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When the Hubble telescope observed interstellar clouds surrounding our solar system in the 1990s, it picked up something odd that had no explanation. It spotted ionisation in the clouds, a process in this case where atoms had lost electrons. While the reason for this remained a mystery for years, scientists have now found what happened in the clouds. According to a study published in The Astrophysical Journal, two massive stars raced past our sun millions of years ago, leading to a scary encounter. Researchers from the University of Colorado Boulder revealed that this flyby happened 4.4 million years ago, and the stars were approximately 30 light-years away from the Sun, and 13 times more massive than our star. When the duo paid this visit, it led to the stars emitting powerful radiation, leading to ionisation in the local clouds around the solar system.&nbsp;This event not only solves a decades-old mystery, but according to the researchers, can also throw light on why Earth is a habitable planet. To understand what happened to these clouds, the researchers simulated what the solar system and surrounding region would have looked like millions of years ago. Michael Shull, an astrophysicist and lead author of the study, said in a statement that this was like a "jigsaw puzzle", since the Sun and the solar system are moving at a speed of 93,000 kilometres per hour. Every object, as we know now, would have been all over the place at the time.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><h2>The two stars life 400 light-years away today</h2>They also know which two stars zoomed past the Sun. Epsilon Canis Majoris, also known as Adhara, and Beta Canis Majoris, or Mirzam, which live in the Canis Major constellation, are likely the culprits in this case. &nbsp;They are both hot and heavy, burning at temperatures of 38,000 and 45,000 degrees Fahrenheit. In comparison, our Sun's maximum temperature is only about 10,000 degrees Fahrenheit.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/biggest-solar-radiation-spike-in-flight-zone-recorded-in-20-years-study-notes-1764825517669">'We need to be ready': Scientists warn of major solar storm as study notes huge radiation spike in flight zone</a>&nbsp;Epsilon and Beta Canis Majoris came around 30-35 light-years from the Sun, or 281 trillion kilometres, which means both of them would have been clearly visible from Earth. “If you think back 4.4 million years, these two stars would have been anywhere from four to six times brighter than Sirius is today, far and away the brightest stars in the sky,” Shull said. Another thing to note is that these clouds could be the reason why Earth is able to harbour life. The event led to the ionisation of hydrogen and helium in the clouds, which now shield the solar system from ionising radiation. &nbsp;

Scientists think they have found what keeps our Earth habitable. But their analysis started with something totally different: to understand what our interstellar surroundings would have been like 4.4 million years ago. This quest landed them on two monster stars 400 light-years away.

When the Hubble telescope observed interstellar clouds surrounding our solar system in the 1990s, it picked up something odd that had no explanation. It spotted ionisation in the clouds, a process in this case where atoms had lost electrons. While the reason for this remained a mystery for years, scientists have now found what happened in the clouds. According to a study published in The Astrophysical Journal, two massive stars raced past our sun millions of years ago, leading to a scary encounter. Researchers from the University of Colorado Boulder revealed that this flyby happened 4.4 million years ago, and the stars were approximately 30 light-years away from the Sun, and 13 times more massive than our star. When the duo paid this visit, it led to the stars emitting powerful radiation, leading to ionisation in the local clouds around the solar system. This event not only solves a decades-old mystery, but according to the researchers, can also throw light on why Earth is a habitable planet. To understand what happened to these clouds, the researchers simulated what the solar system and surrounding region would have looked like millions of years ago. Michael Shull, an astrophysicist and lead author of the study, said in a statement that this was like a "jigsaw puzzle", since the Sun and the solar system are moving at a speed of 93,000 kilometres per hour. Every object, as we know now, would have been all over the place at the time. Also Read: Earth has a tail, flowing for millions of kilometres into space on its dark side The two stars life 400 light-years away today They also know which two stars zoomed past the Sun. Epsilon Canis Majoris, also known as Adhara, and Beta Canis Majoris, or Mirzam, which live in the Canis Major constellation, are likely the culprits in this case. They are both hot and heavy, burning at temperatures of 38,000 and 45,000 degrees Fahrenheit. In comparison, our Sun's maximum temperature is only about 10,000 degrees Fahrenheit. Also Read: 'We need to be ready': Scientists warn of major solar storm as study notes huge radiation spike in flight zone Epsilon and Beta Canis Majoris came around 30-35 light-years from the Sun, or 281 trillion kilometres, which means both of them would have been clearly visible from Earth. “If you think back 4.4 million years, these two stars would have been anywhere from four to six times brighter than Sirius is today, far and away the brightest stars in the sky,” Shull said. Another thing to note is that these clouds could be the reason why Earth is able to harbour life. The event led to the ionisation of hydrogen and helium in the clouds, which now shield the solar system from ionising radiation.

Scientists think they have found what keeps our Earth habitable. But their analysis started with something totally different: to understand what our interstellar surroundings would have been like 4.4 million years ago. This quest landed them on two monster stars 400 light-years away.

Two monster stars raced past our Sun, creating a protective shield around Earth

A team of archaeologists from the European Institute of Underwater Archaeology (IEASM) discovered around 2,000-year-old ‘Pleasure Boat’ in a recent exploration mission at the Port of the Royal Island of Antirhodos, which is located inside Portus Magnus, the ancient main harbour of Alexandria, Egypt. The ship is remarkably well preserved, meaning its structure and remains are in very good condition despite its age.&nbsp;Archaeologists postulate that the vessel is depicted as a thalamagos, a pleasure barge that would have hosted renowned figures, else it would have taken part in ceremonial processions in Roman Egypt. They have discovered around 90 feet of preserved timbers, showing a ship of nearly 115 feet long and 23 feet wide, as per the IESM’s press release.&nbsp;The discoverer has identified the wreck as a luxurious first-century A.D. pleasure barge, likely built soon after Egypt came under Roman rule. Its wide beam and flat-bottomed hull indicated that it was shaped for elegant travel through Alexandria’s calm canals, offering covered dining space for elite passengers.&nbsp;They indicated that those lavish barges were common among the wealthy, echoing the grand thalamagoi once used by the Ptolemies, including Cleopatra VII. Experts also believe that the ship was designed and constructed in Alexandria, which was richly decorated, and powered by oars.<h3>Alexandria's port became the heart of the Ptolemaic empire</h3>Franck Goddio, IEASM director, indicated that it might have been linked to the temple of Isis on Antirhodos Island and could have sunk around 50 A.D. during the destruction of the temple. If connected to the navigational side, the barge may have served as a symbolic “solar barque” carrying Isis during annual religious processions.&nbsp;The finding of the pleasure barrage also highlights the extraordinary history of the port of Alexandria, indicating that a small fishing village became the heart of the Ptolemaic empire after the city was founded by Alexander the Great. It was the largest trading hub in the world under Roman rule, as it was handling everything from grain shipments to luxury imports.

Archaeologists hinted that the vessel is depicted as a thalamagos, a pleasure barge that would have hosted renowned figures, else it would have taken part in ceremonial processions in Roman Egypt. 

A team of archaeologists from the European Institute of Underwater Archaeology (IEASM) discovered around 2,000-year-old ‘Pleasure Boat’ in a recent exploration mission at the Port of the Royal Island of Antirhodos, which is located inside Portus Magnus, the ancient main harbour of Alexandria, Egypt. The ship is remarkably well preserved, meaning its structure and remains are in very good condition despite its age. Archaeologists postulate that the vessel is depicted as a thalamagos, a pleasure barge that would have hosted renowned figures, else it would have taken part in ceremonial processions in Roman Egypt. They have discovered around 90 feet of preserved timbers, showing a ship of nearly 115 feet long and 23 feet wide, as per the IESM’s press release. The discoverer has identified the wreck as a luxurious first-century A.D. pleasure barge, likely built soon after Egypt came under Roman rule. Its wide beam and flat-bottomed hull indicated that it was shaped for elegant travel through Alexandria’s calm canals, offering covered dining space for elite passengers. They indicated that those lavish barges were common among the wealthy, echoing the grand thalamagoi once used by the Ptolemies, including Cleopatra VII. Experts also believe that the ship was designed and constructed in Alexandria, which was richly decorated, and powered by oars. Alexandria's port became the heart of the Ptolemaic empire Franck Goddio, IEASM director, indicated that it might have been linked to the temple of Isis on Antirhodos Island and could have sunk around 50 A.D. during the destruction of the temple. If connected to the navigational side, the barge may have served as a symbolic “solar barque” carrying Isis during annual religious processions. The finding of the pleasure barrage also highlights the extraordinary history of the port of Alexandria, indicating that a small fishing village became the heart of the Ptolemaic empire after the city was founded by Alexander the Great. It was the largest trading hub in the world under Roman rule, as it was handling everything from grain shipments to luxury imports.

Archaeologists hinted that the vessel is depicted as a thalamagos, a pleasure barge that would have hosted renowned figures, else it would have taken part in ceremonial processions in Roman Egypt.&nbsp;

Archaeologists find rare Roman-era pleasure ship beneath Alexandria’s port: What does this 2,000-year-old reveal about Egypt?

Microplastics have invaded the world and have reached even the remotest corners. Antarctica is no exception. Scientists have now made an even more worrying discovery, finding microplastics inside the only bug that lives on the frozen continent. Belgica antarctica is a small fly, only about the size of rice. It lives inside moss and algae and feeds on dead plant materials, and recycles nutrients present in the Antarctic soil. A study published in Science of the Total Environment has revealed the presence of microplastics inside these tiny creatures. The discovery brings forth a startling situation showing the increasing levels of pollution in Antarctica.&nbsp;Jack Devlin, study lead author and an entomologist at the University of Kentucky, said in a statement, "Antarctica still has much lower plastic levels than most of the planet, and that’s good news. But we can now say they are getting into the system, and at high enough levels they start to change the insect’s energy balance.” Research ships and missions have been found responsible for leeching plastics into Antarctic ice, according to earlier findings. Plastic fragments have been detected in Antarctic snow and seawater. Since the bugs, or midges, live by breaking down things in the soil, researchers wanted to see if microplastics would make their way into their system.&nbsp;<h2>Midges can fight extreme conditions in Antarctica</h2>Midges are extremely tough, since they withstand extreme cold, high salt, huge temperature changes and UV radiation. But could they fight a new stress like microplastics, Devlin questioned, "or does it make them vulnerable to something they’ve never seen before?" To understand this, the researchers exposed the midges to different amounts of microplastics for 10 days in a lab. The insects’ metabolism did not change, and “they seemed to be doing fine,” Devlin said. They also noted that the only time the midges fed on microplastics was when the microplastic beads was at the highest concentration levels.&nbsp;They then collected midge larvae from 20 sites on 13 islands in Antarctica. Their gut was checked for plastic, and of the 40 larvae, the team found only two microplastic fragments. Devlin admits that "microplastics are not flooding these soil communities" at the moment. However, this is an "early warning" that the pollutant is slowly spreading in Antarctica.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Antarctica has a bug that is also known as the midge, which is now eating microplastics. Scientists have found only a tiny bit in this tiny insect, but say it is a warning sign for the future and the conditions in the frozen continent. 

Microplastics have invaded the world and have reached even the remotest corners. Antarctica is no exception. Scientists have now made an even more worrying discovery, finding microplastics inside the only bug that lives on the frozen continent. Belgica antarctica is a small fly, only about the size of rice. It lives inside moss and algae and feeds on dead plant materials, and recycles nutrients present in the Antarctic soil. A study published in Science of the Total Environment has revealed the presence of microplastics inside these tiny creatures. The discovery brings forth a startling situation showing the increasing levels of pollution in Antarctica. Jack Devlin, study lead author and an entomologist at the University of Kentucky, said in a statement, "Antarctica still has much lower plastic levels than most of the planet, and that’s good news. But we can now say they are getting into the system, and at high enough levels they start to change the insect’s energy balance.” Research ships and missions have been found responsible for leeching plastics into Antarctic ice, according to earlier findings. Plastic fragments have been detected in Antarctic snow and seawater. Since the bugs, or midges, live by breaking down things in the soil, researchers wanted to see if microplastics would make their way into their system. Midges can fight extreme conditions in Antarctica Midges are extremely tough, since they withstand extreme cold, high salt, huge temperature changes and UV radiation. But could they fight a new stress like microplastics, Devlin questioned, "or does it make them vulnerable to something they’ve never seen before?" To understand this, the researchers exposed the midges to different amounts of microplastics for 10 days in a lab. The insects’ metabolism did not change, and “they seemed to be doing fine,” Devlin said. They also noted that the only time the midges fed on microplastics was when the microplastic beads was at the highest concentration levels. They then collected midge larvae from 20 sites on 13 islands in Antarctica. Their gut was checked for plastic, and of the 40 larvae, the team found only two microplastic fragments. Devlin admits that "microplastics are not flooding these soil communities" at the moment. However, this is an "early warning" that the pollutant is slowly spreading in Antarctica.

Antarctica has a bug that is also known as the midge, which is now eating microplastics. Scientists have found only a tiny bit in this tiny insect, but say it is a warning sign for the future and the conditions in the frozen continent.&nbsp;

Scientists alarmed at noticing a scary feeding trait in the only Antarctic bug

The tail of 3I/ATLAS, the third interstellar visitor observed in our solar system, has created quite a buzz - sometimes you see it, and other times you don't. This object has been classified as a comet and so developed a tail that is not quite clearly visible. However, comets are not the only cosmic bodies that have tails. Our very own planet, the one we call home, Earth, also has a tail. Recently, NASA revealed that Mercury, the closest planet to the Sun, is displaying a tail. This is nothing new, but it only becomes so at a certain time and position. Now, scientists are telling us that Earth is no exception. This tail extends for at least two million kilometres into space behind our planet, and is present on the dark side of our planet.&nbsp;Mercury gets its tail from the sodium present in the planet. It starts extending outwards when it gets to its closest point to the Sun. According to NASA, scattered sunlight gives the sodium "a bright orange glow." The sodium atoms are pushed outwards due to the "radiation pressure" and strip its atmosphere, giving it a long glowing tail. In the case of Earth, it boils down to its magnetic field. Called the magnetosphere, it "dominates the behaviour of electrically charged particles in space near Earth and shields the planet from the solar wind," according to NASA.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/2025-in-space-10-weirdest-cosmic-events-and-objects-discovered-in-universe-this-year-1765347593790">2025 in space: 3I/ATLAS, quasi-moon and more - 10 weirdest cosmic events and objects discovered in universe</a><h2>Plasma tail formed by solar winds</h2>The magnetosphere also traps electrified gas, called plasma. Some of this plasma extends outwards into space, forming the tail of Earth. NASA believes it is a "return flow of plasma" that happens because of the solar wind, plasma being continuously released from the solar surface. This gives a kind of push to the magnetosphere and distorts its shape, "compressing it on the Earth's day side, like the head of a raindrop. The region is stretched on the night side, like the raindrop tail, forming a teardrop shape." This is how it also gets its name - &nbsp;"magnetotail".&nbsp;Earth's tail possibly extends to 1,000 times Earth’s radius; however, scientists aren't sure of its exact length. According to the European Space Agency, it stretches at least two million kilometres into space on the night side of the Earth.&nbsp;

Comets have tails; 3I/ATLAS has a tail, and even Mercury has one. Does Earth have a tail? Yes. Our planet also has a tail, which possibly extends to two million kilometres into space. It is present on the dark side of the planet.

The tail of 3I/ATLAS, the third interstellar visitor observed in our solar system, has created quite a buzz - sometimes you see it, and other times you don't. This object has been classified as a comet and so developed a tail that is not quite clearly visible. However, comets are not the only cosmic bodies that have tails. Our very own planet, the one we call home, Earth, also has a tail. Recently, NASA revealed that Mercury, the closest planet to the Sun, is displaying a tail. This is nothing new, but it only becomes so at a certain time and position. Now, scientists are telling us that Earth is no exception. This tail extends for at least two million kilometres into space behind our planet, and is present on the dark side of our planet. Mercury gets its tail from the sodium present in the planet. It starts extending outwards when it gets to its closest point to the Sun. According to NASA, scattered sunlight gives the sodium "a bright orange glow." The sodium atoms are pushed outwards due to the "radiation pressure" and strip its atmosphere, giving it a long glowing tail. In the case of Earth, it boils down to its magnetic field. Called the magnetosphere, it "dominates the behaviour of electrically charged particles in space near Earth and shields the planet from the solar wind," according to NASA. Also Read: 2025 in space: 3I/ATLAS, quasi-moon and more - 10 weirdest cosmic events and objects discovered in universe Plasma tail formed by solar winds The magnetosphere also traps electrified gas, called plasma. Some of this plasma extends outwards into space, forming the tail of Earth. NASA believes it is a "return flow of plasma" that happens because of the solar wind, plasma being continuously released from the solar surface. This gives a kind of push to the magnetosphere and distorts its shape, "compressing it on the Earth's day side, like the head of a raindrop. The region is stretched on the night side, like the raindrop tail, forming a teardrop shape." This is how it also gets its name - "magnetotail". Earth's tail possibly extends to 1,000 times Earth’s radius; however, scientists aren't sure of its exact length. According to the European Space Agency, it stretches at least two million kilometres into space on the night side of the Earth.

Comets have tails; 3I/ATLAS has a tail, and even Mercury has one. Does Earth have a tail? Yes. Our planet also has a tail, which possibly extends to two million kilometres into space. It is present on the dark side of the planet.

Earth has a tail, flowing for millions of kilometres into space on its dark side

A sperm donor in Denmark, via the European Sperm Bank, with an asymptomatic genetic mutation in the TP-53 gene, has fathered at least 197 children across Europe. The donor reportedly harboured the genetic mutation unknowingly, which significantly raises the cancer risk. Some children have already died, only a small fraction will survive and live through with the genetic mutation. According to a BBC report, the man donated sperm during his student life, and it was used for 17 years since 2005. 14 public service broadcasters, including the BBC, have made the revelation in a joint investigation.<h2>What are the risks for the children?</h2>The TP53 gene plays a crucial role in tumour suppression. The man had a mutation in TP-53, &nbsp;and the affected gene was present in 20 per cent of his sperm, which means the children which he had fathered will have the mutated gene throughout their bodies, a condition known as &nbsp;Li-Fraumeni syndrome. People with this condition have a 90 per cent increased risk of cancer before they turn 60. The European Society of Human Genetics found a subset of 67 children, among whom 23 children have the mutation, and 10 have already been diagnosed with cancer.&nbsp;<h2>A case of institutional failure</h2>The man was healthy, and he had passed all the screening checks. The sperm was used across 67 fertility clinics across 14 countries. Denmark's European Sperm Bank had expressed its "deepest sympathy" to the affected families and suggested that the sperm was used to make too many babies in some countries. The regulations on how many children can be fathered vary along country. In the UK, a single sample of sperm can be used across families, making the number of half-siblings huge, and making the tracking of this relatively meaningless.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

A Danish sperm donor carrying a dangerous TP53 gene with a mutation fathered nearly 200 children across Europe. The mutation increases cancer risk by 90 per cent.

A sperm donor in Denmark, via the European Sperm Bank, with an asymptomatic genetic mutation in the TP-53 gene, has fathered at least 197 children across Europe. The donor reportedly harboured the genetic mutation unknowingly, which significantly raises the cancer risk. Some children have already died, only a small fraction will survive and live through with the genetic mutation. According to a BBC report, the man donated sperm during his student life, and it was used for 17 years since 2005. 14 public service broadcasters, including the BBC, have made the revelation in a joint investigation. What are the risks for the children? The TP53 gene plays a crucial role in tumour suppression. The man had a mutation in TP-53, and the affected gene was present in 20 per cent of his sperm, which means the children which he had fathered will have the mutated gene throughout their bodies, a condition known as Li-Fraumeni syndrome. People with this condition have a 90 per cent increased risk of cancer before they turn 60. The European Society of Human Genetics found a subset of 67 children, among whom 23 children have the mutation, and 10 have already been diagnosed with cancer. A case of institutional failure The man was healthy, and he had passed all the screening checks. The sperm was used across 67 fertility clinics across 14 countries. Denmark's European Sperm Bank had expressed its "deepest sympathy" to the affected families and suggested that the sperm was used to make too many babies in some countries. The regulations on how many children can be fathered vary along country. In the UK, a single sample of sperm can be used across families, making the number of half-siblings huge, and making the tracking of this relatively meaningless.

A Danish sperm donor carrying a dangerous TP53 gene with a mutation fathered nearly 200 children across Europe. The mutation increases cancer risk by 90 per cent.

Sperm donor scandal: Cancer-risk gene passed by donor to 200 children in Europe

Three new species of toads in Tanzania that exhibit a highly unusual trait have been identified by the scientists. They discovered that the new species of toads give birth to fully formed baby toads, or “toadlets,” completely skipping the tadpole stage. Normally, frogs and toads lay eggs that develop into tadpoles before transforming into adults. However, members of the Nectophrynoides group, also known as “tree toads," follow a different reproductive path and bypass the tadpole phase entirely.&nbsp;Until now, only 17 out of over 7,000 known frog and toad species were known to give birth to live young, and 13 of those belonged to this same Nectophrynoides lineage. The three newly discovered species, Nectophrynoides saliensis, Nectophrynoides luhomeroensis, and Nectophrynoides uhehe, were identified during an extensive study of toads in the Eastern Arc Mountains of Tanzania, according to a report in the Indian Express.<h3>Nectophrynoides viviparus</h3>Researchers examined hundreds of preserved specimens, recorded their calls in natural habitats and analysed their DNA to distinguish these species from the one previously classified as Nectophrynoides viviparus. Although the new species resembles N. viviparus, subtle differences in genetics, head structure, and gland placement revealed that what was thought to be a single widespread species is actually four separate species, each with smaller, isolated populations.&nbsp;The discovery plays a significant role in conservation as the smaller, scattered homes of these toads might make them more at risk than previously expected. As per the report, one related species, Nectophrynoides asperginis, went extinct in the wild in 2009 because of a dam construction nearby and fungal disease.&nbsp;A biologist at the University of Dar es Salaam, John Lyakurwa, said, “The forests where these toads live are disappearing quickly,” and underscored that human activities and climate change threaten these rare toads’ habitats.&nbsp;The discovery highlights the need to protect the fragile environment these live-bearing toads depend on, along with additional understanding of amphibians. Scientists expect that future research will help to figure out about each species and efforts to conserve them.

The three newly discovered species, Nectophrynoides saliensis, Nectophrynoides luhomeroensis, and Nectophrynoides uhehe, were identified during an extensive study of toads in the Eastern Arc Mountains of Tanzania.

Three new species of toads in Tanzania that exhibit a highly unusual trait have been identified by the scientists. They discovered that the new species of toads give birth to fully formed baby toads, or “toadlets,” completely skipping the tadpole stage. Normally, frogs and toads lay eggs that develop into tadpoles before transforming into adults. However, members of the Nectophrynoides group, also known as “tree toads," follow a different reproductive path and bypass the tadpole phase entirely. Until now, only 17 out of over 7,000 known frog and toad species were known to give birth to live young, and 13 of those belonged to this same Nectophrynoides lineage. The three newly discovered species, Nectophrynoides saliensis, Nectophrynoides luhomeroensis, and Nectophrynoides uhehe, were identified during an extensive study of toads in the Eastern Arc Mountains of Tanzania, according to a report in the Indian Express. Nectophrynoides viviparus Researchers examined hundreds of preserved specimens, recorded their calls in natural habitats and analysed their DNA to distinguish these species from the one previously classified as Nectophrynoides viviparus. Although the new species resembles N. viviparus, subtle differences in genetics, head structure, and gland placement revealed that what was thought to be a single widespread species is actually four separate species, each with smaller, isolated populations. The discovery plays a significant role in conservation as the smaller, scattered homes of these toads might make them more at risk than previously expected. As per the report, one related species, Nectophrynoides asperginis, went extinct in the wild in 2009 because of a dam construction nearby and fungal disease. A biologist at the University of Dar es Salaam, John Lyakurwa, said, “The forests where these toads live are disappearing quickly,” and underscored that human activities and climate change threaten these rare toads’ habitats. The discovery highlights the need to protect the fragile environment these live-bearing toads depend on, along with additional understanding of amphibians. Scientists expect that future research will help to figure out about each species and efforts to conserve them.

The three newly discovered species, Nectophrynoides saliensis, Nectophrynoides luhomeroensis, and Nectophrynoides uhehe, were identified during an extensive study of toads in the Eastern Arc Mountains of Tanzania.

THESE 3 newly found Tanzanian toads break nature’s rules: Know what it is

Maria Corina Machado to Narges Mohammadi: Nobel laureates who couldn't accept prize in person at Oslo

Over the last few decades, several Nobel Peace Prize laureates have been unable to stand on the Oslo stage to receive their awards. From Iran’s Narges Mohammadi to China’s Liu Xiaobo, WION takes a look whose absence became powerful symbols of the struggles they fought

The universe is filled with mysterious occurrences that humans still cannot understand. In the year 2025, scientists came across some strange cosmic objects and events that defied explanation. Some of them were those that had existed merely in theory for decades and showed themselves only now. This year, welcomed the third interstellar visitor, heard two black holes merging, proving for the first time a decades-old theory, and we stumbled upon a quasi-moon that has been slyly moving around the Sun on the same path as Earth, among other things. Here are some of the strangest and weirdest cosmic observations made in 2025.<h2>The third interstellar object</h2> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/3iatlas">3I/ATLAS</a>, the visitor from outer space, was spotted zooming through our solar system in July 2025. Its hyperbolic trajectory was enough to reveal that it originated in some other corner of the Milky Way. It was dated to be 7 to 14 billion years old, which means it was born when our star system wasn't even born. The comet has been a topic of debate, especially because of its 200,000 km/hr speed, the emissions and the presence of a clear anti-tail.<h2>Quasi Moon 2025 PN7</h2> This year, astronomers were shocked to see that a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/earth-has-been-sharing-its-orbit-with-a-cosmic-body-for-60-years-we-have-only-now-seen-it-1757514121582">quasi-moon</a> had been living in Earth's orbit for nearly 60 years. 2025 PN7 was discovered on August 2 by the Pan-STARRS observatory in Hawaii. Scientists then scanned through past data to check for past records. They found images of the quasi-moon dating back to 2014. Further investigation showed it has been here way longer, and is going to stay in orbit for another 60 years.<h2>First exo-moon</h2> A group of scientists think they have spotted the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/133-light-years-away-astronomers-may-have-spotted-a-monster-exomoon-for-the-first-time-1764661915304">first exo-moon</a>, that is, a moon in another star system. This exomoon orbits HD 206893 B, a Jupiter-like exoplanet, at a distance of 133 light-years from Earth. The planet is equal to the mass of 28 Jupiters, and its exomoon is around 0.4 Jupiter masses. &nbsp;NASA has to date come across 6,000 exoplanets, but never an exomoon. Their findings still need to be confirmed.<h2>Bridge of stars</h2> In August 2025, scientists came across a galaxy cluster 700 million light-years from Earth. They spotted a faint glow from stray stars that were slowly being ripped from their home galaxy by another galaxy. This <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/light-year-long-bridge-stellar-merger-that-started-1-billion-years-ago-has-turned-into-a-cosmic-robbery-1755168601454/1755168601455">bridge of stars</a> spans a million light-years between two galaxies in the cluster Abell 3667. Researchers say that this means that Abell 3667 formed from two smaller clusters, which merged around a billion years ago.<h2>Black hole merger proving Hawking's theory right</h2> In January 2025, scientists heard two black holes merging to form a gigantic cosmic object. Using the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO), they found evidence for a theory proposed by Stephen Hawking over 50 years ago. LIGO witnessed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/stephen-hawking-s-50-year-old-theory-is-proven-right-as-scientists-hear-black-holes-merging-1757591790376">two black holes merging</a> to form a black hole significantly bigger than the two colliding objects. Before the merger, the combined surface area of the two black holes was 243,000 square kilometres. The new black hole had a surface area of 400,000 square km.<h2>First moments of a supernova</h2> Scientists at the European Southern Observatory (ESO) were able to capture the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-see-first-moments-of-a-dying-star-as-it-turns-into-a-supernova-1763025256589">first moments of a dying star</a> for the first time. While they observed in 2024, the findings were released in 2025. While the star’s surface was meeting a violent end, the scientists saw the shape of a supernova at its earliest, ephemeral stage.<h2>The golden comet</h2> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/-other-atlas-turns-golden-following-trip-to-the-sun-that-should-have-shredded-it-to-pieces-1762430013874">Comet C/2025 K1 (ATLAS)</a>, which was discovered in May 2025, turned into a spectacular golden ribbon after reaching perihelion. It came within 50 million kilometres of the Sun on October 8 and was expected to be torn to shreds. However, not only did it survive this trip, it emerged as a strange golden coloured comet. It appeared "a red/brown/golden colour rarely seen in comets." This comet also broke up into several pieces later on, with at least three parts observable.<h2>Largest spinning structure in the universe</h2> Scientists came across a 50-million-light-year-long cosmic thread that is possibly the largest spinning object in the universe. They found a huge filament of dark matter which is spinning, with the galaxies inside it also rotating in the same direction. It is located 140 million light-years away, with a row of 14 galaxies placed in a line that spans 5.5 million light-years long and 117,000 light-years wide. This row of galaxies is embedded in the larger filament that's 50 million light-years in length, with about 300 galaxies living inside it.<h2>Oldest supermassive black hole</h2> In 2025, astronomers made another astounding discovery. They found a supermassive black hole that was born only 500 million years after the Big Bang. The black hole sits at the centre of a galaxy named CAPERS-LRD-z9. It is estimated to weigh up to 300 million times the mass of our sun. The discovery raised questions about the formation of supermassive black holes. The study authors suggested that it is proof that early black holes grew much faster than we thought possible.<h2>Fast-spinning asteroid</h2> NASA came across the near-Earth asteroid 2025 OW in August and was befuddled to see it spinning at extreme speeds. It was discovered on July 4, 2025, and is about 200 feet wide and has an irregular shape. It was also found to be spinning rapidly, completing one rotation every 1½ to 3 minutes. This makes it one of the fastest-spinning near-Earth asteroids. It has been spinning without breaking apart, which shows that it is a solid object instead of being a loosely bound rubble pile like other asteroids.&nbsp;

3I/ATLAS, comets, asteroids, quasi-moon and more. In 2025, scientists spotted several strange events and objects in the universe. There was a dying hole, and the oldest supermassive black hole. Here are some of the most mysterious cosmic events we saw in 2025. 

The universe is filled with mysterious occurrences that humans still cannot understand. In the year 2025, scientists came across some strange cosmic objects and events that defied explanation. Some of them were those that had existed merely in theory for decades and showed themselves only now. This year, welcomed the third interstellar visitor, heard two black holes merging, proving for the first time a decades-old theory, and we stumbled upon a quasi-moon that has been slyly moving around the Sun on the same path as Earth, among other things. Here are some of the strangest and weirdest cosmic observations made in 2025. The third interstellar object 3I/ATLAS, the visitor from outer space, was spotted zooming through our solar system in July 2025. Its hyperbolic trajectory was enough to reveal that it originated in some other corner of the Milky Way. It was dated to be 7 to 14 billion years old, which means it was born when our star system wasn't even born. The comet has been a topic of debate, especially because of its 200,000 km/hr speed, the emissions and the presence of a clear anti-tail. Quasi Moon 2025 PN7 This year, astronomers were shocked to see that a quasi-moon had been living in Earth's orbit for nearly 60 years. 2025 PN7 was discovered on August 2 by the Pan-STARRS observatory in Hawaii. Scientists then scanned through past data to check for past records. They found images of the quasi-moon dating back to 2014. Further investigation showed it has been here way longer, and is going to stay in orbit for another 60 years. First exo-moon A group of scientists think they have spotted the first exo-moon, that is, a moon in another star system. This exomoon orbits HD 206893 B, a Jupiter-like exoplanet, at a distance of 133 light-years from Earth. The planet is equal to the mass of 28 Jupiters, and its exomoon is around 0.4 Jupiter masses. NASA has to date come across 6,000 exoplanets, but never an exomoon. Their findings still need to be confirmed. Bridge of stars In August 2025, scientists came across a galaxy cluster 700 million light-years from Earth. They spotted a faint glow from stray stars that were slowly being ripped from their home galaxy by another galaxy. This bridge of stars spans a million light-years between two galaxies in the cluster Abell 3667. Researchers say that this means that Abell 3667 formed from two smaller clusters, which merged around a billion years ago. Black hole merger proving Hawking's theory right In January 2025, scientists heard two black holes merging to form a gigantic cosmic object. Using the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO), they found evidence for a theory proposed by Stephen Hawking over 50 years ago. LIGO witnessed two black holes merging to form a black hole significantly bigger than the two colliding objects. Before the merger, the combined surface area of the two black holes was 243,000 square kilometres. The new black hole had a surface area of 400,000 square km. First moments of a supernova Scientists at the European Southern Observatory (ESO) were able to capture the first moments of a dying star for the first time. While they observed in 2024, the findings were released in 2025. While the star’s surface was meeting a violent end, the scientists saw the shape of a supernova at its earliest, ephemeral stage. The golden comet Comet C/2025 K1 (ATLAS), which was discovered in May 2025, turned into a spectacular golden ribbon after reaching perihelion. It came within 50 million kilometres of the Sun on October 8 and was expected to be torn to shreds. However, not only did it survive this trip, it emerged as a strange golden coloured comet. It appeared "a red/brown/golden colour rarely seen in comets." This comet also broke up into several pieces later on, with at least three parts observable. Largest spinning structure in the universe Scientists came across a 50-million-light-year-long cosmic thread that is possibly the largest spinning object in the universe. They found a huge filament of dark matter which is spinning, with the galaxies inside it also rotating in the same direction. It is located 140 million light-years away, with a row of 14 galaxies placed in a line that spans 5.5 million light-years long and 117,000 light-years wide. This row of galaxies is embedded in the larger filament that's 50 million light-years in length, with about 300 galaxies living inside it. Oldest supermassive black hole In 2025, astronomers made another astounding discovery. They found a supermassive black hole that was born only 500 million years after the Big Bang. The black hole sits at the centre of a galaxy named CAPERS-LRD-z9. It is estimated to weigh up to 300 million times the mass of our sun. The discovery raised questions about the formation of supermassive black holes. The study authors suggested that it is proof that early black holes grew much faster than we thought possible. Fast-spinning asteroid NASA came across the near-Earth asteroid 2025 OW in August and was befuddled to see it spinning at extreme speeds. It was discovered on July 4, 2025, and is about 200 feet wide and has an irregular shape. It was also found to be spinning rapidly, completing one rotation every 1½ to 3 minutes. This makes it one of the fastest-spinning near-Earth asteroids. It has been spinning without breaking apart, which shows that it is a solid object instead of being a loosely bound rubble pile like other asteroids.

3I/ATLAS, comets, asteroids, quasi-moon and more. In 2025, scientists spotted several strange events and objects in the universe. There was a dying hole, and the oldest supermassive black hole. Here are some of the most mysterious cosmic events we saw in 2025.&nbsp;

2025 in space: 3I/ATLAS, quasi-moon and more - 10 weirdest cosmic events and objects discovered in universe

A major burst of solar material is on track to reach Earth soon, according to an alert from NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center. Forecasters say a coronal mass ejection, an enormous release of plasma and magnetic energy from the Sun’s outer layers, is expected to arrive sometime between early morning and midday Tuesday. The eruption, tied to an M8.1-class solar flare, may trigger heightened geomagnetic activity and could escalate to a G3-level storm, which ranks as “strong” on NOAA’s Space Weather Scale.&nbsp;A storm of this strength can lead to minor to moderate technological disturbances, including issues with satellites, radio signals, and other communication systems. The surge in solar energy may also intensify auroras, potentially pushing the northern lights farther south than usual. NOAA notes that many northern states and portions of the lower Midwest and Pacific Northwest, including areas as far south as Oregon, could catch a rare glimpse.<h2>What is space weather?</h2>While we normally think of weather as atmospheric conditions like precipitation or sunshine, a different kind of weather exists beyond Earth’s atmosphere. Space weather describes the environmental conditions throughout space, largely generated by the Sun, and how those conditions influence planets, spacecraft, and the thousands of satellites circling Earth, as explained by NASA.&nbsp;The Sun continually releases streams of charged particles, bursts of radiation, and periodic explosive eruptions that can disturb Earth’s magnetic environment when they arrive. Earth’s magnetic field and atmosphere block most dangerous effects, but not all solar activity is fully deflected. One of the most famous results of the solar wind interacting with Earth’s magnetic field is the creation of auroras, including the vibrant northern lights.&nbsp;However, strong solar activity can also be disruptive, posing risks to technologies such as communication networks, GPS systems, satellites, and even electrical infrastructure, NOAA warns.

NOAA warns of potent geomagnetic storm on Tuesday: Here’s what could happen

A major burst of solar material is on track to reach Earth soon, according to an alert from NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center. Forecasters say a coronal mass ejection, an enormous release of plasma and magnetic energy from the Sun’s outer layers, is expected to arrive sometime between early morning and midday Tuesday. The eruption, tied to an M8.1-class solar flare, may trigger heightened geomagnetic activity and could escalate to a G3-level storm, which ranks as “strong” on NOAA’s Space Weather Scale. A storm of this strength can lead to minor to moderate technological disturbances, including issues with satellites, radio signals, and other communication systems. The surge in solar energy may also intensify auroras, potentially pushing the northern lights farther south than usual. NOAA notes that many northern states and portions of the lower Midwest and Pacific Northwest, including areas as far south as Oregon, could catch a rare glimpse. What is space weather? While we normally think of weather as atmospheric conditions like precipitation or sunshine, a different kind of weather exists beyond Earth’s atmosphere. Space weather describes the environmental conditions throughout space, largely generated by the Sun, and how those conditions influence planets, spacecraft, and the thousands of satellites circling Earth, as explained by NASA. The Sun continually releases streams of charged particles, bursts of radiation, and periodic explosive eruptions that can disturb Earth’s magnetic environment when they arrive. Earth’s magnetic field and atmosphere block most dangerous effects, but not all solar activity is fully deflected. One of the most famous results of the solar wind interacting with Earth’s magnetic field is the creation of auroras, including the vibrant northern lights. However, strong solar activity can also be disruptive, posing risks to technologies such as communication networks, GPS systems, satellites, and even electrical infrastructure, NOAA warns.

A strong solar eruption is expected to hit Earth on Tuesday (December 9), potentially causing tech disturbances and expanding northern lights visibility across more US regions

US President Donald Trump has been fully briefed about the presence of an alien hybrid life form among us, claims David Grusch, a retired US intelligence officer and retired US Air Force Major. He suggests that the US Government has concealed UFO retrievals, non-human biological remains, and the existence of alien life for decades.&nbsp;David Grusch is a current advisor to Congress's UAP Task Force. In a recent interview, he claimed that Trump has received reports of all such activities, and he is aware of the origin of extraterritorial being and their intentions. He said that soon, Trump is going to become the 'most consequential leader in world history' by disclosing these details publicly.&nbsp;'Members of this current administration are very well aware of this reality. Certainly, the current president is very knowledgeable on this subject,' Grusch told Fox News.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">David Grusch,conseiller spécial du groupe de travail sur les <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PAN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PAN</a>, affirme que <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> a été informé des preuves d&#39;intelligence non humaine <a href="https://t.co/pzOU6aLXjl">pic.twitter.com/pzOU6aLXjl</a>&mdash; Non Expusable/À Jour de Mes Loyers/AAH+80% (@Lenoblemarie1) <a href="https://twitter.com/Lenoblemarie1/status/1998250937022812231?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 9, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

From 2019 to 2021, he represented the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) on the UAP Task Force, but later became a whistleblower after reportedly learning about the US government denying congressional oversight of matters related to extraterrestrials. Reportedly, Grusch has stated under oath to Congress in July 2023 that he is aware of the multi-decade UAP crash retrieval and reverse-engineering program. He alleged that the US government possesses "non-human" spacecraft and "non-human biologics" based on interviews with over 40 witnesses.&nbsp;&nbsp;Even though no such reports had been corroborated by the White House, the US Army or NASA and no physical evidence exists to verify these claims. But, on the Lex Fridman Podcast in September 2024, Trump claimed that he would declassify files on the aliens. “Sure, I’ll do that. I would do that. I’d love to do that. I have to do that,” said Trump. Missouri Congressman Eric Burlison also previously echoed the existence of at least four alien hybrid species that human secretly know about.&nbsp;

A UFO whistleblower claims Donald Trump was briefed on recovered non-human craft and possible alien biologics, sparking global debate and controversy.

US President Donald Trump has been fully briefed about the presence of an alien hybrid life form among us, claims David Grusch, a retired US intelligence officer and retired US Air Force Major. He suggests that the US Government has concealed UFO retrievals, non-human biological remains, and the existence of alien life for decades. David Grusch is a current advisor to Congress's UAP Task Force. In a recent interview, he claimed that Trump has received reports of all such activities, and he is aware of the origin of extraterritorial being and their intentions. He said that soon, Trump is going to become the 'most consequential leader in world history' by disclosing these details publicly. 'Members of this current administration are very well aware of this reality. Certainly, the current president is very knowledgeable on this subject,' Grusch told Fox News.

A UFO whistleblower claims Donald Trump was briefed on recovered non-human craft and possible alien biologics, sparking global debate and controversy.

Donald Trump was briefed about alien presence in US claims UFO whistleblower

Scientists in Thailand have uncovered more mysteries in the world of blood, beyond the commonly available blood groups, A, B, O, AB, with the Rh factor that determines positive and negative. They have found three individuals worldwide with hybrid B(A) blood type, one patient and two blood donors, after testing more than 544,000 blood samples. This is a genetic quirk found in approximately 0.00055 per cent of people.&nbsp;<h2>How are blood types determined?</h2>Blood types are identified by the antigens, or proteins/ sugars/lipids, which trigger an immune response when an alien object is found in the body. A-antigen has N-acetylgalactosamine as a dominant sugar, B-antigen is dominated by the sugar D-galactose, AB has both, O positive has rhesus or Rh, O negative has none of the above. For a successful blood transfusion, the Antigen of the donor have to match the Antigen of the receiver. This is why O-negative is a universal donor, as it lacks neither A nor B antigen, nor the Rh(D) antigen. All this information is encoded in the ABO gene of the ninth chromosome.&nbsp;<h2>What is B(A) blood type?</h2>The B(A) blood type is a genetic mutation of the ABO gene; the researchers found four variations of the ABO gene in these individuals. These variants modify the enzyme (glycosyltransferase) responsible for building antigen structures in red blood cells. So their red cells show a typical Type B profile but also express trace amounts of A-antigen. Meaning it is not fit for A/B/AB/O transfusion.&nbsp;<h2>What are other rare blood types?</h2>O-ve blood group is found among only 7 per cent of the population in the world. While only 50 individuals have Rh-ve blood, completely devoid of Rh-antigen. In 2025, a 38-year-old woman in Kolar, Bengaluru, was found to have a blood group CRIB. In the same year, a European individual was discovered who had Gwada-negative blood, so unique that no compatible donor exists.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Scientists in Thailand have identified a rare B(A) hybrid blood type in just three people. Learn how blood types are determined and other rare blood groups like Rh-null, CRIB, and Gwada-negative.

Scientists in Thailand have uncovered more mysteries in the world of blood, beyond the commonly available blood groups, A, B, O, AB, with the Rh factor that determines positive and negative. They have found three individuals worldwide with hybrid B(A) blood type, one patient and two blood donors, after testing more than 544,000 blood samples. This is a genetic quirk found in approximately 0.00055 per cent of people. How are blood types determined? Blood types are identified by the antigens, or proteins/ sugars/lipids, which trigger an immune response when an alien object is found in the body. A-antigen has N-acetylgalactosamine as a dominant sugar, B-antigen is dominated by the sugar D-galactose, AB has both, O positive has rhesus or Rh, O negative has none of the above. For a successful blood transfusion, the Antigen of the donor have to match the Antigen of the receiver. This is why O-negative is a universal donor, as it lacks neither A nor B antigen, nor the Rh(D) antigen. All this information is encoded in the ABO gene of the ninth chromosome. What is B(A) blood type? The B(A) blood type is a genetic mutation of the ABO gene; the researchers found four variations of the ABO gene in these individuals. These variants modify the enzyme (glycosyltransferase) responsible for building antigen structures in red blood cells. So their red cells show a typical Type B profile but also express trace amounts of A-antigen. Meaning it is not fit for A/B/AB/O transfusion. What are other rare blood types? O-ve blood group is found among only 7 per cent of the population in the world. While only 50 individuals have Rh-ve blood, completely devoid of Rh-antigen. In 2025, a 38-year-old woman in Kolar, Bengaluru, was found to have a blood group CRIB. In the same year, a European individual was discovered who had Gwada-negative blood, so unique that no compatible donor exists.

Scientists in Thailand have identified a rare B(A) hybrid blood type in just three people. Learn how blood types are determined and other rare blood groups like Rh-null, CRIB, and Gwada-negative.

Scientists discover world's rarest blood group found only in 3 people

Scientists have discovered a rare, 520-million-year-old fossil with its internal organs fully preserved, which offers insights into the earliest ancestors of arthropods. The researchers at the University of Durham made the discovery in China and published their findings in the journal Nature. The fossil has been named Youti yuanshi, and is linked to modern-day animals like crabs, lobsters, spiders, insects and centipedes. Scientists say this fossil belonged to a larva and is extremely tiny. So scanning it needed complex technology. The team relied on advanced scanning technology to scan Youti yuanshi. They stated in a press release that 3D imaging of "the miniature brain regions, digestive glands, a primitive circulatory system and even traces of the nerves supplying the larva’s simple legs and eyes" was carried out.&nbsp;A dream come&nbsp;Dr Martin Smith of Durham University, the lead author of the study, described the discovery of the fossil as something he had dreamt of for a long time. “When I used to daydream about the one fossil I’d most like to discover, I’d always be thinking of an arthropod larva, because developmental data are just so central to understanding their evolution,” he said. The fossil is currently at Yunnan University in China.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/700-years-of-built-up-stress-could-trigger-two-mw-8-8-earthquakes-in-himalayas-study-warns-1764759762523">700 years of built-up stress could trigger two Mw 8.8 earthquakes in Himalayas, study warns</a>&nbsp;He added that larvae are extremely fragile, which is why it was believed to be almost impossible to find a fossil. However, when the team came across this specimen, they were surprised since they had not only found a fossilised larva, but one with its organs fully intact. Smith said his jaw just dropped when he saw the structures preserved under its skin. "How could these intricate features have avoided decay and still be here to see half a billion years later?"&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

A fossil discovery in China has left scientists in shock since they had never hoped to find something like this. It belongs to a larva, a fragile creature. Something this delicate is hard to fossilise, but the researchers found one with its organs intact.

Scientists have discovered a rare, 520-million-year-old fossil with its internal organs fully preserved, which offers insights into the earliest ancestors of arthropods. The researchers at the University of Durham made the discovery in China and published their findings in the journal Nature. The fossil has been named Youti yuanshi, and is linked to modern-day animals like crabs, lobsters, spiders, insects and centipedes. Scientists say this fossil belonged to a larva and is extremely tiny. So scanning it needed complex technology. The team relied on advanced scanning technology to scan Youti yuanshi. They stated in a press release that 3D imaging of "the miniature brain regions, digestive glands, a primitive circulatory system and even traces of the nerves supplying the larva’s simple legs and eyes" was carried out. A dream come Dr Martin Smith of Durham University, the lead author of the study, described the discovery of the fossil as something he had dreamt of for a long time. “When I used to daydream about the one fossil I’d most like to discover, I’d always be thinking of an arthropod larva, because developmental data are just so central to understanding their evolution,” he said. The fossil is currently at Yunnan University in China. Also Read: 700 years of built-up stress could trigger two Mw 8.8 earthquakes in Himalayas, study warns He added that larvae are extremely fragile, which is why it was believed to be almost impossible to find a fossil. However, when the team came across this specimen, they were surprised since they had not only found a fossilised larva, but one with its organs fully intact. Smith said his jaw just dropped when he saw the structures preserved under its skin. "How could these intricate features have avoided decay and still be here to see half a billion years later?"

A fossil discovery in China has left scientists in shock since they had never hoped to find something like this. It belongs to a larva, a fragile creature. Something this delicate is hard to fossilise, but the researchers found one with its organs intact.

520-million-year-old discovery in China leaves scientists stunned - Miniature brain and nerves

The Hubble Telescope has captured a new photo of 3I/ATLAS, the third interstellar visitor to our solar system. The photo shows a teardrop-shaped glowing halo that extends towards the Sun. The space observatory observed the comet from a distance of &nbsp;286 million kilometres on November 30, a month after it made its closest approach to the Sun. Harvard scientist <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/have-mini-objects-departed-from-3i-atlas-loeb-claims-they-would-have-already-travelled-a-million-kilometres-1763695879655">Avi Loeb</a> pointed out that this anti-tail was also visible way back in July, days after 3I/ATLAS was discovered. "The new radius of the glow is about 40,000 kilometres, and its anti-tail extension goes out to about 60,000 kilometres," he wrote. Loeb has a theory about this sunward glow that 3I/ATLAS is exhibiting.&nbsp;According to him, a large number of macroscopic non-volatile objects form this teardrop of the coma. He says this happened because of non-gravitational acceleration away from the Sun. Loeb says that on the exact same day he had predicted that this swarm of objects would be about 60,000 kilometres from the Sun, and this is exactly what the new Hubble image shows.&nbsp;<a href="https://theskylive.com/c2025n1-tracker">Track 3I/ATLAS Live here</a><h2>Loeb, Jupiter and mini probes&nbsp;</h2>Loeb had earlier also claimed that 3I/ATLAS could release a bunch of tiny objects near Jupiter. It is expected to fly very close to the planet's Hill area, which he says would be the perfect time to let out these objects, which will then get caught in the gas giant's gravity. Loeb is of the view that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/3iatlas-spewed-pristine-material-as-ice-volcanoes-erupted-near-the-sun-spanish-scientists-find-1764653508419">3I/ATLAS</a> could be more than just a comet. Initially, he even claimed that it could be a "mothership" with aliens coming to probe the solar system.&nbsp;Earlier, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/3iatlas-new-photo-juice-probe-captures-a-highly-active-comet-1764901821048">European Space Agency</a> also released a photo of 3I/ATLAS that was taken by the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/3i-atlas-will-be-thrown-off-course-by-jupiter-as-it-exits-the-solar-system-1764147641279">Juice probe while flying towards Jupiter</a>. Juice has only sent partial data, but the image shows that the comet was extremely active after its rendezvous with the Sun.<h2>Age, speed, arrival near Earth&nbsp;</h2>3I/ATLAS is only the third visitor from outer space. Its hyperbolic trajectory was what gave away the fact that it is travelling from outside the solar system. It was moving at a mind-blowing speed of 60km/sec, which later changed as it passed by Mars and then reached perihelion. It is estimated to be between 7-14 billion years old. It is set to reach its closest point to Earth on December 19, 2025. It is visible in the skies, and stargazing enthusiasts can spot it using binoculars or telescopes.&nbsp;

 3I/ATLAS update today: The Hubble telescope has once again observed 3I/ATLAS. Two new photos of the interstellar comet have been released back-to-back, with the first one by the European Space Agency.

The Hubble Telescope has captured a new photo of 3I/ATLAS, the third interstellar visitor to our solar system. The photo shows a teardrop-shaped glowing halo that extends towards the Sun. The space observatory observed the comet from a distance of 286 million kilometres on November 30, a month after it made its closest approach to the Sun. Harvard scientist Avi Loeb pointed out that this anti-tail was also visible way back in July, days after 3I/ATLAS was discovered. "The new radius of the glow is about 40,000 kilometres, and its anti-tail extension goes out to about 60,000 kilometres," he wrote. Loeb has a theory about this sunward glow that 3I/ATLAS is exhibiting. According to him, a large number of macroscopic non-volatile objects form this teardrop of the coma. He says this happened because of non-gravitational acceleration away from the Sun. Loeb says that on the exact same day he had predicted that this swarm of objects would be about 60,000 kilometres from the Sun, and this is exactly what the new Hubble image shows. Track 3I/ATLAS Live here Loeb, Jupiter and mini probes Loeb had earlier also claimed that 3I/ATLAS could release a bunch of tiny objects near Jupiter. It is expected to fly very close to the planet's Hill area, which he says would be the perfect time to let out these objects, which will then get caught in the gas giant's gravity. Loeb is of the view that 3I/ATLAS could be more than just a comet. Initially, he even claimed that it could be a "mothership" with aliens coming to probe the solar system. Earlier, the European Space Agency also released a photo of 3I/ATLAS that was taken by the Juice probe while flying towards Jupiter. Juice has only sent partial data, but the image shows that the comet was extremely active after its rendezvous with the Sun. Age, speed, arrival near Earth 3I/ATLAS is only the third visitor from outer space. Its hyperbolic trajectory was what gave away the fact that it is travelling from outside the solar system. It was moving at a mind-blowing speed of 60km/sec, which later changed as it passed by Mars and then reached perihelion. It is estimated to be between 7-14 billion years old. It is set to reach its closest point to Earth on December 19, 2025. It is visible in the skies, and stargazing enthusiasts can spot it using binoculars or telescopes.

3I/ATLAS update today: The Hubble telescope has once again observed 3I/ATLAS. Two new photos of the interstellar comet have been released back-to-back, with the first one by the European Space Agency.

3I/ATLAS tracker: Hubble observes interstellar comet again, captures 40,000 km glowing halo around coma

India-Russia space collaboration: The two countries have come together on several occasions for space missions. The Soviet Union has helped India with its technology to launch satellites and also send the first Indian into space.

India-Russia space collaboration: The two countries have come together on several occasions for space missions. The Soviet Union has helped India with its technology to launch satellites and also send the first Indian into space.

India-Russia space ties: Successful past missions, those in progress and one that did not work out

A California-based startup has plans to change night into day by placing huge mirrors in space. Aptly named &nbsp;Reflect Orbital, the company thinks it can launch thousands of satellites with reflective panels that can redirect sunlight towards the night side of Earth. The owners have pitched several benefits of their plan that go against Mother Nature. For starters, the solar light can help power solar panels, help with rescue and other operations and help treat seasonal depression that comes with a lack of sunlight. It wants to start work by next year and has approached the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for a license, Smithsonian magazine reported.&nbsp;However, astronomers are not happy with this idea, as it goes against the natural order of things. They say the sun should when it's supposed to, and humans shouldn't be able to control such a powerful force. The first problem with these massive reflective satellites is that they will be brighter than the moon, blocking out the view of on-ground telescopes, making it harder to observe cosmic bodies, and making astronomy work harder. Also, forcefully turning night into day will also mess with the human body, which depends on this day-night cycle for rest. The dark is the body's cue to go to sleep. When it won't happen, many things could go wrong with the human body.&nbsp;James Lowenthal, an astronomer at Smith College, told Smithsonian magazine, "It goes against every fibre of my existence to imagine that we could intentionally banish the night." The mirrors will be made up of Mylar, which will add to the reflectivity. They are proposed to be square-shaped and will be about 33 feet to 180 feet across. The first satellite with a 60-foot mirror, called Earendil-1, is scheduled to be launched in April 2026. It will be a prototype and will be followed by many more such satellites. Reflect Orbital plans to place 4,000 satellites in orbit by 2030.&nbsp;The satellites will be in low orbit and move quickly, lighting up an area only for a small amount of time. This is why several of them will be needed to make the plan a success. The idea of space mirrors is not new. &nbsp;In 1923, German rocket pioneer Hermann Oberth proposed it in his thesis. Later, other scientists also talked about it to help with solar power. In 1993, a Russian satellite known as Znamya 2 with an 80-foot mirror was launched to extend daylight hours in Arctic Siberia, but it was later de-orbited.&nbsp;

Can humans end night? Should we be tampering with Mother Nature? That is the question astronomers across the world are raising as one company gets ready to launch huge mirrors into space to reflect sunlight on the darker side of Earth. 

A California-based startup has plans to change night into day by placing huge mirrors in space. Aptly named Reflect Orbital, the company thinks it can launch thousands of satellites with reflective panels that can redirect sunlight towards the night side of Earth. The owners have pitched several benefits of their plan that go against Mother Nature. For starters, the solar light can help power solar panels, help with rescue and other operations and help treat seasonal depression that comes with a lack of sunlight. It wants to start work by next year and has approached the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for a license, Smithsonian magazine reported. However, astronomers are not happy with this idea, as it goes against the natural order of things. They say the sun should when it's supposed to, and humans shouldn't be able to control such a powerful force. The first problem with these massive reflective satellites is that they will be brighter than the moon, blocking out the view of on-ground telescopes, making it harder to observe cosmic bodies, and making astronomy work harder. Also, forcefully turning night into day will also mess with the human body, which depends on this day-night cycle for rest. The dark is the body's cue to go to sleep. When it won't happen, many things could go wrong with the human body. James Lowenthal, an astronomer at Smith College, told Smithsonian magazine, "It goes against every fibre of my existence to imagine that we could intentionally banish the night." The mirrors will be made up of Mylar, which will add to the reflectivity. They are proposed to be square-shaped and will be about 33 feet to 180 feet across. The first satellite with a 60-foot mirror, called Earendil-1, is scheduled to be launched in April 2026. It will be a prototype and will be followed by many more such satellites. Reflect Orbital plans to place 4,000 satellites in orbit by 2030. The satellites will be in low orbit and move quickly, lighting up an area only for a small amount of time. This is why several of them will be needed to make the plan a success. The idea of space mirrors is not new. In 1923, German rocket pioneer Hermann Oberth proposed it in his thesis. Later, other scientists also talked about it to help with solar power. In 1993, a Russian satellite known as Znamya 2 with an 80-foot mirror was launched to extend daylight hours in Arctic Siberia, but it was later de-orbited.

Can humans end night? Should we be tampering with Mother Nature? That's the question astronomers across the world are raising as one company gets ready to launch huge mirrors into space to reflect sunlight on the darker side of Earth.&nbsp;

California company wants to 'banish the night' with mirrors in space: 'It goes against every...'

A supernova explosion that likely occurred outside the Milky Way slammed into an aeroplane in October, causing it to lose altitude suddenly. The scary episode landed at least 15 passengers at the hospital with injuries. The plane had to make an emergency landing after high-energy particles hit the aircraft, something that had never been seen before. On October 30, a JetBlue Airbus A320 aircraft heading from Cancun, Mexico, to Newark in New Jersey lost altitude over Florida. It was forced to make an emergency landing at Tampa International Airport. The authorities found no fault with the plane. Airbus later stated that it possibly happened because of "intense solar radiation". However, none of the observatories recorded such powerful solar flares at this time.<h2>Star exploded and a plane was hit</h2>So what happened with the JetBlue flight? Clive Dyer, a space weather and radiation expert at the University of Surrey in the UK, told Space.com that it is highly likely a cosmic ray hit the flight on that day. He has been studying the effects of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/solar-storm-2687-years-ago-was-so-massive-that-it-is-embedded-in-trees-780439">solar radiation</a> on aircraft electronics for decades. Somewhere in the universe, a star exploded and released a stream of high-energy particles that travelled for millions of years to reach Earth, ending up slamming into an aeroplane. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/biggest-solar-radiation-spike-in-flight-zone-recorded-in-20-years-study-notes-1764825517669">'We need to be ready': Scientists warn of major solar storm as study notes huge radiation spike in flight zone</a><h2>Airbus grounded 6,000 airplanes&nbsp;</h2>"Cosmic rays can cause a simple bit flip, like a 0 to 1 or 1 to 0. They can mess up information and make things go wrong," Dyer said. These rays can "induce a current in an electronic device and burn it out." Airbus grounded over 6,000 planes and updated its software to fix the affected systems. "A slight problem is that over 20 years, they've become complacent, because there have not been any [significant solar weather] events."https://www.wionews.com/videos/how-a-solar-particle-pushed-an-airbus-into-a-mid-air-drop-1764469899915/embed<h2>Single-event upset due to cosmic explosion</h2>What happened on October 30 was a single-event upset. Supernova explosion pushes out a stream of protons across the universe at the speed of light. When they repeatedly bang into &nbsp;Earth's atmosphere constantly, their interaction with the molecules of air produces showers of exotic particles such as muons, high-energy neutrons and positrons. A single-event upset happens when they hit an electronic circuit inside an aircraft sensor or onboard computer. Solar particles can do the same, and are, in fact, thousands of times stronger.&nbsp;<h2>When cosmic particles banged another plane</h2>He recalls that in 2008, Qantas Flight 72, also an Airbus, nosedived twice above the Pacific Ocean, injuring several passengers. Dyer believes that was also an incident of cosmic rays slamming into the aeroplane.&nbsp;

Cosmic rays, not solar particles, shook the JetBlue flight that lost altitude in October, forcing Airbus to ground 6,000 more planes. A scientist says this is the most likely scenario and eerily similar to another incident recorded in 2008.

A supernova explosion that likely occurred outside the Milky Way slammed into an aeroplane in October, causing it to lose altitude suddenly. The scary episode landed at least 15 passengers at the hospital with injuries. The plane had to make an emergency landing after high-energy particles hit the aircraft, something that had never been seen before. On October 30, a JetBlue Airbus A320 aircraft heading from Cancun, Mexico, to Newark in New Jersey lost altitude over Florida. It was forced to make an emergency landing at Tampa International Airport. The authorities found no fault with the plane. Airbus later stated that it possibly happened because of "intense solar radiation". However, none of the observatories recorded such powerful solar flares at this time. Star exploded and a plane was hit So what happened with the JetBlue flight? Clive Dyer, a space weather and radiation expert at the University of Surrey in the UK, told Space.com that it is highly likely a cosmic ray hit the flight on that day. He has been studying the effects of solar radiation on aircraft electronics for decades. Somewhere in the universe, a star exploded and released a stream of high-energy particles that travelled for millions of years to reach Earth, ending up slamming into an aeroplane. Also Read: 'We need to be ready': Scientists warn of major solar storm as study notes huge radiation spike in flight zone Airbus grounded 6,000 airplanes "Cosmic rays can cause a simple bit flip, like a 0 to 1 or 1 to 0. They can mess up information and make things go wrong," Dyer said. These rays can "induce a current in an electronic device and burn it out." Airbus grounded over 6,000 planes and updated its software to fix the affected systems. "A slight problem is that over 20 years, they've become complacent, because there have not been any [significant solar weather] events." https://www.wionews.com/videos/how-a-solar-particle-pushed-an-airbus-into-a-mid-air-drop-1764469899915/embed Single-event upset due to cosmic explosion What happened on October 30 was a single-event upset. Supernova explosion pushes out a stream of protons across the universe at the speed of light. When they repeatedly bang into Earth's atmosphere constantly, their interaction with the molecules of air produces showers of exotic particles such as muons, high-energy neutrons and positrons. A single-event upset happens when they hit an electronic circuit inside an aircraft sensor or onboard computer. Solar particles can do the same, and are, in fact, thousands of times stronger. When cosmic particles banged another plane He recalls that in 2008, Qantas Flight 72, also an Airbus, nosedived twice above the Pacific Ocean, injuring several passengers. Dyer believes that was also an incident of cosmic rays slamming into the aeroplane.

Cosmic rays, not solar particles, shook the JetBlue flight that lost altitude in October, forcing Airbus to ground 6,000 more planes. A scientist says this is the most likely scenario and eerily similar to another incident recorded in 2008.

Supernova from millions of years ago slammed into an airplane on Earth. Here's what happened

Scientists in India have discovered a galaxy similar to the Milky Way. The only difference is that it formed when the universe was only 1.5 billion years old. Today, the universe is already 13.8 billion years old, which means that what they saw belongs to an ancient world. Named Alaknanda, after a Himalayan river, this galaxy is defying common beliefs about the universe's infancy. Astronomers have long thought that right after the universe was born, galaxies were mostly irregular and chaotic. However, when researchers Rashi Jain and Yogesh Wadadekar used the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) to scan this portion of the universe, they came across a perfectly spiral galaxy, "a massive, beautifully structured cosmic pinwheel".&nbsp;<h2>Alaknanda lived when universe was only 10% of its current age</h2>The study, published in Astronomy and Astrophysics, states that this "galaxy looks remarkably similar to our own Milky Way". Wadadekar said this is even though "it existed when the universe was only 10% of its current age." It was first spotted by Jain, a PhD researcher at the Pune-based National Centre for Radio Astrophysics of the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (NCRA-TIFR) earlier this year. She then told her supervisor, Wadadekar, about it, who was in disbelief.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/biggest-solar-radiation-spike-in-flight-zone-recorded-in-20-years-study-notes-1764825517669">'We need to be ready': Scientists warn of major solar storm as study notes huge radiation spike in flight zone</a>&nbsp;<h2>Alaknanda galaxy is 30,000 light-years in diameter</h2>Jain stumbled upon this ancient structure while going through the details of 70,000 objects. "Only one there that was a grand design spiral galaxy, spanning approximately 30,000 light-years in diameter," she says. The galaxy had two symmetrical arms emerging from a disc at the centre, wrapping around a bright central bulge. She said there were "clusters of stars along the spiral arms, similar to what we see in nearby spiral galaxies today."&nbsp;<h2>Alaknanda consists of 10 billion stars</h2>The researchers say Alaknanda is very different from the perceived galaxies in the early universe. "It's massive, it's one-third of the Milky Way in size, and has 10 billion stars," Wadadekar said. They also saw new stars being born roughly 20-30 times faster than what is seen in the Milky Way. They are now planning to ask for access to James Webb or the Alma observatory in Chile fow follow-up research to learn more about Alaknanda.&nbsp;

Indian scientists have discovered a galaxy in the early universe that is similar to the Milky Way. They peered 12 billion years back into time using the James Webb telescope and were shocked when they saw a perfectly spiral galaxy birthing stars. It has been named Alaknanda.

Scientists in India have discovered a galaxy similar to the Milky Way. The only difference is that it formed when the universe was only 1.5 billion years old. Today, the universe is already 13.8 billion years old, which means that what they saw belongs to an ancient world. Named Alaknanda, after a Himalayan river, this galaxy is defying common beliefs about the universe's infancy. Astronomers have long thought that right after the universe was born, galaxies were mostly irregular and chaotic. However, when researchers Rashi Jain and Yogesh Wadadekar used the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) to scan this portion of the universe, they came across a perfectly spiral galaxy, "a massive, beautifully structured cosmic pinwheel". Alaknanda lived when universe was only 10% of its current age The study, published in Astronomy and Astrophysics, states that this "galaxy looks remarkably similar to our own Milky Way". Wadadekar said this is even though "it existed when the universe was only 10% of its current age." It was first spotted by Jain, a PhD researcher at the Pune-based National Centre for Radio Astrophysics of the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (NCRA-TIFR) earlier this year. She then told her supervisor, Wadadekar, about it, who was in disbelief. Also Read: 'We need to be ready': Scientists warn of major solar storm as study notes huge radiation spike in flight zone Alaknanda galaxy is 30,000 light-years in diameter Jain stumbled upon this ancient structure while going through the details of 70,000 objects. "Only one there that was a grand design spiral galaxy, spanning approximately 30,000 light-years in diameter," she says. The galaxy had two symmetrical arms emerging from a disc at the centre, wrapping around a bright central bulge. She said there were "clusters of stars along the spiral arms, similar to what we see in nearby spiral galaxies today." Alaknanda consists of 10 billion stars The researchers say Alaknanda is very different from the perceived galaxies in the early universe. "It's massive, it's one-third of the Milky Way in size, and has 10 billion stars," Wadadekar said. They also saw new stars being born roughly 20-30 times faster than what is seen in the Milky Way. They are now planning to ask for access to James Webb or the Alma observatory in Chile fow follow-up research to learn more about Alaknanda.

Indian scientists have discovered a galaxy in the early universe that is similar to the Milky Way. They peered 12 billion years back into time using the James Webb telescope and were shocked when they saw a perfectly spiral galaxy birthing stars. It has been named Alaknanda.

Indian scientists discover Alaknanda, a Milky Way twin galaxy that lived 12 billion years ago

A Cold Supermoon will dazzle the world in the last month of 2025 on December 4. It gets its name from the frigid temperatures across the world at this time of the year. It is the third consecutive supermoon of 2025, and will be followed by another one in January 2026. Here is your guide to watching the last supermoon of the year, an astronomical delight that you do not want to miss. Supermoons get their name from their size as seen from Earth. When the Moon is at perigee, that is, the closest point to Earth, it becomes visibly larger and brighter, and is hence called a supermoon. December's full moon is also known as Cold Moon since the Northern hemisphere is welcoming icy nights and early winter cold at this time of the year.<h2>What is special about December's supermoon?</h2> According to EarthSky, the moon will be about 357,000 km away from us, making it the second-biggest supermoon of 2025. While you might not be able to tell the difference in size compared to a regular full moon, it will be much brighter, exceeding it by about 16 per cent. It will also be 100 per cent illuminated just 12 hours after its perigee. The Cold Moon will be at its highest point in the sky since the Sun will be at its lowest point because of the winter solstice on December 21.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/133-light-years-away-astronomers-may-have-spotted-a-monster-exomoon-for-the-first-time-1764661915304">133 light-years away, astronomers may have spotted a ‘monster’ exomoon for the first time</a><h2>Best time to see Cold Supermoon</h2> The supermoon will dazzle Earthlings on the night of December 4, although it will continue to appear larger for a few days after as well. The best time to see it is right after sunset, including in India. At this time, it will appear particularly bigger because of the so-called lunar illusion, which still lacks a scientific explanation. So a supermoon will be even bigger at moonrise, creating a mesmerising spectacle.&nbsp;

Cold Supermoon: The December full moon will be the second-largest and brightest supermoon of 2025. It is the third consecutive supermoon this year, with a fourth one rising in January. Here is all you need to know about Cold Moon.

A Cold Supermoon will dazzle the world in the last month of 2025 on December 4. It gets its name from the frigid temperatures across the world at this time of the year. It is the third consecutive supermoon of 2025, and will be followed by another one in January 2026. Here is your guide to watching the last supermoon of the year, an astronomical delight that you do not want to miss. Supermoons get their name from their size as seen from Earth. When the Moon is at perigee, that is, the closest point to Earth, it becomes visibly larger and brighter, and is hence called a supermoon. December's full moon is also known as Cold Moon since the Northern hemisphere is welcoming icy nights and early winter cold at this time of the year. What is special about December's supermoon? According to EarthSky, the moon will be about 357,000 km away from us, making it the second-biggest supermoon of 2025. While you might not be able to tell the difference in size compared to a regular full moon, it will be much brighter, exceeding it by about 16 per cent. It will also be 100 per cent illuminated just 12 hours after its perigee. The Cold Moon will be at its highest point in the sky since the Sun will be at its lowest point because of the winter solstice on December 21. Also Read: 133 light-years away, astronomers may have spotted a ‘monster’ exomoon for the first time Best time to see Cold Supermoon The supermoon will dazzle Earthlings on the night of December 4, although it will continue to appear larger for a few days after as well. The best time to see it is right after sunset, including in India. At this time, it will appear particularly bigger because of the so-called lunar illusion, which still lacks a scientific explanation. So a supermoon will be even bigger at moonrise, creating a mesmerising spectacle.

Cold Supermoon: December's full moon will be the second-largest and brightest supermoon of 2025. It is the third consecutive supermoon this year, with a fourth one rising in January. Here is all you need to know about Cold Moon.

Cold Supermoon rises tonight: Here is all you need to know

The Sun recently unleashed the strongest flares called X-rays, which not only triggered beautiful auroras but also led to a solar storm that breached previous recordings. The Sun is currently at solar maximum, the peak of its 11-year solar cycle that started in 2024. Because of this, Earth has been bearing the brunt of geomagnetic storms, with aeroplanes now facing hazardous conditions. The Surrey Space Centre (SSC) in the United Kingdom has noted in a study that a recent burst of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/solar-storms-can-trigger-heart-attacks-in-women-shocking-study-finds-1759219068368">solar activity</a> caused a sharp radiation spike. This was so strong that it was even detected from the ground, a first in nearly 20 years. “This was the strongest ground-level event we’ve seen since December 2006,” Clive Dyer, a climate scientist at the University of Surrey in the UK, said in a statement.&nbsp;On November 11, when an intense solar flare smashed into Earth, the UK and the Netherlands met offices released weather balloons to measure the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/solar-superstorm-to-hit-earth-this-week-what-will-happen-1747894017392">solar storm</a>. Flying at 40,000 ft, an altitude used by business jets and supersonic transport, they found that radiation levels were ten times the normal range. The readings were the highest in 20 years. "This was our first chance to use the new rapid-reaction balloon sensors in a real event, and it worked very well, giving us a ‘3D’ picture of radiation increases across UK airspace for the first time," Keith Ryden, SSC head, said in the statement.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-tech/strongest-solar-storm-recorded-happened-14300-years-ago-9074835">Most dangerous solar storm to hit Earth potentially altered life thousands of years ago</a>&nbsp;Now, scientists are concerned that an even bigger geomagnetic storm might slam Earth, since it has happened in the past. A strong solar storm could prove damaging for on-board aircraft electronic systems and corrupt data critical to the functioning of flight controls. “We know from historical observations that significantly bigger events are possible, and we need to be ready," Dyer said.&nbsp;<h2>The Carrington Event - Strongest solar storm in recorded history</h2> The strongest solar storm that ripped through Earth happened in 1859 and is known as the Carrington Event. The geomagnetic storm peaked on September 1-2 during solar cycle 10, and was so intense that the resultant auroras woke up a group of gold miners over the Rocky Mountains in the US. They were even visible at lower latitudes and near the equator. Telegraph systems all over Europe and North America failed, and generated electric shocks to operators. There were also reports of fire from some places.&nbsp;

The solar storm recorded on November 11, which reached so deep into Earth that it was recorded from the ground, raised radiation in the zone where some aircraft fly by 10 times, a study has noted. Scientists are now warning of major consequences in the future. 

The Sun recently unleashed the strongest flares called X-rays, which not only triggered beautiful auroras but also led to a solar storm that breached previous recordings. The Sun is currently at solar maximum, the peak of its 11-year solar cycle that started in 2024. Because of this, Earth has been bearing the brunt of geomagnetic storms, with aeroplanes now facing hazardous conditions. The Surrey Space Centre (SSC) in the United Kingdom has noted in a study that a recent burst of solar activity caused a sharp radiation spike. This was so strong that it was even detected from the ground, a first in nearly 20 years. “This was the strongest ground-level event we’ve seen since December 2006,” Clive Dyer, a climate scientist at the University of Surrey in the UK, said in a statement. On November 11, when an intense solar flare smashed into Earth, the UK and the Netherlands met offices released weather balloons to measure the solar storm. Flying at 40,000 ft, an altitude used by business jets and supersonic transport, they found that radiation levels were ten times the normal range. The readings were the highest in 20 years. "This was our first chance to use the new rapid-reaction balloon sensors in a real event, and it worked very well, giving us a ‘3D’ picture of radiation increases across UK airspace for the first time," Keith Ryden, SSC head, said in the statement. Also Read: Most dangerous solar storm to hit Earth potentially altered life thousands of years ago Now, scientists are concerned that an even bigger geomagnetic storm might slam Earth, since it has happened in the past. A strong solar storm could prove damaging for on-board aircraft electronic systems and corrupt data critical to the functioning of flight controls. “We know from historical observations that significantly bigger events are possible, and we need to be ready," Dyer said. The Carrington Event - Strongest solar storm in recorded history The strongest solar storm that ripped through Earth happened in 1859 and is known as the Carrington Event. The geomagnetic storm peaked on September 1-2 during solar cycle 10, and was so intense that the resultant auroras woke up a group of gold miners over the Rocky Mountains in the US. They were even visible at lower latitudes and near the equator. Telegraph systems all over Europe and North America failed, and generated electric shocks to operators. There were also reports of fire from some places.

The solar storm recorded on November 11, which reached so deep into Earth that it was recorded from the ground, raised radiation in the zone where some aircraft fly by 10 times, a study has noted. Scientists are now warning of major consequences in the future.&nbsp;

'We need to be ready': Scientists warn of major solar storm as study notes huge radiation spike in flight zone

The entire Himalayan region was recently classified into the newly introduced highest-risk Zone VI in the newly released and revised seismic hazard map. More than 60 per cent of the country is under moderate to high earthquake risk zones. Earlier, in October, a <a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2025GL118555">study </a>flagged the risk of massive earthquakes in the Himalayas, stating that the region could witness two high-intensity quakes in the future. KM Sreejith and his team measured both horizontal and vertical surface displacements to understand megathrust transitions, and "moment deficit and the spatial distribution of fault locking." Studying a stretch of approximately 800 km along the Himalayas revealed that the region is at risk of increased seismic hazard and could witness two 8.8 moment magnitude (Mw) earthquakes. Rishav Mallick, Eric J Fielding, MCM Jasir, Mark Simons and Ritesh Agrawal were also part of the research team.&nbsp;The researchers noted in the study titled "Geodetic Insights to the Himalayan Megathrust Kinematics Unravel Increased Earthquake Hazard" that the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/why-does-delhi-experience-frequent-earthquakes-all-you-need-to-know-1752125662260">earthquakes </a>will release "interseismic strain" accumulated over 500-700 years. "The present analysis with improved geodetic observations and models suggests higher convergence and wider locking width for the Himalayan megathrust, implying an increased seismic hazard," the authors wrote.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/new-seismic-map-shifts-himalayan-region-into-high-risk-earthquake-zone-1764327866827">New seismic map shifts Himalayan region into high-risk earthquake zone</a>&nbsp;"Earlier Himalayan studies relied only on horizontal velocities from Global Navigational Satellite Systems, leaving details of how the megathrust transitions from locked to steady interseismic creep poorly constrained," they stated. But the latest method allowed for "measurements of both horizontal and vertical surface displacements."Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/nasa-astronaut-shares-photo-of-himalayas-and-cloudy-india-from-space-can-you-spot-everest-1760355595969">NASA astronaut shares photo of Himalayas and 'cloudy' India from space. Can you spot Everest?</a>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/what-keeps-the-mighty-himalayas-aloft-study-debunks-100-year-old-theory-1759145723932">Himalayas are not standing on Indian and Eurasian plates alone, as a secret third layer is revealed</a>&nbsp;https://www.wionews.com/videos/himalayas-due-for-a-megaquake-soon-1764353817589/embed<h2>Land under Himalayas is slowly rising upwards</h2>The researchers measured how the Earth’s surface in the Himalayas is moving right now using precise radar and satellite-based tools. They found that, over large parts of the "higher Himalayas," the land is slowly rising vertically, at a rate of about 5 to 8 millimetres per year, or about 0.5 to 0.8 metres every century. While this might not sound like much, it is a continuous process, proving that the Himalayas are still active. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/scientists-reveal-ghost-under-oman-forcibly-changed-india-s-direction-40-million-years-ago-1752313684421">Tectonic forces</a> are pushing and deforming the crust in real time today. This slow rise and deformation have led to stress being accumulated along the big fault zone under the mountains, which is the Main Himalayan Thrust. Scientifically speaking, this activity could lead to a massive earthquake.&nbsp;

An analysis of approximately 800 kilometre area near the Himalayas has revealed that the region is at risk of not one but two 8.8 magnitude earthquakes. This is because of the land rising vertically and the resultant stress that is being accumulated underneath.

The entire Himalayan region was recently classified into the newly introduced highest-risk Zone VI in the newly released and revised seismic hazard map. More than 60 per cent of the country is under moderate to high earthquake risk zones. Earlier, in October, a study flagged the risk of massive earthquakes in the Himalayas, stating that the region could witness two high-intensity quakes in the future. KM Sreejith and his team measured both horizontal and vertical surface displacements to understand megathrust transitions, and "moment deficit and the spatial distribution of fault locking." Studying a stretch of approximately 800 km along the Himalayas revealed that the region is at risk of increased seismic hazard and could witness two 8.8 moment magnitude (Mw) earthquakes. Rishav Mallick, Eric J Fielding, MCM Jasir, Mark Simons and Ritesh Agrawal were also part of the research team. The researchers noted in the study titled "Geodetic Insights to the Himalayan Megathrust Kinematics Unravel Increased Earthquake Hazard" that the earthquakes will release "interseismic strain" accumulated over 500-700 years. "The present analysis with improved geodetic observations and models suggests higher convergence and wider locking width for the Himalayan megathrust, implying an increased seismic hazard," the authors wrote. Also Read: New seismic map shifts Himalayan region into high-risk earthquake zone "Earlier Himalayan studies relied only on horizontal velocities from Global Navigational Satellite Systems, leaving details of how the megathrust transitions from locked to steady interseismic creep poorly constrained," they stated. But the latest method allowed for "measurements of both horizontal and vertical surface displacements." Also Read: NASA astronaut shares photo of Himalayas and 'cloudy' India from space. Can you spot Everest? Also Read: Himalayas are not standing on Indian and Eurasian plates alone, as a secret third layer is revealed https://www.wionews.com/videos/himalayas-due-for-a-megaquake-soon-1764353817589/embed Land under Himalayas is slowly rising upwards The researchers measured how the Earth’s surface in the Himalayas is moving right now using precise radar and satellite-based tools. They found that, over large parts of the "higher Himalayas," the land is slowly rising vertically, at a rate of about 5 to 8 millimetres per year, or about 0.5 to 0.8 metres every century. While this might not sound like much, it is a continuous process, proving that the Himalayas are still active. Tectonic forces are pushing and deforming the crust in real time today. This slow rise and deformation have led to stress being accumulated along the big fault zone under the mountains, which is the Main Himalayan Thrust. Scientifically speaking, this activity could lead to a massive earthquake.

An analysis of approximately 800 kilometre area near the Himalayas has revealed that the region is at risk of not one but two 8.8 magnitude earthquakes. This is because of the land rising vertically and the resultant stress that is being accumulated underneath.

700 years of built-up stress could trigger two Mw 8.8 earthquakes in Himalayas, study warns

The recent blow to the only launch pad Russia uses to launch humans into space has put a question mark on its cooperation with NASA to keep the International Space Station staffed and working. On November 27, the launch pad at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan was damaged following the Soyuz MS-28 launch, which sent Russian cosmonauts Sergey Kud-Sverchkov and Sergei Mikaev, alongside NASA astronaut Chris Williams, to the International Space Station (ISS). However, an inspection that followed protocol found that the platform was damaged. Reports suggest the service platform used to access rockets' engines fell into the "flame trench" below. Roscosmos did not confirm the exact nature of the damage, and said in a statement that the damage was "currently being assessed" and would be "repaired shortly."&nbsp;Roscosmos has not provided a timeline for the repairs. Until the launch pad is fixed, Russia cannot carry out any crewed launches to the ISS since this is the only workable base it has for such missions. NASA has also confirmed the problem, since the two countries work together to staff the space station. "NASA coordinates closely with its international partners, including Roscosmos, for the safe operations of the International Space Station and its crew members," a spokesperson for the American space agency told Futurism.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/russia-left-without-crew-launch-pad-for-first-time-in-nearly-70-years-after-damage-at-baikonur-1764645682574">Russia loses human-spaceflight capability for first time in nearly 70 years — Details</a><h2> Could Russia choose not to fix the Baikonur launch pad?</h2>Now, experts are doubtful about how soon, and whether, Russia would fix the base at Baikonur. The United States and Moscow have been at loggerheads over the Ukraine war. But the two countries have remained committed to working together on staffing the space station. Now that Russia's base in Kazakhstan is damaged, the Soyuz capsules cannot be used to launch astronauts to the ISS. The only other currently available method is SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft.The Baikonur Cosmodrome was constructed in the late 1950s. After the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991, Kazakhstan loaned the site to Russia for around $115 million a year.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/133-light-years-away-astronomers-may-have-spotted-a-monster-exomoon-for-the-first-time-1764661915304">133 light-years away, astronomers may have spotted a ‘monster’ exomoon for the first time</a>&nbsp;In the past, Russia has shown hesitation to continue with its commitment to keep the space station running. In 2021, the then deputy prime minister of the country, Yury Borisov, announced that Russia may decide if sending cosmonauts to the space outpost may no longer be worth it, according to The Moscow Times. “We need a technical inspection at the station to avoid any risks in the event of an emergency. We will make a decision based on the results and honestly notify our partners," Borisov’s office told the state-run TASS news agency. He was also the General Director of Roscosmos from 2022 to 2025. However, in late 2024, he confirmed that Russia would be supporting operations at least until 2028. Notably, NASA is committed to keeping the ISS running till 2030, after which it will de-orbit the space laboratory.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/asteroid-bennu-carries-the-building-blocks-of-happiness-nasa-finds-1764650332764">Universe makes us happy, quite literally: NASA finds ‘Happy Hormone’ molecule in asteroid Bennu</a>&nbsp;<h2>When a former Roscosmos chief threatened to drop ISS on US, India or China</h2>Dmitry Rogozin, who was the chief of Roscosmos from May 2018 to July 2022, once threatened to crash the ISS over the US or Europe, even mixing in India and China into the threats. Hitting back at the sanctions slapped on Russia after the start of the Ukraine war, he wrote on X that the 500-ton structure could fall onto any country. He questioned, "Who will save the ISS from an uncontrolled deorbit and fall into the United States or Europe?" "There is also the option of dropping a 500-ton structure to India and China. Do you want to threaten them with such a prospect?"&nbsp;Voyager Technologies senior official Jeff Manber told the New York Times, It's going to be "interesting" to see “how committed is the Russian leadership to fixing that launchpad and continuing the contributions to the International Space Station program?”

NASA has confirmed that the launchpad at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan used by Russia is damaged. This means it would not be able to launch astronauts to the space station until it is fixed. Is there a possibility that Russia chooses not to fix it at all and abandons the ISS?

The recent blow to the only launch pad Russia uses to launch humans into space has put a question mark on its cooperation with NASA to keep the International Space Station staffed and working. On November 27, the launch pad at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan was damaged following the Soyuz MS-28 launch, which sent Russian cosmonauts Sergey Kud-Sverchkov and Sergei Mikaev, alongside NASA astronaut Chris Williams, to the International Space Station (ISS). However, an inspection that followed protocol found that the platform was damaged. Reports suggest the service platform used to access rockets' engines fell into the "flame trench" below. Roscosmos did not confirm the exact nature of the damage, and said in a statement that the damage was "currently being assessed" and would be "repaired shortly." Roscosmos has not provided a timeline for the repairs. Until the launch pad is fixed, Russia cannot carry out any crewed launches to the ISS since this is the only workable base it has for such missions. NASA has also confirmed the problem, since the two countries work together to staff the space station. "NASA coordinates closely with its international partners, including Roscosmos, for the safe operations of the International Space Station and its crew members," a spokesperson for the American space agency told Futurism. Also Read: Russia loses human-spaceflight capability for first time in nearly 70 years — Details Could Russia choose not to fix the Baikonur launch pad? Now, experts are doubtful about how soon, and whether, Russia would fix the base at Baikonur. The United States and Moscow have been at loggerheads over the Ukraine war. But the two countries have remained committed to working together on staffing the space station. Now that Russia's base in Kazakhstan is damaged, the Soyuz capsules cannot be used to launch astronauts to the ISS. The only other currently available method is SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft. The Baikonur Cosmodrome was constructed in the late 1950s. After the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991, Kazakhstan loaned the site to Russia for around $115 million a year. Also Read: 133 light-years away, astronomers may have spotted a ‘monster’ exomoon for the first time In the past, Russia has shown hesitation to continue with its commitment to keep the space station running. In 2021, the then deputy prime minister of the country, Yury Borisov, announced that Russia may decide if sending cosmonauts to the space outpost may no longer be worth it, according to The Moscow Times. “We need a technical inspection at the station to avoid any risks in the event of an emergency. We will make a decision based on the results and honestly notify our partners," Borisov’s office told the state-run TASS news agency. He was also the General Director of Roscosmos from 2022 to 2025. However, in late 2024, he confirmed that Russia would be supporting operations at least until 2028. Notably, NASA is committed to keeping the ISS running till 2030, after which it will de-orbit the space laboratory. Also Read: Universe makes us happy, quite literally: NASA finds ‘Happy Hormone’ molecule in asteroid Bennu When a former Roscosmos chief threatened to drop ISS on US, India or China Dmitry Rogozin, who was the chief of Roscosmos from May 2018 to July 2022, once threatened to crash the ISS over the US or Europe, even mixing in India and China into the threats. Hitting back at the sanctions slapped on Russia after the start of the Ukraine war, he wrote on X that the 500-ton structure could fall onto any country. He questioned, "Who will save the ISS from an uncontrolled deorbit and fall into the United States or Europe?" "There is also the option of dropping a 500-ton structure to India and China. Do you want to threaten them with such a prospect?" Voyager Technologies senior official Jeff Manber told the New York Times, It's going to be "interesting" to see “how committed is the Russian leadership to fixing that launchpad and continuing the contributions to the International Space Station program?”

NASA has confirmed that the launchpad at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan used by Russia is damaged. This means it would not be able to launch astronauts to the space station until it is fixed. Is there a possibility that Russia chooses not to fix it at all and abandons the ISS?

After Baikonur accident, could Russia choose to abandon the ISS? Here's what it said in the past

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) achieved several new milestones in the year 2025. The successful docking of two SPADEX satellites, the 100th mission for ISRO, and having the first Indian at the ISS are among the few that had the Indian flag flying high in 2025. 

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) achieved several new milestones in the year 2025. The successful docking of two SpaDeX satellites, the space agency's 100th mission, and having the first Indian at the ISS are among the few that had the Indian flag flying high in 2025.&nbsp;

YEARENDER: 7 Indian space achievements of 2025 — SpaDeX, an Indian at ISS, 100th mission

ISRO had several successful space missions in the year 2025. However, it was not 100 per cent since a few missions did not go as planned. While one mission faced a complete failure, another one did not achieve the desired result, but it is still working.

ISRO had several successful space missions in the year 2025. However, it wasn't 100 per cent since a few missions did not go as planned. While one mission faced a complete failure, another one did not achieve the desired result, but is still working.

YEARENDER - Setbacks faced by ISRO space missions in 2025

If the Sun were to start dimming, what would happen to Earth? Will a gradual dimming keep our planet unaffected, or will it spell doom? If sunlight were to vanish all of a sudden, that would fling Earth out of the solar system, with all life wiped out soon.

If the Sun were to start dimming, what would happen to Earth? Will a gradual dimming keep our planet unaffected, or will it spell doom? If sunlight were to vanish all of a sudden, that would fling Earth out of the solar system, with all life wiped out soon.

What if the sun started dimming? What could happen to Earth? Gradual and sudden scenarios explained

Scientists might have, for the first time, discovered an exomoon, a body similar to our Moon, but way beyond our solar system. NASA officially confirmed in September this year that it had, to date, found a whopping 6,000 exoplanets. But exomoons only existed in theory, and none had ever been found. However, some astronomers now claim that they might have stumbled across the first exomoon. The candidate in contention to be officially declared the first exomoon resides 133 light-years from Earth and orbits HD 206893 B, a Jupiter-like exoplanet. The researchers used a new approach to identify any exomoons near this planet. They repurposed high-precision astrometry, a mathematical approach to mapping out stellar distance, to check for moons. And they seem to have tasted success.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/nasa-wanted-to-blast-a-hydrogen-bomb-on-the-moon-in-1950s-here-s-why-it-did-not-1764598076559">NASA wanted to nuke the Moon in 1950s out of jealousy. Here's why it did not</a>&nbsp;While the planet is equal to the mass of 28 Jupiters, its exomoon is around 0.4 Jupiter masses. This is around the size of seven Neptunes put together, the scientists said. This makes it an exomoon of monstrous proportions. The paper submitted by a group of astronomers led by Quentin Kral of the Paris Observatory in France is currently available as a preprint. It still needs to be checked and verified by other astronomers. Even though their finding still needs to be confirmed by the wider community, they believe that astrometry will emerge as a promising method to detect exomoons.Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/3iatlas-spewed-pristine-material-as-ice-volcanoes-erupted-near-the-sun-spanish-scientists-find-1764653508419"> 3I/ATLAS spewed pristine material as ice volcanoes erupted near the Sun, Spanish scientists find</a><h2>Why are exomoons hard to find?</h2> Scientists have often come across bodies that they thought were exomoons, only to be disappointed. Exomoons are much smaller than their planets, based on how things work in our solar system. Discovering verified exoplanets itself is a task, since confirmation is based on rigorous and multiple checks. According to NASA, there are nearly 8,000 exoplanets waiting for official status. On the cosmological scale, exoplanets are already considered extremely small. Since exomoons are even smaller, detecting them has been nearly impossible. The study adds that "there is no definition of what an exomoon is, and some ambiguity remains as to whether it may include, for instance, binary planets."The researchers added that this exomoon candidate has "a tentative nature" and needs further confirmation using GRAVITY data. If all goes well and the measurements stick, we might soon have out very first exomoon. &nbsp;

A group of astronomers claim they have found the first exomoon in the universe. While we know about around 6,000 exoplanets, an exomoon has never been found. That might soon change if the latest finding is confirmed by other astronomers. 

Scientists might have, for the first time, discovered an exomoon, a body similar to our Moon, but way beyond our solar system. NASA officially confirmed in September this year that it had, to date, found a whopping 6,000 exoplanets. But exomoons only existed in theory, and none had ever been found. However, some astronomers now claim that they might have stumbled across the first exomoon. The candidate in contention to be officially declared the first exomoon resides 133 light-years from Earth and orbits HD 206893 B, a Jupiter-like exoplanet. The researchers used a new approach to identify any exomoons near this planet. They repurposed high-precision astrometry, a mathematical approach to mapping out stellar distance, to check for moons. And they seem to have tasted success. Also Read: NASA wanted to nuke the Moon in 1950s out of jealousy. Here's why it did not While the planet is equal to the mass of 28 Jupiters, its exomoon is around 0.4 Jupiter masses. This is around the size of seven Neptunes put together, the scientists said. This makes it an exomoon of monstrous proportions. The paper submitted by a group of astronomers led by Quentin Kral of the Paris Observatory in France is currently available as a preprint. It still needs to be checked and verified by other astronomers. Even though their finding still needs to be confirmed by the wider community, they believe that astrometry will emerge as a promising method to detect exomoons. Also Read: 3I/ATLAS spewed pristine material as ice volcanoes erupted near the Sun, Spanish scientists find Why are exomoons hard to find? Scientists have often come across bodies that they thought were exomoons, only to be disappointed. Exomoons are much smaller than their planets, based on how things work in our solar system. Discovering verified exoplanets itself is a task, since confirmation is based on rigorous and multiple checks. According to NASA, there are nearly 8,000 exoplanets waiting for official status. On the cosmological scale, exoplanets are already considered extremely small. Since exomoons are even smaller, detecting them has been nearly impossible. The study adds that "there is no definition of what an exomoon is, and some ambiguity remains as to whether it may include, for instance, binary planets." The researchers added that this exomoon candidate has "a tentative nature" and needs further confirmation using GRAVITY data. If all goes well and the measurements stick, we might soon have out very first exomoon.

A group of astronomers claim they have found the first exomoon in the universe. While we know about around 6,000 exoplanets, an exomoon has never been found. That might soon change if the latest finding is confirmed by other astronomers.&nbsp;

133 light-years away, astronomers may have spotted a ‘monster’ exomoon for the first time

Samples from asteroid Bennu have once again been shown to have the essential building blocks of life on Earth. Turns out, humans feel happy because sometime in our planet's past, an asteroid carrying amino acids, genetic molecules, and more, slammed into our planet. Researchers from NASA and the University of Arizona may have, for the first time, detected tryptophan in Bennu samples. Tryptophan is one of the nine essential amino acids that the human body cannot make. It is responsible for creating important brain chemicals like serotonin, which is also known as the "happy hormone". It regulates mood, sleep, digestion, and other bodily functions, and a lack of it can cause depression. If the discovery is confirmed, this would be the first time that tryptophan has ever been found in an extraterrestrial sample.&nbsp;A team of researchers from NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, wrote, "Our findings expand the evidence that prebiotic organic molecules can form within primitive accreting planetary bodies and could have been delivered via impacts to the early Earth and other Solar System bodies, potentially contributing to the origins of life." The latest finding, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, further cements the belief that primitive asteroids and comets seeded life on Earth.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/nasa-wanted-to-blast-a-hydrogen-bomb-on-the-moon-in-1950s-here-s-why-it-did-not-1764598076559">NASA wanted to nuke the Moon in 1950s out of jealousy. Here's why it did not</a>&nbsp;<h2>Faint signal for tryptophan detected in Bennu</h2>The team, led by geochemist Angel Mojarro, studies the material to understand the chemical reaction pathways by which the amino acids may have formed, billions of years ago. They tested Bennu samples for the 20 amino acids that build protein in the body. They found several non-biological amino acids and nucleobases, confirming they were of extraterrestrial origin. The team confirmed 14 amino acids found in previous studies, and were surprised when they picked up hints of a faint signal for tryptophan.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientist-thinks-red-giant-star-with-a-weird-spin-feasted-on-one-of-its-own-planet-1764237022142">Scientist thinks red giant star with a weird spin feasted on its own planet</a>&nbsp;NASA's OSIRIS-REx mission landed on asteroid Bennu in 2018 and, in 2020, collected a fistful of its surface material, locking it in a capsule, which detached from the main spacecraft and returned to Earth in September 2023. Since then, scientists have been studying the Bennu samples and have made several discoveries.&nbsp;Earlier studies of samples gathered from Bennu and asteroid Ryugu have revealed the presence of extensive inventories of amino acids and nucleobases (the basic units that make up RNA and DNA). Ryugu has been found to have only one nucleobase, Bennu samples surprisingly carried all five common nucleobases - adenine (A), guanine (G), cytosine (C), thymine (T), and uracil (U).&nbsp; &nbsp;

NASA has detected signs of a molecule that creates the happy hormone serotonin in an asteroid. Scientists have long believed these cosmic bodies brought life to Earth. Earlier analysis of Ryugu and Bennu has revealed several amino-acids.   

Samples from asteroid Bennu have once again been shown to have the essential building blocks of life on Earth. Turns out, humans feel happy because sometime in our planet's past, an asteroid carrying amino acids, genetic molecules, and more, slammed into our planet. Researchers from NASA and the University of Arizona may have, for the first time, detected tryptophan in Bennu samples. Tryptophan is one of the nine essential amino acids that the human body cannot make. It is responsible for creating important brain chemicals like serotonin, which is also known as the "happy hormone". It regulates mood, sleep, digestion, and other bodily functions, and a lack of it can cause depression. If the discovery is confirmed, this would be the first time that tryptophan has ever been found in an extraterrestrial sample. A team of researchers from NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, wrote, "Our findings expand the evidence that prebiotic organic molecules can form within primitive accreting planetary bodies and could have been delivered via impacts to the early Earth and other Solar System bodies, potentially contributing to the origins of life." The latest finding, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, further cements the belief that primitive asteroids and comets seeded life on Earth. Also Read: NASA wanted to nuke the Moon in 1950s out of jealousy. Here's why it did not Faint signal for tryptophan detected in Bennu The team, led by geochemist Angel Mojarro, studies the material to understand the chemical reaction pathways by which the amino acids may have formed, billions of years ago. They tested Bennu samples for the 20 amino acids that build protein in the body. They found several non-biological amino acids and nucleobases, confirming they were of extraterrestrial origin. The team confirmed 14 amino acids found in previous studies, and were surprised when they picked up hints of a faint signal for tryptophan. Also Read: Scientist thinks red giant star with a weird spin feasted on its own planet NASA's OSIRIS-REx mission landed on asteroid Bennu in 2018 and, in 2020, collected a fistful of its surface material, locking it in a capsule, which detached from the main spacecraft and returned to Earth in September 2023. Since then, scientists have been studying the Bennu samples and have made several discoveries. Earlier studies of samples gathered from Bennu and asteroid Ryugu have revealed the presence of extensive inventories of amino acids and nucleobases (the basic units that make up RNA and DNA). Ryugu has been found to have only one nucleobase, Bennu samples surprisingly carried all five common nucleobases - adenine (A), guanine (G), cytosine (C), thymine (T), and uracil (U).

NASA has detected signs of a molecule that creates the happy hormone serotonin in an asteroid. Scientists have long believed these cosmic bodies brought life to Earth. Earlier analysis of Ryugu and Bennu has revealed several amino-acids. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Universe makes us happy, quite literally: NASA finds ‘Happy Hormone’ molecule in asteroid Bennu

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LISTED! 7 Indian space achievements of 2025 — SpaDeX, an Indian at ISS, and more

YEARENDER - Setbacks faced by ISRO space missions in 2025

What if the sun started dimming? What could happen to Earth?