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A mysterious golden object that resembles an egg was discovered below the waters of the Gulf of Alaska in 2023. After three years of studies and analysis, scientists finally know what this strange item is. Scientists at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration say it is not an egg, as was suggested at the time, but a part of a giant, deep-sea anemone. This golden thing is hidden underneath the animal belonging to the Relicanthus daphneae species. However, one of them simply left it behind in a bizarre occurrence. The agency is unsure about what happened to the rest of the animal, its upper half. They believe it could have died without this part, or likely "moved to a new home." "We might never know for sure,” NOAA said in a new video detailing the findings. The golden orb was found by the remotely operated vehicle Deep Discoverer stuck to a rock. It was four inches wide and had a small hole which offered a view of its insides.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-found-mysterious-never-seen-before-spooky-golden-egg-at-the-bottom-of-pacific-ocean-633260">Scientists find mysterious never-seen-before 'spooky golden egg' at the bottom of Pacific Ocean</a><h2>Simple tests and analysis did not help with the golden orb</h2>The vehicle collected the orb, and it was sent to the lab at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History for analysis. NOAA Fisheries got to work to try to understand what they were looking at. Its physical structure and DNA were put under the scanner, but a routine analysis did not show anything. "I suspected that our routine processes would clarify the mystery,” zoologist Dr Allen Collins, the director of NOAA Fisheries’ National Systematics Laboratory in the museum, said. However, the simple methods didn't work, and several experts had to pay special attention to the object. This was a complex mystery that required morphological, genetic, deep-sea and bioinformatics expertise to solve,” he said.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/major-north-american-river-was-missing-for-5mn-years-scientists-just-solved-the-mystery-of-its-disappearance-1776931428267">Major North American river was missing for 5mn years. Scientists just solved the mystery of its disappearance</a><h2>How scientists identified the golden egg</h2>The golden orb was fibrous and had a layered surface packed with sting cells, such as those found in corals or anemones. The cells were revealed to be spirocysts, only seen in one group of the invertebrates known as Hexacorallia. They also tried matching the DNA to other DNA, but it showed no results, NOAA said. This likely happened since the orb had picked up DNA from other microscopic life. So they turned to whole-genome sequencing, which confirmed that the DNA on the orb was of an animal. The DNA molecules were found to be “genetically almost identical to a known Relicanthus daphneae reference genome.” Scientists say the golden orb was a deep-sea mystery and definitely not the last one. They are hoping advancements in technology will keep showing them the way. &nbsp;

A mysterious golden object that looked like an egg was discovered in the ocean three years ago. Scientists thought it was some sort of egg. However, after over two years, they have finally figured out what it is.  

A mysterious golden object that resembles an egg was discovered below the waters of the Gulf of Alaska in 2023. After three years of studies and analysis, scientists finally know what this strange item is. Scientists at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration say it is not an egg, as was suggested at the time, but a part of a giant, deep-sea anemone. This golden thing is hidden underneath the animal belonging to the Relicanthus daphneae species. However, one of them simply left it behind in a bizarre occurrence. The agency is unsure about what happened to the rest of the animal, its upper half. They believe it could have died without this part, or likely "moved to a new home." "We might never know for sure,” NOAA said in a new video detailing the findings. The golden orb was found by the remotely operated vehicle Deep Discoverer stuck to a rock. It was four inches wide and had a small hole which offered a view of its insides. Also Read: Scientists find mysterious never-seen-before 'spooky golden egg' at the bottom of Pacific Ocean Simple tests and analysis did not help with the golden orb The vehicle collected the orb, and it was sent to the lab at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History for analysis. NOAA Fisheries got to work to try to understand what they were looking at. Its physical structure and DNA were put under the scanner, but a routine analysis did not show anything. "I suspected that our routine processes would clarify the mystery,” zoologist Dr Allen Collins, the director of NOAA Fisheries’ National Systematics Laboratory in the museum, said. However, the simple methods didn't work, and several experts had to pay special attention to the object. This was a complex mystery that required morphological, genetic, deep-sea and bioinformatics expertise to solve,” he said. Also Read: Major North American river was missing for 5mn years. Scientists just solved the mystery of its disappearance How scientists identified the golden egg The golden orb was fibrous and had a layered surface packed with sting cells, such as those found in corals or anemones. The cells were revealed to be spirocysts, only seen in one group of the invertebrates known as Hexacorallia. They also tried matching the DNA to other DNA, but it showed no results, NOAA said. This likely happened since the orb had picked up DNA from other microscopic life. So they turned to whole-genome sequencing, which confirmed that the DNA on the orb was of an animal. The DNA molecules were found to be “genetically almost identical to a known Relicanthus daphneae reference genome.” Scientists say the golden orb was a deep-sea mystery and definitely not the last one. They are hoping advancements in technology will keep showing them the way.

A mysterious golden object that looked like an egg was discovered in the ocean three years ago. Scientists thought it was some sort of egg. However, after over two years, they have finally figured out what it is. &nbsp;

Scientists crack the mystery of the 'golden egg', and it is not an egg but an...

Quantum computing draws attention as it can potentially solve problems classical computers struggle with, such as molecular simulations crucial for drug development. Proposed by Richard Feynman and advanced by researchers like John Preskill, it offers unique advantages.

Quantum computing draws attention as it can potentially solve problems classical computers struggle with, such as molecular simulations crucial for drug development. Proposed by Richard Feynman and advanced by researchers like John Preskill, it offers unique advantages.

Quantum computing myths vs reality: Understanding what technology can (and can’t) do

Lyrid meteor shower peaks: The meteor shower of April is peaking at the moment. Here is how to see it, and the best place and time. Also, see a photo of the Lyrids captured from space. Lyrids occur because of the comet Thatcher.

Lyrid meteor shower peaks: The meteor shower of April is peaking at the moment. Here is how to see it, and the best place and time. Also, see a photo of the Lyrids captured from space. Lyrids occur because of the comet Thatcher.

Lyrid meteor shower peaks: See fireballs from space and best time to watch from India

Voyager 1 has only about one year of life left, as its mission is threatened by a drop in power. NASA has shut down another instrument on the spacecraft to prolong its life. But it is the Big Bang that is expected to give it a major push. Details here.

Voyager 1 has only about one year of life left, as its mission is threatened by a drop in power. NASA has shut down another instrument on the spacecraft to prolong its life. But it is the Big Bang that is expected to give it a major push. Details here.

NASA to create its own Big Bang for Voyager 1 as another instrument is shut down

In a major shift for government transparency, US President Donald Trump has promised that a ‘Great Disclosure’ is imminent. Speaking at a Turning Point USA event in Phoenix, Arizona, on Friday (Apr 17), the President made a shocking announcement, saying that the Pentagon will begin releasing highly classified files on Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAPs) and UFOs “very, very soon,” a disclosure he said he had been saving specifically for this audience. Trump revealed that he had instructed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to begin the declassification process. "I thought I'd save it for this crowd, because you're a little bit out there," he joked.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/-fake-jesus-iran-turns-trump-s-deleted-ai-image-into-a-viral-lego-diss-track-amid-pope-row-in-pics-1776326285612">'Fake Jesus!': Iran turns Trump's deleted AI-image into a viral LEGO diss track amid Pope row | In pics</a><h2>UFO files incoming</h2>Speaking to a crowd of young conservative voters, Trump revealed that the US government was in possession of "many very interesting documents". The US president promised that the "first releases will begin very, very soon."The announcement wasn't entirely out of nowhere. Trump had posted on Truth Social in February, directing Hegseth and other relevant agencies to begin identifying and releasing government files related to "alien and extraterrestrial life, unidentified aerial phenomena, and unidentified flying objects." Hegseth subsequently told reporters his department was "digging in" to the files and would comply with the president's instructions.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ukraine-s-robot-army-how-kyiv-used-ground-based-robots-to-carry-out-over-100-combat-operations-against-russia-all-you-need-to-know-in-pics-1776323150157">Ukraine's robot army: How Kyiv used ground-based robots to execute 100+ combat operations against Russia | In Pics</a><h2>Congressional pressure behind the release?</h2>Over the past few months, congressional pressure has been building on the same front. The House Oversight Committee's UAP Task Force sent a letter to Hegseth in March requesting more than 45 video files dating back to 2019, with a deadline of April 14. The request followed September hearings where whistleblowers testified that the All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office, a Pentagon division, possessed video records of UAP encounters. The footage reportedly includes sightings of cigar-shaped and spherical objects, UAP formations near Iran and Syria, incidents near US military bases and airports, and a 2023 shootdown over Lake Huron. One file allegedly shows UFOs in formation over the Persian Gulf."The lack of disclosure regarding the very real threat posed by UAPs in and around US restricted airspace is concerning," the congressional letter stated, adding that their presence near sensitive military installations posed security and readiness risks.<h2>Obama confirms aliens exist</h2>Around the same time, former US president Barack Obama also sparked speculation when, during a podcast, he confirmed that UAP files exist, but stopped short of confirming alien life. "They're real, but I haven't seen them," he said, adding that there was no underground facility holding aliens, "unless there's this enormous conspiracy and they hid it from the president."

Did Donald Trump just promise to reveal UFO secrets? At a Phoenix event, he said classified files on unidentified aerial phenomena will be declassified soon.

What’s really in these documents and why now? Scroll down to read more.

In a major shift for government transparency, US President Donald Trump has promised that a ‘Great Disclosure’ is imminent. Speaking at a Turning Point USA event in Phoenix, Arizona, on Friday (Apr 17), the President made a shocking announcement, saying that the Pentagon will begin releasing highly classified files on Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAPs) and UFOs “very, very soon,” a disclosure he said he had been saving specifically for this audience. Trump revealed that he had instructed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to begin the declassification process. "I thought I'd save it for this crowd, because you're a little bit out there," he joked. Also read | 'Fake Jesus!': Iran turns Trump's deleted AI-image into a viral LEGO diss track amid Pope row | In pics UFO files incoming Speaking to a crowd of young conservative voters, Trump revealed that the US government was in possession of "many very interesting documents". The US president promised that the "first releases will begin very, very soon." The announcement wasn't entirely out of nowhere. Trump had posted on Truth Social in February, directing Hegseth and other relevant agencies to begin identifying and releasing government files related to "alien and extraterrestrial life, unidentified aerial phenomena, and unidentified flying objects." Hegseth subsequently told reporters his department was "digging in" to the files and would comply with the president's instructions. Also read | Ukraine's robot army: How Kyiv used ground-based robots to execute 100+ combat operations against Russia | In Pics Congressional pressure behind the release? Over the past few months, congressional pressure has been building on the same front. The House Oversight Committee's UAP Task Force sent a letter to Hegseth in March requesting more than 45 video files dating back to 2019, with a deadline of April 14. The request followed September hearings where whistleblowers testified that the All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office, a Pentagon division, possessed video records of UAP encounters. The footage reportedly includes sightings of cigar-shaped and spherical objects, UAP formations near Iran and Syria, incidents near US military bases and airports, and a 2023 shootdown over Lake Huron. One file allegedly shows UFOs in formation over the Persian Gulf. "The lack of disclosure regarding the very real threat posed by UAPs in and around US restricted airspace is concerning," the congressional letter stated, adding that their presence near sensitive military installations posed security and readiness risks. Obama confirms aliens exist Around the same time, former US president Barack Obama also sparked speculation when, during a podcast, he confirmed that UAP files exist, but stopped short of confirming alien life. "They're real, but I haven't seen them," he said, adding that there was no underground facility holding aliens, "unless there's this enormous conspiracy and they hid it from the president."

Did Donald Trump just promise to reveal UFO secrets? At a Phoenix event, he said classified files on unidentified aerial phenomena will be declassified soon.What’s really in these documents and why now? Scroll down to read more.

Trump announces Pentagon UFO files release: 'We found many very interesting documents'

Scientists have pieced together the largest CT scan of the universe, with a whopping 47 million galaxies and 20 million additional stars present in one picture. This was part of a project that ran for over five years to create the largest and most detailed 3D map of our cosmic outdoors. The Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI)'s 5,000 eyes have been locking in on tiny portions of the sky since 2021, and we finally have the much-awaited picture. Now all of those images have been combined to create this unimaginable spectacle. The observations made by the DESI survey are a massive leap forward, combining observations from over six times as many galaxies and quasars—the brilliant signals emitted by black holes—than all previous surveys put together. The stunning image shows light from galaxies as old as 11 billion years, merely two billion years after the universe was born.<h2>Map of galaxies</h2>Dr Seshadri Nadathur, a Portsmouth University researcher, who serves as co–chair of the DESI galaxy and quasar clustering working group, said, "We've barely scratched the surface so far" and termed "this DESI map of galaxies" extremely important for cosmology. The fibre–optic lens with an accuracy of 10 microns, or less than the width of a hair, moved and observed a new spot every 20 minutes. By splitting the collected light into a spectrum of colours, ten spectrographs allowed researchers to determine the chemical composition, velocity, and spatial position of each target. &nbsp;This led to the creation of the most detailed and precise 3D map of the universe. Each dot in the photo is a galaxy, while the dark spots are areas where the thick edge of the Milky Way blocked out light from distant stars. Initially, DESI projected a view of 34 million galaxies and quasars, but it exceeded that number.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-create-galaxies-in-lab-watch-and-hear-them-evolve-in-video-1776424893000">Scientists create galaxies in laboratory - Watch and hear them born and evolve | VIDEO</a><h2>Dark energy project</h2>The project involved over 900 scientists from 70 institutions who started off with the aim of studying dark energy, the force believed to be responsible for the expansion of the universe. How and when the universe will end depends on the balance between matter and dark energy. The first three years of the program collected data, which showed that dark energy could be changing. &nbsp;Scientists are hoping that the full map will offer a view into whether this evolution is bigger or smaller than estimated. The first dark energy results from the five–year survey are expected in 2027.

Scientists have created the largest map of the universe showing 47 million galaxies. The images were captured over five years by the 5,000 eyes of the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument. The project will soon reveal additional data on dark energy.

Scientists have pieced together the largest CT scan of the universe, with a whopping 47 million galaxies and 20 million additional stars present in one picture. This was part of a project that ran for over five years to create the largest and most detailed 3D map of our cosmic outdoors. The Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI)'s 5,000 eyes have been locking in on tiny portions of the sky since 2021, and we finally have the much-awaited picture. Now all of those images have been combined to create this unimaginable spectacle. The observations made by the DESI survey are a massive leap forward, combining observations from over six times as many galaxies and quasars—the brilliant signals emitted by black holes—than all previous surveys put together. The stunning image shows light from galaxies as old as 11 billion years, merely two billion years after the universe was born. Map of galaxies Dr Seshadri Nadathur, a Portsmouth University researcher, who serves as co–chair of the DESI galaxy and quasar clustering working group, said, "We've barely scratched the surface so far" and termed "this DESI map of galaxies" extremely important for cosmology. The fibre–optic lens with an accuracy of 10 microns, or less than the width of a hair, moved and observed a new spot every 20 minutes. By splitting the collected light into a spectrum of colours, ten spectrographs allowed researchers to determine the chemical composition, velocity, and spatial position of each target. This led to the creation of the most detailed and precise 3D map of the universe. Each dot in the photo is a galaxy, while the dark spots are areas where the thick edge of the Milky Way blocked out light from distant stars. Initially, DESI projected a view of 34 million galaxies and quasars, but it exceeded that number. Also Read: Scientists create galaxies in laboratory - Watch and hear them born and evolve | VIDEO Dark energy project The project involved over 900 scientists from 70 institutions who started off with the aim of studying dark energy, the force believed to be responsible for the expansion of the universe. How and when the universe will end depends on the balance between matter and dark energy. The first three years of the program collected data, which showed that dark energy could be changing. Scientists are hoping that the full map will offer a view into whether this evolution is bigger or smaller than estimated. The first dark energy results from the five–year survey are expected in 2027.

Scientists have created the largest map of the universe showing 47 million galaxies. The images were captured over five years by the 5,000 eyes of the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument. The project will soon reveal additional data on dark energy.

MIND BLOWN! See 47 million galaxies in the largest 3D map of the universe. Each dot in this photo is a galaxy

Scientists have replicated the formation of galaxies, with a simulation now only offering a peek into how these gigantic structures are born and evolve, but also letting you hear them grow. The extremely realistic simulation shows matter colliding and crashing as galaxies are born, with the sounds turning pretty eerie at one point. Researchers published their findings in The Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, revealing that current physics fully explains the observed growth of galaxies from one billion years after the universe was born to today. Scientists have created such simulations in the past as well; however, this is the first time that two crucial ingredients have been used to model the galaxies. The COLIBRE virtual universes reflect the cold gas and cosmic dust inside galaxies. This is something that other simulations did not take into account. Lead researcher, Joop Schaye of Leiden University, said, “Much of the gas inside real galaxies is cold and dusty, but most previous large simulations had to ignore this. With COLIBRE, we finally bring these essential components into the picture.”Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/mind-blown-see-47-million-galaxies-in-the-largest-3d-map-of-the-universe-each-dot-in-this-photo-is-a-galaxy-1776433522489">MIND BLOWN! See 47 million galaxies in the largest 3D map of the universe. Each dot in this photo is a galaxy</a><h2>See and hear galaxies form in the video below &nbsp;</h2>

Scientists added cold gas and cosmic dust and used more powerful computers for the study, and successfully reproduced real galaxies in the lab. Their system can create galaxies from the ancient universe as well as newer galaxies. Highlighting why COLIBRE simulations are special, the researchers said, in previous recreations, it was impossible to cool down the gas inside galaxies below 5,500 Celsius, way hotter than the Sun. However, years of studies have shown that cold gas is essential for star formation. COLIBRE successfully modelled this cold gas through additional physics. Besides this, the experiment also used small grains, or cosmic dust. They are crucial in galaxy formation as they influence galactic gas. The dust shields gas from the harsh ultraviolet radiation and absorbs it along with optical light from stars. This light is re-emitted in the infrared, which is what telescopes see.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-now-know-why-we-saw-so-many-fireballs-in-march-1776247780216">Scientists find source of March fireballs, reveal Earth is crossing a cosmic wake</a><h2>COLIBRE observations about galaxies</h2>The researchers say that COLIBRE is a powerful new laboratory that can test theories, interpret observations and create “virtual observations”. The findings show that the standard cosmological model remains consistent with the galaxy evolution observations. Carlos Frenk, from the Institute for Computational at Durham University and a part of the COLIBRE team, said, "It is exhilarating to see ‘galaxies’ come out of our computer that look indistinguishable from the real thing and share many of the properties that astronomers measure in real data, such as their number, luminosities, colours, and sizes."&nbsp;

Galaxies created in the lab offer a view into what they looked like during formation and also how they might sound. This simulation was made as part of the COLIBRE project, and scientists have made a realistic-looking cosmic event.  

Scientists have replicated the formation of galaxies, with a simulation now only offering a peek into how these gigantic structures are born and evolve, but also letting you hear them grow. The extremely realistic simulation shows matter colliding and crashing as galaxies are born, with the sounds turning pretty eerie at one point. Researchers published their findings in The Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, revealing that current physics fully explains the observed growth of galaxies from one billion years after the universe was born to today. Scientists have created such simulations in the past as well; however, this is the first time that two crucial ingredients have been used to model the galaxies. The COLIBRE virtual universes reflect the cold gas and cosmic dust inside galaxies. This is something that other simulations did not take into account. Lead researcher, Joop Schaye of Leiden University, said, “Much of the gas inside real galaxies is cold and dusty, but most previous large simulations had to ignore this. With COLIBRE, we finally bring these essential components into the picture.” Also Read: MIND BLOWN! See 47 million galaxies in the largest 3D map of the universe. Each dot in this photo is a galaxy See and hear galaxies form in the video below

Galaxies created in the lab offer a view into what they looked like during formation and also how they might sound. This simulation was made as part of the COLIBRE project, and scientists have made a realistic-looking cosmic event. &nbsp;

Scientists create galaxies in laboratory - Watch and hear them born and evolve | VIDEO

3I/ATLAS was all the news until a few months ago. The alien comet was even believed to be an alien spaceship by some scientists. While we might not be talking that much about it any more, fresh revelation from 5 months ago have just been made about the alien comet.

3I/ATLAS was all the news until a few months ago. The alien comet was even believed to be an alien spaceship by some scientists. While we might not be talking that much about it any more, fresh revelation from 5 months ago have just been made about the alien comet.

Remember 3I/ATLAS? ESA just revealed what JUICE saw the alien comet doing 5 months ago

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has revealed a stark reality of modern space operations: Earth’s orbit is becoming increasingly crowded and hazardous. According to the Indian Space Situational Assessment Report (ISSAR) 2025, the number of objects in orbit continues to surge, driven by unprecedented global launch activity and satellite deployments. In 2025 alone, 4,651 objects were placed in orbit, showing the scale of congestion.&nbsp;“A total of 4651 objects were added to the space object population in this year in a significant rise compared to the previous years- the space object population increased by 2963 objects from 254 launches in 2024 and 3135 objects from 212 launches in 2023 ”, the report noted.&nbsp;This congestion has led to a sharp rise in “close approach alerts”, warnings issued when two objects come dangerously near each other. ISRO noted that such alerts are now frequent, reflecting what it described as an “alarmingly rising congestion” in low-Earth orbit. The situation is compounded by space debris travelling at speeds of nearly 28,000 km/h, where even minute fragments can threaten operational satellites.&nbsp;ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/sam-altman-s-coding-abilities-are-minimal-yet-he-runs-openai-he-s-not-alone-these-top-tech-bosses-have-limited-it-skills-1776327018838">Sam Altman's coding abilities are minimal, yet he runs OpenAI. He's not alone. These top tech bosses have limited IT skills</a><h3>Collision avoidance and critical interventions</h3>Against this backdrop, ISRO has had to actively manoeuvre its satellites to prevent disasters. The report confirms that multiple collision avoidance manoeuvres (CAMs) were executed, including fourteen in low-Earth orbit and four in geostationary orbit, a total of 18. Earlier data also showed that ISRO successfully averted ten potential collisions in a single year, highlighting the scale of the threat. In a recent press release, PIB wrote that a total of 129 trackable space debris originating from Indian satellite missions are in orbit.&nbsp;

Cumulative number of CAMs performed since 2011

&nbsp;&nbsp;Significantly, key missions such as NISAR and Chandrayaan-2 experienced close calls in orbit, requiring timely intervention. NISAR, a joint NASA-ISRO Earth observation mission launched on July 30, 2025, and the Chandrayaan-2 Orbiter both faced potential risks from nearby objects. For Chandrayaan-2, ISRO carried out 16 trajectory corrections to maintain safety, with two instances requiring revised plans to better avoid close approaches. These manoeuvres are precisely calculated to protect satellites without affecting mission objectives.&nbsp;ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/are-your-ai-chats-with-chatgpt-and-claude-private-us-lawyers-warn-they-could-be-used-against-you-in-court-1776265771926">Are your chats with ChatGPT and Claude private? US lawyers warn that AI conversations could be used against you in court</a>&nbsp;ISRO’s space situational awareness programme continuously tracks thousands of objects, issuing alerts and assessing risks in real time. As the agency states, this capability is essential “to protect national space assets from hazards”, including debris and inactive satellites.&nbsp;The report also said, “Out of the 10749 Starlink satellites, 9396 satellites were still in orbit and 1353 satellites re-entered the Earth’s atmosphere by the end of 2025.”<h3>Strategic response to a growing threat</h3>The findings underline a broader challenge: orbital sustainability. With over 140 Indian satellites, many in the most crowded low-Earth orbit, the risk of collision is structurally higher. To address this, ISRO is strengthening indigenous systems such as Project NETRA, designed to track and predict debris movement.&nbsp;The report ultimately serves as both a progress update and a warning. While ISRO’s timely interventions have prevented catastrophic collisions, the increasing density of space traffic signals an urgent need for global coordination, improved tracking systems, and stricter debris mitigation practices.&nbsp;

The report confirms that multiple collision avoidance manoeuvres (CAMs) were executed, including fourteen in low-Earth orbit and four in geostationary orbit, a total of 18. 

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has revealed a stark reality of modern space operations: Earth’s orbit is becoming increasingly crowded and hazardous. According to the Indian Space Situational Assessment Report (ISSAR) 2025, the number of objects in orbit continues to surge, driven by unprecedented global launch activity and satellite deployments. In 2025 alone, 4,651 objects were placed in orbit, showing the scale of congestion. “A total of 4651 objects were added to the space object population in this year in a significant rise compared to the previous years- the space object population increased by 2963 objects from 254 launches in 2024 and 3135 objects from 212 launches in 2023 ”, the report noted. This congestion has led to a sharp rise in “close approach alerts”, warnings issued when two objects come dangerously near each other. ISRO noted that such alerts are now frequent, reflecting what it described as an “alarmingly rising congestion” in low-Earth orbit. The situation is compounded by space debris travelling at speeds of nearly 28,000 km/h, where even minute fragments can threaten operational satellites. ALSO READ: Sam Altman's coding abilities are minimal, yet he runs OpenAI. He's not alone. These top tech bosses have limited IT skills Collision avoidance and critical interventions Against this backdrop, ISRO has had to actively manoeuvre its satellites to prevent disasters. The report confirms that multiple collision avoidance manoeuvres (CAMs) were executed, including fourteen in low-Earth orbit and four in geostationary orbit, a total of 18. Earlier data also showed that ISRO successfully averted ten potential collisions in a single year, highlighting the scale of the threat. In a recent press release, PIB wrote that a total of 129 trackable space debris originating from Indian satellite missions are in orbit.

The report confirms that multiple collision avoidance manoeuvres (CAMs) were executed, including fourteen in low-Earth orbit and four in geostationary orbit, a total of 18.&nbsp;

ISRO averts multiple collision threats: NISAR, Chandrayaan-2 face close orbital encounters amid rising space debris

A string of cosmic fireballs was recently witnessed around the world, leaving everyone wondering why so many meteors were being seen. Scientists now have the answer to this question. All these meteors possibly came from one asteroid being shredded by our Sun, according to a finding. A NASA researcher says this event is creating debris, and Earth is passing directly through it. Scientists, led by Patrick M. Shober, analysed millions of meteor observations from all-sky camera networks spread across Canada, Japan, Europe, and California. They identified a cluster of 282 meteors that stood apart, which they say is a recently formed, previously unknown meteor shower. These tiny space rocks originated from an asteroid that got too close to the Sun. Earth is currently flying through this debris field left behind by this asteroid. When these pieces hit our atmosphere, we have meteor showers. Researchers say stargazers can expect many more meteors in the coming days. In fact, the numerous fireballs we witnessed in March could have also originated from this asteroid.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/doomsday-asteroid-collision-in-india-sowed-seeds-of-life-on-earth-1776090249437">Doomsday asteroid collisions, including the one in India, sowed seeds of life on Earth</a>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/earth-sees-fifth-mystery-visitor-of-2026-texas-fireball-moving-bizarrely-shocks-onlookers-as-it-shoots-upwards-1773890972361">Earth sees fifth mystery visitor of 2026: Texas fireball moving bizarrely shocks onlookers as it shoots upwards</a><h2>Earth gets a new meteor shower</h2>This is how all the meteor showers we know of - be it the Perseids, Lyrids or Orionids (from the famed Halley's Comet) - occur. They are the fallouts of mostly comets. The latest meteor shower has been dubbed M2026–A1 and will be visible from March 16 to April 7 every year. Notably, people reported seeing fireballs after April 10 in Ohio, Turkey, Australia, Texas and New York. The source remained a mystery, and it is possible that what people saw came from this asteroid that fell victim to the Sun. Shober, from NASA's Johnson Space Centre, wrote in The Conversation, "What makes this discovery so exciting is that we are essentially witnessing a hidden asteroid being baked to bits." Dr Shober examined the small cluster of meteors to trace their origin.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/sun-mysteriously-shut-down-for-70-years-indicating-a-hibernation-could-strike-earth-any-time-1776088106940">Sun mysteriously shut down for 70 years, indicating a hibernation could strike Earth any time</a>&nbsp;As pointed out above, most meteor showers come from comets. However, the unique thing about M2026–A1 is that it comes from a 'rock–comet'. It is basically an asteroid that acts like a comet as it orbits very close to the Sun. Comets sublimate due to the intense heat of the Sun because of their icy surfaces, but asteroids are dry rocks. However, they can become active when disintegrating from the gravitational forces of a planet, can spin too fast, and can sometimes even act like comets. When they get too close to the Sun, they can start to break up, leaving behind a dusty trail that glows like the tail of a comet. "This finding tells us that intense solar heat is literally cracking the asteroid's surface, baking out trapped gases and causing it to crumble," Shober says. But the researchers are yet to locate the asteroid that crumbled near the Sun.

Meteors rained down on Earth in April, and the source remained unclear. A study has now found a cluster of meteors which is possibly the culprit. There is a debris field and our planet is passing through it at the moment. We have a new meteor shower as well.

A string of cosmic fireballs was recently witnessed around the world, leaving everyone wondering why so many meteors were being seen. Scientists now have the answer to this question. All these meteors possibly came from one asteroid being shredded by our Sun, according to a finding. A NASA researcher says this event is creating debris, and Earth is passing directly through it. Scientists, led by Patrick M. Shober, analysed millions of meteor observations from all-sky camera networks spread across Canada, Japan, Europe, and California. They identified a cluster of 282 meteors that stood apart, which they say is a recently formed, previously unknown meteor shower. These tiny space rocks originated from an asteroid that got too close to the Sun. Earth is currently flying through this debris field left behind by this asteroid. When these pieces hit our atmosphere, we have meteor showers. Researchers say stargazers can expect many more meteors in the coming days. In fact, the numerous fireballs we witnessed in March could have also originated from this asteroid. Also Read: Doomsday asteroid collisions, including the one in India, sowed seeds of life on Earth Also Read: Earth sees fifth mystery visitor of 2026: Texas fireball moving bizarrely shocks onlookers as it shoots upwards Earth gets a new meteor shower This is how all the meteor showers we know of - be it the Perseids, Lyrids or Orionids (from the famed Halley's Comet) - occur. They are the fallouts of mostly comets. The latest meteor shower has been dubbed M2026–A1 and will be visible from March 16 to April 7 every year. Notably, people reported seeing fireballs after April 10 in Ohio, Turkey, Australia, Texas and New York. The source remained a mystery, and it is possible that what people saw came from this asteroid that fell victim to the Sun. Shober, from NASA's Johnson Space Centre, wrote in The Conversation, "What makes this discovery so exciting is that we are essentially witnessing a hidden asteroid being baked to bits." Dr Shober examined the small cluster of meteors to trace their origin. Also Read: Sun mysteriously shut down for 70 years, indicating a hibernation could strike Earth any time As pointed out above, most meteor showers come from comets. However, the unique thing about M2026–A1 is that it comes from a 'rock–comet'. It is basically an asteroid that acts like a comet as it orbits very close to the Sun. Comets sublimate due to the intense heat of the Sun because of their icy surfaces, but asteroids are dry rocks. However, they can become active when disintegrating from the gravitational forces of a planet, can spin too fast, and can sometimes even act like comets. When they get too close to the Sun, they can start to break up, leaving behind a dusty trail that glows like the tail of a comet. "This finding tells us that intense solar heat is literally cracking the asteroid's surface, baking out trapped gases and causing it to crumble," Shober says. But the researchers are yet to locate the asteroid that crumbled near the Sun.

Meteors rained down on Earth in April, and the source remained unclear. A study has now found a cluster of meteors which is possibly the culprit. There is a debris field, and our planet is passing through it at the moment. We have a new meteor shower as well.

Scientists find source of March fireballs, reveal Earth is crossing a cosmic wake

A new study revealed that dark matter does not exist in the universe, and it is around 27 billion years old. The study has challenged long-held ideas about the universe by proposing a model that does not require dark matter or dark energy, two concepts that have dominated modern cosmology for decades. An earlier study indicated that the universe is a mix of ordinary matter and two invisible components called dark matter and dark energy. The finding was discovered by Rajendra Gupta, a physics professor at the University of Ottawa, who has proposed a model that aims to explain the universe without dark matter or dark energy. He argued that familiar assumptions might be holding back progress. “The study’s findings confirm that our previous work (“JWST early universe observations and ΛCDM cosmology”) about the age of the universe being 26.7 billion years has allowed us to discover that the universe does not require dark matter to exist,” explains Gupta. Rajendra Gupta combines two ideas in his model: covarying coupling constants (CCC) and “tired light” (TL). The CCC concept questions whether fundamental constants, such as the strength of forces or the speed of light, might vary over time or across space, which could significantly alter our understanding of cosmic evolution, according to The Earth.com. The tired light theory offers an alternative explanation for redshift, suggesting that light from distant galaxies loses energy as it travels, causing it to shift toward the red end of the spectrum, rather than this effect being solely due to the expansion of the universe. Together, the CCC+TL framework aims to explain observed cosmic signals.<h3>Is dark matter real?</h3>The concept of dark matter emerged from observational anomalies rather than theory alone. In the 1930s, astronomer Fritz Zwicky observed that galaxy clusters were moving in ways that could not be explained by the mass visible to the telescope. Later findings indicated that galaxies rotate faster than expected at their edges than expected, suggesting the presence of additional unseen influence of gravity. Evidence from Gravitational lensing further supports the idea that there is more mass than what is directly observable. According to the standard cosmological model, dark matter is believed to account for roughly 27 per cent of the universe, while ordinary matter makes up less than 5 per cent. The remainder is attributed to dark energy, a theoretical force thought to be responsible for the universe’s accelerating expansion. This framework also places the universe’s age at around 13.8 billion years.<h3>Redshifts and cosmic observations</h3>A key focus of the study is redshift, the phenomenon where light stretches to longer wavelengths as it travels. The analysis compares galaxy distributions at lower redshifts with those from the early universe at higher redshifts. It suggests that these observations can be explained using the CCC+TL model, without the need to include dark matter in the calculations. “There are several papers that question the existence of dark matter, but mine is the first one, to my knowledge, that eliminates its cosmological existence while being consistent with key cosmological observations that we have had time to confirm,” Gupta concluded.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/why-donald-trump-supporters-back-him-according-to-science-1776240467586">For Trump supporters, delulu is the only solulu - Science reveals why they back him, no matter what</a>&nbsp;

The finding was discovered by Rajendra Gupta, a physics professor at the University of Ottawa, who has proposed a model that aims to explain the universe without dark matter or dark energy.

A new study revealed that dark matter does not exist in the universe, and it is around 27 billion years old. The study has challenged long-held ideas about the universe by proposing a model that does not require dark matter or dark energy, two concepts that have dominated modern cosmology for decades. An earlier study indicated that the universe is a mix of ordinary matter and two invisible components called dark matter and dark energy. The finding was discovered by Rajendra Gupta, a physics professor at the University of Ottawa, who has proposed a model that aims to explain the universe without dark matter or dark energy. He argued that familiar assumptions might be holding back progress. “The study’s findings confirm that our previous work (“JWST early universe observations and ΛCDM cosmology”) about the age of the universe being 26.7 billion years has allowed us to discover that the universe does not require dark matter to exist,” explains Gupta. Rajendra Gupta combines two ideas in his model: covarying coupling constants (CCC) and “tired light” (TL). The CCC concept questions whether fundamental constants, such as the strength of forces or the speed of light, might vary over time or across space, which could significantly alter our understanding of cosmic evolution, according to The Earth.com. The tired light theory offers an alternative explanation for redshift, suggesting that light from distant galaxies loses energy as it travels, causing it to shift toward the red end of the spectrum, rather than this effect being solely due to the expansion of the universe. Together, the CCC+TL framework aims to explain observed cosmic signals. Is dark matter real? The concept of dark matter emerged from observational anomalies rather than theory alone. In the 1930s, astronomer Fritz Zwicky observed that galaxy clusters were moving in ways that could not be explained by the mass visible to the telescope. Later findings indicated that galaxies rotate faster than expected at their edges than expected, suggesting the presence of additional unseen influence of gravity. Evidence from Gravitational lensing further supports the idea that there is more mass than what is directly observable. According to the standard cosmological model, dark matter is believed to account for roughly 27 per cent of the universe, while ordinary matter makes up less than 5 per cent. The remainder is attributed to dark energy, a theoretical force thought to be responsible for the universe’s accelerating expansion. This framework also places the universe’s age at around 13.8 billion years. Redshifts and cosmic observations A key focus of the study is redshift, the phenomenon where light stretches to longer wavelengths as it travels. The analysis compares galaxy distributions at lower redshifts with those from the early universe at higher redshifts. It suggests that these observations can be explained using the CCC+TL model, without the need to include dark matter in the calculations. “There are several papers that question the existence of dark matter, but mine is the first one, to my knowledge, that eliminates its cosmological existence while being consistent with key cosmological observations that we have had time to confirm,” Gupta concluded. Also read: For Trump supporters, delulu is the only solulu - Science reveals why they back him, no matter what

The finding was discovered by Rajendra Gupta, a physics professor at the University of Ottawa, who has proposed a model that aims to explain the universe without dark matter or dark energy.

Dark matter doesn’t exist? New study challenges foundations & age of the universe

Nutrients recovered from animal and human waste could significantly reduce the United States’ dependence on synthetic fertilisers, according to a Cornell University study published in Nature Sustainability, as reported by Phys.org. The research finds that sewage and manure in the US could theoretically supply 102 per cent of national nitrogen demand and 50 per cent of phosphorus requirements for agriculture, representing a potential value exceeding $5.7 billion annually. However, researchers stress that real-world constraints such as processing capacity and transportation logistics must be considered before large-scale deployment.&nbsp;Geography mismatch and recovery potential The study highlights a structural challenge: nutrient-rich waste is often concentrated in densely populated regions or livestock-heavy zones, while the highest agricultural demand lies elsewhere. Using high-resolution mapping across 15 major crops, researchers identified surpluses in the Northeast and parts of the Western America, while deficits were concentrated in the Midwest and southern Great Plains. Despite this mismatch, the analysis shows that 37 per cent of nitrogen and 46 per cent of phosphorus could be reused locally, while more than half of remaining surplus nutrients could be redistributed regionally at relatively low economic and environmental cost.&nbsp;ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/who-was-kim-il-sung-ruthless-ruler-icon-or-architect-of-the-world-s-most-controlled-regime-1776245378294">Who was North Korea's Kim Il-sung? Ruthless ruler, icon or architect of the world’s most controlled regime</a>&nbsp;Infrastructure, coordination and environmental gains Assistant professor Chuan Liao, the study’s corresponding author, described the issue to Phys.org and as “a coordination problem, not a resource problem,” emphasising that significant quantities of nutrients can still be economically repurposed. He noted that excessive reliance on synthetic fertilisers contributes to water pollution and high emissions due to energy-intensive production. The study also links fertiliser distribution patterns to broader social inequality, with poorer counties often located in both nutrient-surplus and nutrient-deficit zones. Researchers argue that better nutrient recovery systems could reduce pollution, improve soil health, and enhance environmental justice.&nbsp;ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-very-serious-increase-north-korea-ramps-up-nuclear-arms-production-at-alarming-pace-iaea-warns-1776245929180">‘Very serious increase’: North Korea ramps up nuclear arms production at alarming pace, IAEA warns</a>&nbsp;Decentralised systems and policy challenge The study proposes a decentralised model in which waste is processed locally and used nearby, such as integrating livestock farms with surrounding crop fields. “We’re advocating for a decentralized system,” Liao said, adding that implementation would require coordination across agriculture, waste management and energy sectors. While the necessary technology already exists, researchers emphasise that scaling it nationally will depend on infrastructure investment and policy alignment. The research outlined a blueprint for harnessing the untapped potential of animal and human waste to reduce US dependence on synthetic fertilisers, which are energy-intensive to produce, environmentally damaging, and often imported from overseas.&nbsp;

The research finds that sewage and manure in the US could theoretically supply 102 per cent of national nitrogen demand and 50 per cent of phosphorus requirements for agriculture, representing a potential value exceeding $5.7 billion annually.

Nutrients recovered from animal and human waste could significantly reduce the United States’ dependence on synthetic fertilisers, according to a Cornell University study published in Nature Sustainability, as reported by Phys.org. The research finds that sewage and manure in the US could theoretically supply 102 per cent of national nitrogen demand and 50 per cent of phosphorus requirements for agriculture, representing a potential value exceeding $5.7 billion annually. However, researchers stress that real-world constraints such as processing capacity and transportation logistics must be considered before large-scale deployment. Geography mismatch and recovery potential The study highlights a structural challenge: nutrient-rich waste is often concentrated in densely populated regions or livestock-heavy zones, while the highest agricultural demand lies elsewhere. Using high-resolution mapping across 15 major crops, researchers identified surpluses in the Northeast and parts of the Western America, while deficits were concentrated in the Midwest and southern Great Plains. Despite this mismatch, the analysis shows that 37 per cent of nitrogen and 46 per cent of phosphorus could be reused locally, while more than half of remaining surplus nutrients could be redistributed regionally at relatively low economic and environmental cost. ALSO READ: Who was North Korea's Kim Il-sung? Ruthless ruler, icon or architect of the world’s most controlled regime Infrastructure, coordination and environmental gains Assistant professor Chuan Liao, the study’s corresponding author, described the issue to Phys.org and as “a coordination problem, not a resource problem,” emphasising that significant quantities of nutrients can still be economically repurposed. He noted that excessive reliance on synthetic fertilisers contributes to water pollution and high emissions due to energy-intensive production. The study also links fertiliser distribution patterns to broader social inequality, with poorer counties often located in both nutrient-surplus and nutrient-deficit zones. Researchers argue that better nutrient recovery systems could reduce pollution, improve soil health, and enhance environmental justice. ALSO READ: ‘Very serious increase’: North Korea ramps up nuclear arms production at alarming pace, IAEA warns Decentralised systems and policy challenge The study proposes a decentralised model in which waste is processed locally and used nearby, such as integrating livestock farms with surrounding crop fields. “We’re advocating for a decentralized system,” Liao said, adding that implementation would require coordination across agriculture, waste management and energy sectors. While the necessary technology already exists, researchers emphasise that scaling it nationally will depend on infrastructure investment and policy alignment. The research outlined a blueprint for harnessing the untapped potential of animal and human waste to reduce US dependence on synthetic fertilisers, which are energy-intensive to produce, environmentally damaging, and often imported from overseas.

The research finds that sewage and manure in the US could theoretically supply 102 per cent of national nitrogen demand and 50 per cent of phosphorus requirements for agriculture, representing a potential value exceeding $5.7 billion annually.

America’s hidden $5.7 billion goldmine! US sewage and manure may be key to ending reliance on synthetic fertilisers

India is currently navigating a "Quantum Leap" in its strategic capabilities across multiple sectors. On April 14, Andhra Pradesh CM launched a quantum reference facility to build India's "first sovereign hardware ecosystem" in quantum technology. Let's check the development in other sectors.

India is currently navigating a "Quantum Leap" in its strategic capabilities across multiple sectors. On April 14, Andhra Pradesh CM launched a quantum reference facility to build India's "first sovereign hardware ecosystem" in quantum technology. Let's check the development in other sectors.

India’s quantum push: How indigenous research to boost cybersecurity, defence & tech sovereignty

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Tuesday launched a quantum reference facility with the aim of building India's "first sovereign hardware ecosystem" and accelerating indigenous manufacturing of advanced computing systems. The facility has been launched at a private college in the greenfield capital city, dedicating the AQRF, which comprises Amaravati 1S and Amaravati 1Q, to the nation. According to the PTI, the systems are developed under the Amaravati Quantum Valley initiative, marking India's "first indigenously built" open-access quantum computers, designed, assembled, and tested within the country with a supply chain spanning multiple institutions.<h3>Amaravati, a key global hub for quantum technology</h3>Unveiled on World Quantum Day, the launch is set to establish Amaravati as a key global hub for quantum technology and a central node in a future nationwide quantum network. The Amaravati Quantum Reference Facility serves as India’s national platform for testing quantum hardware, enabling validation, benchmarking, and certification of components under real-world conditions. The facility addresses a critical global challenge, where access to quantum hardware is often limited, expensive, or opaque, restricting India's ability to test and develop its own components. The facility, AQRF, will provide a fully equipped platform for researchers, startups, and industry to directly access and evaluate components such as processors, cryogenic systems, amplifiers, and control electronics. The initiative is set up with a main focus on the domestic supply chain, covering nearly 85 per cent of its parts manufactured in India, marking the "first time a full-stack quantum system" has been assembled within the country, the press release said.&nbsp;The facility also seeks to challenge global dominance in key subsystems such as dilution refrigerators, control electronics, and precision hardware. The project has been carried out by a consortium including the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, the Indian Institute of Science, the Defence Research and Development Organisation, among others, which served as the system integrator.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/fake-cancer-medication-racket-busted-in-delhi-vials-worth-rs-25-crore-likely-sold-1776159862245">Demand for miracle cancer drugs like Keytruda has spiraled a fakes market that is taking lives</a>

The systems are developed under the Amaravati Quantum Valley initiative, marking India's "first indigenously built" open-access quantum computers, designed, assembled, and tested within the country with a supply chain spanning multiple institutions.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Tuesday launched a quantum reference facility with the aim of building India's "first sovereign hardware ecosystem" and accelerating indigenous manufacturing of advanced computing systems. The facility has been launched at a private college in the greenfield capital city, dedicating the AQRF, which comprises Amaravati 1S and Amaravati 1Q, to the nation. According to the PTI, the systems are developed under the Amaravati Quantum Valley initiative, marking India's "first indigenously built" open-access quantum computers, designed, assembled, and tested within the country with a supply chain spanning multiple institutions. Amaravati, a key global hub for quantum technology Unveiled on World Quantum Day, the launch is set to establish Amaravati as a key global hub for quantum technology and a central node in a future nationwide quantum network. The Amaravati Quantum Reference Facility serves as India’s national platform for testing quantum hardware, enabling validation, benchmarking, and certification of components under real-world conditions. The facility addresses a critical global challenge, where access to quantum hardware is often limited, expensive, or opaque, restricting India's ability to test and develop its own components. The facility, AQRF, will provide a fully equipped platform for researchers, startups, and industry to directly access and evaluate components such as processors, cryogenic systems, amplifiers, and control electronics. The initiative is set up with a main focus on the domestic supply chain, covering nearly 85 per cent of its parts manufactured in India, marking the "first time a full-stack quantum system" has been assembled within the country, the press release said. The facility also seeks to challenge global dominance in key subsystems such as dilution refrigerators, control electronics, and precision hardware. The project has been carried out by a consortium including the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, the Indian Institute of Science, the Defence Research and Development Organisation, among others, which served as the system integrator. Also read: Demand for miracle cancer drugs like Keytruda has spiraled a fakes market that is taking lives

The systems are developed under the Amaravati Quantum Valley initiative, marking India's "first indigenously built" open-access quantum computers, designed, assembled, and tested within the country with a supply chain spanning multiple institutions.

India enters quantum era: Andhra CM Naidu launches country's first sovereign 'hardware ecosystem' in Amaravati

A doomsday asteroid strike in India 50,000 years ago could have created the building blocks of life, a new study has found. Lonar Lake in India, along with the Haughton impact structure in Canada, and the Chicxulub impact crater along the Yucatán Peninsula, created the perfect conditions for life following the fiery strikes. Lead author of the paper, Shea Cinquemani, explained in a statement, "You have a lake surrounding a very, very warm centre." The study was published in the Journal of Marine Science and Engineering. The three collisions generated so much heat that they incubated long-lasting hydrothermal vent ecosystems for centuries, the researchers state in their new paper. Explaining what happened, the paper states that when large meteors struck these areas, intense heat and significant mass displacement happened, because of which the surrounding rock melted. A hot, mineral-rich environment was formed, perfect for new microbial life, as water entered the new crater.&nbsp;"You get a hydrothermal vent system, just like in the deep sea, but made by the heat from an impact," Cinquemani added. These are similar to deep-sea hydrothermal vents that do not need the Sun for energy. Oceanographer Richard Lutz and Cinquemani examined the three craters and found that the Haughton Impact Structure in the Canadian Arctic was the most instructive. The crater measures 23 kilometres wide and was formed 31 million years ago. The impact triggered heat for “several thousand years” and later the temperature fell below 50 degrees Celsius, which helped the self-generated system of hydrothermal vents to remain alive. “Despite the decreased temperature from being closer to the poles, the magnitude of the heat given off by the impact and stored inside the resulting structure would have kept the crater lake from freezing or dissipating,” the authors wrote.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/sun-mysteriously-shut-down-for-70-years-indicating-a-hibernation-could-strike-earth-any-time-1776088106940">Sun mysteriously shut down for 70 years, indicating a hibernation could strike Earth any time</a><h2>Asteroids could have created even better conditions for life near equator &nbsp;</h2>Haughton is the perfect example to show that the right meteor can create a long-lasting system of hydrothermal vents even in extremely cold regions. The study of the three craters shows that any asteroid that likely struck Earth in the early years near the equator could have had a much better chance of fostering hydrothermal vents. In the case of the Chicxulub impact, the impact point is located in the Gulf of Mexico, indicating that other meteor impacts could have had an ocean splashdown. "There is also the possibility that similar processes can/could have occurred on other terrestrial bodies,” Cinquemani and Lutz wrote.&nbsp; &nbsp;

An analysis of three major craters on Earth created by meteor impacts shows that the large space rocks we usually blame for ending life are the ones that actually created the perfect conditions for our planet to become alive.

A doomsday asteroid strike in India 50,000 years ago could have created the building blocks of life, a new study has found. Lonar Lake in India, along with the Haughton impact structure in Canada, and the Chicxulub impact crater along the Yucatán Peninsula, created the perfect conditions for life following the fiery strikes. Lead author of the paper, Shea Cinquemani, explained in a statement, "You have a lake surrounding a very, very warm centre." The study was published in the Journal of Marine Science and Engineering. The three collisions generated so much heat that they incubated long-lasting hydrothermal vent ecosystems for centuries, the researchers state in their new paper. Explaining what happened, the paper states that when large meteors struck these areas, intense heat and significant mass displacement happened, because of which the surrounding rock melted. A hot, mineral-rich environment was formed, perfect for new microbial life, as water entered the new crater. "You get a hydrothermal vent system, just like in the deep sea, but made by the heat from an impact," Cinquemani added. These are similar to deep-sea hydrothermal vents that do not need the Sun for energy. Oceanographer Richard Lutz and Cinquemani examined the three craters and found that the Haughton Impact Structure in the Canadian Arctic was the most instructive. The crater measures 23 kilometres wide and was formed 31 million years ago. The impact triggered heat for “several thousand years” and later the temperature fell below 50 degrees Celsius, which helped the self-generated system of hydrothermal vents to remain alive. “Despite the decreased temperature from being closer to the poles, the magnitude of the heat given off by the impact and stored inside the resulting structure would have kept the crater lake from freezing or dissipating,” the authors wrote. Also Read: Sun mysteriously shut down for 70 years, indicating a hibernation could strike Earth any time Asteroids could have created even better conditions for life near equator Haughton is the perfect example to show that the right meteor can create a long-lasting system of hydrothermal vents even in extremely cold regions. The study of the three craters shows that any asteroid that likely struck Earth in the early years near the equator could have had a much better chance of fostering hydrothermal vents. In the case of the Chicxulub impact, the impact point is located in the Gulf of Mexico, indicating that other meteor impacts could have had an ocean splashdown. "There is also the possibility that similar processes can/could have occurred on other terrestrial bodies,” Cinquemani and Lutz wrote.

An analysis of three major craters on Earth created by meteor impacts shows that the large space rocks we usually blame for ending life are the ones that actually created the perfect conditions for our planet to become alive.

Doomsday asteroid collisions, including the one in India, sowed seeds of life on Earth

Our Sun is going through an 11-year solar maximum, which means it also goes through a minimum during its life cycle. From 1645 until 1715, it went through a grand solar minimum, or the Maunder minimum. English astronomer Edward Walter Maunder was the one to discover this period, and so it was named after him. However, data from before this lull was needed to decode the cause of this solar dimming. Scientists from Nagoya University in Japan found a way to access data which could explain the Maunder minimum. German astronomer Johannes Kepler observed the sunspots in 1607 using a camera obscura, and scientists are reinterpreting this information to reveal what could have gone wrong with the Sun for 70 years. The new study published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters reveals that sketches made by the legendary astronomer Kepler in 1607 solve a long-standing mystery regarding the Sun’s history.<h2>Little Ice Age as the Sun dimmed</h2>Maunder Minimum was a strange 70-year period when sunspots almost completely disappeared, and Europe experienced the "Little Ice Age." When Kepler observed the Sun in 1607, he saw a dark spot and recorded it, and believed that what he was witnessing was a "transit of Mercury." Later, he realised that what he was seeing was actually a sunspot group. His pinhole projector captured the oldest known drawing of a sunspot made with a scientific instrument. Researchers mapped Kepler's spots by using Spörer’s Law, which tracks how sunspots migrate from the Sun's poles toward its equator over an 11-year cycle. They determined the spots were at a low latitude, meaning the Sun was at the very end of a solar cycle in 1607.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-flip-the-script-name-least-likely-planet-as-strongest-candidate-for-life-1775572964299">Scientists flip the script, name least likely planet as strongest candidate for life</a><h2>Sun could enter hibernation without warning</h2>What scientists needed to understand was if the solar cycles before the Maunder Minimum were "normal" or whether there were tell-tale signs, such as unnaturally long or short cycles, signalling the coming "shutdown." Kepler's data proves that the cycle ending around 1607 was of a regular length. “By situating Kepler’s findings within broader solar activity reconstructions, scientists gain crucial context for interpreting changes in solar behavior in this pivotal period marking a transition from regular solar cycles to the grand solar minimum,” Hisashi Hayakawa, the lead-author of the study, said in a statement. The findings offer an insight into the "warning signs" of a grand solar minimum. The study confirms that the Sun was behaving normally right before it entered the Maunder Minimum, indicating that these deep solar hibernations can occur without dramatic, long-term changes to the cycle's duration beforehand. &nbsp;

The Sun could enter a dimming period without any warning, an analysis of a 70-year grand solar minimum has shown. Scientists used Kepler's pinhole camera data to figure out what went wrong with the Sun, and found the answer. 

Our Sun is going through an 11-year solar maximum, which means it also goes through a minimum during its life cycle. From 1645 until 1715, it went through a grand solar minimum, or the Maunder minimum. English astronomer Edward Walter Maunder was the one to discover this period, and so it was named after him. However, data from before this lull was needed to decode the cause of this solar dimming. Scientists from Nagoya University in Japan found a way to access data which could explain the Maunder minimum. German astronomer Johannes Kepler observed the sunspots in 1607 using a camera obscura, and scientists are reinterpreting this information to reveal what could have gone wrong with the Sun for 70 years. The new study published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters reveals that sketches made by the legendary astronomer Kepler in 1607 solve a long-standing mystery regarding the Sun’s history. Little Ice Age as the Sun dimmed Maunder Minimum was a strange 70-year period when sunspots almost completely disappeared, and Europe experienced the "Little Ice Age." When Kepler observed the Sun in 1607, he saw a dark spot and recorded it, and believed that what he was witnessing was a "transit of Mercury." Later, he realised that what he was seeing was actually a sunspot group. His pinhole projector captured the oldest known drawing of a sunspot made with a scientific instrument. Researchers mapped Kepler's spots by using Spörer’s Law, which tracks how sunspots migrate from the Sun's poles toward its equator over an 11-year cycle. They determined the spots were at a low latitude, meaning the Sun was at the very end of a solar cycle in 1607. Also Read: Scientists flip the script, name least likely planet as strongest candidate for life Sun could enter hibernation without warning What scientists needed to understand was if the solar cycles before the Maunder Minimum were "normal" or whether there were tell-tale signs, such as unnaturally long or short cycles, signalling the coming "shutdown." Kepler's data proves that the cycle ending around 1607 was of a regular length. “By situating Kepler’s findings within broader solar activity reconstructions, scientists gain crucial context for interpreting changes in solar behavior in this pivotal period marking a transition from regular solar cycles to the grand solar minimum,” Hisashi Hayakawa, the lead-author of the study, said in a statement. The findings offer an insight into the "warning signs" of a grand solar minimum. The study confirms that the Sun was behaving normally right before it entered the Maunder Minimum, indicating that these deep solar hibernations can occur without dramatic, long-term changes to the cycle's duration beforehand.

The Sun could enter a dimming period without any warning, an analysis of a 70-year grand solar minimum has shown. Scientists used Kepler's pinhole camera data to figure out what went wrong with the Sun, and found the answer.&nbsp;

Sun mysteriously shut down for 70 years, indicating a hibernation could strike Earth any time

Artemis II astronauts witnessed a humbling moment when Earth vanished from their sight when Orion went behind the Moon. They could no longer see their home planet. Reflecting on that moment, mission commander Reid Wiseman said at a live conference from the spacecraft last week. He said, just thinking about it is making his palms sweat and giving him chills. "It is amazing to watch your home planet disappear behind the moon. You can see the atmosphere. You can see the terrain on the moon projected across the Earth … it was just an unbelievable sight … and then it was gone. It was out of sight," he added. At that moment, not only could the four astronauts not see Earth, but they also could not talk to anyone on the ground on Earth for 31 minutes. All communication was cut off when Orion went behind the Moon. At this moment, they saw Earth set. Together, the visual and audio gap led the crew to have an awakening of their own - That it is a "true gift" that no human on Earth has gone through what they just did. "Human minds shouldn't have to go through what these just went through," Wiseman said.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/artemis-ii-nasa-shares-video-compilation-of-far-side-of-the-moon-an-eclipse-and-a-stunning-eartset-1775617095715">'Not out of light...': NASA shares video compilation of far side of the Moon, riddled with pockmarks</a><h2>Artemis Earthset and Earthrise photos</h2>The Earthset photo that Orion took at this moment is truly an iconic image. It is being compared to the Earthrise photo taken by the Apollo 8 mission on Christmas Eve 1968. This was the time when three humans went around the Moon for the first time. The Apollo photo was taken by pilot Bill Anders and was a chance encounter. Meanwhile, Artemis II Earthset was planned. They also took an Earthrise photo later, but seeing their planet setting in the vast expanse of space was what truly affected the astronauts. "We shared maple cookies that Jeremy had brought. We took about three or four minutes as a crew to reflect on where we were — and then it was right back into the science," he added.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/artemis-ii-can-help-india-boost-its-own-space-sector-experts-say-1775725934225">Artemis II can help India boost its own space sector, experts say</a>&nbsp;Artemis II returned humans to the Moon after over 50 years. The historic mission is a prelude to the human landings planned for 2028. Astronauts Wiseman, Christina Koch, Victor Glover and Jeremy Hansen saw the far side of the Moon and even named a crater after Wiseman's late wife, Carroll. They became the first humans to travel to the farthest point in space as Orion flew 7,500 kilometres farther from the far side of the Moon.

Artemis II astronauts witnessed the most mind-blowing moment when their spacecraft went behind the Moon. The mission commander recalled the moment, saying just thinking about it was enough to give him chills.  

Artemis II astronauts witnessed a humbling moment when Earth vanished from their sight when Orion went behind the Moon. They could no longer see their home planet. Reflecting on that moment, mission commander Reid Wiseman said at a live conference from the spacecraft last week. He said, just thinking about it is making his palms sweat and giving him chills. "It is amazing to watch your home planet disappear behind the moon. You can see the atmosphere. You can see the terrain on the moon projected across the Earth … it was just an unbelievable sight … and then it was gone. It was out of sight," he added. At that moment, not only could the four astronauts not see Earth, but they also could not talk to anyone on the ground on Earth for 31 minutes. All communication was cut off when Orion went behind the Moon. At this moment, they saw Earth set. Together, the visual and audio gap led the crew to have an awakening of their own - That it is a "true gift" that no human on Earth has gone through what they just did. "Human minds shouldn't have to go through what these just went through," Wiseman said. Also Read: 'Not out of light...': NASA shares video compilation of far side of the Moon, riddled with pockmarks Artemis Earthset and Earthrise photos The Earthset photo that Orion took at this moment is truly an iconic image. It is being compared to the Earthrise photo taken by the Apollo 8 mission on Christmas Eve 1968. This was the time when three humans went around the Moon for the first time. The Apollo photo was taken by pilot Bill Anders and was a chance encounter. Meanwhile, Artemis II Earthset was planned. They also took an Earthrise photo later, but seeing their planet setting in the vast expanse of space was what truly affected the astronauts. "We shared maple cookies that Jeremy had brought. We took about three or four minutes as a crew to reflect on where we were — and then it was right back into the science," he added. Also Read: Artemis II can help India boost its own space sector, experts say Artemis II returned humans to the Moon after over 50 years. The historic mission is a prelude to the human landings planned for 2028. Astronauts Wiseman, Christina Koch, Victor Glover and Jeremy Hansen saw the far side of the Moon and even named a crater after Wiseman's late wife, Carroll. They became the first humans to travel to the farthest point in space as Orion flew 7,500 kilometres farther from the far side of the Moon.

Artemis II astronauts witnessed the most mind-blowing moment when their spacecraft went behind the Moon. The mission commander recalled the moment, saying just thinking about it was enough to give him chills. &nbsp;

Artemis II astronaut recalls the moment that gives him chills — 'and then it was...'

US President Donald Trump posted an AI-generated image of what appeared to be a golden Trump Tower on the Moon. The Truth Social post led to speculation about what it meant, along with some reactions and questions about when such a luxurious building could actually come up on the Moon, if at all.<h2>The Trump Tower on Moon</h2>The AI image shows a glowing futuristic skyscraper branded with “TRUMP” in large letters, twice, placed on the lunar surface against a starry backdrop. The Trump post came after NASA’s Artemis II crewed lunar flyby mission splashed down on 10 April, generating fresh buzz about human exploration of the Moon. This post came on the same day as Trump shared another AI image depicting himself as a Jesus-like healer.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/iran-us-war-to-reignite-again-trump-says-i-don-t-care-reports-claim-he-may-be-planning-limited-strikes-1776064619378">Iran-US war to reignite again? Trump says 'I don't care'; reports claim he may be planning 'limited' strikes</a><h2>Is Trump unhinged and embarrassing? Social media reaction to president’s wacky posts</h2>Reaction on social media has been swift and polarising, as with everything Trump. One user said, “He has lost what’s left of his mind,” while another called him “mental!” “The one with Trump Tower on the Moon is more embarrassing,” said a user, while another criticised his “god complex”.&nbsp;One quipped, “If Trump promises to move to the Trump Tower on the Moon, I fully support it.” “Let’s send him to scout out a suitable location,” chimed in another.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/donald-trump-challenges-iran-s-control-over-strait-of-hormuz-1776046476380/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/donald-trump-challenges-iran-s-control-over-strait-of-hormuz-1776046476380/embed</a><h2>How far are we from human settlement on the Moon?</h2>Artemis heralded the process of returning humans to the lunar surface. But we are decades away from anything resembling permanent, self-sustaining habitats, let alone a Trump Tower, on the Moon. NASA’s Artemis II is the first crewed flight around the Moon since Apollo. Artemis IV targets the first crewed lunar landing around early 2028. Artemis V, scheduled for late 2028, will be part of roughly annual missions thereafter. These will use SpaceX and Blue Origin landers and test short-term stays on the Moon’s surface. Optimistic scenarios for crewed bases could happen by 2035.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-us-iran-talks-failed-trump-lays-out-two-reasons-for-disagreement-here-s-what-he-said-on-social-media-1776014831296">Why US-Iran talks failed? Trump lays out two reasons for disagreement. Here's what he said</a><h2>True settlement on the Moon is a long way away</h2>A self-sustaining colony with large populations, closed-loop life support, and local manufacturing is realistically up to 50 years away. Challenges include radiation, extreme temperatures, micrometeorites, low-gravity health effects, and the lack of reliable, affordable transport.Realistically, it could take another century for a Trump Tower on the Moon, or possibly never.In any case, it is not a serious plan. Skyscraper-scale buildings like a Trump Tower require massive material transport or full in-situ manufacturing, neither of which is practical.Even optimistic private visions like lunar hotels or bases do not envision Earth-like towers soon. A “golden Trump Tower” would cost trillions, face enormous engineering hurdles in low gravity, and serve no practical purpose.&nbsp;However, full marks to Trump for riding on the trend of Artemis II.

Donald Trump shared AI image of a golden Trump Tower on the Moon, sparking polarised reactions online. Real human settlement and large-scale lunar construction is decades away, and could be even pointless. But some people can indeed wish for the Moon, can't they?

US President Donald Trump posted an AI-generated image of what appeared to be a golden Trump Tower on the Moon. The Truth Social post led to speculation about what it meant, along with some reactions and questions about when such a luxurious building could actually come up on the Moon, if at all. The Trump Tower on Moon The AI image shows a glowing futuristic skyscraper branded with “TRUMP” in large letters, twice, placed on the lunar surface against a starry backdrop. The Trump post came after NASA’s Artemis II crewed lunar flyby mission splashed down on 10 April, generating fresh buzz about human exploration of the Moon. This post came on the same day as Trump shared another AI image depicting himself as a Jesus-like healer. Also read: Iran-US war to reignite again? Trump says 'I don't care'; reports claim he may be planning 'limited' strikes Is Trump unhinged and embarrassing? Social media reaction to president’s wacky posts Reaction on social media has been swift and polarising, as with everything Trump. One user said, “He has lost what’s left of his mind,” while another called him “mental!” “The one with Trump Tower on the Moon is more embarrassing,” said a user, while another criticised his “god complex”. One quipped, “If Trump promises to move to the Trump Tower on the Moon, I fully support it.” “Let’s send him to scout out a suitable location,” chimed in another. https://www.wionews.com/videos/donald-trump-challenges-iran-s-control-over-strait-of-hormuz-1776046476380/embed How far are we from human settlement on the Moon? Artemis heralded the process of returning humans to the lunar surface. But we are decades away from anything resembling permanent, self-sustaining habitats, let alone a Trump Tower, on the Moon. NASA’s Artemis II is the first crewed flight around the Moon since Apollo. Artemis IV targets the first crewed lunar landing around early 2028. Artemis V, scheduled for late 2028, will be part of roughly annual missions thereafter. These will use SpaceX and Blue Origin landers and test short-term stays on the Moon’s surface. Optimistic scenarios for crewed bases could happen by 2035. Also read: Why US-Iran talks failed? Trump lays out two reasons for disagreement. Here's what he said True settlement on the Moon is a long way away A self-sustaining colony with large populations, closed-loop life support, and local manufacturing is realistically up to 50 years away. Challenges include radiation, extreme temperatures, micrometeorites, low-gravity health effects, and the lack of reliable, affordable transport. Realistically, it could take another century for a Trump Tower on the Moon, or possibly never. In any case, it is not a serious plan. Skyscraper-scale buildings like a Trump Tower require massive material transport or full in-situ manufacturing, neither of which is practical. Even optimistic private visions like lunar hotels or bases do not envision Earth-like towers soon. A “golden Trump Tower” would cost trillions, face enormous engineering hurdles in low gravity, and serve no practical purpose. However, full marks to Trump for riding on the trend of Artemis II.

Donald Trump shared AI image of a golden Trump Tower on the Moon, sparking polarised reactions online. Real human settlement and large-scale lunar construction are decades away, and could be even pointless. But some people can indeed wish for the Moon, can't they?

Now, Trump wants a Trump Tower on Moon, shares AI image of golden building. How long will it take?

Since the landmark flight of  Yuri Gagarin in 1961, astronauts have repeatedly expanded the boundaries of human activity in space. On International Day of Human Space Flight, we will get to know about the top 7 legendary astronauts who redefined space exploration.


Since the landmark flight of &nbsp;Yuri Gagarin in 1961, astronauts have repeatedly expanded the boundaries of human activity in space. On International Day of Human Space Flight, we will get to know about the top 7 legendary astronauts who redefined space exploration.

International Day of Human Space Flight 2026: Top 7 legendary astronauts who took humanity to new frontiers

NASA Artemis II mission marks a historic Moon flyby with record distance, ‘Earthset’ image, diverse crew and key milestones in deep space exploration

NASA’s Artemis II mission made history with diversity, distance records, and stunning lunar moments in humanity’s first Moon flyby in more than 50 years

NASA Artemis II mission: ‘Earthset’, record distance and 6 big takeaways from historic Moon flyby

Nine days, one hour, 31 minutes — history made at every turn: Artemis II just rewrote space history, from record-breaking distance to historic firsts by NASA astronauts, this mission pushed human spaceflight further than ever before.

What made this journey truly historic? Scroll down.

Nine days, one hour, 31 minutes — history made at every turn: Artemis II just rewrote space history, from record-breaking distance to historic firsts by NASA astronauts, this mission pushed human spaceflight further than ever before.What made this journey truly historic? Scroll down.

Out of this world: The records NASA's Artemis II broke on its way to the moon and back | In Pics

Artemis II splashed down in the Pacific Ocean on the evening of April 10 (April 11 morning in India). During the moon mission, the astronauts and Orion took some beautiful photos of Earth and the Moon. These include new shots of the far side of the Moon and Earth.

Artemis II splashed down in the Pacific Ocean on the evening of April 10 (April 11 morning in India). During the moon mission, the astronauts and Orion took some beautiful photos of Earth and the Moon. These include new shots of the far side of the Moon and Earth.

Artemis II photos: Orion and astronauts return seen from space station

Artemis II returns to Earth:&nbsp;Four astronauts touched down safely in the Pacific Ocean on Friday (Apr 10), as NASA successfully executed a historic moon mission, the first of its kind in more than half a century. The Orion capsule hit the water off the California coast near San Diego right on schedule, capping a 10-day mission that began with a launch from Florida on April 1. Mission commander Reid Wiseman confirmed the crew - Christina Koch, Victor Glover, Jeremy Hansen and Reid Wiseman - &nbsp;was doing well almost immediately after the nail-biting communications blackout that comes with every high-speed atmospheric re-entry. "Houston. Integrity. We have you loud and clear," he said. Moments later, he reported the crew was "stable" and "green."Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/artemis-ii-astronauts-stuck-pooping-in-special-bags-after-23-million-toilet-gets-clogged-1775713143337">Artemis II: Astronauts stuck using 'special bags' as $23 million toilet gets clogged</a><h2>Astronauts in great condition</h2>"We have you loud and clear," mission commander Wiseman said following a communications check. "What a journey," he added. "We are stable." Rob Navias, the NASA public affairs officer who narrated the Artemis II crew's return on the agency's livestream, reported that they were "in great condition"."This was a textbook entry and a textbook touchdown," he noted.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fact-check-did-macron-post-a-video-of-jeffrey-epstein-kissing-melania-trump-truth-behind-the-viral-clip-1775806317213">FACT CHECK: Did Macron post a video of Jeffrey Epstein kissing Melania Trump? Truth behind the viral clip</a><h2>Crucial heat shield passes a make‑or‑break test</h2>However, the touchdown wasn't free of nerve-racking moments. The capsule hit peak speeds exceeding 30 times the speed of sound during re-entry, with temperatures climbing to roughly half that of the Sun's surface. These conditions put enormous stress on the heat shield that protects everyone inside.According to reports, that shield had been a source of genuine concern. During the uncrewed Artemis I test flight in 2022, it eroded in ways nobody had anticipated, drawing uncomfortable comparisons to the Challenger and Columbia space shuttle disasters of 1986 and 2003, respectively, when astronauts died after warning signs were set aside. This time, NASA adjusted the re-entry trajectory, keeping it steeper and shorter to reduce the risk. It worked.<h2>Record-breaking feats by the Artemis II crew</h2>The mission itself was historic by almost any measure. Wiseman, Christina Koch, Victor Glover and Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen flew further from Earth than any humans in history, reaching 252,756 miles — surpassing the record set during the Apollo program. Glover became the first person of colour to travel around the Moon. Koch was the first woman. Hansen was the first non-American.During the voyage, the crew witnessed a solar eclipse from deep space, photographed meteorite strikes on the lunar surface that left scientists back on Earth stunned, and amassed thousands of images that circulated widely online throughout the mission.

NASA pulls off its first crewed Moon mission in decades. The Artemis II crew safely splashed down after a historic 10-day journey, marking a major milestone for NASA. All you need to know.

Artemis II returns to Earth: Four astronauts touched down safely in the Pacific Ocean on Friday (Apr 10), as NASA successfully executed a historic moon mission, the first of its kind in more than half a century. The Orion capsule hit the water off the California coast near San Diego right on schedule, capping a 10-day mission that began with a launch from Florida on April 1. Mission commander Reid Wiseman confirmed the crew - Christina Koch, Victor Glover, Jeremy Hansen and Reid Wiseman - was doing well almost immediately after the nail-biting communications blackout that comes with every high-speed atmospheric re-entry. "Houston. Integrity. We have you loud and clear," he said. Moments later, he reported the crew was "stable" and "green." Also read | Artemis II: Astronauts stuck using 'special bags' as $23 million toilet gets clogged Astronauts in great condition "We have you loud and clear," mission commander Wiseman said following a communications check. "What a journey," he added. "We are stable." Rob Navias, the NASA public affairs officer who narrated the Artemis II crew's return on the agency's livestream, reported that they were "in great condition". "This was a textbook entry and a textbook touchdown," he noted. Also read | FACT CHECK: Did Macron post a video of Jeffrey Epstein kissing Melania Trump? Truth behind the viral clip Crucial heat shield passes a make‑or‑break test However, the touchdown wasn't free of nerve-racking moments. The capsule hit peak speeds exceeding 30 times the speed of sound during re-entry, with temperatures climbing to roughly half that of the Sun's surface. These conditions put enormous stress on the heat shield that protects everyone inside. According to reports, that shield had been a source of genuine concern. During the uncrewed Artemis I test flight in 2022, it eroded in ways nobody had anticipated, drawing uncomfortable comparisons to the Challenger and Columbia space shuttle disasters of 1986 and 2003, respectively, when astronauts died after warning signs were set aside. This time, NASA adjusted the re-entry trajectory, keeping it steeper and shorter to reduce the risk. It worked. Record-breaking feats by the Artemis II crew The mission itself was historic by almost any measure. Wiseman, Christina Koch, Victor Glover and Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen flew further from Earth than any humans in history, reaching 252,756 miles — surpassing the record set during the Apollo program. Glover became the first person of colour to travel around the Moon. Koch was the first woman. Hansen was the first non-American. During the voyage, the crew witnessed a solar eclipse from deep space, photographed meteorite strikes on the lunar surface that left scientists back on Earth stunned, and amassed thousands of images that circulated widely online throughout the mission.

NASA pulls off its first crewed Moon mission in decades. The Artemis II crew safely splashed down after a historic 10-day journey, marking a major milestone for NASA. All you need to know.

'What a journey': Artemis II astronauts splash down in the Pacific Ocean after record-breaking moon mission

A handwritten letter by a 10-year-old has drawn widespread attention after urging NASA to restore Pluto’s planetary status. The note, written with clarity and sincerity, has resonated across social media, not only for its emotional appeal but also for its grounding in basic scientific facts. What began as a simple classroom-style argument has reignited a long-standing debate in astronomy.&nbsp;The child, identified as Kaela, addresses her letter directly to NASA, writing, “Dear NASA…Please make Pluto a planet again. I really want it to be a planet again.” The letter was supported with clear reasoning, noting that Pluto is part of the solar system and was once recognised as a planet. It added that although it is now classified differently, it “deserves to be an actual planet.” The letter highlights key facts: Pluto’s location in the Kuiper Belt, its discovery in 1930 by Clyde Tombaugh, and its five known moons. The child also pointed out that Pluto is smaller than Earth’s moon, yet remains significant in the solar system.&nbsp;ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/artemis-ii-photos-a-crescent-earth-and-an-iconic-moon-basin-seen-for-the-first-time-by-the-human-eye-1775453763239">Artemis II photos: Orion on 'halfway' mark between Moon and Earth</a><h3>NASA’s Response and Public Reaction</h3>The story gained further traction after NASA responded. In a brief but notable reply, Nasa chief Jared Isaacman stated, “Kaela, We are looking into this.” While not a policy statement, the response captured public imagination and added to the letter’s visibility. Online reactions were swift and varied. Many praised the child’s curiosity, while others described her as a “Plutonian expert.” Some users even joked about renaming Pluto in her honour, while others revisited the scientific debate with renewed interest.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Dear <a href="https://twitter.com/NASA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NASA</a>. From 10 year old Kaela. She is mailing to you today. Too cute not to post. She and her family are friends of ours. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/bringplutoback?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#bringplutoback</a> <a href="https://t.co/goPIb55iQG">pic.twitter.com/goPIb55iQG</a>&mdash; Mike&#39;s Weather Page (@tropicalupdate) <a href="https://twitter.com/tropicalupdate/status/2042216040214434113?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 9, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;ALSO READ:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/artemis-ii-photos-a-crescent-earth-and-an-iconic-moon-basin-seen-for-the-first-time-by-the-human-eye-1775453763239"> ISRO accomplishes second air drop test of Gaganyaan capsule</a><h3>Why Pluto Lost Its Planet Status</h3>&nbsp;According to Space.com, Pluto is the largest known dwarf planet in the solar system and was once considered the ninth and most distant planet from the Sun. It lies in the Kuiper Belt, a region beyond Neptune filled with icy bodies and countless comets. Pluto was reclassified as a dwarf planet in 2006, sparking widespread debate. Its existence was first proposed by astronomer Percival Lowell in 1905 due to irregularities in planetary orbits. Although Lowell died before its discovery, Pluto was eventually identified in 1930 by Clyde Tombaugh at the Lowell Observatory using predicted calculations.&nbsp;&nbsp;Kaela’s letter has once again highlighted how scientific classifications can intersect with public sentiment. While the definition of a planet remains unchanged, the discussion around Pluto continues to engage both scientists and the public. The letter’s closing line, apologising for "any handwriting or spelling mistakes."

The child, identified as Kaela, addresses her letter directly to NASA, writing, “Dear NASA…Please make Pluto a planet again. I really want it to be a planet again.” 

A handwritten letter by a 10-year-old has drawn widespread attention after urging NASA to restore Pluto’s planetary status. The note, written with clarity and sincerity, has resonated across social media, not only for its emotional appeal but also for its grounding in basic scientific facts. What began as a simple classroom-style argument has reignited a long-standing debate in astronomy. The child, identified as Kaela, addresses her letter directly to NASA, writing, “Dear NASA…Please make Pluto a planet again. I really want it to be a planet again.” The letter was supported with clear reasoning, noting that Pluto is part of the solar system and was once recognised as a planet. It added that although it is now classified differently, it “deserves to be an actual planet.” The letter highlights key facts: Pluto’s location in the Kuiper Belt, its discovery in 1930 by Clyde Tombaugh, and its five known moons. The child also pointed out that Pluto is smaller than Earth’s moon, yet remains significant in the solar system. ALSO READ: Artemis II photos: Orion on 'halfway' mark between Moon and Earth NASA’s Response and Public Reaction The story gained further traction after NASA responded. In a brief but notable reply, Nasa chief Jared Isaacman stated, “Kaela, We are looking into this.” While not a policy statement, the response captured public imagination and added to the letter’s visibility. Online reactions were swift and varied. Many praised the child’s curiosity, while others described her as a “Plutonian expert.” Some users even joked about renaming Pluto in her honour, while others revisited the scientific debate with renewed interest.

The child, identified as Kaela, addresses her letter directly to NASA, writing, “Dear NASA…Please make Pluto a planet again. I really want it to be a planet again.”&nbsp;

Pluto could be the ninth planet again? 10-year-old’s letter goes viral, NASA chief reacts

Indian space agency ISRO has successfully completed the second Integrated Air Drop test(IADT), an air-sea coordinated effort done in preparation for the Gaganyaan astronaut mission. ISRO conducted the IADT along with the Indian Air Force, Indian Navy, off the Indian spaceport in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. This test was meant to validate the series of parachutes that sequentially deploy to ensure the safe and smooth splashdown of the capsule meant to carry India's astronauts.The announcement regarding the successful completion of the test came from Dr Jitendra Singh, India's science minister. However, ISRO has not revealed any information regarding this test and how it is different from the IADT carried out in August 2025.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/-akshay-patra-of-power-how-new-advanced-atomic-reactor-is-key-to-india-s-1-000-year-energy-plan-1775559002801">How new advanced atomic reactor is key to India’s 1,000-year energy plan</a><h2>What is the IADT test? How is it done?</h2>The test involves an Indian Air Force Boeing CH-47 Chinook heavy-lift helicopter, which carries an underslung load of 4,000-5000kg (the Gaganyaan astronaut-carrying capsule). The tandem-rotor helicopter lifts the capsule to an altitude of about 3,000-4,000meters (3-4 kilometres), and then drops it into the sea, typically at least 10 kilometres away from the coast.As the capsule descends rapidly, it sequentially deploys a series of parachutes to slow itself down for a safe and smooth splashdown landing. Think of it like skydiving: as soon as one jumps out of the plane, the descent is rapid and uncontrolled. But when the parachutes are deployed, the descent becomes controlled and slow. This test validates the deployment of multiple parachutes and related systems installed on the Gaganyaan crew module.Such a safe splashdown landing using a series of parachutes is the crucial final step when an astronaut-carrying capsule returns from space.&nbsp; Once the capsule safely splashes down, the Indian Navy's vessels pre-positioned in the region deploy their smaller boats to approach the capsule, inspect it, and connect the capsule to a ship-borne crane. Thereafter, the capsule gets lifted up by the massive ship-borne crane and is safely placed on the ship's deck.This operation will be closely monitored from the air and sea by a range of assets belonging to ISRO, Navy, and IAF. Parachutes for this test have been developed by India's Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO). Being a national mission, Gaganyaan requires multi-agency synergy and coordination.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-why-didn-t-she-save-my-daughter-mother-of-rg-kar-rape-murder-victim-enters-west-bengal-election-fray-vows-to-defeat-mamata-banerjee-1775707531406">RG Kar rape-murder victim's mother vows to defeat Mamata Banerjee in West Bengal</a><h2>IADT is one among thousands of Gaganyaan-related tests</h2>In the process of accomplishing the Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission, ISRO must conduct thousands of tests spanning various technical domains: electrical, mechanical, chemical, software, materials, navigation, guidance, automation, etc.While thousands of tests have been completed, several thousand remain, and new technologies are being tested and validated. However, most of the testing happens behind closed doors, and it is only the rare ones like IADT and other rocketry-related tests that happen out in the open and with the involvement of military assets.As for the high-profile tests that happen in the open, ISRO has to accomplish more Integrated Air Drop Tests, more Test Vehicle launches (mid-flight abort and ejection), Pad Abort Tests (ejecting, saving crew capsule from a potential rocket explosion at launchpad), and multiple unmanned flights of the whole Gaganyaan rocket and spacecraft, using a robot instead of astronauts.Only when all these tests go flawlessly can ISRO put astronauts on its rocket and fly them to space. In 2018, Indian Prime Minister Modi announced that Gaganyaan would be accomplished in 2022. At present, the Indian Government says that Gaganyaan would be accomplished in 2027. However, given the pace of activities, it is evident that it could take years more.&nbsp;

How close is India to sending humans into space? After a key parachute drop test, ISRO has taken another step toward its ambitious Gaganyaan mission. Scroll down to read more.

Indian space agency ISRO has successfully completed the second Integrated Air Drop test(IADT), an air-sea coordinated effort done in preparation for the Gaganyaan astronaut mission. ISRO conducted the IADT along with the Indian Air Force, Indian Navy, off the Indian spaceport in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. This test was meant to validate the series of parachutes that sequentially deploy to ensure the safe and smooth splashdown of the capsule meant to carry India's astronauts. The announcement regarding the successful completion of the test came from Dr Jitendra Singh, India's science minister. However, ISRO has not revealed any information regarding this test and how it is different from the IADT carried out in August 2025. Also read | How new advanced atomic reactor is key to India’s 1,000-year energy plan What is the IADT test? How is it done? The test involves an Indian Air Force Boeing CH-47 Chinook heavy-lift helicopter, which carries an underslung load of 4,000-5000kg (the Gaganyaan astronaut-carrying capsule). The tandem-rotor helicopter lifts the capsule to an altitude of about 3,000-4,000meters (3-4 kilometres), and then drops it into the sea, typically at least 10 kilometres away from the coast. As the capsule descends rapidly, it sequentially deploys a series of parachutes to slow itself down for a safe and smooth splashdown landing. Think of it like skydiving: as soon as one jumps out of the plane, the descent is rapid and uncontrolled. But when the parachutes are deployed, the descent becomes controlled and slow. This test validates the deployment of multiple parachutes and related systems installed on the Gaganyaan crew module. Such a safe splashdown landing using a series of parachutes is the crucial final step when an astronaut-carrying capsule returns from space. Once the capsule safely splashes down, the Indian Navy's vessels pre-positioned in the region deploy their smaller boats to approach the capsule, inspect it, and connect the capsule to a ship-borne crane. Thereafter, the capsule gets lifted up by the massive ship-borne crane and is safely placed on the ship's deck. This operation will be closely monitored from the air and sea by a range of assets belonging to ISRO, Navy, and IAF. Parachutes for this test have been developed by India's Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO). Being a national mission, Gaganyaan requires multi-agency synergy and coordination. Also read | RG Kar rape-murder victim's mother vows to defeat Mamata Banerjee in West Bengal IADT is one among thousands of Gaganyaan-related tests In the process of accomplishing the Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission, ISRO must conduct thousands of tests spanning various technical domains: electrical, mechanical, chemical, software, materials, navigation, guidance, automation, etc. While thousands of tests have been completed, several thousand remain, and new technologies are being tested and validated. However, most of the testing happens behind closed doors, and it is only the rare ones like IADT and other rocketry-related tests that happen out in the open and with the involvement of military assets. As for the high-profile tests that happen in the open, ISRO has to accomplish more Integrated Air Drop Tests, more Test Vehicle launches (mid-flight abort and ejection), Pad Abort Tests (ejecting, saving crew capsule from a potential rocket explosion at launchpad), and multiple unmanned flights of the whole Gaganyaan rocket and spacecraft, using a robot instead of astronauts. Only when all these tests go flawlessly can ISRO put astronauts on its rocket and fly them to space. In 2018, Indian Prime Minister Modi announced that Gaganyaan would be accomplished in 2022. At present, the Indian Government says that Gaganyaan would be accomplished in 2027. However, given the pace of activities, it is evident that it could take years more.

How close is India to sending humans into space? After a key parachute drop test, ISRO has taken another step toward its ambitious Gaganyaan mission. Scroll down to read more.

ISRO accomplishes second air drop test of Gaganyaan capsule

Proposed by Shimizu Corporation after the Fukushima disaster, the Luna Ring envisions solar panels encircling the Moon to generate nonstop clean energy for Earth, transmitted via lasers or microwaves, though cost, technology, and logistics remain major hurdles.

Proposed by Shimizu Corporation after the Fukushima disaster, the Luna Ring envisions solar panels encircling the Moon to generate nonstop clean energy for Earth, transmitted via lasers or microwaves, though cost, technology, and logistics remain major hurdles.

Japan wants to turn the Moon into Earth’s biggest power station: Here's how

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