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Scientists have made a significant but sweet discovery in which they found that dogs experience “emotional contagion” after smelling human stress.

Because of this, the dogs tend to make more ‘pessimistic’ choices, as per the scientists.

The study, which was carried out by the University of Bristol, is the first one in which it tested how odours of human stress affect the learning and emotional state of the dogs.&nbsp;

In the earlier evidence, it was found that the smell of a stressed person is affecting subconsciously the choices and emotions of those who are nearby that human.&nbsp;

Bristol Veterinary School's researchers wanted to study if such experiences are also changing the learning and emotional state of the dogs and how they are reacting to relaxation odours or human stress.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/brains-of-humans-go-through-significant-change-after-death-study-737176">Brain of humans goes through significant change after death: Study</a>

A test of ‘optimism’ or ‘pessimism’ was carried out by the team in animals on the basis of findings which stated that &nbsp;‘optimistic’ or ‘pessimistic’ choices by people indicate negative or positive emotions.&nbsp;

<h2>How the study was carried out?</h2>

Around 18 dog-owner partnerships were recruited by the researchers to participate in a series of trials with various human smells present.&nbsp;

The dogs who participated in the test were between the age&nbsp;group of eight months to 10 years. The dogs were two Springer spaniels; two Cocker spaniels; two Labrador Retrievers; two Braque d’Auvergne; a Whippet; a Golden Retriever; a Miniature Poodle and seven mixed breed dogs.&nbsp;

In the trials, the dogs received training by placing a food bowl in one location where it had a treat and then placing an empty bowl in another location.&nbsp;

After the dog found out the difference between the bowl locations they were fast in approaching the bowl which had a treat. &nbsp;

The researchers then checked how quickly the dog approached the new and ambiguous bowl locations which were placed between the original two.

Watch:&nbsp;Study reveals lung cancer hit non-smoker Indian earlier than westerners

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/study-reveals-lung-cancer-hit-non-smoker-indian-earlier-than-westerners-740591/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

It was found that a quick approach showed the dogs' ‘optimism’ regarding food which was present in the ambiguous locations and a slow approach hinted at ‘pessimism’ and negative emotion.&nbsp;

They carried out trials in which every dog was exposed to odours of sweat and breath samples or no odour from humans in either a stressed and arithmetic test or relaxed states.&nbsp;

Researchers discovered that dogs became slower to approach the ambiguous bowl location because of the stress smell, which was not the case with the relaxed smell.&nbsp;

The findings, which were published in the journal Scientific Reports, stated that the stress smell is likely to have made the dogs believe that there is no food in the new location.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Scientists have made a significant but sweet discovery in which they found that dogs experience “emotional contagion” after smelling human stress. Because of this, the dogs tend to make more ‘pessimistic’ choices, as per the scientists.

Scientists have made a significant but sweet discovery in which they found that dogs experience “emotional contagion” after smelling human stress. Because of this, the dogs tend to make more ‘pessimistic’ choices, as per the scientists. The study, which was carried out by the University of Bristol, is the first one in which it tested how odours of human stress affect the learning and emotional state of the dogs. In the earlier evidence, it was found that the smell of a stressed person is affecting subconsciously the choices and emotions of those who are nearby that human. Bristol Veterinary School's researchers wanted to study if such experiences are also changing the learning and emotional state of the dogs and how they are reacting to relaxation odours or human stress. Also Read: Brain of humans goes through significant change after death: Study A test of ‘optimism’ or ‘pessimism’ was carried out by the team in animals on the basis of findings which stated that ‘optimistic’ or ‘pessimistic’ choices by people indicate negative or positive emotions. How the study was carried out? Around 18 dog-owner partnerships were recruited by the researchers to participate in a series of trials with various human smells present. The dogs who participated in the test were between the age group of eight months to 10 years. The dogs were two Springer spaniels; two Cocker spaniels; two Labrador Retrievers; two Braque d’Auvergne; a Whippet; a Golden Retriever; a Miniature Poodle and seven mixed breed dogs. In the trials, the dogs received training by placing a food bowl in one location where it had a treat and then placing an empty bowl in another location. After the dog found out the difference between the bowl locations they were fast in approaching the bowl which had a treat. The researchers then checked how quickly the dog approached the new and ambiguous bowl locations which were placed between the original two. Watch: Study reveals lung cancer hit non-smoker Indian earlier than westerners It was found that a quick approach showed the dogs' ‘optimism’ regarding food which was present in the ambiguous locations and a slow approach hinted at ‘pessimism’ and negative emotion. They carried out trials in which every dog was exposed to odours of sweat and breath samples or no odour from humans in either a stressed and arithmetic test or relaxed states. Researchers discovered that dogs became slower to approach the ambiguous bowl location because of the stress smell, which was not the case with the relaxed smell. The findings, which were published in the journal Scientific Reports, stated that the stress smell is likely to have made the dogs believe that there is no food in the new location. (With inputs from agencies)

Dogs are altering their behaviour after smelling stress in humans: Study

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction Centre, amid escalated solar activity, has issued an alert for the geomagnetic storm on July 24 which is likely to fill New York's skies with aurora borealis.&nbsp;

According to the researchers, a plume of magnetic field and plasma called coronal mass ejection (CME) had been released from our Sun on July 21 and is now strongly coming towards Earth. It is likely to reach our planet on July 24.&nbsp;

<h2>Here's how solar storm forms northern lights&nbsp;</h2>

The CMEs are filled with electrically charged atoms called ions and when these collide with the magnetosphere of Earth they trigger geomagnetic storms.&nbsp;

Amid the geomagnetic storms, the ions collide with the gases in the atmosphere of the Earth which releases energy in the form of light which is called northern lights&nbsp;or aurora borealis. This phenomenon is common in the Northern Hemisphere or Southern Hemisphere, however, it is rare to see them sparkle in New York.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/earth-witnessed-never-ever-seen-polar-rain-aurora-heres-how-this-eerie-glow-was-formed-738543">Earth witnessed never-ever-seen 'polar rain' aurora. Here's how this eerie glow was formed</a>

NOAA has classified geomagnetic storms using a G-scale for measuring the intensity of geomagnetic storms.&nbsp;

The range varies from G5 to G1 - G5 referring to major class storms and G1 referring to minor class storms.&nbsp;

NOAA has issued a recent geomagnetic storm watch which has been classified as a G2-class.

<h2>How will geomagnetic storms affect Earth?</h2>

The nature of the space weather is fickle in nature like the weather on Earth. Geomagnetic storm warnings are usual and sometimes they even fizzle out.&nbsp;

CMEs have the capability to create havoc in the technological world and pose a threat to both astronauts and satellites in&nbsp;low Earth orbit.&nbsp;

CMEs can lead to surges in electrical currents which eventually results in overloaded power grids and causes blackouts on Earth.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;China proposes information superhighway between Earth and Moon

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-proposes-information-superhighway-between-earth-and-moon-742722/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

They can also enter the magnetic field of Earth and disrupt radio transmissions while increasing radio static in the ionosphere of Earth.

The high-energy particles from the CME are able to damage satellites in low-Earth orbit in space.&nbsp;

CMEs can also warm the atmosphere of Earth and create a thicker medium through which the satellites have to travel.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction Centre, amid escalated solar activity, has issued an alert for the geomagnetic storm on July 24 which is likely to fill New York's skies with aurora borealis.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction Centre, amid escalated solar activity, has issued an alert for the geomagnetic storm on July 24 which is likely to fill New York's skies with aurora borealis. According to the researchers, a plume of magnetic field and plasma called coronal mass ejection (CME) had been released from our Sun on July 21 and is now strongly coming towards Earth. It is likely to reach our planet on July 24. Here's how solar storm forms northern lights The CMEs are filled with electrically charged atoms called ions and when these collide with the magnetosphere of Earth they trigger geomagnetic storms. Amid the geomagnetic storms, the ions collide with the gases in the atmosphere of the Earth which releases energy in the form of light which is called northern lights or aurora borealis. This phenomenon is common in the Northern Hemisphere or Southern Hemisphere, however, it is rare to see them sparkle in New York. Also Read: Earth witnessed never-ever-seen 'polar rain' aurora. Here's how this eerie glow was formed NOAA has classified geomagnetic storms using a G-scale for measuring the intensity of geomagnetic storms. The range varies from G5 to G1 - G5 referring to major class storms and G1 referring to minor class storms. NOAA has issued a recent geomagnetic storm watch which has been classified as a G2-class. How will geomagnetic storms affect Earth? The nature of the space weather is fickle in nature like the weather on Earth. Geomagnetic storm warnings are usual and sometimes they even fizzle out. CMEs have the capability to create havoc in the technological world and pose a threat to both astronauts and satellites in low Earth orbit. CMEs can lead to surges in electrical currents which eventually results in overloaded power grids and causes blackouts on Earth. Watch: China proposes information superhighway between Earth and Moon They can also enter the magnetic field of Earth and disrupt radio transmissions while increasing radio static in the ionosphere of Earth. The high-energy particles from the CME are able to damage satellites in low-Earth orbit in space. CMEs can also warm the atmosphere of Earth and create a thicker medium through which the satellites have to travel. (With inputs from agencies)

New York’s sky likely to dazzle with northern lights due to geomagnetic storm

Researchers have found that metallic minerals on Earth's deep-ocean floor are causing chemical reactions&nbsp;that're&nbsp;leading to the production of mysterious "dark oxygen", which has bewildered scientists. &nbsp;

In a study published on Monday (Jul 22) in the journal Nature Geoscience, a team of international researchers, including a chemist,&nbsp;discovered that oxygen is being created without the involvement of life.&nbsp;

The findings of the study refute long-held beliefs that only photosynthetic creatures, including plants and algae, can produce oxygen on Earth. The study titled, "Evidence of dark oxygen production at the abysmal seafloor", suggests that there may be another way also.&nbsp;

It seems that oxygen can also be created at the seafloor, where light cannot reach, to sustain the oxygen-consuming (aerobic) marine life that survives in total darkness.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-photo-shows-jupiters-chaotic-clouds-and-cyclonic-storms-clicked-by-juno-743029">NASA photo shows Jupiter's chaotic clouds and cyclonic storms clicked by Juno</a>&nbsp;

As reported by phys.org, Andrew Sweetman, of the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS), made the "dark oxygen" discovery while conducting ship-based fieldwork in the Pacific Ocean. Northwestern's Franz Geiger led the electrochemistry experiments, which potentially explain the finding.&nbsp;

During fieldwork in 2013, Sweetman and his collaborators first noticed it. The researchers studied sea-floor ecosystems in the Clarion–Clipperton Zone, which is a potential target for the mining of metal-rich nodules. They first thought that something was wrong with their equipment. But similar readings kept showing on the sensors in other attempts as well.&nbsp;

As quoted in the report, Sweetman said, "For aerobic life to begin on the planet, there had to be oxygen, and our understanding has been that Earth's oxygen supply began with photosynthetic organisms."&nbsp;

"But we now know that there is oxygen produced in the deep sea, where there is no light. I think we, therefore, need to revisit questions like: Where could aerobic life have begun?" said Sweetman, who leads the Seafloor Ecology and Biogeochemistry research group at the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS).&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-wants-to-release-biosignatures-of-life-from-icy-shells-of-europa-and-enceladus-743053">NASA wants to release biosignatures of life from icy shells of Europa and Enceladus</a>&nbsp;

Sweetman said that this is one of the "most exciting findings" in ocean science in recent times.&nbsp;

The researchers found that black and rounded rocks pepper the floor in the midst of the Pacific Ocean.&nbsp;

As per the measurements done by the scientists, oxygen levels have been increasing slowly at depths of more than 4,000 metres (13,000 feet).&nbsp;

"When we first got this data, we thought the sensors were faulty, because every study ever done in the deep sea has only seen oxygen being consumed rather than produced. We would come home and recalibrate the sensors but over the course of 10 years, these strange oxygen readings kept showing up," explained Sweetman.

"We decided to take a back-up method that worked differently to the optode sensors we were using, and when both methods came back with the same result, we knew we were onto something ground-breaking and unthought-of," he added.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/jupiters-350-year-old-massive-storm-is-shrinking-its-great-red-spot-study-hints-so-742708">Jupiter's 350-year-old massive storm is shrinking its Great Red Spot: Study</a>&nbsp;

The key to the discovery is found in polymetallic nodules, which are naturally occurring mineral deposits that grow on the ocean floor. The nodules are a mixture of several minerals. They range in size from microscopic particles to a typical potato.&nbsp;

"The polymetallic nodules that produce this oxygen contain metals such as cobalt, nickel, copper, lithium and manganese—which are all critical elements used in batteries," said Geiger, who co-authored the study.

"Several large-scale mining companies now aim to extract these precious elements from the seafloor at depths of 10,000 to 20,000 feet below the surface. We need to rethink how to mine these materials, so that we do not deplete the oxygen source for deep-sea life," Geiger added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Researchers have found that metallic minerals on Earth's deep-ocean floor are causing chemical reactions that're leading to the production of mysterious "dark oxygen", which has bewildered scientists.

Researchers have found that metallic minerals on Earth's deep-ocean floor are causing chemical reactions that're leading to the production of mysterious "dark oxygen", which has bewildered scientists. In a study published on Monday (Jul 22) in the journal Nature Geoscience, a team of international researchers, including a chemist, discovered that oxygen is being created without the involvement of life. The findings of the study refute long-held beliefs that only photosynthetic creatures, including plants and algae, can produce oxygen on Earth. The study titled, "Evidence of dark oxygen production at the abysmal seafloor", suggests that there may be another way also. It seems that oxygen can also be created at the seafloor, where light cannot reach, to sustain the oxygen-consuming (aerobic) marine life that survives in total darkness. Also read: NASA photo shows Jupiter's chaotic clouds and cyclonic storms clicked by Juno As reported by phys.org, Andrew Sweetman, of the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS), made the "dark oxygen" discovery while conducting ship-based fieldwork in the Pacific Ocean. Northwestern's Franz Geiger led the electrochemistry experiments, which potentially explain the finding. During fieldwork in 2013, Sweetman and his collaborators first noticed it. The researchers studied sea-floor ecosystems in the Clarion–Clipperton Zone, which is a potential target for the mining of metal-rich nodules. They first thought that something was wrong with their equipment. But similar readings kept showing on the sensors in other attempts as well. As quoted in the report, Sweetman said, "For aerobic life to begin on the planet, there had to be oxygen, and our understanding has been that Earth's oxygen supply began with photosynthetic organisms." "But we now know that there is oxygen produced in the deep sea, where there is no light. I think we, therefore, need to revisit questions like: Where could aerobic life have begun?" said Sweetman, who leads the Seafloor Ecology and Biogeochemistry research group at the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS). Also read: NASA wants to release biosignatures of life from icy shells of Europa and Enceladus Sweetman said that this is one of the "most exciting findings" in ocean science in recent times. The researchers found that black and rounded rocks pepper the floor in the midst of the Pacific Ocean. As per the measurements done by the scientists, oxygen levels have been increasing slowly at depths of more than 4,000 metres (13,000 feet). "When we first got this data, we thought the sensors were faulty, because every study ever done in the deep sea has only seen oxygen being consumed rather than produced. We would come home and recalibrate the sensors but over the course of 10 years, these strange oxygen readings kept showing up," explained Sweetman. "We decided to take a back-up method that worked differently to the optode sensors we were using, and when both methods came back with the same result, we knew we were onto something ground-breaking and unthought-of," he added. Also read: Jupiter's 350-year-old massive storm is shrinking its Great Red Spot: Study The key to the discovery is found in polymetallic nodules, which are naturally occurring mineral deposits that grow on the ocean floor. The nodules are a mixture of several minerals. They range in size from microscopic particles to a typical potato. "The polymetallic nodules that produce this oxygen contain metals such as cobalt, nickel, copper, lithium and manganese—which are all critical elements used in batteries," said Geiger, who co-authored the study. "Several large-scale mining companies now aim to extract these precious elements from the seafloor at depths of 10,000 to 20,000 feet below the surface. We need to rethink how to mine these materials, so that we do not deplete the oxygen source for deep-sea life," Geiger added. (With inputs from agencies)

Discovery of mysterious ‘dark oxygen’ on the sea floor stuns scientists

Researchers have come up with a method to control mosquito populations. This new method might also provide an alternative to insecticides. In a new study, published on Monday (Jul 22) in Communications Biology, researchers at Virginia Tech said that understanding the sex determination pathway and its disruptions in mosquitoes can play a vital role in the effective control of disease vectors through genetic manipulations based on sex separation.&nbsp;

The study, titled "Hybridization between Aedes aegypti and Aedes mascarensis mosquitoes leads to disruption of male sex determination", analysed the genetic basis of species incompatibility by crossing Aedes aegypti with Aedes mascarensis. Aedes aegypti is a primary vector for global arboviral diseases like dengue. Aedes mascarensis are from the Indian Ocean.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/doctors-surgically-remove-77-needles-from-a-womans-head-in-odisha-742770">Doctors remove 77 needles from woman’s head in Odisha; sorcerer arrested</a>&nbsp;

The research said that about 10 per cent of the progeny became intersex and were unable to reproduce when the hybrid offspring were crossed back with one parent.&nbsp;

The researchers found that these intersex mosquitoes express both male and female genes, giving them mixed morphological features even though they are genetically male.&nbsp;

The researchers now hope to reduce the number of mosquitoes by using this study to create all-male communities and removing females from the population.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nipah-outbreak-suspected-in-indias-kerala-health-minister-convenes-high-level-meet-742661">Nipah outbreak suspected in India's Kerala, health minister convenes high-level meet</a>&nbsp;

They believe that a better understanding of mosquito genetics may result in more efficient control measures for diseases like dengue, yellow fever, Chikungunya and Zika. It might help slow down the infection rate globally.&nbsp;

As quoted in media reports, Igor Sharakhov, one of the researchers on the project, said, "This study can help identify new sex determination pathway genes that can be used in mosquito control strategies."&nbsp;

"We studied the hybridization of two mosquito species, found that intersex individuals have disrupted sex determination pathways, and identified sex-specific gene expressions," said Sharakhov.&nbsp;

The researchers concluded that the evolving hybrid incompatibilities between Aedes aegypti and Aedes mascarensis involve disruption of sex determination and are accompanied by changes in gene expression associated with sexual differentiation.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Researchers have come up with a method to control mosquito populations. This new method might also provide an alternative to insecticides. In a new study, published on Monday (Jul 22) in Communications Biology, researchers at Virginia Tech said that understanding the sex determination pathway and its disruptions in mosquitoes can play a vital role in the effective control of disease vectors through genetic manipulations based on sex separation.

Researchers have come up with a method to control mosquito populations. This new method might also provide an alternative to insecticides. In a new study, published on Monday (Jul 22) in Communications Biology, researchers at Virginia Tech said that understanding the sex determination pathway and its disruptions in mosquitoes can play a vital role in the effective control of disease vectors through genetic manipulations based on sex separation. The study, titled "Hybridization between Aedes aegypti and Aedes mascarensis mosquitoes leads to disruption of male sex determination", analysed the genetic basis of species incompatibility by crossing Aedes aegypti with Aedes mascarensis. Aedes aegypti is a primary vector for global arboviral diseases like dengue. Aedes mascarensis are from the Indian Ocean. Also read: Doctors remove 77 needles from woman’s head in Odisha; sorcerer arrested The research said that about 10 per cent of the progeny became intersex and were unable to reproduce when the hybrid offspring were crossed back with one parent. The researchers found that these intersex mosquitoes express both male and female genes, giving them mixed morphological features even though they are genetically male. The researchers now hope to reduce the number of mosquitoes by using this study to create all-male communities and removing females from the population. Also read: Nipah outbreak suspected in India's Kerala, health minister convenes high-level meet They believe that a better understanding of mosquito genetics may result in more efficient control measures for diseases like dengue, yellow fever, Chikungunya and Zika. It might help slow down the infection rate globally. As quoted in media reports, Igor Sharakhov, one of the researchers on the project, said, "This study can help identify new sex determination pathway genes that can be used in mosquito control strategies." "We studied the hybridization of two mosquito species, found that intersex individuals have disrupted sex determination pathways, and identified sex-specific gene expressions," said Sharakhov. The researchers concluded that the evolving hybrid incompatibilities between Aedes aegypti and Aedes mascarensis involve disruption of sex determination and are accompanied by changes in gene expression associated with sexual differentiation. (With inputs from agencies)

Intersex mosquitoes may help stop diseases like dengue, Zika, yellow fever and Chikungunya: Study

Europa and Enceladus are the two moons in our solar system where astronomers believe life can exist. Now they say that complex organic molecules like amino acids and nucleic acids, the "biosignatures" of life, on these worlds could be present just below their frozen surfaces. Enceladus is one of Saturn's 146 known moons, and Europa is one of Jupiter's four large Galilean moons of the 95 moons it has. Several studies have suggested that there could be vast liquid water oceans harbouring life on these moons.&nbsp;

They hope that future robotic landers can dig the surface of the moons and set these biosignatures free. This is if they are caught within the icy shells of the moons, according to a study. These biosignatures of life cannot survive if present on the surface, because Europa and Enceladus are constantly bombarded by harsh radiation from the sun. This radiation can kill complex organic molecules.&nbsp;

Talking about landers digging up the surface of the moons, the study says that on Enceladus digging might not even be needed to release these biosignature molecules since they probably survive in shallower ice than on Europa.&nbsp;

"Based on our experiments, the 'safe' sampling depth for amino acids on Europa is almost 8 inches (20 centimetres) at high latitudes of the trailing hemisphere, the hemisphere opposite to the direction of Europa's motion around Jupiter, in the area where the surface hasn't been disturbed much by meteorite impacts," research leader Alexander Pavlov of NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, said in a statement.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-photo-shows-jupiters-chaotic-clouds-and-cyclonic-storms-clicked-by-juno-743029">NASA photo shows Jupiter's chaotic clouds and cyclonic storms clicked by Juno</a>

"Subsurface sampling is not required for the detection of amino acids on Enceladus — these molecules will survive radiolysis, breakdown by radiation, at any location on the Enceladus surface less than a tenth of an inch (under a few millimetres) from the surface," he added.&nbsp;

In fact, humans might not even have to land a rover on Enceladus to catch the biosignature molecules. Its icy shells throw up dramatic plumes that can be directly captured by an orbiting mission.&nbsp;

<h2>Problems on the moons</h2>

The hope for life on these moons is marred by the fact that they sustain quite a few harsh incidents regularly. They are cold and frigid, have no atmosphere and are regularly hit by energetic particles and radiation from the sun. Supernovas happening beyond the solar system release powerful cosmic rays that also bombard the moons.&nbsp;

But the likelihood of the presence of liquid water oceans beneath the thick icy shell surfaces of Europa and Enceladus has excited scientists for a long time. The icy shells protect the oceans against harsh particles and radiation, with geothermal heat generated by the gravitational tug of their planets and the moons able to heat them. This combination of factors has instilled hope about the survival of life on these moons.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Europa and Enceladus are the two moons in our solar system where astronomers believe life can exist. Now they say that complex organic molecules like amino acids and nucleic acids, the "biosignatures" of life, on these worlds could be present just below their frozen surfaces.

Europa and Enceladus are the two moons in our solar system where astronomers believe life can exist. Now they say that complex organic molecules like amino acids and nucleic acids, the "biosignatures" of life, on these worlds could be present just below their frozen surfaces. Enceladus is one of Saturn's 146 known moons, and Europa is one of Jupiter's four large Galilean moons of the 95 moons it has. Several studies have suggested that there could be vast liquid water oceans harbouring life on these moons. They hope that future robotic landers can dig the surface of the moons and set these biosignatures free. This is if they are caught within the icy shells of the moons, according to a study. These biosignatures of life cannot survive if present on the surface, because Europa and Enceladus are constantly bombarded by harsh radiation from the sun. This radiation can kill complex organic molecules. Talking about landers digging up the surface of the moons, the study says that on Enceladus digging might not even be needed to release these biosignature molecules since they probably survive in shallower ice than on Europa. "Based on our experiments, the 'safe' sampling depth for amino acids on Europa is almost 8 inches (20 centimetres) at high latitudes of the trailing hemisphere, the hemisphere opposite to the direction of Europa's motion around Jupiter, in the area where the surface hasn't been disturbed much by meteorite impacts," research leader Alexander Pavlov of NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, said in a statement. Also Read: NASA photo shows Jupiter's chaotic clouds and cyclonic storms clicked by Juno "Subsurface sampling is not required for the detection of amino acids on Enceladus — these molecules will survive radiolysis, breakdown by radiation, at any location on the Enceladus surface less than a tenth of an inch (under a few millimetres) from the surface," he added. In fact, humans might not even have to land a rover on Enceladus to catch the biosignature molecules. Its icy shells throw up dramatic plumes that can be directly captured by an orbiting mission. Problems on the moons The hope for life on these moons is marred by the fact that they sustain quite a few harsh incidents regularly. They are cold and frigid, have no atmosphere and are regularly hit by energetic particles and radiation from the sun. Supernovas happening beyond the solar system release powerful cosmic rays that also bombard the moons. But the likelihood of the presence of liquid water oceans beneath the thick icy shell surfaces of Europa and Enceladus has excited scientists for a long time. The icy shells protect the oceans against harsh particles and radiation, with geothermal heat generated by the gravitational tug of their planets and the moons able to heat them. This combination of factors has instilled hope about the survival of life on these moons.

NASA wants to release biosignatures of life from icy shells of Europa and Enceladus

Scientists have been stunned to discover another intermediate-mass black hole at the centre of a star cluster in the Milky Way, which is close to the supermassive black hole Sagittarius A* (SgrA*).

The&nbsp;University of Cologne's research team headed by Dr Florian Peißker made the unusual discovery of another intermediate-mass black hole at the centre of the galaxy.

The intermediate-mass black holes are considered one of the most puzzling mysteries in the universe.&nbsp;

Even after researching them at a great length, scientists have only been able to discover a handful of them to date.&nbsp;

As per the scientific consensus, such celestial anomalies were formed after the Big Bang and played a major role as "seeds" in the growth and formation of the supermassive black holes.

Dr. Peißker and his team have been observing a cluster of stars called IRS 13. This cluster is very close to a supermassive black hole which is called the Sagittarius A* (SgrA*).

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/astronomers-spot-closest-massive-black-hole-to-earth-say-it-is-frozen-in-time-740513">Astronomers&nbsp;spot closest massive black hole to Earth, say it is 'frozen in time'</a>

The star cluster is 0.1 light years away from Sagittarius A* which in astronomical terms is a short distance.

The scientist also observed that the stars are moving in an unexpected manner in IRS 13 which suggests&nbsp;that either the star cluster is interacting with the black hole which is affecting the motion of the stars or something is present inside the cluster which is helping it to remain in compact shape.

<h2>Mysterious black hole at the centre of the cluster</h2>

The scientists made multi-wavelength observations with the help of the Chandra, ALMA and found the mysterious black hole at the centre of the star cluster.

They also&nbsp;found that IRS 13 was able to maintain a compact shape because an intermediate-mass black hole was present at its centre.

Other observations like characteristic X-rays and ionised gas which are rotating at breakneck speeds also supported the theory that&nbsp;an intermediate-mass black hole was&nbsp;present there.

Watch:&nbsp;Indian astronauts to train at NASA from August

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The star cluster also had an unusually high density which was said to be&nbsp;higher than any known density of a star cluster present in our Milky Way.&nbsp;

“IRS 13 appears to be an essential building block for the growth of our central black hole SgrA*,” Dr. Peißker said.&nbsp;

This discovery also explains how these intermediate-mass black holes have been their supermassive counterparts' building blocks.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Scientists have been stunned to discover another intermediate-mass black hole at the centre of a star cluster in the Milky Way, which is close to the supermassive black hole Sagittarius A* (SgrA*).

Scientists have been stunned to discover another intermediate-mass black hole at the centre of a star cluster in the Milky Way, which is close to the supermassive black hole Sagittarius A* (SgrA*). The University of Cologne's research team headed by Dr Florian Peißker made the unusual discovery of another intermediate-mass black hole at the centre of the galaxy. The intermediate-mass black holes are considered one of the most puzzling mysteries in the universe. Even after researching them at a great length, scientists have only been able to discover a handful of them to date. As per the scientific consensus, such celestial anomalies were formed after the Big Bang and played a major role as "seeds" in the growth and formation of the supermassive black holes. Dr. Peißker and his team have been observing a cluster of stars called IRS 13. This cluster is very close to a supermassive black hole which is called the Sagittarius A* (SgrA*). Also Read: Astronomers spot closest massive black hole to Earth, say it is 'frozen in time' The star cluster is 0.1 light years away from Sagittarius A* which in astronomical terms is a short distance. The scientist also observed that the stars are moving in an unexpected manner in IRS 13 which suggests that either the star cluster is interacting with the black hole which is affecting the motion of the stars or something is present inside the cluster which is helping it to remain in compact shape. Mysterious black hole at the centre of the cluster The scientists made multi-wavelength observations with the help of the Chandra, ALMA and found the mysterious black hole at the centre of the star cluster. They also found that IRS 13 was able to maintain a compact shape because an intermediate-mass black hole was present at its centre. Other observations like characteristic X-rays and ionised gas which are rotating at breakneck speeds also supported the theory that an intermediate-mass black hole was present there. Watch: Indian astronauts to train at NASA from August The star cluster also had an unusually high density which was said to be higher than any known density of a star cluster present in our Milky Way. “IRS 13 appears to be an essential building block for the growth of our central black hole SgrA*,” Dr. Peißker said. This discovery also explains how these intermediate-mass black holes have been their supermassive counterparts' building blocks. (With inputs from agencies)

Scientists spot intermediate-mass black hole lurking at centre of Milky Way star cluster

A team of researchers have made a new and stunning finding that infants are able to see faces because of their mother's scent.&nbsp;

Researchers from different institutes carried out a study to understand how babies use the scent of their mothers to perceive faces. The study's findings are intriguing and never heard of.

The researchers discovered that the infant's this specific ability sees great improvement between four and 12 months.&nbsp;

However, older infants are able to primarily use visual information for perceiving faces and do not need concurrent cues.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/babies-movements-tracked-with-intelligent-onesies-could-help-diagnose-autism-adhd-740051">Babies' movements tracked with 'intelligent onesies' could help diagnose autism, ADHD</a>

Université de Bourgogne's Center for Taste, Smell and Feeding Sciences (CSGA) associate professor of psychology and neuroscience Dr Arnaud Leleu said, “I have a longstanding interest in how sensory perception works in the human brain. Despite its apparent simplicity (e.g., we open our eyes to see), perception is a complex neurocognitive ability derived from past experience with various stimulations coming from all the senses at the same time.”

Dr&nbsp;Leleu said how the young infant brain treats the multisensory inputs is important to understanding perception in the different senses and how it develops in adulthood.

<h2>Babies' brains and their sensory perception</h2>

Dr&nbsp;Leleu carried out the research to investigate how the development of visual perception is shaped by the olfaction in the infant's brain.

In the study, it was discovered that the rapid perception of faces which increases by the odour of the mother declined when infants grew older and were able to efficiently perceive faces just by visual cues.

Dr&nbsp;Leleu underlined the early exposure to concurrent sensory inputs' importance from&nbsp;different modalities to enhance perceptual learning in the babies.

Watch:&nbsp;Nigeria Bomb Attack: Woman with baby on her back carries out suicide attack

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“Together with the large body of research on multisensory perception in infants, our findings reveal the importance of the early exposure to concurrent sensory inputs from different modalities for perceptual learning,” Dr Leleu said.

“Such early exposure to repeated intersensory associations is also a building block for the later development of higher-level abilities such as semantic memory, language and conceptual reasoning. It is therefore important to expose infants to a variety of cues related to the same objects as early as possible," he added.

(With inputs from agencies)

A team of researchers have made a new and stunning finding that infants are able to see faces because of their mother's scent. Researchers from different institutes carried out a study to understand how babies use the scent of their mothers to perceive faces.

A team of researchers have made a new and stunning finding that infants are able to see faces because of their mother's scent. Researchers from different institutes carried out a study to understand how babies use the scent of their mothers to perceive faces. The study's findings are intriguing and never heard of. The researchers discovered that the infant's this specific ability sees great improvement between four and 12 months. However, older infants are able to primarily use visual information for perceiving faces and do not need concurrent cues. Also Read: Babies' movements tracked with 'intelligent onesies' could help diagnose autism, ADHD Université de Bourgogne's Center for Taste, Smell and Feeding Sciences (CSGA) associate professor of psychology and neuroscience Dr Arnaud Leleu said, “I have a longstanding interest in how sensory perception works in the human brain. Despite its apparent simplicity (e.g., we open our eyes to see), perception is a complex neurocognitive ability derived from past experience with various stimulations coming from all the senses at the same time.” Dr Leleu said how the young infant brain treats the multisensory inputs is important to understanding perception in the different senses and how it develops in adulthood. Babies' brains and their sensory perception Dr Leleu carried out the research to investigate how the development of visual perception is shaped by the olfaction in the infant's brain. In the study, it was discovered that the rapid perception of faces which increases by the odour of the mother declined when infants grew older and were able to efficiently perceive faces just by visual cues. Dr Leleu underlined the early exposure to concurrent sensory inputs' importance from different modalities to enhance perceptual learning in the babies. Watch: Nigeria Bomb Attack: Woman with baby on her back carries out suicide attack “Together with the large body of research on multisensory perception in infants, our findings reveal the importance of the early exposure to concurrent sensory inputs from different modalities for perceptual learning,” Dr Leleu said. “Such early exposure to repeated intersensory associations is also a building block for the later development of higher-level abilities such as semantic memory, language and conceptual reasoning. It is therefore important to expose infants to a variety of cues related to the same objects as early as possible," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Babies use scent of their mothers to 'see' faces of people: Study

Scientists have been observing Jupiter embroiled in a massive storm, which has continued for at least 350 years, and now their attention has been diverted towards its shrinking enormous red oval.&nbsp;

The oval, known as the Great Red Spot, is visible from Earth and is located in the southern hemisphere of the planet.&nbsp;

This meteorological feature is spread over an area of 10,000 miles wide and the intense anticyclone has been blowing at a speed which is more than 200 miles per hour in a counterclockwise direction. This is the largest windstorm ever recorded in our solar system.

What has now left the scientists more puzzled is the shrinking of the Great Red Spot.

Even though the latitudinal reach of the storm has remained consistent, it has contracted longitudinally dramatically.

In the late 19th century, the&nbsp;Great Red Spot&nbsp;extended to more than 40 degrees. However, in 2016, NASA’s Juno spacecraft observed that it had shrunk to 14 degrees.&nbsp;

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/a-super-jupiter-could-exist-in-the-three-star-system-alpha-centauri-study-739206">Is the three-star system Alpha Centauri hosting a Super Jupiter?</a>

The study's lead author and Yale Graduate School of Arts and Sciences PhD student Caleb Keaveney said, “Many people have looked at the Great Red Spot over the last 200 years and were as fascinated by it as I am."

“A lot of those people were not professional astronomers – they were just passionate and curious. That, plus the curiosity I see in people when I talk about my work, makes me feel like part of something bigger than myself," he added.

<h2>Jupiter's Great Red Spot remains shrouded in mystery</h2>

Even after years of&nbsp;rigorous study, the Great Red Spot has remained a topic of intrigue among scientists.

Astronomers have failed to determine when the spot was formed and how and also why it has a red colour.

The research was conducted by Keaveney with Gary Lackmann of&nbsp;North Carolina State University&nbsp;and Timothy Dowling of the&nbsp;University of Louisville.

Watch:&nbsp;Scientists say the Earth's core is behaving oddly. Here's why

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The team's focus turned towards understanding how the Great Red Spot is getting impacted by smaller and transient&nbsp;storms.&nbsp;

To understand this,&nbsp;researchers utilised the atmospheric model known as the Explicit Planetary Isentropic-Coordinate (EPIC) model. This model was developed in the 1990s by Dowling for planetary applications.&nbsp;

In the analysis, it was found that the Great Red Spot is strengthened by other storms which leads to its expansion.&nbsp;

“We found through&nbsp;numerical simulations&nbsp;that by feeding the Great Red Spot a diet of&nbsp;smaller storms, as has been known to occur on Jupiter, we could modulate its size,” Keaveney said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Scientists have been observing Jupiter embroiled in a massive storm, which has continued for at least 350 years, and now their attention has been diverted towards its shrinking enormous red oval.

Scientists have been observing Jupiter embroiled in a massive storm, which has continued for at least 350 years, and now their attention has been diverted towards its shrinking enormous red oval. The oval, known as the Great Red Spot, is visible from Earth and is located in the southern hemisphere of the planet. This meteorological feature is spread over an area of 10,000 miles wide and the intense anticyclone has been blowing at a speed which is more than 200 miles per hour in a counterclockwise direction. This is the largest windstorm ever recorded in our solar system. What has now left the scientists more puzzled is the shrinking of the Great Red Spot. Even though the latitudinal reach of the storm has remained consistent, it has contracted longitudinally dramatically. In the late 19th century, the Great Red Spot extended to more than 40 degrees. However, in 2016, NASA’s Juno spacecraft observed that it had shrunk to 14 degrees. Also Read: Is the three-star system Alpha Centauri hosting a Super Jupiter? The study's lead author and Yale Graduate School of Arts and Sciences PhD student Caleb Keaveney said, “Many people have looked at the Great Red Spot over the last 200 years and were as fascinated by it as I am." “A lot of those people were not professional astronomers – they were just passionate and curious. That, plus the curiosity I see in people when I talk about my work, makes me feel like part of something bigger than myself," he added. Jupiter's Great Red Spot remains shrouded in mystery Even after years of rigorous study, the Great Red Spot has remained a topic of intrigue among scientists. Astronomers have failed to determine when the spot was formed and how and also why it has a red colour. The research was conducted by Keaveney with Gary Lackmann of North Carolina State University and Timothy Dowling of the University of Louisville. Watch: Scientists say the Earth's core is behaving oddly. Here's why The team's focus turned towards understanding how the Great Red Spot is getting impacted by smaller and transient storms. To understand this, researchers utilised the atmospheric model known as the Explicit Planetary Isentropic-Coordinate (EPIC) model. This model was developed in the 1990s by Dowling for planetary applications. In the analysis, it was found that the Great Red Spot is strengthened by other storms which leads to its expansion. “We found through numerical simulations that by feeding the Great Red Spot a diet of smaller storms, as has been known to occur on Jupiter, we could modulate its size,” Keaveney said. (With inputs from agencies)

Jupiter's 350-year-old massive storm is shrinking its Great Red Spot: Study

The scientists in China have laid out a road map for creating network infrastructure between Earth and the moon which is expected to make space travel easier.&nbsp;

As per the China Academy of Space Technology (CAST) and the Beijing Institute of Spacecraft System Engineering's researchers, the complete network of three lunar ground stations and 30 satellites will provide monitoring services, navigation and real-time communication to global users.&nbsp;

The aim of creating this superhighway is to allow 20 or more space travellers to communicate simultaneously with Earth through audio, images or video.&nbsp;

The network will also provide&nbsp;accurate positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) when the spacecraft is travelling between the moon and Earth and lunar surface operations are being carried out.&nbsp;

This network will also monitor as well as track the moving targets called the cislunar space, which are in the region between the Earth and the&nbsp;moon even though they are as small as one metre, the&nbsp;researchers wrote in the journal Chinese Space Science and Technology in June.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/strictly-speaking-earth-is-not-revolving-around-the-sun-currently-heres-what-it-means-740359">Strictly speaking, Earth is not revolving around the Sun currently. Here's what it means</a>

“Cislunar space has become a new frontier for human activities,” said the team headed by Yang Mengfei, chief designer of China’s&nbsp;Chang’e-5 mission.

“Space activities in this region are set to expand rapidly over the next decade, driving a new round of global competition," the team explained.

“The competition for resources such as orbital slots and radio frequencies is already on, and will only get more intense in the future. There’s an urgent need for China to establish a top-level road map to develop cislunar space infrastructure and gain a competitive edge in the emerging cislunar economy," they added.

<h2>What is cislunar space in which China plans to build a communication road?</h2>

Cislunar space is the region between Earth and the moon. This includes the orbits of&nbsp;satellites&nbsp;around Earth and the space where the orbit of the moon is placed.

The researchers said that China is becoming a major player in deep space and lunar exploration and hence strategic planning is critical to “avoid repetitive construction and optimise resource allocation” for future missions.

Watch:&nbsp;How climate change is altering the earth’s rotation?

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The strategic planning includes exploration missions to the outer solar system, construction of an international lunar research station and crewed lunar landings.&nbsp;

“While plans exist in the US, Europe and Japan, none have been implemented yet. China has a unique opportunity to secure a substantial share in the emerging cislunar space industry,” the researchers said.

(With inputs from agencies)

The scientists in China have laid out a road map for creating network infrastructure between Earth and the moon which is expected to make space travel easier. As per the China Academy of Space Technology (CAST) and the Beijing Institute of Spacecraft System Engineering's researchers, the complete network of three lunar ground stations and 30 satellites will provide monitoring services, navigation and real-time communication to global users.

The scientists in China have laid out a road map for creating network infrastructure between Earth and the moon which is expected to make space travel easier. As per the China Academy of Space Technology (CAST) and the Beijing Institute of Spacecraft System Engineering's researchers, the complete network of three lunar ground stations and 30 satellites will provide monitoring services, navigation and real-time communication to global users. The aim of creating this superhighway is to allow 20 or more space travellers to communicate simultaneously with Earth through audio, images or video. The network will also provide accurate positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) when the spacecraft is travelling between the moon and Earth and lunar surface operations are being carried out. This network will also monitor as well as track the moving targets called the cislunar space, which are in the region between the Earth and the moon even though they are as small as one metre, the researchers wrote in the journal Chinese Space Science and Technology in June. Also Read: Strictly speaking, Earth is not revolving around the Sun currently. Here's what it means “Cislunar space has become a new frontier for human activities,” said the team headed by Yang Mengfei, chief designer of China’s Chang’e-5 mission. “Space activities in this region are set to expand rapidly over the next decade, driving a new round of global competition," the team explained. “The competition for resources such as orbital slots and radio frequencies is already on, and will only get more intense in the future. There’s an urgent need for China to establish a top-level road map to develop cislunar space infrastructure and gain a competitive edge in the emerging cislunar economy," they added. What is cislunar space in which China plans to build a communication road? Cislunar space is the region between Earth and the moon. This includes the orbits of satellites around Earth and the space where the orbit of the moon is placed. The researchers said that China is becoming a major player in deep space and lunar exploration and hence strategic planning is critical to “avoid repetitive construction and optimise resource allocation” for future missions. Watch: How climate change is altering the earth’s rotation? The strategic planning includes exploration missions to the outer solar system, construction of an international lunar research station and crewed lunar landings. “While plans exist in the US, Europe and Japan, none have been implemented yet. China has a unique opportunity to secure a substantial share in the emerging cislunar space industry,” the researchers said. (With inputs from agencies)

China plans to connect Earth with the moon through a communication superhighway

In a new study, scientists have raised concerns regarding the depleting presence of dissolved oxygen in the water bodies across Earth which has been emerging as one of the greatest risks to the lives on the planet.&nbsp;

Similar to how atmospheric oxygen is important for animals, the dissolved oxygen (DO) in water is important for healthy aquatic ecosystems if it is marine or freshwater.&nbsp;

Since billions of people&nbsp;depend on freshwater and marine habitats for food and income, the rapid decline of oxygen in these ecosystems has become a concern for them.

It has been proposed by a team of scientists that aquatic deoxygenation should be added to the list of 'planetary boundaries'.

So far, the planetary boundaries include nine domains that impose thresholds "within which humanity can continue to develop and thrive for generations to come", as per the study.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/earths-groundwater-to-turn-undrinkable-for-half-a-billion-people-by-2100-study-740031">Earth's groundwater to turn 'undrinkable' for half a billion people by 2100: Study</a>

These domains are climate change, ocean acidification, stratospheric ozone depletion, interference with the global phosphorus and nitrogen cycles, rate of biodiversity loss, global freshwater use, land-system change, aerosol loading, and chemical pollution.

<h2>Here's what depletion of aquatic oxygen will lead to&nbsp;</h2>

A team, headed by freshwater ecologist Kevin Rose from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in the United States, has raised concerns regarding this list overlooking the most important limits of the Earth.&nbsp;

"The observed deoxygenation of the Earth's freshwater and marine ecosystems represents an additional planetary boundary process," wrote the authors, adding, "that is critical to the integrity of Earth's ecological and social systems, and both regulates and responds to ongoing changes in other planetary boundary processes."

"Relevant, critical oxygen thresholds are being approached at rates comparable to other planetary boundary processes," they added.

There are various reasons why the concentration of dissolved oxygen has decreased.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Scientists find underground caves on moon

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Warmer waters are not able to hold as much dissolved oxygen and since&nbsp;the greenhouse gas emissions have been increasing air and water temperatures beyond their long-term averages, surface waters are failing to hold this vital element.

Aquatic life has also been blamed for the depletion of the dissolved oxygen. Algal blooms and bacterial booms lead to an influx of organic matter and nutrients in the form of sewage and industrial waste, and agricultural and domestic fertilisers which are able to soak up dissolved oxygen.

In some cases, there has been so much depletion of the oxygen that the microbes suffocated and died.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

In a new study, scientists have raised concerns regarding the depleting presence of dissolved oxygen in the water bodies across Earth which has been emerging as one of the greatest risks to the lives on the planet.

In a new study, scientists have raised concerns regarding the depleting presence of dissolved oxygen in the water bodies across Earth which has been emerging as one of the greatest risks to the lives on the planet. Similar to how atmospheric oxygen is important for animals, the dissolved oxygen (DO) in water is important for healthy aquatic ecosystems if it is marine or freshwater. Since billions of people depend on freshwater and marine habitats for food and income, the rapid decline of oxygen in these ecosystems has become a concern for them. It has been proposed by a team of scientists that aquatic deoxygenation should be added to the list of 'planetary boundaries'. So far, the planetary boundaries include nine domains that impose thresholds "within which humanity can continue to develop and thrive for generations to come", as per the study. Also Read: Earth's groundwater to turn 'undrinkable' for half a billion people by 2100: Study These domains are climate change, ocean acidification, stratospheric ozone depletion, interference with the global phosphorus and nitrogen cycles, rate of biodiversity loss, global freshwater use, land-system change, aerosol loading, and chemical pollution. Here's what depletion of aquatic oxygen will lead to A team, headed by freshwater ecologist Kevin Rose from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in the United States, has raised concerns regarding this list overlooking the most important limits of the Earth. "The observed deoxygenation of the Earth's freshwater and marine ecosystems represents an additional planetary boundary process," wrote the authors, adding, "that is critical to the integrity of Earth's ecological and social systems, and both regulates and responds to ongoing changes in other planetary boundary processes." "Relevant, critical oxygen thresholds are being approached at rates comparable to other planetary boundary processes," they added. There are various reasons why the concentration of dissolved oxygen has decreased. Watch: Scientists find underground caves on moon Warmer waters are not able to hold as much dissolved oxygen and since the greenhouse gas emissions have been increasing air and water temperatures beyond their long-term averages, surface waters are failing to hold this vital element. Aquatic life has also been blamed for the depletion of the dissolved oxygen. Algal blooms and bacterial booms lead to an influx of organic matter and nutrients in the form of sewage and industrial waste, and agricultural and domestic fertilisers which are able to soak up dissolved oxygen. In some cases, there has been so much depletion of the oxygen that the microbes suffocated and died. (With inputs from agencies)

Oxygen is depleting from Earth's water. Here's how it is threatening lives on planet

The scientists are puzzled to observe that the Sun has started another solar cycle without completing the current one.&nbsp;

It appears to be moving ahead of its time as solar cycle 25 has been only halfway through and solar cycle 26 has only started.

<h2>Here's why the Sun has started another solar cycle</h2>

Research fellow at the&nbsp;University of Birmingham Dr&nbsp;Rachel Howe, who was working with international analysts, spotted this change in the solar cycle while tracking the internal sound waves of the sun and their contribution to its rotation cycle.

The activity cycle of the Sun, which is called the solar cycle, ends in approximately 11 years. The solar cycle goes like a celestial rollercoaster and then reaches ‘solar maximum’ which represents the peak of its activity.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/strictly-speaking-earth-is-not-revolving-around-the-sun-currently-heres-what-it-means-740359">Strictly speaking, Earth is not revolving around the Sun currently. Here's what it means</a>

In this phase, scientists have observed an increase in sunspots, solar flares and coronal mass ejections, which marks a phase of heightened solar phenomena.

When it reaches the solar maximum, the magnetic field of the Sun undergoes a polar flip, similar to swapping poles.&nbsp;

In this natural process, the space weather was influenced and is likely to have significant impacts on the magnetic field and satellite operations of the Earth.

As of now, Sun is in Cycle 25 which started in 2019 and is not likely to end at least for another six years.

Dr Howe and her research team were left puzzled to have found that the subsequent solar cycle Cycle 26's preliminary signs appear to be emerging earlier&nbsp;it was expected.

These indicators included subtle shifts in the magnetic field of the Sun and the formation of new sunspots, which include the arrival of the next cycle.

Watch:&nbsp;The danger posed by Chinese space debris

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These observations have left the scientists puzzled as to what this premature activity hints at.&nbsp;

<h2>How will the early solar cycle impact Earth?</h2>

If the Sun actually starts its 26th cycle early, scientists are trying to understand if there will be frequent displays of the Northern and Southern lights or if it will lead to more significant solar-related phenomena.

“With more data, I hope we can understand more about the part these flows play in the intricate dance of plasma and magnetic fields that form the solar cycle,” Dr Howe said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The scientists are puzzled to observe that the Sun has started another solar cycle without completing the current one. It appears to be moving ahead of its time as solar cycle 25 has been only halfway through and solar cycle 26 has only started.

The scientists are puzzled to observe that the Sun has started another solar cycle without completing the current one. It appears to be moving ahead of its time as solar cycle 25 has been only halfway through and solar cycle 26 has only started. Here's why the Sun has started another solar cycle Research fellow at the University of Birmingham Dr Rachel Howe, who was working with international analysts, spotted this change in the solar cycle while tracking the internal sound waves of the sun and their contribution to its rotation cycle. The activity cycle of the Sun, which is called the solar cycle, ends in approximately 11 years. The solar cycle goes like a celestial rollercoaster and then reaches ‘solar maximum’ which represents the peak of its activity. Also Read: Strictly speaking, Earth is not revolving around the Sun currently. Here's what it means In this phase, scientists have observed an increase in sunspots, solar flares and coronal mass ejections, which marks a phase of heightened solar phenomena. When it reaches the solar maximum, the magnetic field of the Sun undergoes a polar flip, similar to swapping poles. In this natural process, the space weather was influenced and is likely to have significant impacts on the magnetic field and satellite operations of the Earth. As of now, Sun is in Cycle 25 which started in 2019 and is not likely to end at least for another six years. Dr Howe and her research team were left puzzled to have found that the subsequent solar cycle Cycle 26's preliminary signs appear to be emerging earlier it was expected. These indicators included subtle shifts in the magnetic field of the Sun and the formation of new sunspots, which include the arrival of the next cycle. Watch: The danger posed by Chinese space debris These observations have left the scientists puzzled as to what this premature activity hints at. How will the early solar cycle impact Earth? If the Sun actually starts its 26th cycle early, scientists are trying to understand if there will be frequent displays of the Northern and Southern lights or if it will lead to more significant solar-related phenomena. “With more data, I hope we can understand more about the part these flows play in the intricate dance of plasma and magnetic fields that form the solar cycle,” Dr Howe said. (With inputs from agencies)

Sun starts next solar cycle, without completing current one. Here's how it will impact Earth

A team of researchers have&nbsp;detected the largest-ever leak of methane in Kazakhstan after combining satellite data from several missions, such as TROPOMI, GHGSat, PRISMA, EnMAP, EMIT and Sentinel-2. Led by Dr Luis Guanter, a professor at the Universitat Politècnica de València and head of the LARS Group at the Institute of Water and Environmental Engineering (IIAMA-UPV), the team found that the leak took place at an oil well in the Central Asian country's Karaturun East field.

A study, quantifying and tracking the extent of methane leaks, has been published in Environmental Science &amp; Technology Letters.

<h2>When did the leak start?</h2>

According to the study, the leak started on June 9, 2023. It led to a 10-metre-high fire and the formation of a&nbsp;15-metre-wide crater. Over the next 205 days, the leak ended up releasing approximately 131.00 metric tons of methane into the atmosphere.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwi8157g07WHAxW-d2wGHTUGAfEQxfQBKAB6BAgQEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/science/decline-in-indias-vulture-population-impacted-human-health-contributing-to-thousands-of-deaths-report-741732" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/science/decline-in-indias-vulture-population-impacted-human-health-contributing-to-thousands-of-deaths-report-741732&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi8157g07WHAxW-d2wGHTUGAfEQxfQBKAB6BAgQEAE">Decline in India`s vulture population impacted human health, contributing to thousands of deaths: Report</a>

It made it the largest methane-leak event in history, outperforming previous events such as Aliso Canyon in 2015, Ohio in 2018, and Louisiana in 2019.

The leak was finally fixed on 25 December 2023 by injecting drilling mud.

<h2>Significance</h2>

The purpose of the study is to devise ways to better deal with such large events of gas leaks and deploy methods to detect plumes in the early stages.

“These optimized methods include the implementation of a tailored filter to detect plumes and specific methane quantification models for hyperspectral instruments,” said researchers.

Scientists rely on data from advanced satellites to detect and quantify methane emissions, especially in faraway regions where events generally go unnoticed.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjqxvbc07WHAxUcUGcHHSm8AysQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/italy-and-kazakhstan-summits-top-diplomatic-agenda-for-new-indian-government-729920" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/italy-and-kazakhstan-summits-top-diplomatic-agenda-for-new-indian-government-729920&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjqxvbc07WHAxUcUGcHHSm8AysQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE">Italy and Kazakhstan summits top diplomatic agenda for new Indian government</a>

“Our work demonstrates how advanced space-based tools are essential for discovering and managing these super-emission events, enabling accurate reconstruction and robust emissions quantification,” said the LARS researchers.

“Natural gas, in addition to being an important energy source, is also a greenhouse gas responsible for almost a third of global warming, as it contains more than 90% methane. The difference with CO2 is that it has a greater impact in the short term, so it is necessary to act at source and reduce emissions,” the researchers noted.

(With inputs from agencies)

A team of researchers have detected the largest-ever leak of methane in Kazakhstan after combining satellite data from several missions, such as TROPOMI, GHGSat, PRISMA, EnMAP, EMIT and Sentinel-2.

A team of researchers have detected the largest-ever leak of methane in Kazakhstan after combining satellite data from several missions, such as TROPOMI, GHGSat, PRISMA, EnMAP, EMIT and Sentinel-2. Led by Dr Luis Guanter, a professor at the Universitat Politècnica de València and head of the LARS Group at the Institute of Water and Environmental Engineering (IIAMA-UPV), the team found that the leak took place at an oil well in the Central Asian country's Karaturun East field. A study, quantifying and tracking the extent of methane leaks, has been published in Environmental Science & Technology Letters. When did the leak start? According to the study, the leak started on June 9, 2023. It led to a 10-metre-high fire and the formation of a 15-metre-wide crater. Over the next 205 days, the leak ended up releasing approximately 131.00 metric tons of methane into the atmosphere. Also read: Decline in India`s vulture population impacted human health, contributing to thousands of deaths: Report It made it the largest methane-leak event in history, outperforming previous events such as Aliso Canyon in 2015, Ohio in 2018, and Louisiana in 2019. The leak was finally fixed on 25 December 2023 by injecting drilling mud. Significance The purpose of the study is to devise ways to better deal with such large events of gas leaks and deploy methods to detect plumes in the early stages. “These optimized methods include the implementation of a tailored filter to detect plumes and specific methane quantification models for hyperspectral instruments,” said researchers. Scientists rely on data from advanced satellites to detect and quantify methane emissions, especially in faraway regions where events generally go unnoticed. Also read: Italy and Kazakhstan summits top diplomatic agenda for new Indian government “Our work demonstrates how advanced space-based tools are essential for discovering and managing these super-emission events, enabling accurate reconstruction and robust emissions quantification,” said the LARS researchers. “Natural gas, in addition to being an important energy source, is also a greenhouse gas responsible for almost a third of global warming, as it contains more than 90% methane. The difference with CO2 is that it has a greater impact in the short term, so it is necessary to act at source and reduce emissions,” the researchers noted. (With inputs from agencies)

'131k tonnes in 205 days': Largest-ever methane leak recorded in Kazakhstan

NASA has sounded&nbsp;an alarm regarding the massive 380-foot giant Asteroid 2011 MW1 which is hurtling at a dangerous speed towards Earth.&nbsp;

The American space agency has revealed that Asteroid 2011 MW1 is not some typical space pebble.&nbsp;

It is massive in size when&nbsp;compared&nbsp;to other asteroids which come into Earth's cosmic neighbourhood. This near-Earth object is as big as a skyscraper.&nbsp;

The asteroid is hurtling towards our planet at a scary speed of 28,946 km per hour and will be just 2.4 million miles when it makes its close approach, as per&nbsp;data from&nbsp;NASA’s CNEOS.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-warns-against-apollos-180-ft-asteroid-hurtling-towards-earth-at-scary-speed-741412">NASA warns against 180-ft asteroid hurtling towards Earth at scary speed</a>

The asteroid is expected to make its closest approach on July 25. According to NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), it will be flying at a distance of 4.43 million miles which is a stone's throw away, in astronomical terms.&nbsp;

In case the asteroid deviates from its orbit, the consequences can be scary and maybe catastrophic for Earth.

<h2>Is the 380-foot asteroid a threat to Earth?</h2>

Even though the 380-foot asteroid flying towards Earth at scary speed can raise concerns, as of now people don't need to panic.&nbsp;

NASA has been tracking the trajectory of the asteroid and has said it will be flying at a safe distance. Hence, Asteroid 2011 MW1 has not been marked as potentially hazardous.

Scientists have always been concerned about the asteroids racing towards Earth and carrying the potential of wiping out the entire human race.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Indian astronauts to train at NASA from August

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gaganyaan-mission-indian-astronaut-to-fly-to-space-station-by-2026-740296/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Such space rocks are remnants left when the solar systems were formed and frequently make a close flyby of Earth, often causing concern&nbsp;to those tracking it.

Even though many of them have not been able to become an immediate threat, some have even been deflected due to their alarming proximity and massive size.

(With inputs from agencies)

NASA has sounded an alarm regarding the massive 380-foot giant Asteroid 2011 MW1 which is hurtling at a dangerous speed towards Earth. The American space agency has revealed that Asteroid 2011 MW1 is not some typical space pebble.

NASA has sounded an alarm regarding the massive 380-foot giant Asteroid 2011 MW1 which is hurtling at a dangerous speed towards Earth. The American space agency has revealed that Asteroid 2011 MW1 is not some typical space pebble. It is massive in size when compared to other asteroids which come into Earth's cosmic neighbourhood. This near-Earth object is as big as a skyscraper. The asteroid is hurtling towards our planet at a scary speed of 28,946 km per hour and will be just 2.4 million miles when it makes its close approach, as per data from NASA’s CNEOS. Also Read: NASA warns against 180-ft asteroid hurtling towards Earth at scary speed The asteroid is expected to make its closest approach on July 25. According to NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), it will be flying at a distance of 4.43 million miles which is a stone's throw away, in astronomical terms. In case the asteroid deviates from its orbit, the consequences can be scary and maybe catastrophic for Earth. Is the 380-foot asteroid a threat to Earth? Even though the 380-foot asteroid flying towards Earth at scary speed can raise concerns, as of now people don't need to panic. NASA has been tracking the trajectory of the asteroid and has said it will be flying at a safe distance. Hence, Asteroid 2011 MW1 has not been marked as potentially hazardous. Scientists have always been concerned about the asteroids racing towards Earth and carrying the potential of wiping out the entire human race. Watch: Indian astronauts to train at NASA from August Such space rocks are remnants left when the solar systems were formed and frequently make a close flyby of Earth, often causing concern to those tracking it. Even though many of them have not been able to become an immediate threat, some have even been deflected due to their alarming proximity and massive size. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA on alert as gigantic asteroid zooms too close to Earth, might turn catastrophic if moves from orbit

While eyelash extensions are trending, are they worth getting? Experts have revealed the adhesive in these artificial eyelashes may pose&nbsp;serious health risks&nbsp;for our eyes.

While the purpose of our eyelashes is to protect the eyes from any airborne particles that may cause infections, these extensions are used to make them look thicker and longer for fashionable makeovers.&nbsp;

Eyelash extensions are individual fibres made from silk, hair from mink or horse, plastic, or nylon. They are attached to our lashes using an adhesive or glue, which can result in various issues.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/miracle-german-man-becomes-only-7th-person-to-be-cured-of-hiv-742117">Also Read |&nbsp;MIRACLE! German man becomes only 7th person to be cured of HIV</a>

According to one research, about 40 per cent of women reported having an allergic reaction to the glue and over 60 per cent reported keratoconjunctivitis, which is inflammation of both conjunctiva and cornea at the same time.

Furthermore, reports suggest that consumers were sold&nbsp;nail glue instead of the one meant for eyelashes, which&nbsp;has serious risks as it is much more potent.

Eyelash adhesives can also reportedly increase the risk of cancer.

One study found that 75 per cent&nbsp;of the 20 professional glues released formaldehyde, a cancer-causing chemical. Additionally,&nbsp;four of the 17 consumer glues also had the chemical. Notably, some of the glues did not mention formaldehyde in their ingredients.

The eyelash glue also contains preservatives which can result in conjunctivitis and conjunctival erosion, which can affect a person's&nbsp;eyesight and cause pain. In this condition, the epithelium, the cells on the cornea's surface, loosens from the layer below it.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-close-to-creating-one-and-done-anti-flu-vaccine-to-kill-future-pandemic-742447">Scientists close to creating 'one and done' anti-flu vaccine to kill future pandemic</a>

According to The Conversation, the most common issue&nbsp;caused by eyelash extensions is blepharitis -&nbsp;irritation or inflammation of the eyelids, due to the build-up of bacteria.

Additionally, poor hygiene conditions at salons can also cause lash mite infestation. Eyelash extension removal, even by professionals, can deteriorate the health of natural lashes.

Some people have also started using eyelash serums which contain prostaglandin. These serums are becoming increasingly&nbsp;popular as they claim to&nbsp;increase the thickness, length, and darkness of natural lashes. However, they can still pose health risks.

These serums can result in the loss of fat tissues around the eyes,&nbsp;making&nbsp;them&nbsp;look hollow and dark circles worse. They can also change the colour of the irises&nbsp;permanently.

(With inputs from agencies)

While eyelash extensions are trending, are they worth getting? Experts have revealed the adhesive in these artificial eyelashes may pose serious health risks for our eyes.

While eyelash extensions are trending, are they worth getting? Experts have revealed the adhesive in these artificial eyelashes may pose serious health risks for our eyes. While the purpose of our eyelashes is to protect the eyes from any airborne particles that may cause infections, these extensions are used to make them look thicker and longer for fashionable makeovers. Eyelash extensions are individual fibres made from silk, hair from mink or horse, plastic, or nylon. They are attached to our lashes using an adhesive or glue, which can result in various issues. Also Read | MIRACLE! German man becomes only 7th person to be cured of HIV According to one research, about 40 per cent of women reported having an allergic reaction to the glue and over 60 per cent reported keratoconjunctivitis, which is inflammation of both conjunctiva and cornea at the same time. Furthermore, reports suggest that consumers were sold nail glue instead of the one meant for eyelashes, which has serious risks as it is much more potent. Eyelash adhesives can also reportedly increase the risk of cancer. One study found that 75 per cent of the 20 professional glues released formaldehyde, a cancer-causing chemical. Additionally, four of the 17 consumer glues also had the chemical. Notably, some of the glues did not mention formaldehyde in their ingredients. The eyelash glue also contains preservatives which can result in conjunctivitis and conjunctival erosion, which can affect a person's eyesight and cause pain. In this condition, the epithelium, the cells on the cornea's surface, loosens from the layer below it. Also Read | Scientists close to creating 'one and done' anti-flu vaccine to kill future pandemic According to The Conversation, the most common issue caused by eyelash extensions is blepharitis - irritation or inflammation of the eyelids, due to the build-up of bacteria. Additionally, poor hygiene conditions at salons can also cause lash mite infestation. Eyelash extension removal, even by professionals, can deteriorate the health of natural lashes. Some people have also started using eyelash serums which contain prostaglandin. These serums are becoming increasingly popular as they claim to increase the thickness, length, and darkness of natural lashes. However, they can still pose health risks. These serums can result in the loss of fat tissues around the eyes, making them look hollow and dark circles worse. They can also change the colour of the irises permanently. (With inputs from agencies)

Eyelash extensions can pose serious health risks, warn experts

Scientists have created new simulations which have suggested that a 9-mile-thick layer of diamonds is lurking deep below Mercury's surface.&nbsp;

However, there is no chance of mining these diamonds, however, it may explain some of the biggest mysteries of the planet.&nbsp;

The study was published in the journal&nbsp;Nature Communications and speaks about the composition and peculiar&nbsp;magnetic field of the planet.

The magnetic field of Mercury is much weaker in comparison to that of Earth, however, magnetism&nbsp;is unexpected since the planet is very small and geologically inactive.

The planet also has rare dark surface patches which were identified as graphite by NASA's Messenger mission.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-plan-to-redefine-meaning-of-the-planet-but-pluto-still-remains-out-of-list-740584">Scientists plan to revisit definition of planet but Pluto still remains out of list</a>

The study's co-author and staff scientist at the Center for High-Pressure Science and Technology Advanced Research in Beijing Yanhao Lin said that this feature sparked curiosity among scientists.&nbsp;

In a statement, he said that the extremely high carbon content of Mercury "made me realise that something special probably happened within its interior."

<h2>How were diamonds formed below the surface of Mercury?</h2>

According to the scientists, even after Mercury's oddities, it was created similar to how other terrestrial planets were formed by the cooling of a hot magma ocean.&nbsp;

In the case of Mercury, this ocean was filled with silicate and carbon. The metals first coagulated within it and formed a central core as the remaining magma crystallised into the middle mantle and outer crust of the planet.

The researchers for a long time believed that the temperature and pressure of the mantle were just good enough for carbon to form graphite, which floated above the surface because it was lighter than the mantle.

Watch:&nbsp;How climate change is altering the earth’s rotation?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/how-climate-change-is-altering-the-earths-rotation-742159/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

According to a 2019 study, the mantle of Mercury was 80 miles (50 kilometres) deeper than earlier believed.&nbsp;

This is expected to increase the temperature and pressure at the boundary between the mantle and the core and create conditions in which carbon can be crystallised into diamonds.&nbsp;

To look into this possibility, chemical soups which included iron, silica and carbon were whipped up by a team of Belgian and Chinese researchers, including Lin.

It is believed that such mixtures, which are similar to some types of meteorites, are believed to be similar to infant Mercury's magma ocean.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Scientists have created new simulations which have suggested that a 9-mile-thick layer of diamonds is lurking deep below Mercury's surface. However, there is no chance of mining these diamonds, however, it may explain some of the biggest mysteries of the planet.

Scientists have created new simulations which have suggested that a 9-mile-thick layer of diamonds is lurking deep below Mercury's surface. However, there is no chance of mining these diamonds, however, it may explain some of the biggest mysteries of the planet. The study was published in the journal Nature Communications and speaks about the composition and peculiar magnetic field of the planet. The magnetic field of Mercury is much weaker in comparison to that of Earth, however, magnetism is unexpected since the planet is very small and geologically inactive. The planet also has rare dark surface patches which were identified as graphite by NASA's Messenger mission. Also Read: Scientists plan to revisit definition of planet but Pluto still remains out of list The study's co-author and staff scientist at the Center for High-Pressure Science and Technology Advanced Research in Beijing Yanhao Lin said that this feature sparked curiosity among scientists. In a statement, he said that the extremely high carbon content of Mercury "made me realise that something special probably happened within its interior." How were diamonds formed below the surface of Mercury? According to the scientists, even after Mercury's oddities, it was created similar to how other terrestrial planets were formed by the cooling of a hot magma ocean. In the case of Mercury, this ocean was filled with silicate and carbon. The metals first coagulated within it and formed a central core as the remaining magma crystallised into the middle mantle and outer crust of the planet. The researchers for a long time believed that the temperature and pressure of the mantle were just good enough for carbon to form graphite, which floated above the surface because it was lighter than the mantle. Watch: How climate change is altering the earth’s rotation? According to a 2019 study, the mantle of Mercury was 80 miles (50 kilometres) deeper than earlier believed. This is expected to increase the temperature and pressure at the boundary between the mantle and the core and create conditions in which carbon can be crystallised into diamonds. To look into this possibility, chemical soups which included iron, silica and carbon were whipped up by a team of Belgian and Chinese researchers, including Lin. It is believed that such mixtures, which are similar to some types of meteorites, are believed to be similar to infant Mercury's magma ocean. (With inputs from agencies)

THIS diamond planet is lurking near Earth. Can it make Earthlings richer anytime soon?

Thousands of French security forces locked down a six-kilometre (four-mile) stretch of central Paris on Thursday ahead of the hugely complex Olympics opening ceremony next week.

The opening parade on July 26 that will see athletes sail down the river Seine led to the closure of central water-side residential districts to most vehicles from 5:00 am (0300 GMT) on Thursday.

Traffic on surrounding boulevards was noticeably lighter than usual as many drivers stayed away, but locals and tourists found themselves blocked at checkpoints, particularly when trying to cross the river.&nbsp;

"It's a real pain," cyclist Frank Groner, 52, told AFP after being turned away by police outside the La Samaritaine department store. "I read everything online and thought I'd understood. You can't cross anywhere!" &nbsp;

With the opening ceremony just eight days away, Paris is transforming itself as it prepares to welcome nearly nine million Olympics ticketholders.

Organisers are putting the finishing touches to the temporary sports stadiums at iconic locations such as the Eiffel Tower, the Invalides or the Place de la Concorde.

Advertising boards, new artwork and Olympics bunting are going up, while the creation of Olympic VIP traffic lanes this week are the latest change to the capital's gridlocked streets.

"The Olympics have brought us nothing but misery," taxi driver Rabah Ouanes, 53, complained on Thursday, saying traffic had been dreadful because of all the construction work.&nbsp;

In the run up to the Games, tourist numbers are much lower-than-usual and many Paris residents have headed off on holiday to avoid the disruption.&nbsp;

"Our clients are down by 50 percent," said Renaud, a senior waiter at the famed Deux Magots cafe in Saint-German-des-Pres, which is inside the new security perimeter set up on Thursday.

"Normally we have people queuing out the door," he told AFP, gesturing towards the numerous empty seats on the outdoor terrace.

<h2>Super excited</h2>

Elsewhere on Thursday, the first athletes arrived at the newly built Olympic Village in the Saint-Ouen northern suburb of the capital which urban planners are hoping to regenerate.

Comprising 40 different low-rise housing blocs, the complex has been built as a showcase of innovative construction techniques using low-carbon concrete, water recycling and reclaimed building materials.

It was also intended to be free of air-conditioning, but Olympic delegations have ordered around 2,500 portable cooling units for their athletes out of fear of high temperatures.

"We are super excited to check how it's looking," Australian hockey player Stephanie Kershaw told AFP as she waited to enter the village. "We can't wait to get started."&nbsp;

Members of the Argentinian, Brazilian and Kenyan delegations could be seen pushing luggage trolleys into the complex, while British and US athletes are also expected on Thursday.&nbsp;

At full capacity, the village will host 14,500 people including 9,000 athletes.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/india-tour-of-sri-lanka-suryakumar-yadav-confirmed-as-new-t20i-captain-rohit-virat-to-play-in-odis-742120">India tour of Sri Lanka: Suryakumar Yadav confirmed as new T20I captain; Rohit, Virat to play in ODIs</a>

<h2>Unprecedented ceremony</h2>

Securing the Paris Games remains the biggest priority for French authorities, with Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin insisting Wednesday that there was "no credible threat" against them at this stage.&nbsp;

The opening ceremony has been giving senior police officers cold sweats ever since it was announced in 2021 because of the difficulty of protecting such a large, densely packed urban area.

Around 6,000-7,000 athletes are set to sail down the Seine on nearly a hundred barges and river boats.

It will be the first time a Summer Olympics has opened outside the main athletics stadium, with up to 500,000 people set to watch in person from stands, on the river banks and from the overlooking apartments.&nbsp;

The two-tiered security perimeter installed on Thursday has restricted most vehicles from central areas.

Anyone wanting to enter the highest-security "grey zone" along both banks of the Seine, such as residents or tourists with hotel reservations in the area, needs a security pass in the form of a QR code.

River barriers blocking access to the Seine were installed and functioning on Thursday, while a vast no-fly zone will be put in place above the capital on the evening of the ceremony.&nbsp;

The installation of tens of thousands of metal security barriers all along the route of the parade and around the temporary venues has also outraged some Parisians.

Martine Dubois, a 74-year-old living in Saint-Germain-des-Pres, said the Olympics were "a real inconvenience".

The metro stop she uses for work was one of 10 closed for security reasons on Thursday and the barriers "make you feel like you're living in a prison," she told AFP.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Thousands of French security forces locked down a six-kilometre (four-mile) stretch of central Paris on Thursday ahead of the hugely complex Olympics opening ceremony next week.

Thousands of French security forces locked down a six-kilometre (four-mile) stretch of central Paris on Thursday ahead of the hugely complex Olympics opening ceremony next week. The opening parade on July 26 that will see athletes sail down the river Seine led to the closure of central water-side residential districts to most vehicles from 5:00 am (0300 GMT) on Thursday. Traffic on surrounding boulevards was noticeably lighter than usual as many drivers stayed away, but locals and tourists found themselves blocked at checkpoints, particularly when trying to cross the river. "It's a real pain," cyclist Frank Groner, 52, told AFP after being turned away by police outside the La Samaritaine department store. "I read everything online and thought I'd understood. You can't cross anywhere!" With the opening ceremony just eight days away, Paris is transforming itself as it prepares to welcome nearly nine million Olympics ticketholders. Organisers are putting the finishing touches to the temporary sports stadiums at iconic locations such as the Eiffel Tower, the Invalides or the Place de la Concorde. Advertising boards, new artwork and Olympics bunting are going up, while the creation of Olympic VIP traffic lanes this week are the latest change to the capital's gridlocked streets. "The Olympics have brought us nothing but misery," taxi driver Rabah Ouanes, 53, complained on Thursday, saying traffic had been dreadful because of all the construction work. In the run up to the Games, tourist numbers are much lower-than-usual and many Paris residents have headed off on holiday to avoid the disruption. "Our clients are down by 50 percent," said Renaud, a senior waiter at the famed Deux Magots cafe in Saint-German-des-Pres, which is inside the new security perimeter set up on Thursday. "Normally we have people queuing out the door," he told AFP, gesturing towards the numerous empty seats on the outdoor terrace. Super excited Elsewhere on Thursday, the first athletes arrived at the newly built Olympic Village in the Saint-Ouen northern suburb of the capital which urban planners are hoping to regenerate. Comprising 40 different low-rise housing blocs, the complex has been built as a showcase of innovative construction techniques using low-carbon concrete, water recycling and reclaimed building materials. It was also intended to be free of air-conditioning, but Olympic delegations have ordered around 2,500 portable cooling units for their athletes out of fear of high temperatures. "We are super excited to check how it's looking," Australian hockey player Stephanie Kershaw told AFP as she waited to enter the village. "We can't wait to get started." Members of the Argentinian, Brazilian and Kenyan delegations could be seen pushing luggage trolleys into the complex, while British and US athletes are also expected on Thursday. At full capacity, the village will host 14,500 people including 9,000 athletes. ALSO READ | India tour of Sri Lanka: Suryakumar Yadav confirmed as new T20I captain; Rohit, Virat to play in ODIs Unprecedented ceremony Securing the Paris Games remains the biggest priority for French authorities, with Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin insisting Wednesday that there was "no credible threat" against them at this stage. The opening ceremony has been giving senior police officers cold sweats ever since it was announced in 2021 because of the difficulty of protecting such a large, densely packed urban area. Around 6,000-7,000 athletes are set to sail down the Seine on nearly a hundred barges and river boats. It will be the first time a Summer Olympics has opened outside the main athletics stadium, with up to 500,000 people set to watch in person from stands, on the river banks and from the overlooking apartments. The two-tiered security perimeter installed on Thursday has restricted most vehicles from central areas. Anyone wanting to enter the highest-security "grey zone" along both banks of the Seine, such as residents or tourists with hotel reservations in the area, needs a security pass in the form of a QR code. River barriers blocking access to the Seine were installed and functioning on Thursday, while a vast no-fly zone will be put in place above the capital on the evening of the ceremony. The installation of tens of thousands of metal security barriers all along the route of the parade and around the temporary venues has also outraged some Parisians. Martine Dubois, a 74-year-old living in Saint-Germain-des-Pres, said the Olympics were "a real inconvenience". The metro stop she uses for work was one of 10 closed for security reasons on Thursday and the barriers "make you feel like you're living in a prison," she told AFP. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Scientists close to creating 'one and done' anti-flu vaccine to kill future pandemic

NASA’s Curiosity Rover has made several discoveries on Mars, and the latest one has surprised scientists. The rover in May drove over some stones, cracking open one of them. What stumbled out was nothing less than magical - yellow sulfur crystal, a first for the red planet.&nbsp;

“Finding a field of stones made of pure sulfur is like finding an oasis in the desert,” Curiosity’s project scientist, Ashwin Vasavada of NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California, said.&nbsp;

The discovery was made in a region that is rich in sulfates and has been explored by Curiosity since October 2023. Sulfate is a kind of salt that comprises sulfur and forms after the water evaporates. This is not the first time that sulfur has been found on Mars, but past findings have basically been of sulfur-based minerals. But the rock that Curiosity crushed contains elemental, or pure, sulfur. 
And it's not just one rock, there are several more of them spread in a vast field in the area.&nbsp;

The astonishing thing is that the conditions needed to form this sulfur have never been linked by scientists to this particular region. The formation of sulfur depends on a narrow range of conditions.&nbsp;

“It shouldn’t be there, so now we have to explain it. Discovering strange and unexpected things is what makes planetary exploration so exciting," Ashwin added.

Additionally, while sulfur usually is associated with the odour of rotten eggs, which is caused by&nbsp;the hydrogen sulfide gas, elemental sulfur, the one found in the rock, is odourless.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/strange-lakes-rivers-and-oceans-are-flowing-on-saturns-moon-scientists-find-it-eerily-similar-to-earth-742065">Strange lakes, rivers and oceans are flowing on Saturn's moon. Scientists find it eerily similar to Earth</a>

<h2>Where is Curiosity right now?</h2>

The rover is currently exploring the red planet's Gediz Vallis channel, a groove on the 5-kilometre-tall&nbsp;Mount Sharp. The mountain hides the mysteries of Mars as each layer denotes a different period of its history. Curiosity has been climbing up this mountain since 2014 and aims to learn about the nutrients that likely once gave birth to microbial life on Mars.&nbsp;

Gediz Vallis channel was spotted from space long before Curiosity was sent to Mars. Scientists believe that liquid water flowing in this region created this channel, and the debris that it brought with it left a ridge of boulders and sediment for two miles down the mountainside. The aim is to understand what went wrong and how did the current landscape emerge.&nbsp;

The large mounds of debris on the channel’s floor likely happened because of ancient floodwaters or landslides. Curiosity has given hints that suggest both possibilities, violent water gushing down along with debris created some of it and local landslides formed the other.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

NASA’s Curiosity Rover has made several discoveries on Mars, and the latest one has surprised scientists. The rover in May drove over some stones, cracking open one of them.

NASA’s Curiosity Rover has made several discoveries on Mars, and the latest one has surprised scientists. The rover in May drove over some stones, cracking open one of them. What stumbled out was nothing less than magical - yellow sulfur crystal, a first for the red planet. “Finding a field of stones made of pure sulfur is like finding an oasis in the desert,” Curiosity’s project scientist, Ashwin Vasavada of NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California, said. The discovery was made in a region that is rich in sulfates and has been explored by Curiosity since October 2023. Sulfate is a kind of salt that comprises sulfur and forms after the water evaporates. This is not the first time that sulfur has been found on Mars, but past findings have basically been of sulfur-based minerals. But the rock that Curiosity crushed contains elemental, or pure, sulfur. And it's not just one rock, there are several more of them spread in a vast field in the area. The astonishing thing is that the conditions needed to form this sulfur have never been linked by scientists to this particular region. The formation of sulfur depends on a narrow range of conditions. “It shouldn’t be there, so now we have to explain it. Discovering strange and unexpected things is what makes planetary exploration so exciting," Ashwin added. Additionally, while sulfur usually is associated with the odour of rotten eggs, which is caused by the hydrogen sulfide gas, elemental sulfur, the one found in the rock, is odourless. Also Read: Strange lakes, rivers and oceans are flowing on Saturn's moon. Scientists find it eerily similar to Earth Where is Curiosity right now? The rover is currently exploring the red planet's Gediz Vallis channel, a groove on the 5-kilometre-tall Mount Sharp. The mountain hides the mysteries of Mars as each layer denotes a different period of its history. Curiosity has been climbing up this mountain since 2014 and aims to learn about the nutrients that likely once gave birth to microbial life on Mars. Gediz Vallis channel was spotted from space long before Curiosity was sent to Mars. Scientists believe that liquid water flowing in this region created this channel, and the debris that it brought with it left a ridge of boulders and sediment for two miles down the mountainside. The aim is to understand what went wrong and how did the current landscape emerge. The large mounds of debris on the channel’s floor likely happened because of ancient floodwaters or landslides. Curiosity has given hints that suggest both possibilities, violent water gushing down along with debris created some of it and local landslides formed the other.

Curiosity rover cuts open rock on Mars, spilling out an unexpected secret

NASA and Elon Musk's SpaceX have joined hands in the mission to blast 450 tonnes of International Space Station (ISS) and finally push it inside an ocean grave.&nbsp;

The ISS has served as the perfect abode for the astronauts in space in the last 23 years. NASA announced in June that SpaceX would be paid $843 million for helping them in decommissioning the ISS.

Now on Wednesday (July 17), the detailed plan for pushing the ISS into the ocean was shared by NASA and SpaceX.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/strictly-speaking-earth-is-not-revolving-around-the-sun-currently-heres-what-it-means-740359">Strictly speaking, Earth is not revolving around the Sun currently. Here's what it means</a>

The plan involved an extra-large and superpowered Dragon spaceship&nbsp;which will push the space station outside its orbit and turn it into a fiery plummet which will eventually crash in a remote ocean grave, most likely by 2031.

<h2>How SpaceX's Dragon spaceships are preparing for blast?</h2>

Currently, SpaceX's Dragon spaceships have been shuttling NASA astronauts&nbsp;and cargo, which are extremely light, to and from the space station.&nbsp;

This is the reason why SpaceX has been supercharging one of its Dragons to blast the space station.&nbsp;

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With 6x more propellant and 4x the power of today’s Dragon spacecraft, SpaceX was selected to design and develop the U.S. Deorbit Vehicle for a precise, controlled deorbit of the <a href="https://twitter.com/Space_Station?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Space_Station</a> <a href="https://t.co/GgtuplTwqQ">https://t.co/GgtuplTwqQ</a> <a href="https://t.co/E23sS7CE4U">pic.twitter.com/E23sS7CE4U</a>
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According to the plan, one of the existing Cargo Dragon will be fitted with a new high-powered trunk by SpaceX and will be supercharged with 46 Draco engines.

The resulting "deorbit vehicle" will be nearly twice as long as any common Dragon ship and will be six times more propellant for producing four times the power.

SpaceX's director of Dragon mission management Sarah Walker said that the mission's most complex part is the final burn which will push the ISS towards its final descent.

Watch:&nbsp;Discover the impact of AI on the scientific operations of NASA's Mars Rover

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"This burn must be powerful enough to fly the entire space station, all the while resisting the torques and forces caused by increasing atmospheric drag on the space station to ensure that it ultimately terminates in the intended location," said Walker, in a briefing on Wednesday (July 17).

The final destination of the project will be a remote area of the ocean like the South Pacific, which has not been finalised yet.

NASA has decided to crash the football field-sized spacecraft nowhere but only in the open ocean to minimise its impact on Earth.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

NASA and Elon Musk's SpaceX have joined hands in the mission to blast 450 tonnes of International Space Station (ISS) and finally push it inside an ocean grave. The ISS has served as the perfect abode for the astronauts in space in the last 23 years.

NASA and Elon Musk's SpaceX have joined hands in the mission to blast 450 tonnes of International Space Station (ISS) and finally push it inside an ocean grave. The ISS has served as the perfect abode for the astronauts in space in the last 23 years. NASA announced in June that SpaceX would be paid $843 million for helping them in decommissioning the ISS. Now on Wednesday (July 17), the detailed plan for pushing the ISS into the ocean was shared by NASA and SpaceX. Also Read: Strictly speaking, Earth is not revolving around the Sun currently. Here's what it means The plan involved an extra-large and superpowered Dragon spaceship which will push the space station outside its orbit and turn it into a fiery plummet which will eventually crash in a remote ocean grave, most likely by 2031. How SpaceX's Dragon spaceships are preparing for blast? Currently, SpaceX's Dragon spaceships have been shuttling NASA astronauts and cargo, which are extremely light, to and from the space station. This is the reason why SpaceX has been supercharging one of its Dragons to blast the space station. With 6x more propellant and 4x the power of today’s Dragon spacecraft, SpaceX was selected to design and develop the U.S. Deorbit Vehicle for a precise, controlled deorbit of the @Space_Station https://t.co/GgtuplTwqQ pic.twitter.com/E23sS7CE4U — SpaceX (@SpaceX) July 17, 2024 × According to the plan, one of the existing Cargo Dragon will be fitted with a new high-powered trunk by SpaceX and will be supercharged with 46 Draco engines. The resulting "deorbit vehicle" will be nearly twice as long as any common Dragon ship and will be six times more propellant for producing four times the power. SpaceX's director of Dragon mission management Sarah Walker said that the mission's most complex part is the final burn which will push the ISS towards its final descent. Watch: Discover the impact of AI on the scientific operations of NASA's Mars Rover "This burn must be powerful enough to fly the entire space station, all the while resisting the torques and forces caused by increasing atmospheric drag on the space station to ensure that it ultimately terminates in the intended location," said Walker, in a briefing on Wednesday (July 17). The final destination of the project will be a remote area of the ocean like the South Pacific, which has not been finalised yet. NASA has decided to crash the football field-sized spacecraft nowhere but only in the open ocean to minimise its impact on Earth. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA, SpaceX to turn 450-ton ISS into a fireball and crash it into ocean. Here's how it will impact Earth

Another massive asteroid, from the group of Apollo asteroids, named 2024 LY2 is being closely monitored by NASA as it zooms towards Earth at a speed of more than 28,000 km/h.

The gigantic space rock, which measures approximately 290 feet (88 metres) in size, has been flying in space at a scary speed of 28,156 kilometres per hour.&nbsp;

It is expected to make its closest approach towards Earth on July 23, 2024, at 07:52 UTC (1:22 PM IST). When it makes a flyby, it is expected to be at a distance of nearly 4.5 million kilometres from Earth.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-warns-against-apollos-180-ft-asteroid-hurtling-towards-earth-at-scary-speed-741412">NASA warns against 180-ft asteroid hurtling towards Earth at scary speed</a>

<h2>Earth's tryst with Apollo asteroids</h2>

This is not the first Apollo asteroid hurtling towards Earth, NASA had earlier issued an alert against asteroid 2024 MG1, which belonged to the same group.

Apollo asteroids are a group of near-Earth asteroids (NEAs) and their orbits intersect the orbit of Earth. The group was given a name after the scientists discovered the first asteroid of this group called 1862 Apollo.&nbsp; 
Such asteroids carry the potential risks if their orbits intersect with the orbit of the Earth closely.

Not all asteroids are considered as a threat, however, some of them like 2024 LY2 are considered as potentially hazardous asteroids and hence are monitored to ensure timely deflection, if required.

These asteroids are generally larger than about 460 feet (140 metres) and sometimes come inside the 4.6 million miles (7.5 million kilometres) of Earth’s orbit.

Watch:&nbsp;Indian astronauts to train at NASA from August

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According to scientists, if an asteroid like 2024 LY2 collides with Earth, there will be various consequences depending on its size, speed, and composition.&nbsp;

Considering the asteroid's estimated size of 290 feet, its impact can lead to localised devastation.

NASA's Monitoring and Response NASA along with other space agencies have&nbsp;been tracking asteroids like 2024 MG1 with the use of telescopes and radar systems.&nbsp;

While monitoring the asteroids, scientists are able to predict their path and adopt various mitigation strategies which range from deflection missions to evacuation plans decided for potentially affected areas.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Another massive asteroid, from the group of Apollo asteroids, named 2024 LY2 is being closely monitored by NASA as it zooms towards Earth at a speed of more than 28,000 km/h.

Another massive asteroid, from the group of Apollo asteroids, named 2024 LY2 is being closely monitored by NASA as it zooms towards Earth at a speed of more than 28,000 km/h. The gigantic space rock, which measures approximately 290 feet (88 metres) in size, has been flying in space at a scary speed of 28,156 kilometres per hour. It is expected to make its closest approach towards Earth on July 23, 2024, at 07:52 UTC (1:22 PM IST). When it makes a flyby, it is expected to be at a distance of nearly 4.5 million kilometres from Earth. Also Read: NASA warns against 180-ft asteroid hurtling towards Earth at scary speed Earth's tryst with Apollo asteroids This is not the first Apollo asteroid hurtling towards Earth, NASA had earlier issued an alert against asteroid 2024 MG1, which belonged to the same group. Apollo asteroids are a group of near-Earth asteroids (NEAs) and their orbits intersect the orbit of Earth. The group was given a name after the scientists discovered the first asteroid of this group called 1862 Apollo. Such asteroids carry the potential risks if their orbits intersect with the orbit of the Earth closely. Not all asteroids are considered as a threat, however, some of them like 2024 LY2 are considered as potentially hazardous asteroids and hence are monitored to ensure timely deflection, if required. These asteroids are generally larger than about 460 feet (140 metres) and sometimes come inside the 4.6 million miles (7.5 million kilometres) of Earth’s orbit. Watch: Indian astronauts to train at NASA from August According to scientists, if an asteroid like 2024 LY2 collides with Earth, there will be various consequences depending on its size, speed, and composition. Considering the asteroid's estimated size of 290 feet, its impact can lead to localised devastation. NASA's Monitoring and Response NASA along with other space agencies have been tracking asteroids like 2024 MG1 with the use of telescopes and radar systems. While monitoring the asteroids, scientists are able to predict their path and adopt various mitigation strategies which range from deflection missions to evacuation plans decided for potentially affected areas. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA is on alert as another 290-ft Apollo asteroid hurtles towards Earth at alarming speed

The quest for water (or ice) on the Moon is significant&nbsp;for scientists around the world. It's because the water can be harnessed as potential fuel for future space exploration missions, with the Moon effectively hosting a fuel station for spacecraft. Taking this idea forward, American&nbsp;space agency NASA launched its Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover (VIPER) mission, which aimed to map ice on the south pole of the Moon and then drill it out on the surface. Now, as per reports, NASA on Wednesday (Jul 17) scrapped the project citing cost and delay concerns.

<h2>$450 million already spent</h2>

The decision comes even as the space agency has already spent a whopping $450 million on the project. A rover, that the agency planned to use in the mission, has already been assembled and the construction of the lander was in the works. Now, NASA says it's looking for potential buyers for that rover, which can be used in lunar exploration missions.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwieitrUjbOHAxVQUWwGHT9MANwQxfQBKAB6BAgQEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/science/decline-in-indias-vulture-population-impacted-human-health-contributing-to-thousands-of-deaths-report-741732" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/science/decline-in-indias-vulture-population-impacted-human-health-contributing-to-thousands-of-deaths-report-741732&amp;ved=2ahUKEwieitrUjbOHAxVQUWwGHT9MANwQxfQBKAB6BAgQEAE">Decline in India`s vulture population impacted human health, contributing to thousands of deaths: Report</a>

Nicola Fox, associate administrator for NASA’s science mission directorate, said it was a "tough decision."

“This has been a really tough decision, which we make in an uncertain budget environment,” Fox said. “But we do believe that this is a way for us to continue to support the entire CLPS portfolio.”

<h2>Why has the project been cancelled?</h2>

The United States&nbsp;Congress had allocated $433.5 million for the VIPER project. The mission's objective was to land the rover on the lunar surface by the end of 2023. But, new estimates suggested the mission will require $176 million more and would only be ready for launch by late 2025.

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NASA was not ready for this budget increase, amidst the agency's increased focus on the Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) programme, where it plans to join forces with private players to transport scientific equipment to space.

<h2>NASA's quest for water on the Moon still ON'</h2>

Despite the closure of the VIPER project, NASA isn't going to put a halt to its ongoing search for water on the Moon.

“Despite what’s happening with VIPER, we are committed to continuing to study the Moon and to look for water and ice in all of our future missions,” Fox said during the 17 July announcement.

(With inputs from agencies)

The quest for water (or ice) on the Moon is significant for scientists around the world. It's because the water can be harnessed as potential fuel for future space exploration missions, with the Moon effectively hosting a fuel station for spacecraft.

The quest for water (or ice) on the Moon is significant for scientists around the world. It's because the water can be harnessed as potential fuel for future space exploration missions, with the Moon effectively hosting a fuel station for spacecraft. Taking this idea forward, American space agency NASA launched its Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover (VIPER) mission, which aimed to map ice on the south pole of the Moon and then drill it out on the surface. Now, as per reports, NASA on Wednesday (Jul 17) scrapped the project citing cost and delay concerns. $450 million already spent The decision comes even as the space agency has already spent a whopping $450 million on the project. A rover, that the agency planned to use in the mission, has already been assembled and the construction of the lander was in the works. Now, NASA says it's looking for potential buyers for that rover, which can be used in lunar exploration missions. Also read: Decline in India`s vulture population impacted human health, contributing to thousands of deaths: Report Nicola Fox, associate administrator for NASA’s science mission directorate, said it was a "tough decision." “This has been a really tough decision, which we make in an uncertain budget environment,” Fox said. “But we do believe that this is a way for us to continue to support the entire CLPS portfolio.” Why has the project been cancelled? The United States Congress had allocated $433.5 million for the VIPER project. The mission's objective was to land the rover on the lunar surface by the end of 2023. But, new estimates suggested the mission will require $176 million more and would only be ready for launch by late 2025. Also read: Scientists finally know why do we blush NASA was not ready for this budget increase, amidst the agency's increased focus on the Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) programme, where it plans to join forces with private players to transport scientific equipment to space. NASA's quest for water on the Moon still ON' Despite the closure of the VIPER project, NASA isn't going to put a halt to its ongoing search for water on the Moon. “Despite what’s happening with VIPER, we are committed to continuing to study the Moon and to look for water and ice in all of our future missions,” Fox said during the 17 July announcement. (With inputs from agencies)

After spending $450mn on lunar exploration mission, NASA abruptly cancels it

Astronomers have for the first time spotted a neutron star releasing a weird S-shaped jet, which looks like a "garden sprinkler".&nbsp;

As per scientists, the S-shaped structure is created when the jet's direction changes because of the wobbling of the disk of hot gas near the star in a process known as precession.

However, till now this process has been observed with&nbsp;black holes and never with&nbsp;neutron stars.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-warns-against-apollos-180-ft-asteroid-hurtling-towards-earth-at-scary-speed-741412">NASA warns against 180-ft asteroid hurtling towards Earth at scary speed</a>

The neutron star is present in the&nbsp;binary system&nbsp;Circinus X-1 which is more than 30,000 light-years from Earth.

<h2>Here's why the S-shaped jet is getting released from star</h2>

The birth of this star took place when a star which was nearly eight times the size of the sun died in a&nbsp;supernova explosion.&nbsp;

The light from this supernova explosion is likely to have reached Earth around 5,000 years ago. The neutron star is said to have been devouring its companion star and behaving like a&nbsp;cosmic vampire which is causing an eruption of high-energy jets from it.

These jets take the shape of S because the vampire dead star is wobbling or "precessing" similar to a spinning top when it feeds.&nbsp;

The team of scientists who have carried out the research believe that this is a first-of-its-kind observation which can help them better understand the&nbsp;extreme physics among neutron stars.

"This image is the first time we have seen strong evidence for a precessing jet from a confirmed&nbsp;neutron star," said team leader Fraser Cowie, a researcher at Oxford, in a statement.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Discover the impact of AI on the scientific operations of NASA's Mars Rover

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"This evidence comes from both the symmetric S shape of the radio-emitting plasma in the jets and from the fast, wide shockwave, which can only be produced by a jet changing direction," he added.

"This will give valuable information about the extreme physics behind the launching of the jet, a phenomenon which is still not well understood," Cowie said.

The astronomers at the University of Oxford spotted the S-shaped jet using the MeerKAT radio telescope located in South Africa.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Astronomers have for the first time spotted a neutron star releasing a weird S-shaped jet, which looks like a "garden sprinkler". As per scientists, the S-shaped structure is created when the jet's direction changes because of the wobbling of the disk of hot gas near the star in a process known as precession.

Astronomers have for the first time spotted a neutron star releasing a weird S-shaped jet, which looks like a "garden sprinkler". As per scientists, the S-shaped structure is created when the jet's direction changes because of the wobbling of the disk of hot gas near the star in a process known as precession. However, till now this process has been observed with black holes and never with neutron stars. Also Read: NASA warns against 180-ft asteroid hurtling towards Earth at scary speed The neutron star is present in the binary system Circinus X-1 which is more than 30,000 light-years from Earth. Here's why the S-shaped jet is getting released from star The birth of this star took place when a star which was nearly eight times the size of the sun died in a supernova explosion. The light from this supernova explosion is likely to have reached Earth around 5,000 years ago. The neutron star is said to have been devouring its companion star and behaving like a cosmic vampire which is causing an eruption of high-energy jets from it. These jets take the shape of S because the vampire dead star is wobbling or "precessing" similar to a spinning top when it feeds. The team of scientists who have carried out the research believe that this is a first-of-its-kind observation which can help them better understand the extreme physics among neutron stars. "This image is the first time we have seen strong evidence for a precessing jet from a confirmed neutron star," said team leader Fraser Cowie, a researcher at Oxford, in a statement. Watch: Discover the impact of AI on the scientific operations of NASA's Mars Rover "This evidence comes from both the symmetric S shape of the radio-emitting plasma in the jets and from the fast, wide shockwave, which can only be produced by a jet changing direction," he added. "This will give valuable information about the extreme physics behind the launching of the jet, a phenomenon which is still not well understood," Cowie said. The astronomers at the University of Oxford spotted the S-shaped jet using the MeerKAT radio telescope located in South Africa. (With inputs from agencies)

This vampire star is shooting out 'garden sprinkler' like jets in cosmos. Here's why

July's full moon, also known as Buck Moon, will be visible in the skies this weekend. This year, it is happening on the Apollo 11 mission's 55th anniversary. The mission took off on July 16 and the Eagle module landed on the moon on July 20. While the Buck moon will officially come on July 21, it will appear full on days before and after it as well.&nbsp;

Apollo 11 was a massive achievement for humanity, with man putting his foot on the lunar surface for the first time. With the full moon coming around the same time, looking up at our satellite is bound to fill humans with a sense of pride and take them back in time.&nbsp;

When the moon is on the opposite side of the sun from Earth, with our planet positioned between the sun and the moon, our lunar neighbour is fully illuminated. This phenomenon results in a full moon. This cycle repeats itself every 29.5 days.

The July full moon has many names. One of the most common is the Buck Moon, due to the moon occurring at the time when male deer, known as bucks, start getting new antlers. It is also known as Thunder Moon and the Hay Moon. Several places on Earth witness thunderstorms at this time of the year, which is why it is also known as Thunder Moon. Hay harvest commonly happens in July, so the name Hay Moon is also given to July's full moon.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/einstein-ring-reveals-mysteries-of-an-intensely-luminous-galaxy-10-billion-light-years-away-742323">Einstein ring reveals mysteries of an intensely luminous galaxy 10 billion light years away &nbsp;</a>

<h2>Four consecutive supermoons will follow</h2>

From next month onwards, Earthlings will be able to witness the supermoon for four consecutive months. Buck Moon will be the last regular full moon until December. Sturgeon Moon will rise on August 19 and will be the first of the four supermoons.&nbsp;

<h2>When does a supermoon occur</h2>

The moon moves around Earth in an elliptical orbit. This means that at some point in time, it is at its farthest point from us and at another, it comes closest to Earth. When a full moon happens at the perigee, which is the closest point to Earth, a supermoon happens since the moon appears bigger and brighter than usual.&nbsp;

When are the other full moons?

Sturgeron Moon will occur on August 19. After that, the Harvest Moon will occur on September 17. Blood moon awaits us in October and the Beaver moon will rise in November. All four of these will be supermoons. December will welcome the Cold Moon. 
&nbsp;

July's full moon, also known as Buck Moon, will be visible in the skies this weekend. This year, it is happening on the Apollo 11 mission's 55th anniversary. The mission took off on July 16 and the Eagle module landed on the moon on July 20.

July's full moon, also known as Buck Moon, will be visible in the skies this weekend. This year, it is happening on the Apollo 11 mission's 55th anniversary. The mission took off on July 16 and the Eagle module landed on the moon on July 20. While the Buck moon will officially come on July 21, it will appear full on days before and after it as well. Apollo 11 was a massive achievement for humanity, with man putting his foot on the lunar surface for the first time. With the full moon coming around the same time, looking up at our satellite is bound to fill humans with a sense of pride and take them back in time. When the moon is on the opposite side of the sun from Earth, with our planet positioned between the sun and the moon, our lunar neighbour is fully illuminated. This phenomenon results in a full moon. This cycle repeats itself every 29.5 days. The July full moon has many names. One of the most common is the Buck Moon, due to the moon occurring at the time when male deer, known as bucks, start getting new antlers. It is also known as Thunder Moon and the Hay Moon. Several places on Earth witness thunderstorms at this time of the year, which is why it is also known as Thunder Moon. Hay harvest commonly happens in July, so the name Hay Moon is also given to July's full moon. Also Read: Einstein ring reveals mysteries of an intensely luminous galaxy 10 billion light years away Four consecutive supermoons will follow From next month onwards, Earthlings will be able to witness the supermoon for four consecutive months. Buck Moon will be the last regular full moon until December. Sturgeon Moon will rise on August 19 and will be the first of the four supermoons. When does a supermoon occur The moon moves around Earth in an elliptical orbit. This means that at some point in time, it is at its farthest point from us and at another, it comes closest to Earth. When a full moon happens at the perigee, which is the closest point to Earth, a supermoon happens since the moon appears bigger and brighter than usual. When are the other full moons? Sturgeron Moon will occur on August 19. After that, the Harvest Moon will occur on September 17. Blood moon awaits us in October and the Beaver moon will rise in November. All four of these will be supermoons. December will welcome the Cold Moon.

Buck moon rises this weekend, and will make way for four supermoons next

A hyper-luminous infrared galaxy (HyLIRG) has captured the attention of astronomers. It was recorded following new observations of a rare feature known as an “Einstein ring”. The galaxy and the observations on it have been published in a paper in Nature Astronomy. The galaxy PJ0116-24 is located 10 billion light-years away from Earth. The intense luminosity in the galaxy contradicts the common notion that only galaxy mergers produce such intense luminosity.

A nearby galaxy acted as a gravitational lens, helping astronomers observe PJ0116-24 after light from it travelled close to 10 billion years. Because of the other galaxy's gravity, light from PJ0116-24 is bent and magnified, producing the striking circular feature known as an Einstein ring. This helped scientists observe PJ0116-24 in great detail.

The galaxy seems to be forming stars rapidly, hinting at the possibility that it can occur through internal processes. The latest discovery is forcing astronomers to rethink how such formations occur. Till now, only mergers between galaxies seemed to have resulted in&nbsp;intense luminosity produced by HyLIRGs. When two galaxies merge, dense regions of gas are formed, which provide a conducive environment for rapid star formation.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/apollo-11-photos-nasa-marks-55th-anniversary-of-moon-landing-with-iconic-images-742274">Apollo 11 photos: NASA marks 55th anniversary of moon landing with iconic images</a>

<h2>What is happening with&nbsp;PJ0116-24 galaxy</h2>

As per the European Southern Observatory (ESO), PJ0116-24 is shining 10,000 times brighter than the Milky Way in infrared light. Scientists observed that given the right conditions, it is possible for single galaxies to become HyLIRGs. Stars can form quickly when gases responsible for star formation quickly move towards the centre of the galaxy due to certain internal processes.&nbsp;

Data from the Atacama Large Millimetre/Submillimetre Array (ALMA) and ESO's Very Large Telescope (VLT) was combined which showed the presence of cold gas in the region, Cornell astronomer Amit Vishwas, PhD, one of the co-authors of the new study, said. The VLT noticed that warm gas in the galaxy was moving in an organised manner, something that doesn't happen when galaxies merge.&nbsp;

The latest findings about this distant galaxy complement earlier findings about a smaller galaxy made by Vishwas and his colleagues last year using the James Webb Space Telescope.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

A hyper-luminous infrared galaxy (HyLIRG) has captured the attention of astronomers. It was recorded following new observations of a rare feature known as an “Einstein ring”.

A hyper-luminous infrared galaxy (HyLIRG) has captured the attention of astronomers. It was recorded following new observations of a rare feature known as an “Einstein ring”. The galaxy and the observations on it have been published in a paper in Nature Astronomy. The galaxy PJ0116-24 is located 10 billion light-years away from Earth. The intense luminosity in the galaxy contradicts the common notion that only galaxy mergers produce such intense luminosity. A nearby galaxy acted as a gravitational lens, helping astronomers observe PJ0116-24 after light from it travelled close to 10 billion years. Because of the other galaxy's gravity, light from PJ0116-24 is bent and magnified, producing the striking circular feature known as an Einstein ring. This helped scientists observe PJ0116-24 in great detail. The galaxy seems to be forming stars rapidly, hinting at the possibility that it can occur through internal processes. The latest discovery is forcing astronomers to rethink how such formations occur. Till now, only mergers between galaxies seemed to have resulted in intense luminosity produced by HyLIRGs. When two galaxies merge, dense regions of gas are formed, which provide a conducive environment for rapid star formation. Also Read: Apollo 11 photos: NASA marks 55th anniversary of moon landing with iconic images What is happening with PJ0116-24 galaxy As per the European Southern Observatory (ESO), PJ0116-24 is shining 10,000 times brighter than the Milky Way in infrared light. Scientists observed that given the right conditions, it is possible for single galaxies to become HyLIRGs. Stars can form quickly when gases responsible for star formation quickly move towards the centre of the galaxy due to certain internal processes. Data from the Atacama Large Millimetre/Submillimetre Array (ALMA) and ESO's Very Large Telescope (VLT) was combined which showed the presence of cold gas in the region, Cornell astronomer Amit Vishwas, PhD, one of the co-authors of the new study, said. The VLT noticed that warm gas in the galaxy was moving in an organised manner, something that doesn't happen when galaxies merge. The latest findings about this distant galaxy complement earlier findings about a smaller galaxy made by Vishwas and his colleagues last year using the James Webb Space Telescope.

Einstein ring reveals mysteries of an intensely luminous galaxy 10 billion light years away

The Apollo 11 moon mission is celebrating its 55th year of lunar landing this week, with NASA sharing a bunch of pictures and trivia. Apollo 11 took off for the moon on July 16, 1969, with the Apollo Lunar Module Eagle landing on the moon on July 20. Astronauts Neil A. Armstrong, Michael Collins, and Edwin E. “Buzz” Aldrin entered their names in history books when they went to the moon, with two of them stepping foot on the surface. Armstrong was the first person to do so, with Aldrin following him. Meanwhile, Michael Collins, who was the pilot, flew the Command Module Columbia in lunar orbit.

To celebrate the historic occasion, NASA shared several pictures showing the three astronauts preparing for the mission. Other iconic images include those of the Saturn V rocket taking off with the crew on board as thousands of people watch.&nbsp;

<img alt="Apollo 11 mission" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="371bed8e-8072-4242-af01-fbfe2fdf7e2a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202024-07-19T124248.958_0.png" />

However, the best photos are of the first glimpse of the moon and that of Earth in the background. Our planet never looked as beautiful as in this photo.

<img alt="Apollo 11 mission" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2c8ec12e-18db-4afe-b3bb-295a37ed5309" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202024-07-19T124337.158.png" />

Later pictures are of the crew reaching the moon. One of the photos titled, "Magnificent desolation, from Buzz’s window after landing", shows the surface of the moon from the Eagle lander. “Houston, Tranquility Base here, the Eagle has landed," Armstrong said.

<img alt="Apollo 11 mission" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f9797dad-fc2f-4323-80db-1d463921e7c4" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202024-07-19T124421.934.png" />

&nbsp;

<img alt="Apollo 11 mission" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="89ad20e8-94c1-4027-a69c-55efff140e5f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202024-07-19T124501.044.png" />

Next follows the photo of Armstrong taking the first step, with another image showing the first photo to be clicked from the surface of the moon. “That’s one small step for [a] man, one giant leap for mankind," Armstrong said the iconic words etched forever in everyone's memory.

Armstrong and Aldrin can be seen working on the surface of the moon, collecting samples, planting the American flag and leaving an iconic footprint.&nbsp;

<img alt="Apollo 11 mission" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8d19d3bf-c488-4d8f-acf6-0d9bca0bf36c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202024-07-19T124552.962.png" />

The Eagle lifted off after 21 hours, 36 minutes, and rejoined Columbia. They then took the journey back home, with the moon getting smaller and Earth bigger. The splashdown on Earth happened on July 24. The crew was quarantined for three weeks upon return.&nbsp;

<h2>John F Kennedy's dream</h2>

It was John Kennedy who dreamed of sending man to the moon and bringing them back safely before the end of the decade (1960-70). &nbsp;He set the national goal in May 1961, which kicked off a series of Apollo missions. The first Moon rocks were examined two days after the Apollo 11 splashdown. A total of 12 people&nbsp;walked on the moon between 1969-72. 
&nbsp;

(All photo credit: NASA)

&nbsp;

The Apollo 11 moon mission is celebrating its 55th year of lunar landing this week, with NASA sharing a bunch of pictures and trivia. Apollo 11 took off for the moon on July 16, 1969, with the Apollo Lunar Module Eagle landing on the moon on July 20.

The Apollo 11 moon mission is celebrating its 55th year of lunar landing this week, with NASA sharing a bunch of pictures and trivia. Apollo 11 took off for the moon on July 16, 1969, with the Apollo Lunar Module Eagle landing on the moon on July 20. Astronauts Neil A. Armstrong, Michael Collins, and Edwin E. “Buzz” Aldrin entered their names in history books when they went to the moon, with two of them stepping foot on the surface. Armstrong was the first person to do so, with Aldrin following him. Meanwhile, Michael Collins, who was the pilot, flew the Command Module Columbia in lunar orbit. To celebrate the historic occasion, NASA shared several pictures showing the three astronauts preparing for the mission. Other iconic images include those of the Saturn V rocket taking off with the crew on board as thousands of people watch. However, the best photos are of the first glimpse of the moon and that of Earth in the background. Our planet never looked as beautiful as in this photo. Later pictures are of the crew reaching the moon. One of the photos titled, "Magnificent desolation, from Buzz’s window after landing", shows the surface of the moon from the Eagle lander. “Houston, Tranquility Base here, the Eagle has landed," Armstrong said. Next follows the photo of Armstrong taking the first step, with another image showing the first photo to be clicked from the surface of the moon. “That’s one small step for [a] man, one giant leap for mankind," Armstrong said the iconic words etched forever in everyone's memory. Armstrong and Aldrin can be seen working on the surface of the moon, collecting samples, planting the American flag and leaving an iconic footprint. The Eagle lifted off after 21 hours, 36 minutes, and rejoined Columbia. They then took the journey back home, with the moon getting smaller and Earth bigger. The splashdown on Earth happened on July 24. The crew was quarantined for three weeks upon return. John F Kennedy's dream It was John Kennedy who dreamed of sending man to the moon and bringing them back safely before the end of the decade (1960-70). He set the national goal in May 1961, which kicked off a series of Apollo missions. The first Moon rocks were examined two days after the Apollo 11 splashdown. A total of 12 people walked on the moon between 1969-72. (All photo credit: NASA)

Apollo 11 photos: NASA marks 55th anniversary of moon landing with iconic images

Scientists have discovered a new planet with the most elongated orbit ever seen in any of the 5,600 planets spotted till now.&nbsp;

The planet stands strangely unique because it appears to be orbiting the wrong way. The planet can help scientists find the missing link between planetary formation.&nbsp;

The planet, which has been given the name TIC 241249530 b, has been seen orbiting a star which was nearly 1,100 light years from Earth.&nbsp;

It has been observed that the planet has been moving in a highly "eccentric" orbit as it circles its star in a way that it comes extremely close to the star before it slings out and then doubles back in a narrow, elliptical circuit.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/strictly-speaking-earth-is-not-revolving-around-the-sun-currently-heres-what-it-means-740359">Strictly speaking, Earth is not revolving around the Sun currently. Here's what it means</a>

The orbit of the new planet also has a unique "retrograde" orientation. Unlike other planets in the solar system, including Earth, which orbit around the Sun in the same direction, this planet orbits in the direction which is opposite to the direction in which the star is rotating. &nbsp;

<h2>Eccentric planet turning into 'hot Jupiter'</h2>

The most extreme planets in the galaxy are said to be hot Jupiters, as they are as big as Jupiter and have the characteristic of wildly swinging close to their star. Now, scientists believe that this eccentric planet is also turning into a hot Jupiter.&nbsp;

Assistant professor of physics at MIT's Kavli Institute for Astrophysics and Space Research Sarah Millholland said, "This new planet supports the theory that high eccentricity migration should account for some fraction of hot Jupiters."

"We think that when this planet formed, it would have been a frigid world. And because of the dramatic orbital dynamics, it will become a hot Jupiter in about a billion years, with temperatures of several thousand kelvin. So it's a huge shift from where it started," Millholland said, as reported by phys.org.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Scientists find underground caves on moon

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/scientists-find-underground-caves-on-moon-741666/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"It's a pretty extreme process in that the changes to the planet's orbit are massive. It's a big dance of orbits that's happening over billions of years, and the planet's just going along for the ride," Millholland added.&nbsp;

The simulations of the planet's evolution and the observations of the team support the theory that hot Jupiters can be formed by high eccentricity migration.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Scientists have discovered a new planet with the most elongated orbit ever seen in any of the 5,600 planets spotted till now. The planet stands strangely unique because it appears to be orbiting the wrong way.

Scientists have discovered a new planet with the most elongated orbit ever seen in any of the 5,600 planets spotted till now. The planet stands strangely unique because it appears to be orbiting the wrong way. The planet can help scientists find the missing link between planetary formation. The planet, which has been given the name TIC 241249530 b, has been seen orbiting a star which was nearly 1,100 light years from Earth. It has been observed that the planet has been moving in a highly "eccentric" orbit as it circles its star in a way that it comes extremely close to the star before it slings out and then doubles back in a narrow, elliptical circuit. Also Read: Strictly speaking, Earth is not revolving around the Sun currently. Here's what it means The orbit of the new planet also has a unique "retrograde" orientation. Unlike other planets in the solar system, including Earth, which orbit around the Sun in the same direction, this planet orbits in the direction which is opposite to the direction in which the star is rotating. Eccentric planet turning into 'hot Jupiter' The most extreme planets in the galaxy are said to be hot Jupiters, as they are as big as Jupiter and have the characteristic of wildly swinging close to their star. Now, scientists believe that this eccentric planet is also turning into a hot Jupiter. Assistant professor of physics at MIT's Kavli Institute for Astrophysics and Space Research Sarah Millholland said, "This new planet supports the theory that high eccentricity migration should account for some fraction of hot Jupiters." "We think that when this planet formed, it would have been a frigid world. And because of the dramatic orbital dynamics, it will become a hot Jupiter in about a billion years, with temperatures of several thousand kelvin. So it's a huge shift from where it started," Millholland said, as reported by phys.org. Watch: Scientists find underground caves on moon "It's a pretty extreme process in that the changes to the planet's orbit are massive. It's a big dance of orbits that's happening over billions of years, and the planet's just going along for the ride," Millholland added. The simulations of the planet's evolution and the observations of the team support the theory that hot Jupiters can be formed by high eccentricity migration. (With inputs from agencies)

Scientists spot eccentric, backwards-orbiting planet which is turning into 'hot Jupiter'

In a major discovery, astronomers have now detected two very important gases - molecule phosphine and ammonia - in the atmosphere of Venus which have further escalated the discussion of chances of life on the planet.&nbsp;

The presence of phosphine has left scientists puzzled as it has increased the possibility of life in the clouds of the planet.&nbsp;

For scientists, the finding of phosphine in the planet's atmosphere has been revolutionary from the beginning.&nbsp;

This is because phosphine is a biosignature and its presence indicates the existence of life.&nbsp;

The presence of the phosphine molecule has been observed in several follow-up investigations. New evidence of this molecule has been presented by the team and this one has been located even deeper in the clouds of the planet, accompanied by another important gas ammonia.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-plan-to-redefine-meaning-of-the-planet-but-pluto-still-remains-out-of-list-740584">Scientists plan to revisit definition of planet but Pluto still remains out of list</a>

“We haven't properly sorted out the atmospheric modelling for this yet, but there are some broad lines at the level that suggest parts per million level of phosphine at around 55, 56, 57-kilometre altitude, consistent with the pioneer Venus probe data,” said&nbsp;Dr Dave Clements, who is from Imperial College London, while speaking to IFLScience.

“There are a number of weirdnesses in Venus's atmosphere. Phosphine is just a new one that's come along," he added.&nbsp;

"Amongst the other strange things is the way that the amount of water and the amount of SO2&nbsp;in the atmosphere vary over time. It's not known why. The variations haven't been monitored to a great extent, but it's known that there are variations on time scales from at least days to years," Dr Clements said.&nbsp;

<h2>Ammonia emerges as a big discovery on Venus</h2>

Ammonia is likely to emerge as the next big discovery on Venus. It has been detected in small amounts in the clouds.&nbsp;

The presence of this gas is seen as a good biosignature since there is no significant known&nbsp;source of ammonia present in the terrestrial worlds which does not host life.&nbsp;

Speaking to IFLScience, University of Cardiff's Professor Jane Greaves said, “There are other models coming along all the time, other explanations saying ‘Oh, you could get ammonia and phosphine and all sorts of other unexpected chemicals this way unrelated to life’ so we're trying not to overstate, but yeah, it's really exciting."&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Scientists say the Earth's core is behaving oddly. Here's why

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/scientists-say-the-earths-core-is-behaving-oddly-heres-why-739062/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

“If there are any microbes in the Venus clouds, they might make certain gases that you wouldn't expect. And ammonia came up as they could use it as a way to neutralize the acid,” Professor Greaves said.

“We've detected it slightly above the region which we think is warm enough for life. Either it hasn’t got anything to do with life or the gas is perhaps produced by something living but it drifts upwards where it's a bit easier for us to detect," he added.

(With inputs from agencies)

In a major discovery, astronomers have now detected two very important gases - molecule phosphine and ammonia - in the atmosphere of Venus which have further escalated the discussion of chances of life on the planet.

In a major discovery, astronomers have now detected two very important gases - molecule phosphine and ammonia - in the atmosphere of Venus which have further escalated the discussion of chances of life on the planet. The presence of phosphine has left scientists puzzled as it has increased the possibility of life in the clouds of the planet. For scientists, the finding of phosphine in the planet's atmosphere has been revolutionary from the beginning. This is because phosphine is a biosignature and its presence indicates the existence of life. The presence of the phosphine molecule has been observed in several follow-up investigations. New evidence of this molecule has been presented by the team and this one has been located even deeper in the clouds of the planet, accompanied by another important gas ammonia. Also Read: Scientists plan to revisit definition of planet but Pluto still remains out of list “We haven't properly sorted out the atmospheric modelling for this yet, but there are some broad lines at the level that suggest parts per million level of phosphine at around 55, 56, 57-kilometre altitude, consistent with the pioneer Venus probe data,” said Dr Dave Clements, who is from Imperial College London, while speaking to IFLScience. “There are a number of weirdnesses in Venus's atmosphere. Phosphine is just a new one that's come along," he added. "Amongst the other strange things is the way that the amount of water and the amount of SO2 in the atmosphere vary over time. It's not known why. The variations haven't been monitored to a great extent, but it's known that there are variations on time scales from at least days to years," Dr Clements said. Ammonia emerges as a big discovery on Venus Ammonia is likely to emerge as the next big discovery on Venus. It has been detected in small amounts in the clouds. The presence of this gas is seen as a good biosignature since there is no significant known source of ammonia present in the terrestrial worlds which does not host life. Speaking to IFLScience, University of Cardiff's Professor Jane Greaves said, “There are other models coming along all the time, other explanations saying ‘Oh, you could get ammonia and phosphine and all sorts of other unexpected chemicals this way unrelated to life’ so we're trying not to overstate, but yeah, it's really exciting." Watch: Scientists say the Earth's core is behaving oddly. Here's why “If there are any microbes in the Venus clouds, they might make certain gases that you wouldn't expect. And ammonia came up as they could use it as a way to neutralize the acid,” Professor Greaves said. “We've detected it slightly above the region which we think is warm enough for life. Either it hasn’t got anything to do with life or the gas is perhaps produced by something living but it drifts upwards where it's a bit easier for us to detect," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Astronomers detect two vital gases in Venus. Is this a hint of alien life?

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