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<p>The images of a 'salty purple mermaid' spotted on the surface of Mars were caught by the European Space Agency (ESA) and later released.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The purple wave was seen shining among the red, brown, and grey waves on the surface of&nbsp;Mars&nbsp;which was captured by the ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter&nbsp;(TGO) of ESA during a flyby in 2022.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 'mermaid' was discovered in a dried-up riverbed in the southern hemisphere of the planet called Terra Sirenum, which is the Latin for 'Sea of the Sirens'.</p>

<p>"A purplish, scaly wave lures the attention of a European spacecraft as it flies over," said ESA, in a&nbsp;statement&nbsp;along with the image.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It is just an optical illusion – there are no mythological mermaids or seas on the Martian world today," the space agency stated.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/mars-and-jupiter-to-get-closest-in-this-spectacular-astronomical-event-of-decade-749099">Mars and Jupiter to get closest in this spectacular astronomical event of decade</a></p>

<p>The scientists, with the help of the Color and Stereo Surface Imaging System (CaSSIS) of the orbiter, found that the purple anomaly was chloride salt deposits.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The CaSSIS is a high-resolution camera which can capture colour stereo images of the surface features of Mars.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Stereo imaging captures different images of the same surface feature from various angles and helps the software analyse the parallax effect as well as create a detailed 3D model of the terrain.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This helps scientists carry out detailed studies of the topography of the Red Planet and its geological processes&nbsp;from afar.</p>

<h2><strong>How are these purple waves formed on the Red Planet?</strong></h2>

<p>The scientists identified the chlorine-rich minerals as the source of these purple waves.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The chloride deposits create a purple hue in the colour-infrared images of the TGO which makes CaSSIS a unique tool for studying the distribution of&nbsp;salts across the planet.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Such deposits also indicate that once water was present in abundance on Mars. However, because of the lack of a magnetic field on the planet, the atmosphere&nbsp;on Mars slowly got eroded away and carried most of its water with it.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Discover the impact of AI on the scientific operations of NASA's Mars Rover</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/discover-the-impact-of-ai-on-the-scientific-operations-of-nasas-mars-rover-741914/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>After the disappearance of water, mineral deposits have remained as fingerprints of its presence.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Very salty waters could have become a haven for life, a beacon for habitable places on Mars," wrote the ESA team, in the statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"High concentrations of salt allow water to remain liquid at temperatures as low as –40 ºC. The chloride deposits in this picture and its direct relation to liquid water make areas such as Terra Sirenum good targets for future robotic missions searching for signs of life," it added.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The images of a 'salty purple mermaid' spotted on the surface of Mars were caught by the European Space Agency (ESA) and later released. The purple wave was seen shining among the red, brown, and grey waves on the surface of Mars which was captured by the ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter (TGO) of ESA during a flyby in 2022.

The images of a 'salty purple mermaid' spotted on the surface of Mars were caught by the European Space Agency (ESA) and later released. The purple wave was seen shining among the red, brown, and grey waves on the surface of Mars which was captured by the ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter (TGO) of ESA during a flyby in 2022. The 'mermaid' was discovered in a dried-up riverbed in the southern hemisphere of the planet called Terra Sirenum, which is the Latin for 'Sea of the Sirens'. "A purplish, scaly wave lures the attention of a European spacecraft as it flies over," said ESA, in a statement along with the image. "It is just an optical illusion – there are no mythological mermaids or seas on the Martian world today," the space agency stated. Also Read: Mars and Jupiter to get closest in this spectacular astronomical event of decade The scientists, with the help of the Color and Stereo Surface Imaging System (CaSSIS) of the orbiter, found that the purple anomaly was chloride salt deposits. The CaSSIS is a high-resolution camera which can capture colour stereo images of the surface features of Mars. Stereo imaging captures different images of the same surface feature from various angles and helps the software analyse the parallax effect as well as create a detailed 3D model of the terrain. This helps scientists carry out detailed studies of the topography of the Red Planet and its geological processes from afar. How are these purple waves formed on the Red Planet? The scientists identified the chlorine-rich minerals as the source of these purple waves. The chloride deposits create a purple hue in the colour-infrared images of the TGO which makes CaSSIS a unique tool for studying the distribution of salts across the planet. Such deposits also indicate that once water was present in abundance on Mars. However, because of the lack of a magnetic field on the planet, the atmosphere on Mars slowly got eroded away and carried most of its water with it. Watch: Discover the impact of AI on the scientific operations of NASA's Mars Rover After the disappearance of water, mineral deposits have remained as fingerprints of its presence. "Very salty waters could have become a haven for life, a beacon for habitable places on Mars," wrote the ESA team, in the statement. "High concentrations of salt allow water to remain liquid at temperatures as low as –40 ºC. The chloride deposits in this picture and its direct relation to liquid water make areas such as Terra Sirenum good targets for future robotic missions searching for signs of life," it added. (With inputs from agencies)

ESA spots salty, purple wave lures, like a 'mermaid', on Mars

<p>The polar vortex of Antarctica is on the verge of splitting in two for the first time in more than two decades because of a sudden increase in stratospheric temperatures.&nbsp;</p>

<p>If the vortex splits into two, it can result in major warming in Antarctica as Australia and South America will witness an unusually hot summer.</p>

<p>The southern polar vortex is a swirl of winds which will move clockwise and trap a cold air current above Antarctica amid the southern hemisphere winter.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/antarctic-temperatures-rise-10c-above-average-experts-are-calling-it-a-near-record-heatwave-746539">Antarctic temperatures rise 10C above average, experts are calling it a near-record heatwave</a></p>

<p>Generally, the vortex remains stable at this time of year and the temperature inside its core remains about -80°C (-112°F).</p>

<h2><strong>Antarctic's polar vortex remains unstable, in future it can...</strong></h2>

<p>However, the latest signs indicate that the vortex has been increasingly unstable this year.</p>

<p>In mid-July, the southern polar vortex's wind speeds slowed from 300 to 230 kilometres per hour which permitted cold air to descend and led to a record increase in stratospheric temperatures.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Inside the vortex, the temperatures remained nearly 20°C (36°F) above the long-term average of around -80°C.</p>

<p>UK Met Office's Steven Keates said that they recorded another slowdown in wind speed in early August which was followed by a rapid increase in stratospheric temperatures.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“We started to see a marked warming in the very highest layers of the stratosphere,” he said.</p>

<p>Because of this, the vortex was pushed out of its place at the South Pole which resulted in cold polar air at the surface flowing towards Australia, New Zealand and South America and warm air moving towards Antarctica which can result in a heatwave in the continent.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Iceberg remains north of South Orkney islands</strong></p>

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<p>If the speed of the wind is slow, the vortex can lead to a sudden change in direction and swirl anticlockwise in what is called a sudden stratospheric warming.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Repeated slowdowns in wind speeds could increase the chances of a vortex split and sudden stratospheric warming taking place this year," said Keates.</p>

<p>Simon Lee&nbsp;at the University of St Andrews in the UK said that comparatively small disruptions to the vortex can lead to a cumulative effect.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Sometimes minor warmings can set the vortex up for something major later on. Because Antarctic vortex variability is small, if something even slightly unusual happens it can very quickly grow to become an extreme event," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The polar vortex of Antarctica is on the verge of splitting in two for the first time in more than two decades because of a sudden increase in stratospheric temperatures.

The polar vortex of Antarctica is on the verge of splitting in two for the first time in more than two decades because of a sudden increase in stratospheric temperatures. If the vortex splits into two, it can result in major warming in Antarctica as Australia and South America will witness an unusually hot summer. The southern polar vortex is a swirl of winds which will move clockwise and trap a cold air current above Antarctica amid the southern hemisphere winter. Also Read: Antarctic temperatures rise 10C above average, experts are calling it a near-record heatwave Generally, the vortex remains stable at this time of year and the temperature inside its core remains about -80°C (-112°F). Antarctic's polar vortex remains unstable, in future it can... However, the latest signs indicate that the vortex has been increasingly unstable this year. In mid-July, the southern polar vortex's wind speeds slowed from 300 to 230 kilometres per hour which permitted cold air to descend and led to a record increase in stratospheric temperatures. Inside the vortex, the temperatures remained nearly 20°C (36°F) above the long-term average of around -80°C. UK Met Office's Steven Keates said that they recorded another slowdown in wind speed in early August which was followed by a rapid increase in stratospheric temperatures. “We started to see a marked warming in the very highest layers of the stratosphere,” he said. Because of this, the vortex was pushed out of its place at the South Pole which resulted in cold polar air at the surface flowing towards Australia, New Zealand and South America and warm air moving towards Antarctica which can result in a heatwave in the continent. Watch: Iceberg remains north of South Orkney islands If the speed of the wind is slow, the vortex can lead to a sudden change in direction and swirl anticlockwise in what is called a sudden stratospheric warming. "Repeated slowdowns in wind speeds could increase the chances of a vortex split and sudden stratospheric warming taking place this year," said Keates. Simon Lee at the University of St Andrews in the UK said that comparatively small disruptions to the vortex can lead to a cumulative effect. “Sometimes minor warmings can set the vortex up for something major later on. Because Antarctic vortex variability is small, if something even slightly unusual happens it can very quickly grow to become an extreme event," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Earth's polar vortex in Antarctica is set to tear apart. Here's how it will impact planet

<p>It was earlier believed by scientists that Elapoidea - which is the superfamily of cobras, coral snakes and mambas - first existed in Africa.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, the hypothesis was proved wrong when scientists discovered the fossil of a file snake in Tanzania&nbsp;which belonged to the Oligocene Epoch (33.9 million to 23 million years ago).&nbsp;</p>

<p>The snake was found to be the oldest relative which belongs to the Elapoidea group as per the fossil record.</p>

<p>In the new research, which was published in the journal&nbsp;Royal Society Open Science, the researchers carried out the fossils and genetic analysis of snakes from other regions to discover that these snakes along with snakes from the superfamily Colubroidea originated in Asia.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/human-turns-vicious-for-snake-indian-man-bites-and-kills-the-killer-reptile-but-did-he-survive-738284">Human turns vicious for snake! Indian man bites and kills killer reptile. But did he survive?</a></p>

<p>"The reason for the uncertainty was mostly because of the lack of understanding of how these different species are related to one another," said lead author&nbsp;Jeffrey Weinell, who is an evolutionary biologist and postdoctoral fellow at the American Museum of Natural History, while speaking to Live Science.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>How did scientists carry out the research?</strong></h2>

<p>The comprehensive genetic data related to the group was never compiled by scientists.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I was interested in inferring the tree of life for this group, which predicts the evolutionary relationships, and then using that tree of life estimate plus information about modern species to estimate where the ancestor of this group lived," he said.</p>

<p>In the latest study, Weinell and his colleagues looked into 3,128 locations on the genomes of 65 species of Elapoidea to understand how all the snakes were related.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the earlier fossil record, these Asian ancestors were not mentioned probably because of the conditions in which they evolved.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Rising sea temperatures put the lives of animals in Galapagos Islands endangered</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/rising-sea-temperatures-put-the-lives-of-animals-in-galapagos-islands-endangered-745654/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>"Tropical Asia is not the best for preserving fossils because of the climate," said Weinell.</p>

<p>According to the study, these snakes moved from Asia to Africa and their descendants dispersed into Europe, Australasia and America in different waves.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In every continent, there are 700 snake species as of now, except Antarctica and other islands. The descendants of these early snakes have also colonised even the seas.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


It was earlier believed by scientists that Elapoidea - which is the superfamily of cobras, coral snakes and mambas - first existed in Africa. However, the hypothesis was proved wrong when scientists discovered the fossil of a file snake in Tanzania which belonged to the Oligocene Epoch (33.

It was earlier believed by scientists that Elapoidea - which is the superfamily of cobras, coral snakes and mambas - first existed in Africa. However, the hypothesis was proved wrong when scientists discovered the fossil of a file snake in Tanzania which belonged to the Oligocene Epoch (33.9 million to 23 million years ago). The snake was found to be the oldest relative which belongs to the Elapoidea group as per the fossil record. In the new research, which was published in the journal Royal Society Open Science, the researchers carried out the fossils and genetic analysis of snakes from other regions to discover that these snakes along with snakes from the superfamily Colubroidea originated in Asia. Also Read: Human turns vicious for snake! Indian man bites and kills killer reptile. But did he survive? "The reason for the uncertainty was mostly because of the lack of understanding of how these different species are related to one another," said lead author Jeffrey Weinell, who is an evolutionary biologist and postdoctoral fellow at the American Museum of Natural History, while speaking to Live Science. How did scientists carry out the research? The comprehensive genetic data related to the group was never compiled by scientists. "I was interested in inferring the tree of life for this group, which predicts the evolutionary relationships, and then using that tree of life estimate plus information about modern species to estimate where the ancestor of this group lived," he said. In the latest study, Weinell and his colleagues looked into 3,128 locations on the genomes of 65 species of Elapoidea to understand how all the snakes were related. In the earlier fossil record, these Asian ancestors were not mentioned probably because of the conditions in which they evolved. Watch: Rising sea temperatures put the lives of animals in Galapagos Islands endangered "Tropical Asia is not the best for preserving fossils because of the climate," said Weinell. According to the study, these snakes moved from Asia to Africa and their descendants dispersed into Europe, Australasia and America in different waves. In every continent, there are 700 snake species as of now, except Antarctica and other islands. The descendants of these early snakes have also colonised even the seas. (With inputs from agencies)

Ancestors of cobras DID NOT originate in Africa but belonged to...

<p>Animal genomes are known to be a storage space of memories. Perhaps the phrase 'etched in memory' had a real meaning after all. A new study has found that genomes of birds have markers that store the memories of the cataclysm that caused the extinction of their dinosaur ancestors. These genetic markers helped them evolve and survive over millennia, and flourish into more than 10,000 species.</p>

<p>The University of Michigan study found that the mass extinction of dinosaurs paved the way for rapid changes in bird genomes.</p>

<h2><strong>How the study was done</strong></h2>

<p>Published in Science Advances, the study found evidence of 'genomic fossils' in bird DNA that will help shed light on how birds evolved.</p>

<p>"By studying the DNA of living birds, we can try to detect patterns of genetic sequences that changed just after one of the most important events in Earth’s history,” said lead author Jake Berv, referring to the asteroid strike 66 million years ago that's thought to have wiped out the dinosaurs.</p>

<p>“The signature of those events seems to have imprinted into the genomes of the survivors in a way that we can detect tens of millions of years later,” Berv said.</p>

<p>According to the researchers, the mass extinction of dinosaurs sparked shifts in nucleotide composition in the genomes of birds.</p>

<p>These shifts "seem to be connected to the way birds develop as babies, their adult size and their metabolism," said a release from Michigan University.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/chinas-wetland-parks-welcome-hundreds-of-swans-other-migratory-birds-700074"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;China's wetland parks welcome hundreds of swans &amp; other migratory birds</strong></a></p>

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<p>After the so-called 'end-Cretaceous mass extinction event' 66 million years ago caused by the asteroid strike, surviving bird lineages tended to develop smaller body sizes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Their development also changed, showing an 'altricial' pattern. An altricial animal is "very embryonic when they hatch, need their parents to feed them, and can take weeks to fledge," Berv said. This is opposed to 'precocial', referring to species that are ready to fend for themselves the moment they're born, like chickens and turkeys.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/light-pollution-entrapping-migrating-birds-in-cities-leading-to-their-death-en-masse-study-666380"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Light pollution entrapping migrating birds in cities, leading to their death en masse: Study</strong></a></p>

<p>The study stresses how extinction events can influence the biology of organisms by altering important aspects of how genomes evolve.</p>

<p>“This work furthers our understanding of the dramatic biological impacts of mass extinction events and highlights that the mass extinction that wiped out the giant dinosaurs was one of the most biologically impactful events in the entire history of our planet,” said Daniel Field, professor of vertebrate palaeontology at the University of Cambridge and co-author of the study.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Animal genomes are known to be a storage space of memories. Perhaps the phrase 'etched in memory' had a real meaning after all. A new study has found that genomes of birds have markers that store the memories of the cataclysm that caused the extinction of their dinosaur ancestors.

Animal genomes are known to be a storage space of memories. Perhaps the phrase 'etched in memory' had a real meaning after all. A new study has found that genomes of birds have markers that store the memories of the cataclysm that caused the extinction of their dinosaur ancestors. These genetic markers helped them evolve and survive over millennia, and flourish into more than 10,000 species. The University of Michigan study found that the mass extinction of dinosaurs paved the way for rapid changes in bird genomes. How the study was done Published in Science Advances, the study found evidence of 'genomic fossils' in bird DNA that will help shed light on how birds evolved. "By studying the DNA of living birds, we can try to detect patterns of genetic sequences that changed just after one of the most important events in Earth’s history,” said lead author Jake Berv, referring to the asteroid strike 66 million years ago that's thought to have wiped out the dinosaurs. “The signature of those events seems to have imprinted into the genomes of the survivors in a way that we can detect tens of millions of years later,” Berv said. According to the researchers, the mass extinction of dinosaurs sparked shifts in nucleotide composition in the genomes of birds. These shifts "seem to be connected to the way birds develop as babies, their adult size and their metabolism," said a release from Michigan University. Watch | China's wetland parks welcome hundreds of swans & other migratory birds × After the so-called 'end-Cretaceous mass extinction event' 66 million years ago caused by the asteroid strike, surviving bird lineages tended to develop smaller body sizes. Their development also changed, showing an 'altricial' pattern. An altricial animal is "very embryonic when they hatch, need their parents to feed them, and can take weeks to fledge," Berv said. This is opposed to 'precocial', referring to species that are ready to fend for themselves the moment they're born, like chickens and turkeys. Also read | Light pollution entrapping migrating birds in cities, leading to their death en masse: Study The study stresses how extinction events can influence the biology of organisms by altering important aspects of how genomes evolve. “This work furthers our understanding of the dramatic biological impacts of mass extinction events and highlights that the mass extinction that wiped out the giant dinosaurs was one of the most biologically impactful events in the entire history of our planet,” said Daniel Field, professor of vertebrate palaeontology at the University of Cambridge and co-author of the study. (With inputs from agencies)

Bird genes 'store' memories of dinosaur extinction: Here is how

<p>NASA's satellite Neowise, which was being used as a "planetary defence mission" to track asteroids&nbsp;and comets which can prove threatening to Earth, will be crashing into our atmosphere.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Neowise (Near-Earth Object Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer) was on the hunt for dangerous celestial bodies for a decade but after it fell too low into the orbit of Earth, NASA engineers had to send the final command to the satellite.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-issues-sudden-alert-as-massive-asteroid-rushes-to-come-too-close-to-earth-at-scary-speed-749113">NASA issues sudden alert as massive asteroid come too close to Earth at scary speed</a></p>

<p>NASA chiefs said that Neowise will soon fall too low in Earth's orbit to prove the required scientific data, however, since there is an "uptick in&nbsp;solar activity" which means that the upper atmosphere of Earth will be heated and expanded to the point.</p>

<h2><strong>Here's how NASA sent the final command to NEOWISE</strong></h2>

<p>The space agency's officials gathered at its Jet Propulsion Lab in California and sent the final command to NEOWISE&nbsp;(Near-Earth Object Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer) to turn off its transmitter after remaining in operation for nearly 15 years as technicians worked to retrieve the remaining data.</p>

<p>"The NEOWISE mission has been an extraordinary success story as it helped us better understand our place in the universe by tracking&nbsp;asteroids&nbsp;and&nbsp;comets&nbsp;that could be hazardous for us on Earth," said Nicola Fox, who is an associate administrator for the Science Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters, in a&nbsp;statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;NASA faces tight deadline to return stranded astronauts to Earth</strong></p>

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<p>"While we are sad to see this brave mission come to an end, we are excited for the future scientific discoveries it has opened by setting the foundation for the next generation planetary defence telescope," she said.</p>

<p>In December 2009, NEOWISE was launched with a different name and it had a different mission.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier, it was called WISE (Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer) and its work was to scan the entire infrared sky in the span of a seven-month prime mission.</p>

<p>It did so "with far greater sensitivity than previous surveys," said NASA officials in the statement.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


NASA's satellite Neowise, which was being used as a "planetary defence mission" to track asteroids and comets which can prove threatening to Earth, will be crashing into our atmosphere.

NASA's satellite Neowise, which was being used as a "planetary defence mission" to track asteroids and comets which can prove threatening to Earth, will be crashing into our atmosphere. Neowise (Near-Earth Object Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer) was on the hunt for dangerous celestial bodies for a decade but after it fell too low into the orbit of Earth, NASA engineers had to send the final command to the satellite. Also Read: NASA issues sudden alert as massive asteroid come too close to Earth at scary speed NASA chiefs said that Neowise will soon fall too low in Earth's orbit to prove the required scientific data, however, since there is an "uptick in solar activity" which means that the upper atmosphere of Earth will be heated and expanded to the point. Here's how NASA sent the final command to NEOWISE The space agency's officials gathered at its Jet Propulsion Lab in California and sent the final command to NEOWISE (Near-Earth Object Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer) to turn off its transmitter after remaining in operation for nearly 15 years as technicians worked to retrieve the remaining data. "The NEOWISE mission has been an extraordinary success story as it helped us better understand our place in the universe by tracking asteroids and comets that could be hazardous for us on Earth," said Nicola Fox, who is an associate administrator for the Science Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters, in a statement. Watch: NASA faces tight deadline to return stranded astronauts to Earth "While we are sad to see this brave mission come to an end, we are excited for the future scientific discoveries it has opened by setting the foundation for the next generation planetary defence telescope," she said. In December 2009, NEOWISE was launched with a different name and it had a different mission. Earlier, it was called WISE (Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer) and its work was to scan the entire infrared sky in the span of a seven-month prime mission. It did so "with far greater sensitivity than previous surveys," said NASA officials in the statement. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA's asteroid-hunting telescope set to crash on Earth, turn into a fireball

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuid2QWicgVBNAal" /></p>

<p>In present times, Greenland's 98 per cent area is covered with ice, however, less than a million&nbsp;years ago, it was almost ice-free and was filled with green tundra, as per the new research.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>After studying a new fossil discovery from Greenland, the study has stated that the evidence "provides the first direct evidence that the centre — not just the edges — of Greenland's ice sheet melted away in the recent geological past". This was part of the statement&nbsp;released by the University of Vermont.</p>

<p>"Our new data is the strongest confirmation yet that the ice in the centre of the island vanished and was replaced by a tundra ecosystem," said study lead author Paul Bierman, who is a geologist at the University of Vermont, while speaking to Live Science.</p>

<p>For studying the Greenland's past, a sample of ice core which was extracted in 1993 was reexamined by the research team.</p>

<p>In the analysis, the scientists discovered a plethora of fossils, which included fungi, willow and insect body parts. However, the scientist's most spectacular discovery was made in the preserved Arctic poppy seed, which left the team astonished.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/days-are-becoming-longer-as-climate-change-altering-earths-axis-of-rotation-741428">Days are becoming longer as climate change is altering Earth's axis of rotation</a></p>

<p>"The original plan with the sample was to measure [carbon-dating] isotopes, we didn't know we were going to find fossils," said Bierman.</p>

<p>The scientists also found important evidence in the specimen of rock spike moss<em> </em>(Selaginella rupestris) which is still present in sandy and rocky places.</p>

<p>"They need the things all plants need to grow, and they can't get those on top of an ice sheet," said Halley Mastro, a graduate student at the University of Vermont and co-author of the study, while speaking to Live Science. "They just wouldn't grow," he added.</p>

<h2><strong>Scientists detect loss of ice in Greenland million years ago</strong></h2>

<p>In a 2016 study conducted on the core, it was suggested that the current Greenland ice sheet was almost 1.1 million yeas old.</p>

<p>The scientists also estimated that the loss of the ice at a site, known as GISP2, will mean that 90 per cent of Greenland was nearly ice-free at that time.</p>

<p>Bierman and Mastro reexamined the 1993 core which was kept at the National Science Foundation Ice Core Facility in Colorado for nearly 30 years. "The ice part of the core has been extensively analysed," said Bierman.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Impact of Climate Change on Vineyard: High temp force grapes to mature early</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/impact-of-climate-change-on-vineyard-high-temp-force-grapes-to-mature-early-748711/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>"The people who were taking the ice cores weren't thinking much about what was beneath. After one set of analysis on the sediment, it was put in a bag on a shelf. We would not have known to check if we didn't already have a project working on sediments below the ice," he added.</p>

<p>"It will take decades, if not centuries, to lose its ice completely, but most of the&nbsp;sea level rise, more than other places, is coming from Greenland," said Bierman.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In present times, Greenland's 98 per cent area is covered with ice, however, less than a million years ago, it was almost ice-free and was filled with green tundra, as per the new research.

In present times, Greenland's 98 per cent area is covered with ice, however, less than a million years ago, it was almost ice-free and was filled with green tundra, as per the new research. After studying a new fossil discovery from Greenland, the study has stated that the evidence "provides the first direct evidence that the centre — not just the edges — of Greenland's ice sheet melted away in the recent geological past". This was part of the statement released by the University of Vermont. "Our new data is the strongest confirmation yet that the ice in the centre of the island vanished and was replaced by a tundra ecosystem," said study lead author Paul Bierman, who is a geologist at the University of Vermont, while speaking to Live Science. For studying the Greenland's past, a sample of ice core which was extracted in 1993 was reexamined by the research team. In the analysis, the scientists discovered a plethora of fossils, which included fungi, willow and insect body parts. However, the scientist's most spectacular discovery was made in the preserved Arctic poppy seed, which left the team astonished. Also Read: Days are becoming longer as climate change is altering Earth's axis of rotation "The original plan with the sample was to measure [carbon-dating] isotopes, we didn't know we were going to find fossils," said Bierman. The scientists also found important evidence in the specimen of rock spike moss (Selaginella rupestris) which is still present in sandy and rocky places. "They need the things all plants need to grow, and they can't get those on top of an ice sheet," said Halley Mastro, a graduate student at the University of Vermont and co-author of the study, while speaking to Live Science. "They just wouldn't grow," he added. Scientists detect loss of ice in Greenland million years ago In a 2016 study conducted on the core, it was suggested that the current Greenland ice sheet was almost 1.1 million yeas old. The scientists also estimated that the loss of the ice at a site, known as GISP2, will mean that 90 per cent of Greenland was nearly ice-free at that time. Bierman and Mastro reexamined the 1993 core which was kept at the National Science Foundation Ice Core Facility in Colorado for nearly 30 years. "The ice part of the core has been extensively analysed," said Bierman. Watch: Impact of Climate Change on Vineyard: High temp force grapes to mature early "The people who were taking the ice cores weren't thinking much about what was beneath. After one set of analysis on the sediment, it was put in a bag on a shelf. We would not have known to check if we didn't already have a project working on sediments below the ice," he added. "It will take decades, if not centuries, to lose its ice completely, but most of the sea level rise, more than other places, is coming from Greenland," said Bierman. (With inputs from agencies)

Greenland once had no ice, was green tundra filled with flowers a million years ago: Study

<p>Scientists have made a significant breakthrough that may help deal with the ongoing challenge of obesity. They have discovered that intermittent calorie restriction can cause significant changes in the gut and the brain, which may open up new ways for healthy weight management.</p>

<p>Chinese researchers conducted an intermittent energy restriction (IER) programme, which involves controlled calorie intake and fasting on some days. It involved observing 25 obese volunteers for 62 days.</p>

<p>The participants reportedly lost about 7.6 kilogrammes, 7.8 per cent of their body weight. A shift in brain activity in obesity-related regions and the formation of gut bacteria were also observed.</p>

<p>"Here we show that an IER diet changes the human brain-gut-microbiome axis," said Qiang Zeng, a health researcher from the Second Medical Center and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases in China, according to Science Alert. The study was published in Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology in December 2023.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/are-potatoes-not-unhealthy-new-research-reveals-they-may-work-magic-for-heart-health-749139">Are potatoes not unhealthy? New research reveals they may work magic for heart health</a></strong></p>

<p>"The observed changes in the gut microbiome and in the activity in addiction-related brain regions during and after weight loss are highly dynamic and coupled over time."</p>

<p>While it is unclear what resulted in these changes, knowing that the gut and brain are closely related can help in controlling food intake by treating specific regions of the brain.</p>

<p>Through functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scans, changes were observed in the brain regions that regulate appetite and addiction, along with the inferior frontal orbital gyrus. Gut microbiome changes linked to similar brain activity were also noticed by analysing blood and stool samples.</p>

<p>"The gut microbiome is thought to communicate with the brain in a complex, two-directional way," said Xiaoning Wang, medical scientist from the State Clinic Center for Geriatrics, China.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/deadly-microbes-may-breed-in-this-common-home-appliance-heres-all-you-need-to-know-748440">Deadly microbes may breed in THIS common home appliance. Here's all you need to know</a></strong></p>

<p>"The microbiome produces neurotransmitters and neurotoxins, which access the brain through nerves and the blood circulation. In return, the brain controls eating behaviour, while nutrients from our diet change the composition of the gut microbiome."</p>

<p>Over a billion people globally are known to suffer from obesity, which is a major contributor to the risk of other serious health issues, including heart disease and cancer. Understanding how the brain and gut function together can bring about remarkable change in treating and preventing obesity.</p>

<p>"The next question to be answered is the precise mechanism by which the gut microbiome and the brain communicate in obese people, including during weight loss," said Liming Wang, a biomedical scientist from the Chinese Academy of Sciences.</p>

<p>"What specific gut microbiome and brain regions are critical for successful weight loss and maintaining a healthy weight?"</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Scientists have made a significant breakthrough that may help deal with the ongoing challenge of obesity. They have discovered that intermittent calorie restriction can cause significant changes in the gut and the brain, which may open up new ways for healthy weight management.

Scientists have made a significant breakthrough that may help deal with the ongoing challenge of obesity. They have discovered that intermittent calorie restriction can cause significant changes in the gut and the brain, which may open up new ways for healthy weight management. Chinese researchers conducted an intermittent energy restriction (IER) programme, which involves controlled calorie intake and fasting on some days. It involved observing 25 obese volunteers for 62 days. The participants reportedly lost about 7.6 kilogrammes, 7.8 per cent of their body weight. A shift in brain activity in obesity-related regions and the formation of gut bacteria were also observed. "Here we show that an IER diet changes the human brain-gut-microbiome axis," said Qiang Zeng, a health researcher from the Second Medical Center and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases in China, according to Science Alert. The study was published in Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology in December 2023. Also read | Are potatoes not unhealthy? New research reveals they may work magic for heart health "The observed changes in the gut microbiome and in the activity in addiction-related brain regions during and after weight loss are highly dynamic and coupled over time." While it is unclear what resulted in these changes, knowing that the gut and brain are closely related can help in controlling food intake by treating specific regions of the brain. Through functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scans, changes were observed in the brain regions that regulate appetite and addiction, along with the inferior frontal orbital gyrus. Gut microbiome changes linked to similar brain activity were also noticed by analysing blood and stool samples. "The gut microbiome is thought to communicate with the brain in a complex, two-directional way," said Xiaoning Wang, medical scientist from the State Clinic Center for Geriatrics, China. Also read | Deadly microbes may breed in THIS common home appliance. Here's all you need to know "The microbiome produces neurotransmitters and neurotoxins, which access the brain through nerves and the blood circulation. In return, the brain controls eating behaviour, while nutrients from our diet change the composition of the gut microbiome." Over a billion people globally are known to suffer from obesity, which is a major contributor to the risk of other serious health issues, including heart disease and cancer. Understanding how the brain and gut function together can bring about remarkable change in treating and preventing obesity. "The next question to be answered is the precise mechanism by which the gut microbiome and the brain communicate in obese people, including during weight loss," said Liming Wang, a biomedical scientist from the Chinese Academy of Sciences. "What specific gut microbiome and brain regions are critical for successful weight loss and maintaining a healthy weight?" (With inputs from agencies)

In breakthrough discovery, Chinese scientists find new way to control obesity

<p>Potatoes have never been considered a very healthy vegetable and their less starchy counterparts always took all the spotlight.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, new research has revealed that potatoes can be a game-changer in the diet of people battling Type 2 diabetes&nbsp;and can also improve heart health.</p>

<p>Potatoes, which often get slammed for their carbohydrate content, are a powerhouse of nutrients which can improve blood sugar levels as well as decrease waistlines.</p>

<p>Although potatoes have various health benefits and are filled with rich minerals, they have been stigmatised as not being very healthy by weight-conscious individuals.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/indian-cop-suspended-for-demanding-5-kg-potatoes-as-bribe-749125">Indian cop suspended for demanding '5 kg potatoes' as bribe</a></p>

<p>However, the new research, led by Neda Akhavan, assistant professor in the Department of Kinesiology and Nutrition Sciences at&nbsp;UNLV’s School of Integrated Health Sciences, is set to revolutionise the image of potatoes.</p>

<p>“I like doing research on food items that are highly stigmatized in the nutrition world. Most people associate the potato as something that is mostly fried or has a lot of fat, and we wanted to shine a light on how a potato – when prepared properly – can be both functional and healthy," said Akhavan.</p>

<h2><strong>How was the&nbsp;research carried out?</strong></h2>

<p>In the research, 24 individuals - who had Type 2 diabetes - were fed pre-prepared baked potatoes as a&nbsp;daily snack&nbsp;or side dish.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A control group ate an equivalent serving of white rice. The study was carried out for 12 weeks, and changes in cardiometabolic health indicators and glycemic control were observed.</p>

<h2><strong>What was the outcome of the study?</strong></h2>

<p>In the results, the potatoes emerged as a winner, as those who ate them had a modest decrease in fasting blood glucose levels and their waist circumference and body composition improved while there was a reduction in resting heart rate.</p>

<p>“The results from our study provide evidence that white potatoes can be healthfully incorporated in the diet of individuals with Type 2 diabetes when substituted for other foods with a high glycemic load, such as long-grain white rice," Akhavan said.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;India’s poor struggle amid high food costs</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indias-poor-struggle-amid-high-food-costs-747209/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>“Additionally, there were no harmful effects on measured health outcomes, and some cardiometabolic&nbsp;health benefits&nbsp;were shown, which aligned with what we expected to see. Therefore, diabetics should not shy away from potatoes," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Akhavan said it is important to prepare potatoes in moderation. “Potatoes are a very versatile food and can be eaten with most types of cuisines, but you want to make sure to incorporate them into a well-rounded diet," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Potatoes have never been considered a very healthy vegetable and their less starchy counterparts always took all the spotlight. However, new research has revealed that potatoes can be a game-changer in the diet of people battling Type 2 diabetes and can also improve heart health.

Potatoes have never been considered a very healthy vegetable and their less starchy counterparts always took all the spotlight. However, new research has revealed that potatoes can be a game-changer in the diet of people battling Type 2 diabetes and can also improve heart health. Potatoes, which often get slammed for their carbohydrate content, are a powerhouse of nutrients which can improve blood sugar levels as well as decrease waistlines. Although potatoes have various health benefits and are filled with rich minerals, they have been stigmatised as not being very healthy by weight-conscious individuals. Also Read: Indian cop suspended for demanding '5 kg potatoes' as bribe However, the new research, led by Neda Akhavan, assistant professor in the Department of Kinesiology and Nutrition Sciences at UNLV’s School of Integrated Health Sciences, is set to revolutionise the image of potatoes. “I like doing research on food items that are highly stigmatized in the nutrition world. Most people associate the potato as something that is mostly fried or has a lot of fat, and we wanted to shine a light on how a potato – when prepared properly – can be both functional and healthy," said Akhavan. How was the research carried out? In the research, 24 individuals - who had Type 2 diabetes - were fed pre-prepared baked potatoes as a daily snack or side dish. A control group ate an equivalent serving of white rice. The study was carried out for 12 weeks, and changes in cardiometabolic health indicators and glycemic control were observed. What was the outcome of the study? In the results, the potatoes emerged as a winner, as those who ate them had a modest decrease in fasting blood glucose levels and their waist circumference and body composition improved while there was a reduction in resting heart rate. “The results from our study provide evidence that white potatoes can be healthfully incorporated in the diet of individuals with Type 2 diabetes when substituted for other foods with a high glycemic load, such as long-grain white rice," Akhavan said. Watch: India’s poor struggle amid high food costs “Additionally, there were no harmful effects on measured health outcomes, and some cardiometabolic health benefits were shown, which aligned with what we expected to see. Therefore, diabetics should not shy away from potatoes," he added. Akhavan said it is important to prepare potatoes in moderation. “Potatoes are a very versatile food and can be eaten with most types of cuisines, but you want to make sure to incorporate them into a well-rounded diet," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Are potatoes not unhealthy? New research reveals they may work magic for heart health

<p>A sudden asteroid alert has been issued by NASA regarding a near-Earth object after they detected that space rock 2024 PK2 will make its closest approach on August 11.</p>

<p>The 83-foot asteroid is as big as a small building and is set to pass by Earth at a distance of 795,000 miles.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The asteroid is part of the Aten group, which is a group of asteroids that frequently intersect Earth's orbit.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/supergiant-610-ft-asteroid-will-make-a-close-flyby-earth-on-this-date-is-it-dangerous-or-748081">Supergiant 610-ft asteroid will make a close flyby Earth on THIS date. Is it dangerous or...</a></p>

<p>The asteroid will approach Earth at a scary speed of approximately 19,500 miles per hour (31,380 kilometres per hour).</p>

<p>Although the distance appears vast, it is very close in astronomical terms which is why it becomes imperative for NASA to monitor these near-Earth objects (NEOs) like 2024 PK2. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The distance between the asteroid and Earth is three times the distance between the Moon and the planet which makes the space rock a near-Earth object which needs to be tracked by NASA because of its proximity to the planet.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>How is NASA tracking near-Earth asteroids?</strong></h2>

<p>NASA, along with other space agencies, has established a network of telescopes and advanced computing for identifying near-Earth objects (NEOs).&nbsp;</p>

<p>Even though many of the NEOs don't come very near to Earth, some of them do come at a scary distance and get tagged as potentially hazardous asteroids which need more attention.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Sunita Williams could have to stay in space till 2025</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/sunita-williams-could-have-to-stay-in-space-till-2025-748334/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>Such asteroids are more than 460 feet (140 metres) in size and their orbits bring them within a distance of 7.5 million kilometres from Earth. NASA's Center for Near-Earth Object Studies (CNEOS) has been monitoring all the NEOs and looking for any potential impact risks.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A sudden asteroid alert has been issued by NASA regarding a near-Earth object after they detected that space rock 2024 PK2 will make its closest approach on August 11.

A sudden asteroid alert has been issued by NASA regarding a near-Earth object after they detected that space rock 2024 PK2 will make its closest approach on August 11. The 83-foot asteroid is as big as a small building and is set to pass by Earth at a distance of 795,000 miles. The asteroid is part of the Aten group, which is a group of asteroids that frequently intersect Earth's orbit. Also Read: Supergiant 610-ft asteroid will make a close flyby Earth on THIS date. Is it dangerous or... The asteroid will approach Earth at a scary speed of approximately 19,500 miles per hour (31,380 kilometres per hour). Although the distance appears vast, it is very close in astronomical terms which is why it becomes imperative for NASA to monitor these near-Earth objects (NEOs) like 2024 PK2. The distance between the asteroid and Earth is three times the distance between the Moon and the planet which makes the space rock a near-Earth object which needs to be tracked by NASA because of its proximity to the planet. How is NASA tracking near-Earth asteroids? NASA, along with other space agencies, has established a network of telescopes and advanced computing for identifying near-Earth objects (NEOs). Even though many of the NEOs don't come very near to Earth, some of them do come at a scary distance and get tagged as potentially hazardous asteroids which need more attention. Watch: Sunita Williams could have to stay in space till 2025 Such asteroids are more than 460 feet (140 metres) in size and their orbits bring them within a distance of 7.5 million kilometres from Earth. NASA's Center for Near-Earth Object Studies (CNEOS) has been monitoring all the NEOs and looking for any potential impact risks. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA issues sudden alert as massive asteroid comes too close to Earth at scary speed

<p>The Gaia telescope of the European Space Agency has spotted 352 asteroids around potential moons.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the scientists, these asteroids did not have any companions and hence were what is known as "binary asteroids".</p>

<p>Because of the ultra-accurate astrometric data of the telescope, the scientists were able to find signs of tiny rocks flying around huge asteroids.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the ESA, this also proves the ability of Gaia to conduct 'blind' searches for finding unknown candidates and work like an asteroid explorer.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-issues-sudden-alert-as-massive-asteroid-rushes-to-come-too-close-to-earth-at-scary-speed-749113">NASA issues sudden alert as massive asteroid rushes to come too close to Earth at scary speed</a></p>

<p>After the findings are confirmed, the 352 binary asteroid candidates will be added to the list.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Scientists are interested in binary asteroids because they have clues about the ancient universe and help astronomers study how various bodies were formed in space.</p>

<h2>Why are binary asteroids important for scientists?</h2>

<p>The study's lead author, Luana Liberato, said that it is difficult to find the binary asteroids because of their small size and huge distance.</p>

<p>“Binary asteroids are difficult to find as they are mostly so small and far away from us,” Liberato said.</p>

<p>"Despite us expecting just under one-sixth of asteroids to have a companion, so far we have only found 500 of the million known asteroids to be in binary systems. But this discovery shows that there are many asteroid moons out there just waiting to be found," said Liberato who is also an astronomer&nbsp;at France's Observatoire de la Côte d’Azur.</p>

<p>Since 2013, Gaia has been an asteroid explorer and has all-sky scanning capabilities, because of which it has made various remarkable asteroid&nbsp;discoveries.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Earth slows down by 1.33 milliseconds</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/earth-slows-down-by-133-milliseconds-741345/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>By studying these moon-asteroid pairs, scientists can improve their knowledge of the gravitational interactions that influence their stability and orbits.</p>

<p>“Binary asteroids have attracted the attention of the scientific community due to their interesting properties and the significant impact they have on our understanding of the solar system,” the study authors stated.</p>

<p>“Unlike single asteroids, binary systems offer unique insights into many fundamental processes, including the formation and evolution of planetary bodies, collision dynamics, and gravitational interactions," they added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Gaia telescope of the European Space Agency has spotted 352 asteroids around potential moons. According to the scientists, these asteroids did not have any companions and hence were what is known as "binary asteroids".

The Gaia telescope of the European Space Agency has spotted 352 asteroids around potential moons. According to the scientists, these asteroids did not have any companions and hence were what is known as "binary asteroids". Because of the ultra-accurate astrometric data of the telescope, the scientists were able to find signs of tiny rocks flying around huge asteroids. According to the ESA, this also proves the ability of Gaia to conduct 'blind' searches for finding unknown candidates and work like an asteroid explorer. Also Read: NASA issues sudden alert as massive asteroid rushes to come too close to Earth at scary speed After the findings are confirmed, the 352 binary asteroid candidates will be added to the list. Scientists are interested in binary asteroids because they have clues about the ancient universe and help astronomers study how various bodies were formed in space. Why are binary asteroids important for scientists? The study's lead author, Luana Liberato, said that it is difficult to find the binary asteroids because of their small size and huge distance. “Binary asteroids are difficult to find as they are mostly so small and far away from us,” Liberato said. "Despite us expecting just under one-sixth of asteroids to have a companion, so far we have only found 500 of the million known asteroids to be in binary systems. But this discovery shows that there are many asteroid moons out there just waiting to be found," said Liberato who is also an astronomer at France's Observatoire de la Côte d’Azur. Since 2013, Gaia has been an asteroid explorer and has all-sky scanning capabilities, because of which it has made various remarkable asteroid discoveries. Watch: Earth slows down by 1.33 milliseconds By studying these moon-asteroid pairs, scientists can improve their knowledge of the gravitational interactions that influence their stability and orbits. “Binary asteroids have attracted the attention of the scientific community due to their interesting properties and the significant impact they have on our understanding of the solar system,” the study authors stated. “Unlike single asteroids, binary systems offer unique insights into many fundamental processes, including the formation and evolution of planetary bodies, collision dynamics, and gravitational interactions," they added. (With inputs from agencies)

ESA's Gaia telescope detects 352 asteroids hovering around elusive moons

<p>The JUICE mission of the European Space Agency is set to complete a new manoeuvre and break two records.</p>

<p>This is the first time the spacecraft will use two objects to carry out a gravity assist maneuver,&nbsp;and for the first time, it will also attempt Lunar-Earth flyby.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Lunar-Earth Gravity Assist (LEGA) is likely to save JUICE many propellants, which the mission will use at a later stage.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-issues-sudden-alert-as-massive-asteroid-rushes-to-come-too-close-to-earth-at-scary-speed-749113">NASA issues sudden alert as massive asteroid rushes to come too close to Earth at scary speed</a></p>

<p>This is a tough manoeuvre which was first planned 15 years ago and for this, the spacecraft should be launched at a precise second so that it is able to find the Earth and the Moon in the correct position.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>How ESA's JUICE mission will fly by the Moon and Earth?</strong></h2>

<p>The spacecraft will first go around the Moon at 21:16 UTC on Monday evening (August 19) while losing some of its speed.</p>

<p>After 25 hours, it is expected to approach Earth. Because of Earth, it will slow down further and go towards Venus, however, there will be no room for errors.</p>

<p>“It’s like passing through a very narrow corridor, very, very quickly: pushing the accelerator to the maximum when the margin at the side of the road is just millimetres," said Spacecraft Operations Manager, Ignacio Tanco, in a&nbsp;statement.</p>

<p>“It’s a very important mission because we want to find out whether there are habitable places inside the icy moons, so Europa, Ganymede, or Callisto. That’s the main question of the mission,” said Dr Olivier Witasse, who is a planetary scientist working on the scientific aspects of the mission,&nbsp;while speaking to IFLScience.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Earth slows down by 1.33 milliseconds</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/earth-slows-down-by-133-milliseconds-741345/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>According to the team, the fuel saved in this manoeuvre will help the JUICE mission orbit at nearly 200 kilometres (120 miles) from the surface of Jupiter's moon Ganymede because of which the spacecraft will be able to make precise observations.&nbsp;</p>

<p>With the help of the flyby, the spacecraft will get in the right orbit and speed will make sure that the instruments are working well. This means that the scientists will be able to test a whole set of instruments during the flyby.</p>

<p>“This could not be done in the lab. This will be an excellent test to check the performance of the radar in the context of the full spacecraft operating,”&nbsp;said Nicolas Altobelli, planetary scientist with ESA, while speaking at a press conference.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The JUICE mission of the European Space Agency is set to complete a new manoeuvre and break two records. This is the first time the spacecraft will use two objects to carry out a gravity assist maneuver, and for the first time, it will also attempt Lunar-Earth flyby.

The JUICE mission of the European Space Agency is set to complete a new manoeuvre and break two records. This is the first time the spacecraft will use two objects to carry out a gravity assist maneuver, and for the first time, it will also attempt Lunar-Earth flyby. The Lunar-Earth Gravity Assist (LEGA) is likely to save JUICE many propellants, which the mission will use at a later stage. Also Read: NASA issues sudden alert as massive asteroid rushes to come too close to Earth at scary speed This is a tough manoeuvre which was first planned 15 years ago and for this, the spacecraft should be launched at a precise second so that it is able to find the Earth and the Moon in the correct position. How ESA's JUICE mission will fly by the Moon and Earth? The spacecraft will first go around the Moon at 21:16 UTC on Monday evening (August 19) while losing some of its speed. After 25 hours, it is expected to approach Earth. Because of Earth, it will slow down further and go towards Venus, however, there will be no room for errors. “It’s like passing through a very narrow corridor, very, very quickly: pushing the accelerator to the maximum when the margin at the side of the road is just millimetres," said Spacecraft Operations Manager, Ignacio Tanco, in a statement. “It’s a very important mission because we want to find out whether there are habitable places inside the icy moons, so Europa, Ganymede, or Callisto. That’s the main question of the mission,” said Dr Olivier Witasse, who is a planetary scientist working on the scientific aspects of the mission, while speaking to IFLScience. Watch: Earth slows down by 1.33 milliseconds According to the team, the fuel saved in this manoeuvre will help the JUICE mission orbit at nearly 200 kilometres (120 miles) from the surface of Jupiter's moon Ganymede because of which the spacecraft will be able to make precise observations. With the help of the flyby, the spacecraft will get in the right orbit and speed will make sure that the instruments are working well. This means that the scientists will be able to test a whole set of instruments during the flyby. “This could not be done in the lab. This will be an excellent test to check the performance of the radar in the context of the full spacecraft operating,” said Nicolas Altobelli, planetary scientist with ESA, while speaking at a press conference. (With inputs from agencies)

ESA's JUICE mission is set to attempt first-ever Lunar-Earth flyby. Here's how it will impact planet

<p>Mars and Jupiter are warming up in the night sky for their closest encounter of the decade on Wednesday (Aug 14).</p>

<p>While the planets would be more than 350 million miles away from each other in their orbits, from our perspective, they would seem extremely close with just a small gap between them.</p>

<p>As per an AP report, the red planet and the biggest planet will be at their minimum distance, about one-third of a degree or one-third of the moon's width.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/frightening-new-theory-suggests-the-universe-should-have-never-been-born-748613">Universe should have killed itself right after Big Bang, new study suggests</a></strong></p>

<p>They will appear in most of the Americas, Europe, and Africa during the daylight hours. However, they will not be visible any different even during the dark sky the previous day or some hours earlier, according to Jon Giorgini of NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California.</p>

<p>The planets will be best visible before dawn in the eastern sky, along the constellation Taurus. This kind of astronomical event, planetary conjunction, only happens once in three years or so.</p>

<p>“Such events are mostly items of curiosity and beauty for those watching the sky, wondering what the two bright objects so close together might be,” said Giorgini in an email to AP. “The science is in the ability to accurately predict the events years in advance.”</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-plan-life-bank-on-moon-to-save-dying-species-on-earth-heres-how-748397">Moon can save the dying species on Earth. Here's how</a></strong></p>

<p>The two celestial bodies haven't crossed orbits this close since 2018. This event won't occur again until 2033 when they will be even nearer.</p>

<p>According to Giorgini, the closest Mars and Jupiter had been in the last 1,000 years was in 1761, when they were visible to the naked eye as one bright star. In the future, they will be almost as close in the year 2348.</p>

<p>This exciting linking of Mars and Jupiter will occur during the same time as the Perseid meteor shower. This is one of the brightest showers in the year and will be visible to the naked eye.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Mars and Jupiter are warming up in the night sky for their closest encounter of the decade on Wednesday (Aug 14). While the planets would be more than 350 million miles away from each other in their orbits, from our perspective, they would seem extremely close with just a small gap between them.

Mars and Jupiter are warming up in the night sky for their closest encounter of the decade on Wednesday (Aug 14). While the planets would be more than 350 million miles away from each other in their orbits, from our perspective, they would seem extremely close with just a small gap between them. As per an AP report, the red planet and the biggest planet will be at their minimum distance, about one-third of a degree or one-third of the moon's width. Also read | Universe should have killed itself right after Big Bang, new study suggests They will appear in most of the Americas, Europe, and Africa during the daylight hours. However, they will not be visible any different even during the dark sky the previous day or some hours earlier, according to Jon Giorgini of NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California. The planets will be best visible before dawn in the eastern sky, along the constellation Taurus. This kind of astronomical event, planetary conjunction, only happens once in three years or so. “Such events are mostly items of curiosity and beauty for those watching the sky, wondering what the two bright objects so close together might be,” said Giorgini in an email to AP. “The science is in the ability to accurately predict the events years in advance.” Also read | Moon can save the dying species on Earth. Here's how The two celestial bodies haven't crossed orbits this close since 2018. This event won't occur again until 2033 when they will be even nearer. According to Giorgini, the closest Mars and Jupiter had been in the last 1,000 years was in 1761, when they were visible to the naked eye as one bright star. In the future, they will be almost as close in the year 2348. This exciting linking of Mars and Jupiter will occur during the same time as the Perseid meteor shower. This is one of the brightest showers in the year and will be visible to the naked eye. (With inputs from agencies)

Mars and Jupiter to get closest in this spectacular astronomical event of decade

<p>Severe tooth loss that generally happens in old age is now not just a dental issue but is linked to the higher risk of dying from stroke or other heart disease. Several studies have broadly defined the link between losing one or more teeth and an increased risk of cardiovascular and heart diseases.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Poor oral health is known as a risk factor for several heart diseases. It sounds like a strange connection, but it is possible that poor oral hygiene or tooth loss could let pesky pathogens penetrate the gums, causing infections that flow slowly into the circulation and cause inflammation, which may affect the heart. But there are many other factors like smoking, cholesterol levels, and blood pressure levels that play a vital role in the increased risk of heart diseases.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Therefore, it is difficult for researchers to establish a legitimate connection between tooth loss and cardiovascular diseases. According to some studies, there is no connection, the association between tooth loss and cardiovascular diseases disappeared when smoking was factored into a 2018 analysis, while other studies suggested there is a connection through evidence.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
There is an attempt to clear some of these contradictions through a new analysis focusing on severe tooth loss, collecting data from 12 already published studies that each tracked CVD and oral outcomes for the age between three and forty-nine years.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read|<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-issues-sudden-alert-as-massive-asteroid-rushes-to-come-too-close-to-earth-at-scary-speed-749113">NASA issues sudden alert as massive asteroid rushes to come too close to Earth at scary speed</a>|</strong></p>

<p>Anita Aminoshariae, a dental researcher and endodontist at Case Western Reserve University in Ohio, says, “Our findings clearly show that tooth loss is not just a dental issue, but a significant predictor of cardiovascular disease mortality.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>The analysis found that people who had lost most or all of their teeth are at a 66% risk of getting severe heart-related issues and are at a high risk of dying through these diseases as compared to those who had not lost teeth or lost only a few.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This connection varied far from the five studies conducted on people who had fewer than ten teeth remaining, than the studies that looked at people with no teeth left at all. However, the higher risk of dying through cardiovascular disease for people who lost rough or more than 22 teeth remained evident.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read|<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/chinese-scientists-find-a-new-way-to-control-obesity-in-a-breakthrough-discovery-749144">Chinese scientists find a new way to control obesity in a breakthrough discovery</a>|</strong></p>

<p>All the 12 studies included in the analysis are adjusted for age and smoking status, and 10 out of them are found to have at least five surprising factors that are associated with CVD risk.&nbsp;On getting these factors tested to check whether they will affect their results, the risk continued, "confirming the impact of [severe] tooth loss on CVD mortality," Anita Aminoshariae and colleagues wrote in their published paper in the Journal of Endodontics. &nbsp;</p>

<p>This observational studies analysis only pointed towards the connections, and not direct causes, the analysis suggests that the risk of CVDs could partly be addressed by improving oral health. Aminoshariae and her colleagues conclude by saying, "Thus, saving teeth and keeping an optimal oral health cannot be underestimated.”<br />
<br />
The study has been published in the Journal of Endodontics.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


Severe tooth loss that generally happens in old age is now not just a dental issue but is linked to the higher risk of dying from stroke or other heart disease. Several studies have broadly defined the link between losing one or more teeth and an increased risk of cardiovascular and heart diseases.

Severe tooth loss that generally happens in old age is now not just a dental issue but is linked to the higher risk of dying from stroke or other heart disease. Several studies have broadly defined the link between losing one or more teeth and an increased risk of cardiovascular and heart diseases. Poor oral health is known as a risk factor for several heart diseases. It sounds like a strange connection, but it is possible that poor oral hygiene or tooth loss could let pesky pathogens penetrate the gums, causing infections that flow slowly into the circulation and cause inflammation, which may affect the heart. But there are many other factors like smoking, cholesterol levels, and blood pressure levels that play a vital role in the increased risk of heart diseases. Therefore, it is difficult for researchers to establish a legitimate connection between tooth loss and cardiovascular diseases. According to some studies, there is no connection, the association between tooth loss and cardiovascular diseases disappeared when smoking was factored into a 2018 analysis, while other studies suggested there is a connection through evidence. There is an attempt to clear some of these contradictions through a new analysis focusing on severe tooth loss, collecting data from 12 already published studies that each tracked CVD and oral outcomes for the age between three and forty-nine years. Also Read|NASA issues sudden alert as massive asteroid rushes to come too close to Earth at scary speed| Anita Aminoshariae, a dental researcher and endodontist at Case Western Reserve University in Ohio, says, “Our findings clearly show that tooth loss is not just a dental issue, but a significant predictor of cardiovascular disease mortality.” The analysis found that people who had lost most or all of their teeth are at a 66% risk of getting severe heart-related issues and are at a high risk of dying through these diseases as compared to those who had not lost teeth or lost only a few. This connection varied far from the five studies conducted on people who had fewer than ten teeth remaining, than the studies that looked at people with no teeth left at all. However, the higher risk of dying through cardiovascular disease for people who lost rough or more than 22 teeth remained evident. Also Read|Chinese scientists find a new way to control obesity in a breakthrough discovery| All the 12 studies included in the analysis are adjusted for age and smoking status, and 10 out of them are found to have at least five surprising factors that are associated with CVD risk. On getting these factors tested to check whether they will affect their results, the risk continued, "confirming the impact of [severe] tooth loss on CVD mortality," Anita Aminoshariae and colleagues wrote in their published paper in the Journal of Endodontics. This observational studies analysis only pointed towards the connections, and not direct causes, the analysis suggests that the risk of CVDs could partly be addressed by improving oral health. Aminoshariae and her colleagues conclude by saying, "Thus, saving teeth and keeping an optimal oral health cannot be underestimated.” The study has been published in the Journal of Endodontics. (With inputs from agencies)

Study finds severe tooth loss linked to increased risk of heart disease

<p>Human beings are looking at the Moon with a lot of hope. They want to build a base on the Moon, set up railway tracks and use it as a bumping point to go to Mars. Now another fascinating idea surrounding our satellite is in the works. Scientists are planning to save endangered animals and other species by sending them to the Moon.&nbsp;</p>

<p>They want to create a “biorepository” on the Moon which will include frozen biological material of different species. Under the plan, liquid nitrogen will be used to cryogenically freeze DNA, seeds, spores and even cells or tissues.&nbsp;These frozen materials will be then transported to the Moon aboard a rocket ship where they will be placed at its north and south poles. The temperatures in these regions are around -180 degrees to -230 degrees Celsius. This will ensure the material remains frozen until man finds a way to revive these species.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Worryingly, over one&nbsp;million species are currently at risk of extinction, and this plan, at least in theory, provides a way to save these species.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Why Moon and not Earth?</strong></h2>

<p>The Moon scores over Earth for saving these specimens primarily because of its temperature. A life bank on the moon wouldn't need artificial cooling techniques to be implemented as the lunar poles are extremely cold with a freezing temperature of -410°F (-246°C). On Earth, such methods would require a huge investment, whereas on the Moon, once the specimens are transported, no extra costs would be incurred.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/continents-have-been-mysteriously-rising-for-years-now-scientists-now-know-why-748286">Continents have been mysteriously rising for years now. Scientists now know why</a></strong></p>

<p>The Moon is also a safe spot considering it doesn't experience any natural disasters. Besides, the lack of human control of any form means there won't be any uproar about who owns the specimen. There would also be no risk of contamination and degradation. Thick layers of lunar regolith will also ensure protection against radiation.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH:&nbsp;Moon Drifting Away From Earth Approximately 3.8 Centimeter Per Year - Study</strong></p>

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<p>The idea also fits into the long-term plan of humans to colonise the Moon and move beyond it. Cryopreservation methods will become more advanced in the process, and the effects of cosmic radiation on biological materials will also become known. These things will help humans devise methods and technology that can help in space travel.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As part of the project, scientists have frozen fin samples from the starry goby fish. The fins are helping scientists understand the challenges they might face to preserve life in the harsh conditions of space. Later, these frozen specimens will travel to the International Space Station (ISS) and face the harsh conditions of space first-hand.&nbsp;</p>


Human beings are looking at the Moon with a lot of hope. They want to build a base on the Moon, set up railway tracks and use it as a bumping point to go to Mars.

Human beings are looking at the Moon with a lot of hope. They want to build a base on the Moon, set up railway tracks and use it as a bumping point to go to Mars. Now another fascinating idea surrounding our satellite is in the works. Scientists are planning to save endangered animals and other species by sending them to the Moon. They want to create a “biorepository” on the Moon which will include frozen biological material of different species. Under the plan, liquid nitrogen will be used to cryogenically freeze DNA, seeds, spores and even cells or tissues. These frozen materials will be then transported to the Moon aboard a rocket ship where they will be placed at its north and south poles. The temperatures in these regions are around -180 degrees to -230 degrees Celsius. This will ensure the material remains frozen until man finds a way to revive these species. Worryingly, over one million species are currently at risk of extinction, and this plan, at least in theory, provides a way to save these species. Why Moon and not Earth? The Moon scores over Earth for saving these specimens primarily because of its temperature. A life bank on the moon wouldn't need artificial cooling techniques to be implemented as the lunar poles are extremely cold with a freezing temperature of -410°F (-246°C). On Earth, such methods would require a huge investment, whereas on the Moon, once the specimens are transported, no extra costs would be incurred. Also Read: Continents have been mysteriously rising for years now. Scientists now know why The Moon is also a safe spot considering it doesn't experience any natural disasters. Besides, the lack of human control of any form means there won't be any uproar about who owns the specimen. There would also be no risk of contamination and degradation. Thick layers of lunar regolith will also ensure protection against radiation. WATCH: Moon Drifting Away From Earth Approximately 3.8 Centimeter Per Year - Study × The idea also fits into the long-term plan of humans to colonise the Moon and move beyond it. Cryopreservation methods will become more advanced in the process, and the effects of cosmic radiation on biological materials will also become known. These things will help humans devise methods and technology that can help in space travel. As part of the project, scientists have frozen fin samples from the starry goby fish. The fins are helping scientists understand the challenges they might face to preserve life in the harsh conditions of space. Later, these frozen specimens will travel to the International Space Station (ISS) and face the harsh conditions of space first-hand.

Moon can save the dying species on Earth. Here's how

<p>A massive cloud of debris is moving around Earth after a Chinese rocket blew up&nbsp;in space. On Tuesday (Aug 6), the Chinese Long March 6A rocket launched&nbsp;18 satellites, delivering them to low Earth orbit (LEO), at an altitude of about 500 miles (800 kilometres). But, soon after, its upper stage broke apart and a cloud of debris spread all around. United States Space Command (USSPACECOM) says that the debris is now racing around our planet.</p>

<p>"USSPACECOM can confirm the breakup of a Long March 6A rocket launched on Aug. 6, 2024, resulting in over 300 pieces of trackable debris in low Earth orbit," it said in a statement on Thursday (Aug 8)&nbsp;Several smaller pieces are also likely moving around.</p>

<p>However, it confirmed that the debris does not pose any immediate threat.</p>

<p>"USSPACECOM has observed no immediate threats and continues to conduct routine conjunction assessments to support the safety and sustainability of the space domain," it added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 18 satellites are part of a planned megaconstellation whereby more than 14,000 low Earth orbit (LEO) communications satellites will be sent to space. The first set of satellites was for the Qianfan ("Thousand Sails") broadband network.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">🚨 Slingshot Orbital Alert 🚨<br />
<br />
Following China's launch of 18 G60 satellites on August 6th, Slingshot is tracking over 50 pieces of space debris that pose a significant hazard to LEO constellations below 800 km altitude. <a href="https://t.co/Etmui8X5Po">pic.twitter.com/Etmui8X5Po</a></p>
— Slingshot Aerospace (@sling_shot_aero) <a href="https://twitter.com/sling_shot_aero/status/1821312729321259095?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 7, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Slingshot Aerospace, a space-tracking and data analytics firm, also noted the presence of debris along the orbital path of the rocket body. However, it stated that they "pose a significant hazard to LEO constellations below 800 km altitude."</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/frightening-new-theory-suggests-the-universe-should-have-never-been-born-748613">Frightening new theory suggests the universe should have never been born</a></strong></p>

<p>“Composite images from Slingshot’s LEO-focused Horus optical fences show a series of bright, unexpected objects moving along the same orbital path as the rocket body and the G60 satellites it deployed,” Slingshot Aerospace noted in a statement.</p>

<h2><strong>Dangers of space debris</strong></h2>

<p>The California-based company also raised concerns about future launches that will be done as part of the megaconstellation. Audrey Schaffer, vice president of strategy and policy at Slingshot, told Space.com in an emailed statement, "If even a fraction of the launches required to field this Chinese megaconstellation generates as much debris as this first launch, the result would be an untenable addition to the space debris population in LEO."</p>

<p>Notably, space debris at such altitudes can continue to hover around for several years, depending on the size. The situation can turn scary if they hit a spacecraft which can then lead to more debris moving at 7.5 kilometres per second, or 27,000 km per hour.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This is not the first time that the Long March 6A rocket has spread debris in space. In November 2022, an upper-stage breakup of the rocket created hundreds of pieces of debris. This happened after it had deployed the Yunhai-3 weather satellite.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, according to NASA's "Orbital Debris Quarterly News" published in March 2023, 533 pieces of trackable debris were formed by January 2023. Any object that's at least four inches in diameter is termed trackable debris.&nbsp;</p>


A massive cloud of debris is moving around Earth after a Chinese rocket blew up in space. On Tuesday (Aug 6), the Chinese Long March 6A rocket launched 18 satellites, delivering them to low Earth orbit (LEO), at an altitude of about 500 miles (800 kilometres).

A massive cloud of debris is moving around Earth after a Chinese rocket blew up in space. On Tuesday (Aug 6), the Chinese Long March 6A rocket launched 18 satellites, delivering them to low Earth orbit (LEO), at an altitude of about 500 miles (800 kilometres). But, soon after, its upper stage broke apart and a cloud of debris spread all around. United States Space Command (USSPACECOM) says that the debris is now racing around our planet. "USSPACECOM can confirm the breakup of a Long March 6A rocket launched on Aug. 6, 2024, resulting in over 300 pieces of trackable debris in low Earth orbit," it said in a statement on Thursday (Aug 8) Several smaller pieces are also likely moving around. However, it confirmed that the debris does not pose any immediate threat. "USSPACECOM has observed no immediate threats and continues to conduct routine conjunction assessments to support the safety and sustainability of the space domain," it added. The 18 satellites are part of a planned megaconstellation whereby more than 14,000 low Earth orbit (LEO) communications satellites will be sent to space. The first set of satellites was for the Qianfan ("Thousand Sails") broadband network. 🚨 Slingshot Orbital Alert 🚨 Following China's launch of 18 G60 satellites on August 6th, Slingshot is tracking over 50 pieces of space debris that pose a significant hazard to LEO constellations below 800 km altitude. pic.twitter.com/Etmui8X5Po — Slingshot Aerospace (@sling_shot_aero) August 7, 2024 × Slingshot Aerospace, a space-tracking and data analytics firm, also noted the presence of debris along the orbital path of the rocket body. However, it stated that they "pose a significant hazard to LEO constellations below 800 km altitude." Also Read: Frightening new theory suggests the universe should have never been born “Composite images from Slingshot’s LEO-focused Horus optical fences show a series of bright, unexpected objects moving along the same orbital path as the rocket body and the G60 satellites it deployed,” Slingshot Aerospace noted in a statement. Dangers of space debris The California-based company also raised concerns about future launches that will be done as part of the megaconstellation. Audrey Schaffer, vice president of strategy and policy at Slingshot, told Space.com in an emailed statement, "If even a fraction of the launches required to field this Chinese megaconstellation generates as much debris as this first launch, the result would be an untenable addition to the space debris population in LEO." Notably, space debris at such altitudes can continue to hover around for several years, depending on the size. The situation can turn scary if they hit a spacecraft which can then lead to more debris moving at 7.5 kilometres per second, or 27,000 km per hour. This is not the first time that the Long March 6A rocket has spread debris in space. In November 2022, an upper-stage breakup of the rocket created hundreds of pieces of debris. This happened after it had deployed the Yunhai-3 weather satellite. Notably, according to NASA's "Orbital Debris Quarterly News" published in March 2023, 533 pieces of trackable debris were formed by January 2023. Any object that's at least four inches in diameter is termed trackable debris.

Chinese rocket blows up in space casting a huge cloud of debris around Earth

<p>Auroras are a mesmerising event for Earthlings, and they become even more special when you can see them from space. A splendid scene of green auroras was captured by an astronaut from the International Space Station (ISS). NASA Astronaut Matthew Dominick, who is at the ISS, recently clicked the green auroras. What made the entire thing even more special was that they were moving right behind a Russian Soyuz spacecraft.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Recent solar activity pushed the aurora closer to us. The Soyuz hangs from the station in a stream of aurora," NASA's Dominick wrote on X.</p>

<p>"Soyuz is illuminated in a light blue from a sun behind the camera and in front of the space station that is just about to rise," added Dominick.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He also guided fellow photographers about the camera settings he used - 1/4s, f1.4, 50mm, ISO 6400.</p>

<p>People on the internet praised his photography skills, with one of them writing, "Wow, you really nailed it with that shallow depth of field and long shutter. Amazing capture."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Recent solar activity pushed the aurora closer to us. The Soyuz hangs from the station in a stream of aurora.<br />
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Soyuz is illuminated in a light blue from a sun behind the camera and in front of the space station that is just about to rise.<br />
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1/4s, f1.4, 50mm, ISO 6400 <a href="https://t.co/fjQcI5nVy5">pic.twitter.com/fjQcI5nVy5</a></p>
— Matthew Dominick (@dominickmatthew) <a href="https://twitter.com/dominickmatthew/status/1819484749661938108?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 2, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Talking to people about the shot, Dominick mentioned how the Sun was behind the camera at the time. But he ensured that the sun's rays did not wash out the auroras. The photo was taken in such a way "so that a little bit of light illuminates the Soyuz but does not wash out the aurora."</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/frightening-new-theory-suggests-the-universe-should-have-never-been-born-748613">Frightening theory suggests universe should have killed itself right after Big Bang</a></strong></p>

<p>Auroras on Earth are caused when charged particles from the sun slam into our planet's atmosphere. These are then excited to higher energy levels and create the light that we see. Auroras are of different colours depending on the molecules. A green glow happens from excited oxygen.</p>

<h2><strong>Astronaut Matthew Dominick</strong></h2>

<p>Dominick came to the ISS in March this year as an Expedition 71 astronaut with SpaceX's Crew-8 mission. Since then, he has shared several pictures clicked from the space station, including some beautiful time lapses. He has shared pictures of auroras as seen from space a few times as well. Other imagery shared includes Boeing's Starliner capsule docked at the complex, the SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule and meteors.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During an event hosted by NASA on X Spaces, Dominick revealed that he has taken as many as 200,000 photos aboard the ISS till now. "It's just an incredible view out the window," said Dominick. "And I realize that so many people are fascinated by the pictures that we get to take up here."</p>


Auroras are a mesmerising event for Earthlings, and they become even more special when you can see them from space. A splendid scene of green auroras was captured by an astronaut from the International Space Station (ISS).

Auroras are a mesmerising event for Earthlings, and they become even more special when you can see them from space. A splendid scene of green auroras was captured by an astronaut from the International Space Station (ISS). NASA Astronaut Matthew Dominick, who is at the ISS, recently clicked the green auroras. What made the entire thing even more special was that they were moving right behind a Russian Soyuz spacecraft. "Recent solar activity pushed the aurora closer to us. The Soyuz hangs from the station in a stream of aurora," NASA's Dominick wrote on X. "Soyuz is illuminated in a light blue from a sun behind the camera and in front of the space station that is just about to rise," added Dominick. He also guided fellow photographers about the camera settings he used - 1/4s, f1.4, 50mm, ISO 6400. People on the internet praised his photography skills, with one of them writing, "Wow, you really nailed it with that shallow depth of field and long shutter. Amazing capture." Recent solar activity pushed the aurora closer to us. The Soyuz hangs from the station in a stream of aurora. Soyuz is illuminated in a light blue from a sun behind the camera and in front of the space station that is just about to rise. 1/4s, f1.4, 50mm, ISO 6400 pic.twitter.com/fjQcI5nVy5 — Matthew Dominick (@dominickmatthew) August 2, 2024 × Talking to people about the shot, Dominick mentioned how the Sun was behind the camera at the time. But he ensured that the sun's rays did not wash out the auroras. The photo was taken in such a way "so that a little bit of light illuminates the Soyuz but does not wash out the aurora." Also Read: Frightening theory suggests universe should have killed itself right after Big Bang Auroras on Earth are caused when charged particles from the sun slam into our planet's atmosphere. These are then excited to higher energy levels and create the light that we see. Auroras are of different colours depending on the molecules. A green glow happens from excited oxygen. Astronaut Matthew Dominick Dominick came to the ISS in March this year as an Expedition 71 astronaut with SpaceX's Crew-8 mission. Since then, he has shared several pictures clicked from the space station, including some beautiful time lapses. He has shared pictures of auroras as seen from space a few times as well. Other imagery shared includes Boeing's Starliner capsule docked at the complex, the SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule and meteors. During an event hosted by NASA on X Spaces, Dominick revealed that he has taken as many as 200,000 photos aboard the ISS till now. "It's just an incredible view out the window," said Dominick. "And I realize that so many people are fascinated by the pictures that we get to take up here."

PHOTO: Green aurora dances behind Russian spacecraft docked at ISS

<p>Scientists have pounced upon a scary theory according to which the universe shouldn't exist at all, and neither should we. In their quest to learn about how everything came into existence, several scientific models are created. They are based on hints and clues we find in the cosmos and man's understanding of it. It's all maths and physics and is bound to keep evolving with new pieces added to it. A study has challenged several such models saying that if most of them were true, the universe should have annihilated a long time ago.&nbsp;</p>

<p>They base their research on primordial black holes and the Higgs boson particle. Why do we exist? The answer can largely be attributed to the existence of the Higgs field. Similar to electricity or magnetism, this field gives everything mass. So if it weren't to exist, we wouldn't exist. But, experts say that it is not at its "lowest possible energy state", and if it fell to its lowest point "it would alter the laws of physics dramatically.”</p>

<p>Lucien Heurtier, a researcher on the study, in an article for The Conversation says, "The Higgs field isn’t likely to be in the lowest possible energy state it could be in. That means it could theoretically change its state, dropping to a lower energy state in a certain location. If that happened, however, it would alter the laws of physics dramatically.”</p>

<p>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-plan-life-bank-on-moon-to-save-dying-species-on-earth-heres-how-748397">Scientists plan 'life bank' on Moon to save dying species on Earth. Here's how</a></p>

<p>If this happens, little “bubbles” of space will form which won't conform to current laws of physics. “In such a bubble, the mass of electrons would suddenly change, and so would its interactions with other particles. Protons and neutrons—which make up the atomic nucleus and are made of quarks—would suddenly dislocate. Essentially, anybody experiencing such a change would likely no longer be able to report it.”</p>

<h2>The problem with&nbsp;primordial black holes</h2>

<p>The problem with existing models arises when primordial black holes are taken into consideration. They are hypothetical objects much smaller than current black holes. As per current theories, they formed in the second right after the Big Bang and without a supernova because of extremely dense regions in the universe that likely collapsed in on themselves.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;From Big Bang Theory to Toddlerhood: Exploring Universe's early stages</strong></p>

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<p>Current models say that these black holes evaporated quickly, but according to Heurtier and his team, they would have had a massive effect on the Higgs field. They say if primordial black holes ever existed, there would have been tiny bubbles everywhere. So many of these bubbles would have existed that the study says nothing should have ever formed. So if all the current models are true, the universe would have annihilated itself.</p>

<h2><strong>Then how did everything originate?&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The study says cites two reasons. One, that all models are wrong and that primordial black holes never existed, since we know that the Higgs field is present. The second scenario is that may be Physics is missing something and that humans likely still don't understand how the Higgs field works.</p>


Scientists have pounced upon a scary theory according to which the universe shouldn't exist at all, and neither should we. In their quest to learn about how everything came into existence, several scientific models are created.

Scientists have pounced upon a scary theory according to which the universe shouldn't exist at all, and neither should we. In their quest to learn about how everything came into existence, several scientific models are created. They are based on hints and clues we find in the cosmos and man's understanding of it. It's all maths and physics and is bound to keep evolving with new pieces added to it. A study has challenged several such models saying that if most of them were true, the universe should have annihilated a long time ago. They base their research on primordial black holes and the Higgs boson particle. Why do we exist? The answer can largely be attributed to the existence of the Higgs field. Similar to electricity or magnetism, this field gives everything mass. So if it weren't to exist, we wouldn't exist. But, experts say that it is not at its "lowest possible energy state", and if it fell to its lowest point "it would alter the laws of physics dramatically.” Lucien Heurtier, a researcher on the study, in an article for The Conversation says, "The Higgs field isn’t likely to be in the lowest possible energy state it could be in. That means it could theoretically change its state, dropping to a lower energy state in a certain location. If that happened, however, it would alter the laws of physics dramatically.” Also Read: Scientists plan 'life bank' on Moon to save dying species on Earth. Here's how If this happens, little “bubbles” of space will form which won't conform to current laws of physics. “In such a bubble, the mass of electrons would suddenly change, and so would its interactions with other particles. Protons and neutrons—which make up the atomic nucleus and are made of quarks—would suddenly dislocate. Essentially, anybody experiencing such a change would likely no longer be able to report it.” The problem with primordial black holes The problem with existing models arises when primordial black holes are taken into consideration. They are hypothetical objects much smaller than current black holes. As per current theories, they formed in the second right after the Big Bang and without a supernova because of extremely dense regions in the universe that likely collapsed in on themselves. Watch: From Big Bang Theory to Toddlerhood: Exploring Universe's early stages × Current models say that these black holes evaporated quickly, but according to Heurtier and his team, they would have had a massive effect on the Higgs field. They say if primordial black holes ever existed, there would have been tiny bubbles everywhere. So many of these bubbles would have existed that the study says nothing should have ever formed. So if all the current models are true, the universe would have annihilated itself. Then how did everything originate? The study says cites two reasons. One, that all models are wrong and that primordial black holes never existed, since we know that the Higgs field is present. The second scenario is that may be Physics is missing something and that humans likely still don't understand how the Higgs field works.

Universe should have killed itself right after Big Bang, new study suggests

<p>The deepest hole to have ever been drilled into Earth's mantle has just been dug in the middle of the North Atlantic Ocean. Scientists dug 1,268 metres below the seafloor near an underwater mountain called Atlantis Massif. The initial plan was to just go 200 metres deep, which also was ambitious considering this had never happened before.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The drilling has exposed a new rock core which can offer insights into how life began on Earth, besides about the evolution of the planet's outermost layers. Earth is composed of different layers - a solid outer crust, an upper and lower mantle and a core. The upper mantle is responsible for earthquakes, and other processes like the water cycle and the formation of volcanoes and mountains. However, scientists have not had much access to the mantle.</p>

<p>However, Atlantis Massif which sits deep within the sea is a region where the mantle is exposed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“To date, we’ve only had access to fragments of the mantle,” Johan Lissenberg at Cardiff University says. “But there are a number of places where the mantle is exposed on the seafloor.”</p>

<p>This mountain became the candidate to explore the mantle and dig into the fascinating history of Earth. Atlantis Massif is situated near a volcanically active region of the mid-Atlantic ridge. Volcanoes here are a result of parts of the mantle continuously surfacing and melting. The mantle is also the reason for microbial life thriving.</p>

<p>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/gigantic-ocean-found-700km-below-earths-surface-706834">Gigantic ocean triple the volume of all of Earth's surface oceans has just been found</a></p>

<p>When seawater seeps deeper into the mantle, chemical compounds such as methane are produced due to the hotter temperatures. These compounds move upwards through hydrothermal vents and act as fuel for microbial life.</p>

<h2>Why dig a hole underwater?</h2>

<p>Some experts believe that life on Earth began in the depths of the ocean near hydrothermal vents. So microbiologists think that studying these regions can help learn about the conditions that triggered life.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p>So, using a drilling ship JOIDES Resolution, Lissenberg and his team started drilling with plans of going 200 metres into the mantle. “We recovered really long sections of continuous rocks and decided to stick with it and go as deep as we could," Andrew McCaig from the University of Leeds, who was part of the team, said.</p>

<p>They managed to reach a whopping depth of 1,268 metres into the mantle and found signs of significant melting in this part of the mantle. Reconstructing the melting process in the future can help us understand how molten rock feeds oceanic volcanoes.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


The deepest hole to have ever been drilled into Earth's mantle has just been dug in the middle of the North Atlantic Ocean. Scientists dug 1,268 metres below the seafloor near an underwater mountain called Atlantis Massif.

The deepest hole to have ever been drilled into Earth's mantle has just been dug in the middle of the North Atlantic Ocean. Scientists dug 1,268 metres below the seafloor near an underwater mountain called Atlantis Massif. The initial plan was to just go 200 metres deep, which also was ambitious considering this had never happened before. The drilling has exposed a new rock core which can offer insights into how life began on Earth, besides about the evolution of the planet's outermost layers. Earth is composed of different layers - a solid outer crust, an upper and lower mantle and a core. The upper mantle is responsible for earthquakes, and other processes like the water cycle and the formation of volcanoes and mountains. However, scientists have not had much access to the mantle. However, Atlantis Massif which sits deep within the sea is a region where the mantle is exposed. “To date, we’ve only had access to fragments of the mantle,” Johan Lissenberg at Cardiff University says. “But there are a number of places where the mantle is exposed on the seafloor.” This mountain became the candidate to explore the mantle and dig into the fascinating history of Earth. Atlantis Massif is situated near a volcanically active region of the mid-Atlantic ridge. Volcanoes here are a result of parts of the mantle continuously surfacing and melting. The mantle is also the reason for microbial life thriving. Also Read: Gigantic ocean triple the volume of all of Earth's surface oceans has just been found When seawater seeps deeper into the mantle, chemical compounds such as methane are produced due to the hotter temperatures. These compounds move upwards through hydrothermal vents and act as fuel for microbial life. Why dig a hole underwater? Some experts believe that life on Earth began in the depths of the ocean near hydrothermal vents. So microbiologists think that studying these regions can help learn about the conditions that triggered life. × So, using a drilling ship JOIDES Resolution, Lissenberg and his team started drilling with plans of going 200 metres into the mantle. “We recovered really long sections of continuous rocks and decided to stick with it and go as deep as we could," Andrew McCaig from the University of Leeds, who was part of the team, said. They managed to reach a whopping depth of 1,268 metres into the mantle and found signs of significant melting in this part of the mantle. Reconstructing the melting process in the future can help us understand how molten rock feeds oceanic volcanoes.

Underwater 1.2km-deep hole in Earth's mantle can hold clues to origins of life

Comets are large objects orbiting in the solar system, made up of dust and ice. Here are 10 stunning stunning comets captured.

10 Stunning Photos of Comet Vistas

<p>Lunar eclipses were omens of death, destruction and pestilence - this is what several ancient civilisations, including Babylonia and parts of Mesopotamia, believed. Now, 4,000-year-old cuneiform tablets found more than 100 years ago in what is now Iraq also prove the same. They were placed in the British Museum's collection between 1892 and 1914. The four tablets have finally been deciphered and the details have been written in a paper published in the Journal of Cuneiform Studies. The four clay tablets "represent the oldest examples of compendia of lunar-eclipse omens yet discovered," Andrew George, an emeritus professor of Babylonian at the University of London, and Junko Taniguchi, an independent researcher, said in the paper.</p>

<p>The tablets delve into how omens were predicted based on the time of night, movement of shadows and the date and duration of eclipses. The predictions made included major things like the downfall of an empire and even a king's death. According to one omen, if "an eclipse becomes obscured from its center all at once [and] clear all at once: a king will die, destruction of Elam."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/dinosaur-which-roamed-pangea-during-triassic-233-million-years-ago-revealed-by-heavy-rains-747581">This dinosaur walked on Earth when just one big supercontinent existed</a></p>

<p>Another omen predicts the downfall of Subartu and Akkad which were part of Mesopotamia at the time. According to it, if "an eclipse begins in the south and then clears: downfall of Subartu and Akkad."</p>

<h2>Astrology predictions made in ancient times</h2>

<p>Andrew George told LiveScience that some of the predictions made by the astrologers were likely based on their personal experiences. However, most of the predictions actually linked eclipse characteristics to various omens, he noted.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH:&nbsp;Archaeologists used ancient DNA to construct the face of the sixth-century Chinese emperor</strong></p>

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<p>The authors state in the paper that people in Babylonia and Mesopotamia strongly believed that celestial events were signs of something about to happen and that God had placed these signs carefully to tell people about the future. "Those who advised the king kept watch on the night sky and would match their observations with the academic corpus of celestial-omen texts," the paper says.</p>

<p>However, the belief wasn't blind and the kings ordered an inquiry if a grave prediction was made. "If the prediction associated with a given omen was threatening, for example, 'a king will die,' then an oracular enquiry by extispicy [inspecting the entrails of animals] was conducted to determine whether the king was in real danger," George and Taniguchi wrote.</p>

<p>Based on the findings, people performed rituals to ward off evil and avoid&nbsp;bad omen.</p>


Lunar eclipses were omens of death, destruction and pestilence - this is what several ancient civilisations, including Babylonia and parts of Mesopotamia, believed.

Lunar eclipses were omens of death, destruction and pestilence - this is what several ancient civilisations, including Babylonia and parts of Mesopotamia, believed. Now, 4,000-year-old cuneiform tablets found more than 100 years ago in what is now Iraq also prove the same. They were placed in the British Museum's collection between 1892 and 1914. The four tablets have finally been deciphered and the details have been written in a paper published in the Journal of Cuneiform Studies. The four clay tablets "represent the oldest examples of compendia of lunar-eclipse omens yet discovered," Andrew George, an emeritus professor of Babylonian at the University of London, and Junko Taniguchi, an independent researcher, said in the paper. The tablets delve into how omens were predicted based on the time of night, movement of shadows and the date and duration of eclipses. The predictions made included major things like the downfall of an empire and even a king's death. According to one omen, if "an eclipse becomes obscured from its center all at once [and] clear all at once: a king will die, destruction of Elam." Also Read: This dinosaur walked on Earth when just one big supercontinent existed Another omen predicts the downfall of Subartu and Akkad which were part of Mesopotamia at the time. According to it, if "an eclipse begins in the south and then clears: downfall of Subartu and Akkad." Astrology predictions made in ancient times Andrew George told LiveScience that some of the predictions made by the astrologers were likely based on their personal experiences. However, most of the predictions actually linked eclipse characteristics to various omens, he noted. WATCH: Archaeologists used ancient DNA to construct the face of the sixth-century Chinese emperor × The authors state in the paper that people in Babylonia and Mesopotamia strongly believed that celestial events were signs of something about to happen and that God had placed these signs carefully to tell people about the future. "Those who advised the king kept watch on the night sky and would match their observations with the academic corpus of celestial-omen texts," the paper says. However, the belief wasn't blind and the kings ordered an inquiry if a grave prediction was made. "If the prediction associated with a given omen was threatening, for example, 'a king will die,' then an oracular enquiry by extispicy [inspecting the entrails of animals] was conducted to determine whether the king was in real danger," George and Taniguchi wrote. Based on the findings, people performed rituals to ward off evil and avoid bad omen.

4,000-year-old tablets reveal prophecy about a king's death

<p>In April last year, Earth saw beautiful auroras spreading far across regions where the phenomenon never even happens. A coronal mass ejection on April 21 triggered a G-4 class geomagnetic storm on Earth on April 23, 2023. It even reached Ladakh in India. Auroras happening at such low altitudes are rare. Now NASA has revealed that something else phenomenal and strange also happened during the solar storm.&nbsp;</p>

<p>NASA Sun &amp; Space shared on X (earlier Twitter) that for a brief period during the solar storm, a two-way “highway” formed between the Sun and Earth. Explaining it further, NASA said that this highway meant that "the usual one-way flow from the Sun to Earth suddenly went both directions: For about two hours, Earth was also spewing particles back into the Sun!" NASA’s MMS spacecraft flew through this path and collected data.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">On April 24, 2023, auroras lit up the night sky as far south as Arizona.<br />
<br />
This rare light show happened because a huge solar eruption had reached Earth.<br />
<br />
Scientists now report something even stranger happened during that event. ⬇️<br />
<br />
📸 courtesy William Frohne <a href="https://t.co/wK2h9pTtdx">pic.twitter.com/wK2h9pTtdx</a></p>
— NASA Sun &amp; Space (@NASASun) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASASun/status/1820833792119963877?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 6, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/earth-had-several-tiny-hidden-moons-billions-of-years-ago-study-suggests-747875">Earth had several tiny hidden moons billions of years ago, study suggests</a></p>

<p>The particles sent back to the Sun from Earth collided with the Sun’s atmosphere and created an aurora on the Sun, the NASA page says. How did this strange occurrence take place?&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">For a brief period during the storm, a two-way “highway” formed between the Sun and Earth.<br />
<br />
In other words, the usual one-way flow from the Sun to Earth suddenly went both directions: For about two hours, Earth was also spewing particles back into the Sun! <a href="https://t.co/Q2b1o5C9b0">pic.twitter.com/Q2b1o5C9b0</a></p>
— NASA Sun &amp; Space (@NASASun) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASASun/status/1820833820804870152?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 6, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2>How did the highway between Sun and Earth form?</h2>

<p>NASA explains that as the solar eruption paced towards our planet, Earth was completely engulfed by the particle cloud. During this time for a brief moment, a part of Earth’s magnetic “shield” dissipated. However, we were still very much protected by the radiation emitted by the Sun. This dissipated part is called Earth’s “bow shock.” Imagine a boat moving on water, its front part creating frothy waves. Something similar happened when our bow shock created a barrier against incoming solar particles. This bow led the particles to “splash” against it.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH:&nbsp;Beyond auroras: Solar flares impact Earth's core?</strong></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>With the bow shock not there, the magnetic field within the solar eruption fused with Earth’s magnetic field. Earth’s magnetism had been holding onto particles which suddenly found an escape, and moved directly on a path towards the Sun. This highway is scientifically known as “Alfvén wings" and is rare on Earth. However, they are quite common on some other celestial bodies in our solar system, such as Jupiter’s moons. Alfvén wings is the path particles from Galilean moons Io and Ganymede take to reach Jupiter, adding to Jupiter’s ultraviolet aurora, the NASA post says.</p>


In April last year, Earth saw beautiful auroras spreading far across regions where the phenomenon never even happens. A coronal mass ejection on April 21 triggered a G-4 class geomagnetic storm on Earth on April 23, 2023.

In April last year, Earth saw beautiful auroras spreading far across regions where the phenomenon never even happens. A coronal mass ejection on April 21 triggered a G-4 class geomagnetic storm on Earth on April 23, 2023. It even reached Ladakh in India. Auroras happening at such low altitudes are rare. Now NASA has revealed that something else phenomenal and strange also happened during the solar storm. NASA Sun & Space shared on X (earlier Twitter) that for a brief period during the solar storm, a two-way “highway” formed between the Sun and Earth. Explaining it further, NASA said that this highway meant that "the usual one-way flow from the Sun to Earth suddenly went both directions: For about two hours, Earth was also spewing particles back into the Sun!" NASA’s MMS spacecraft flew through this path and collected data. On April 24, 2023, auroras lit up the night sky as far south as Arizona. This rare light show happened because a huge solar eruption had reached Earth. Scientists now report something even stranger happened during that event. ⬇️ 📸 courtesy William Frohne pic.twitter.com/wK2h9pTtdx — NASA Sun & Space (@NASASun) August 6, 2024 × Also Read: Earth had several tiny hidden moons billions of years ago, study suggests The particles sent back to the Sun from Earth collided with the Sun’s atmosphere and created an aurora on the Sun, the NASA page says. How did this strange occurrence take place? For a brief period during the storm, a two-way “highway” formed between the Sun and Earth. In other words, the usual one-way flow from the Sun to Earth suddenly went both directions: For about two hours, Earth was also spewing particles back into the Sun! pic.twitter.com/Q2b1o5C9b0 — NASA Sun & Space (@NASASun) August 6, 2024 × How did the highway between Sun and Earth form? NASA explains that as the solar eruption paced towards our planet, Earth was completely engulfed by the particle cloud. During this time for a brief moment, a part of Earth’s magnetic “shield” dissipated. However, we were still very much protected by the radiation emitted by the Sun. This dissipated part is called Earth’s “bow shock.” Imagine a boat moving on water, its front part creating frothy waves. Something similar happened when our bow shock created a barrier against incoming solar particles. This bow led the particles to “splash” against it. WATCH: Beyond auroras: Solar flares impact Earth's core? × With the bow shock not there, the magnetic field within the solar eruption fused with Earth’s magnetic field. Earth’s magnetism had been holding onto particles which suddenly found an escape, and moved directly on a path towards the Sun. This highway is scientifically known as “Alfvén wings" and is rare on Earth. However, they are quite common on some other celestial bodies in our solar system, such as Jupiter’s moons. Alfvén wings is the path particles from Galilean moons Io and Ganymede take to reach Jupiter, adding to Jupiter’s ultraviolet aurora, the NASA post says.

Aurora on Sun? It happened in 2023 when Earth spewed back particles

<p>In a concerning study, the researchers have found deadly radiation-resistant microbes lurking in microwaves. This observation has become a cause of concern for many people who use microwaves regularly either for preparing their meals or heating a cup of tea.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Spain-based startup Darwin Bioprospecting Excellence SL's researchers found radiation-resistant microbes breeding inside microwaves.</p>

<p>As per the team, several of these strains of microbes can prove deadly to humans.</p>

<p>"Some species of genera found in domestic microwaves, such as Klebsiella, Enterococcus and Aeromonas, may pose a risk to human health," said Daniel Torrent, who is one of the authors of the study.</p>

<p>In earlier studies, it was found that microbes existed in various weird habitats which included marine oil spills, industrial brownfields, as well as the International Space Station (ISS). However, till now it remained unclear what kind of germs can be discovered inside microwaves.</p>

<p>The microbes found in 30 microwaves were sampled in the study by the team, 10 of which were from single-household kitchens, 10 were from scientific laboratories and 10 were from shared domestic spaces like cafeterias.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/dog-accidentally-started-fire-in-us-home-by-chewing-portable-charger-video-748353">Dog accidentally started fire in US home by chewing portable charger&nbsp;</a></p>

<p>In the samples analysed, the experts found 747 different genera of microbes present inside 25 bacterial phyla. However, such strains varied significantly amid different locations.</p>

<p>"Domestic microwaves have a more 'anthropized'&nbsp;microbiome, similar to kitchen surfaces, while laboratory microwaves harbour bacteria that are more resistant to radiation," Torrent said.</p>

<p>In the single-household kitchens, the main genera of microbes found were Acinetobacter, Bhargavaea, Brevibacterium, Brevundimonas, Dermacoccus, Klebsiella, Pantoea, Pseudoxanthomonas and Rhizobium.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, in shared-domestic microwaves, they found microbes like Arthrobacter, Enterobacter, Janibacter, Methylobacterium, Neobacillus, Nocardioides, Novosphingobium, Paenibacillus, Peribacillus, Planococcus, Rothia, Sporosarcina, and Terribacillus.</p>

<h2><strong>How these microbes can be dangerous for humans?</strong></h2>

<p>According to the study, many of these microbes like Klebsiella, Enterococcus and Aeromonas can prove dangerous to humans.</p>

<p>Klebsiella species can lead to a range of healthcare-associated infections like bloodstream infections, pneumonia, meningitis and wound or surgical site infections.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Enterococcus can lead to a range of illnesses which include bloodstream infections, wound infections and urinary tract infections.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Microsoft: Global tech outage by CrowdStrike affected 8.5mn devices globally</strong></p>

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<p>Aeromonas also has been linked to cellulitis, gastrointestinal infections, kidney disease and meningitis.</p>

<p>Based on the findings, the researchers appealed to&nbsp;the people to ensure that their microwaves are regularly deep cleaned.</p>

<p>"We recommend regularly disinfecting microwaves with a diluted bleach solution or a commercially available disinfectant spray," said Torrent.</p>

<p>"In addition, it is important to wipe down the interior surfaces with a damp cloth after each use to remove any residue and to clean up spills immediately to prevent the growth of bacteria," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In a concerning study, the researchers have found deadly radiation-resistant microbes lurking in microwaves. This observation has become a cause of concern for many people who use microwaves regularly either for preparing their meals or heating a cup of tea.

In a concerning study, the researchers have found deadly radiation-resistant microbes lurking in microwaves. This observation has become a cause of concern for many people who use microwaves regularly either for preparing their meals or heating a cup of tea. Spain-based startup Darwin Bioprospecting Excellence SL's researchers found radiation-resistant microbes breeding inside microwaves. As per the team, several of these strains of microbes can prove deadly to humans. "Some species of genera found in domestic microwaves, such as Klebsiella, Enterococcus and Aeromonas, may pose a risk to human health," said Daniel Torrent, who is one of the authors of the study. In earlier studies, it was found that microbes existed in various weird habitats which included marine oil spills, industrial brownfields, as well as the International Space Station (ISS). However, till now it remained unclear what kind of germs can be discovered inside microwaves. The microbes found in 30 microwaves were sampled in the study by the team, 10 of which were from single-household kitchens, 10 were from scientific laboratories and 10 were from shared domestic spaces like cafeterias. Also Read: Dog accidentally started fire in US home by chewing portable charger In the samples analysed, the experts found 747 different genera of microbes present inside 25 bacterial phyla. However, such strains varied significantly amid different locations. "Domestic microwaves have a more 'anthropized' microbiome, similar to kitchen surfaces, while laboratory microwaves harbour bacteria that are more resistant to radiation," Torrent said. In the single-household kitchens, the main genera of microbes found were Acinetobacter, Bhargavaea, Brevibacterium, Brevundimonas, Dermacoccus, Klebsiella, Pantoea, Pseudoxanthomonas and Rhizobium. Meanwhile, in shared-domestic microwaves, they found microbes like Arthrobacter, Enterobacter, Janibacter, Methylobacterium, Neobacillus, Nocardioides, Novosphingobium, Paenibacillus, Peribacillus, Planococcus, Rothia, Sporosarcina, and Terribacillus. How these microbes can be dangerous for humans? According to the study, many of these microbes like Klebsiella, Enterococcus and Aeromonas can prove dangerous to humans. Klebsiella species can lead to a range of healthcare-associated infections like bloodstream infections, pneumonia, meningitis and wound or surgical site infections. Meanwhile, Enterococcus can lead to a range of illnesses which include bloodstream infections, wound infections and urinary tract infections. Watch: Microsoft: Global tech outage by CrowdStrike affected 8.5mn devices globally Aeromonas also has been linked to cellulitis, gastrointestinal infections, kidney disease and meningitis. Based on the findings, the researchers appealed to the people to ensure that their microwaves are regularly deep cleaned. "We recommend regularly disinfecting microwaves with a diluted bleach solution or a commercially available disinfectant spray," said Torrent. "In addition, it is important to wipe down the interior surfaces with a damp cloth after each use to remove any residue and to clean up spills immediately to prevent the growth of bacteria," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Deadly microbes may breed in THIS common home appliance. Here's all you need to know

<p>Every now and then certain stable parts of the continents on Earth begin to rise and develop into some stunning topographic features. The reason why this happens has now been revealed. Scientists at the University of Southampton studied plate tectonics to find out how did this happen. They say that tectonic plates often break apart, and this triggers powerful waves deep within the Earth. This event causes continental surfaces to rise, sometimes by over a kilometre.</p>

<p>Scientists have been trying to understand for years how these topographical features known as "escarpments" and "plateaus" come into existence. The findings published in the journal Nature are a result of studying the impact of global tectonic forces on landscape evolution over hundreds of millions of years.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Scientists have long suspected that steep kilometre-high topographic features called Great Escarpments—like the classic example encircling South Africa—are formed when continents rift and eventually split apart," Tom Gernon, Professor of Earth Science at the University of Southampton and lead author of the study said.</p>

<p>The researchers from the University of Southampton - Dr Thea Hincks, Dr Derek Keir, and Alice Cunningham - collaborated with colleagues from the Helmholtz Centre Potsdam—GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences and the University of Birmingham. They tried to understand&nbsp;why stable parts of continents sometimes move vertically.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/sunita-williams-staring-at-a-massive-delay-in-return-trip-will-likely-return-in-748199">Sunita Williams staring at a MASSIVE delay in return trip, will likely return in 2025</a></p>

<h2>The study&nbsp;</h2>

<p>They discovered that continental crust stretches when continents split apart, and this stretching causes stirring movements in Earth's mantle. Professor Sascha Brune, who leads the Geodynamic Modelling Section at GFZ Potsdam, said, "This process can be compared to a sweeping motion that moves towards the continents and disturbs their deep foundations."</p>

<p>Professor Brune and Dr Anne Glerum then ran simulations and noted that the speed of the mantle "waves" moving under the continents was extremely close to the speed of major erosion events that happened in the landscape in Southern Africa following the breakup of the ancient supercontinent Gondwana. They added that the Great Escarpments originate at the edges of ancient rift valleys. This led them to conclude that a rifting event also sets in motion a "deep mantle wave". This wave travels along the continent's base at about 15–20 kilometres per million years.</p>

<p>"Much like how a hot-air balloon sheds weight to rise higher, this loss of continental material causes the continents to rise—a process called isostasy," said Professor Brune.</p>


Every now and then certain stable parts of the continents on Earth begin to rise and develop into some stunning topographic features. The reason why this happens has now been revealed.

Every now and then certain stable parts of the continents on Earth begin to rise and develop into some stunning topographic features. The reason why this happens has now been revealed. Scientists at the University of Southampton studied plate tectonics to find out how did this happen. They say that tectonic plates often break apart, and this triggers powerful waves deep within the Earth. This event causes continental surfaces to rise, sometimes by over a kilometre. Scientists have been trying to understand for years how these topographical features known as "escarpments" and "plateaus" come into existence. The findings published in the journal Nature are a result of studying the impact of global tectonic forces on landscape evolution over hundreds of millions of years. "Scientists have long suspected that steep kilometre-high topographic features called Great Escarpments—like the classic example encircling South Africa—are formed when continents rift and eventually split apart," Tom Gernon, Professor of Earth Science at the University of Southampton and lead author of the study said. The researchers from the University of Southampton - Dr Thea Hincks, Dr Derek Keir, and Alice Cunningham - collaborated with colleagues from the Helmholtz Centre Potsdam—GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences and the University of Birmingham. They tried to understand why stable parts of continents sometimes move vertically. Also Read: Sunita Williams staring at a MASSIVE delay in return trip, will likely return in 2025 The study They discovered that continental crust stretches when continents split apart, and this stretching causes stirring movements in Earth's mantle. Professor Sascha Brune, who leads the Geodynamic Modelling Section at GFZ Potsdam, said, "This process can be compared to a sweeping motion that moves towards the continents and disturbs their deep foundations." Professor Brune and Dr Anne Glerum then ran simulations and noted that the speed of the mantle "waves" moving under the continents was extremely close to the speed of major erosion events that happened in the landscape in Southern Africa following the breakup of the ancient supercontinent Gondwana. They added that the Great Escarpments originate at the edges of ancient rift valleys. This led them to conclude that a rifting event also sets in motion a "deep mantle wave". This wave travels along the continent's base at about 15–20 kilometres per million years. "Much like how a hot-air balloon sheds weight to rise higher, this loss of continental material causes the continents to rise—a process called isostasy," said Professor Brune.

Continents have been mysteriously rising for years now. Scientists now know why

<p>The world is set to receive the biggest meteor shower on Earth and NASA has suggested that Americans must leave the cities this weekend and travel to areas where they can witness the magic of the Perseid meteor shower.</p>

<p>The Perseid meteor shower is expected to peak from the evening of Sunday and go on till Monday in which nearly 50 to 75 shooting stars will be visible every hour.</p>

<p>However, the US space agency has warned that the cosmic show might not be visible in its best form in the urban areas because of the light pollution.&nbsp;</p>

<p>NASA has suggested the skygazers move outside between 12 am and 5:30 am to witness the meteors which is expected to appear in the northeastern sky.</p>

<p>The peak period in a meteor shower generally occurs when the sky is dark with no moon which forms the perfect backdrop for such a cosmic event.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/delta-aquariids-meteor-shower-to-peak-this-week-how-when-and-where-to-watch-celestial-event-745148">Delta Aquariids meteor shower to peak this week. How, when and where to watch celestial event</a></p>

<p>"Try to get to the darkest location you can. The darker it is where you are, the more meteors you will see streaking across the sky," wrote NASA, in its press release.</p>

<p>The Perseid meteor shower started on July 14 and will continue till September 1, however, the best viewing is this weekend.</p>

<p>NASA has given the annual meteor showers the nickname of the 'fireball champion' for creating the highest number of super bright meteors.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Here's the best way to watch Perseid meteor shower</strong></h2>

<p>For those wishing to watch the Perseid meteor shower, first one should find a place outside the city that has very little light pollution and a clear view of the sky.</p>

<p>To locate the meteor shower, the skygazers need to find the Perseus constellation which is the 24th largest constellation present in the sky. In the night sky, this constellation is located in the northern region.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Stuck in space for 52 days, no way home for astronauts; Helium leaks delaying return</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/stuck-in-space-for-52-days-no-way-home-for-astronauts-helium-leaks-delaying-return-746104/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>After finding the dark sky location all one needs to do is look up at the stars. The meteors will appear the brightest when it is the darkest period of the night sky that is during the pre-dawn hours after the moon has set and the sun has not risen.</p>

<p>The Perseids meteors will appear in the Northeast where the constellation Perseus will rise after the sky gets dark.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The sky-gazers should avoid looking at their phones or any sources of white light when watching meteors because they will disturb their night vision. People should avoid using a telescope or binoculars to locate the Perseids.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The world is set to receive the biggest meteor shower on Earth and NASA has suggested that Americans must leave the cities this weekend and travel to areas where they can witness the magic of the Perseid meteor shower.

The world is set to receive the biggest meteor shower on Earth and NASA has suggested that Americans must leave the cities this weekend and travel to areas where they can witness the magic of the Perseid meteor shower. The Perseid meteor shower is expected to peak from the evening of Sunday and go on till Monday in which nearly 50 to 75 shooting stars will be visible every hour. However, the US space agency has warned that the cosmic show might not be visible in its best form in the urban areas because of the light pollution. NASA has suggested the skygazers move outside between 12 am and 5:30 am to witness the meteors which is expected to appear in the northeastern sky. The peak period in a meteor shower generally occurs when the sky is dark with no moon which forms the perfect backdrop for such a cosmic event. Also Read: Delta Aquariids meteor shower to peak this week. How, when and where to watch celestial event "Try to get to the darkest location you can. The darker it is where you are, the more meteors you will see streaking across the sky," wrote NASA, in its press release. The Perseid meteor shower started on July 14 and will continue till September 1, however, the best viewing is this weekend. NASA has given the annual meteor showers the nickname of the 'fireball champion' for creating the highest number of super bright meteors. Here's the best way to watch Perseid meteor shower For those wishing to watch the Perseid meteor shower, first one should find a place outside the city that has very little light pollution and a clear view of the sky. To locate the meteor shower, the skygazers need to find the Perseus constellation which is the 24th largest constellation present in the sky. In the night sky, this constellation is located in the northern region. Watch: Stuck in space for 52 days, no way home for astronauts; Helium leaks delaying return After finding the dark sky location all one needs to do is look up at the stars. The meteors will appear the brightest when it is the darkest period of the night sky that is during the pre-dawn hours after the moon has set and the sun has not risen. The Perseids meteors will appear in the Northeast where the constellation Perseus will rise after the sky gets dark. The sky-gazers should avoid looking at their phones or any sources of white light when watching meteors because they will disturb their night vision. People should avoid using a telescope or binoculars to locate the Perseids. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA issues Perseid meteor shower alert! Space agency asks Americans to flee cities

<p>Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, the NASA astronauts stuck aboard the International Space Station for two months now, received a terrible jolt on Wednesday. As per the space agency's latest plan, the two of them are staring at a massive delay in their return trip which might not happen before February 2025.</p>

<p>Sunita and Butch launched into space on Boeing's Starliner, its first crewed mission, in June this year. However, the spacecraft developed several issues which NASA has been trying to fix for the longest time.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to a contingency plan announced by NASA, a two-person crew will be launched on SpaceX's Crew-9 mission in September.</p>

<p>However, it won't be until months later that the crew will return. Starliner's thrusters have developed problems along with helium leaks, leading to concerns that a return trip might prove disastrous. However, Boeing is not doubting the Starliner and had earlier said that it "remains confident in the Starliner spacecraft and its ability to return safely with the crew".&nbsp;</p>

<p>The thruster issue is the main problem facing the Starliner which had issues while docking with the space station. A design flaw is causing the propulsion devices to overheat.</p>

<p>There are four thrusters fitted around the circumference of the rocket in propulsion pods, which NASA officials call "doghouses". These create a thermos-like insulation due to which the heat remains caught inside, causing them to overheat.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/boeing-starliner-is-facing-a-hot-doghouse-problem-and-nasa-is-working-to-fix-it-740082">A 'hot doghouse' problem is plaguing Boeing Starliner and NASA is working to fix it</a></p>

<p>"What we have found in this flight is we have fired the thrusters more than expected, and I would say more frequently," explained Steve Stich, NASA's commercial crew programme manager.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Boeing and Starliner problems</h2>

<p>Boeing has been marred with a host of problems owing to technical issues with its commercial aeroplanes. Boeing has also pleaded guilty to a criminal fraud conspiracy charge in its fatal 737 MAX crashes.</p>

<p>The two crashes in total claimed the lives of 346 people in Ethiopia as well as Indonesia more than five years ago. This, along with other turbulence and mechanical issues, has cost Boeing at least $3 billion.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH:&nbsp;Boeing Starliner: Sunita Williams, Barry Wilmore address press over return delays</strong></p>

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<p>However, NASA entered a $4.2 billion contract with Boeing to build Starliner which would carry astronauts to the ISS. However, the original launch was delayed due to helium leaks in May. Later on June 1, the launch was again aborted at the last minute by a computer abort system. Starliner finally took off on June 5 from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.&nbsp;</p>


Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, the NASA astronauts stuck aboard the International Space Station for two months now, received a terrible jolt on Wednesday. As per the space agency's latest plan, the two of them are staring at a massive delay in their return trip which might not happen before February 2025.

Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, the NASA astronauts stuck aboard the International Space Station for two months now, received a terrible jolt on Wednesday. As per the space agency's latest plan, the two of them are staring at a massive delay in their return trip which might not happen before February 2025. Sunita and Butch launched into space on Boeing's Starliner, its first crewed mission, in June this year. However, the spacecraft developed several issues which NASA has been trying to fix for the longest time. According to a contingency plan announced by NASA, a two-person crew will be launched on SpaceX's Crew-9 mission in September. However, it won't be until months later that the crew will return. Starliner's thrusters have developed problems along with helium leaks, leading to concerns that a return trip might prove disastrous. However, Boeing is not doubting the Starliner and had earlier said that it "remains confident in the Starliner spacecraft and its ability to return safely with the crew". The thruster issue is the main problem facing the Starliner which had issues while docking with the space station. A design flaw is causing the propulsion devices to overheat. There are four thrusters fitted around the circumference of the rocket in propulsion pods, which NASA officials call "doghouses". These create a thermos-like insulation due to which the heat remains caught inside, causing them to overheat. Also Read: A 'hot doghouse' problem is plaguing Boeing Starliner and NASA is working to fix it "What we have found in this flight is we have fired the thrusters more than expected, and I would say more frequently," explained Steve Stich, NASA's commercial crew programme manager. Boeing and Starliner problems Boeing has been marred with a host of problems owing to technical issues with its commercial aeroplanes. Boeing has also pleaded guilty to a criminal fraud conspiracy charge in its fatal 737 MAX crashes. The two crashes in total claimed the lives of 346 people in Ethiopia as well as Indonesia more than five years ago. This, along with other turbulence and mechanical issues, has cost Boeing at least $3 billion. WATCH: Boeing Starliner: Sunita Williams, Barry Wilmore address press over return delays × However, NASA entered a $4.2 billion contract with Boeing to build Starliner which would carry astronauts to the ISS. However, the original launch was delayed due to helium leaks in May. Later on June 1, the launch was again aborted at the last minute by a computer abort system. Starliner finally took off on June 5 from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.

Sunita Williams won't return to Earth before 2025. Details

7 stellar images clicked by Chandra X-ray Observatory

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