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One of the most active volcanoes in the world, Hawaii’s Kilauea, began its 40th eruptive episode on Monday (Jan 12), the US Geological Survey (USGS) confirmed. The volcano, which has been regularly erupting for over a year now, unleashed a lava fountain of more than 1,500 feet (460 meters) high into the air, with thick plumes of smoke and gases rising as high as 20,000 feet (6 kilometres).The recent eruption lasted nearly 10 hours, starting at 8:22 am and abruptly ending at 6:04 pm. Streams of lava poured from several vents within the Halemaʻumaʻu crater on Kilauea. The gas released during the eruption reacts in the atmosphere to form a visible haze known as vog—volcanic smog—which can trigger respiratory issues and other health problems.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🚨Profilo:Kīlauea volcano erupts in Episode 40—sustained lava fountains soar over 660 feet at the summit, tephra blankets crater rims, and a gas plume rises more than 13,000 feet above Hawaii.<a href="https://twitter.com/USGSVolcanoes?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@USGSVolcanoes</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Hawaii_EMA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Hawaii_EMA</a> <a href="https://t.co/knQIkm58yA">pic.twitter.com/knQIkm58yA</a>&mdash; Kingsley Chukwuka (@profilopolitics) <a href="https://twitter.com/profilopolitics/status/2010957152735649831?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 13, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The eruption also sends tiny strands of volcanic glass, called ‘Pele’s hair’, into the air. Named after Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of volcanoes, these hair-like filaments are extremely sharp and can irritate the skin and eyes.While the officials say the eruption poses no immediate threat to nearby communities, the caldera has remained closed to the public for nearly two decades.Kilauea has been regularly spewing thousands of tonnes of molten rock and gases since it erupted in December 2024. The volcano has been very active since 1983 with frequent eruptions. It is one of the six active volcanoes in the Hawaiian Islands, where the world’s largest volcano, Mauna Loa, is also located. Although much smaller than Mauna Loa, Kilauea is far more active and frequently captivates helicopter-borne tourists with its dramatic, glowing lava displays.

Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano began its 40th eruptive episode on January 12, sending lava fountains up to 1,500 feet high and ash plumes 20,000 feet into the air. The eruption lasted nearly 10 hours, releasing volcanic smog and gases.

One of the most active volcanoes in the world, Hawaii’s Kilauea, began its 40th eruptive episode on Monday (Jan 12), the US Geological Survey (USGS) confirmed. The volcano, which has been regularly erupting for over a year now, unleashed a lava fountain of more than 1,500 feet (460 meters) high into the air, with thick plumes of smoke and gases rising as high as 20,000 feet (6 kilometres). The recent eruption lasted nearly 10 hours, starting at 8:22 am and abruptly ending at 6:04 pm. Streams of lava poured from several vents within the Halemaʻumaʻu crater on Kilauea. The gas released during the eruption reacts in the atmosphere to form a visible haze known as vog—volcanic smog—which can trigger respiratory issues and other health problems.

Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano began its 40th eruptive episode on January 12, sending lava fountains up to 1,500 feet high and ash plumes 20,000 feet into the air. The eruption lasted nearly 10 hours, releasing volcanic smog and gases.

WATCH | Stunning video captures Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano unleashing lava fountain

The mid-flight failure of the Indian space agency ISRO's PSLV-C62 rocket launch mission on Monday, (12th Jan), has led to the loss of 15 satellites from India and abroad. In a major setback to India's national security apparatus, the million-dollar hyperspectral Earth-imaging satellite built by the Government's Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) was also among the satellites destroyed. For the $4 trillion economy behemoth that is the Indian Government, a million-dollar satellite's loss is one loss among a few failed missions in the last 12 months. However, a less discussed aspect is that of six satellites belonging to fledgling Indian startups that have been destroyed in this mission. The question also lingers whether these firms had managed to obtain insurance cover for their little spacecrafts. In comparison, it is known that ISRO does not insure its own rockets and satellites that are launched from home soil. However, ISRO has insured its own satellites when they fly on foreign rockets. The contrast here is stark: The Indian Government Space agency ISRO has been enjoying considerable taxpayer funding since the year 1969. In recent years, ISRO has been utilising lesser funds than actually allocated to it, and has been returning excess funds to the Government's coffers. ISRO also had a monopoly over rocket launches and satellite building until the year 2020. In contrast, India's space startups cropped up over the last five years, after the Government enabled their foray. In what is widely regarded as a risk-averse nation, these startups built by youngsters have been taking a leap of faith into a high-risk, low-return business with zero tolerance for failure. Fuelled by hard-won private funding, these startups are taking baby steps in the highly competitive sector, where India has less than 2 per cent share in the global space economy. It is amid such a scenario that several satellites from Indian startups were hit by the PSLV-C62 failure.WION sought responses from the startups involved to understand what this 'PSLV-C62' launch mission meant to them, the satellite-based technology they intended to demonstrate or operationalise in space, and the impact that this failure may have on their future operations and business.AyulSat from OrbitaidAll satellites have a limited lifetime, and that limit is imposed by how much fuel they can carry. When satellites in space run out of fuel, they lose the ability to steer themselves, make minor adjustments to their orbital path, and point in the intended direction. When satellites reach the end of their life, it is predominantly because they run out of fuel. So, what if satellites can be refuelled by another satellite in space? Pretty much like how a large military plane refuels a small fighter jet. AyulSat by Orbitaid was to make a brave attempt in this regard: can liquid fuel be moved from one tank to another in space?"Our 25kg Ayulsat had two fuel tanks. One tank was filled with propane fuel, while the other tank was empty. In the microgravity environment of space, everything floats, including fuel. We wanted to try and transfer the fuel from one tank to another, a feat that's simple on Earth and highly sophisticated while in space. This would have also validated our proprietary Standard Interface Docking and Refuelling Port(SIDRP). AyulSat was also to serve as a target satellite for our future space docking experiment, where two satellites would meet up in space, orient themselves perfectly to get mechanically attached, perform transfer of power, data, and fuel," Sakthikumar, CEO of Orbitaid, explained to this author.Queried about whether the AyulSat satellite was covered by insurance, he said that multiple attempts to obtain insurance from Indian and foreign companies did not materialise. He added that insurance firms are hesitant to provide cover for innovative, experimental first-time satellites built by startups, given the high risk of failure. He also added that the aspect of failure was never discussed with ISRO's commercial arm NSIL, given the stellar record of PSLV. However, he added that the company has a backup plan and hopes to launch two satellites in about 7 months from now to complete the planned space docking experiment.MOI-1 satellite from Eon Space Labs, TakeMe2SpaceEON Space Labs integrated their advanced multispectral imaging payload MIRA, integrated with MOI-1, a CubeSat, weighing a mere 14 kgs, developed by fellow startup TakeMe2Space. This small craft was to demonstrate the viability of an AI-powered orbital image laboratory. The mission was meant to enable near real-time, in-orbit processing of Earth observation data, significantly lowering data downlink costs.According to Sanjay Kumar, Co-founder of Eon Space Labs, the launch of MIRA aboard MOI-1 was to cause a shift in how Earth observation missions are designed and utilised. Instead of merely capturing images and sending raw data back to Earth like most common satellites, our experimental satellite was to generate insights in orbit.The company did not offer a response to the author's query on whether they had insured the satellite. They said, we are grateful to ISRO for the opportunity to be part of the PSLV-C62 mission. While the result was not what we had hoped for, the learnings from this mission are valuable, and our focus remains firmly on execution and moving forward with clarity and resilience, they added. As for the next mission, the company said they are prioritising MOI-2 as the next flight opportunity, and are targeting a mid-2026 launch to space, using an available launch platform, subject to mission alignment and availability.CGUSAT, DSUSAT, Thybolt-3, LACHIT from Dhruva SpaceDhruva Space, a full-stack space engineering company, had contributed towards several small satellites aboard the PSLV-C61. Emphasising that Space missions are inherently complex, Sanjay Nekkanti, CEO &amp; Co-founder, Dhruva Space said, at this stage, our focus is on a measured and timely turnaround. These capabilities enable us and our customers to be ready for upcoming Launch opportunities in under a few weeks. We continue to see strong momentum and maturity in the Indian Space programme and we are confident the ecosystem will grow, as envisioned in the Decadal Vision. However, there was no response from the company on whether the said satellites were insured.In a first, PSLV disappointed foreign customers: handful of foreign satellites lostIn its 33 years of flight, the PSLV has launched well over 350 satellites for Indian and foreign customers. While PSLV has suffered major failures on four occasions(1993, 2017, 2025, 2026), it is only the 2026 failure that has led to the loss of foreign satellites or satellites belonging to customers. The aforementioned failures led to the loss of Indian Government satellites. Notably, PSLV has been launching foreign satellites since the year 1999, when India began commercial spacefaring by launching South Korea's KITSAT-3 and DLR-TUBSAT from Germany. Since then, there has been no looking back for PSLV.Theos-2 satellite, jointly built by Thailand and the UK, Munal satellite for Nepal University, and five satellites from Brazil were lost in the aftermath of the PSLV-C62 failure on Monday. It is not known if these satellites were insured by their respective owners.

In recent years, ISRO has been utilising lesser funds than actually allocated to it, and has been returning excess funds to the Government's coffers.

The mid-flight failure of the Indian space agency ISRO's PSLV-C62 rocket launch mission on Monday, (12th Jan), has led to the loss of 15 satellites from India and abroad. In a major setback to India's national security apparatus, the million-dollar hyperspectral Earth-imaging satellite built by the Government's Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) was also among the satellites destroyed. For the $4 trillion economy behemoth that is the Indian Government, a million-dollar satellite's loss is one loss among a few failed missions in the last 12 months. However, a less discussed aspect is that of six satellites belonging to fledgling Indian startups that have been destroyed in this mission. The question also lingers whether these firms had managed to obtain insurance cover for their little spacecrafts. In comparison, it is known that ISRO does not insure its own rockets and satellites that are launched from home soil. However, ISRO has insured its own satellites when they fly on foreign rockets. The contrast here is stark: The Indian Government Space agency ISRO has been enjoying considerable taxpayer funding since the year 1969. In recent years, ISRO has been utilising lesser funds than actually allocated to it, and has been returning excess funds to the Government's coffers. ISRO also had a monopoly over rocket launches and satellite building until the year 2020. In contrast, India's space startups cropped up over the last five years, after the Government enabled their foray. In what is widely regarded as a risk-averse nation, these startups built by youngsters have been taking a leap of faith into a high-risk, low-return business with zero tolerance for failure. Fuelled by hard-won private funding, these startups are taking baby steps in the highly competitive sector, where India has less than 2 per cent share in the global space economy. It is amid such a scenario that several satellites from Indian startups were hit by the PSLV-C62 failure. WION sought responses from the startups involved to understand what this 'PSLV-C62' launch mission meant to them, the satellite-based technology they intended to demonstrate or operationalise in space, and the impact that this failure may have on their future operations and business. AyulSat from Orbitaid All satellites have a limited lifetime, and that limit is imposed by how much fuel they can carry. When satellites in space run out of fuel, they lose the ability to steer themselves, make minor adjustments to their orbital path, and point in the intended direction. When satellites reach the end of their life, it is predominantly because they run out of fuel. So, what if satellites can be refuelled by another satellite in space? Pretty much like how a large military plane refuels a small fighter jet. AyulSat by Orbitaid was to make a brave attempt in this regard: can liquid fuel be moved from one tank to another in space? "Our 25kg Ayulsat had two fuel tanks. One tank was filled with propane fuel, while the other tank was empty. In the microgravity environment of space, everything floats, including fuel. We wanted to try and transfer the fuel from one tank to another, a feat that's simple on Earth and highly sophisticated while in space. This would have also validated our proprietary Standard Interface Docking and Refuelling Port(SIDRP). AyulSat was also to serve as a target satellite for our future space docking experiment, where two satellites would meet up in space, orient themselves perfectly to get mechanically attached, perform transfer of power, data, and fuel," Sakthikumar, CEO of Orbitaid, explained to this author. Queried about whether the AyulSat satellite was covered by insurance, he said that multiple attempts to obtain insurance from Indian and foreign companies did not materialise. He added that insurance firms are hesitant to provide cover for innovative, experimental first-time satellites built by startups, given the high risk of failure. He also added that the aspect of failure was never discussed with ISRO's commercial arm NSIL, given the stellar record of PSLV. However, he added that the company has a backup plan and hopes to launch two satellites in about 7 months from now to complete the planned space docking experiment. MOI-1 satellite from Eon Space Labs, TakeMe2Space EON Space Labs integrated their advanced multispectral imaging payload MIRA, integrated with MOI-1, a CubeSat, weighing a mere 14 kgs, developed by fellow startup TakeMe2Space. This small craft was to demonstrate the viability of an AI-powered orbital image laboratory. The mission was meant to enable near real-time, in-orbit processing of Earth observation data, significantly lowering data downlink costs. According to Sanjay Kumar, Co-founder of Eon Space Labs, the launch of MIRA aboard MOI-1 was to cause a shift in how Earth observation missions are designed and utilised. Instead of merely capturing images and sending raw data back to Earth like most common satellites, our experimental satellite was to generate insights in orbit. The company did not offer a response to the author's query on whether they had insured the satellite. They said, we are grateful to ISRO for the opportunity to be part of the PSLV-C62 mission. While the result was not what we had hoped for, the learnings from this mission are valuable, and our focus remains firmly on execution and moving forward with clarity and resilience, they added. As for the next mission, the company said they are prioritising MOI-2 as the next flight opportunity, and are targeting a mid-2026 launch to space, using an available launch platform, subject to mission alignment and availability. CGUSAT, DSUSAT, Thybolt-3, LACHIT from Dhruva Space Dhruva Space, a full-stack space engineering company, had contributed towards several small satellites aboard the PSLV-C61. Emphasising that Space missions are inherently complex, Sanjay Nekkanti, CEO & Co-founder, Dhruva Space said, at this stage, our focus is on a measured and timely turnaround. These capabilities enable us and our customers to be ready for upcoming Launch opportunities in under a few weeks. We continue to see strong momentum and maturity in the Indian Space programme and we are confident the ecosystem will grow, as envisioned in the Decadal Vision. However, there was no response from the company on whether the said satellites were insured. In a first, PSLV disappointed foreign customers: handful of foreign satellites lost In its 33 years of flight, the PSLV has launched well over 350 satellites for Indian and foreign customers. While PSLV has suffered major failures on four occasions(1993, 2017, 2025, 2026), it is only the 2026 failure that has led to the loss of foreign satellites or satellites belonging to customers. The aforementioned failures led to the loss of Indian Government satellites. Notably, PSLV has been launching foreign satellites since the year 1999, when India began commercial spacefaring by launching South Korea's KITSAT-3 and DLR-TUBSAT from Germany. Since then, there has been no looking back for PSLV. Theos-2 satellite, jointly built by Thailand and the UK, Munal satellite for Nepal University, and five satellites from Brazil were lost in the aftermath of the PSLV-C62 failure on Monday. It is not known if these satellites were insured by their respective owners.

In recent years, ISRO has been utilising lesser funds than actually allocated to it, and has been returning excess funds to the Government's coffers.

6 satellites of Indian startups doomed in ISRO PSLV failure. Were they insured?

Scientists looking to understand how to communicate with aliens say that honeybees are the key to achieving the right methods to do so. Bees might be tiny insects that forage through flowers for nectar. But they are known to possess incredible brains and can even solve simple mathematical problems, as demonstrated by an eight-year study. They were found to be able to add, subtract and also knew the difference between odd and even numbers. This led scientists to wonder if communication with aliens could be based on mathematics. "If two species considered alien to each other – humans and honeybees – can perform mathematics, along with many other animals, then perhaps mathematics could form the basis of a universal language,” researchers argue in a piece in The Conversation.&nbsp;This theory is part of a thought experiment published in the journal Leonardo. "The ancestors of bees and humans diverged over 600 million years ago, yet we both possess communication, sociality, and some mathematical ability," the writers wrote. It is based on the philosophical idea that mathematics is not limited to merely being a way to solve the mysteries of the universe. “If there are extraterrestrial species, and they have sufficiently sophisticated brains, then our work suggests they may have the capacity to do mathematics,” researchers say.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/cia-statement-on-3i-atlas-has-reignited-debate-about-the-nature-of-interstellar-object-1767756573233">CIA statement on 3I/ATLAS has reignited debate about the nature of interstellar object</a> Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/3i-atlas-is-not-unique-scientist-says-a-trillion-interstellar-objects-are-in-the-solar-system-right-now-1767097867958">Scientist says a trillion 3I/ATLAS-like objects are in the solar system right now</a><h2>Bees attended maths sessions in the tests</h2>Between 2016 and 2024, scientists explored the ability of bees to learn mathematics. They freely attended the outdoor maths tests to receive sugar water. During this study, scientists noticed that the bees showed evidence of being able to carry out simple addition and subtraction, distinguish between odd and even, and order quantities of items, including an understanding of “zero”. They could even link symbols with numbers.<h2>Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 also carry mathematical etchings</h2>This isn't the first time such a suggestion has been made. Previous efforts to communicate with extraterrestrial beings also used mathematics and numbers. Something similar can be found on the Golden Records aboard Voyager 1 and 2. The probes that are now floating in space, far away from the solar system, have mathematical quantities etched on the Records. This was done with the view that aliens might understand them and humans would be able to “communicate a story of our world to extraterrestrials”. Similarly, the 1974 Arecibo radio message beamed out into space consisted of 1,679 zeros and ones. Its intention was to tell any aliens out there about the numbers one to ten and the atomic numbers of the elements that make up DNA.&nbsp;

Humans have yet to find aliens. But they are already preparing for the day this happens, and have been working on languages that they both can use to communicate. Scientists had a lightbulb moment when they observed bees doing maths. Here is what happened.

Scientists looking to understand how to communicate with aliens say that honeybees are the key to achieving the right methods to do so. Bees might be tiny insects that forage through flowers for nectar. But they are known to possess incredible brains and can even solve simple mathematical problems, as demonstrated by an eight-year study. They were found to be able to add, subtract and also knew the difference between odd and even numbers. This led scientists to wonder if communication with aliens could be based on mathematics. "If two species considered alien to each other – humans and honeybees – can perform mathematics, along with many other animals, then perhaps mathematics could form the basis of a universal language,” researchers argue in a piece in The Conversation. This theory is part of a thought experiment published in the journal Leonardo. "The ancestors of bees and humans diverged over 600 million years ago, yet we both possess communication, sociality, and some mathematical ability," the writers wrote. It is based on the philosophical idea that mathematics is not limited to merely being a way to solve the mysteries of the universe. “If there are extraterrestrial species, and they have sufficiently sophisticated brains, then our work suggests they may have the capacity to do mathematics,” researchers say. Also Read: CIA statement on 3I/ATLAS has reignited debate about the nature of interstellar object Also Read: Scientist says a trillion 3I/ATLAS-like objects are in the solar system right now Bees attended maths sessions in the tests Between 2016 and 2024, scientists explored the ability of bees to learn mathematics. They freely attended the outdoor maths tests to receive sugar water. During this study, scientists noticed that the bees showed evidence of being able to carry out simple addition and subtraction, distinguish between odd and even, and order quantities of items, including an understanding of “zero”. They could even link symbols with numbers. Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 also carry mathematical etchings This isn't the first time such a suggestion has been made. Previous efforts to communicate with extraterrestrial beings also used mathematics and numbers. Something similar can be found on the Golden Records aboard Voyager 1 and 2. The probes that are now floating in space, far away from the solar system, have mathematical quantities etched on the Records. This was done with the view that aliens might understand them and humans would be able to “communicate a story of our world to extraterrestrials”. Similarly, the 1974 Arecibo radio message beamed out into space consisted of 1,679 zeros and ones. Its intention was to tell any aliens out there about the numbers one to ten and the atomic numbers of the elements that make up DNA.

Humans have yet to find aliens. But they are already preparing for the day this happens, and have been working on languages that they both can use to communicate. Scientists had a lightbulb moment when they observed bees doing maths. Here is what happened.

Bees did MATHS, and solved an alien communication problem

A "cosmic hamburger", one of the biggest planet-forming disks of gas and dust, or protoplanetary disks, has revealed a surprise. Scientists have detected the first signs of planet formation in this system. Known as Gomez's Hamburger (GoHam), its dense gas layers have been spotted with hints that planets might soon be born in this system. GoHam appears like a burger from Earth because it is seen edge-on with stacked layers of gas that look like "buns" rotating around a young star that makes up the "burger" in this case. The dust and other particles sit in the middle, while the gas takes up an enormous amount of space, spreading to a width of 2,000 times the distance between the sun and the Earth. Its height was a mind-boggling several 100 times this area. This makes it the biggest protoplanetary disk ever seen in the universe. The team observed the disk through the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA), a powerful array of 66 radio antennas located in northern Chile. "GoHam gives us a rare and clear view of the vertical and radial structure of a very large, nearly edge‑on disk," lead researcher Charles Law of the University of Virginia said in a statement.&nbsp;He added that GoHam is a "benchmark system for testing detailed models of how disks evolve and form planets." He added that it is the "perfect laboratory for understanding how giant planets can form far from their star" because of "the combination of extreme disk size, strong asymmetries, winds, and potential planet formation." They can also understand how the birth of planets "reshapes the surrounding gas and dust."Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/hive-mind-meets-deep-space-honeybees-did-maths-revealing-what-an-alien-s-first-words-could-be-1768222431811">Hive mind meets deep space: Honeybees did MATHS, revealing what an alien’s first words could be</a><h2>Dust grains, gases and signs of planet formation</h2>Through ALMA, the team was able to map the locations of dust grains and gas molecules in the system. They noted that these elements had placed themselves in distinct layers, and the gases included two forms of carbon monoxide and several sulfur-based molecules. The lightest gas resided above the midplane of GoHam, while the heaviest ones were near the midplane. The enormous amount of dust present in this disk is a sign that it could be home to several planets in the future. This cosmic burger is lopsided, has an extended and brighter dust emission on one side, and traces of a "photoevaporative wind" on the northern side. The former is what will give birth to planets someday. An arc of sulfur monoxide beyond the dust of the disk and only on one side aligns with a dense clump of material labelled "GoHam b". Astronomers believe this is matter collapsing under its own gravity, and possibly the earliest stage of planet formation in the outer disk.

The biggest known cosmic hamburger, a giant protoplanetary disk, is showing signs of planet formation. Scientists are watching closely as they eagerly await planets to be formed from all the dust that is present in this system.

A "cosmic hamburger", one of the biggest planet-forming disks of gas and dust, or protoplanetary disks, has revealed a surprise. Scientists have detected the first signs of planet formation in this system. Known as Gomez's Hamburger (GoHam), its dense gas layers have been spotted with hints that planets might soon be born in this system. GoHam appears like a burger from Earth because it is seen edge-on with stacked layers of gas that look like "buns" rotating around a young star that makes up the "burger" in this case. The dust and other particles sit in the middle, while the gas takes up an enormous amount of space, spreading to a width of 2,000 times the distance between the sun and the Earth. Its height was a mind-boggling several 100 times this area. This makes it the biggest protoplanetary disk ever seen in the universe. The team observed the disk through the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA), a powerful array of 66 radio antennas located in northern Chile. "GoHam gives us a rare and clear view of the vertical and radial structure of a very large, nearly edge‑on disk," lead researcher Charles Law of the University of Virginia said in a statement. He added that GoHam is a "benchmark system for testing detailed models of how disks evolve and form planets." He added that it is the "perfect laboratory for understanding how giant planets can form far from their star" because of "the combination of extreme disk size, strong asymmetries, winds, and potential planet formation." They can also understand how the birth of planets "reshapes the surrounding gas and dust." Also Read: Hive mind meets deep space: Honeybees did MATHS, revealing what an alien’s first words could be Dust grains, gases and signs of planet formation Through ALMA, the team was able to map the locations of dust grains and gas molecules in the system. They noted that these elements had placed themselves in distinct layers, and the gases included two forms of carbon monoxide and several sulfur-based molecules. The lightest gas resided above the midplane of GoHam, while the heaviest ones were near the midplane. The enormous amount of dust present in this disk is a sign that it could be home to several planets in the future. This cosmic burger is lopsided, has an extended and brighter dust emission on one side, and traces of a "photoevaporative wind" on the northern side. The former is what will give birth to planets someday. An arc of sulfur monoxide beyond the dust of the disk and only on one side aligns with a dense clump of material labelled "GoHam b". Astronomers believe this is matter collapsing under its own gravity, and possibly the earliest stage of planet formation in the outer disk.

The biggest known cosmic hamburger, a giant protoplanetary disk, is showing signs of planet formation. Scientists are watching closely as they eagerly await planets to be formed from all the dust that is present in this system.

Monster 'cosmic hamburger' shows signs of major activity that points to something huge

NASA recorded a signal that travelled from deep space over 13 billion years, and lasted merely 10 seconds. This discovery highlights several ignored aspects about the early universe, how time warps in space and how things really unfold in the universe.

NASA recorded a signal that travelled from deep space over 13 billion years, and lasted merely 10 seconds. This discovery highlights several ignored aspects about the early universe, how time warps in space and how things really unfold in the universe.

10-second 'death cry' that took 13 billion years to reach Earth

Scientists have discovered a spider species with a smaller genome while maintaining high genetic diversity, in a first-of-its-kind case. The creature on the Canary Islands is changing the way evolution is believed to work. Throughout its time on Earth, Dysdera tilosensis has reduced its DNA content by half, a genome downsizing seen for the first time in an animal. The island spider was compared to its mainland counterpart, and the two closely related spiders were found to be extremely different. The study was published in Molecular Biology and Evolution by a team of researchers from the University of Barcelona. The scientists collaborated with the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) and the University of Neuchâtel to study this unique spider that has managed to do the unthinkable. They used high-quality sequencing methods to compare Dysdera catalonica, a continental species found in Catalonia and southern France, and D. tilosensis, which lives only on Gran Canaria.<h2>Smaller genome, greater genetic diversity</h2>The researchers were stunned to see that D. catalonica has a genome of about 3.3 billion base pairs, while D. tilosensis carries just 1.7 billion. Despite carrying almost half the genome, the latter does not display reduced genetic diversity. Professor Julio Rozas wrote, "Despite having a smaller genome, the species from the Canary Islands shows greater genetic diversity." The findings contradict the belief that creatures with small, isolated populations experience hurdles in genetic growth and a drop in diversity. The number of chromosomes was also found to differ, with D. catalonica recording four autosomes and one X sex chromosome, while D. tilosensis has six autosomes plus the X.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/dinosaur-era-bird-found-with-800-stones-jammed-in-its-throat-1767012949400">Dinosaur-era bird found with 800 stones jammed in its throat: It ate them all. Why?</a><h2>D. tilosensis defies the basic rule of evolution&nbsp;</h2>Evolutionary biology has long believed that species living in isolated spots, such as islands, accumulate non-functional DNA and expand their genomes over several years. However, the reverse is in fact true for D. tilosensis. Professor Sara Guirao says that the two spiders had a common ancestor, and genome analysis and flow cytometry measurements indicate that it had a genome close to 3 billion base pairs. Since D. tilosensis carries just 1.7 billion of these, it proves that the reduction is acquired and has happened over time. The finding shows that instead of adapting by adding new DNA, the spider likely underwent a process of genomic streamlining, which caused repetitive sequences that had no function to be eliminated.&nbsp;

A spider species that has gone in reverse during evolution has left scientists stumped. This Dysdera tilosensis has reduced its DNA content by half, something that should not have happened, going by the current rules of life.

Scientists have discovered a spider species with a smaller genome while maintaining high genetic diversity, in a first-of-its-kind case. The creature on the Canary Islands is changing the way evolution is believed to work. Throughout its time on Earth, Dysdera tilosensis has reduced its DNA content by half, a genome downsizing seen for the first time in an animal. The island spider was compared to its mainland counterpart, and the two closely related spiders were found to be extremely different. The study was published in Molecular Biology and Evolution by a team of researchers from the University of Barcelona. The scientists collaborated with the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) and the University of Neuchâtel to study this unique spider that has managed to do the unthinkable. They used high-quality sequencing methods to compare Dysdera catalonica, a continental species found in Catalonia and southern France, and D. tilosensis, which lives only on Gran Canaria. Smaller genome, greater genetic diversity The researchers were stunned to see that D. catalonica has a genome of about 3.3 billion base pairs, while D. tilosensis carries just 1.7 billion. Despite carrying almost half the genome, the latter does not display reduced genetic diversity. Professor Julio Rozas wrote, "Despite having a smaller genome, the species from the Canary Islands shows greater genetic diversity." The findings contradict the belief that creatures with small, isolated populations experience hurdles in genetic growth and a drop in diversity. The number of chromosomes was also found to differ, with D. catalonica recording four autosomes and one X sex chromosome, while D. tilosensis has six autosomes plus the X. Also Read: Dinosaur-era bird found with 800 stones jammed in its throat: It ate them all. Why? D. tilosensis defies the basic rule of evolution Evolutionary biology has long believed that species living in isolated spots, such as islands, accumulate non-functional DNA and expand their genomes over several years. However, the reverse is in fact true for D. tilosensis. Professor Sara Guirao says that the two spiders had a common ancestor, and genome analysis and flow cytometry measurements indicate that it had a genome close to 3 billion base pairs. Since D. tilosensis carries just 1.7 billion of these, it proves that the reduction is acquired and has happened over time. The finding shows that instead of adapting by adding new DNA, the spider likely underwent a process of genomic streamlining, which caused repetitive sequences that had no function to be eliminated.

A spider species that has gone in reverse during evolution has left scientists stumped. This Dysdera tilosensis has reduced its DNA content by half, something that should not have happened, going by the current rules of life.

Creature that has chomped down on its DNA by half is evolving in reverse

Scientists have discovered a set of ultra-fast-rotating asteroids in the solar system, with one of them spinning at dizzying speeds never seen before. NSF–DOE Vera C. Rubin Observatory, jointly funded by the US National Science Foundation and the US Department of Energy's Office of Science, spotted 19 of them in the Asteroid Belt that sits between Mars and Jupiter. Rubin Observatory is a joint Program of NSF NOIRLab and DOE’s SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory. The findings were described in a study published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters. Researchers say that the speed of rotation of an asteroid can indicate how it was formed, its composition and the changes it underwent throughout its life. If an asteroid is spinning at an extremely fast pace, it could mean that it encountered another rock and could even break apart soon. Of the 76 asteroids mentioned in the paper, 16 are super-fast rotators, rotating between 13 minutes and 2.2 hours, while three are ultra-fast ones, rotating once every five minutes or less.&nbsp;All 19 asteroids are a minimum of 300 feet long, with some over 3,000 feet in diameter. The one that is the most intriguing is 2025 MN45, as it has been given the title of the fastest-spinning asteroid among rocks measuring 500 metres or more. This asteroid is a whopping 2,300 feet in diameter and rotates once every 1.88 minutes. This speed should have led it to break apart, but that hasn't happened. “Clearly, this asteroid must be made of material that has very high strength in order to keep it in one piece as it spins so rapidly,” lead author Sarah Greenstreet said in a NOIRLab statement.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/orphan-saturn-10-000-light-years-away-billions-of-rogue-planets-could-be-lost-in-the-milky-way-1767881425029">Orphan Saturn 10,000 light-years away: Billions of rogue planets could be lost in the Milky Way</a><h2>Asteroids spinning at ultra-fast speeds</h2>Greenstreet is also the lead of Rubin Observatory’s Solar System Science Collaboration’s Near-Earth Objects and Interstellar Objects working group. She added that asteroid 2025 MN45 should have a strength of a solid piece of rock to have remained intact till now. "This is somewhat surprising since most asteroids are believed to be what we call ‘rubble pile’ asteroids, which means they are made of many, many small pieces of rock and debris that coalesced under gravity during Solar System formation or subsequent collisions," she said.&nbsp;She also heaped praises on the Rubin observatory, saying, "Rubin is successfully allowing us to study a population of relatively small, very-rapidly-rotating main-belt asteroids that hadn’t been reachable before." The Rubin Observatory, with the Simonyi Survey Telescope and LSST Camera at its core, is conducting&nbsp;the 10-year Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST).

An asteroid spinning every 1.88 minutes has been discovered in the Asteroid Belt. Scientists are stunned to see the 2,300-foot rock going at such a fast speed. The discovery was made by the NSF–DOE Vera C. Rubin Observatory.

Scientists have discovered a set of ultra-fast-rotating asteroids in the solar system, with one of them spinning at dizzying speeds never seen before. NSF–DOE Vera C. Rubin Observatory, jointly funded by the US National Science Foundation and the US Department of Energy's Office of Science, spotted 19 of them in the Asteroid Belt that sits between Mars and Jupiter. Rubin Observatory is a joint Program of NSF NOIRLab and DOE’s SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory. The findings were described in a study published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters. Researchers say that the speed of rotation of an asteroid can indicate how it was formed, its composition and the changes it underwent throughout its life. If an asteroid is spinning at an extremely fast pace, it could mean that it encountered another rock and could even break apart soon. Of the 76 asteroids mentioned in the paper, 16 are super-fast rotators, rotating between 13 minutes and 2.2 hours, while three are ultra-fast ones, rotating once every five minutes or less. All 19 asteroids are a minimum of 300 feet long, with some over 3,000 feet in diameter. The one that is the most intriguing is 2025 MN45, as it has been given the title of the fastest-spinning asteroid among rocks measuring 500 metres or more. This asteroid is a whopping 2,300 feet in diameter and rotates once every 1.88 minutes. This speed should have led it to break apart, but that hasn't happened. “Clearly, this asteroid must be made of material that has very high strength in order to keep it in one piece as it spins so rapidly,” lead author Sarah Greenstreet said in a NOIRLab statement. Also Read: Orphan Saturn 10,000 light-years away: Billions of rogue planets could be lost in the Milky Way Asteroids spinning at ultra-fast speeds Greenstreet is also the lead of Rubin Observatory’s Solar System Science Collaboration’s Near-Earth Objects and Interstellar Objects working group. She added that asteroid 2025 MN45 should have a strength of a solid piece of rock to have remained intact till now. "This is somewhat surprising since most asteroids are believed to be what we call ‘rubble pile’ asteroids, which means they are made of many, many small pieces of rock and debris that coalesced under gravity during Solar System formation or subsequent collisions," she said. She also heaped praises on the Rubin observatory, saying, "Rubin is successfully allowing us to study a population of relatively small, very-rapidly-rotating main-belt asteroids that hadn’t been reachable before." The Rubin Observatory, with the Simonyi Survey Telescope and LSST Camera at its core, is conducting the 10-year Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST).

An asteroid spinning every 1.88 minutes has been discovered in the Asteroid Belt. Scientists are stunned to see the 2,300-foot rock going at such a fast speed. The discovery was made by the NSF–DOE Vera C. Rubin Observatory.

Asteroid spinning every 1.88 minutes is an anomaly because of its massive size

Scientists have discovered a "deep-sea oasis" nearly 4,000 meters beneath the Arctic Ocean that changes previous understanding of how deep-sea biodiversity works. The findings include the deepest known methane hydrate mounds, also known as Freya mounds, below the surface on the Molloy Ridge in the Greenland Sea. A team of researchers, led by Giuliana Panieri and Jonathan T. Copley, published the findings in Nature Communications. The study rewrites the understanding of how life survives in the most extreme conditions on Earth. It mentions how solid structures are trapping methane, other gases and crude oil under the Arctic seafloor. This oasis is teeming with life, as amphipods and caridean red shrimp inhabit the waters around the mounds.&nbsp;Lead author &nbsp;Panieri, of UiT The Arctic University of Norway, said, "These hydrate mounds represent the deepest cold seeps ever found in the Arctic. They are active, dynamic systems that host unique life forms and play a role in global carbon cycling. “This discovery rewrites the playbook for Arctic deep-sea ecosystems and carbon cycling.”Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/remote-iran-volcano-stirs-up-after-700-000-years-as-satellites-spot-a-bulge-at-the-summit-1767685621653">Taftan volcano stirs up after 700,000 years as ground seen rising from space</a><h2>"Freya mounds" are made up of frozen methane</h2>These are the deepest methane hydrate mounds ever recorded in the Arctic. Scientists found a thriving ecosystem supported by chemosynthesis in a region that is completely dark and has extremely cold conditions, essentially making it impossible to support life. A unique food web has formed in the region, with bacteria feeding on methane and sulfide as energy sources. The "Freya mounds" are made up of frozen methane, other gases, and crude oil and are shaped like a cone. They release massive gas flares, plumes of methane-rich bubbles that rise over 3,300 metres high. The researchers used a remotely operated vehicle named Aurora to find a whole new world where these six-metre-wide conical mounds reside.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/hidden-network-of-tunnels-and-caves-could-surround-the-world-s-deepest-blue-hole-1767861906466">World's deepest blue hole remained a secret until 2021 because it is invisible from space</a><h2>“Forests” of shrimp, snails, and amphipods were found</h2>The ROV captured images of over 20 species living in this oasis, with a dense population of Sclerolinum tube worms, caridean red shrimp, snails, and amphipods present. The expedition took place in May 2024 and also led them to uncover chemical "fingerprints" that reveal the hydrocarbons (methane, propane, and butane) leaking from the seafloor originate from source rock dating back to the Miocene age, millions of years ago. This discovery alters the understanding of global carbon cycling, systems that play a critical role in how the greenhouse gas methane is stored and released from the seabed. The gas mixture also includes ethane, propane, and butane, suggesting that they are coming from deep in the Earth's crust.<h2>Deep-sea mining</h2>Norway opened this Arctic region for seabed mineral exploration in early 2024. Following pressure from the public, it paused issuing new mining licenses and has suspended public funding for further seabed mineral mapping until at least the end of 2029. This discovery proves that there is a lot humans still don't know about seafloors. It is crucial to know about them before we go digging them up, something that can have grave consequences.

An unknown world has been found 4,000 meters beneath the Arctic Ocean, below the Molloy Ridge in the Greenland Sea. The Freya mounds host unique life forms like tube worms and shrimp, fueled by ancient methane. This discovery sparks debate about the implications of deep-sea mining.

Scientists have discovered a "deep-sea oasis" nearly 4,000 meters beneath the Arctic Ocean that changes previous understanding of how deep-sea biodiversity works. The findings include the deepest known methane hydrate mounds, also known as Freya mounds, below the surface on the Molloy Ridge in the Greenland Sea. A team of researchers, led by Giuliana Panieri and Jonathan T. Copley, published the findings in Nature Communications. The study rewrites the understanding of how life survives in the most extreme conditions on Earth. It mentions how solid structures are trapping methane, other gases and crude oil under the Arctic seafloor. This oasis is teeming with life, as amphipods and caridean red shrimp inhabit the waters around the mounds. Lead author Panieri, of UiT The Arctic University of Norway, said, "These hydrate mounds represent the deepest cold seeps ever found in the Arctic. They are active, dynamic systems that host unique life forms and play a role in global carbon cycling. “This discovery rewrites the playbook for Arctic deep-sea ecosystems and carbon cycling.” Also Read: Taftan volcano stirs up after 700,000 years as ground seen rising from space "Freya mounds" are made up of frozen methane These are the deepest methane hydrate mounds ever recorded in the Arctic. Scientists found a thriving ecosystem supported by chemosynthesis in a region that is completely dark and has extremely cold conditions, essentially making it impossible to support life. A unique food web has formed in the region, with bacteria feeding on methane and sulfide as energy sources. The "Freya mounds" are made up of frozen methane, other gases, and crude oil and are shaped like a cone. They release massive gas flares, plumes of methane-rich bubbles that rise over 3,300 metres high. The researchers used a remotely operated vehicle named Aurora to find a whole new world where these six-metre-wide conical mounds reside. Also Read: World's deepest blue hole remained a secret until 2021 because it is invisible from space “Forests” of shrimp, snails, and amphipods were found The ROV captured images of over 20 species living in this oasis, with a dense population of Sclerolinum tube worms, caridean red shrimp, snails, and amphipods present. The expedition took place in May 2024 and also led them to uncover chemical "fingerprints" that reveal the hydrocarbons (methane, propane, and butane) leaking from the seafloor originate from source rock dating back to the Miocene age, millions of years ago. This discovery alters the understanding of global carbon cycling, systems that play a critical role in how the greenhouse gas methane is stored and released from the seabed. The gas mixture also includes ethane, propane, and butane, suggesting that they are coming from deep in the Earth's crust. Deep-sea mining Norway opened this Arctic region for seabed mineral exploration in early 2024. Following pressure from the public, it paused issuing new mining licenses and has suspended public funding for further seabed mineral mapping until at least the end of 2029. This discovery proves that there is a lot humans still don't know about seafloors. It is crucial to know about them before we go digging them up, something that can have grave consequences.

An unknown world has been found 4,000 meters beneath the Arctic Ocean, below the Molloy Ridge in the Greenland Sea. The Freya mounds host unique life forms like tube worms and shrimp, fueled by ancient methane. This discovery sparks debate about the implications of deep-sea mining.

Scientists just found 'deep-sea oasis' in an Arctic region thought to be barren

NASA is evacuating a crew from the International Space Station for the first time in the history of the laboratory orbiting Earth. The space agency said that the step was being taken because an astronaut had faced a medical issue. Crew-11 went to the ISS in August 2025 and was to spend six months in space. It consists of US astronauts Zena Cardman and Mike Fincke, Russian cosmonaut Oleg Platonov and Japanese astronaut Kimiya Yu. NASA said on Thursday (January 8) that the US-Russian crew will return earlier than planned. This comes after it cancelled a spacewalk scheduled for the same day because of health concerns. It has not revealed the nature of the medical problem or the name of the astronaut. Dr James Polk, NASA's chief health and medical officer, said they were "erring on the side of caution for the crew member" even though it is not an emergency.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/first-spacewalk-of-2026-postponed-after-astronaut-suffers-medical-emergency-1767877990727">First spacewalk of 2026 postponed after astronaut suffers medical emergency</a><h2>Two spacewalks were scheduled for January 2026</h2>Polk added that this is the first medical evacuation in the history of the space station. In the past, astronauts have been treated for issues like toothaches and ear pain aboard the ISS. Thursday's spacewalk was to be carried out by Fincke, the ISS commander, and Zena Cardman, a flight engineer. They were to prepare an outer portion of the ISS for a future rollout of solar panels that would have helped the station function through its end years before it is de-orbited in 2030. Cardman was to perform his first spacewalk on his maiden trip to the ISS. It would have been the 10th spacewalk for Fincke. "I'm proud of the swift effort across the agency thus far to ensure the safety of our astronauts," NASA administrator Jared Isaacman said.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/nasa-saw-something-bizarre-happening-88kms-above-earth-from-space-what-was-it-1767858927469">NASA saw something bizarre happening 88 km above Earth from space. What was it?</a><h2>How many astronauts are at the space station right now?</h2>Another spacewalk was due to take place on January 15, involving two other astronauts who were not named yet. They were to replace a high-definition camera, set up a new docking aid for spacecraft visiting the ISS, besides a few other things. However, now that NASA has announced plans to return the entire crew, this spacewalk is also effectively cancelled. The four astronauts were launched by SpaceX in August. Besides them, three other astronauts - NASA's Chris Williams and Russia's Sergei Mikaev and Sergei Kud-Sverchkov - are at the ISS after arriving in November aboard a Soyuz rocket for an eight-month mission.&nbsp;

For the first time in the history of the International Space Station, NASA is returning a crew early for medical reasons. An astronaut has suffered a health episode, following which NASA made this decision. The nature of the issue or the name of the astronaut has not been disclosed.  

NASA is evacuating a crew from the International Space Station for the first time in the history of the laboratory orbiting Earth. The space agency said that the step was being taken because an astronaut had faced a medical issue. Crew-11 went to the ISS in August 2025 and was to spend six months in space. It consists of US astronauts Zena Cardman and Mike Fincke, Russian cosmonaut Oleg Platonov and Japanese astronaut Kimiya Yu. NASA said on Thursday (January 8) that the US-Russian crew will return earlier than planned. This comes after it cancelled a spacewalk scheduled for the same day because of health concerns. It has not revealed the nature of the medical problem or the name of the astronaut. Dr James Polk, NASA's chief health and medical officer, said they were "erring on the side of caution for the crew member" even though it is not an emergency. Also Read: First spacewalk of 2026 postponed after astronaut suffers medical emergency Two spacewalks were scheduled for January 2026 Polk added that this is the first medical evacuation in the history of the space station. In the past, astronauts have been treated for issues like toothaches and ear pain aboard the ISS. Thursday's spacewalk was to be carried out by Fincke, the ISS commander, and Zena Cardman, a flight engineer. They were to prepare an outer portion of the ISS for a future rollout of solar panels that would have helped the station function through its end years before it is de-orbited in 2030. Cardman was to perform his first spacewalk on his maiden trip to the ISS. It would have been the 10th spacewalk for Fincke. "I'm proud of the swift effort across the agency thus far to ensure the safety of our astronauts," NASA administrator Jared Isaacman said. Also Read: NASA saw something bizarre happening 88 km above Earth from space. What was it? How many astronauts are at the space station right now? Another spacewalk was due to take place on January 15, involving two other astronauts who were not named yet. They were to replace a high-definition camera, set up a new docking aid for spacecraft visiting the ISS, besides a few other things. However, now that NASA has announced plans to return the entire crew, this spacewalk is also effectively cancelled. The four astronauts were launched by SpaceX in August. Besides them, three other astronauts - NASA's Chris Williams and Russia's Sergei Mikaev and Sergei Kud-Sverchkov - are at the ISS after arriving in November aboard a Soyuz rocket for an eight-month mission.

For the first time in the history of the International Space Station, NASA is returning a crew early for medical reasons. An astronaut has suffered a health episode, following which NASA made this decision. The nature of the issue or the name of the astronaut has not been disclosed. &nbsp;

NASA evacuating ISS crew on medical grounds for the first time

Scientists have discovered a rogue Saturn for the first time, roaming 10,000 light-years away from us. This discovery is important since astronomers think there could be billions of orphan planets zooming through the Milky Way. While rogue planets are common in the Milky Way, what's surprising is that this exo-Saturn (KMT-2024-BLG-0792) with such an enormous mass was dislocated from its position around its star. This planet could have either been entirely kicked out of its star system, or it could simply have been moved out of its orbit, Sky and Telescope reported. This could have happened because of a gravitational interaction with another cosmic body that possibly happened billions of years ago. Since these bodies neither orbit a parent star nor do they emit their own light, it is hard to locate or study these bodies. This planet was successfully analysed because scientists observed it from two locations - telescopes on Earth and the Gaia space telescope located 1.5 million kilometres away.<h2>Microlensing has revealed nine rogue planets in the Milky Way</h2>This double observation led to a parallax, that a shift in the planet and star’s positions when seen from two different vantage points. When they measured the relative parallax between the planet and the background star, astronomers could tell the distance between them and deduce the mass of the planet. Microlensing has revealed nine rogue planets in the past, where a star or planet in the foreground bends and magnifies the light from a more distant background star. However, since they were not observed from two different points, it was hard to tell their distances or their mass.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/how-to-create-an-earth-get-a-star-to-explode-and-die-at-a-comfortable-distance-1767623926496">Earth was formed with lots of cosmic rays from a supernova, and many of them could be out there</a><h2>Another planet could have kicked out the exoSaturn</h2>Using a technique called depth perception, scientists could tell that the planet had a mass of around 22 per cent of Jupiter’s. Notably, Saturn is 30 per cent of Jupiter’s mass, leading to it being classified as a Saturn. Talking about what caused it to be thrown out, lead author Subo Dong of Peking University, China, wrote in a paper published in Science, that it likely had a gravitational interaction with another planet, and this caused it to be flung into an extremely wide orbit or completely out of its system. The researchers are sure that it was born in another solar system since it is relatively small.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/1-2-billion-light-years-away-a-triple-black-hole-collision-is-occurring-for-the-first-time-1767166848929">1.2 billion light-years away, a triple black hole collision is occurring for the first time</a> &nbsp;The finding has led astronomers to conclude that billions of such orphan planets could be zooming through the Milky Way. In fact, they could even outnumber the stars. Discovering them would become easier after NASA’s Roman Space Telescope and China’s Chinese Space Station Telescope (CSST) are launched in late 2026.&nbsp;

A planet about the size of Saturn has been discovered roaming through the Milky Way. It is a rogue body that was kicked out of its star system billions of years ago. This is the first time astronomers have been able to measure the mass of a rogue planet.

Scientists have discovered a rogue Saturn for the first time, roaming 10,000 light-years away from us. This discovery is important since astronomers think there could be billions of orphan planets zooming through the Milky Way. While rogue planets are common in the Milky Way, what's surprising is that this exo-Saturn (KMT-2024-BLG-0792) with such an enormous mass was dislocated from its position around its star. This planet could have either been entirely kicked out of its star system, or it could simply have been moved out of its orbit, Sky and Telescope reported. This could have happened because of a gravitational interaction with another cosmic body that possibly happened billions of years ago. Since these bodies neither orbit a parent star nor do they emit their own light, it is hard to locate or study these bodies. This planet was successfully analysed because scientists observed it from two locations - telescopes on Earth and the Gaia space telescope located 1.5 million kilometres away. Microlensing has revealed nine rogue planets in the Milky Way This double observation led to a parallax, that a shift in the planet and star’s positions when seen from two different vantage points. When they measured the relative parallax between the planet and the background star, astronomers could tell the distance between them and deduce the mass of the planet. Microlensing has revealed nine rogue planets in the past, where a star or planet in the foreground bends and magnifies the light from a more distant background star. However, since they were not observed from two different points, it was hard to tell their distances or their mass. Also Read: Earth was formed with lots of cosmic rays from a supernova, and many of them could be out there Another planet could have kicked out the exoSaturn Using a technique called depth perception, scientists could tell that the planet had a mass of around 22 per cent of Jupiter’s. Notably, Saturn is 30 per cent of Jupiter’s mass, leading to it being classified as a Saturn. Talking about what caused it to be thrown out, lead author Subo Dong of Peking University, China, wrote in a paper published in Science, that it likely had a gravitational interaction with another planet, and this caused it to be flung into an extremely wide orbit or completely out of its system. The researchers are sure that it was born in another solar system since it is relatively small. Also Read: 1.2 billion light-years away, a triple black hole collision is occurring for the first time The finding has led astronomers to conclude that billions of such orphan planets could be zooming through the Milky Way. In fact, they could even outnumber the stars. Discovering them would become easier after NASA’s Roman Space Telescope and China’s Chinese Space Station Telescope (CSST) are launched in late 2026.

A planet about the size of Saturn has been discovered roaming through the Milky Way. It is a rogue body that was kicked out of its star system billions of years ago. This is the first time astronomers have been able to measure the mass of a rogue planet.

Orphan Saturn 10,000 light-years away: Billions of rogue planets could be lost in the Milky Way

Mites and ticks are often mistaken for insects. Actually, they belong to the broader category of ‘arachnids’, creatures with two body segments and eight legs. They range from invisible dust mites in homes to blood-feeding ticks on pets and in forests, making them among the most widespread organisms on the planet.&nbsp;While many species are harmless, others are parasites that cause diseases such as scabies, lumpy skin disease, and crop-damaging plant galls. Together, they impose a high cost on public health, livestock and agriculture. Scientists are now turning to genomics to better understand which species pose disease risk.<h3>What researcher said?</h3>A new genomic study led by Siddharth Kulkarni, a Ramanujan faculty member at the CSIR–Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), Hyderabad, together with three undergraduate students from the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Thiruvananthapuram, sheds light on how parasitism in mites and ticks evolved over deep time. The findings could help improve disease surveillance and control, particularly as climate change alters the spread of vectors.&nbsp;The research addresses a long-standing evolutionary question by tracing how parasitic traits emerged and diversified over more than 100 million years. The team analysed 90 arachnid genomes, the largest dataset of its kind, to reconstruct ancient relationships among mites, ticks and their relatives.&nbsp;Instead of focusing only on individual genes, the researchers studied how genes are arranged on chromosomes. “Think of it like a deck of cards. Over millions of years, the cards (genes) get shuffled. But if you find two different groups of mites that have the exact same hand of cards in the same order, you know they share a common ancestor,” Dr Kulkarni explained.&nbsp;The analysis indicated that mites and ticks belong to two separate evolutionary lineages that originated independently from separate ancestors: Acariformes (which includes most mites) and Parasitiformes (which includes ticks and the remaining mites).&nbsp;Dr Kulkarni further added that the finding is a vital move toward reconstructing the evolutionary relationships among arachnids — from camel spiders to marine horseshoe crabs — whose group have long remained unclear. Finding these relationships can help scientists to predict the spread of known infections and identify potential new vectors before outbreaks take place.

Dr Siddharth Kulkarni sheds light on how parasitism in mites and ticks evolved over deep time. The findings could help improve disease surveillance and control, particularly as climate change alters the spread of vectors.

Mites and ticks are often mistaken for insects. Actually, they belong to the broader category of ‘arachnids’, creatures with two body segments and eight legs. They range from invisible dust mites in homes to blood-feeding ticks on pets and in forests, making them among the most widespread organisms on the planet. While many species are harmless, others are parasites that cause diseases such as scabies, lumpy skin disease, and crop-damaging plant galls. Together, they impose a high cost on public health, livestock and agriculture. Scientists are now turning to genomics to better understand which species pose disease risk. What researcher said? A new genomic study led by Siddharth Kulkarni, a Ramanujan faculty member at the CSIR–Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), Hyderabad, together with three undergraduate students from the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Thiruvananthapuram, sheds light on how parasitism in mites and ticks evolved over deep time. The findings could help improve disease surveillance and control, particularly as climate change alters the spread of vectors. The research addresses a long-standing evolutionary question by tracing how parasitic traits emerged and diversified over more than 100 million years. The team analysed 90 arachnid genomes, the largest dataset of its kind, to reconstruct ancient relationships among mites, ticks and their relatives. Instead of focusing only on individual genes, the researchers studied how genes are arranged on chromosomes. “Think of it like a deck of cards. Over millions of years, the cards (genes) get shuffled. But if you find two different groups of mites that have the exact same hand of cards in the same order, you know they share a common ancestor,” Dr Kulkarni explained. The analysis indicated that mites and ticks belong to two separate evolutionary lineages that originated independently from separate ancestors: Acariformes (which includes most mites) and Parasitiformes (which includes ticks and the remaining mites). Dr Kulkarni further added that the finding is a vital move toward reconstructing the evolutionary relationships among arachnids — from camel spiders to marine horseshoe crabs — whose group have long remained unclear. Finding these relationships can help scientists to predict the spread of known infections and identify potential new vectors before outbreaks take place.

Dr Siddharth Kulkarni sheds light on how parasitism in mites and ticks evolved over deep time. The findings could help improve disease surveillance and control, particularly as climate change alters the spread of vectors.

Invisible but found everywhere: How climate change is making mites, ticks bigger threat to human health

An underwater sinkhole off the southeastern coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula is much deeper than previously thought. Scientists have also detected strange conditions at a certain depth, which hints at the presence of tunnels and caves. Taam Ja' Blue Hole (TJBH) was discovered in 2021 and goes 1,380 feet deep below sea level, as per new analysis. Earlier estimates had placed this figure at 900 feet, meaning it is an additional 480 feet deep. This also puts it ahead of the Sansha Yongle Blue Hole, or the Dragon Hole, in the South China Sea, as the one in Mexico is 390 feet deeper than it. Scientists stated in a study published in 2024 that it is the deepest known blue hole on Earth, and "its bottom is still not reached." For the analysis, the researchers used a special probe that can read water properties to measure depth, temperature and conductivity. The data was transmitted in real time, and proved that Taam Ja' Blue Hole is deeper than expected, and one whose bottom is yet to be reached.&nbsp;The blue hole also has different layers of water, with the most striking one present at 1,312 feet. Under this region, the temperature and salinity conditions are similar to those observed in the Caribbean Sea and nearby coastal reef lagoons. The authors think that this could be because of a hidden network of tunnels and caves that possibly connects the blue hole to the ocean.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/nasa-saw-something-bizarre-happening-88kms-above-earth-from-space-what-was-it-1767858927469">NASA saw something bizarre happening 88kms above Earth from space. What was it?</a>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/30-foot-wide-sinkhole-opens-up-in-melbourne-near-26bn-highway-tunnel-project-1767673155361">30-foot-wide sinkhole opens up in Melbourne near $26bn highway tunnel project</a><h2>An ocean anomaly invisible from space</h2>Another fascinating information about the Taam Ja' Blue Hole in Mexico is that even though the world's oceans are mapped from space, this hole remained a secret until 2021. It was never seen by the satellites and remains practically invisible from above. Scientists learned about it in 2021 when local fishermen who knew about it told them. Its depth meant that their probe could not reach the bottom, and they had to stop because their CTD profiler ran out of cable at 1,380 feet. This means the hole could go as deep as the "Twilight Zone."<h2>What are blue holes?</h2> These structures in the oceans present a bizarre image. They look intriguing and are still a mystery to humans. What goes on at the bottom of the hole is a secret, as scientists find it hard to reach the bottom of these pits. Blue holes are nothing but sinkholes, similar to those that form on Earth. As ground caves in on land, it also does in the ocean. Their name carries the word "blue" because they appear darker than the rest of the water around them. According to NOAA Ocean Exploration, these holes are not empty and are home to various kinds of plants and animals. They are all different from each other, but scientists haven't had much success in digging deep since they aren't easily accessible. Most of them start several hundred feet below the surface, and aren't as wide. Some of these blue holes have such narrow openings that most probes cannot enter them.

A blue hole in the sea near Mexico is so deep that humans have yet to reach its bottom. It also has certain conditions that scientists think could be because of the presence of certain tunnels and caves connecting the hole to the ocean. But what are blue holes? 

An underwater sinkhole off the southeastern coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula is much deeper than previously thought. Scientists have also detected strange conditions at a certain depth, which hints at the presence of tunnels and caves. Taam Ja' Blue Hole (TJBH) was discovered in 2021 and goes 1,380 feet deep below sea level, as per new analysis. Earlier estimates had placed this figure at 900 feet, meaning it is an additional 480 feet deep. This also puts it ahead of the Sansha Yongle Blue Hole, or the Dragon Hole, in the South China Sea, as the one in Mexico is 390 feet deeper than it. Scientists stated in a study published in 2024 that it is the deepest known blue hole on Earth, and "its bottom is still not reached." For the analysis, the researchers used a special probe that can read water properties to measure depth, temperature and conductivity. The data was transmitted in real time, and proved that Taam Ja' Blue Hole is deeper than expected, and one whose bottom is yet to be reached. The blue hole also has different layers of water, with the most striking one present at 1,312 feet. Under this region, the temperature and salinity conditions are similar to those observed in the Caribbean Sea and nearby coastal reef lagoons. The authors think that this could be because of a hidden network of tunnels and caves that possibly connects the blue hole to the ocean. Also Read: NASA saw something bizarre happening 88kms above Earth from space. What was it? Also Read: 30-foot-wide sinkhole opens up in Melbourne near $26bn highway tunnel project An ocean anomaly invisible from space Another fascinating information about the Taam Ja' Blue Hole in Mexico is that even though the world's oceans are mapped from space, this hole remained a secret until 2021. It was never seen by the satellites and remains practically invisible from above. Scientists learned about it in 2021 when local fishermen who knew about it told them. Its depth meant that their probe could not reach the bottom, and they had to stop because their CTD profiler ran out of cable at 1,380 feet. This means the hole could go as deep as the "Twilight Zone." What are blue holes? These structures in the oceans present a bizarre image. They look intriguing and are still a mystery to humans. What goes on at the bottom of the hole is a secret, as scientists find it hard to reach the bottom of these pits. Blue holes are nothing but sinkholes, similar to those that form on Earth. As ground caves in on land, it also does in the ocean. Their name carries the word "blue" because they appear darker than the rest of the water around them. According to NOAA Ocean Exploration, these holes are not empty and are home to various kinds of plants and animals. They are all different from each other, but scientists haven't had much success in digging deep since they aren't easily accessible. Most of them start several hundred feet below the surface, and aren't as wide. Some of these blue holes have such narrow openings that most probes cannot enter them.

A blue hole in the sea near Mexico is so deep that humans have yet to reach its bottom. It also has certain conditions that scientists think could be because of the presence of certain tunnels and caves connecting the hole to the ocean. But what are blue holes?&nbsp;

World's deepest blue hole remained a secret until 2021 because it is invisible from space

NASA detected something strange above Earth from the International Space Station, which proved that what goes on at the ground level doesn't necessarily remain restricted there. This strange phenomenon is linked to Hurricane Helene, which slammed the Florida coast in September 2024. An instrument on the ISS detected an unknown phenomenon rushing through Earth's atmosphere, around 88 kilometres above the planet. NASA was baffled to see something that was not visible from the ground, yet was picked up from space. What it saw were atmospheric waves, and to see them high above Earth shows that strong weather events not only devastate land, but also have an effect on the different layers of the atmosphere. The phenomenon was observed in the mesosphere, the third layer of Earth's atmosphere that extends from 50 to 85 km.&nbsp;As Helene smashed into Florida, a NASA instrument aboard the ISS saw hints of a type of atmospheric wave that typically forms when events like hurricanes occur, Earth.com reported. The Atmospheric Wave Instrument (AWE) was installed outside the ISS in 2023 to detect “atmospheric glow,” a light displayed by gases at high altitudes. When Helene hit, AWE observed a pattern that appeared to be like ripples high above Earth. NASA said that this happened because of the storm, which was so strong that it stirred the air so far above.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/earth-might-freeze-not-burn-up-due-to-extreme-heat-scientists-warn-new-ice-age-is-waiting-1767610266625">Scientists warn intense heat due to climate change could freeze Earth, ushering in a new Ice Age</a>&nbsp;The pattern travelled towards the West, meaning the disturbance did not remain restricted to the storm zone. The ISS orbits 400 kilometres above the surface, and caught something that did not show up in ordinary weather measurements. This makes it the perfect vantage point for making similar observations in the future.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/major-catastrophe-unfolding-in-antarctica-as-hundreds-of-earthquakes-slam-doomsday-glacier-1767680441864">Major catastrophe unfolding in Antarctica as hundreds of earthquakes slam Doomsday Glacier</a><h2>How AWE on ISS and a set of telescopes can find more new phenomena</h2>AWE was made with the aim of understanding what goes on in the upper atmosphere when storms hit the ground. Learning of this impact in the thin air at higher altitudes can prove crucial to gauging the ripple effects and how they impact a region that ultimately affects the conditions that matter for satellites. Even a slight shift in the density of air in the upper atmosphere could lead satellites to run into problems. AWE can help learn more about these observations and help prevent any problems that might impact satellites. AWE, alongside Advanced Mesospheric Temperature Mapper (AMTM), a set of telescopes that can detect details that ordinary sensors miss, can continue to monitor such never-before-seen phenomena higher up.&nbsp;

NASA saw a strange occurrence in the upper atmosphere in 2024 when a hurricane slammed into Florida. Scientists are intrigued by the detection since it can impact satellites and also proves how weather on the ground can ripple to such high levels.

NASA detected something strange above Earth from the International Space Station, which proved that what goes on at the ground level doesn't necessarily remain restricted there. This strange phenomenon is linked to Hurricane Helene, which slammed the Florida coast in September 2024. An instrument on the ISS detected an unknown phenomenon rushing through Earth's atmosphere, around 88 kilometres above the planet. NASA was baffled to see something that was not visible from the ground, yet was picked up from space. What it saw were atmospheric waves, and to see them high above Earth shows that strong weather events not only devastate land, but also have an effect on the different layers of the atmosphere. The phenomenon was observed in the mesosphere, the third layer of Earth's atmosphere that extends from 50 to 85 km. As Helene smashed into Florida, a NASA instrument aboard the ISS saw hints of a type of atmospheric wave that typically forms when events like hurricanes occur, Earth.com reported. The Atmospheric Wave Instrument (AWE) was installed outside the ISS in 2023 to detect “atmospheric glow,” a light displayed by gases at high altitudes. When Helene hit, AWE observed a pattern that appeared to be like ripples high above Earth. NASA said that this happened because of the storm, which was so strong that it stirred the air so far above. Also Read: Scientists warn intense heat due to climate change could freeze Earth, ushering in a new Ice Age The pattern travelled towards the West, meaning the disturbance did not remain restricted to the storm zone. The ISS orbits 400 kilometres above the surface, and caught something that did not show up in ordinary weather measurements. This makes it the perfect vantage point for making similar observations in the future. Also Read: Major catastrophe unfolding in Antarctica as hundreds of earthquakes slam Doomsday Glacier How AWE on ISS and a set of telescopes can find more new phenomena AWE was made with the aim of understanding what goes on in the upper atmosphere when storms hit the ground. Learning of this impact in the thin air at higher altitudes can prove crucial to gauging the ripple effects and how they impact a region that ultimately affects the conditions that matter for satellites. Even a slight shift in the density of air in the upper atmosphere could lead satellites to run into problems. AWE can help learn more about these observations and help prevent any problems that might impact satellites. AWE, alongside Advanced Mesospheric Temperature Mapper (AMTM), a set of telescopes that can detect details that ordinary sensors miss, can continue to monitor such never-before-seen phenomena higher up.

NASA saw a strange occurrence in the upper atmosphere in 2024 when a hurricane slammed into Florida. Scientists are intrigued by the detection since it can impact satellites and also proves how weather on the ground can ripple to such high levels.

NASA saw something bizarre happening 88 km above Earth from space. What was it?

Earth’s Rotation Day explains how Earth’s spin affects day and night, time zones, winds, weather, oceans and human biological rhythms.

Earth’s Rotation Day explains how Earth’s spin affects day and night, time zones, winds, weather, oceans and human biological rhythms.

Earth’s Rotation Day: 7 Ways Earth’s spin affects our daily life

Earth's Rotation Day commemorates the significant discovery by French Physicist Leon Foucault. In 1851, Foucault proved that Earth rotates on its axis, using a swinging pendulum famously called Foucault's Pendulum. Foucault's Pendulum is a complex device consisting of a single suspended lead ball surrounded by pins which the ball knocks down as it completes rotation. Earth's Rotation Day is annually observed on January 8 to recognise the fact that the Earth completes one rotation on its almost vertical axis every 24 hours, which gives one complete day.&nbsp;<h2>Why January 8?</h2>Earth's Rotation Day is celebrated on January 8 to mark the anniversary of Foucault's presentation of the pendulum at the Pantheon in Paris in front of scientists, scholars and the general public, to visibly prove Earth's rotation. 2026 marks 175 years of the demonstration.<h2>History of Earth's Rotation Day</h2>How the Earth and its rotation influence our daylight cycle has baffled humans for thousands of years. Heraclides of Pontus, Greece, was among the first known thinkers to suggest that the Earth rotate on its axis in the 4th century BCE. Many of the earliest theories which dominated in Europe were geocentric, with the stationary Earth at the centre, the sun, the moon, and other planets rotating around it. However, there were earlier theorisations of the Earth rotating on its axis and the apparent motion of stars in the works of Aryabhata in the 5th century CE. In Europe, Nicolaus Copernicus in the 1500s first posited that the Earth revolves around the sun in circular orbits and also rotates on its axis. Then, in 1609, German Mathematician Johannes Kepler theorised that the Earth doesn't rotate in a circular orbit but in an elliptical orbit and provided a mathematical model for it. Then came Galileo Galilei, who supported the heliocentric theory with observations. But definitive experimental proof was still lacking until Leon Foucault proved that the Earth moved on an axis with his pendulum experiment. Foucault first conducted his pendulum experiment in the Paris Observatory, then the Panthéon, where it remains an impressive centrepiece today.&nbsp;<h2>Significance of Earth Rotation Day</h2>The observation and the experiment by Foucault unlocked several mysteries in astronomy and paved the way for further progress in understanding weather patterns and ocean currents. It also provided a base from which the apparent motion of the Sun and stars across the sky was studied. These discoveries may not be directly related, but all of them are like small pieces of a huge jigsaw puzzle which humankind has been putting together to solve the mysteries of the universe.&nbsp;

Earth’s Rotation Day, observed on January 8, marks Léon Foucault’s 1851 pendulum experiment proving Earth’s rotation. Know its history and significance.

Earth's Rotation Day commemorates the significant discovery by French Physicist Leon Foucault. In 1851, Foucault proved that Earth rotates on its axis, using a swinging pendulum famously called Foucault's Pendulum. Foucault's Pendulum is a complex device consisting of a single suspended lead ball surrounded by pins which the ball knocks down as it completes rotation. Earth's Rotation Day is annually observed on January 8 to recognise the fact that the Earth completes one rotation on its almost vertical axis every 24 hours, which gives one complete day. Why January 8? Earth's Rotation Day is celebrated on January 8 to mark the anniversary of Foucault's presentation of the pendulum at the Pantheon in Paris in front of scientists, scholars and the general public, to visibly prove Earth's rotation. 2026 marks 175 years of the demonstration. History of Earth's Rotation Day How the Earth and its rotation influence our daylight cycle has baffled humans for thousands of years. Heraclides of Pontus, Greece, was among the first known thinkers to suggest that the Earth rotate on its axis in the 4th century BCE. Many of the earliest theories which dominated in Europe were geocentric, with the stationary Earth at the centre, the sun, the moon, and other planets rotating around it. However, there were earlier theorisations of the Earth rotating on its axis and the apparent motion of stars in the works of Aryabhata in the 5th century CE. In Europe, Nicolaus Copernicus in the 1500s first posited that the Earth revolves around the sun in circular orbits and also rotates on its axis. Then, in 1609, German Mathematician Johannes Kepler theorised that the Earth doesn't rotate in a circular orbit but in an elliptical orbit and provided a mathematical model for it. Then came Galileo Galilei, who supported the heliocentric theory with observations. But definitive experimental proof was still lacking until Leon Foucault proved that the Earth moved on an axis with his pendulum experiment. Foucault first conducted his pendulum experiment in the Paris Observatory, then the Panthéon, where it remains an impressive centrepiece today. Significance of Earth Rotation Day The observation and the experiment by Foucault unlocked several mysteries in astronomy and paved the way for further progress in understanding weather patterns and ocean currents. It also provided a base from which the apparent motion of the Sun and stars across the sky was studied. These discoveries may not be directly related, but all of them are like small pieces of a huge jigsaw puzzle which humankind has been putting together to solve the mysteries of the universe.

Earth’s Rotation Day, observed on January 8, marks Léon Foucault’s 1851 pendulum experiment proving Earth’s rotation. Know its history and significance.

Earth’s Rotation Day 2026: Date, history, significance and why it is celebrated

Moon has been pulling away material from Earth for billions of years, according to a new study. Scientists say that it did not happen before the magnetic field was formed, but instead, this process is facilitated by our planet's magnetic tail.

Moon has been pulling away material from Earth for billions of years, according to a new study. Scientists say that it did not happen before the magnetic field was formed, but instead, this process is facilitated by our planet's magnetic tail.

Earth's tail has been helping Moon steal from our planet for billions of years

3I/ATLAS is flying towards Jupiter and will come close to the Hill radius, the region where the planet's gravity is stronger than the Sun's. It will also come near its irregular moon Eupheme a day later, setting up another amazing rendezvous. 

3I/ATLAS is flying towards Jupiter and will come close to the Hill radius, the region where the planet's gravity is stronger than the Sun's. It will also come near its irregular moon Eupheme a day later, setting up another amazing rendezvous.&nbsp;

3I/ATLAS sets date with Eupheme, an irregular moon orbiting Jupiter

Stephen Hawking was a British theoretical physicist, cosmologist and author whose study and work on black holes and the universe made him one of the most recognisable figures in the field of science. He was born in Oxford to a medical family in 1942, where he studied physics at University College, Oxford (graduating in 1962), then pursued cosmology at Trinity Hall, Cambridge.&nbsp;At the age of 21, Hawking was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). As a result, he said that he will remain alive only for two years; however, Hawking defied the prognosis and stayed alive until 76, while gradually losing physical control. To stay alive, he used a speech synthesiser after losing his speech, voicing iconic lines like “women” in 2014.<h3>What were Hawking's greatest contributions to Science?</h3><h3>Singularities</h3>As per the report in the Space, Stephen Hawking made groundbreaking contributions to understanding gravity under extreme conditions, beginning with his work on singularities. Building on Roger Penrose’s proofs, Hawking demonstrated that singularities are not limited to black holes but also exist at the birth of the universe, showing that the Big Bang began from a point of infinite density.<h3>Black hole physics</h3>He then revolutionised black hole physics by discovering that black holes are not completely black. By combining general relativity with quantum mechanics, Hawking showed that black holes emit radiation, now known as Hawking radiation, causing them to slowly lose mass and eventually evaporate. This insight led him to develop the laws of black hole thermodynamics, revealing a deep connection between gravity, energy, heat and entropy.<h3>Cosmology</h3>In cosmology, Hawking played a crucial role in developing the theory of cosmic inflation. While Alan Guth first proposed rapid expansion in the early universe, Hawking helped turn inflation into a rigorous and testable framework. He also explored the earliest moments of the Big Bang, questioning whether the universe truly had a beginning and how quantum mechanics shapes its origin.<h3>Time travel</h3>Hawking extensively studied the nature of space-time, including wormholes and their physical feasibility. Recognising their implications for time travel, he proposed the chronology protection conjecture, arguing that the laws of physics prevent travel into the past. Although not focused on creating a single “theory of everything,” Hawking’s work on quantum gravity profoundly influenced the field. His ideas, especially on black holes and inflation, continue to guide efforts to unify quantum mechanics and gravity.&nbsp;He also collaborated on string theory, M‑theory and quantum gravity, consulted on films (Star Trek, The Simpsons) and advocated for space exploration, artificial intelligence risks and climate action. Awarded CBE (1982), Companion of Honour (1989), and Presidential Medal of Freedom (2009), he died at 76 in Cambridge.<h3>Hawking's Books​</h3>Hawking also popularised science through books: A Brief History of Time (1988) sold over 25 million copies, explaining cosmology accessibly; The Universe in a Nutshell (2001), A Briefer History of Time (2005), The Grand Design (2010) with Leonard Mlodinow, and Black Holes and Baby Universes (1993).

Hawking extensively studied the nature of space-time, including wormholes and their physical feasibility. Recognising their implications for time travel, he proposed the chronology protection conjecture, arguing that the laws of physics prevent travel into the past.

Stephen Hawking was a British theoretical physicist, cosmologist and author whose study and work on black holes and the universe made him one of the most recognisable figures in the field of science. He was born in Oxford to a medical family in 1942, where he studied physics at University College, Oxford (graduating in 1962), then pursued cosmology at Trinity Hall, Cambridge. At the age of 21, Hawking was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). As a result, he said that he will remain alive only for two years; however, Hawking defied the prognosis and stayed alive until 76, while gradually losing physical control. To stay alive, he used a speech synthesiser after losing his speech, voicing iconic lines like “women” in 2014. What were Hawking's greatest contributions to Science? Singularities As per the report in the Space, Stephen Hawking made groundbreaking contributions to understanding gravity under extreme conditions, beginning with his work on singularities. Building on Roger Penrose’s proofs, Hawking demonstrated that singularities are not limited to black holes but also exist at the birth of the universe, showing that the Big Bang began from a point of infinite density. Black hole physics He then revolutionised black hole physics by discovering that black holes are not completely black. By combining general relativity with quantum mechanics, Hawking showed that black holes emit radiation, now known as Hawking radiation, causing them to slowly lose mass and eventually evaporate. This insight led him to develop the laws of black hole thermodynamics, revealing a deep connection between gravity, energy, heat and entropy. Cosmology In cosmology, Hawking played a crucial role in developing the theory of cosmic inflation. While Alan Guth first proposed rapid expansion in the early universe, Hawking helped turn inflation into a rigorous and testable framework. He also explored the earliest moments of the Big Bang, questioning whether the universe truly had a beginning and how quantum mechanics shapes its origin. Time travel Hawking extensively studied the nature of space-time, including wormholes and their physical feasibility. Recognising their implications for time travel, he proposed the chronology protection conjecture, arguing that the laws of physics prevent travel into the past. Although not focused on creating a single “theory of everything,” Hawking’s work on quantum gravity profoundly influenced the field. His ideas, especially on black holes and inflation, continue to guide efforts to unify quantum mechanics and gravity. He also collaborated on string theory, M‑theory and quantum gravity, consulted on films (Star Trek, The Simpsons) and advocated for space exploration, artificial intelligence risks and climate action. Awarded CBE (1982), Companion of Honour (1989), and Presidential Medal of Freedom (2009), he died at 76 in Cambridge. Hawking's Books Hawking also popularised science through books: A Brief History of Time (1988) sold over 25 million copies, explaining cosmology accessibly; The Universe in a Nutshell (2001), A Briefer History of Time (2005), The Grand Design (2010) with Leonard Mlodinow, and Black Holes and Baby Universes (1993).

Hawking extensively studied the nature of space-time, including wormholes and their physical feasibility. Recognising their implications for time travel, he proposed the chronology protection conjecture, arguing that the laws of physics prevent travel into the past.

Who was Stephen Hawking? All about his life, books and greatest discoveries that reshaped modern Physics

NASA James Webb and Hubble space telescopes have made some startling discoveries. The Chandra X-ray telescope captured a famous supernova remnant over several years. Here are some new findings made by these astonishing pieces of technology. 

NASA's James Webb and Hubble space telescopes have made some startling discoveries. The Chandra X-ray telescope captured a famous supernova remnant over several years. Here are some new findings made by these astonishing pieces of technology.&nbsp;

Latest NASA findings: 5 discoveries made by Webb, Hubble and Chandra Space Telescopes

The Taftan volcano in Iran, which has never erupted in human history, is showing signs of activity, with scientists saying it is stirring up. A new study has flagged that the volcano in southeastern Iran has risen by about 3.5 inches in just 10 months. This means that certain forces have become active underneath, and it is important to monitor the Taftan. But the volcano does not have on-the-ground instruments such as continuous GPS receivers, and so satellites become the best way to look at it. InSAR, a radar method that measures ground motion from space, was used to track changes in the volcano. Researchers gathered data from Sentinel-1 satellites, which spotted that the uplift in the Taftan continued for 10 months and was located at the centre of the summit, Earth.com reported.&nbsp;The pressure is still there since this uplift has not gone down. The exact point where the pressure has built sits around 1,600 to 2,070 feet below the surface. This shallow location suggests that the gases are located in a hydrothermal system where hot water and gases move around under a volcano. Researchers have flagged a need to monitor the Taftan volcano regularly, but since it is located in an extremely remote area, they will have to turn to space technology to gather data on it. Pablo J. González from the Institute of Natural Products and Agrobiology’s Spanish National Research Council (IPNA) is the lead author of the study published in Geophysical Research Letters.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/50km-hidden-object-reveals-ancient-volcano-on-moon-that-last-erupted-3-5-billion-years-ago-1765785642169">What's so hot? Two moon craters are hiding an ancient volcano that last erupted 3.5 billion years ago</a><h2>The Taftan volcano and the uplift</h2>To be sure that no external forces were to blame for this surge, scientists checked whether heavy rain and earthquakes could be a catalyst. However, they were quickly ruled out, and they are sure that internal forces are at work inside the volcano. The shallow pressure zone sits above the body of magma, which is flowing 3.2 kilometres below the volcano. The uplift could be caused by two reasons: Either the gas is building up in tight rocks and fractures, or a small pulse of melt has released volatiles into the shallower plumbing deep down.&nbsp;Taftan volcano is 12,9270 feet high and built of layers of lava and ash. There is a lack of proper records on its eruption history in the past 10,000 years. But, research has found that its last eruption happened roughly 710,000 years ago. It has witnessed a total of five different active eruption periods.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Taftan volcano in Iran is showing signs of activity, with satellites spotting an uplift at the summit. This volcano is believed to have last erupted 710,000 years ago, with clear data from 10,000 years being pretty scant.

The Taftan volcano in Iran, which has never erupted in human history, is showing signs of activity, with scientists saying it is stirring up. A new study has flagged that the volcano in southeastern Iran has risen by about 3.5 inches in just 10 months. This means that certain forces have become active underneath, and it is important to monitor the Taftan. But the volcano does not have on-the-ground instruments such as continuous GPS receivers, and so satellites become the best way to look at it. InSAR, a radar method that measures ground motion from space, was used to track changes in the volcano. Researchers gathered data from Sentinel-1 satellites, which spotted that the uplift in the Taftan continued for 10 months and was located at the centre of the summit, Earth.com reported. The pressure is still there since this uplift has not gone down. The exact point where the pressure has built sits around 1,600 to 2,070 feet below the surface. This shallow location suggests that the gases are located in a hydrothermal system where hot water and gases move around under a volcano. Researchers have flagged a need to monitor the Taftan volcano regularly, but since it is located in an extremely remote area, they will have to turn to space technology to gather data on it. Pablo J. González from the Institute of Natural Products and Agrobiology’s Spanish National Research Council (IPNA) is the lead author of the study published in Geophysical Research Letters. Also Read: What's so hot? Two moon craters are hiding an ancient volcano that last erupted 3.5 billion years ago The Taftan volcano and the uplift To be sure that no external forces were to blame for this surge, scientists checked whether heavy rain and earthquakes could be a catalyst. However, they were quickly ruled out, and they are sure that internal forces are at work inside the volcano. The shallow pressure zone sits above the body of magma, which is flowing 3.2 kilometres below the volcano. The uplift could be caused by two reasons: Either the gas is building up in tight rocks and fractures, or a small pulse of melt has released volatiles into the shallower plumbing deep down. Taftan volcano is 12,9270 feet high and built of layers of lava and ash. There is a lack of proper records on its eruption history in the past 10,000 years. But, research has found that its last eruption happened roughly 710,000 years ago. It has witnessed a total of five different active eruption periods.

The Taftan volcano in Iran is showing signs of activity, with satellites spotting an uplift at the summit. This volcano is believed to have last erupted 710,000 years ago, with clear data from 10,000 years being pretty scant.

Taftan volcano stirs up after 700,000 years as ground seen rising from space

A recently launched Spanish satellite was struck by a space particle as it was moving towards its operational position in the geostationary orbit, according to an official statement by a stakeholder issued on January 2. SpainSat NG-2 was the second military communications satellite sent to space in 2025 as part of a program meant to serve the communications needs of the government and the military. However, now it might not be able to achieve its goal of completing a secure communications constellation duo. Indra Group, the majority stakeholder of Hisdesat, which owns and operates the SpainSat NG-2 satellite on behalf of Spain’s Ministry of Defence, informed about the mishap. The satellite was launched on October 23 on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.&nbsp;After being launched on 24 October, the satellite was on its way to the geostationary orbit when a "space particle" slammed into it. Indra Group said that the impact happened at an altitude of about 50,000 kilometres. Notably, the geostationary orbit lies 35,786 km above Earth, which means the satellite had travelled far beyond its intended location. The current status of SpainSat NG-2 is not known. "Hisdesat implemented a contingency plan to ensure that the Ministry of Defence and other clients are not affected," Indra Group said in the statement. The extent of damage to the satellite is being ascertained. The group added that, depending on the nature of the problem, SpainSat NG-2 could also be replaced.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/remote-iran-volcano-stirs-up-after-700-000-years-as-satellites-spot-a-bulge-at-the-summit-1767685621653">Remote Iran volcano stirs up after 700,000 years as satellites spot a bulge at the summit</a><h2>The first Airbus satellite for SpainSat</h2>SpainSat NG-1 was the first of the duo to be launched, shooting to space in January 2025 aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. It was fully operational in August 2025. Both satellites have been built by Airbus for $2.3 billion. According to Airbus, the duo was designed as an "advanced government communications system in Europe." The communications satellites are supposed to serve the government and military's secure communications needs.&nbsp;

A Spanish military communications satellite was struck by a space particle while on its way to the geostationary orbit above Earth. The tech team is trying to gauge the damage, and if it is not fixable, another one could be launched later. 

A recently launched Spanish satellite was struck by a space particle as it was moving towards its operational position in the geostationary orbit, according to an official statement by a stakeholder issued on January 2. SpainSat NG-2 was the second military communications satellite sent to space in 2025 as part of a program meant to serve the communications needs of the government and the military. However, now it might not be able to achieve its goal of completing a secure communications constellation duo. Indra Group, the majority stakeholder of Hisdesat, which owns and operates the SpainSat NG-2 satellite on behalf of Spain’s Ministry of Defence, informed about the mishap. The satellite was launched on October 23 on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. After being launched on 24 October, the satellite was on its way to the geostationary orbit when a "space particle" slammed into it. Indra Group said that the impact happened at an altitude of about 50,000 kilometres. Notably, the geostationary orbit lies 35,786 km above Earth, which means the satellite had travelled far beyond its intended location. The current status of SpainSat NG-2 is not known. "Hisdesat implemented a contingency plan to ensure that the Ministry of Defence and other clients are not affected," Indra Group said in the statement. The extent of damage to the satellite is being ascertained. The group added that, depending on the nature of the problem, SpainSat NG-2 could also be replaced. Also Read: Remote Iran volcano stirs up after 700,000 years as satellites spot a bulge at the summit The first Airbus satellite for SpainSat SpainSat NG-1 was the first of the duo to be launched, shooting to space in January 2025 aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. It was fully operational in August 2025. Both satellites have been built by Airbus for $2.3 billion. According to Airbus, the duo was designed as an "advanced government communications system in Europe." The communications satellites are supposed to serve the government and military's secure communications needs.

A Spanish military communications satellite was struck by a space particle while on its way to the geostationary orbit above Earth. The tech team is trying to gauge the damage, and if it is not fixable, another one could be launched later.

$1bn Spanish satellite collides with a cosmic particle 50,000 kilometres above Earth

The Thwaites Glacier in Antarctica has been jolted by hundreds of glacial earthquakes over nearly 13 years, according to new research. Also known as the Doomsday Glacier, it is so large that a complete collapse could lead global sea levels to rise by 10 feet. The latest study has found something even more shocking. Researchers say that previous analysis on the stability of Thwaites could be wrong. According to Thanh-Son Pham, a researcher at the Australian National University, it is a lot less stable and has been hit by hundreds of iceberg earthquakes between 2010 and 2023, Gizmodo reported. Thanh-Son Pham says that most of these earthquakes weren't detected because of low-frequency seismic waves.&nbsp;&nbsp;According to a study published in Geophysical Research Letters, a total of 362 glacial earthquakes have struck Antarctica for more than a decade, of which 245 took place in Doomsday Glacier. The Thwaites has already been flagged as a danger for the world's coasts, as the increasing temperatures are fast melting this giant, free-floating body of ice. Add to it the scenario of earthquakes shaking it further, and we have a perfect recipe for disaster waiting to happen.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/doomsday-gets-closer-cracks-on-thwaites-glacier-have-doubled-in-two-decades-1766981007538">Doomsday gets closer: Cracks on Thwaites Glacier have doubled in two decades</a> Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/a-robot-got-lost-in-antarctica-it-revealed-scary-secrets-from-underneath-another-glacier-1766997802759">A robot got lost in Antarctica. It revealed scary secrets from underneath another glacier</a><h2>What are glacial earthquakes?</h2>They are a new group of earthquakes that produce low-frequency waves, with a magnitude of around 5. They were first detected in 2003 and are caused when large icebergs collapse. Most of them have been recorded along the coast of Greenland till now and have a higher magnitude. Scientists have assumed that they occur in Antarctica as well, but detecting them has been hard because of their lower magnitude. Thanh-Son Pham decided to find proof of glacial earthquakes in Antarctica and used the seismic stations in Antarctica itself. Data showed several of them had occurred in the region but had never been detected by the global network of seismic detectors.<h2>What is going on with Thwaites?</h2> Scientists have discovered a scary unfolding at the Doomsday Glacier, with the amount of ice flowing from it doubling in the span of three decades. Thanh-Son Pham says the glacial earthquakes are occurring parallel to this accelerated flow of melting water from the glacier. The majority of seismic events were reported at Thwaites, with the rest happening at Pine Island Glacier. Strangely, the study notes that capsizing icebergs did not cause the temblors at this glacier. "The nature of earthquakes in Pine Island Glaciers remains puzzling and warrants further investigation," the research states.&nbsp;

Over 300 earthquakes in Antarctica have gone undetected for more than a decade. A scientist has found that the Thwaites Glacier, also known as the Doomsday Glacier, bore the majority of brunt of these tremors, and could have made it much weaker. 

The Thwaites Glacier in Antarctica has been jolted by hundreds of glacial earthquakes over nearly 13 years, according to new research. Also known as the Doomsday Glacier, it is so large that a complete collapse could lead global sea levels to rise by 10 feet. The latest study has found something even more shocking. Researchers say that previous analysis on the stability of Thwaites could be wrong. According to Thanh-Son Pham, a researcher at the Australian National University, it is a lot less stable and has been hit by hundreds of iceberg earthquakes between 2010 and 2023, Gizmodo reported. Thanh-Son Pham says that most of these earthquakes weren't detected because of low-frequency seismic waves. According to a study published in Geophysical Research Letters, a total of 362 glacial earthquakes have struck Antarctica for more than a decade, of which 245 took place in Doomsday Glacier. The Thwaites has already been flagged as a danger for the world's coasts, as the increasing temperatures are fast melting this giant, free-floating body of ice. Add to it the scenario of earthquakes shaking it further, and we have a perfect recipe for disaster waiting to happen. Also Read: Doomsday gets closer: Cracks on Thwaites Glacier have doubled in two decades Also Read: A robot got lost in Antarctica. It revealed scary secrets from underneath another glacier What are glacial earthquakes? They are a new group of earthquakes that produce low-frequency waves, with a magnitude of around 5. They were first detected in 2003 and are caused when large icebergs collapse. Most of them have been recorded along the coast of Greenland till now and have a higher magnitude. Scientists have assumed that they occur in Antarctica as well, but detecting them has been hard because of their lower magnitude. Thanh-Son Pham decided to find proof of glacial earthquakes in Antarctica and used the seismic stations in Antarctica itself. Data showed several of them had occurred in the region but had never been detected by the global network of seismic detectors. What is going on with Thwaites? Scientists have discovered a scary unfolding at the Doomsday Glacier, with the amount of ice flowing from it doubling in the span of three decades. Thanh-Son Pham says the glacial earthquakes are occurring parallel to this accelerated flow of melting water from the glacier. The majority of seismic events were reported at Thwaites, with the rest happening at Pine Island Glacier. Strangely, the study notes that capsizing icebergs did not cause the temblors at this glacier. "The nature of earthquakes in Pine Island Glaciers remains puzzling and warrants further investigation," the research states.

Over 300 earthquakes in Antarctica have gone undetected for more than a decade. A scientist has found that the Thwaites Glacier, also known as the Doomsday Glacier, bore the majority of brunt of these tremors, and could have made it much weaker.&nbsp;

Major catastrophe unfolding in Antarctica as hundreds of earthquakes slam Doomsday Glacier

A study has found that even though the planet is warming up, we might be going towards another ice age. It sounds paradoxical, but scientists say it is possible. Researchers from the University of California, Riverside, and the University of Bremen believe that as carbon dioxide levels rise and Earth heats up to an extreme point, heat would end in cold because of "a glitch in the matrix", ultimately returning us to an Ice Age. According to the researchers, Earth has a natural thermostat which helps it regulate its temperature when things get out of hand. More carbon dioxide and heat in the atmosphere cause it to rain more, eroding rocks and pulling all the CO2 into the ocean. In the sea, microscopic plankton feed on it and then die and sink. With them, CO2 also disappears for thousands of years. This cools down the planet, and the cycle resets.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/a-robot-got-lost-in-antarctica-it-revealed-scary-secrets-from-underneath-another-glacier-1766997802759">A robot got lost in Antarctica. It revealed scary secrets from underneath another glacier</a><h2>Earth's chemistry will go off track</h2>However, the latest study suggests that if Earth witnesses extreme warning, way over the edge, this thermostat fails to function as expected. An overreaction occurs, and the ocean is filled with nutrients, mainly phosphorus, causing the plankton to overgrow. A lot more CO2 starts getting absorbed by the seafloor, quicker than what is released into the atmosphere by volcanoes and other occurrences. In even warmer seas with low oxygen levels, phosphorus is released again, providing more of it to the plankton, which keep growing. With CO2 &nbsp;fast depleting, a vicious cycle sets in and temperatures will plummet rapidly, pushing Earth into an Ice Age.&nbsp;Researchers state that this is what will ultimately happen to Earth someday, but not today. This process would take place over hundreds of thousands of years, and humans would not be here to see this Ice Age. The cycle will happen as it usually does, with a warming climate, extreme heat, rising sea levels that would wash away much of the coasts and much more.&nbsp;

Climate change threatens to end our world, but it might not wither away from heat and could be pushed into extreme cold. Scientists say if Earth hits extremely hot temperatures, we could enter an Ice Age. Will humans be here to witness it?

A study has found that even though the planet is warming up, we might be going towards another ice age. It sounds paradoxical, but scientists say it is possible. Researchers from the University of California, Riverside, and the University of Bremen believe that as carbon dioxide levels rise and Earth heats up to an extreme point, heat would end in cold because of "a glitch in the matrix", ultimately returning us to an Ice Age. According to the researchers, Earth has a natural thermostat which helps it regulate its temperature when things get out of hand. More carbon dioxide and heat in the atmosphere cause it to rain more, eroding rocks and pulling all the CO2 into the ocean. In the sea, microscopic plankton feed on it and then die and sink. With them, CO2 also disappears for thousands of years. This cools down the planet, and the cycle resets. Also Read: A robot got lost in Antarctica. It revealed scary secrets from underneath another glacier Earth's chemistry will go off track However, the latest study suggests that if Earth witnesses extreme warning, way over the edge, this thermostat fails to function as expected. An overreaction occurs, and the ocean is filled with nutrients, mainly phosphorus, causing the plankton to overgrow. A lot more CO2 starts getting absorbed by the seafloor, quicker than what is released into the atmosphere by volcanoes and other occurrences. In even warmer seas with low oxygen levels, phosphorus is released again, providing more of it to the plankton, which keep growing. With CO2 fast depleting, a vicious cycle sets in and temperatures will plummet rapidly, pushing Earth into an Ice Age. Researchers state that this is what will ultimately happen to Earth someday, but not today. This process would take place over hundreds of thousands of years, and humans would not be here to see this Ice Age. The cycle will happen as it usually does, with a warming climate, extreme heat, rising sea levels that would wash away much of the coasts and much more.

Climate change threatens to end our world, but it might not wither away from heat and could be pushed into extreme cold. Scientists say if Earth hits extremely hot temperatures, we could enter an Ice Age. Will humans be here to witness it?

Scientists warn intense heat due to climate change could freeze Earth, ushering in a new Ice Age

Earth is a rare cosmic body which supports life with just the right balance of ingredients and is in the optimal zone near the Sun where it is warm enough for life to thrive. Our planet has an atmosphere us from solar radiation and a magnetic field. A new study has suggested that for a planet like Earth to be born, we need a warm solar system, and this is triggered by short-lived radioisotopes (SLRs). When these isotopes decay, a warmer cosmic environment is formed. This prevents terrestrial planets like Earth from holding on to too much water. If these isotopes did not exist, those planets similar to Earth in size would turn into a theoretical type of exoplanet, called Hycean worlds. Such bodies have a deep global ocean underneath a thick, hydrogen-rich atmosphere.&nbsp;So, how do we know that our solar system had these crucial isotopes? This is proven by meteorites, as research has shown these isotopes, or SLRs, to be present in these rocks. For these short-lived radioisotopes to form, a supernova is needed, a stellar explosion leading to the death of a star. However, this powerful cosmic event would rip apart the protoplanetary disk of a young star. But the Sun's early disk remained unscathed, and we got our solar system. If a supernova is needed for a planet to form, it would mean that Earth-like planets are rare.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/earth-has-a-tail-flowing-for-millions-of-kilometres-into-space-on-its-dark-side-1765431481520">Earth has a tail, flowing for millions of kilometres into space on its dark side</a>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/catastrophe-in-2-8-days-scientists-say-earth-at-risk-of-disastrous-chain-reaction-in-space-1765868167625">Catastrophe in 2.8 days: Scientists say Earth at risk of disastrous chain reaction in space</a><h2>Earth-like worlds could be very common</h2>However, a new study states that Earth-like planets could be extremely common in the universe. Researchers say that the early solar system was covered with cosmic rays triggered from a supernova that was extremely far away. According to a report by Universe Today, "if at least one supernova occurred within a parsec of us," enough cosmic rays would be formed to create the level of radioactive isotopes necessary to match those of meteorites found in the solar system. Sun-like stars form within star clusters, which means the chances of such a supernova are quite good, and hence, there might be several more Earth-like planets.&nbsp;

For Earth to be born, our solar system needed certain isotopes which could only be formed by supernovae. But, shouldn't such a stellar violent event kill a planet-forming disk? Here is what a study says about such events and how common Earth-like bodies are.

Earth is a rare cosmic body which supports life with just the right balance of ingredients and is in the optimal zone near the Sun where it is warm enough for life to thrive. Our planet has an atmosphere us from solar radiation and a magnetic field. A new study has suggested that for a planet like Earth to be born, we need a warm solar system, and this is triggered by short-lived radioisotopes (SLRs). When these isotopes decay, a warmer cosmic environment is formed. This prevents terrestrial planets like Earth from holding on to too much water. If these isotopes did not exist, those planets similar to Earth in size would turn into a theoretical type of exoplanet, called Hycean worlds. Such bodies have a deep global ocean underneath a thick, hydrogen-rich atmosphere. So, how do we know that our solar system had these crucial isotopes? This is proven by meteorites, as research has shown these isotopes, or SLRs, to be present in these rocks. For these short-lived radioisotopes to form, a supernova is needed, a stellar explosion leading to the death of a star. However, this powerful cosmic event would rip apart the protoplanetary disk of a young star. But the Sun's early disk remained unscathed, and we got our solar system. If a supernova is needed for a planet to form, it would mean that Earth-like planets are rare. Also Read: Earth has a tail, flowing for millions of kilometres into space on its dark side Also Read: Catastrophe in 2.8 days: Scientists say Earth at risk of disastrous chain reaction in space Earth-like worlds could be very common However, a new study states that Earth-like planets could be extremely common in the universe. Researchers say that the early solar system was covered with cosmic rays triggered from a supernova that was extremely far away. According to a report by Universe Today, "if at least one supernova occurred within a parsec of us," enough cosmic rays would be formed to create the level of radioactive isotopes necessary to match those of meteorites found in the solar system. Sun-like stars form within star clusters, which means the chances of such a supernova are quite good, and hence, there might be several more Earth-like planets.

For Earth to be born, our solar system needed certain isotopes which could only be formed by supernovae. But, shouldn't such a stellar violent event kill a planet-forming disk? Here is what a study says about such events and how common Earth-like bodies are.

Earth was formed with lots of cosmic rays from a supernova, and many of them could be out there

&nbsp;Comets continued to grab the limelight in the new year as well, with C/2025 R3 scheduled to fly by Earth in the coming months. It follows a string of other comets that made headlines in the past two years, including "Devil Comet" 12P/Pons-Brooks and C/2024 G3 (ATLAS), that became visible in 2024 and early 2025, and C/2025 A6 (Lemmon) and C/2025 R2 (SWAN) in 2025. There was also C/2025 K1 (ATLAS), dubbed the Other Atlas, that broke up into several pieces, and there was a chance that it could turn into a headless comet. In 2026, we have a new comet to look forward to. C/2025 R3 is expected to brighten considerably and might even be visible with the naked eye.However, this is where things get tricky. This scenario depends on a phenomenon called forward scattering.&nbsp;&nbsp;Comet C/2025 R3 will reach perihelion (nearest point to the Sun) on April 20 and will be 76.3 million kilometres from the Sun. It will make its closest approach to Earth on April 27, coming within 70.8 million kilometres. This means it will be within the orbits of Mercury and Venus, offering a good opportunity to astronomers. But to reach a higher magnitude of brightness and become visible without telescopes or binoculars, sunlight will play a major role.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/1-2-billion-light-years-away-a-triple-black-hole-collision-is-occurring-for-the-first-time-1767166848929">1.2 billion light-years away, a triple black hole collision is occurring for the first time</a><h2>How sunlight can make the comet brighter</h2>When the comet passes between Earth and the sun, the dust particles in its tail will reflect the sunlight, and this can intensify the comet's brightness. Several comets in the past have become brighter because of this effect, and the same could happen to C/2025 R3. The new moon on April 17, 2026, days before perihelion, will also affect the comet's visibility. Since at this time the skies will be dark in the absence of the Moon, it will be easier to spot the comet in the pre-dawn hours from the Northern Hemisphere. By mid-April, the comet will appear about 15 degrees above the eastern horizon and will be visible an hour before sunrise.&nbsp;<h2>More about C/2025 R3</h2>C/2025 R3 was first spotted on September 8, 2025, by the Pan-STARRS observatory that sits atop Haleakalā volcano in Hawaii. The Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope helped confirm its orbit and offer an idea of the path it was expected to take in the coming months. Its nearly parabolic trajectory suggests that it is a new comet originating from the outer Oort Cloud, which means it is passing through the solar system for the first time.&nbsp;

New comet of 2026: Comet C/2025 R3 is generating excitement in the new year as it is set to reach its closest point to Earth in April. It is a new comet originating from the outer Oort Cloud and is on its first trip through the solar system. 

Comets continued to grab the limelight in the new year as well, with C/2025 R3 scheduled to fly by Earth in the coming months. It follows a string of other comets that made headlines in the past two years, including "Devil Comet" 12P/Pons-Brooks and C/2024 G3 (ATLAS), that became visible in 2024 and early 2025, and C/2025 A6 (Lemmon) and C/2025 R2 (SWAN) in 2025. There was also C/2025 K1 (ATLAS), dubbed the Other Atlas, that broke up into several pieces, and there was a chance that it could turn into a headless comet. In 2026, we have a new comet to look forward to. C/2025 R3 is expected to brighten considerably and might even be visible with the naked eye. However, this is where things get tricky. This scenario depends on a phenomenon called forward scattering. Comet C/2025 R3 will reach perihelion (nearest point to the Sun) on April 20 and will be 76.3 million kilometres from the Sun. It will make its closest approach to Earth on April 27, coming within 70.8 million kilometres. This means it will be within the orbits of Mercury and Venus, offering a good opportunity to astronomers. But to reach a higher magnitude of brightness and become visible without telescopes or binoculars, sunlight will play a major role. Also Read: 1.2 billion light-years away, a triple black hole collision is occurring for the first time How sunlight can make the comet brighter When the comet passes between Earth and the sun, the dust particles in its tail will reflect the sunlight, and this can intensify the comet's brightness. Several comets in the past have become brighter because of this effect, and the same could happen to C/2025 R3. The new moon on April 17, 2026, days before perihelion, will also affect the comet's visibility. Since at this time the skies will be dark in the absence of the Moon, it will be easier to spot the comet in the pre-dawn hours from the Northern Hemisphere. By mid-April, the comet will appear about 15 degrees above the eastern horizon and will be visible an hour before sunrise. More about C/2025 R3 C/2025 R3 was first spotted on September 8, 2025, by the Pan-STARRS observatory that sits atop Haleakalā volcano in Hawaii. The Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope helped confirm its orbit and offer an idea of the path it was expected to take in the coming months. Its nearly parabolic trajectory suggests that it is a new comet originating from the outer Oort Cloud, which means it is passing through the solar system for the first time.

New comet of 2026: Comet C/2025 R3 is generating excitement in the new year as it is set to reach its closest point to Earth in April. It is a new comet originating from the outer Oort Cloud and is on its first trip through the solar system.&nbsp;

Comet C/2025 R3: Origin, brightness and how forward scattering can improve its visibility

Space rockets may soon use nuclear-powered engines based on nuclear thermal propulsion, or NTP technology. While no nuclear engine will fly this year, the field is approaching a major milestone, with the first in-space demonstration of an NTP engine currently planned for early 2026. If successful, this could open the door to practical nuclear-powered missions later in the 2020s and into the 2030s. NTP is often presented as a promising technology for faster and more capable deep-space missions, especially to Mars. At the same time, it raises concerns about safety, radiation, and the potential proliferation of nuclear material in space and on Earth. As development accelerates, it is time to understand both the prospects and the problems associated with nuclear thermal propulsion.<h2>What is nuclear thermal propulsion or NTP?</h2>Nuclear thermal propulsion uses nuclear fission rather than chemical combustion to produce thrust. Instead of burning fuel and oxidiser, an NTP engine pumps liquid hydrogen through a small nuclear reactor built into the engine. Inside the reactor, uranium atoms undergo fission, releasing extreme levels of heat. This heat raises the temperature of the hydrogen, which is then expelled through a nozzle to generate thrust for the rocket.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nasa-russian-crew-returns-to-earth-after-epic-168-million-kilometer-journey-1765336718719/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/nasa-russian-crew-returns-to-earth-after-epic-168-million-kilometer-journey-1765336718719/embed</a><h2>What are the advantages of NTP?</h2>Nuclear thermal engines can be roughly twice as efficient as the best chemical rockets in use today. This means a spacecraft can travel farther using less propellant, and carry heavier payloads for the same amount of fuel. Because hydrogen is very light, it accelerates more easily than the heavier exhaust gases produced by chemical rockets, such as water vapour.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/live-updates/science/axiom-4-mission-live-updates-indian-astronaut-shubhanshu-shukla-landing-time-check-latest-news-nasa-spacex-isro-iss-1750927403236">HIGHLIGHTS | Axiom 4 Mission Landing: Shubhanshu Shukla makes first remarks on ISS, says 'been a wonderful ride'</a><h2>NTP engines' two-step process to enable thrust outside Earth</h2>NTP process in rocket engines would not be used for lift-off from Earth. Instead, missions would follow a two-step process. First, the spacecraft would be launched into orbit using a conventional chemical rocket. The nuclear thermal engine would only be activated once the vehicle is safely in space. This approach significantly reduces the risk associated with launching nuclear material from Earth, at least in theory.<h2>NTP engines to help Mars missions and wider launch windows</h2>For missions to Mars, NTP could reduce travel time by up to about 25 per cent. Shorter journeys would reduce astronauts’ exposure to cosmic radiation and the health effects of long periods in microgravity. NTP systems are also less dependent on precise planetary alignments, allowing wider launch windows. In addition, the higher performance of nuclear propulsion could make it easier for crew to abort missions if needed.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-tech/watch-stunning-visuals-show-spacexs-crew-10-dragon-capsule-docking-at-international-space-station-8862579">Watch | Stunning visuals show SpaceX’s Crew-10 Dragon capsule docking at International Space Station</a><h2>What NASA is doing now on nuclear engines</h2>The most advanced current effort is a joint programme between NASA and the US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), called DRACO. Short for Demonstration Rocket for Agile Cislunar Operations, DRACO aims to demonstrate a nuclear thermal rocket in space for the first time. The current plan is for the engine to be activated in Earth orbit in early 2026, although the schedule could slip into 2027. Lockheed Martin is developing the spacecraft. BWX Technologies is responsible for the reactor and fuel.&nbsp;<h2>What is India doing on nuclear propulsion rockets?</h2>India’s space agency, ISRO, is working on nuclear power systems and related foundational technologies to support nuclear propulsion. But an active nuclear thermal rocket programme could be years away. In the UK, private companies such as Pulsar Fusion are exploring nuclear fusion-based rocket concepts. Fusion propulsion promises very high performance, but the technology for it far less mature than fission-based NTP.<h2>Risks of nuclear engines for rockets</h2>Using uranium as rocket fuel raises security and safety concerns. NASA and the US Department of Energy are therefore working to use low-enriched uranium rather than highly enriched fuel, to cut both proliferation risks and security cost. Ground tests have shown that newer fuel types can survive the extreme temperatures and radiation inside an NTP reactor without significant damage.Radiation remains the most obvious risk for both spacecraft and people. Shielding sensitive components and orienting the reactor away from crew areas are the solutions.&nbsp;Launch failures are another major concern, amid fears of nuclear material releasing into the Earth's atmosphere or space. To address this, engineers are developing robust fuel forms designed to remain intact even in severe accidents.<h2>Nuclear-powered rockets: Challenges and prospects ahead</h2>NTP reactors operate at extremely high temperatures, pushing materials to their limits and making engineering especially challenging.&nbsp;Storing and managing liquid hydrogen in space for long periods is also technically difficult. Beyond engineering, nuclear propulsion faces political, regulatory, and international policy hurdles over nuclear safety, environmental protection, and non-proliferation.NTP offers significant potential benefits for deep-space exploration. But complex technical, safety, and political challenges remain. The planned in-space test in early 2026 will help decide whether NTP rockets can move from theory to real use in future space missions.

Nuclear thermal propulsion or NPT technology could power future rockets, with NASA planning the first in-space test in early 2026. The technology is both promising and potentially horrifying. Here is why

Space rockets may soon use nuclear-powered engines based on nuclear thermal propulsion, or NTP technology. While no nuclear engine will fly this year, the field is approaching a major milestone, with the first in-space demonstration of an NTP engine currently planned for early 2026. If successful, this could open the door to practical nuclear-powered missions later in the 2020s and into the 2030s. NTP is often presented as a promising technology for faster and more capable deep-space missions, especially to Mars. At the same time, it raises concerns about safety, radiation, and the potential proliferation of nuclear material in space and on Earth. As development accelerates, it is time to understand both the prospects and the problems associated with nuclear thermal propulsion. What is nuclear thermal propulsion or NTP? Nuclear thermal propulsion uses nuclear fission rather than chemical combustion to produce thrust. Instead of burning fuel and oxidiser, an NTP engine pumps liquid hydrogen through a small nuclear reactor built into the engine. Inside the reactor, uranium atoms undergo fission, releasing extreme levels of heat. This heat raises the temperature of the hydrogen, which is then expelled through a nozzle to generate thrust for the rocket. https://www.wionews.com/videos/nasa-russian-crew-returns-to-earth-after-epic-168-million-kilometer-journey-1765336718719/embed What are the advantages of NTP? Nuclear thermal engines can be roughly twice as efficient as the best chemical rockets in use today. This means a spacecraft can travel farther using less propellant, and carry heavier payloads for the same amount of fuel. Because hydrogen is very light, it accelerates more easily than the heavier exhaust gases produced by chemical rockets, such as water vapour. Also read: HIGHLIGHTS | Axiom 4 Mission Landing: Shubhanshu Shukla makes first remarks on ISS, says 'been a wonderful ride' NTP engines' two-step process to enable thrust outside Earth NTP process in rocket engines would not be used for lift-off from Earth. Instead, missions would follow a two-step process. First, the spacecraft would be launched into orbit using a conventional chemical rocket. The nuclear thermal engine would only be activated once the vehicle is safely in space. This approach significantly reduces the risk associated with launching nuclear material from Earth, at least in theory. NTP engines to help Mars missions and wider launch windows For missions to Mars, NTP could reduce travel time by up to about 25 per cent. Shorter journeys would reduce astronauts’ exposure to cosmic radiation and the health effects of long periods in microgravity. NTP systems are also less dependent on precise planetary alignments, allowing wider launch windows. In addition, the higher performance of nuclear propulsion could make it easier for crew to abort missions if needed. Also read: Watch | Stunning visuals show SpaceX’s Crew-10 Dragon capsule docking at International Space Station What NASA is doing now on nuclear engines The most advanced current effort is a joint programme between NASA and the US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), called DRACO. Short for Demonstration Rocket for Agile Cislunar Operations, DRACO aims to demonstrate a nuclear thermal rocket in space for the first time. The current plan is for the engine to be activated in Earth orbit in early 2026, although the schedule could slip into 2027. Lockheed Martin is developing the spacecraft. BWX Technologies is responsible for the reactor and fuel. What is India doing on nuclear propulsion rockets? India’s space agency, ISRO, is working on nuclear power systems and related foundational technologies to support nuclear propulsion. But an active nuclear thermal rocket programme could be years away. In the UK, private companies such as Pulsar Fusion are exploring nuclear fusion-based rocket concepts. Fusion propulsion promises very high performance, but the technology for it far less mature than fission-based NTP. Risks of nuclear engines for rockets Using uranium as rocket fuel raises security and safety concerns. NASA and the US Department of Energy are therefore working to use low-enriched uranium rather than highly enriched fuel, to cut both proliferation risks and security cost. Ground tests have shown that newer fuel types can survive the extreme temperatures and radiation inside an NTP reactor without significant damage. Radiation remains the most obvious risk for both spacecraft and people. Shielding sensitive components and orienting the reactor away from crew areas are the solutions. Launch failures are another major concern, amid fears of nuclear material releasing into the Earth's atmosphere or space. To address this, engineers are developing robust fuel forms designed to remain intact even in severe accidents. Nuclear-powered rockets: Challenges and prospects ahead NTP reactors operate at extremely high temperatures, pushing materials to their limits and making engineering especially challenging. Storing and managing liquid hydrogen in space for long periods is also technically difficult. Beyond engineering, nuclear propulsion faces political, regulatory, and international policy hurdles over nuclear safety, environmental protection, and non-proliferation. NTP offers significant potential benefits for deep-space exploration. But complex technical, safety, and political challenges remain. The planned in-space test in early 2026 will help decide whether NTP rockets can move from theory to real use in future space missions.

Nuclear thermal propulsion or NPT technology could power future rockets, with NASA planning the first in-space test in early 2026. The technology is both promising and potentially horrifying. Here is why

Nuclear engines for space rockets soon? First in-space test planned in early 2026. Promises vs risks

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