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The original size and mass of the Milky Way galaxy have always driven scientists to search for evidence of the galaxies it consumed to determine its history and evolution. To determine those puzzles of the galaxy, astronomers have identified a group of metal-poor stars located unusually close to the galactic disk, according to a study published in May in the journal Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society. Researchers are studying these stars because they are located near the Milky Way’s galactic disk, a huge rotating region that contains many of the Milky Way’s stars, as the earliest stars in the universe were mainly made of hydrogen and helium. Over time, they created heavier elements in their cores before exploding and unleashing, helping in enriching future generations of stars. Stars with very low amounts of heavy elements, known as metal-poor stars, are usually linked to ancient dwarf galaxies. Scientists believe the Milky Way may have absorbed many such smaller galaxies over billions of years as it grew larger. The discovery of these ancient metal-poor stars near the galactic disk suggests that the Milky Way may have swallowed a large galaxy early in its history, leaving behind hidden traces inside our galaxy today. Cara Battersby, an associate professor of physics at the University of Connecticut who was not involved in the study, said astronomers work like detectives trying to uncover the origins of the universe. She added that very metal-poor stars are an important clue in understanding how galaxies formed and evolved. “VMP stars have been around for billions of years, holding within them clues to the formation of the Universe’s earliest generations of stars,” Battersby wrote in an email. She added that studying the metal-poor stars’ composition and motion can open up the details about the conditions and dynamics of the early universe.<h3>Inside the disk of the Milky Way</h3>Researchers' search for metal-poor stars in the Milky Way has always centred around the galaxy’s stellar halo, which is quite large and has a round diffuse cloud that surrounds the galactic disk. Several scientists think that evidence of more ancient mergers could be discovered deeper inside the disk of the Milky Way. Meanwhile, an author, Dr Federico Sestito, a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Hertfordshire’s Centre for Astrophysics Research in England, said that a huge amount of young, metal-rich stars, as well as a plethora of dust, crowded within the galactic disk, has made it very hard to track metal-poor stars. Davide Sestito and his team discovered 20 metal-poor stars located unexpectedly close to the galactic disk using data from the European Space Agency’s Gaia telescope. The observatory tracked the movement and composition of nearly 2 billion stars in the Milky Way between July 2014 and January 2025. The researchers later used a high-resolution spectrograph at the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope on Maunakea in Hawaii to study these stars in greater detail.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/spacex-launches-upgraded-starship-v3-on-debut-test-flight-loses-booster-on-return-1779491563837">SpaceX launches upgraded Starship V3 on debut test flight; loses booster on return</a> Although scientists have not been able to determine the stars’ exact ages, their chemical makeup indicates they are more than 10 billion years old, according to Sestito. All 20 stars are located around 7,000 light-years from our solar system and share similar chemical properties, suggesting they likely originated from the same metal-poor dwarf galaxy, the study said. The Milky Way stretches nearly 100,000 light-years and contains an estimated 100 to 400 billion stars, according to NASA. Scientists believe the galaxy gradually expanded over the past 12 billion years by merging with smaller dwarf galaxies. However, its original size and mass remain unknown, prompting researchers to search for traces of ancient galaxies absorbed during its evolution.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

The discovery of these ancient metal-poor stars near the galactic disk suggests that the Milky Way may have swallowed a large galaxy early in its history, leaving behind hidden traces inside our galaxy today.

The original size and mass of the Milky Way galaxy have always driven scientists to search for evidence of the galaxies it consumed to determine its history and evolution. To determine those puzzles of the galaxy, astronomers have identified a group of metal-poor stars located unusually close to the galactic disk, according to a study published in May in the journal Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society. Researchers are studying these stars because they are located near the Milky Way’s galactic disk, a huge rotating region that contains many of the Milky Way’s stars, as the earliest stars in the universe were mainly made of hydrogen and helium. Over time, they created heavier elements in their cores before exploding and unleashing, helping in enriching future generations of stars. Stars with very low amounts of heavy elements, known as metal-poor stars, are usually linked to ancient dwarf galaxies. Scientists believe the Milky Way may have absorbed many such smaller galaxies over billions of years as it grew larger. The discovery of these ancient metal-poor stars near the galactic disk suggests that the Milky Way may have swallowed a large galaxy early in its history, leaving behind hidden traces inside our galaxy today. Cara Battersby, an associate professor of physics at the University of Connecticut who was not involved in the study, said astronomers work like detectives trying to uncover the origins of the universe. She added that very metal-poor stars are an important clue in understanding how galaxies formed and evolved. “VMP stars have been around for billions of years, holding within them clues to the formation of the Universe’s earliest generations of stars,” Battersby wrote in an email. She added that studying the metal-poor stars’ composition and motion can open up the details about the conditions and dynamics of the early universe. Inside the disk of the Milky Way Researchers' search for metal-poor stars in the Milky Way has always centred around the galaxy’s stellar halo, which is quite large and has a round diffuse cloud that surrounds the galactic disk. Several scientists think that evidence of more ancient mergers could be discovered deeper inside the disk of the Milky Way. Meanwhile, an author, Dr Federico Sestito, a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Hertfordshire’s Centre for Astrophysics Research in England, said that a huge amount of young, metal-rich stars, as well as a plethora of dust, crowded within the galactic disk, has made it very hard to track metal-poor stars. Davide Sestito and his team discovered 20 metal-poor stars located unexpectedly close to the galactic disk using data from the European Space Agency’s Gaia telescope. The observatory tracked the movement and composition of nearly 2 billion stars in the Milky Way between July 2014 and January 2025. The researchers later used a high-resolution spectrograph at the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope on Maunakea in Hawaii to study these stars in greater detail. Also read: SpaceX launches upgraded Starship V3 on debut test flight; loses booster on return Although scientists have not been able to determine the stars’ exact ages, their chemical makeup indicates they are more than 10 billion years old, according to Sestito. All 20 stars are located around 7,000 light-years from our solar system and share similar chemical properties, suggesting they likely originated from the same metal-poor dwarf galaxy, the study said. The Milky Way stretches nearly 100,000 light-years and contains an estimated 100 to 400 billion stars, according to NASA. Scientists believe the galaxy gradually expanded over the past 12 billion years by merging with smaller dwarf galaxies. However, its original size and mass remain unknown, prompting researchers to search for traces of ancient galaxies absorbed during its evolution.

The discovery of these ancient metal-poor stars near the galactic disk suggests that the Milky Way may have swallowed a large galaxy early in its history, leaving behind hidden traces inside our galaxy today.

Did Milky Way secretly swallow another galaxy? Ancient stars hint at lost star system

The Psyche mission, headed for Asteroid 16 Psyche, has captured a never-before-seen view of Mars on its journey through space. Looking at it from a high angle, it caught the Red Planet from a unique perspective, capturing an illuminated crescent. The probe is travelling to the outer part of the main asteroid belt that lies between Mars and Jupiter. With millions of asteroids in the belt, Psyche pulled interest because of its reflective metal surface, which showed that it is a large metallic asteroid.&nbsp;&nbsp;Scientists believe it could be the core of an ancient planetary rock which did not get to turn into a planet. Launched in 2023, Psyche will travel 3.6 billion kilometres to reach the asteroid in 2029. The journey included a Mars flyby to use the gravitational force of the planet to slingshot the probe on a trajectory towards Mars while saving fuel.Also Read: <a href="Antarctic cosmic dust proves Earth has been traversing through supernova debris for 80,000 years">Antarctic cosmic dust proves Earth has been traversing through supernova debris for 80,000 years</a><h2>Mars gravity boost&nbsp;</h2>During the manoeuvre, the Psyche spacecraft came within 4,609 kilometres of the Martian surface. “We’ve confirmed that Mars gave the spacecraft a 1,000-mile-per-hour boost and shifted its orbital plane by about 1 degree relative to the Sun,” Don Han, Psyche’s navigation lead at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California, said. The team also used this opportunity to test the systems and camera on board the spacecraft, which took pictures of the Red Planet. From a high vantage point, the probe saw a red crescent.&nbsp;&nbsp;After flying away, it also snapped a nearly "full Mars" view. “The thin crescent on approach and the nearly ‘full Mars’ view after we fly past create opportunities for the imaging team for both great calibration observations as well as just plain beautiful photos,” Jim Bell, the Psyche imager instrument lead at Arizona State University, said, before the flyby.<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2026/20260522/image-1779459119456.png"></figure>A full view of Mars captured by Psyche (NASA/JPL-Caltech/ASU)&nbsp;Psyche took thousands of photos of Mars and also saw nighttime and daytime across different regions. It also captured its south pole region and dust scattered by the wind streaking across surface craters.&nbsp;&nbsp;The testing done using Mars was crucial to ensure that the cameras and instruments are working fine before it finally reaches the asteroid. Once it reaches the asteroid, it will enter an orbit that shifts lower and higher in altitude to map the space rock fully. If the probe successfully finds evidence that the shiny portion on the asteroid is the interior of a planet, it would be a major breakthrough in planetary science and would be the first time displaying what the insides of our own planet likely look like. &nbsp;

The Psyche mission is en route to its namesake asteroid, and on the way, it flew by Mars and saw the Red Planet in a completely new light. The crescent seen in this photo is Mars. The probe also captured winds blowing on the Red Planet and a full view. 

The Psyche mission, headed for Asteroid 16 Psyche, has captured a never-before-seen view of Mars on its journey through space. Looking at it from a high angle, it caught the Red Planet from a unique perspective, capturing an illuminated crescent. The probe is travelling to the outer part of the main asteroid belt that lies between Mars and Jupiter. With millions of asteroids in the belt, Psyche pulled interest because of its reflective metal surface, which showed that it is a large metallic asteroid. Scientists believe it could be the core of an ancient planetary rock which did not get to turn into a planet. Launched in 2023, Psyche will travel 3.6 billion kilometres to reach the asteroid in 2029. The journey included a Mars flyby to use the gravitational force of the planet to slingshot the probe on a trajectory towards Mars while saving fuel. Also Read: Antarctic cosmic dust proves Earth has been traversing through supernova debris for 80,000 years Mars gravity boost During the manoeuvre, the Psyche spacecraft came within 4,609 kilometres of the Martian surface. “We’ve confirmed that Mars gave the spacecraft a 1,000-mile-per-hour boost and shifted its orbital plane by about 1 degree relative to the Sun,” Don Han, Psyche’s navigation lead at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California, said. The team also used this opportunity to test the systems and camera on board the spacecraft, which took pictures of the Red Planet. From a high vantage point, the probe saw a red crescent. After flying away, it also snapped a nearly "full Mars" view. “The thin crescent on approach and the nearly ‘full Mars’ view after we fly past create opportunities for the imaging team for both great calibration observations as well as just plain beautiful photos,” Jim Bell, the Psyche imager instrument lead at Arizona State University, said, before the flyby. A full view of Mars captured by Psyche (NASA/JPL-Caltech/ASU) Psyche took thousands of photos of Mars and also saw nighttime and daytime across different regions. It also captured its south pole region and dust scattered by the wind streaking across surface craters. The testing done using Mars was crucial to ensure that the cameras and instruments are working fine before it finally reaches the asteroid. Once it reaches the asteroid, it will enter an orbit that shifts lower and higher in altitude to map the space rock fully. If the probe successfully finds evidence that the shiny portion on the asteroid is the interior of a planet, it would be a major breakthrough in planetary science and would be the first time displaying what the insides of our own planet likely look like.

The Psyche mission is en route to its namesake asteroid, and on the way, it flew by Mars and saw the Red Planet in a completely new light. The crescent seen in this photo is Mars. The probe also captured winds blowing on the Red Planet and a full view.&nbsp;

Asteroid-bound mission caught Mars in a completely new light

Astronomers using NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope have uncovered new clues about one of Neptune’s most unusual moons, suggesting that Nereid may be the lone surviving remnant of a violent cosmic disruption that reshaped the outer planet’s moon system billions of years ago. The findings, reported by researchers analysing Webb telescope observations, indicate that Nereid differs sharply from Neptune’s other moons in both composition and behaviour. Scientists believe the moon may preserve evidence from an earlier era of the Solar System before Neptune captured its largest moon, Triton.&nbsp;Discovered in 1949 by Dutch-American astronomer Gerard Kuiper, Nereid is Neptune’s third-largest moon and follows one of the most unusually elongated or eccentric orbits known among planetary satellites. Roughly 350 kilometres (220 miles) wide, the moon travels on an extreme orbital path around the distant planet.&nbsp;ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-green-orbs-discs-and-fireballs-pentagon-releases-second-batch-of-declassified-ufo-files-1779456364072">‘Green orbs, discs and fireballs’: Pentagon releases second batch of declassified UFO files</a>&nbsp;<h2>A moon unlike the others</h2>&nbsp;Researchers say Nereid’s unusual properties have long puzzled astronomers. Unlike Neptune’s inner moons, which appear darker and more uniform, Nereid reflects significantly more sunlight and displays characteristics more commonly associated with icy bodies found in the distant Kuiper Belt. According to the Associated Press, a team led by the California Institute of Technology used NASA’s Webb Space Telescope to study Nereid, the gethered data revealed strong signatures of water ice and carbon dioxide ice on Nereid’s surface. Scientists noted that its composition appears strikingly different from nearby moons, strengthening theories that it may have originated elsewhere.&nbsp;According to researchers, Neptune’s moon system likely underwent massive disruption after Triton, Neptune’s largest moon, was gravitationally captured by the planet billions of years ago. That event may have destabilised or destroyed many of Neptune’s original moons. Scientists now suspect Nereid could be one of the few objects that survived the chaos.&nbsp;The observations show for the first time that Nereid’s peculiar orbit matches ‘the history we might expect from a moon that originally formed close to Neptune and was later pushed outward from the capture of Triton,’ a Carnegie Science planetary astronomer, Scott Sheppard said, according to AP.&nbsp;ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/dying-star-glows-like-a-cosmic-crystal-ball-in-stunning-new-telescope-image-1779453783893">Dying star glows like a cosmic crystal ball in stunning new telescope image</a>&nbsp;<h2>Clues to the Solar System’s violent past</h2>&nbsp;Researchers believe studying Nereid could help explain how giant planets evolved during the early formation of the Solar System. The moon’s highly stretched orbit is viewed as possible evidence of past gravitational upheaval linked to Triton’s arrival.The Webb telescope observations also suggest Nereid has remained relatively unchanged over billions of years, potentially preserving material from the outer Solar System’s earliest period.&nbsp;Astronomers say the discovery is important because Neptune remains one of the least explored planets in the Solar System. Only NASA’s Voyager 2 spacecraft has ever flown past the planet, during its historic 1989 mission. Scientists hope future observations of Nereid and Neptune’s wider moon system could provide deeper insight into how planetary collisions, moon capture events and orbital instability shaped the architecture of the modern Solar System.&nbsp;

Nereid, discovered in 1949 by Dutch-American astronomer Gerard Kuiper, is the third-largest moon orbiting Neptune and follows one of the most eccentric orbits of any known planetary satellite.

Astronomers using NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope have uncovered new clues about one of Neptune’s most unusual moons, suggesting that Nereid may be the lone surviving remnant of a violent cosmic disruption that reshaped the outer planet’s moon system billions of years ago. The findings, reported by researchers analysing Webb telescope observations, indicate that Nereid differs sharply from Neptune’s other moons in both composition and behaviour. Scientists believe the moon may preserve evidence from an earlier era of the Solar System before Neptune captured its largest moon, Triton. Discovered in 1949 by Dutch-American astronomer Gerard Kuiper, Nereid is Neptune’s third-largest moon and follows one of the most unusually elongated or eccentric orbits known among planetary satellites. Roughly 350 kilometres (220 miles) wide, the moon travels on an extreme orbital path around the distant planet. ALSO READ: ‘Green orbs, discs and fireballs’: Pentagon releases second batch of declassified UFO files A moon unlike the others Researchers say Nereid’s unusual properties have long puzzled astronomers. Unlike Neptune’s inner moons, which appear darker and more uniform, Nereid reflects significantly more sunlight and displays characteristics more commonly associated with icy bodies found in the distant Kuiper Belt. According to the Associated Press, a team led by the California Institute of Technology used NASA’s Webb Space Telescope to study Nereid, the gethered data revealed strong signatures of water ice and carbon dioxide ice on Nereid’s surface. Scientists noted that its composition appears strikingly different from nearby moons, strengthening theories that it may have originated elsewhere. According to researchers, Neptune’s moon system likely underwent massive disruption after Triton, Neptune’s largest moon, was gravitationally captured by the planet billions of years ago. That event may have destabilised or destroyed many of Neptune’s original moons. Scientists now suspect Nereid could be one of the few objects that survived the chaos. The observations show for the first time that Nereid’s peculiar orbit matches ‘the history we might expect from a moon that originally formed close to Neptune and was later pushed outward from the capture of Triton,’ a Carnegie Science planetary astronomer, Scott Sheppard said, according to AP. ALSO READ: Dying star glows like a cosmic crystal ball in stunning new telescope image Clues to the Solar System’s violent past Researchers believe studying Nereid could help explain how giant planets evolved during the early formation of the Solar System. The moon’s highly stretched orbit is viewed as possible evidence of past gravitational upheaval linked to Triton’s arrival. The Webb telescope observations also suggest Nereid has remained relatively unchanged over billions of years, potentially preserving material from the outer Solar System’s earliest period. Astronomers say the discovery is important because Neptune remains one of the least explored planets in the Solar System. Only NASA’s Voyager 2 spacecraft has ever flown past the planet, during its historic 1989 mission. Scientists hope future observations of Nereid and Neptune’s wider moon system could provide deeper insight into how planetary collisions, moon capture events and orbital instability shaped the architecture of the modern Solar System.

Nereid, discovered in 1949 by Dutch-American astronomer Gerard Kuiper, is the third-largest moon orbiting Neptune and follows one of the most eccentric orbits of any known planetary satellite.

Neptune’s mysterious moon Nereid may be the only survivor of an ancient cosmic crash, NASA's JSWT finds

The United States Defense Department on Friday released a second batch of declassified files relating to unidentified flying objects, or what officials formally describe as Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAP). The disclosure includes hundreds of documents, videos and photographs detailing decades of reported sightings involving mysterious ‘green orbs’, discs and fireballs near sensitive military locations. The latest release forms part of a broader transparency initiative ordered by US President Donald Trump under the Presidential Unsealing and Reporting System for UAP Encounters, known as PURSUE. The files are being published through the Pentagon’s dedicated portal, WAR.GOV/UFO.<h2>Pentagon says public interest has surged</h2>According to Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell, the website has received more than one billion hits worldwide since its launch on May 8, reflecting intense global interest in long-classified government records connected to UFO investigations. The Department of War confirmed that the latest release contains 222 files. Officials also said a third batch of material is already being prepared and will be released “in the near future”.&nbsp;&nbsp;ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/dying-star-glows-like-a-cosmic-crystal-ball-in-stunning-new-telescope-image-1779453783893">Dying star glows like a cosmic crystal ball in stunning new telescope image</a>&nbsp;“It’s time the American people see it for themselves,” Pete Hegseth said in a statement accompanying the release. He noted that photographs, videos and official reports concerning UAP sightings had fuelled speculation for decades.<h2>&nbsp;</h2>

Infrared imagery captured by a US military platform in CENTCOM region in 2022

&nbsp;<h2>Reports include sightings near military facilities</h2>Among the newly released material is a 116-page document relating to investigations conducted between 1948 and 1950 at a top-secret facility in Sandia, New Mexico. “This file contains 209 sightings of ‘green orbs’, ‘discs’, and ‘fireballs’ reported near the military base,” the Defense Department said, according to Reuters. Another report details an account from a US intelligence officer who claimed to have witnessed “two large orbs flare up” close to his helicopter during a military operation.&nbsp;ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-police-say-investigation-into-ex-prince-andrew-will-be-lengthy-and-complex-seek-witnesses-in-inquiry-1779436663731">UK police say investigation into ex-Prince Andrew will be lengthy and complex, seek witnesses in inquiry</a>&nbsp;Friday’s disclosure follows the first release earlier this month, which included declassified FBI UFO case files, reports from military pilots describing unexplained aerial encounters, diplomatic cables and images linked to NASA missions.<h2>No evidence of extraterrestrial technology</h2>Despite the scale of the disclosures, experts reviewing the material have cautioned that the files do not provide definitive proof of alien life or extraterrestrial technology. Analysts said many of the videos and photographs document previously known sightings or unexplained aerial incidents without reaching conclusive findings.&nbsp;The Pentagon has repeatedly stated that the release of historical records is intended to improve transparency and public access rather than confirm theories surrounding extraterrestrial activity.

The latest release forms part of a broader transparency initiative ordered by US President Donald Trump under the Presidential Unsealing and Reporting System for UAP Encounters, known as PURSUE.

The United States Defense Department on Friday released a second batch of declassified files relating to unidentified flying objects, or what officials formally describe as Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAP). The disclosure includes hundreds of documents, videos and photographs detailing decades of reported sightings involving mysterious ‘green orbs’, discs and fireballs near sensitive military locations. The latest release forms part of a broader transparency initiative ordered by US President Donald Trump under the Presidential Unsealing and Reporting System for UAP Encounters, known as PURSUE. The files are being published through the Pentagon’s dedicated portal, WAR.GOV/UFO. Pentagon says public interest has surged According to Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell, the website has received more than one billion hits worldwide since its launch on May 8, reflecting intense global interest in long-classified government records connected to UFO investigations. The Department of War confirmed that the latest release contains 222 files. Officials also said a third batch of material is already being prepared and will be released “in the near future”. ALSO READ: Dying star glows like a cosmic crystal ball in stunning new telescope image “It’s time the American people see it for themselves,” Pete Hegseth said in a statement accompanying the release. He noted that photographs, videos and official reports concerning UAP sightings had fuelled speculation for decades.

The latest release forms part of a broader transparency initiative ordered by US President Donald Trump under the Presidential Unsealing and Reporting System for UAP Encounters, known as PURSUE.

‘Green orbs, discs and fireballs’: Pentagon releases second batch of declassified UFO files

Astronomers have released a striking new image of a dying star system located roughly 1,500 light-years from Earth, revealing a glowing cloud of gas that resembles a giant crystal ball drifting through deep space. The image was captured by the Gemini North Telescope atop Maunakea, Hawai‘i’s tallest peak, and released by the National Science Foundation’s NOIRLab. The object, formally known as NGC 1514, is commonly referred to as the Crystal Ball Nebula because of its milky-white spherical appearance. Scientists say the image offers a detailed look at the final stages of a star’s life cycle, a process that unfolded long before the light reached Earth.&nbsp;ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rbi-approves-record-rs-2-87-trillion-dividend-to-government-amid-rising-fiscal-pressure-1779452883324">RBI approves record Rs. 2.87 trillion dividend to government amid rising fiscal pressure</a>&nbsp;<h2>A celestial object first spotted in 1790</h2>&nbsp;According to PHYS.ORG, the Crystal Ball Nebula was first discovered in 1790 by German-British astronomer William Herschel. Located in the constellation Taurus near the border of Perseus, the nebula belongs to a class of objects known as planetary nebulae. Herschel coined the term in the 18th century after observing their rounded shapes, which resembled planets through early telescopes. Scientists now know planetary nebulae have no connection to planets. Instead, they form when low- or intermediate-mass stars eject their outer layers near the end of their existence.&nbsp;The gas expelled by the dying star gradually expands outward, forming vast glowing clouds in space. In the case of NGC 1514, the exposed stellar core heats the surrounding gas to temperatures estimated at around 15,000 Kelvin, creating its luminous appearance.&nbsp;ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-police-say-investigation-into-ex-prince-andrew-will-be-lengthy-and-complex-seek-witnesses-in-inquiry-1779436663731">UK police say investigation into ex-Prince Andrew will be lengthy and complex, seek witnesses in inquiry</a>&nbsp;<h2>A binary system unlike most planetary nebulae</h2>&nbsp;At the centre of the Crystal Ball Nebula lies a binary star system, with two stars orbiting one another. Researchers believe one of those stars, once larger than the Sun, shed its outer layers as it neared the end of its life. Unlike many planetary nebulae that appear smooth and symmetrical, NGC 1514 stands out for its uneven and layered gas shells. Scientists believe the unusual structure is being shaped by the interaction of the two central stars.&nbsp;The image was captured using the Gemini Multi-Object Spectrograph mounted on the 8.1-metre Gemini North Telescope. Observations were made last year, while the colour image was completed only recently. The nebula’s immense distance also means astronomers are effectively looking into the past. Since NGC 1514 is located around 1,500 light-years away, the light captured in the image began its journey roughly 1,500 years ago. A single light-year equals nearly six trillion miles, highlighting the enormous scale of the universe and the vast distances involved in astronomical observation.

The image was captured by the Gemini North Telescope atop Maunakea, Hawai‘i’s tallest peak, and released by the National Science Foundation’s NOIRLab.

Astronomers have released a striking new image of a dying star system located roughly 1,500 light-years from Earth, revealing a glowing cloud of gas that resembles a giant crystal ball drifting through deep space. The image was captured by the Gemini North Telescope atop Maunakea, Hawai‘i’s tallest peak, and released by the National Science Foundation’s NOIRLab. The object, formally known as NGC 1514, is commonly referred to as the Crystal Ball Nebula because of its milky-white spherical appearance. Scientists say the image offers a detailed look at the final stages of a star’s life cycle, a process that unfolded long before the light reached Earth. ALSO READ: RBI approves record Rs. 2.87 trillion dividend to government amid rising fiscal pressure A celestial object first spotted in 1790 According to PHYS.ORG, the Crystal Ball Nebula was first discovered in 1790 by German-British astronomer William Herschel. Located in the constellation Taurus near the border of Perseus, the nebula belongs to a class of objects known as planetary nebulae. Herschel coined the term in the 18th century after observing their rounded shapes, which resembled planets through early telescopes. Scientists now know planetary nebulae have no connection to planets. Instead, they form when low- or intermediate-mass stars eject their outer layers near the end of their existence. The gas expelled by the dying star gradually expands outward, forming vast glowing clouds in space. In the case of NGC 1514, the exposed stellar core heats the surrounding gas to temperatures estimated at around 15,000 Kelvin, creating its luminous appearance. ALSO READ: UK police say investigation into ex-Prince Andrew will be lengthy and complex, seek witnesses in inquiry A binary system unlike most planetary nebulae At the centre of the Crystal Ball Nebula lies a binary star system, with two stars orbiting one another. Researchers believe one of those stars, once larger than the Sun, shed its outer layers as it neared the end of its life. Unlike many planetary nebulae that appear smooth and symmetrical, NGC 1514 stands out for its uneven and layered gas shells. Scientists believe the unusual structure is being shaped by the interaction of the two central stars. The image was captured using the Gemini Multi-Object Spectrograph mounted on the 8.1-metre Gemini North Telescope. Observations were made last year, while the colour image was completed only recently. The nebula’s immense distance also means astronomers are effectively looking into the past. Since NGC 1514 is located around 1,500 light-years away, the light captured in the image began its journey roughly 1,500 years ago. A single light-year equals nearly six trillion miles, highlighting the enormous scale of the universe and the vast distances involved in astronomical observation.

The image was captured by the Gemini North Telescope atop Maunakea, Hawai‘i’s tallest peak, and released by the National Science Foundation’s NOIRLab.

Dying star glows like a cosmic crystal ball in stunning new telescope image

As SpaceX moves closer to a public listing, new details reveal how Elon Musk is likely to retain and in some ways increase his control over the company.According to the company’s IPO filing, Musk will continue to hold a dominant position even after SpaceX becomes a publicly traded firm, raising important questions for future investors.&nbsp;<h2>Musk’s control will remain above 50%</h2>Even after the IPO, Musk is expected to retain more than 50 per cent of voting power, ensuring that he remains in full control of key decisions.He will continue to serve as CEO, CTO and chairman, giving him authority across both management and governance.This means Musk will be able to:Appoint board membersApprove major decisionsMaintain long-term strategic directionIn practical terms, this structure makes it difficult for shareholders to influence company decisions.<h2>Dual-class shares strengthen voting power</h2>SpaceX uses a dual-class share structure, where certain shares carry higher voting rights.Musk holds a large portion of these super-voting shares, giving him far greater influence than regular shareholders.Public investors will mainly receive Class A shares, which come with lower voting power. This creates a gap between ownership and control.Such structures are already used by companies like Google and Meta, but experts say SpaceX’s model goes further in concentrating power.<h2>Limits on shareholder rights</h2>The IPO filing outlines several restrictions on shareholder influence.The company states that investors may have limited ability to:Influence corporate decisionsChallenge management legallyElect directors independently&nbsp;In addition, SpaceX has structured its legal framework in a way that makes shareholder lawsuits more difficult.For example, investors would need to hold at least 3 per cent of shares to file certain types of legal claims. At current valuation estimates, this could require tens of billions of dollars in holdings.<h2>Texas incorporation adds legal protection</h2>SpaceX has chosen to incorporate in Texas, which offers a different regulatory environment compared to states like Delaware.The company has also included provisions that direct most legal disputes to specific courts or arbitration systems.Experts say this reduces the likelihood of legal challenges against management decisions.<h2>Stock market dynamics may support valuation</h2>The company is expected to be added quickly to major stock indexes such as the Nasdaq 100 after listing.This could lead to increased demand from institutional investors, as index funds are required to buy shares of companies included in these benchmarks.As a result, early trading may see strong demand, which could support the stock price in the initial phase.<h2>Additional financial advantages for Musk</h2>Musk has also been granted a compensation package that includes 1 billion additional shares, tied to long-term performance goals.Even before these shares fully vest, he is allowed to:Vote using these sharesUse them as collateral for loansThis provides financial flexibility and additional influence over the company.<h2>What this means for investors</h2>The SpaceX IPO offers an opportunity to invest in one of the world’s most valuable private companies. However, the structure means that public shareholders will have limited control. Investors may benefit from the company’s growth, but decision-making will remain concentrated with Musk.<h2>What happens next</h2>Further details about pricing and share allocation are expected closer to the IPO date.The listing is likely to attract strong interest from global investors, but attention will remain on how the company balances growth with governance.The SpaceX IPO highlights a broader trend in technology companies, where founders retain strong control even after going public.

As SpaceX moves closer to a public listing, new details reveal how Elon Musk is likely to retain and in some ways increase his control over the company.


As SpaceX moves closer to a public listing, new details reveal how Elon Musk is likely to retain and in some ways increase his control over the company. According to the company’s IPO filing, Musk will continue to hold a dominant position even after SpaceX becomes a publicly traded firm, raising important questions for future investors. Musk’s control will remain above 50% Even after the IPO, Musk is expected to retain more than 50 per cent of voting power, ensuring that he remains in full control of key decisions. He will continue to serve as CEO, CTO and chairman, giving him authority across both management and governance. This means Musk will be able to: Appoint board members Approve major decisions Maintain long-term strategic direction In practical terms, this structure makes it difficult for shareholders to influence company decisions. Dual-class shares strengthen voting power SpaceX uses a dual-class share structure, where certain shares carry higher voting rights. Musk holds a large portion of these super-voting shares, giving him far greater influence than regular shareholders. Public investors will mainly receive Class A shares, which come with lower voting power. This creates a gap between ownership and control. Such structures are already used by companies like Google and Meta, but experts say SpaceX’s model goes further in concentrating power. Limits on shareholder rights The IPO filing outlines several restrictions on shareholder influence. The company states that investors may have limited ability to: Influence corporate decisions Challenge management legally Elect directors independently In addition, SpaceX has structured its legal framework in a way that makes shareholder lawsuits more difficult. For example, investors would need to hold at least 3 per cent of shares to file certain types of legal claims. At current valuation estimates, this could require tens of billions of dollars in holdings. Texas incorporation adds legal protection SpaceX has chosen to incorporate in Texas, which offers a different regulatory environment compared to states like Delaware. The company has also included provisions that direct most legal disputes to specific courts or arbitration systems. Experts say this reduces the likelihood of legal challenges against management decisions. Stock market dynamics may support valuation The company is expected to be added quickly to major stock indexes such as the Nasdaq 100 after listing. This could lead to increased demand from institutional investors, as index funds are required to buy shares of companies included in these benchmarks. As a result, early trading may see strong demand, which could support the stock price in the initial phase. Additional financial advantages for Musk Musk has also been granted a compensation package that includes 1 billion additional shares, tied to long-term performance goals. Even before these shares fully vest, he is allowed to: Vote using these shares Use them as collateral for loans This provides financial flexibility and additional influence over the company. What this means for investors The SpaceX IPO offers an opportunity to invest in one of the world’s most valuable private companies. However, the structure means that public shareholders will have limited control. Investors may benefit from the company’s growth, but decision-making will remain concentrated with Musk. What happens next Further details about pricing and share allocation are expected closer to the IPO date. The listing is likely to attract strong interest from global investors, but attention will remain on how the company balances growth with governance. The SpaceX IPO highlights a broader trend in technology companies, where founders retain strong control even after going public.

As SpaceX moves closer to a public listing, new details reveal how Elon Musk is likely to retain and in some ways increase his control over the company.

'SpaceX IPO': How Elon Musk is set to strengthen control after listing

As SpaceX prepares for a potential public listing, new disclosures highlight who stands to benefit the most from the company’s initial public offering (IPO). The filings show that Elon Musk remains the dominant shareholder, with a level of control that sets him apart from other investors.According to details from the company’s S-1 filing, Musk holds a significant majority of voting power, giving him control over key decisions even after the IPO.&nbsp;<h2>Elon Musk’s dominant stake explained</h2>Musk owns more than 6.4 billion shares in total, including:Around 850 million Class A shares (one vote per share)Nearly 5.6 billion Class B shares (10 votes per share)This dual-class share structure gives Musk overwhelming voting power. Reports suggest that even additional shares linked to long-term targets, such as future Mars missions, do not materially change his already strong control.This means Musk is likely to remain the key decision-maker even after SpaceX becomes a public company.<h2>Who else benefits from the IPO</h2>Apart from Musk, a small group of insiders and early investors also hold significant stakes.These include:Antonio Gracias, investor and board member, with over 503 million sharesLuke Nosek, investor, with nearly 33 million sharesGwynne Shotwell, COO, with around 12.6 million sharesBret Johnsen, CFO, with nearly 9.6 million sharesThese individuals are among the largest shareholders after Musk and could see substantial gains if the IPO performs well.<h2>Estimated valuation and potential gains</h2>Market estimates suggest that the SpaceX IPO could raise around $75 billion, with a possible valuation of $1.7 trillion.At this level:A 1 per cent stake could be worth around $17 billionEven smaller stakes could translate into billions of dollars in valueThis highlights the scale of wealth that could be created for major shareholders.<h2>Role of early investors</h2>SpaceX has raised around $30 billion in private funding from hundreds of investors over the years.Early investors bought shares at much lower prices:Around $1 per share in early funding roundsAbout $7.50 in mid-stage roundsUp to $270 per share in later roundsThis wide range shows how early backers could see significant returns if the company lists at a high valuation.<h2>Why control matters in this IPO</h2>Unlike many public companies, SpaceX’s ownership structure ensures that Musk retains control even after listing.The dual-class share system allows him to:Maintain voting powerInfluence strategic decisionsControl long-term directionThis structure is often used by founder-led companies to protect their vision while raising capital.<h2>What this means for investors</h2>For public investors, the IPO could offer access to one of the world’s most valuable private companies. However, the structure means that minority shareholders may have limited influence over decisions.For insiders, the listing represents a major financial opportunity, with potential gains tied to the company’s future performance.<h2>What happens next</h2>Details such as pricing, share allocation and listing timelines are yet to be finalised. However, the disclosures provide a clear picture of who stands to benefit the most.As SpaceX moves closer to going public, attention is likely to remain on its ownership structure and how it shapes the company’s future

As SpaceX prepares for a potential public listing, new disclosures highlight who stands to benefit the most from the company’s initial public offering (IPO). The filings show that Elon Musk remains the dominant shareholder, with a level of control that sets him apart from other investors.


As SpaceX prepares for a potential public listing, new disclosures highlight who stands to benefit the most from the company’s initial public offering (IPO). The filings show that Elon Musk remains the dominant shareholder, with a level of control that sets him apart from other investors. According to details from the company’s S-1 filing, Musk holds a significant majority of voting power, giving him control over key decisions even after the IPO. Elon Musk’s dominant stake explained Musk owns more than 6.4 billion shares in total, including: Around 850 million Class A shares (one vote per share) Nearly 5.6 billion Class B shares (10 votes per share) This dual-class share structure gives Musk overwhelming voting power. Reports suggest that even additional shares linked to long-term targets, such as future Mars missions, do not materially change his already strong control. This means Musk is likely to remain the key decision-maker even after SpaceX becomes a public company. Who else benefits from the IPO Apart from Musk, a small group of insiders and early investors also hold significant stakes. These include: Antonio Gracias, investor and board member, with over 503 million shares Luke Nosek, investor, with nearly 33 million shares Gwynne Shotwell, COO, with around 12.6 million shares Bret Johnsen, CFO, with nearly 9.6 million shares These individuals are among the largest shareholders after Musk and could see substantial gains if the IPO performs well. Estimated valuation and potential gains Market estimates suggest that the SpaceX IPO could raise around $75 billion, with a possible valuation of $1.7 trillion. At this level: A 1 per cent stake could be worth around $17 billion Even smaller stakes could translate into billions of dollars in value This highlights the scale of wealth that could be created for major shareholders. Role of early investors SpaceX has raised around $30 billion in private funding from hundreds of investors over the years. Early investors bought shares at much lower prices: Around $1 per share in early funding rounds About $7.50 in mid-stage rounds Up to $270 per share in later rounds This wide range shows how early backers could see significant returns if the company lists at a high valuation. Why control matters in this IPO Unlike many public companies, SpaceX’s ownership structure ensures that Musk retains control even after listing. The dual-class share system allows him to: Maintain voting power Influence strategic decisions Control long-term direction This structure is often used by founder-led companies to protect their vision while raising capital. What this means for investors For public investors, the IPO could offer access to one of the world’s most valuable private companies. However, the structure means that minority shareholders may have limited influence over decisions. For insiders, the listing represents a major financial opportunity, with potential gains tied to the company’s future performance. What happens next Details such as pricing, share allocation and listing timelines are yet to be finalised. However, the disclosures provide a clear picture of who stands to benefit the most. As SpaceX moves closer to going public, attention is likely to remain on its ownership structure and how it shapes the company’s future

As SpaceX prepares for a potential public listing, new disclosures highlight who stands to benefit the most from the company’s initial public offering (IPO). The filings show that Elon Musk remains the dominant shareholder, with a level of control that sets him apart from other investors.

'$1.7 trillion valuation': Who will win big from SpaceX’s listing?

India’s indigenous RayStrike-9 (3kW–9kW) laser weapon, built by Paras Defence and DRDO-CHESS, fires at the speed of light to neutralise drone swarms and missiles within a 1.2–2.5 km range. Using AI targeting and electro-optics, its infinite magazine cuts the cost of modern anti-drone warfare.

Speed-of-light weapon: What makes India’s new RayStrike-9 laser system capable of neutralising swarm drones

NASA is preparing to share new details about its Moon Base programme, aimed at establishing a long-term human presence on the Moon. The space agency will provide updates during a news conference scheduled for May 26 at its headquarters in Washington. The briefing will include information on upcoming missions, partnerships and progress in building infrastructure on the lunar surface.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">We&#39;re building a Moon Base! <a href="https://twitter.com/NASAMoonBase?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NASAMoonBase</a> will serve as a habitat where astronauts live and work during long-term science missions. Join us at 2pm ET on Tuesday, May 26, for a live news event where we’ll share updates on our lunar exploration plans: <a href="https://t.co/IJXA7xYwju">https://t.co/IJXA7xYwju</a> <a href="https://t.co/jAnkXDg3NY">pic.twitter.com/jAnkXDg3NY</a>&mdash; NASA (@NASA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASA/status/2057163010460782722?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 20, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>What is NASA’s Moon Base project</h2>The Moon Base initiative is designed to create a long-term habitat where astronauts can live and work on the Moon. Unlike earlier missions that focused on short visits, this programme aims to support continuous human presence.&nbsp; The base is expected to serve as a centre for:Scientific researchTechnology developmentCommercial activitiesNASA has described it as a step towards building a permanent outpost beyond Earth.<h2>Why the Moon’s south pole is important</h2>NASA plans to focus its efforts on the Moon’s south pole. This region is believed to contain water ice in permanently shadowed areas.Scientists say this resource could be used to:Produce drinking waterGenerate oxygen for breathingCreate fuel for spacecraftThese capabilities could make long-term human presence on the Moon more practical and sustainable.<h2>Key officials and mission updates</h2>The upcoming briefing will include participation from senior NASA officials, including Administrator Jared Isaacman.The agency is expected to discuss:Progress in lunar missionsNew partnerships with industryPlans for future explorationNASA has also said that astronauts will be sent on increasingly complex missions as part of the programme.<h2>Link to future Mars missions</h2>The Moon Base project is part of NASA’s broader space exploration strategy. The agency sees the Moon as a testing ground for future missions to Mars. By developing technologies and experience on the Moon, NASA aims to prepare for longer and more challenging missions beyond Earth. This approach positions the Moon as a stepping stone towards deeper space exploration.<h2>Growing interest in lunar exploration</h2>The Moon Base plan reflects increasing global interest in space exploration. Governments and private companies are investing in lunar missions and infrastructure. NASA’s programme is expected to play a key role in shaping future international and commercial activities on the Moon.<h2>What happens next</h2>The Moon Base initiative will develop in phases, with updates expected as missions progress. The May 26 briefing will provide a clearer picture of timelines and next steps. As plans move forward, the project could mark a shift from short-term missions to long-term human presence in space, opening new possibilities for research and exploration.&nbsp;

NASA is preparing to share new details about its Moon Base programme, aimed at establishing a long-term human presence on the Moon. The space agency will provide updates during a news conference scheduled for May 26 at its headquarters in Washington.

NASA is preparing to share new details about its Moon Base programme, aimed at establishing a long-term human presence on the Moon. The space agency will provide updates during a news conference scheduled for May 26 at its headquarters in Washington. The briefing will include information on upcoming missions, partnerships and progress in building infrastructure on the lunar surface.

NASA is preparing to share new details about its Moon Base programme, aimed at establishing a long-term human presence on the Moon. The space agency will provide updates during a news conference scheduled for May 26 at its headquarters in Washington.

NASA to unveil Moon Base plans: What it means for long-term space missions

A spider with a smiley face on its back has been discovered in the Himalayas. The arachnid was believed to be native to Hawaii, so finding it in a region of India has left scientists pretty much amazed. The Theridion grallator has this cheerful display on top of its abdomen. The spider is tiny and has a vibrant green hue. It was first seen in Hawaii in 1900, and for the longest time, it was only seen there. But now we know that this is not the only smiley spider species in the world. According to the study published in the journal Evolutionary Systematics, there is one more of its kind in the Himalayas. The new spider has been named the Himalayan happy-face spider (Theridion himalayana). The discovery was made by researchers from India’s Forest Research Institute and the Regional Museum of Natural History. They were on an expedition in Uttarakhand to map, catalogue ant biodiversity. This is when this tiny arachnid caught their attention.&nbsp;Devi Priyadarshini, biologist at the Regional Museum of Natural History, said in a statement, "My co-author [Ashirwad Tripathy] kept sending me spiders from high altitude regions for identification. One day, he sent me a photo of an arachnid clinging to a Daphniphyllum leaf." Priyadarshini said she was instantly shocked to see the creature. “I had seen the Hawaiian spider during my master’s program…I knew instantly we had a jackpot because of its striking resemblance,” Priyadarshini said. Tripathy continued to make a record every time he came across a similar-looking spider. All 32 of them appeared to be the same species and had a smiley dot-and-stripe colouration pattern, known as morphs.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/scientists-discover-over-1-100-new-ocean-species-including-mysterious-ghost-shark-details-inside-1779193384305">Scientists discover over 1,100 new ocean species, including mysterious ‘ghost shark’</a><h2>Smiley face spider: A genetic mystery</h2>A DNA analysis revealed an 8.5 per cent genetic variation from the Hawaiian happy-face spider. This meant that this species developed independently of the one in Hawaii, even though they were identical. “The name [Theridion] Himalayana was decided as the species name because we both wanted to pay our respects to the mighty Himalaya mountain ranges," Tripathy said. The green colour helped the spiders to hide themselves in the landscape, while the reason for the smiley pattern remains unclear. Both species also seem to like ginger plants, despite not being native to Hawaii. Priyadarshini said the similar smiley pattern is “definitely indicative of a deeper genetic mystery”.

Scientists have discovered a smiley face spider in Uttarakhand, on the foothills of the Himalayas. The surprising thing is that the arachnid has only been found in Hawaii till now. But this is an entirely different species, yet it has a similar pattern. 

A spider with a smiley face on its back has been discovered in the Himalayas. The arachnid was believed to be native to Hawaii, so finding it in a region of India has left scientists pretty much amazed. The Theridion grallator has this cheerful display on top of its abdomen. The spider is tiny and has a vibrant green hue. It was first seen in Hawaii in 1900, and for the longest time, it was only seen there. But now we know that this is not the only smiley spider species in the world. According to the study published in the journal Evolutionary Systematics, there is one more of its kind in the Himalayas. The new spider has been named the Himalayan happy-face spider (Theridion himalayana). The discovery was made by researchers from India’s Forest Research Institute and the Regional Museum of Natural History. They were on an expedition in Uttarakhand to map, catalogue ant biodiversity. This is when this tiny arachnid caught their attention. Devi Priyadarshini, biologist at the Regional Museum of Natural History, said in a statement, "My co-author [Ashirwad Tripathy] kept sending me spiders from high altitude regions for identification. One day, he sent me a photo of an arachnid clinging to a Daphniphyllum leaf." Priyadarshini said she was instantly shocked to see the creature. “I had seen the Hawaiian spider during my master’s program…I knew instantly we had a jackpot because of its striking resemblance,” Priyadarshini said. Tripathy continued to make a record every time he came across a similar-looking spider. All 32 of them appeared to be the same species and had a smiley dot-and-stripe colouration pattern, known as morphs. Also Read: Scientists discover over 1,100 new ocean species, including mysterious ‘ghost shark’ Smiley face spider: A genetic mystery A DNA analysis revealed an 8.5 per cent genetic variation from the Hawaiian happy-face spider. This meant that this species developed independently of the one in Hawaii, even though they were identical. “The name [Theridion] Himalayana was decided as the species name because we both wanted to pay our respects to the mighty Himalaya mountain ranges," Tripathy said. The green colour helped the spiders to hide themselves in the landscape, while the reason for the smiley pattern remains unclear. Both species also seem to like ginger plants, despite not being native to Hawaii. Priyadarshini said the similar smiley pattern is “definitely indicative of a deeper genetic mystery”.

Scientists have discovered a smiley face spider in Uttarakhand, on the foothills of the Himalayas. The surprising thing is that the arachnid has only been found in Hawaii till now. But this is an entirely different species, yet it has a similar pattern.&nbsp;

Smiley face spider discovered in Indian Himalayas. It was only ever found in Hawaii

For decades, lighthouses, standing alone on a small island in the middle of nowhere, have induced fear among visitors. Many of them have creepy stories associated with them, leading to claims that they are haunted. However, turns out a deep-sea creature was causing all the pandemonium, scaring the hell out of caretakers at lighthouses. According to new research, a strange sound and rumbling that is often heard in these structures is nothing but humpback whales sneezing. They are so powerful that they can travel for five miles and even be felt inside these buildings. This particular finding comes from Alaska, where the region's humpback whales have been scaring lighthouse keepers and fishermen. Fred Sharpe, a biologist with the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence Institute (SETI), led the team that studied the Five Finger lighthouse in Frederick Sound, in southeast Alaska.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/watch-scientists-capture-rare-footage-showing-sperm-whales-assisting-mother-during-birth-1774622419101">Scientists capture rare footage showing sperm whales assisting mother during birth</a><h2>Humpback whales sneezing and sniffing - Are humans missing alien calls too?</h2>&nbsp;Sharpe said the noise could be either a self-soothing sigh or a sneeze, and sounds like distant thunder, the rumble of an elephant or machinery. They are between 30 and 300 hertz and sound "more mechanical" when heard from a distance. Scientists say the findings can be used to trace the region that is the source of the sounds, which will help locate these creatures and prevent collisions. Sharpe has another interesting analogy stemming from the humpback whales' sneezing. He told The Times that the whales have been sighing and sneezing for centuries, yet we have never been able to recognise them. If this is the case with Earth, humans may have also been missing the call of aliens. "If conspicuous sounds from our beloved whales are falling on deaf ears, goodness knows what cosmic signals might fall under the radar," he told the outlet.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-stumble-upon-a-brand-new-penguin-species-hidden-for-300-000-years-1778752352893">Scientists stumble upon a brand new penguin species hidden for 300,000 years</a><h2>Talking to a whale</h2>Sharpe was previously part of a team which had a conversation with a 38-year-old humpback whale named Twain. Researchers from the SETI Institute and UC Davis spoke to the marine creature using a pre-recorded contact call. This was the first time that humans and the whales had talked to each other in their own language. The team proposed that this method could be used to talk to extraterrestrials in the future.&nbsp; &nbsp;

The creepy, haunting sounds heard at lighthouses over the years are not linked to paranormal phenomena. The rumblings are common in these structures and are actually coming from deep inside the ocean. 

For decades, lighthouses, standing alone on a small island in the middle of nowhere, have induced fear among visitors. Many of them have creepy stories associated with them, leading to claims that they are haunted. However, turns out a deep-sea creature was causing all the pandemonium, scaring the hell out of caretakers at lighthouses. According to new research, a strange sound and rumbling that is often heard in these structures is nothing but humpback whales sneezing. They are so powerful that they can travel for five miles and even be felt inside these buildings. This particular finding comes from Alaska, where the region's humpback whales have been scaring lighthouse keepers and fishermen. Fred Sharpe, a biologist with the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence Institute (SETI), led the team that studied the Five Finger lighthouse in Frederick Sound, in southeast Alaska. Also Read: Scientists capture rare footage showing sperm whales assisting mother during birth Humpback whales sneezing and sniffing - Are humans missing alien calls too? Sharpe said the noise could be either a self-soothing sigh or a sneeze, and sounds like distant thunder, the rumble of an elephant or machinery. They are between 30 and 300 hertz and sound "more mechanical" when heard from a distance. Scientists say the findings can be used to trace the region that is the source of the sounds, which will help locate these creatures and prevent collisions. Sharpe has another interesting analogy stemming from the humpback whales' sneezing. He told The Times that the whales have been sighing and sneezing for centuries, yet we have never been able to recognise them. If this is the case with Earth, humans may have also been missing the call of aliens. "If conspicuous sounds from our beloved whales are falling on deaf ears, goodness knows what cosmic signals might fall under the radar," he told the outlet. Also Read: Scientists stumble upon a brand new penguin species hidden for 300,000 years Talking to a whale Sharpe was previously part of a team which had a conversation with a 38-year-old humpback whale named Twain. Researchers from the SETI Institute and UC Davis spoke to the marine creature using a pre-recorded contact call. This was the first time that humans and the whales had talked to each other in their own language. The team proposed that this method could be used to talk to extraterrestrials in the future.

The creepy, haunting sounds heard at lighthouses over the years are not linked to paranormal phenomena. The rumblings are common in these structures and are actually coming from deep inside the ocean.&nbsp;

Shhh! That creepy sound is not a ghost in the lighthouse, it's just a marine creature sneezing

Scientists have found that Central Asia had large mountain ranges during the Cretaceous period, a time when dinosaurs lived. However, defying earlier belief, they now say that climate or movements inside the Earth had nothing to do with it. A long-lost ocean is what shaped this landscape, a team of researchers from Adelaide University suggest in a new study. The &nbsp;Tethys Ocean vanished millions of years ago, with the Mediterranean Sea being only a tiny fragment of this large water body. This occurrence happened long before the Himalayas were formed from tectonic movement. But in the case of the mountains in Central Asia, distant oceanic dynamics led to mountains taking shape. For a long time, scientists thought these ancient mountains were formed by local weather or mantle processes. But geological data gathered over decades shows that the Tethys Ocean churned several kilometres away, and yet managed to give birth to a large mountain range during the time of dinosaurs.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-tech/lost-continent-discovered-under-antarctica-and-india-8872820">Pieces of lost continent found under Antarctica and India point to one thing</a><h2>Dinosaurs lived amidst mountains in Central Asia</h2>According to the study in Communications Earth, the Tethys Ocean slowly vanished during the Meso-Cenozoic era. However, before it disappeared, its movements generated immense tectonic stress, which travelled along ancient geological fault lines—known as suture zones—triggering the creation of mountain ridges thousands of kilometres away from the actual oceanic collision. Stijn Glorie, co-author of the study, said, "The present-day relief of Central Asia was largely built by the India-Eurasia collision and ongoing convergence. However, during the Cretaceous period, dinosaurs would have seen a mountainous landscape as well, similar to the present-day Basin-and-Range Province in the western USA."Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/ancient-mountain-range-ran-through-india-and-antarctica-150-million-years-ago-1779099301643">Ancient mountain range ran through India and Antarctica 150 million years ago</a><h2>What the study shows about the power of oceans</h2>To understand what would have transpired millions of years ago, the team used thermal history models to track how rocks cooled as they were uplifted and eroded over millions of years. The models were integrated with plate-tectonic reconstructions of the Tethys Ocean, precipitation data, and mantle-convection simulations, which helped them determine how mountains were shaped in Central Asia. The findings revealed a hidden history of the formations in the region and, more importantly, showed that oceans have the power to influence activities thousands of kilometres away and deep inside a continent.

The Tethys Ocean shaped mountain ranges in Central Asia from thousands of kilometres away, shedding light on a phenomenon that is unexpected. Scientists say this happened during the time of the dinosaurs, when the Himalayas did not exist.

Scientists have found that Central Asia had large mountain ranges during the Cretaceous period, a time when dinosaurs lived. However, defying earlier belief, they now say that climate or movements inside the Earth had nothing to do with it. A long-lost ocean is what shaped this landscape, a team of researchers from Adelaide University suggest in a new study. The Tethys Ocean vanished millions of years ago, with the Mediterranean Sea being only a tiny fragment of this large water body. This occurrence happened long before the Himalayas were formed from tectonic movement. But in the case of the mountains in Central Asia, distant oceanic dynamics led to mountains taking shape. For a long time, scientists thought these ancient mountains were formed by local weather or mantle processes. But geological data gathered over decades shows that the Tethys Ocean churned several kilometres away, and yet managed to give birth to a large mountain range during the time of dinosaurs. Also Read: Pieces of lost continent found under Antarctica and India point to one thing Dinosaurs lived amidst mountains in Central Asia According to the study in Communications Earth, the Tethys Ocean slowly vanished during the Meso-Cenozoic era. However, before it disappeared, its movements generated immense tectonic stress, which travelled along ancient geological fault lines—known as suture zones—triggering the creation of mountain ridges thousands of kilometres away from the actual oceanic collision. Stijn Glorie, co-author of the study, said, "The present-day relief of Central Asia was largely built by the India-Eurasia collision and ongoing convergence. However, during the Cretaceous period, dinosaurs would have seen a mountainous landscape as well, similar to the present-day Basin-and-Range Province in the western USA." Also Read: Ancient mountain range ran through India and Antarctica 150 million years ago What the study shows about the power of oceans To understand what would have transpired millions of years ago, the team used thermal history models to track how rocks cooled as they were uplifted and eroded over millions of years. The models were integrated with plate-tectonic reconstructions of the Tethys Ocean, precipitation data, and mantle-convection simulations, which helped them determine how mountains were shaped in Central Asia. The findings revealed a hidden history of the formations in the region and, more importantly, showed that oceans have the power to influence activities thousands of kilometres away and deep inside a continent.

The Tethys Ocean shaped mountain ranges in Central Asia from thousands of kilometres away, shedding light on a phenomenon that is unexpected. Scientists say this happened during the time of the dinosaurs, when the Himalayas did not exist.

Dinosaurs roamed around mountains in Central Asia shaped by a dead ocean

Colossal Biosciences, a "de-extinction" startup that is trying to resurrect New Zealand's giant moa, successfully hatched 26 baby chickens using a first-of-its-kind, 3D-printed artificial egg. This is proof of concept for the company's ultimate goal of bringing back the long-extinct avian species. The artificial egg is made from a 3D-printed titanium latticework and a bioengineered, semipermeable silicone membrane. It mimics a natural eggshell by allowing carbon dioxide to escape and oxygen to enter. It boasts a 21 per cent transfer capacity for atmospheric oxygen, more than the oxygen intake of an organic chicken eggshell. However, there is one area where it falls short - supplying the natural source of calcium that growing birds pull from the inside of their own eggshells.&nbsp;Ben Lamm, Colossal’s CEO and co-founder, told Gizmodo that they are providing it manually. "The only thing we are supplementing is calcium. The developing embryos cannot get calcium from, you know, 3D-printed titanium, apparently," he said. “You know, we already have 26 chickens,” Lamm said. “We don’t need more. We’re gonna let them live out their natural lives.” Colossal announced that this shell has been made with an eye on a seamless transition to mass production using low-cost injection-moulding techniques. The company further said that its "fully scalable and biologically accurate" egg was designed to "produce healthy animals that can thrive, not just hatch". They have tried to mirror the natural egg as much as possible. Colossal plans to scale the technology up and down, testing the artificial egg next on smaller pigeon eggs and larger emu eggs.<h2>Other implications&nbsp;</h2> Chief Biology Officer, epigeneticist Andrew Pask, said that the technology can help endangered bird species in cases where experts have been trying to increase reproduction among bird populations whose numbers are falling. While independent experts note the technology could heavily impact the commercial poultry industry, Colossal's CEO, Ben Lamm, states that the company has no plans to enter the agricultural market, choosing instead to focus entirely on its wildlife conservation and de-extinction experiments.

A de-extinction company has hatched 26 chickens from 3D-printed artificial eggs. They are "fully scalable and biologically accurate" and were made to produce healthy animals that can thrive. The company is trying to bring back New Zealand's giant moa.

Colossal Biosciences, a "de-extinction" startup that is trying to resurrect New Zealand's giant moa, successfully hatched 26 baby chickens using a first-of-its-kind, 3D-printed artificial egg. This is proof of concept for the company's ultimate goal of bringing back the long-extinct avian species. The artificial egg is made from a 3D-printed titanium latticework and a bioengineered, semipermeable silicone membrane. It mimics a natural eggshell by allowing carbon dioxide to escape and oxygen to enter. It boasts a 21 per cent transfer capacity for atmospheric oxygen, more than the oxygen intake of an organic chicken eggshell. However, there is one area where it falls short - supplying the natural source of calcium that growing birds pull from the inside of their own eggshells. Ben Lamm, Colossal’s CEO and co-founder, told Gizmodo that they are providing it manually. "The only thing we are supplementing is calcium. The developing embryos cannot get calcium from, you know, 3D-printed titanium, apparently," he said. “You know, we already have 26 chickens,” Lamm said. “We don’t need more. We’re gonna let them live out their natural lives.” Colossal announced that this shell has been made with an eye on a seamless transition to mass production using low-cost injection-moulding techniques. The company further said that its "fully scalable and biologically accurate" egg was designed to "produce healthy animals that can thrive, not just hatch". They have tried to mirror the natural egg as much as possible. Colossal plans to scale the technology up and down, testing the artificial egg next on smaller pigeon eggs and larger emu eggs. Other implications Chief Biology Officer, epigeneticist Andrew Pask, said that the technology can help endangered bird species in cases where experts have been trying to increase reproduction among bird populations whose numbers are falling. While independent experts note the technology could heavily impact the commercial poultry industry, Colossal's CEO, Ben Lamm, states that the company has no plans to enter the agricultural market, choosing instead to focus entirely on its wildlife conservation and de-extinction experiments.

A de-extinction company has hatched 26 chickens from 3D-printed artificial eggs. They are "fully scalable and biologically accurate" and were made to produce healthy animals that can thrive. The company is trying to bring back New Zealand's giant moa.

In major breakthrough, 3D-printed artificial egg hatched to produce 26 chickens

Marine scientists have discovered a total of 1,121 new marine species living in the depths of the world's oceans over the past year. The findings have marked a "significant step" in the research, which required understanding and protecting the oceans, according to the scientists behind The Nippon Foundation-Nekton Ocean Census, the world’s largest mission to accelerate ocean species discovery. The discovery of these numbers of species has marked a 54 per cent jump in identifications in a single year, the researchers confirmed. The new species include corals, crabs, shrimps, sea urchins and anemones. In addition, some are found living at depths of over four miles beneath the ocean surface. The “Ghost Shark” Chimaera, a distant relative of sharks and rays, was discovered in the Coral Sea Marine Park off the coast of Queensland. Researchers described chimaeras as some of the ocean’s most enigmatic deep-sea creatures, noting that they existed before dinosaurs and branched off from sharks and rays into a separate evolutionary line nearly 400 million years ago. Researchers also identified symbiotic bristle worms living inside a “glass castle” on volcanic seamounts in Japan. The so-called castle refers to the complex chambers of a glass sponge, whose skeleton is composed of crystalline silica. Meanwhile, a vividly pigmented predatory ribbon worm was found in shallow waters at depths of just 3 to 16 feet.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/164-foot-tunnel-discovered-in-jerusalem-leaves-scientists-puzzled-1779105324236">164-foot tunnel discovered in Israel leaves scientists puzzled</a><h3>New shrimp species</h3>Another notable discovery was a new shrimp species, the Mediterranean shrimp, located in a sea cave near Marseille. Distinguished by its bright orange bands and elaborate appendages, it was among several species identified during 13 expeditions across some of the world’s most remote and least-explored ocean regions, along with nine discovery workshops. "This year, Ocean Census has shown what is possible when scientific ambition is matched by global collaboration at scale," Mitsuyuku Unno, executive director of the Nippon Foundation, said in a statement. "Through expeditions reaching polar depths to tropical seas, and the science to turn samples into discoveries, this team is revealing the extraordinary richness of ocean life," he added. Previous research has suggested that up to 90 per cent of ocean species remain undiscovered. The researchers added that documenting the breadth of species living in the oceans is compulsory for policymakers and marine managers to properly protect the ocean. They further noted that the average time between a species' initial discovery and its formal "description" in scientific literature is historically around 13.5 years, placing species vulnerable to extinction before they are even catalogued.&nbsp;

The new species after the discovery include corals, crabs, shrimps, sea urchins and anemones. In addition, some are found living at depths of over four miles beneath the ocean surface.

Marine scientists have discovered a total of 1,121 new marine species living in the depths of the world's oceans over the past year. The findings have marked a "significant step" in the research, which required understanding and protecting the oceans, according to the scientists behind The Nippon Foundation-Nekton Ocean Census, the world’s largest mission to accelerate ocean species discovery. The discovery of these numbers of species has marked a 54 per cent jump in identifications in a single year, the researchers confirmed. The new species include corals, crabs, shrimps, sea urchins and anemones. In addition, some are found living at depths of over four miles beneath the ocean surface. The “Ghost Shark” Chimaera, a distant relative of sharks and rays, was discovered in the Coral Sea Marine Park off the coast of Queensland. Researchers described chimaeras as some of the ocean’s most enigmatic deep-sea creatures, noting that they existed before dinosaurs and branched off from sharks and rays into a separate evolutionary line nearly 400 million years ago. Researchers also identified symbiotic bristle worms living inside a “glass castle” on volcanic seamounts in Japan. The so-called castle refers to the complex chambers of a glass sponge, whose skeleton is composed of crystalline silica. Meanwhile, a vividly pigmented predatory ribbon worm was found in shallow waters at depths of just 3 to 16 feet. Also read: 164-foot tunnel discovered in Israel leaves scientists puzzled New shrimp species Another notable discovery was a new shrimp species, the Mediterranean shrimp, located in a sea cave near Marseille. Distinguished by its bright orange bands and elaborate appendages, it was among several species identified during 13 expeditions across some of the world’s most remote and least-explored ocean regions, along with nine discovery workshops. "This year, Ocean Census has shown what is possible when scientific ambition is matched by global collaboration at scale," Mitsuyuku Unno, executive director of the Nippon Foundation, said in a statement. "Through expeditions reaching polar depths to tropical seas, and the science to turn samples into discoveries, this team is revealing the extraordinary richness of ocean life," he added. Previous research has suggested that up to 90 per cent of ocean species remain undiscovered. The researchers added that documenting the breadth of species living in the oceans is compulsory for policymakers and marine managers to properly protect the ocean. They further noted that the average time between a species' initial discovery and its formal "description" in scientific literature is historically around 13.5 years, placing species vulnerable to extinction before they are even catalogued.

The new species after the discovery include corals, crabs, shrimps, sea urchins and anemones. In addition, some are found living at depths of over four miles beneath the ocean surface.

Scientists discover over 1,100 new ocean species, including mysterious ‘ghost shark’: Details inside

SpaceX is preparing to launch Starship Version 3, the latest and most advanced version of the world’s largest rocket, in what could become one of the company’s most closely watched test flights yet. The mission, known as Flight 12, is now targeted for Wednesday evening after multiple delays earlier this week pushed back the original launch schedule from May 19 to now May 20, according to USA Today. &nbsp;The updated launch window for Flight 12 is scheduled to open at 6:30 pm Eastern Time (2230 GMT), from the company’s Starbase facility in Texas during a 90-minute launch window. If weather and technical conditions remain favourable, liftoff could take place shortly after the window opens, though SpaceX typically maintains flexibility in its final countdown timeline before launch.&nbsp;The launch also comes at a significant moment for Elon Musk’s company, with investors closely monitoring SpaceX ahead of a widely anticipated initial public offering expected next month.&nbsp;ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/ghosts-of-lighthouses-revealed-scientists-trace-source-of-eerie-sounds-heard-in-the-middle-of-nowhere-1779182018558">Ghosts of lighthouses revealed! Scientists trace source of eerie sounds heard in the middle of nowhere</a>&nbsp;<h3>What makes Starship V3 different?</h3>&nbsp;According to Space.com, Starship V3 is described as the ‘biggest and most powerful iteration’ of the rocket so far. The fully reusable system consists of the upper-stage Starship spacecraft mounted atop the Super Heavy booster, powered by 33 upgraded Raptor engines designed to generate more thrust while reducing weight. The new version also includes major upgrades aimed at supporting future lunar and Mars missions. According to Reuters, the spacecraft has been fitted with systems for orbital refuelling, ship-to-ship docking and improved manoeuvrability for long-duration space travel.&nbsp;Flight 12 will also be the first mission launched from a newly constructed pad built specifically for the more powerful V3 rocket.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Starship’s twelfth flight test will debut the next generation Starship and Super Heavy vehicles, powered by the next evolution of the Raptor engine and launching from a newly designed pad at Starbase. The launch is targeted as early as Tuesday, May 19 → <a href="https://t.co/2gZQUxS6mm">https://t.co/2gZQUxS6mm</a> <a href="https://t.co/JxmpL2WE4w">pic.twitter.com/JxmpL2WE4w</a>&mdash; SpaceX (@SpaceX) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/2054304050338750931?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 12, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-do-indian-kitchens-have-to-do-with-california-gas-prices-india-s-lpg-crisis-may-hold-the-answer-1779182685592">What do Indian kitchens have to do with California gas prices? India’s LPG crisis may hold the answer</a>&nbsp;<h3>Investors and NASA watching closely</h3>&nbsp;“For an IPO that is leaning so heavily into narrative and symbolism, we believe this flight is the single most important pre-IPO catalyst remaining on SpaceX’s calendar,” PitchBook analyst Franco Granda told Reuters. The mission will send Starship on a suborbital trajectory before splashdown in the Indian Ocean roughly 65 minutes after launch. The Super Heavy booster is expected to perform a controlled descent into the Gulf of Mexico around seven minutes after liftoff.Before re-entry, Starship is expected to deploy 20 Starlink simulators along with two modified satellites designed to inspect the vehicle’s heat shield during descent.&nbsp;<h3>Why the launch matters beyond SpaceX</h3>&nbsp;SpaceX’s test-and-fail engineering approach has long set it apart from traditional aerospace firms, with the company repeatedly pushing spacecraft to their limits before refining designs through successive launches. That strategy is now under sharper scrutiny as investors assess SpaceX ahead of its IPO. Elon Musk, who founded the company in 2002, has said Starship could make its first uncrewed journey to Mars by the end of 2026. The rocket is also central to NASA’s Artemis programme, under which SpaceX secured a contract worth more than $3 billion to help return astronauts to the Moon later this decade amid growing competition with China’s lunar ambitions.&nbsp;

The launch also comes at a significant moment for Elon Musk’s company, with investors closely monitoring SpaceX ahead of a widely anticipated initial public offering expected next month.

SpaceX is preparing to launch Starship Version 3, the latest and most advanced version of the world’s largest rocket, in what could become one of the company’s most closely watched test flights yet. The mission, known as Flight 12, is now targeted for Wednesday evening after multiple delays earlier this week pushed back the original launch schedule from May 19 to now May 20, according to USA Today. The updated launch window for Flight 12 is scheduled to open at 6:30 pm Eastern Time (2230 GMT), from the company’s Starbase facility in Texas during a 90-minute launch window. If weather and technical conditions remain favourable, liftoff could take place shortly after the window opens, though SpaceX typically maintains flexibility in its final countdown timeline before launch. The launch also comes at a significant moment for Elon Musk’s company, with investors closely monitoring SpaceX ahead of a widely anticipated initial public offering expected next month. ALSO READ: Ghosts of lighthouses revealed! Scientists trace source of eerie sounds heard in the middle of nowhere What makes Starship V3 different? According to Space.com, Starship V3 is described as the ‘biggest and most powerful iteration’ of the rocket so far. The fully reusable system consists of the upper-stage Starship spacecraft mounted atop the Super Heavy booster, powered by 33 upgraded Raptor engines designed to generate more thrust while reducing weight. The new version also includes major upgrades aimed at supporting future lunar and Mars missions. According to Reuters, the spacecraft has been fitted with systems for orbital refuelling, ship-to-ship docking and improved manoeuvrability for long-duration space travel. Flight 12 will also be the first mission launched from a newly constructed pad built specifically for the more powerful V3 rocket.

The launch also comes at a significant moment for Elon Musk’s company, with investors closely monitoring SpaceX ahead of a widely anticipated initial public offering expected next month.

‘Biggest and most powerful Starship ever’: SpaceX targets new launch date for V3 debut ahead of IPO

Debris from satellites and rocket launches is increasingly falling to the ground instead of burning up in the atmosphere. Scientists have found that the threat to humans and structures from these bodies is increasing, and it is no longer a remote risk. Scientists from the University of Wisconsin-Stout studied materials that allow reentry debris to survive with the aim of making changes that would make them safer. During spacecraft launches, nonreusable rocket boosters and other components are thrown off, and they should supposedly burn up while reentering the atmosphere. However, this is not happening in several cases. With the number of launches going up, more of this junk is being left behind, which means the chances of these pieces falling down on Earth have also become higher.<h2>Spacecraft debris that fell on Earth</h2>The researchers cited multiple cases when this has happened. Pieces from SpaceX Dragon's carbon fibre trunk have crashed to the ground in the past, with the entire component being larger than a 15-passenger van. One of the incidents happened during the Crew 7 mission to the International Space Station when the debris fell in North Carolina. The same thing happened with the Crew 1 mission when fragments from the trunk landed in New South Wales, Australia. The famous Axiom 3 mission also had trunk debris land in Saskatchewan, Canada. Debris from carbon fibre components that hold pressurised gases has also been recovered a few times, most recently from Australia, Argentina and Poland.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/antarctic-cosmic-dust-proves-earth-has-been-traversing-through-supernova-debris-for-80-000-years-1778588358806">Antarctic cosmic dust proves Earth has been traversing through supernova debris for 80,000 years</a><h2>Number of launches has increased</h2>&nbsp;The question the scientists tried to answer was why they were not disintegrating. The reason comes down to the number of launches, which has increased considerably compared to 10 years ago. About 100 objects have been launched into space every year on average since the 1960s. In 2016, 200 objects were launched, and in 2025, this number stood at 4,500. Companies like SpaceX and Rocket Labs are planning to build large satellite constellations composed of hundreds of thousands to a million satellites.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/mars-will-deliver-a-violent-death-to-its-own-moon-sooner-than-expected-1777879100784">Mars will deliver a violent death to its own Moon sooner than expected</a><h2>Heat-resistant material in spacecraft and satellites</h2>This means many, many more launches, translating into more reentry events. Besides, the use of carbon fibre-reinforced plastics and new metals is not only making satellites and spacecraft lighter and stronger, but also more heat-resistant. This also means that during deorbiting, they can withstand reentry temperatures as well. But we might not see the full impact of these falls for another 10 years because decommissioned satellites do not need to be removed for 25 years.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Earth is increasingly at risk of satellite and spacecraft debris falling to the surface and threatening human life and property. Scientists say that this risk is increasing, mainly because of private companies that are aiming to launch millions of satellites.

Debris from satellites and rocket launches is increasingly falling to the ground instead of burning up in the atmosphere. Scientists have found that the threat to humans and structures from these bodies is increasing, and it is no longer a remote risk. Scientists from the University of Wisconsin-Stout studied materials that allow reentry debris to survive with the aim of making changes that would make them safer. During spacecraft launches, nonreusable rocket boosters and other components are thrown off, and they should supposedly burn up while reentering the atmosphere. However, this is not happening in several cases. With the number of launches going up, more of this junk is being left behind, which means the chances of these pieces falling down on Earth have also become higher. Spacecraft debris that fell on Earth The researchers cited multiple cases when this has happened. Pieces from SpaceX Dragon's carbon fibre trunk have crashed to the ground in the past, with the entire component being larger than a 15-passenger van. One of the incidents happened during the Crew 7 mission to the International Space Station when the debris fell in North Carolina. The same thing happened with the Crew 1 mission when fragments from the trunk landed in New South Wales, Australia. The famous Axiom 3 mission also had trunk debris land in Saskatchewan, Canada. Debris from carbon fibre components that hold pressurised gases has also been recovered a few times, most recently from Australia, Argentina and Poland. Also Read: Antarctic cosmic dust proves Earth has been traversing through supernova debris for 80,000 years Number of launches has increased The question the scientists tried to answer was why they were not disintegrating. The reason comes down to the number of launches, which has increased considerably compared to 10 years ago. About 100 objects have been launched into space every year on average since the 1960s. In 2016, 200 objects were launched, and in 2025, this number stood at 4,500. Companies like SpaceX and Rocket Labs are planning to build large satellite constellations composed of hundreds of thousands to a million satellites. Also Read: Mars will deliver a violent death to its own Moon sooner than expected Heat-resistant material in spacecraft and satellites This means many, many more launches, translating into more reentry events. Besides, the use of carbon fibre-reinforced plastics and new metals is not only making satellites and spacecraft lighter and stronger, but also more heat-resistant. This also means that during deorbiting, they can withstand reentry temperatures as well. But we might not see the full impact of these falls for another 10 years because decommissioned satellites do not need to be removed for 25 years.

Earth is increasingly at risk of satellite and spacecraft debris falling to the surface and threatening human life and property. Scientists say that this risk is increasing, mainly because of private companies that are aiming to launch millions of satellites.

Scientists warn of heightened risk from rockets and satellite tumbling down on Earth

Ebola outbreak in DR Congo raises global concern after an American tested positive. Know Ebola symptoms, spread, US travel rules, and Trump’s statement on Ebola

What is Ebola? Symptoms, Congo outbreak, US travel measures and Trump’s remarks

A new dinosaur discovery in Thailand has revealed that the "last titan," a long-necked dinosaur, lived here up to 120 million years ago. It has been named Nagatitan chaiyaphumensis, and is the largest sauropod ever found in Southeast Asia. A study published in the journal Scientific Reports on Thursday (May 14) states that this giant was nearly 90 feet long and weighed around 30 tons. This is "10 tonnes [11 tons] more than Dippy the Diplodocus (Diplodocus carnegii)," Thitiwoot Sethapanichsakul, lead author of the study, said. a palaeontologist at University College London. While it is large, it weighs less than half of what Patagotitan and Argentinosaurus, the South American sauropods, weighed. The fossils were found in the Khok Kruat Formation in the Chaiyaphum province of northeastern Thailand. They were spotted by a local in 2016 on a bone bed.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/jurassic-lesson-in-survival-180-million-year-old-sea-predator-with-100-teeth-gobbled-stones-to-stay-alive-1777468258783">180-million-year-old sea predator with 100 teeth gobbled stones to stay alive</a>&nbsp;The fossils include several vertebrae, pelvic bones and leg bones, including the dinosaur's thigh bone. Also known as the femur, it was broken into several parts. When combined, it alone measured 6.5 feet in length. It was a type of dinosaur known as a somphospondylan sauropod that lived from the late Jurassic through the Cretaceous period. This dinosaur species lived on every continent in the world during its time. The N. chaiyaphumensis' vertebrae and leg bones are different from any seen in previous sauropods. The dinosaur's genus Nagatitan has been named after Naga, "the mythological serpent-like creature found in various Asian cultures." It is also found in Thailand, the authors wrote in the study.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/dinosaurs-are-responsible-for-rapid-ageing-and-short-lifespans-in-humans-1777642716794">Dinosaurs are responsible for rapid ageing and short lifespans in humans</a><h2>No more sauropods in Thailand</h2>The Cretaceous was 145 million to 66 million years ago, during which time this region of Thailand would have been semi-arid. The authors wrote that N. chaiyaphumensis' long body and large surface area would have helped it shed heat and keep cool in the heat. A river system would have existed in the place where the fossils were found, meaning crocodiles, fish and fish-eating pterosaurs would have lived with the Nagatitan. They were found in the youngest rocks in Thailand that are still revealing dinosaur fossils. But the conditions prevented later dinosaur fossils from being formed, the researchers wrote. Sethapanichsakul said, "This may be the last or most recent large sauropod we will find in Southeast Asia."

The largest sauropod dinosaur ever found in Southeast Asia has been discovered in Thailand. It lived during the Cretaceous, and its genus Nagatitan was named after Naga. Scientists say this might be the last time they have seen a long-necked dinosaurs fossil in the region.

A new dinosaur discovery in Thailand has revealed that the "last titan," a long-necked dinosaur, lived here up to 120 million years ago. It has been named Nagatitan chaiyaphumensis, and is the largest sauropod ever found in Southeast Asia. A study published in the journal Scientific Reports on Thursday (May 14) states that this giant was nearly 90 feet long and weighed around 30 tons. This is "10 tonnes [11 tons] more than Dippy the Diplodocus (Diplodocus carnegii)," Thitiwoot Sethapanichsakul, lead author of the study, said. a palaeontologist at University College London. While it is large, it weighs less than half of what Patagotitan and Argentinosaurus, the South American sauropods, weighed. The fossils were found in the Khok Kruat Formation in the Chaiyaphum province of northeastern Thailand. They were spotted by a local in 2016 on a bone bed. Also Read: 180-million-year-old sea predator with 100 teeth gobbled stones to stay alive The fossils include several vertebrae, pelvic bones and leg bones, including the dinosaur's thigh bone. Also known as the femur, it was broken into several parts. When combined, it alone measured 6.5 feet in length. It was a type of dinosaur known as a somphospondylan sauropod that lived from the late Jurassic through the Cretaceous period. This dinosaur species lived on every continent in the world during its time. The N. chaiyaphumensis' vertebrae and leg bones are different from any seen in previous sauropods. The dinosaur's genus Nagatitan has been named after Naga, "the mythological serpent-like creature found in various Asian cultures." It is also found in Thailand, the authors wrote in the study. Also Read: Dinosaurs are responsible for rapid ageing and short lifespans in humans No more sauropods in Thailand The Cretaceous was 145 million to 66 million years ago, during which time this region of Thailand would have been semi-arid. The authors wrote that N. chaiyaphumensis' long body and large surface area would have helped it shed heat and keep cool in the heat. A river system would have existed in the place where the fossils were found, meaning crocodiles, fish and fish-eating pterosaurs would have lived with the Nagatitan. They were found in the youngest rocks in Thailand that are still revealing dinosaur fossils. But the conditions prevented later dinosaur fossils from being formed, the researchers wrote. Sethapanichsakul said, "This may be the last or most recent large sauropod we will find in Southeast Asia."

The largest sauropod dinosaur ever found in Southeast Asia has been discovered in Thailand. It lived during the Cretaceous, and its genus Nagatitan was named after Naga. Scientists say this might be the last time they have seen a long-necked dinosaur fossil in the region.

Scientists may have found the last long-necked dinosaur in Thailand

A team of international researchers have found proof that India and Antarctica were once joined together. Scientists from Presidency University (Kolkata, India), the Queensland University of Technology (Australia), the National Centre for Earth Science Studies (Thiruvananthapuram, India), and the Korea Polar Research Institute (Republic of Korea) carried out a geological study of ancient metamorphic rocks in Andhra Pradesh. They found that the rocks in the state share the exact same age, chemical signatures, mineral composition, and three-stage geological history as those found in East Antarctica. Eastern India and Antarctica were once fused together and formed a single, massive ancient mountain belt known as the Rayner-Eastern Ghats orogen. Millions of years later, the supercontinent Gondwana split, separating them.<h2>Similar rocks found in India and Antarctica</h2>The study involved the analysis of granulite rocks, which carry highly durable minerals like zircon, garnet, and monazite. The scientists measured the radioactive decay of uranium and lead within the zircon crystals and were able to map out a precise timeline dating back hundreds of millions to a billion years. This is because these rocks act as "time capsules" or "geological clocks" as they are formed under intense heat and pressure. Prof Sankar Bose, the lead researcher, said, "Zircon is renowned for its durability under extreme heat and pressure, which can obliterate other minerals. Due to this robust nature, zircon acts as a tiny time capsule within these rocks."

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-tech/lost-continent-discovered-under-antarctica-and-india-8872820">Pieces of lost continent found under Antarctica and India point to one thing</a> Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/antarctic-cosmic-dust-proves-earth-has-been-traversing-through-supernova-debris-for-80-000-years-1778588358806">Antarctic cosmic dust proves Earth has been traversing through supernova debris for 80,000 years</a>&nbsp;Professor Bose said that the three major stages of geological history that have already been identified in East Antarctica were also found in these granulites in Andhra Pradesh. The first stage was recorded around 1,000 to 990 million years ago. At this time, a major continental collision led to the formation of a mountain range, subjecting the rocks to a whopping heat of 1,000 degrees Celsius. The second stage occurred between 950 and 890 million years ago and was marked by more heat and pressure. The third stage, between 570 and 540 million years ago, was what actually sealed the deal. During this time. mineral-rich fluids flowed through these rocks and left a distinct signature in the cracks, which is present in rocks in India and Antarctica.&nbsp;This mammoth mountain range between India and Antarctica existed until supercontinent Gondwana started splitting apart roughly 130 to 150 million years ago. Asia moved north, while Antarctica drifted southwards, becoming the cold and harsh continent it is known as today.<h2>Continental plates found under Antarctica</h2>This is not the first study to link India and Antarctica. A study published in Scientific Reports in March last year stated that ancient continental plates lie beneath Antarctica, Australia and India, proving that East Antarctica was once joined to the two countries. “In East Antarctica, we see an exciting mosaic of geological features that reveal fundamental similarities and differences between the crust beneath Antarctica and other continents it was joined to until 160 million years ago,” co-author Fausto Ferraccioli said.

Antarctica and India were connected millions of years ago as part of Gondwana, forming a huge mountain range that split apart millions of years ago. Traces of a rock similar to both regions have been discovered in an southers Indian state.

A team of international researchers have found proof that India and Antarctica were once joined together. Scientists from Presidency University (Kolkata, India), the Queensland University of Technology (Australia), the National Centre for Earth Science Studies (Thiruvananthapuram, India), and the Korea Polar Research Institute (Republic of Korea) carried out a geological study of ancient metamorphic rocks in Andhra Pradesh. They found that the rocks in the state share the exact same age, chemical signatures, mineral composition, and three-stage geological history as those found in East Antarctica. Eastern India and Antarctica were once fused together and formed a single, massive ancient mountain belt known as the Rayner-Eastern Ghats orogen. Millions of years later, the supercontinent Gondwana split, separating them. Similar rocks found in India and Antarctica The study involved the analysis of granulite rocks, which carry highly durable minerals like zircon, garnet, and monazite. The scientists measured the radioactive decay of uranium and lead within the zircon crystals and were able to map out a precise timeline dating back hundreds of millions to a billion years. This is because these rocks act as "time capsules" or "geological clocks" as they are formed under intense heat and pressure. Prof Sankar Bose, the lead researcher, said, "Zircon is renowned for its durability under extreme heat and pressure, which can obliterate other minerals. Due to this robust nature, zircon acts as a tiny time capsule within these rocks."

Antarctica and India were connected millions of years ago as part of Gondwana, forming a huge mountain range that split apart millions of years ago. Traces of a rock similar to both regions have been discovered in an southers Indian state.

Ancient mountain range ran through India and Antarctica 150 million years ago

SpaceX is preparing for the next test of its Starship launch system, with liftoff scheduled for Tuesday, May 19. The mission, known as Starship Flight 12, will take place from the company’s Starbase facility in South Texas and marks another step in its long-term space exploration plans.The launch window is set to open at 6:30 p.m. EDT (5:30 p.m. CDT), although the timing may change depending on weather conditions and technical checks. The event will be streamed live across SpaceX platforms.&nbsp;<h2>What makes this launch important</h2>This mission will be the first to use upgraded versions of both the Starship upper stage and the Super Heavy booster. These improvements are part of SpaceX’s effort to refine its fully reusable launch system.The Super Heavy booster will use an updated version of the Raptor engine, with all 33 engines expected to ignite during ascent, making it one of the most powerful rocket launches currently under development.<h2>Flight plan and landing approach</h2>Unlike some previous tests, this mission will not attempt to catch the booster using the launch tower arms, often referred to as “chopsticks”.Instead, SpaceX plans a controlled landing of the booster in the Gulf of Mexico. This approach allows engineers to focus on testing other aspects of the system without adding additional recovery complexity.<h2>Starlink deployment and in-space experiments</h2>Once the rocket reaches space, the Starship upper stage is expected to deploy 22 Starlink simulators. These are designed to match the size and shape of next-generation satellites. Some of these simulators will carry out imaging operations to study the spacecraft’s heat shield. Engineers have made specific modifications, including:Painting certain tiles white to track performanceRemoving one tile to observe how surrounding tiles behave during re-entryThese experiments are aimed at improving the durability of the spacecraft during future missions.&nbsp;<h2>Role in NASA’s Artemis programme</h2>Starship is a key part of NASA’s Artemis programme, which aims to return humans to the Moon.SpaceX is developing a version of Starship known as the Human Landing System (HLS) for these missions. According to recent updates, Artemis 3 is expected to function as a test mission where spacecraft will dock in low Earth orbit before heading to the Moon.This makes ongoing Starship tests important for meeting future mission timelines.&nbsp;What to expect during the launchAs with all test flights, the mission may face delays or changes. Engineers will closely monitor performance during launch, flight and landing phases.The focus will be on:Engine performance and stabilityHeat shield behaviour during re-entryDeployment of payload simulators<h2>What this means for future missions</h2>The Starship programme is designed to support large-scale missions, including carrying over 100 tonnes of cargo and eventually transporting astronauts to the Moon and Mars.Each test flight provides data that helps improve the system. The outcome of Flight 12 will play a role in shaping the next phase of development.As SpaceX continues testing, the results will also influence timelines for commercial launches and international space programmes linked to Starship.&nbsp;&nbsp;

SpaceX is preparing for the next test of its Starship launch system, with liftoff scheduled for Tuesday, May 19. The mission, known as Starship Flight 12, will take place from the company’s Starbase facility in South Texas and marks another step in its long-term space exploration plans.

SpaceX is preparing for the next test of its Starship launch system, with liftoff scheduled for Tuesday, May 19. The mission, known as Starship Flight 12, will take place from the company’s Starbase facility in South Texas and marks another step in its long-term space exploration plans. The launch window is set to open at 6:30 p.m. EDT (5:30 p.m. CDT), although the timing may change depending on weather conditions and technical checks. The event will be streamed live across SpaceX platforms. What makes this launch important This mission will be the first to use upgraded versions of both the Starship upper stage and the Super Heavy booster. These improvements are part of SpaceX’s effort to refine its fully reusable launch system. The Super Heavy booster will use an updated version of the Raptor engine, with all 33 engines expected to ignite during ascent, making it one of the most powerful rocket launches currently under development. Flight plan and landing approach Unlike some previous tests, this mission will not attempt to catch the booster using the launch tower arms, often referred to as “chopsticks”. Instead, SpaceX plans a controlled landing of the booster in the Gulf of Mexico. This approach allows engineers to focus on testing other aspects of the system without adding additional recovery complexity. Starlink deployment and in-space experiments Once the rocket reaches space, the Starship upper stage is expected to deploy 22 Starlink simulators. These are designed to match the size and shape of next-generation satellites. Some of these simulators will carry out imaging operations to study the spacecraft’s heat shield. Engineers have made specific modifications, including: Painting certain tiles white to track performance Removing one tile to observe how surrounding tiles behave during re-entry These experiments are aimed at improving the durability of the spacecraft during future missions. Role in NASA’s Artemis programme Starship is a key part of NASA’s Artemis programme, which aims to return humans to the Moon. SpaceX is developing a version of Starship known as the Human Landing System (HLS) for these missions. According to recent updates, Artemis 3 is expected to function as a test mission where spacecraft will dock in low Earth orbit before heading to the Moon. This makes ongoing Starship tests important for meeting future mission timelines. What to expect during the launch As with all test flights, the mission may face delays or changes. Engineers will closely monitor performance during launch, flight and landing phases. The focus will be on: Engine performance and stability Heat shield behaviour during re-entry Deployment of payload simulators What this means for future missions The Starship programme is designed to support large-scale missions, including carrying over 100 tonnes of cargo and eventually transporting astronauts to the Moon and Mars. Each test flight provides data that helps improve the system. The outcome of Flight 12 will play a role in shaping the next phase of development. As SpaceX continues testing, the results will also influence timelines for commercial launches and international space programmes linked to Starship.

SpaceX is preparing for the next test of its Starship launch system, with liftoff scheduled for Tuesday, May 19. The mission, known as Starship Flight 12, will take place from the company’s Starbase facility in South Texas and marks another step in its long-term space exploration plans.

SpaceX set for Starship Flight 12 test launch: Know timing, upgrades, and mission

A Chinese robotics company, Unitree Robotics, has started selling a giant pilotable robot with a cost of €500,000, which walks on two legs, and can also break the walls after smashing it. The Chinese company has quickly become one of the world's most prolific robot manufacturers that consistently produce, deploy, and innovate high volumes of robots. The company has now unveiled the GD01, which is being marked as the first production-ready manned transformable mecha in the world.&nbsp;The pilotable robot is nearly 2.8 metres tall, which allows a human pilot to climb up and operate it from an open cockpit in its torso, similar to what we see in science fiction movies. The robot is capable of walking on two legs in a humanoid posture, but can also shift into a four-legged configuration to better navigate challenging terrain.&nbsp;It carries a starting price tag of 3.9 million yuan (around €500,000). However, Unitree Robotics has yet to reveal key technical specifications, including battery life, top speed, payload capacity, and overall operating time.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Unitree Unveils: GD01, A Manned Transformable Mecha, from $650,000 👏 The world&#39;s first production-ready manned mecha. It can transform. It&#39;s a civilian vehicle. It weighs ~500kg with you inside. Please everyone be sure to use the robot in a Friendly and Safe manner. <a href="https://t.co/xa6eNiRDdV">pic.twitter.com/xa6eNiRDdV</a>&mdash; Unitree (@UnitreeRobotics) <a href="https://twitter.com/UnitreeRobotics/status/2054067819634159622?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 12, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/-ai-strategy-update-greg-brockman-takes-charge-of-product-strategy-at-openai-1779004105602"> ‘AI strategy update’: Greg Brockman takes charge of product strategy at OpenAI</a><h3>From robot dogs to pilotable robots</h3>Founded in 2016 in Hangzhou by engineer Wang Xingxing, the company initially focused on quadruped “robot dogs” inspired by research machines such as Boston Dynamics’ Spot robot. Wang is said to have developed his first quadruped robot as part of his university thesis before leaving drone giant DJI to launch his own venture.&nbsp;Nearly a decade later, Unitree Robotics commands around 70 per cent of the global quadruped robot market. In 2025, it delivered over 5,500 humanoid robots, surpassing every other manufacturer worldwide, including Tesla. Its robots also made a high-profile appearance during China’s widely watched Spring Festival Gala. &nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/united-kingdom-cyber-bill-may-introduce-government-controlled-ai-shutdown-powers-know-more-below-1778931220688">United Kingdom cyber bill may introduce government-controlled AI shutdown powers: Know more below</a>

Unitree Robotics has unveiled the GD01, a 2.8-metre pilotable robot dubbed the world’s first production-ready transformable mecha. Priced at €500,000, it can walk on two legs, switch to four-legged mode for rough terrain, and smash through walls.

A Chinese robotics company, Unitree Robotics, has started selling a giant pilotable robot with a cost of €500,000, which walks on two legs, and can also break the walls after smashing it. The Chinese company has quickly become one of the world's most prolific robot manufacturers that consistently produce, deploy, and innovate high volumes of robots. The company has now unveiled the GD01, which is being marked as the first production-ready manned transformable mecha in the world. The pilotable robot is nearly 2.8 metres tall, which allows a human pilot to climb up and operate it from an open cockpit in its torso, similar to what we see in science fiction movies. The robot is capable of walking on two legs in a humanoid posture, but can also shift into a four-legged configuration to better navigate challenging terrain. It carries a starting price tag of 3.9 million yuan (around €500,000). However, Unitree Robotics has yet to reveal key technical specifications, including battery life, top speed, payload capacity, and overall operating time.

Unitree Robotics has unveiled the GD01, a 2.8-metre pilotable robot dubbed the world’s first production-ready transformable mecha. Priced at €500,000, it can walk on two legs, switch to four-legged mode for rough terrain, and smash through walls.

Welcome to the future? China unveils giant 'Mecha Robot' that walks, transforms & smashes walls: WATCH

A new study suggests one wellness trend long hyped online may actually have measurable weight-loss benefits: regular cold exposure. All you need to know.

Research finds doing THIS 'cool' thing for two hours a day could help you lose weight (without changing your diet)

A team of American scientists believes it may have finally solved one of the enduring geological mysteries linked to the Bermuda Triangle, uncovering a hidden structure beneath Bermuda that helps explain why the island remains unusually elevated above the Atlantic seafloor despite its volcanoes becoming inactive more than 30 million years ago. According to the Carnegie Institution for Science, the new research was led by seismologist William Frazer and Jeffrey Park. Their findings suggest Bermuda is supported by a geological structure unlike any previously identified on Earth.&nbsp;Most volcanic island chains, including Hawaii, are formed above mantle plumes, columns of hot rock rising from deep within Earth’s mantle. These plumes create volcanoes and push the seafloor upwards. Once tectonic plates shift away and volcanic activity ceases, the raised seafloor usually sinks back down over time. However, Bermuda has remained elevated, sitting roughly 1,600 feet above the surrounding ocean floor, according to Carnegie Science.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/100-million-year-old-insect-discovered-in-myanmar-named-after-k-pop-band-stray-kids-here-s-why-1778765951324">100-million-year-old insect discovered in Myanmar named after K-pop band Stray Kids. Here's why</a>&nbsp;To investigate the anomaly, Frazer and Park analysed seismic waves generated by major earthquakes around the world. By studying how the waves travelled through Earth and changed speed depending on the material they passed through, the scientists created an image of the planet’s interior beneath Bermuda down to a depth of around 20 miles.&nbsp;The researchers discovered a layer of rock more than 12 miles thick beneath the oceanic crust. Unlike the denser mantle surrounding it, this rock is comparatively light and buoyant. Rather than a plume actively pushing upwards, the structure appears to act like a raft, helping keep Bermuda and the surrounding seafloor afloat.&nbsp;The team believes the formation, known as an underplating, dates back to Bermuda’s volcanic past tens of millions of years ago. They say carbon-rich molten mantle rock may have intruded into the base of the crust and cooled there, creating the lighter layer. The material itself could have originated hundreds of millions of years earlier during the formation of the supercontinent Pangaea.&nbsp;“Bermuda is an exciting place to study because a variety of its geologic features do not fit the model of a mantle plume, the classic way for deep material to be brought to the surface,” Frazer said, according to Carnegie Science.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/sun-unleashes-m-class-solar-flare-auroras-could-light-up-earth-this-week-details-1778572341489">Sun unleashes M-class solar flare, auroras could light up Earth. Details</a>&nbsp;“We observe thick underplating, something that is not observed at most mantle plumes. Combined with recent geochemical observations, this suggests that there are other convective processes within Earth’s mantle that have yet to be well understood,” he added. Frazer is now searching for similar structures beneath other islands to determine whether Bermuda is unique or part of a broader and previously overlooked geological phenomenon.&nbsp;The findings have been published in the journal Geophysical Research Letters.

Scientists discovered a unique, buoyant rock layer beneath Bermuda that acts like a raft, keeping the island elevated above the Atlantic seafloor despite its ancient, inactive volcanoes.

A team of American scientists believes it may have finally solved one of the enduring geological mysteries linked to the Bermuda Triangle, uncovering a hidden structure beneath Bermuda that helps explain why the island remains unusually elevated above the Atlantic seafloor despite its volcanoes becoming inactive more than 30 million years ago. According to the Carnegie Institution for Science, the new research was led by seismologist William Frazer and Jeffrey Park. Their findings suggest Bermuda is supported by a geological structure unlike any previously identified on Earth. Most volcanic island chains, including Hawaii, are formed above mantle plumes, columns of hot rock rising from deep within Earth’s mantle. These plumes create volcanoes and push the seafloor upwards. Once tectonic plates shift away and volcanic activity ceases, the raised seafloor usually sinks back down over time. However, Bermuda has remained elevated, sitting roughly 1,600 feet above the surrounding ocean floor, according to Carnegie Science. Also read: 100-million-year-old insect discovered in Myanmar named after K-pop band Stray Kids. Here's why To investigate the anomaly, Frazer and Park analysed seismic waves generated by major earthquakes around the world. By studying how the waves travelled through Earth and changed speed depending on the material they passed through, the scientists created an image of the planet’s interior beneath Bermuda down to a depth of around 20 miles. The researchers discovered a layer of rock more than 12 miles thick beneath the oceanic crust. Unlike the denser mantle surrounding it, this rock is comparatively light and buoyant. Rather than a plume actively pushing upwards, the structure appears to act like a raft, helping keep Bermuda and the surrounding seafloor afloat. The team believes the formation, known as an underplating, dates back to Bermuda’s volcanic past tens of millions of years ago. They say carbon-rich molten mantle rock may have intruded into the base of the crust and cooled there, creating the lighter layer. The material itself could have originated hundreds of millions of years earlier during the formation of the supercontinent Pangaea. “Bermuda is an exciting place to study because a variety of its geologic features do not fit the model of a mantle plume, the classic way for deep material to be brought to the surface,” Frazer said, according to Carnegie Science. Also read: Sun unleashes M-class solar flare, auroras could light up Earth. Details “We observe thick underplating, something that is not observed at most mantle plumes. Combined with recent geochemical observations, this suggests that there are other convective processes within Earth’s mantle that have yet to be well understood,” he added. Frazer is now searching for similar structures beneath other islands to determine whether Bermuda is unique or part of a broader and previously overlooked geological phenomenon. The findings have been published in the journal Geophysical Research Letters.

Scientists discovered a unique, buoyant rock layer beneath Bermuda that acts like a raft, keeping the island elevated above the Atlantic seafloor despite its ancient, inactive volcanoes.

What lies beneath Bermuda Triangle? Scientists discover rare underwater structure. Here’s what we know

Scientists have discovered an insect fossil in Myanmar with large claws on its front legs, like forceps, an extremely rare feature in these creatures. It was found embedded in amber from the Kachin region, where lies the Cretaceous fauna of a 100-million-year-old forest ecosystem. The pincer-like feature looks like the grasping appendage of crabs, the study by scientists from Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich states. Since this unique feature resembles the trademark pose of a popular K-pop band, Stray Kids, it has been named after it. "Previously, such chelae were known from only three insect groups. This fossil therefore represents the fourth known case of these structures evolving independently in insects," Privatdozentin Carolin Haug, zoologist at LMU's Faculty of Biology, said.&nbsp;The study has been published in the journal Insects. To examine the fossil, the team worked with researchers from the University of Rostock and the University of Oulu in Finland. Micro-computed tomography helped visualise all structures of its anatomy in 3D. Analyses of the shapes of more than 2,000 grasping claws across various species revealed something unexpected: the claws of a fossilised true bug looked nothing like those of other insects. Instead, this ancient insect shared a striking resemblance with more distant relatives in the arthropod family, specifically crustaceans like crabs, lobsters, and shrimp.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/dinosaurs-are-responsible-for-rapid-ageing-and-short-lifespans-in-humans-1777642716794">Dinosaurs are responsible for rapid ageing and short lifespans in humans</a><h2>K-pop and science come together</h2> Interestingly, the forcep or pincer found on this bug led to it being named after a popular Korean pop group. The fossil has been placed in a new genus of its own and given the scientific name Carcinonepa libererrantes. Carcino is the Latinised Greek word for crab, while nepa is a reference to the group of true water bugs known as Nepomorpha. Meanwhile, the species name "libererrantes" is a Latinisation of the K-pop group Stray Kids. "The name seemed fitting because the posture of the fossil's chelae strongly resembles the group's trademark pose. Stray Kids, I should add, is the favourite band of one of the paper's authors, Fenja Haug," she explained.&nbsp;The bug most likely used the chelae on its front legs for catching small insects. Its body structure shows similarities to living representatives of the group Gelastocoridae, commonly known as toad bugs, which have turned into terrestrial predators over the years.

An insect that lived 100 million years ago has been discovered fossilised in amber in Myanmar. It has forceps like claws similar to crabs in the front, which led to it being named after the popular K-pop band Stray Kids.

Scientists have discovered an insect fossil in Myanmar with large claws on its front legs, like forceps, an extremely rare feature in these creatures. It was found embedded in amber from the Kachin region, where lies the Cretaceous fauna of a 100-million-year-old forest ecosystem. The pincer-like feature looks like the grasping appendage of crabs, the study by scientists from Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich states. Since this unique feature resembles the trademark pose of a popular K-pop band, Stray Kids, it has been named after it. "Previously, such chelae were known from only three insect groups. This fossil therefore represents the fourth known case of these structures evolving independently in insects," Privatdozentin Carolin Haug, zoologist at LMU's Faculty of Biology, said. The study has been published in the journal Insects. To examine the fossil, the team worked with researchers from the University of Rostock and the University of Oulu in Finland. Micro-computed tomography helped visualise all structures of its anatomy in 3D. Analyses of the shapes of more than 2,000 grasping claws across various species revealed something unexpected: the claws of a fossilised true bug looked nothing like those of other insects. Instead, this ancient insect shared a striking resemblance with more distant relatives in the arthropod family, specifically crustaceans like crabs, lobsters, and shrimp. Also Read: Dinosaurs are responsible for rapid ageing and short lifespans in humans K-pop and science come together Interestingly, the forcep or pincer found on this bug led to it being named after a popular Korean pop group. The fossil has been placed in a new genus of its own and given the scientific name Carcinonepa libererrantes. Carcino is the Latinised Greek word for crab, while nepa is a reference to the group of true water bugs known as Nepomorpha. Meanwhile, the species name "libererrantes" is a Latinisation of the K-pop group Stray Kids. "The name seemed fitting because the posture of the fossil's chelae strongly resembles the group's trademark pose. Stray Kids, I should add, is the favourite band of one of the paper's authors, Fenja Haug," she explained. The bug most likely used the chelae on its front legs for catching small insects. Its body structure shows similarities to living representatives of the group Gelastocoridae, commonly known as toad bugs, which have turned into terrestrial predators over the years.

An insect that lived 100 million years ago has been discovered fossilised in amber in Myanmar. It has forceps like claws similar to crabs in the front, which led to it being named after the popular K-pop band Stray Kids.

100-million-year-old insect discovered in Myanmar named after K-pop band Stray Kids. Here's why

A new species of penguins belonging to the genus Pygoscelis, also known as gentoo penguins, has been discovered. Called Pygoscelis kerguelensis, this lineage is only found on Kerguelen Island, a group of islands in the sub-Antarctic region, and possibly also the nearby Heard Island, an uninhabited island in the southern Indian Ocean. The Gentoo penguins reside on various islands across the South Pacific as well as Antarctica. Keeping track of these creatures is extremely difficult since they have extremely remote habitats. They are also "generalised eaters", meaning they will eat whatever is available in a given area. Because they aren't tied to a specific food source, their movement patterns are less predictable. A study published in the journal Communications Biology states that the total number of penguin species could soon increase by three, all of which are linked to the Gentoo penguins.<h2>Gentoo penguins and their species</h2>Rauri Bowie, a co-author of the study, said in a statement that the taxonomy of the gentoo has been highly debated and "for over 100 years it’s been controversial as to how many species or how many subspecies there are." The scientists set out to understand the genome better and analysed the genomes of 64 gentoo penguins from 10 different breeding colonies in their region. They found that the Antarctic Polar Front likely kicked off the speciation of gentoo penguins 300,000 to 500,000 years ago, and also came across thousands of genetic variations. The researchers further said that the gentoo do not comprise four subspecies, but four distinct species, including the Pygoscelis kerguelensis, a new species.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/ecological-disaster-unfolding-in-western-ghats-as-one-insect-goes-missing-in-india-1777956918157">Ecological disaster unfolding in Western Ghats as one insect goes 'missing' in India</a><h2>Different adaptations in the penguins</h2>All of them have specific adaptations to fit their environment. The southern gentoo penguin (Pygoscelis ellsworthi) lives on the Antarctic Peninsula and South Georgia Island and has an abundant amount of genes related to fat and lipid storage as well as heat generation. Then there is the northern gentoo penguin (Pygoscelis papua) that resides in South America and has been found to have more genes related to cardiac contraction and muscle excitation. This was probably to allow it to hunt in the water for a longer period of time.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/birds-have-a-preference-for-one-human-sex-and-they-made-it-clear-2-700-times-1777874452101">Birds have a clear preference when it comes to choosing between men and women</a>&nbsp;Gentoo penguins offer a view of how climate change will impact different species. For the ones in Antarctica, some species might expand as the world warms, as more land opens up with melting ice. The penguins who live on smaller islands could disappear or even go extinct as sea levels rise. Senior author Juliana Vianna said, “In terms of climate change, island species that have really low population sizes could be compared with the sub-Antarctic gentoo penguins." She added, “Galapagos and other island penguin species, because they’re endemic to these islands, will find no place to go after a change in their environment.”

Scientists have discovered a new species of penguins in the sub-Antarctic region and the southern Indian Ocean. They belong to the gentoo penguin genus, which inhabits the remotest parts of the world and so have been tough to keep track of. 

A new species of penguins belonging to the genus Pygoscelis, also known as gentoo penguins, has been discovered. Called Pygoscelis kerguelensis, this lineage is only found on Kerguelen Island, a group of islands in the sub-Antarctic region, and possibly also the nearby Heard Island, an uninhabited island in the southern Indian Ocean. The Gentoo penguins reside on various islands across the South Pacific as well as Antarctica. Keeping track of these creatures is extremely difficult since they have extremely remote habitats. They are also "generalised eaters", meaning they will eat whatever is available in a given area. Because they aren't tied to a specific food source, their movement patterns are less predictable. A study published in the journal Communications Biology states that the total number of penguin species could soon increase by three, all of which are linked to the Gentoo penguins. Gentoo penguins and their species Rauri Bowie, a co-author of the study, said in a statement that the taxonomy of the gentoo has been highly debated and "for over 100 years it’s been controversial as to how many species or how many subspecies there are." The scientists set out to understand the genome better and analysed the genomes of 64 gentoo penguins from 10 different breeding colonies in their region. They found that the Antarctic Polar Front likely kicked off the speciation of gentoo penguins 300,000 to 500,000 years ago, and also came across thousands of genetic variations. The researchers further said that the gentoo do not comprise four subspecies, but four distinct species, including the Pygoscelis kerguelensis, a new species. Also Read: Ecological disaster unfolding in Western Ghats as one insect goes 'missing' in India Different adaptations in the penguins All of them have specific adaptations to fit their environment. The southern gentoo penguin (Pygoscelis ellsworthi) lives on the Antarctic Peninsula and South Georgia Island and has an abundant amount of genes related to fat and lipid storage as well as heat generation. Then there is the northern gentoo penguin (Pygoscelis papua) that resides in South America and has been found to have more genes related to cardiac contraction and muscle excitation. This was probably to allow it to hunt in the water for a longer period of time. Also Read: Birds have a clear preference when it comes to choosing between men and women Gentoo penguins offer a view of how climate change will impact different species. For the ones in Antarctica, some species might expand as the world warms, as more land opens up with melting ice. The penguins who live on smaller islands could disappear or even go extinct as sea levels rise. Senior author Juliana Vianna said, “In terms of climate change, island species that have really low population sizes could be compared with the sub-Antarctic gentoo penguins." She added, “Galapagos and other island penguin species, because they’re endemic to these islands, will find no place to go after a change in their environment.”

Scientists have discovered a new species of penguins in the sub-Antarctic region and the southern Indian Ocean. They belong to the gentoo penguin genus, which inhabits the remotest parts of the world and so have been tough to keep track of.&nbsp;

Scientists stumble upon a brand new penguin species hidden for 300,000 years

Solar Impulse 2 once made history by circling the globe on sunlight alone, proving solar aviation was possible. But the revolutionary aircraft’s story has now taken a dramatic turn, ending not in triumph, but at the bottom of the Gulf of Mexico. Scroll down for pics and more.

Irony strikes! Solar Impulse 2, the plane that flew around the world on sunlight crashes after electrical failure | In Pics

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Research finds doing THIS 'cool' thing for 2 hours/day can help you lose weight

What lies beneath Bermuda? Scientists discover rare underwater structure

100mn-year-old insect discovered in Myanmar named after K-pop band Stray Kids

Scientists stumble upon a brand new penguin species hidden for 300,000 years

Plane that flew around Earth on sunlight just crashed, and the irony is brutal