305">Artemis II and Apollo 8: The 'ultimate test drive' for humanity’s return to the moon</a>&nbsp;NASA will use several Sun-watching spacecraft already in space to monitor the Sun. These include NASA’s Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe and NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory, European Space Agency/NASA Solar and Heliospheric Observatory, NOAA’s Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites-19 satellite, among others. The Mars Perseverance rover will keep a watch on the far side of the Sun that would be invisible from Earth during the Artemis mission.

Artemis II mission latest updates: While NASA is preparing to launch Orion towards the Moon, NOAA is keeping a watch on the Sun. Four astronauts are set to create history by flying to the Moon on April 1. The historic mission is a launchpad for a future human landing. 

Radiation sickness is a real thing in space, and it is something that NASA is preparing for as Artemis II prepares for launch on April 1. Our Sun also releases immense radiation, and a protective shield around Earth protects us. But when the astronauts leave the safe space and fly towards the Moon, they will be at risk of solar radiation slamming into their spacecraft. This is exactly why the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is keeping an eye on the Sun. If a solar storm is reported when Orion is in space, the crew will need to take steps to safeguard itself. Space weather depends on the Sun, and when it releases X-class flares and coronal mass ejections, a stream of highly charged particles races towards the Earth and the rest of the solar system. Our planet has a magnetic field, and the International Space Station is also somewhat located inside this zone. But Orion would be out there fending for itself. Artemis capsule and radiation in space Radiation levels inside the spacecraft and on the Moon will register a spike. NASA has prepared for such an eventuality. While the Orion has been built keeping in mind that something like this can happen, engineers are also prepared to alert the astronauts on board the spacecraft. If an intense solar storm occurs during the travel time of the Artemis 2 crew, a warning would be quickly sent, and the astronauts would then hide inside the safe space on Orion. It has been fitted with radiation sensors that can measure the radiation doses and dose rates in different parts of the ship. Radiation dosimeters worn by the astronauts also do the same job. Also Read: Orion for Artemis II: Design, size, inclusions, trip time, and the toilet problem Astronauts can use equipment to create barrier between solar radiation and themselves If ever radiation levels spike inside the spacecraft, onboard alarms will sound and alert the astronauts, who can take steps to monitor the situation closely. There is a stowage compartment in the capsule that can be used as a radiation shelter in case of need. The crew has been trained to reconfigure the insides of the capsule, which includes removing stowed equipment and other materials from storage bays and using them to act as barriers between themselves and incoming particles. Once crews add mass to the places that tend to be hotter in terms of radiation exposure, they can then continue to go about their duties,” Stuart George, a space radiation analyst at NASA Johnson, told Universe Today. Also Read: Artemis II and Apollo 8: The 'ultimate test drive' for humanity’s return to the moon NASA will use several Sun-watching spacecraft already in space to monitor the Sun. These include NASA’s Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe and NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory, European Space Agency/NASA Solar and Heliospheric Observatory, NOAA’s Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites-19 satellite, among others. The Mars Perseverance rover will keep a watch on the far side of the Sun that would be invisible from Earth during the Artemis mission.

Artemis II mission latest updates: While NASA is preparing to launch Orion towards the Moon, NOAA is keeping a watch on the Sun. Four astronauts are set to create history by flying to the Moon on April 1. The historic mission is a launchpad for a future human landing.&nbsp;

Artemis II latest: Why is NASA keeping a close watch on the Sun?

NASA astronaut Mike Fincke was shocked when he suffered an unexplained medical emergency aboard the space station a day before a scheduled spacewalk in January. Within days, the entire crew was evacuated in what was the space agency's first-ever medical evacuation. In an interview, Fincke has revealed that suddenly, he found himself unable to talk. The 59-year-old has been to space four times and is unsure what caused the problem. He told Associated Press that while eating dinner on January 7 after prepping for a spacewalk, he couldn't speak. He did not experience any pain, and the issue abated on its own within 20 minutes. Seeing him in distress, his crewmates tried to help him and contacted the flight surgeons on the ground. "My crewmates definitely saw that I was in distress," he said.&nbsp;Fincke says he felt fine afterwards, and still does, and the doctors haven't been able to figure out what went wrong. "It was completely out of the blue. It was just amazingly quick," he told AP from Houston's Johnson Space Center. This was the first time Fincke experienced something this strange in space. He described it as "a very, very fast lightning bolt" that struck out of nowhere. Doctors are sure he did not suffer a heart attack, and there was no choking either.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/dragon-endeavour-splashes-down-with-crew-11-following-first-medical-evacuation-from-iss-1768467433992">Dragon Endeavour splashes down with Crew 11 following first medical evacuation from ISS</a>&nbsp;Notably, he had been in space for 5 ½ months when the medical episode happened. Fincke said that the issue could be linked to his 549 days of weightlessness. He has undergone several medical tests, but did not share further details over concerns of medical privacy among other astronauts.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/orion-for-artemis-ii-design-size-inclusions-trip-time-and-the-toilet-problem-1774851817391">Orion for Artemis II: Design, size, inclusions, trip time, and the toilet problem</a><h2>NASA scanning past data to check for similar instances</h2>Now, NASA is trying to understand what could have happened and whether any other astronauts experienced something similar in the past. Crew 11 returned on January 15 aboard a SpaceX rocket. US astronauts Zena Cardman and Mike Fincke, Russian cosmonaut Oleg Platonov and Japanese astronaut Kimiya Yu had been in space since August 2025 and were due to perform a spacewalk on January 8. Fincke, for whom it would have been his tenth spacewalk, and flight engineer Zena Cardman were to make certain fittings. However, it was scrapped because of the medical issue. The 59-year-old said he feels bad that his illness caused the spacewalk to be cancelled. NASA's new administrator, Jared Isaacman, told him to stop feeling sorry since “it wasn't him, but space.”

The NASA astronaut who fell sick on the International Space Station has spoken out about his condition. Surprisingly, doctors have not been able to find the reason for his sudden illness that prompted the first medical evacuation from space.

NASA astronaut Mike Fincke was shocked when he suffered an unexplained medical emergency aboard the space station a day before a scheduled spacewalk in January. Within days, the entire crew was evacuated in what was the space agency's first-ever medical evacuation. In an interview, Fincke has revealed that suddenly, he found himself unable to talk. The 59-year-old has been to space four times and is unsure what caused the problem. He told Associated Press that while eating dinner on January 7 after prepping for a spacewalk, he couldn't speak. He did not experience any pain, and the issue abated on its own within 20 minutes. Seeing him in distress, his crewmates tried to help him and contacted the flight surgeons on the ground. "My crewmates definitely saw that I was in distress," he said. Fincke says he felt fine afterwards, and still does, and the doctors haven't been able to figure out what went wrong. "It was completely out of the blue. It was just amazingly quick," he told AP from Houston's Johnson Space Center. This was the first time Fincke experienced something this strange in space. He described it as "a very, very fast lightning bolt" that struck out of nowhere. Doctors are sure he did not suffer a heart attack, and there was no choking either. Also Read: Dragon Endeavour splashes down with Crew 11 following first medical evacuation from ISS Notably, he had been in space for 5 ½ months when the medical episode happened. Fincke said that the issue could be linked to his 549 days of weightlessness. He has undergone several medical tests, but did not share further details over concerns of medical privacy among other astronauts. Also Read: Orion for Artemis II: Design, size, inclusions, trip time, and the toilet problem NASA scanning past data to check for similar instances Now, NASA is trying to understand what could have happened and whether any other astronauts experienced something similar in the past. Crew 11 returned on January 15 aboard a SpaceX rocket. US astronauts Zena Cardman and Mike Fincke, Russian cosmonaut Oleg Platonov and Japanese astronaut Kimiya Yu had been in space since August 2025 and were due to perform a spacewalk on January 8. Fincke, for whom it would have been his tenth spacewalk, and flight engineer Zena Cardman were to make certain fittings. However, it was scrapped because of the medical issue. The 59-year-old said he feels bad that his illness caused the spacewalk to be cancelled. NASA's new administrator, Jared Isaacman, told him to stop feeling sorry since “it wasn't him, but space.”

The NASA astronaut who fell sick on the International Space Station has spoken out about his condition. Surprisingly, doctors have not been able to find the reason for his sudden illness that prompted the first medical evacuation from space.

Speechless in space: The curious case of a NASA astronaut who could not speak for 20 minutes

Orion, the spacecraft that will carry four astronauts to the Moon in April, will serve as their home for 10 days. As part of the Artemis II mission, NASA will launch the spacecraft aboard the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket from Launch Complex 39B at Kennedy Space Center in Florida on April 1. NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman (mission commander), Victor Glover (pilot), Christina Koch (mission specialist) and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen (mission specialist) will become the first humans to leave low-Earth orbit in nearly 60 years. The historic Artemis 2 mission is using Orion as the spacecraft which will lay the platform for a future human landing. The high-tech "deep-space minivan" has been named Integrity by the crew. It has been designed to keep the four astronauts safe in the radiation-filled space environment, while also acting as their mini-home, complete with a gym and a kitchen. Here is everything you need to know about Orion.<h2>Design and inclusions in Orion</h2> The Artemis spacecraft has an "open-concept floor plan", which means the astronauts will share one single space. The cabin measures 330 cubic feet and includes a do-it-yourself toilet that the crew will need to install themselves on day one. There is a kitchenette, about the size of a suitcase, a free-floating gym, a stowage compartment that will be used as a radiation shelter, and six windows. The astronauts will sleep in beds strapped to the wall. Since the space is limited, there has to be a valid reason for everything that is being taken on the Orion. It has about 50 per cent more room than the Apollo spacecraft.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/artemis-ii-and-apollo-8-the-ultimate-test-drive-for-humanity-s-return-to-the-moon-1774447885305">Artemis II and Apollo 8: The 'ultimate test drive' for humanity’s return to the moon</a>&nbsp;The 9,00,000-kilometre test flight aims to check all systems for safety and whether they are fit to sustain human life. The astronauts will carry out demonstrations and monitor systems aboard the ship during the course of their stay. Soon after the launch, Koch and Hansen will get to work and change the insides into a living space. The seats will be folded, and the toilet, water dispenser, and food warmer will be set up.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-goes-the-apollo-way-plans-yearly-moon-landings-starting-with-2-in-2028-1772538309531">NASA goes the Apollo way, plans yearly moon landings, starting with 2 in 2028</a><h2>The toilet problem</h2> Toilets tend to malfunction in space. The one on Orion resembles the American toilet on the space station. If something goes wrong, the crew will rely on backup urine collection bags. Solid waste could still be disposed of from the poop chute. Besides, since it is a single cabin, astronauts can close a door or hang curtains.<h2>Artemis 2 mission</h2> The historic moon mission will see the astronauts reach the furthest humans have ever been to the far side of the moon. They will travel nearly 9,000 kilometres beyond and see parts of the moon that have never been seen by anyone before.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Artemis II latest updates: The Orion spacecraft, being used for the Artemis 2 mission, has one open space which will be shared by four astronauts. What is the design, inclusions and challenges with the Orion, and how will the astronauts spend 10 days on it? Here are the details. 

Orion, the spacecraft that will carry four astronauts to the Moon in April, will serve as their home for 10 days. As part of the Artemis II mission, NASA will launch the spacecraft aboard the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket from Launch Complex 39B at Kennedy Space Center in Florida on April 1. NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman (mission commander), Victor Glover (pilot), Christina Koch (mission specialist) and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen (mission specialist) will become the first humans to leave low-Earth orbit in nearly 60 years. The historic Artemis 2 mission is using Orion as the spacecraft which will lay the platform for a future human landing. The high-tech "deep-space minivan" has been named Integrity by the crew. It has been designed to keep the four astronauts safe in the radiation-filled space environment, while also acting as their mini-home, complete with a gym and a kitchen. Here is everything you need to know about Orion. Design and inclusions in Orion The Artemis spacecraft has an "open-concept floor plan", which means the astronauts will share one single space. The cabin measures 330 cubic feet and includes a do-it-yourself toilet that the crew will need to install themselves on day one. There is a kitchenette, about the size of a suitcase, a free-floating gym, a stowage compartment that will be used as a radiation shelter, and six windows. The astronauts will sleep in beds strapped to the wall. Since the space is limited, there has to be a valid reason for everything that is being taken on the Orion. It has about 50 per cent more room than the Apollo spacecraft. Also Read: Artemis II and Apollo 8: The 'ultimate test drive' for humanity’s return to the moon The 9,00,000-kilometre test flight aims to check all systems for safety and whether they are fit to sustain human life. The astronauts will carry out demonstrations and monitor systems aboard the ship during the course of their stay. Soon after the launch, Koch and Hansen will get to work and change the insides into a living space. The seats will be folded, and the toilet, water dispenser, and food warmer will be set up. Also Read: NASA goes the Apollo way, plans yearly moon landings, starting with 2 in 2028 The toilet problem Toilets tend to malfunction in space. The one on Orion resembles the American toilet on the space station. If something goes wrong, the crew will rely on backup urine collection bags. Solid waste could still be disposed of from the poop chute. Besides, since it is a single cabin, astronauts can close a door or hang curtains. Artemis 2 mission The historic moon mission will see the astronauts reach the furthest humans have ever been to the far side of the moon. They will travel nearly 9,000 kilometres beyond and see parts of the moon that have never been seen by anyone before.

Artemis II latest updates: The Orion spacecraft, being used for the Artemis 2 mission, has one open space which will be shared by four astronauts. What is the design, inclusions and challenges with the Orion, and how will the astronauts spend 10 days on it? Here are the details.&nbsp;

Artemis II latest updates: Orion design, size, inclusions, trip time, and the toilet problem

A NASA astronaut has shared a photo of a mysterious-looking object that is growing tentacles on the International Space Station (ISS). The image looks eerie and creepy, and netizens are shocked to see something so strange in space. However, it is a perfectly regular item that we see almost every day in our kitchens. Don Pettit, who took the photo during Expedition 72 that lasted from 23 September 2024 till 18 April 2025, said that it is just a potato. He wrote alongside the photo on X, "Spudnik-1, an orbiting potato on @Space_Station!" He added that he took potatoes with him on Expedition 72 for his space garden. He experimented with them in his off-duty time. The photo also shows Velcro used to affix the potato in the “improvised grow light terrarium.” &nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Spudnik-1, an orbiting potato on <a href="https://twitter.com/Space_Station?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Space_Station</a>! I flew potatoes on Expedition 72 for my space garden, an activity I did in my off-duty time. This is an early purple potato, complete with spot of hook Velcro to anchor it in my improvised grow light terrarium. Potatoes are one… <a href="https://t.co/MXsoV20vJ8">pic.twitter.com/MXsoV20vJ8</a>&mdash; Don Pettit (@astro_Pettit) <a href="https://twitter.com/astro_Pettit/status/2035090957570281813?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 20, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Potatoes in space and a nod to The Martian</h2>&nbsp;Pettit stressed that potatoes make for one of the most efficient foods "based on edible nutrition to total plant mass (including roots)." The NASA astronaut pointed to the acclaimed novel and movie "The Martian" in which a stranded astronaut grows potatoes on Mars and survives only on them for 549 sols, or Martian days, which is 39 minutes longer than a day on Earth. "Recognized by Andy Weir in his book/movie "The Martian," potatoes will have a place in future exploration of space. So I thought it good to get started now!" Pettit wrote. Someone asked him how growing potatoes in space was different from growing them on Earth. "The roots would grow in all directions absent gravity, and all plants I have ever grown in space have grown far slower than they would have on Earth," he replied.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-space-station-development-launch-of-first-module-to-cost-187mn-1774509840923">Indian Space Station: Development &amp; launch of first module to cost $187mn</a>&nbsp;NASA has grown several fruits and vegetables in space. "Our team at Kennedy Space Center envisions planting more produce in the future, such as tomatoes and peppers," the space agency wrote. The ISS is set to crash down on Earth by 2030, and the space agency is working to set up a new station at the earliest.&nbsp;

An egg-like object with tentacles growing out of it has been photographed in the International Space Station. An astronaut shared the photo taken around the end of 2024 and early April. What is it? NASA astronaut explains.

A NASA astronaut has shared a photo of a mysterious-looking object that is growing tentacles on the International Space Station (ISS). The image looks eerie and creepy, and netizens are shocked to see something so strange in space. However, it is a perfectly regular item that we see almost every day in our kitchens. Don Pettit, who took the photo during Expedition 72 that lasted from 23 September 2024 till 18 April 2025, said that it is just a potato. He wrote alongside the photo on X, "Spudnik-1, an orbiting potato on @Space_Station!" He added that he took potatoes with him on Expedition 72 for his space garden. He experimented with them in his off-duty time. The photo also shows Velcro used to affix the potato in the “improvised grow light terrarium.”

An egg-like object with tentacles growing out of it has been photographed in the International Space Station. An astronaut shared the photo taken around the end of 2024 and early April. What is it? NASA astronaut explains.

Strange, black object photographed growing at the space station: 'Spudnik-1, an orbiting...'

The overall system engineering of the first module of India's space station (Bharatiya Antariksh Station) and related technology development activities for various subsystems are progressing at the space agency ISRO's Centres, the Government has revealed in Parliament. India has planned to place an uncrewed space station about 400-600 km above the Earth. Gradually, ISRO hopes to build on the uncrewed station and make a five-module station capable of housing astronauts.&nbsp;Elaborating on the status of the first module of the Space Station, Space Minister Jitendra Singh said that ISRO's lead facility, Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, has issued an Expression of Interest to Indian Industries for building the structure for the first module of Bharatiya Antariksh Station. The current approval is limited to the first module of Bharatiya Antariksh Station, and the cost of developing and launching the first module is estimated at ₹ 1763 crore (approx. $ 176 mn) over four years (2025 to 2028), it was revealed.&nbsp;&nbsp;Major technology goals targeted for BAS include rendezvous &amp; docking, robotics, in-orbit refuelling, crew quarters, intra-vehicular suit, and racks for microgravity experiments. Key microgravity research areas targeted include life sciences, pharmaceuticals, material sciences and manufacturing technologies, said Minister Singh. He added that "it is targeted to have the first module of BAS by 2028 and fully operational BAS with all five modules by 2035". ISRO is also working on the second and third iterations of Space Docking Experiment(SPADEX), which are enabling technologies that play a crucial role in space station development.&nbsp;Since 2018, India has been working on the Gaganyaan programme to send its astronauts 400 km above Earth, aboard a capsule launched by its own rocket. Gaganyaan is seen as the first step of India's human spaceflight programme, as it involves only a couple of days of stay in space. The Indian Space Station project is a step towards enabling long-term and sustained presence of Indian astronauts in the space environment.&nbsp;With ISRO having to work simultaneously on the Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme, lunar missions Chandrayaan-4 and Chandrayaan-5, space station development, and a host of regular launch vehicle and satellite missions, executing these projects within the planned timeframe is widely regarded as a tall order.&nbsp; Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-working-for-operationalization-indian-govt-says-on-defunct-navic-satellite-fleet-1774442630956">'Working for operationalisation,' Indian Govt says on defunct NAVIC satellite fleet</a>

India has planned to place an uncrewed space station about 400-600 km above the Earth. Gradually, ISRO hopes to build on the uncrewed station and make a five-module station capable of housing astronauts.

The overall system engineering of the first module of India's space station (Bharatiya Antariksh Station) and related technology development activities for various subsystems are progressing at the space agency ISRO's Centres, the Government has revealed in Parliament. India has planned to place an uncrewed space station about 400-600 km above the Earth. Gradually, ISRO hopes to build on the uncrewed station and make a five-module station capable of housing astronauts. Elaborating on the status of the first module of the Space Station, Space Minister Jitendra Singh said that ISRO's lead facility, Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, has issued an Expression of Interest to Indian Industries for building the structure for the first module of Bharatiya Antariksh Station. The current approval is limited to the first module of Bharatiya Antariksh Station, and the cost of developing and launching the first module is estimated at ₹ 1763 crore (approx. $ 176 mn) over four years (2025 to 2028), it was revealed. Major technology goals targeted for BAS include rendezvous & docking, robotics, in-orbit refuelling, crew quarters, intra-vehicular suit, and racks for microgravity experiments. Key microgravity research areas targeted include life sciences, pharmaceuticals, material sciences and manufacturing technologies, said Minister Singh. He added that "it is targeted to have the first module of BAS by 2028 and fully operational BAS with all five modules by 2035". ISRO is also working on the second and third iterations of Space Docking Experiment(SPADEX), which are enabling technologies that play a crucial role in space station development. Since 2018, India has been working on the Gaganyaan programme to send its astronauts 400 km above Earth, aboard a capsule launched by its own rocket. Gaganyaan is seen as the first step of India's human spaceflight programme, as it involves only a couple of days of stay in space. The Indian Space Station project is a step towards enabling long-term and sustained presence of Indian astronauts in the space environment. With ISRO having to work simultaneously on the Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme, lunar missions Chandrayaan-4 and Chandrayaan-5, space station development, and a host of regular launch vehicle and satellite missions, executing these projects within the planned timeframe is widely regarded as a tall order. Also read: 'Working for operationalisation,' Indian Govt says on defunct NAVIC satellite fleet

India has planned to place an uncrewed space station about 400-600 km above the Earth. Gradually, ISRO hopes to build on the uncrewed station and make a five-module station capable of housing astronauts.

Indian Space Station: Development & launch of first module to cost $187mn

Artemis II will fly four astronauts to the moon for the first time in nearly 60 years, with the launch scheduled for April 1. The mission is being compared to the Apollo 8 mission that preceded Apollo 11, which ultimately landed the first humans on the lunar surface. Astronauts Frank Borman, Jim Lovell and William Anders were the first to fly this far from Earth, from where they could not see their home planet. It was the first human space mission to break free from Earth’s gravitational pull and the first to carry astronauts to the Moon. This is what will happen with Artemis II as well. The mission will take astronauts to the moon on a short voyage, similar to Apollo 8. They will circle the moon and return to Earth, setting the stage for a future landing. Here is what you should know about Artemis II and how it compares with Apollo 8.<h2>Artemis II launch date</h2> The Artemis II moon mission is currently slated to take off on April 1. It was previously scheduled for a February 6 launch, but fuel leakage issues led the launch to be moved forward. The April Fool's Day launch has become the talk of the town, a day that will once again change humanity's relationship with the universe.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-goes-the-apollo-way-plans-yearly-moon-landings-starting-with-2-in-2028-1772538309531">NASA goes the Apollo way, plans yearly moon landings, starting with 2 in 2028</a><h2>Artemis II astronauts</h2> Three NASA and one Canadian astronaut will board the Orion capsule and take off on a 10-day mission. The Artemis II crew includes NASA astronaut Reid Wiseman (mission commander), &nbsp;Victor Glover (pilot), Christina Koch (mission specialist) and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen (mission specialist), who will fly to space for the first time.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/nasa-picks-april-1-as-artemis-2-launch-date-netizens-ask-why-april-fools-1773405980723">NASA picks April 1 as Artemis 2 launch date, and everyone is wondering, 'Why April Fool's...?'</a><h2>Apollo 8 mission and Artemis II comparison</h2> Apollo 8 was the first time humans ever left Earth's gravity and the first to reach the Moon. Frank Borman, Jim Lovell, and William Anders were the three astronauts aboard the Saturn V rocket. They reached the Moon in 68 hours and orbited the Moon ten times over 20 hours. They also travelled to the far side of the Moon and were fortunate to see an Earthrise. They also held a television broadcast on Christmas. What Apollo 8 did for Apollo 11, Artemis II will do for the Artemis IV mission. Astronauts will go to the moon and hover over it, scanning and photographing it. They will go nearly 9,000 kilometres beyond the far side of the moon, which will let them see such portions that even the Apollo 8 crew did not witness. This will mark the farthest humans have ever travelled from our home planet.&nbsp;Both missions are similar in the sense that they precede planned human landings to the moon. Apollo 8 was the first mission to take humans to the moon before the main mission. Artemis 2 is also the first mission to take humans to the moon before a landing occurs in 2028.&nbsp;

Apollo 8 and Artemis II are similar missions in many ways. Humans are trying to reach the moon once again. The first human landing in nearly 60 years has been planned for 2028. But before that, Artemis II will undertake a crucial mission. 

Artemis II will fly four astronauts to the moon for the first time in nearly 60 years, with the launch scheduled for April 1. The mission is being compared to the Apollo 8 mission that preceded Apollo 11, which ultimately landed the first humans on the lunar surface. Astronauts Frank Borman, Jim Lovell and William Anders were the first to fly this far from Earth, from where they could not see their home planet. It was the first human space mission to break free from Earth’s gravitational pull and the first to carry astronauts to the Moon. This is what will happen with Artemis II as well. The mission will take astronauts to the moon on a short voyage, similar to Apollo 8. They will circle the moon and return to Earth, setting the stage for a future landing. Here is what you should know about Artemis II and how it compares with Apollo 8. Artemis II launch date The Artemis II moon mission is currently slated to take off on April 1. It was previously scheduled for a February 6 launch, but fuel leakage issues led the launch to be moved forward. The April Fool's Day launch has become the talk of the town, a day that will once again change humanity's relationship with the universe. Also Read: NASA goes the Apollo way, plans yearly moon landings, starting with 2 in 2028 Artemis II astronauts Three NASA and one Canadian astronaut will board the Orion capsule and take off on a 10-day mission. The Artemis II crew includes NASA astronaut Reid Wiseman (mission commander), Victor Glover (pilot), Christina Koch (mission specialist) and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen (mission specialist), who will fly to space for the first time. Also Read: NASA picks April 1 as Artemis 2 launch date, and everyone is wondering, 'Why April Fool's...?' Apollo 8 mission and Artemis II comparison Apollo 8 was the first time humans ever left Earth's gravity and the first to reach the Moon. Frank Borman, Jim Lovell, and William Anders were the three astronauts aboard the Saturn V rocket. They reached the Moon in 68 hours and orbited the Moon ten times over 20 hours. They also travelled to the far side of the Moon and were fortunate to see an Earthrise. They also held a television broadcast on Christmas. What Apollo 8 did for Apollo 11, Artemis II will do for the Artemis IV mission. Astronauts will go to the moon and hover over it, scanning and photographing it. They will go nearly 9,000 kilometres beyond the far side of the moon, which will let them see such portions that even the Apollo 8 crew did not witness. This will mark the farthest humans have ever travelled from our home planet. Both missions are similar in the sense that they precede planned human landings to the moon. Apollo 8 was the first mission to take humans to the moon before the main mission. Artemis 2 is also the first mission to take humans to the moon before a landing occurs in 2028.

Apollo 8 and Artemis II are similar missions in many ways. Humans are trying to reach the moon once again. The first human landing in nearly 60 years has been planned for 2028. But before that, Artemis II will undertake a crucial mission.&nbsp;

Artemis II and Apollo 8: The 'ultimate test drive' for humanity’s return to the moon

The Indian Government's Department of Space(DoS) is "actively working for operationalisation of NAVIC and associated satellite systems for providing secure navigation service," the country's Space Minister Dr Jitendra Singh said in Parliament on Wednesday (25th March). His comments come at a time when the NAVIC satellite fleet, India's own system to provide Position, Navigation &amp; Timing services, has gone defunct. Executed by the Space agency ISRO(which operates under the Department of Space), NAVIC is a strategic Indian Government project meant to serve civilian and defence applications within India and 1,500 km beyond Indian borders. Confirming what has already been known about NAVIC, Minister Singh stated in Parliament that only eight of the eleven NAVIC satellites are functional. Of these eight, only three satellites are broadcasting navigation signals, while five satellites are capable of broadcasting signals for one-way messaging, it was added. Back in July 2025, this author had reported that NAVIC faced the risk of going defunct, as multiple failure-hit satellites were not being replaced in a timely manner. On 13th March 2026, space agency ISRO officially revealed that another NAVIC satellite had stopped functioning, which left only three NAVIC satellites operational for providing Position, Navigation &amp; Timing services. NAVIC requires a bare minimum of four satellites for providing Position, Navigation &amp; Timing.<h3>Why NAVIC failed and what remains now...</h3>According to data shared by ISRO, six NAVIC satellites suffered failure in all three on-board atomic clocks. Atomic clocks are highly precise and sophisticated timekeeping instruments, which are fundamental to the operation of Navigation satellites. When all atomic clocks in a satellite fail, it implies a total loss of that satellite's capability to offer Position, Navigation &amp; Timing. According to the Indian Government, these imported atomic clocks were made by the Swiss firm SpectraTime. SpectraTime's atomic clocks that were used in Europe's Galileo satellite fleet had also suffered failures, it was added. &nbsp;Even among the three satellites that are presently functional, two satellites are at the end of life: IRNSS-1B has exceeded its expected life of 10 years, while IRNSS-1I has about two years of life remaining and faces the risk of premature failure. Considering long-term utility, only the NVS-01 is truly functional. Launched in May 2023, NVS-01 has at least ten years of life ahead of it, provided it functions glitch-free. Therefore, NAVIC is effectively reduced to one satellite, NVS-01, when it needs at least four. "The roadmap for further strengthening satellite navigation architecture includes completion of the NAVIC base layer constellation and suitable enhancement in services to meet the user requirements, and induction of indigenous technologies, including a space-grade atomic clock for technological self-reliance," Minister Singh said in Parliament. However, the Minister did not specify by when this would be accomplished.<h3>How many satellites are needed to revive NAVIC?</h3>If the Indian Government wishes to revive and sustain NAVIC in its basic form, it must have a total of four satellites. For this, the country's Space agency ISRO must urgently launch three satellites: NVS-03, NVS-04 and NVS-05, which can work together with the existing NVS-01. Launched in the year 2025, the NVS-02 satellite has been stuck in its initial orbit and is unable to fulfil its core purpose. Having a fleet of four operational satellites (NVS-01, 03, 04, 05) is just the basic requirement. For higher reliability and coverage, India would have to rapidly build and launch backup satellites in the NVS-series. Eventually, a fleet of six or seven NVS-series satellites would have to be maintained to reliably operate a regional Navigation system such as NAVIC.<h3>About American and Chinese Navigation systems</h3>For context, the American Global Positioning System(GPS), which supports trillion-dollar civilian and military applications worldwide, requires a fleet of 24 satellites in orbit for optimum performance and round-the-clock global coverage. Considering how crucial GPS is to the global economy, the US Government maintains at least 30 GPS satellites in orbit at any given point in time. The six additional satellites are meant to ensure that the service remains reliable and robust, even when a few satellites fail or encounter unexpected glitches. To meet its own national requirements, China operates a fleet of Beidou satellites, which serve as an alternative to America's GPS. While Beidou's global network requires a fleet of 30 satellites in orbit, around 35 satellites are believed to be in orbit. Likewise, India too must have a proportional number of satellites.<h3>Sluggish launch pace threatens NAVIC's revival</h3>In July 2025, the Indian Government had said in Parliament that the remaining NVS-series satellites would be launched by the end of 2026. However, this seems like an unrealistic timeline, given ISRO's pace so far. ISRO launched NVS-01 in May 2023; NVS-02 was launched in January 2025, which shows a gap of 19 months between the two launches. It has been more than a year since the NVS-02 failure, and its successor, NVS-03, has not been launched. ISRO has also faced three failures in six missions executed between January 2025 and January 2026, further slowing down the overall pace of activity.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/60x-further-5x-faster-china-just-shook-starlink-with-a-tiny-laser-that-shattered-speed-records-1774274595342">China just shook Starlink with a 5 times faster laser from a distance of 36,000km</a>

Executed by the Space agency ISRO(which operates under the Department of Space), NAVIC is a strategic Indian Government project meant to serve civilian and defence applications within India and 1,500 km beyond Indian borders.

The Indian Government's Department of Space(DoS) is "actively working for operationalisation of NAVIC and associated satellite systems for providing secure navigation service," the country's Space Minister Dr Jitendra Singh said in Parliament on Wednesday (25th March). His comments come at a time when the NAVIC satellite fleet, India's own system to provide Position, Navigation & Timing services, has gone defunct. Executed by the Space agency ISRO(which operates under the Department of Space), NAVIC is a strategic Indian Government project meant to serve civilian and defence applications within India and 1,500 km beyond Indian borders. Confirming what has already been known about NAVIC, Minister Singh stated in Parliament that only eight of the eleven NAVIC satellites are functional. Of these eight, only three satellites are broadcasting navigation signals, while five satellites are capable of broadcasting signals for one-way messaging, it was added. Back in July 2025, this author had reported that NAVIC faced the risk of going defunct, as multiple failure-hit satellites were not being replaced in a timely manner. On 13th March 2026, space agency ISRO officially revealed that another NAVIC satellite had stopped functioning, which left only three NAVIC satellites operational for providing Position, Navigation & Timing services. NAVIC requires a bare minimum of four satellites for providing Position, Navigation & Timing. Why NAVIC failed and what remains now... According to data shared by ISRO, six NAVIC satellites suffered failure in all three on-board atomic clocks. Atomic clocks are highly precise and sophisticated timekeeping instruments, which are fundamental to the operation of Navigation satellites. When all atomic clocks in a satellite fail, it implies a total loss of that satellite's capability to offer Position, Navigation & Timing. According to the Indian Government, these imported atomic clocks were made by the Swiss firm SpectraTime. SpectraTime's atomic clocks that were used in Europe's Galileo satellite fleet had also suffered failures, it was added. Even among the three satellites that are presently functional, two satellites are at the end of life: IRNSS-1B has exceeded its expected life of 10 years, while IRNSS-1I has about two years of life remaining and faces the risk of premature failure. Considering long-term utility, only the NVS-01 is truly functional. Launched in May 2023, NVS-01 has at least ten years of life ahead of it, provided it functions glitch-free. Therefore, NAVIC is effectively reduced to one satellite, NVS-01, when it needs at least four. "The roadmap for further strengthening satellite navigation architecture includes completion of the NAVIC base layer constellation and suitable enhancement in services to meet the user requirements, and induction of indigenous technologies, including a space-grade atomic clock for technological self-reliance," Minister Singh said in Parliament. However, the Minister did not specify by when this would be accomplished. How many satellites are needed to revive NAVIC? If the Indian Government wishes to revive and sustain NAVIC in its basic form, it must have a total of four satellites. For this, the country's Space agency ISRO must urgently launch three satellites: NVS-03, NVS-04 and NVS-05, which can work together with the existing NVS-01. Launched in the year 2025, the NVS-02 satellite has been stuck in its initial orbit and is unable to fulfil its core purpose. Having a fleet of four operational satellites (NVS-01, 03, 04, 05) is just the basic requirement. For higher reliability and coverage, India would have to rapidly build and launch backup satellites in the NVS-series. Eventually, a fleet of six or seven NVS-series satellites would have to be maintained to reliably operate a regional Navigation system such as NAVIC. About American and Chinese Navigation systems For context, the American Global Positioning System(GPS), which supports trillion-dollar civilian and military applications worldwide, requires a fleet of 24 satellites in orbit for optimum performance and round-the-clock global coverage. Considering how crucial GPS is to the global economy, the US Government maintains at least 30 GPS satellites in orbit at any given point in time. The six additional satellites are meant to ensure that the service remains reliable and robust, even when a few satellites fail or encounter unexpected glitches. To meet its own national requirements, China operates a fleet of Beidou satellites, which serve as an alternative to America's GPS. While Beidou's global network requires a fleet of 30 satellites in orbit, around 35 satellites are believed to be in orbit. Likewise, India too must have a proportional number of satellites. Sluggish launch pace threatens NAVIC's revival In July 2025, the Indian Government had said in Parliament that the remaining NVS-series satellites would be launched by the end of 2026. However, this seems like an unrealistic timeline, given ISRO's pace so far. ISRO launched NVS-01 in May 2023; NVS-02 was launched in January 2025, which shows a gap of 19 months between the two launches. It has been more than a year since the NVS-02 failure, and its successor, NVS-03, has not been launched. ISRO has also faced three failures in six missions executed between January 2025 and January 2026, further slowing down the overall pace of activity. Also read: China just shook Starlink with a 5 times faster laser from a distance of 36,000km

Executed by the Space agency ISRO(which operates under the Department of Space), NAVIC is a strategic Indian Government project meant to serve civilian and defence applications within India and 1,500 km beyond Indian borders.

'Working for operationalization,' Indian Govt says on defunct NAVIC satellite fleet

China has achieved a remarkable feat in the field of satellite communications. From a satellite parked in the geostationary orbit (GEO)—approximately 36,000 km above Earth — scientists successfully established a 1Gbps laser downlink using only a 2-watt laser. They beat Starlink with this achievement whose satellites operate in low-Earth orbit, only a few hundred kilometres above Earth. The beam from the satellite did not arrive neat and steady, and instead scattered and changed form in the atmosphere. The Chinese signal travelled over 60 times further than a Starlink satellite, and yet was around five times faster than the speeds Elon Musk's company has managed to achieve. Chinese researchers from Peking University of Posts and Telecommunications and the Chinese Academy of Sciences achieved clean data in a receiver from a beam that witnessed atmospheric distortion.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/chinese-scientists-have-supposedly-found-a-flaw-in-the-b-21-raider-bomber-1773925835054">Chinese scientists have supposedly found a flaw in US' B-21 Raider Bomber</a><h2>Making distorted signal clean and usable</h2>Even though the laser link was travelling from a much farther distance than regular satellites, that wasn't the main challenge. The researchers had to get a stable, high-speed downlink that could survive the last stretch through the moving air above the observatory. Here, the beam lost its clean form, and the download could have become unusable. For this, they used a specialised ground system at the Lijiang Observatory. They placed a 1.8-meter telescope equipped with 357 micro-mirrors that were adjusted in real-time to reshape the incoming light and correct for atmospheric distortion. They combined adaptive optics that corrects distortions with mode diversity reception that collects and processes scattered signal components. The system split the signal into eight channels, identified the strongest paths, and combined them for decoding. The proportion of usable signal increased from 72% to 91.1%.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/china-tells-nasa-we-are-about-to-collide-for-the-first-time-ever-what-it-means-1762502544849">China tells NASA, 'we are about to collide', for the first time ever — What it means</a><h2>Distance of the laser signal</h2>The other commendable aspect is the speed with which the signal reached Earth despite how far it was coming from. According to the research led by Wu Jian and published in &nbsp;Acta Optica Sinica, the team recorded a 1Gbps laser downlink from geostationary orbit using a 2-watt laser. This was five times faster than Starlink, and like sending an HD movie from Shanghai to Los Angeles in less than five seconds, Daily Galaxy reported. The power level was another standout aspect, as a 2-watt transmitter compares to a night light. Long-range communications systems require much heavier power. &nbsp;

Chinese researchers achieve a 1Gbps satellite laser downlink from 36,000 kilometres above Earth using a 2-watt laser. This achievement has placed them far ahead of Starlink speeds with record-breaking efficiency. 

China has achieved a remarkable feat in the field of satellite communications. From a satellite parked in the geostationary orbit (GEO)—approximately 36,000 km above Earth — scientists successfully established a 1Gbps laser downlink using only a 2-watt laser. They beat Starlink with this achievement whose satellites operate in low-Earth orbit, only a few hundred kilometres above Earth. The beam from the satellite did not arrive neat and steady, and instead scattered and changed form in the atmosphere. The Chinese signal travelled over 60 times further than a Starlink satellite, and yet was around five times faster than the speeds Elon Musk's company has managed to achieve. Chinese researchers from Peking University of Posts and Telecommunications and the Chinese Academy of Sciences achieved clean data in a receiver from a beam that witnessed atmospheric distortion. Also Read: Chinese scientists have supposedly found a flaw in US' B-21 Raider Bomber Making distorted signal clean and usable Even though the laser link was travelling from a much farther distance than regular satellites, that wasn't the main challenge. The researchers had to get a stable, high-speed downlink that could survive the last stretch through the moving air above the observatory. Here, the beam lost its clean form, and the download could have become unusable. For this, they used a specialised ground system at the Lijiang Observatory. They placed a 1.8-meter telescope equipped with 357 micro-mirrors that were adjusted in real-time to reshape the incoming light and correct for atmospheric distortion. They combined adaptive optics that corrects distortions with mode diversity reception that collects and processes scattered signal components. The system split the signal into eight channels, identified the strongest paths, and combined them for decoding. The proportion of usable signal increased from 72% to 91.1%. Also Read: China tells NASA, 'we are about to collide', for the first time ever — What it means Distance of the laser signal The other commendable aspect is the speed with which the signal reached Earth despite how far it was coming from. According to the research led by Wu Jian and published in Acta Optica Sinica, the team recorded a 1Gbps laser downlink from geostationary orbit using a 2-watt laser. This was five times faster than Starlink, and like sending an HD movie from Shanghai to Los Angeles in less than five seconds, Daily Galaxy reported. The power level was another standout aspect, as a 2-watt transmitter compares to a night light. Long-range communications systems require much heavier power.

Chinese researchers achieve a 1Gbps satellite laser downlink from 36,000 kilometres above Earth using a 2-watt laser. This achievement has placed them far ahead of Starlink speeds with record-breaking efficiency.&nbsp;

China just shook Starlink with a 5 times faster laser from a distance of 36,000km

Scientists have found that the world warmed at an average rate of 0.35 degrees Celsius in the past decade, much higher than the &nbsp;0.2 degrees Celsius increase typically recorded in the past 50 years. Climate change experts previously noted that Earth will permanently pass the 1.5-degree warming threshold by the end of the decade. But the study shows that humans might have totally miscalculated how bad things are. Global temperature measurement datasets from five major organisations, including NASA and NOAA, were analysed by a team of researchers to determine the rate at which Earth was warming. This excluded natural influences like El Niño events, volcanic eruptions and solar heating. Study co-author Stefan Rahmstorf, a researcher at the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research in Germany, said, "The adjusted data show an acceleration of global warming since 2015 with a statistical certainty of over 98 per cent, consistent across all data sets examined and independent of the analysis method chosen."Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/doomsday-thwaites-glacier-underwater-tsunamis-1769682393034">300-foot underwater tsunamis triggered by Doomsday Glacier threaten the world</a>&nbsp;The alarming finding means that all climate thresholds that scientists have set will be reached much faster than expected. Previous studies have also shown that the world has been heating at a rate of 0.27 degrees Celsius, only a tad higher than the prevalent estimate. But to put the figure at 0.35, minus the influence of Solar Maximum and El Niño weather events, presents a scary picture. Robert Rohde, chief scientist at Berkeley Earth, told Nature that removing the natural influences can present "imperfect" estimates, but even lowering the estimate would put the figure at 0.30 degrees Celsius.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/major-catastrophe-unfolding-in-antarctica-as-hundreds-of-earthquakes-slam-doomsday-glacier-1767680441864">Major catastrophe unfolding in Antarctica as hundreds of earthquakes slam Doomsday Glacier</a>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/doomsday-gets-closer-cracks-on-thwaites-glacier-have-doubled-in-two-decades-1766981007538">Doomsday gets closer: Cracks on Thwaites Glacier have doubled in two decades</a><h2>Reducing global warming&nbsp;</h2>"How quickly the Earth continues to warm ultimately depends on how rapidly we reduce global CO2 emissions from fossil fuels to zero," Rahmstorf said in a statement. To control climate change, there is an urgent need to cut down on greenhouse gas emissions. Reliance on fossil fuels needs to go down completely, and countries should proactively start investing in green energy. Ice caps and glaciers are melting, which could raise sea levels, triggering concerns for coastal areas. Weather cycles have drastically changed in several parts of the world because of climate change. The Doomsday Glacier, or the Thwaites Glacier, could melt completely by 2100, putting major areas underwater. Experts have been calling for urgent action, and now the latest study shows we might already be too late.

Climate change is occurring at a much faster rate than expected, as data shows that the rate at which Earth heated in the past decade dramatically changed compared to past years. This puts Earth at risk of a catastrophe that could happen sooner than thought.     

Scientists have found that the world warmed at an average rate of 0.35 degrees Celsius in the past decade, much higher than the 0.2 degrees Celsius increase typically recorded in the past 50 years. Climate change experts previously noted that Earth will permanently pass the 1.5-degree warming threshold by the end of the decade. But the study shows that humans might have totally miscalculated how bad things are. Global temperature measurement datasets from five major organisations, including NASA and NOAA, were analysed by a team of researchers to determine the rate at which Earth was warming. This excluded natural influences like El Niño events, volcanic eruptions and solar heating. Study co-author Stefan Rahmstorf, a researcher at the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research in Germany, said, "The adjusted data show an acceleration of global warming since 2015 with a statistical certainty of over 98 per cent, consistent across all data sets examined and independent of the analysis method chosen." Also Read: 300-foot underwater tsunamis triggered by Doomsday Glacier threaten the world The alarming finding means that all climate thresholds that scientists have set will be reached much faster than expected. Previous studies have also shown that the world has been heating at a rate of 0.27 degrees Celsius, only a tad higher than the prevalent estimate. But to put the figure at 0.35, minus the influence of Solar Maximum and El Niño weather events, presents a scary picture. Robert Rohde, chief scientist at Berkeley Earth, told Nature that removing the natural influences can present "imperfect" estimates, but even lowering the estimate would put the figure at 0.30 degrees Celsius. Also Read: Major catastrophe unfolding in Antarctica as hundreds of earthquakes slam Doomsday Glacier Also Read: Doomsday gets closer: Cracks on Thwaites Glacier have doubled in two decades Reducing global warming "How quickly the Earth continues to warm ultimately depends on how rapidly we reduce global CO2 emissions from fossil fuels to zero," Rahmstorf said in a statement. To control climate change, there is an urgent need to cut down on greenhouse gas emissions. Reliance on fossil fuels needs to go down completely, and countries should proactively start investing in green energy. Ice caps and glaciers are melting, which could raise sea levels, triggering concerns for coastal areas. Weather cycles have drastically changed in several parts of the world because of climate change. The Doomsday Glacier, or the Thwaites Glacier, could melt completely by 2100, putting major areas underwater. Experts have been calling for urgent action, and now the latest study shows we might already be too late.

Climate change is occurring at a much faster rate than expected, as data shows that the rate at which Earth heated in the past decade dramatically changed compared to past years. This puts Earth at risk of a catastrophe that could happen sooner than thought. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Scientists find Earth did not warm as expected from 2015. In fact, it was way worse

Researchers in their new study have detected Caffeine, cocaine, and painkillers, among other drugs, in the blood of sharks swimming near the coast of the Bahamas. The team led by biologist Natascha Wosnick found after analysing blood samples from 85 sharks near Eleuthera Island. Out of these, nearly one-third have tested positive for caffeine, anti-inflammatory drugs like acetaminophen and diclofenac, and in one case, cocaine.&nbsp;"This represents the first report concerning contaminants of emerging concern (CEC) and potentially associated physiological responses in sharks from The Bahamas, pointing to the urgent need to address marine pollution in ecosystems often perceived as pristine," the study published in the journal Environmental Pollution confirmed.<h3>Are divers the main culprit?</h3>A biologist with the Federal University of Parana, identified as Wosnick, said the traces of the drug could reach marine environments through water currents carrying sewage or other water. However, he suggested that divers are the most likely source of sharks being exposed to these substances. Most of the sharks studied were found near an inactive fish farm that is frequently visited by divers. “It's mostly because people are going there, peeing in the water and dumping their sewage in the water,” Wosnick said, ScienceNews reported. "They bite things to investigate and end up exposed [to substances]," added Wosnick. In addition to detecting pharmaceuticals and cocaine, researchers observed changes in the sharks’ metabolic markers. While it is still uncertain whether these changes are harmful, they could potentially influence the animals’ behaviour. "The very limited information on how CECs interact with the unique physiology and detoxification systems of elasmobranchs (sharks) represents a major barrier to assessing ecological risks and population-level impacts, hindering the development of effective conservation strategies for this already high-at-risk group," the study authors stated.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/meat-blood-milk-and-almost-no-water-mutation-that-helped-kenyan-tribe-survive-for-centuries-1773986257798">Meat, blood, milk, and almost no water: Scientists find what helped Kenyan tribe survive on extreme diet for centuries</a>

A biologist with the Federal University of Parana said the traces of the drug could reach marine environments through water currents carrying sewage or other water. However, he suggested that divers are the most likely source of sharks being exposed to these substances. 

Researchers in their new study have detected Caffeine, cocaine, and painkillers, among other drugs, in the blood of sharks swimming near the coast of the Bahamas. The team led by biologist Natascha Wosnick found after analysing blood samples from 85 sharks near Eleuthera Island. Out of these, nearly one-third have tested positive for caffeine, anti-inflammatory drugs like acetaminophen and diclofenac, and in one case, cocaine. "This represents the first report concerning contaminants of emerging concern (CEC) and potentially associated physiological responses in sharks from The Bahamas, pointing to the urgent need to address marine pollution in ecosystems often perceived as pristine," the study published in the journal Environmental Pollution confirmed. Are divers the main culprit? A biologist with the Federal University of Parana, identified as Wosnick, said the traces of the drug could reach marine environments through water currents carrying sewage or other water. However, he suggested that divers are the most likely source of sharks being exposed to these substances. Most of the sharks studied were found near an inactive fish farm that is frequently visited by divers. “It's mostly because people are going there, peeing in the water and dumping their sewage in the water,” Wosnick said, ScienceNews reported. "They bite things to investigate and end up exposed [to substances]," added Wosnick. In addition to detecting pharmaceuticals and cocaine, researchers observed changes in the sharks’ metabolic markers. While it is still uncertain whether these changes are harmful, they could potentially influence the animals’ behaviour. "The very limited information on how CECs interact with the unique physiology and detoxification systems of elasmobranchs (sharks) represents a major barrier to assessing ecological risks and population-level impacts, hindering the development of effective conservation strategies for this already high-at-risk group," the study authors stated. Also read: Meat, blood, milk, and almost no water: Scientists find what helped Kenyan tribe survive on extreme diet for centuries

A biologist with the Federal University of Parana said the traces of the drug could reach marine environments through water currents carrying sewage or other water. However, he suggested that divers are the most likely source of sharks being exposed to these substances.&nbsp;

What’s in water? Sharks near Bahamas found with Cocaine & Caffeine in blood, study reveals

Researchers at ETH Zurich have created a cutting-edge catalyst that transforms CO2 gas into methanol more efficiently. Despite using a cluster of metal atoms, they designed a system where each single indium atom actively leads the chemical reaction. Let's have a look at the applied method.

CO2 to fuel? Scientists convert greenhouse gas into clean energy: Here's how

Ratnesh Kumar, Executive Director at Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), said on Wednesday (Mar 18) that India’s energy transition must follow a balanced approach, stressing that decarbonisation should focus on “phase down” rather than a complete “phase out” of conventional energy sources.Speaking at the WION World Pulse summit in New Delhi, Ratnesh Kumar highlighted that coal continues to play a crucial role in India’s energy mix, particularly in ensuring grid stability and meeting rising power demand. "For de-carbonisastion, instead of phasing out, you have to go phase down. The current energy mix of India indicates that coal is still the backbone of our energy. For grid power, we also need power. In terms of renewable energy, it now comprises 51 per cent, which is more than the installed capacity. Alone, solar and wind can't do it; we need a battery, a storage system and PSP."<h3>ONGC shifts towards renewable energy</h3>Responding to a question on whether climate diplomacy is increasingly shaped by geopolitics rather than planetary urgency, Kumar underscored the need for a balanced and sustainable approach.He said, “As Mahatma Gandhi has said, 'Nature has sufficient to provide everyone's need, not everyone's greed.' So, nature has its own way of balancing everything. However, a change has come, and we are looking to decarbonise our operation and focus more on renewable energy. We incorporated ONGC Green Limited in 2024 and acquired Ana Power with 2.4 GW capacity. Our target is 10 GW by 2030. We are diversifying into NSMR (Nuclear Small Model Reactor), solar, wind and Geo-thermal other than oil producing.”Kumar’s remarks reflect India’s broader strategy of balancing energy security with sustainability, as the country continues to expand its renewable energy capacity while maintaining reliance on conventional sources to meet growing demand.&nbsp;Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/wion-world-pulse-ai-is-new-geopolitical-power-nitin-pai-on-india-s-strategy-towards-new-tech-1773829495043"> WION World Pulse | 'AI is new geopolitical power': Nitin Pai on India’s strategy towards new technologies</a> &nbsp;

Executive Director of Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), Ratnesh Kumar, underscored the need for a balanced and sustainable approach when questioned on whether climate diplomacy is increasingly shaped by geopolitics rather than planetary urgency.

Ratnesh Kumar, Executive Director at Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), said on Wednesday (Mar 18) that India’s energy transition must follow a balanced approach, stressing that decarbonisation should focus on “phase down” rather than a complete “phase out” of conventional energy sources. Speaking at the WION World Pulse summit in New Delhi, Ratnesh Kumar highlighted that coal continues to play a crucial role in India’s energy mix, particularly in ensuring grid stability and meeting rising power demand. "For de-carbonisastion, instead of phasing out, you have to go phase down. The current energy mix of India indicates that coal is still the backbone of our energy. For grid power, we also need power. In terms of renewable energy, it now comprises 51 per cent, which is more than the installed capacity. Alone, solar and wind can't do it; we need a battery, a storage system and PSP." ONGC shifts towards renewable energy Responding to a question on whether climate diplomacy is increasingly shaped by geopolitics rather than planetary urgency, Kumar underscored the need for a balanced and sustainable approach. He said, “As Mahatma Gandhi has said, 'Nature has sufficient to provide everyone's need, not everyone's greed.' So, nature has its own way of balancing everything. However, a change has come, and we are looking to decarbonise our operation and focus more on renewable energy. We incorporated ONGC Green Limited in 2024 and acquired Ana Power with 2.4 GW capacity. Our target is 10 GW by 2030. We are diversifying into NSMR (Nuclear Small Model Reactor), solar, wind and Geo-thermal other than oil producing.” Kumar’s remarks reflect India’s broader strategy of balancing energy security with sustainability, as the country continues to expand its renewable energy capacity while maintaining reliance on conventional sources to meet growing demand. Also read: WION World Pulse | 'AI is new geopolitical power': Nitin Pai on India’s strategy towards new technologies

Executive Director of Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), Ratnesh Kumar, underscored the need for a balanced and sustainable approach when questioned on whether climate diplomacy is increasingly shaped by geopolitics rather than planetary urgency.

Coal still backbone of India’s energy, says ONGC Executive Director Ratnesh Kumar at WION World Pulse summit

A pyramid-like structure first seen on Mars in 2001 has renewed debate on whether human-like creatures inhabited the planet billions of years ago. The image was captured by NASA’s Mars Global Surveyor (MGS) and found by researcher Keith Laney while he was scanning the data. He believes that this three-sided pyramid on the Martian surface is possibly an artificial structure. Expressing surprise, he said, "Were this found anywhere on Earth, we'd surely be digging into it." The NASA photo is generating interest on social media 25 years later, after it was reshared by documentary filmmaker Brian Dobbs. "On Mars, there is a three-sided pyramid the size of the Great Pyramid in Egypt," he said. The photo of this pyramid would not have reached a lot of people in 2001. But now, it is grabbing eyeballs because the photo truly is amazing.&nbsp;This pyramid-like structure is located in the western region of canyon Candor Chasma inside Valles Marineris, a canyon system which scientists say is the second-largest in our solar system. It has been clicked at least five times by NASA’s Mars Global Surveyor and Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter missions between 2001 and 2016. Dobbs told Daily Mail that it is not proof of past life on Mars, but it definitely raises questions about the history of the red planet. Meanwhile, NASA says that since the canyon system is riddled with steep cliffs and witnesses landslides, it is possible for unusual and highly geometric surface features to take shape.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-just-saved-a-precious-drill-on-mars-from-212-million-kilometres-away-1767174556834">NASA just saved a precious drill stuck on Mars since 8 months from 212 million kilometres away</a><h2>Photos of the pyramid on Mars</h2>The first photo was taken in 2001, with sunlight falling in such a way that only one side of the structure was visible. In April 2002, a three-sided shape was seen once again. &nbsp;Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter took a high-resolution photo in 2007 and showed more features for the first time. More images in 2014 and 2016 highlighted the geometrical features even more clearly. What was striking in all these images was that, irrespective of sunlight, shadow, image quality, and conditions, the three-sided structure appeared identical each time. The three lines seen from above the structure appear perfectly straight.&nbsp;Mars researcher George Haas wrote in a research paper, that the three-sided pyramid "exhibits a level of geometry and symmetry that supports a high probability of artificial origins." Reports suggest that CIA carried out mysterious experiments regarding Mars, and documents show that an ancient civilisation that built at least one pyramid once lived on the Red Planet. "Project Stargate" seemingly had the agency send a person's consciousness back in time who described a pyramid and a road, suggesting the presence of a civilisation. Today, people like Elon Musk believe that Mars is humanity's next home. However, that aspiration faces a lot of hurdles today.

A photo showing a pyramid-like structure on Mars, taken by NASA's spacecraft several times, is grabbing attention on social media. It is raising questions about whether the Red Planet was ever home to an ancient civilisation.

A pyramid-like structure first seen on Mars in 2001 has renewed debate on whether human-like creatures inhabited the planet billions of years ago. The image was captured by NASA’s Mars Global Surveyor (MGS) and found by researcher Keith Laney while he was scanning the data. He believes that this three-sided pyramid on the Martian surface is possibly an artificial structure. Expressing surprise, he said, "Were this found anywhere on Earth, we'd surely be digging into it." The NASA photo is generating interest on social media 25 years later, after it was reshared by documentary filmmaker Brian Dobbs. "On Mars, there is a three-sided pyramid the size of the Great Pyramid in Egypt," he said. The photo of this pyramid would not have reached a lot of people in 2001. But now, it is grabbing eyeballs because the photo truly is amazing. This pyramid-like structure is located in the western region of canyon Candor Chasma inside Valles Marineris, a canyon system which scientists say is the second-largest in our solar system. It has been clicked at least five times by NASA’s Mars Global Surveyor and Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter missions between 2001 and 2016. Dobbs told Daily Mail that it is not proof of past life on Mars, but it definitely raises questions about the history of the red planet. Meanwhile, NASA says that since the canyon system is riddled with steep cliffs and witnesses landslides, it is possible for unusual and highly geometric surface features to take shape. Also Read: NASA just saved a precious drill stuck on Mars since 8 months from 212 million kilometres away Photos of the pyramid on Mars The first photo was taken in 2001, with sunlight falling in such a way that only one side of the structure was visible. In April 2002, a three-sided shape was seen once again. Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter took a high-resolution photo in 2007 and showed more features for the first time. More images in 2014 and 2016 highlighted the geometrical features even more clearly. What was striking in all these images was that, irrespective of sunlight, shadow, image quality, and conditions, the three-sided structure appeared identical each time. The three lines seen from above the structure appear perfectly straight. Mars researcher George Haas wrote in a research paper, that the three-sided pyramid "exhibits a level of geometry and symmetry that supports a high probability of artificial origins." Reports suggest that CIA carried out mysterious experiments regarding Mars, and documents show that an ancient civilisation that built at least one pyramid once lived on the Red Planet. "Project Stargate" seemingly had the agency send a person's consciousness back in time who described a pyramid and a road, suggesting the presence of a civilisation. Today, people like Elon Musk believe that Mars is humanity's next home. However, that aspiration faces a lot of hurdles today.

A photo showing a pyramid-like structure on Mars, taken by NASA's spacecraft several times, is grabbing attention on social media. It is raising questions about whether the Red Planet was ever home to an ancient civilisation.

Three-side pyramid-like structure seen on Mars triggers debate - Natural or artificial?

A Shanghai-based start-up, Carbonology, has claimed it has developed a low-cost method to produce synthetic petroleum using air and water, as China ramps up efforts to find alternatives to traditional fossil fuels amid the ongoing US-Israel war against Iran, according to the South China Morning Post. According to Chinese media reports, the company has developed a method that converts the carbon dioxide extracted from air and water into artificial fuel using renewable energy sources such as solar and wind. A member of staff at the firm has confirmed that the report was true; however, he refused to give further details. The firm, co-founded in 2024 by a former Tesla vice president, said it has reduced production costs enough to offer synthetic petrol, diesel, jet fuel, and naphtha at prices competitive with market prices. The report added that the firm plans to roll out “large-scale production capacity in China”. Carbonology is part of a growing group of Chinese companies exploring technologies that capture carbon dioxide directly from the air, an industry that is advancing but still viewed with caution by some experts. Over the past decade, direct air capture (DAC) methods have progressed from experimental stages to practical use. However, most of the captured greenhouse gases have so far been stored underground instead of being converted into usable fuel.&nbsp;According to the SCMP, this development is part of China’s broader effort to cut its dependence on imported crude oil. Currently, the country imports more than 70 per cent of its oil, a large portion of which comes from the Middle East. Ongoing conflicts in the region have disrupted supplies and caused price fluctuations, highlighting the need for alternative energy sources.<h3>How is it produced?</h3>Scientists produce synthetic fuel (e-fuel) from air and water by capturing atmospheric carbon and splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen using renewable energy. These components are then combined through thermochemical processes, such as Fischer-Tropsch or methanol synthesis, to create hydrocarbon fuels (gasoline, diesel) that are compatible with existing engines.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/nuclear-base-strange-lights-and-a-horn-ex-officer-claims-intelligent-non-humans-saved-earth-from-holocaust-1773730631613">Nuclear base, strange lights, and POOF: Ex-Air Force officer claims 'intelligent non-humans' saved Earth</a>

The company has developed a method that converts the carbon dioxide extracted from air and water into artificial fuel using renewable energy sources such as solar and wind. A member of staff at the firm has confirmed that the report was true; however, he refused to give further details.

A Shanghai-based start-up, Carbonology, has claimed it has developed a low-cost method to produce synthetic petroleum using air and water, as China ramps up efforts to find alternatives to traditional fossil fuels amid the ongoing US-Israel war against Iran, according to the South China Morning Post. According to Chinese media reports, the company has developed a method that converts the carbon dioxide extracted from air and water into artificial fuel using renewable energy sources such as solar and wind. A member of staff at the firm has confirmed that the report was true; however, he refused to give further details. The firm, co-founded in 2024 by a former Tesla vice president, said it has reduced production costs enough to offer synthetic petrol, diesel, jet fuel, and naphtha at prices competitive with market prices. The report added that the firm plans to roll out “large-scale production capacity in China”. Carbonology is part of a growing group of Chinese companies exploring technologies that capture carbon dioxide directly from the air, an industry that is advancing but still viewed with caution by some experts. Over the past decade, direct air capture (DAC) methods have progressed from experimental stages to practical use. However, most of the captured greenhouse gases have so far been stored underground instead of being converted into usable fuel. According to the SCMP, this development is part of China’s broader effort to cut its dependence on imported crude oil. Currently, the country imports more than 70 per cent of its oil, a large portion of which comes from the Middle East. Ongoing conflicts in the region have disrupted supplies and caused price fluctuations, highlighting the need for alternative energy sources. How is it produced? Scientists produce synthetic fuel (e-fuel) from air and water by capturing atmospheric carbon and splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen using renewable energy. These components are then combined through thermochemical processes, such as Fischer-Tropsch or methanol synthesis, to create hydrocarbon fuels (gasoline, diesel) that are compatible with existing engines. Also read: Nuclear base, strange lights, and POOF: Ex-Air Force officer claims 'intelligent non-humans' saved Earth

The company has developed a method that converts the carbon dioxide extracted from air and water into artificial fuel using renewable energy sources such as solar and wind. A member of staff at the firm has confirmed that the report was true; however, he refused to give further details.

No oil, no problem? Chinese start-up claims it can produce synthetic petroleum from air and water

Scientists have captured two planets smashing into each other, giving a rare insight into how our own planet, Earth and the Moon might have formed. The exciting event happened around Gaia20ehk, a star similar to our sun, located 11,000 light-years from Earth. The star and its planets reside near the constellation Puppis, or the "poop deck". A planetary collision has only been seen a few times in the past, but this one is different since astronomers say it is almost like seeing our own planet's history. Lead author of the study, Anastasios Tzanidakis, a doctoral candidate in astronomy at the University of Washington, said that several telescopes around the world "caught the impact in real time." He added, "There are only a few other planetary collisions of any kind on record, and none that bear so many similarities to the impact that created the Earth and moon." The study was published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters on March 11.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-pin-source-of-three-mysterious-signals-from-centre-of-milky-way-to-excited-dark-matter-1772794076955">Scientists pin source of three mysterious signals coming from centre of Milky Way to…</a><h2>How did scientists know that two planets had collided?</h2>It is not like planets rarely collide with each other. In fact, every young star system is a chaotic place with debris flying all around, crashing and smashing before coalescing to form planets and moons. However, to see these events from Earth is not easy. To witness the violent cosmic episodes, the planets' orbits must take them directly in front of their home star. When this happens, their debris blocks part of the star's light, and the telescopes detect and measure it in visible and infrared light. Tzanidakis was scanning through NASA's SPHEREx mission when he saw something strange. In 2016, the star Gaia20ehk was stable and just like any other fireball in the universe. However, five years later, it dimmed by three times its original light, and chaos started. "Right around 2021, it went completely bonkers," Tzanidakis said, adding that stars like our sun do not experience such weird alterations.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/moon-is-safe-jwst-pulls-off-near-impossible-feat-locates-asteroid-2024-yr4-1772796801306">JWST pulls off near-impossible feat, locates asteroid that had gone into hiding</a><h2>Star got hotter and hotter, creating an infrared glow</h2>Further observations showed that something repeatedly passing in front of the star was blocking part of its light. However, visible-light data was not enough to conclude. This could be happening because of anything - from a stellar explosion to a planet being gobbled up by a supermassive black hole. An analysis of Gaia20ehk's emission in the infrared spectrum showed that its infrared signal shot up even though the star's light dipped. This means it was getting hotter, and in fact, whatever material was blocking it was also extremely hot, as proven by the infrared glow.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/earth-days-are-getting-longer-it-has-not-happened-in-3-6-million-years-1773408587727">Earth days are getting longer. It has not happened in 3.6 million years</a>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/scientist-claims-heaven-lies-in-the-physical-universe-and-tells-its-exact-location-1771939781638">Scientist claims heaven lies in the physical universe, and tells its EXACT location</a>&nbsp;The researchers concluded that what they were seeing was a collision between two planets, since such an event could throw out hot dust and rock into an orbit, perfectly aligning with their findings. However, it was likely not a one-time head-on collision. Scientists think they initially grazed each other, which is when the star's light dimmed. "Then, they had their big catastrophic collision, and the infrared really ramped up," Tzanidakis said. The study states that the event resembles our moon's past since the debris cloud around Gaia20ehk is around one astronomical unit from its star, almost the same distance as Earth orbits the sun.&nbsp;

A collision between two planets was seen from Earth, an event that has only been seen a handful of times in the past. Scientists noticed chaos and temperatures running extremely high near the constellation Puppis, and were surprised when they found the reason.

Scientists have captured two planets smashing into each other, giving a rare insight into how our own planet, Earth and the Moon might have formed. The exciting event happened around Gaia20ehk, a star similar to our sun, located 11,000 light-years from Earth. The star and its planets reside near the constellation Puppis, or the "poop deck". A planetary collision has only been seen a few times in the past, but this one is different since astronomers say it is almost like seeing our own planet's history. Lead author of the study, Anastasios Tzanidakis, a doctoral candidate in astronomy at the University of Washington, said that several telescopes around the world "caught the impact in real time." He added, "There are only a few other planetary collisions of any kind on record, and none that bear so many similarities to the impact that created the Earth and moon." The study was published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters on March 11. Also Read: Scientists pin source of three mysterious signals coming from centre of Milky Way to… How did scientists know that two planets had collided? It is not like planets rarely collide with each other. In fact, every young star system is a chaotic place with debris flying all around, crashing and smashing before coalescing to form planets and moons. However, to see these events from Earth is not easy. To witness the violent cosmic episodes, the planets' orbits must take them directly in front of their home star. When this happens, their debris blocks part of the star's light, and the telescopes detect and measure it in visible and infrared light. Tzanidakis was scanning through NASA's SPHEREx mission when he saw something strange. In 2016, the star Gaia20ehk was stable and just like any other fireball in the universe. However, five years later, it dimmed by three times its original light, and chaos started. "Right around 2021, it went completely bonkers," Tzanidakis said, adding that stars like our sun do not experience such weird alterations. Also Read: JWST pulls off near-impossible feat, locates asteroid that had gone into hiding Star got hotter and hotter, creating an infrared glow Further observations showed that something repeatedly passing in front of the star was blocking part of its light. However, visible-light data was not enough to conclude. This could be happening because of anything - from a stellar explosion to a planet being gobbled up by a supermassive black hole. An analysis of Gaia20ehk's emission in the infrared spectrum showed that its infrared signal shot up even though the star's light dipped. This means it was getting hotter, and in fact, whatever material was blocking it was also extremely hot, as proven by the infrared glow. Also Read: Earth days are getting longer. It has not happened in 3.6 million years Also Read: Scientist claims heaven lies in the physical universe, and tells its EXACT location The researchers concluded that what they were seeing was a collision between two planets, since such an event could throw out hot dust and rock into an orbit, perfectly aligning with their findings. However, it was likely not a one-time head-on collision. Scientists think they initially grazed each other, which is when the star's light dimmed. "Then, they had their big catastrophic collision, and the infrared really ramped up," Tzanidakis said. The study states that the event resembles our moon's past since the debris cloud around Gaia20ehk is around one astronomical unit from its star, almost the same distance as Earth orbits the sun.

A collision between two planets was seen from Earth, an event that has only been seen a handful of times in the past. Scientists noticed chaos and temperatures running extremely high near the constellation Puppis, and were surprised when they found the reason.

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