<p>Play of shadows in space causes a great many effects. The celestial bodies come between a star and another planet and cast their shadow on the latter. We are very well familiar with this play here on Earth as when Moon comes between the Sun and Earth, the shadow it casts causes a solar eclipse.</p>

<p>When it's time of Earth to come between Sun and Moon, we Earthlings get to witness a lunar eclipse.&nbsp;</p>

<p>With naked eyes, our ability is limited to watching only these two (but brilliantly beautiful) space events. Fortunately, we have enough telescopes and even spacecrafts looking at the void beyond the Earth's atmosphere to bring us brilliant pictures.</p>

<p>Take NASA's Juno spacecraft for example. The spacecraft is hovering around Jupiter for last five years. It has sent invaluable data and images our way and it continues to send more. These images have helped us to study the gas giant and its moons.</p>

<p>An interesting image taken by Juno spacecraft shows us the benefits of having eyes in the sky. The moment captured in this pic cannot possibly be witnessed from Earth</p>

<p>This image shows shadow of Jupiter's moon Ganymede falling on the gas giant. As per Space.com, this image was captured by Juno spacecraft during its 20th flyby.</p>


Play of shadows in space causes a great many effects. The celestial bodies come between a star and another planet and cast their shadow on the latter. We are very well familiar with this play here on Earth as when Moon comes between the Sun and Earth, the shadow it casts causes a solar eclipse.

Play of shadows in space causes a great many effects. The celestial bodies come between a star and another planet and cast their shadow on the latter. We are very well familiar with this play here on Earth as when Moon comes between the Sun and Earth, the shadow it casts causes a solar eclipse. When it's time of Earth to come between Sun and Moon, we Earthlings get to witness a lunar eclipse. With naked eyes, our ability is limited to watching only these two (but brilliantly beautiful) space events. Fortunately, we have enough telescopes and even spacecrafts looking at the void beyond the Earth's atmosphere to bring us brilliant pictures. Take NASA's Juno spacecraft for example. The spacecraft is hovering around Jupiter for last five years. It has sent invaluable data and images our way and it continues to send more. These images have helped us to study the gas giant and its moons. An interesting image taken by Juno spacecraft shows us the benefits of having eyes in the sky. The moment captured in this pic cannot possibly be witnessed from Earth This image shows shadow of Jupiter's moon Ganymede falling on the gas giant. As per Space.com, this image was captured by Juno spacecraft during its 20th flyby.

NASA's Juno spacecraft clicks Jupiter's moon casting shadow on the gas giant

<p>We all have days when we are so bored of life we find excuses to evade tasks that give us a (literal and metaphorical) headache. Our creativity is at its best to churn up reasons to dodge whatever it is that's coming our way. When we are young, these are called tantrums. When we are adults, its called 'Nope, bye'.</p>

<p>It appears stars throw 'tantrums' too. But unlike their mortal counterparts here on Earth, these tantrums cause something very spectacular in space.</p>

<p>So one such thing has been captured by NASA's Hubble Space Telescope. This 'tantrum' is an energetic outburst from a star. Why is it being termed 'tantrum'? Well the star is very young. Just imagine an annoying, loudmouth of a kid in a movie hall and you'll get the drift. His outbursts are hard to ignore during your ruined movie date.</p>

<p>Talking about science again, the star in question is being formed in Orion Nebula. The outburst from this extremely young star consists of incandescent jet&nbsp;of gas travelling at supersonic speed through space. This jet collides with star-forming material like dust around the young star and makes it glow. This visual spectacle gives rise to what are called Herbig-Haro objects.</p>

<p>Herbig-Haro object formed by jets from this star has been termed HH34. It was studied by Hubble telescope extensively from 1994-2007 and the space telescope continues to make these observations.&nbsp;</p>


We all have days when we are so bored of life we find excuses to evade tasks that give us a (literal and metaphorical) headache. Our creativity is at its best to churn up reasons to dodge whatever it is that's coming our way.

We all have days when we are so bored of life we find excuses to evade tasks that give us a (literal and metaphorical) headache. Our creativity is at its best to churn up reasons to dodge whatever it is that's coming our way. When we are young, these are called tantrums. When we are adults, its called 'Nope, bye'. It appears stars throw 'tantrums' too. But unlike their mortal counterparts here on Earth, these tantrums cause something very spectacular in space. So one such thing has been captured by NASA's Hubble Space Telescope. This 'tantrum' is an energetic outburst from a star. Why is it being termed 'tantrum'? Well the star is very young. Just imagine an annoying, loudmouth of a kid in a movie hall and you'll get the drift. His outbursts are hard to ignore during your ruined movie date. Talking about science again, the star in question is being formed in Orion Nebula. The outburst from this extremely young star consists of incandescent jet of gas travelling at supersonic speed through space. This jet collides with star-forming material like dust around the young star and makes it glow. This visual spectacle gives rise to what are called Herbig-Haro objects. Herbig-Haro object formed by jets from this star has been termed HH34. It was studied by Hubble telescope extensively from 1994-2007 and the space telescope continues to make these observations.

This young star is throwing 'tantrums', here is what it means

<p>We are generally comfortable with the idea of planets revolving around stars or satellites of individual planets. But many of us are yet to wrap our heads around an asteroid having its own moons.</p>

<p>But one of the millions of asteroids in our solar system has now got the recognition of being an asteroid with three very own satellites. The asteroid is named 130 Elektra or just Elektra.</p>

<p>"Elektra is the first quadruple system ever detected," wrote a team of astronomers led by Anthony Berdeu of the National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand in their paper.</p>

<p>"This new detection … shows that dedicated data reduction and processing algorithms modeling the physics of the instruments can push their contrast limits further."</p>

<p>Asteroid Elektra is 260 kilometers (160 miles) across. It was first discovered in 1873. However, its first moon named S/2003 (130) 1 was discovered 130 years later. Its second moon S/2014 (130) 1 was discovered in 2014. Discovery of the third moon has made this an interesting system.</p>

<p>Discovering asteroids is a tough task to start with. Asteroids are much much smaller than planets and are dimly illuminated by sunlight. Satellites of asteroids (if any) are harder to detect still as they may appear very tiny specks of light, often outshone by their parent asteroid.</p>


We are generally comfortable with the idea of planets revolving around stars or satellites of individual planets. But many of us are yet to wrap our heads around an asteroid having its own moons.

We are generally comfortable with the idea of planets revolving around stars or satellites of individual planets. But many of us are yet to wrap our heads around an asteroid having its own moons. But one of the millions of asteroids in our solar system has now got the recognition of being an asteroid with three very own satellites. The asteroid is named 130 Elektra or just Elektra. "Elektra is the first quadruple system ever detected," wrote a team of astronomers led by Anthony Berdeu of the National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand in their paper. "This new detection … shows that dedicated data reduction and processing algorithms modeling the physics of the instruments can push their contrast limits further." Asteroid Elektra is 260 kilometers (160 miles) across. It was first discovered in 1873. However, its first moon named S/2003 (130) 1 was discovered 130 years later. Its second moon S/2014 (130) 1 was discovered in 2014. Discovery of the third moon has made this an interesting system. Discovering asteroids is a tough task to start with. Asteroids are much much smaller than planets and are dimly illuminated by sunlight. Satellites of asteroids (if any) are harder to detect still as they may appear very tiny specks of light, often outshone by their parent asteroid.

Asteroid with three moons of its own found for the first time

<p>It is perhaps a scary thought for humankind to consider itself the only intelligent life sitting on this blue planet hurtling in space. Perhaps search for intelligent alien life has been a major preoccupation of scientific communities and even governments for decades. Projects after projects have not yielded any sign of aliens but relying on the statistical probability of there being intelligent life on at least one of billions of planets in space, we've pressed on with our search.</p>

<p>But a comprehensive sky scan has again met with disappointment as intelligent alien life was not found.</p>

<p>Detection of radio waves is one of the ways to search for alien life. By our scientific logic, a civilization achieves radio transmission early in its technological development.</p>

<p>The sky scan was carried out using Murchison Widefield Array (MWA) in Australia. The sensors to receive any radio signals were pointed at our galactic centre as it is the place within our galaxy with maximum concentration of stars and planets. So the probability of detecting intelligent alien life is higher.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Radio waves are also produced naturally by celestial bodies. So the sky scan looked for technosignatures. These are effects generated by use of technology by the alien civilization.</p>

<p>The scan was aimed at 144 exoplanetary systems but it also completed a blind scan of 3 million stars near the galactic centre. The researchers involved in the serach mentioned in their paper that no technosignature was detected.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But does this conclusively prove that there no alien life at all? No.</p>

<p>Non-detection of technosignatures in this particular sky scan does not mean that there are no more technosignatures to be detected. If not advanced, life may even exist on alien planets in the form of microbes. We are just yet to stumble upon a conclusive proof.</p>


It is perhaps a scary thought for humankind to consider itself the only intelligent life sitting on this blue planet hurtling in space. Perhaps search for intelligent alien life has been a major preoccupation of scientific communities and even governments for decades.

It is perhaps a scary thought for humankind to consider itself the only intelligent life sitting on this blue planet hurtling in space. Perhaps search for intelligent alien life has been a major preoccupation of scientific communities and even governments for decades. Projects after projects have not yielded any sign of aliens but relying on the statistical probability of there being intelligent life on at least one of billions of planets in space, we've pressed on with our search. But a comprehensive sky scan has again met with disappointment as intelligent alien life was not found. Detection of radio waves is one of the ways to search for alien life. By our scientific logic, a civilization achieves radio transmission early in its technological development. The sky scan was carried out using Murchison Widefield Array (MWA) in Australia. The sensors to receive any radio signals were pointed at our galactic centre as it is the place within our galaxy with maximum concentration of stars and planets. So the probability of detecting intelligent alien life is higher. Radio waves are also produced naturally by celestial bodies. So the sky scan looked for technosignatures. These are effects generated by use of technology by the alien civilization. The scan was aimed at 144 exoplanetary systems but it also completed a blind scan of 3 million stars near the galactic centre. The researchers involved in the serach mentioned in their paper that no technosignature was detected. But does this conclusively prove that there no alien life at all? No. Non-detection of technosignatures in this particular sky scan does not mean that there are no more technosignatures to be detected. If not advanced, life may even exist on alien planets in the form of microbes. We are just yet to stumble upon a conclusive proof.

Scan of millions of stars finds no signs of intelligent alien life

<p>We have all the scientific gizmos at hand that let us peer into the deepest corners of space. The powerful telescopes we've built means we can literally go back in time and even look at celestial bodies that were formed in earlier universe. But sometimes, our observations from Earth are not able to capture space objects in a particular way just because we are on Earth.</p>

<p>Take planet Jupiter for example. The gas giant is farther from Sun than Earth is. As Jupiter's orbit lies beyond Earth's orbit, we can only see face of Jupiter that is illuminated due to sunlight. A crescent of Jupiter can never be seen from Earth.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pepperoni-storms-topping-jupiter-nasas-latest-video-goes-viral-watch-here-452734">'Pepperoni' storms topping Jupiter? NASA's latest video goes viral, watch here</a></strong></p>

<p>But now, NASA's Juno spacecraft has offered glimpse into how a crescent of Jupiter. Juno spacecraft reached Jupiter in 2016 after a journey of 5 years through space. The spacecraft is hovering around the gas giant and its moon.</p>

<p>Juno's mission team published an image of crescent of Jupiter on February 14.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"If you could ride along with NASA’s Juno spacecraft as it approaches Jupiter during one of its regular close passes by the giant planet, you would be treated to a striking vista similar to this one", the blog said</p>

<p>The planet can be seen partially illuminated due to sunlight. The photo was clicked using JunoCam. The camera took seven images during Juno’s 39th close pass by Jupiter on January 12.</p>


We have all the scientific gizmos at hand that let us peer into the deepest corners of space. The powerful telescopes we've built means we can literally go back in time and even look at celestial bodies that were formed in earlier universe.

We have all the scientific gizmos at hand that let us peer into the deepest corners of space. The powerful telescopes we've built means we can literally go back in time and even look at celestial bodies that were formed in earlier universe. But sometimes, our observations from Earth are not able to capture space objects in a particular way just because we are on Earth. Take planet Jupiter for example. The gas giant is farther from Sun than Earth is. As Jupiter's orbit lies beyond Earth's orbit, we can only see face of Jupiter that is illuminated due to sunlight. A crescent of Jupiter can never be seen from Earth. Also Read | 'Pepperoni' storms topping Jupiter? NASA's latest video goes viral, watch here But now, NASA's Juno spacecraft has offered glimpse into how a crescent of Jupiter. Juno spacecraft reached Jupiter in 2016 after a journey of 5 years through space. The spacecraft is hovering around the gas giant and its moon. Juno's mission team published an image of crescent of Jupiter on February 14. "If you could ride along with NASA’s Juno spacecraft as it approaches Jupiter during one of its regular close passes by the giant planet, you would be treated to a striking vista similar to this one", the blog said The planet can be seen partially illuminated due to sunlight. The photo was clicked using JunoCam. The camera took seven images during Juno’s 39th close pass by Jupiter on January 12.

NASA's Juno spacecraft depicts Jupiter as we can never see from Earth

<p>Moon is not just a pretty thing in the night. It influences tides and has effects that help the perpetuation of life on Earth. Because it's a junior member in its partnership with Earth, it's often easy to overlook our only natural satellite when we gaze into space.</p>

<p>But now, a study says that ability of a planet to form a moon may be associated with the habitability of the planet.</p>

<p>Moon had formed due to a cataclysmic collision between nascent Earth and a Mars-sized planet called Theia. The unimaginably catastrophic collision resulted in ejection of large amount of material in space around Earth. Some of this material was vapourised while remaining started revolving around the Earth in form of several moonlets. In time, these moonlets joined together to form the Moon as it is today.</p>

<p>Scientists from the University of Rochester say that whether a moon would form after collision&nbsp;between two planets depends on their size. If planets a certain times larger than Earth collide, then probability of Moon formation is very less. This is because a collision between these planets vapourises almost all of the material ejected as a result of the collision. The vapour, though ejected in space around the planet experiences a drag and moonlets formed due to such material fall&nbsp;on the planet. Thus a moon is not formed.</p>

<p>Earth's Moon has a great effect on things on our planet. It controls tides. Due to the large size of the Moon, it controls size of day on Earth. It stabilises Earth's axis of rotation. It also stabilises Earth's mild climate.</p>


Moon is not just a pretty thing in the night. It influences tides and has effects that help the perpetuation of life on Earth. Because it's a junior member in its partnership with Earth, it's often easy to overlook our only natural satellite when we gaze into space.

Moon is not just a pretty thing in the night. It influences tides and has effects that help the perpetuation of life on Earth. Because it's a junior member in its partnership with Earth, it's often easy to overlook our only natural satellite when we gaze into space. But now, a study says that ability of a planet to form a moon may be associated with the habitability of the planet. Moon had formed due to a cataclysmic collision between nascent Earth and a Mars-sized planet called Theia. The unimaginably catastrophic collision resulted in ejection of large amount of material in space around Earth. Some of this material was vapourised while remaining started revolving around the Earth in form of several moonlets. In time, these moonlets joined together to form the Moon as it is today. Scientists from the University of Rochester say that whether a moon would form after collision between two planets depends on their size. If planets a certain times larger than Earth collide, then probability of Moon formation is very less. This is because a collision between these planets vapourises almost all of the material ejected as a result of the collision. The vapour, though ejected in space around the planet experiences a drag and moonlets formed due to such material fall on the planet. Thus a moon is not formed. Earth's Moon has a great effect on things on our planet. It controls tides. Due to the large size of the Moon, it controls size of day on Earth. It stabilises Earth's axis of rotation. It also stabilises Earth's mild climate.

Ability of planet to form moon affects its habitability: Study

<p>The universe is full of wonders. We already know that. But every now and then the huge expanse of (nearly) nothingness springs up a surprise that makes even scientists go "wow!". For us mortals, the play of colours, the explosions, the formations and what not is always a thing of wonder. These images are shared widely, by space agencies like NASA and even by astronauts from around the world. The sheer beauty makes these images go viral.</p>

<p>We bring you some of these space images that stopped people in their tracks.</p>

<p><strong>Hand of God</strong></p>

<p><img alt="NASA Hand of God" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="cfe876a2-ef26-459c-8f4f-8c1cd93ded19" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/NASA%20Hand%20of%20God.PNG" /></p>

<p>This was undeniably the most recognisable image NASA posted. &nbsp;The beautuiful golden structure that appears to pop out of nowehere in space is shaped like a hand blessing everyone. NASA explained that the 'hand of God' is a nebula of energy and particles blown by a pulsar. The pulsar had been left behind after explosion of a star. This pulsar is known as PSR B1509-58. It is spins around itself 7 times per second! It is 17,000 lightyears away from Earth.</p>

<p><br />
<strong>The 'Devil's eye'</strong></p>

<p><img alt="NASA The Devil's Eye" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9ec8d364-7270-4f17-8eaa-11d4c467e150" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Devil%27s%20Eye.PNG" /></p>

<p>God has been represented. Now comes the turn of the Devil. This celestial structure looked like an eye that was definitely didn't appear friendly. The eyelashes were blue and the iris was blazing red. Was it the Devil himself? This is Helix Nebula which was clicked by Spitzer telescope. Helix Nebula is 700 light-years away from Earth and located in the Aquarius constellation&nbsp;</p>

<p><br />
<strong>Visitor in our backyard</strong></p>

<p><strong><img alt="NASA Comet Leonard" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="aa9fb670-2f95-41a5-baa8-d291719d604b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Comet%20Leonard.JPG" /></strong></p>

<p>We have a visitor! And he is still in our backyard. Comet Leonard, the brightest comet of the year came into our field of vision in December 2021. Watching this celestial nomad was a once in a lifetime opportunity as it is due to come back near Earth 35,000 years from now, if Sun doesn't gobble it up this time that is. Comet Leonard had a close shave with NASA and European Space Agency's (ESA) solar orbitter. Thankfully, there was no cause for concern.</p>

<p><strong>The 'Running Man nebula'</strong></p>

<p><img alt="NASA Running man nebula" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="692e2861-86d4-4e4c-a5f9-5379beb76154" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Running%20man%20nebula.JPG" /></p>

<p>The Running Man Nebula is 5000 light-years away from Earth. Its scientific designation is NGC 1977. This nebula was in news because NASA captured a pic of 'Herbig Haro object'. Herbig Haro nebula is a type of nebula that forms when gas from a young star collides with surrounding dust and produces shockwaves.</p>

<p><br />
<strong>Prawn nebula</strong></p>

<p><img alt="Prawn Nebula" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="545b4383-baaa-4d92-b021-766df30de26a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Prawn%20nebula.JPG" /></p>

<p>Nebulas are where new stars are formed. In November, NASA clicked an image of Prawn Nebula, a massive solar nursery. The nebula is 250 might-years wide and is situated at a distance of 6000 light-years away from Earth. Formally, the Prawn Nebula is called IC 4628.</p>

<p><strong>Aurora from space</strong></p>

<p><img alt="NASA Aurora" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="54b629dc-8255-4969-950c-95285ca85b8a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Aurora.JPG" /></p>

<p>We are so busy pointing our scopes at stars that we often forget how beautiful our own planet is. Not each of us is lucky enough to go to space and click picture of Earth but astronauts have been doing so for us. European Space Agency astronaut Thomas Pesquet, who was stationed in International Space Station has been prolific in clicking such pictures. In September this year, he showed all of us how an Aurora looks from space.</p>

<p><br />
<strong>The 'eye in the sky'</strong></p>

<p><img alt="NASA eye in the sky" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="abcc1db4-fb70-441b-935c-79accecf6dfa" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Eye%20in%20the%20sky.JPG" /></p>

<p>This one is not as scary as the 'Devil's eye' but is beautiful nonetheless. This image was clicked by NASA. This is Seyfert galaxy. The galaxy has a supermassive black hole in the centre but it emits a large amount of electromagnetic radiation. The active galactic nucleus with high luminosity gives it an appearance of an 'eye in the sky'</p>

<p><br />
<strong>Eerie glow on Earth</strong></p>

<p><strong><img alt="Earth Blue glow Thomas Pequet" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="85791385-5372-47c4-9187-ceafdce9a18b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Blue%20glow.JPG" /></strong></p>

<p>Thomas Pesquet strikes again! The ESA astronaut captured this image when he was aboard International Space Station (ISS). On October 8, Pesquet posted an image in which part of night side of Earth was visible. The land could be seen lit up with cities and roads and more. But remarkable thing in the photo was a strange blue glow. Pesquet was stumped as to what this would be, as were people on Instagram.</p>

<p>Space and even our planet Earth have many wonders still hidden from us. 2022 will surely send such visual treats our way.</p>


The universe is full of wonders. We already know that. But every now and then the huge expanse of (nearly) nothingness springs up a surprise that makes even scientists go "wow!

The universe is full of wonders. We already know that. But every now and then the huge expanse of (nearly) nothingness springs up a surprise that makes even scientists go "wow!". For us mortals, the play of colours, the explosions, the formations and what not is always a thing of wonder. These images are shared widely, by space agencies like NASA and even by astronauts from around the world. The sheer beauty makes these images go viral. We bring you some of these space images that stopped people in their tracks. Hand of God This was undeniably the most recognisable image NASA posted. The beautuiful golden structure that appears to pop out of nowehere in space is shaped like a hand blessing everyone. NASA explained that the 'hand of God' is a nebula of energy and particles blown by a pulsar. The pulsar had been left behind after explosion of a star. This pulsar is known as PSR B1509-58. It is spins around itself 7 times per second! It is 17,000 lightyears away from Earth. The 'Devil's eye' God has been represented. Now comes the turn of the Devil. This celestial structure looked like an eye that was definitely didn't appear friendly. The eyelashes were blue and the iris was blazing red. Was it the Devil himself? This is Helix Nebula which was clicked by Spitzer telescope. Helix Nebula is 700 light-years away from Earth and located in the Aquarius constellation Visitor in our backyard We have a visitor! And he is still in our backyard. Comet Leonard, the brightest comet of the year came into our field of vision in December 2021. Watching this celestial nomad was a once in a lifetime opportunity as it is due to come back near Earth 35,000 years from now, if Sun doesn't gobble it up this time that is. Comet Leonard had a close shave with NASA and European Space Agency's (ESA) solar orbitter. Thankfully, there was no cause for concern. The 'Running Man nebula' The Running Man Nebula is 5000 light-years away from Earth. Its scientific designation is NGC 1977. This nebula was in news because NASA captured a pic of 'Herbig Haro object'. Herbig Haro nebula is a type of nebula that forms when gas from a young star collides with surrounding dust and produces shockwaves. Prawn nebula Nebulas are where new stars are formed. In November, NASA clicked an image of Prawn Nebula, a massive solar nursery. The nebula is 250 might-years wide and is situated at a distance of 6000 light-years away from Earth. Formally, the Prawn Nebula is called IC 4628. Aurora from space We are so busy pointing our scopes at stars that we often forget how beautiful our own planet is. Not each of us is lucky enough to go to space and click picture of Earth but astronauts have been doing so for us. European Space Agency astronaut Thomas Pesquet, who was stationed in International Space Station has been prolific in clicking such pictures. In September this year, he showed all of us how an Aurora looks from space. The 'eye in the sky' This one is not as scary as the 'Devil's eye' but is beautiful nonetheless. This image was clicked by NASA. This is Seyfert galaxy. The galaxy has a supermassive black hole in the centre but it emits a large amount of electromagnetic radiation. The active galactic nucleus with high luminosity gives it an appearance of an 'eye in the sky' Eerie glow on Earth Thomas Pesquet strikes again! The ESA astronaut captured this image when he was aboard International Space Station (ISS). On October 8, Pesquet posted an image in which part of night side of Earth was visible. The land could be seen lit up with cities and roads and more. But remarkable thing in the photo was a strange blue glow. Pesquet was stumped as to what this would be, as were people on Instagram. Space and even our planet Earth have many wonders still hidden from us. 2022 will surely send such visual treats our way.

Hand of God, Devil's eye and more NASA pics that wowed people around the world

<p>Citizen scientists along with a University of California, Riverside astronomer have discovered a gas giant nearly three times more massive than Jupiter. The exoplanet has same diameter as that of Jupiter.</p>

<p>Researchers also believed that it contained 105 times the mass of Earth in elements heavier than helium and hydrogen. Details of the finding have been published in the 'Astronomical Journal' and were presented at the American Astronomical Society virtual press event on January 13.</p>

<p>"TOI-2180 b is such an exciting planet to have found," said UCR astronomer Paul Dalba, who helped confirm the planet`s existence.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It hits the trifecta of 1) having a several-hundred-day orbit, 2) being relatively close to Earth (379 lightyears is considered close for an exoplanet), and 3) us being able to see it transit in front of its star. It is very rare for astronomers to discover a planet that checks all three of these boxes," he said.</p>

<p>Dalba also explained that the planet is special because it took 261 days to complete a journey around its star, a relatively long time compared to many known gas giants outside our solar system.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Its relative proximity to Earth and the brightness of the star it orbits also made it likely that astronomers will be able to learn more about it.</p>

<p>In order to locate exoplanets, which orbit stars other than our sun, NASA`s TESS satellite would look at one part of the sky for a month and then, move on. It searches for dips in brightness that would occur when a planet crosses in front of a star.</p>

<p>"The rule of thumb is that we need to see three `dips` or transits before we believe we`ve found a planet," Dalba said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A single transit event could be caused by a telescope with a jitter, or a star masquerading as a planet. For these reasons, TESS isn`t focused on these single transit events. However, a small group of citizen scientists is.Looking over TESS data, Tom Jacobs, a group member and former US naval officer, saw light dim from the TOI-2180 star, just once. His group alerted Dalba, who specialized in studying planets that take a long time to orbit their stars.</p>

<p>Using the Lick Observatory`s Automated Planet Finder Telescope, Dalba and his colleagues observed the planet`s gravitational tug on the star, which allowed them to calculate the mass of TOI-2180 b and estimate a range of possibilities for its orbit.</p>

<p>(With inputs from agencies)</p>


Citizen scientists along with a University of California, Riverside astronomer have discovered a gas giant nearly three times more massive than Jupiter. The exoplanet has same diameter as that of Jupiter.

Citizen scientists along with a University of California, Riverside astronomer have discovered a gas giant nearly three times more massive than Jupiter. The exoplanet has same diameter as that of Jupiter. Researchers also believed that it contained 105 times the mass of Earth in elements heavier than helium and hydrogen. Details of the finding have been published in the 'Astronomical Journal' and were presented at the American Astronomical Society virtual press event on January 13. "TOI-2180 b is such an exciting planet to have found," said UCR astronomer Paul Dalba, who helped confirm the planet`s existence. "It hits the trifecta of 1) having a several-hundred-day orbit, 2) being relatively close to Earth (379 lightyears is considered close for an exoplanet), and 3) us being able to see it transit in front of its star. It is very rare for astronomers to discover a planet that checks all three of these boxes," he said. Dalba also explained that the planet is special because it took 261 days to complete a journey around its star, a relatively long time compared to many known gas giants outside our solar system. Its relative proximity to Earth and the brightness of the star it orbits also made it likely that astronomers will be able to learn more about it. In order to locate exoplanets, which orbit stars other than our sun, NASA`s TESS satellite would look at one part of the sky for a month and then, move on. It searches for dips in brightness that would occur when a planet crosses in front of a star. "The rule of thumb is that we need to see three `dips` or transits before we believe we`ve found a planet," Dalba said. A single transit event could be caused by a telescope with a jitter, or a star masquerading as a planet. For these reasons, TESS isn`t focused on these single transit events. However, a small group of citizen scientists is.Looking over TESS data, Tom Jacobs, a group member and former US naval officer, saw light dim from the TOI-2180 star, just once. His group alerted Dalba, who specialized in studying planets that take a long time to orbit their stars. Using the Lick Observatory`s Automated Planet Finder Telescope, Dalba and his colleagues observed the planet`s gravitational tug on the star, which allowed them to calculate the mass of TOI-2180 b and estimate a range of possibilities for its orbit. (With inputs from agencies)

Research finds exoplanet three times more massive than Jupiter

<p>Our Solar System is situated almost exactly in the middle of a giant, relatively empty bubble in space. This mysterious bubble is 1000 lightyears across. Inside the bubble, temperature of the interstellar medium is greater than that outside the bubble.</p>

<p>For years, presence of this bubble has baffled scientists. A strong explanation behind existence of this bubble, known as Local Bubble, was not present. But now we may know why this bubble exists.</p>

<p>A team of astronomers led by the Harvard &amp; Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (CfA) has mapped the Local Bubble with highest precision till date. The team has found that a number of supernovas (explosion of stars) formed the bubble millions of years ago. Supernovas can carve a cavity in interstellar medium.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Astronomers found that the bubble's history started 14.4 million years ago. This started with formation of stars. Supernovas of these short-lived stars followed. The energy of the explosion pushed the interstellar material away and formed the bubble inside which temperature was higher than thant outside it. Density of the interstellar material inside the bubble is less than outside.</p>

<p>Astronomers found that there were 15 supernovas inside the bubble.</p>

<p>The Local Bubble is still growing at a rate of 6.7 kilometres per second. This is quite a slow speed when we consider events in space.</p>

<p>But why is Solar System right in the middle of the Local Bubble? Well that's purely due to chance. When the first supernova took place, Solar System was quite away from it. But Solar System's travel around the galaxy brought it (by chance) in the middle of the Local Bubble.</p>


Our Solar System is situated almost exactly in the middle of a giant, relatively empty bubble in space. This mysterious bubble is 1000 lightyears across. Inside the bubble, temperature of the interstellar medium is greater than that outside the bubble.

Our Solar System is situated almost exactly in the middle of a giant, relatively empty bubble in space. This mysterious bubble is 1000 lightyears across. Inside the bubble, temperature of the interstellar medium is greater than that outside the bubble. For years, presence of this bubble has baffled scientists. A strong explanation behind existence of this bubble, known as Local Bubble, was not present. But now we may know why this bubble exists. A team of astronomers led by the Harvard & Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (CfA) has mapped the Local Bubble with highest precision till date. The team has found that a number of supernovas (explosion of stars) formed the bubble millions of years ago. Supernovas can carve a cavity in interstellar medium. Astronomers found that the bubble's history started 14.4 million years ago. This started with formation of stars. Supernovas of these short-lived stars followed. The energy of the explosion pushed the interstellar material away and formed the bubble inside which temperature was higher than thant outside it. Density of the interstellar material inside the bubble is less than outside. Astronomers found that there were 15 supernovas inside the bubble. The Local Bubble is still growing at a rate of 6.7 kilometres per second. This is quite a slow speed when we consider events in space. But why is Solar System right in the middle of the Local Bubble? Well that's purely due to chance. When the first supernova took place, Solar System was quite away from it. But Solar System's travel around the galaxy brought it (by chance) in the middle of the Local Bubble.

Solar system is at the center of giant space bubble, now we know why

<p>We know that James Webb Space Telescope has been fully deployed. Humanity is on the verge of benefitting from a new generation space telescope equipped with latest technology and instrument. Our observation of the universe will be deeper and we will get more insights into how the universe formed.</p>

<p>James Webb Space Telescope was launched on December 25, 2021. Once the telescope was launched, it underwent the process of unfolding. This major phase was important as it involved hundreads of careful manoeuvres guided from Earth. Now that deployment process is fully complete, the space telescope is entering a 'period of cooldown'</p>

<p><strong>What is a period of cooldown?</strong></p>

<p>NASA said that updates from James Webb space telescope would be less frequent now.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">❄️ Now that our deployments are complete, just like our telescope, we’re entering a period of cooldown. Our updates will be less frequent, but that doesn’t mean things have stopped happening: <a href="https://t.co/32QJr7R8am">https://t.co/32QJr7R8am</a><br />
<br />
Thread ⬇️ <a href="https://t.co/3sEF9SVIS5">pic.twitter.com/3sEF9SVIS5</a></p>
— NASA Webb Telescope (@NASAWebb) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASAWebb/status/1480631380451237891?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 10, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Alexandra Lockwood, the project scientist for James Webb telescope's science communications, explained more in her blogpost</p>

<p>“Words can’t describe the pride and excitement the Webb team is feeling right now. From engineers to scientists to IT staff to graphic designers to administrative personnel (and more!), we are all overjoyed with the incredible successes of the observatory to date. While we still have a long way to go before getting the science, the engineering feats that have been accomplished, on Earth and now in space, are awe-inspiring. They are a testament to the hard work and expertise of the international Webb team," she says.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/first-ever-on-site-detection-of-water-on-moon-points-to-many-future-possibilities-443935">First ever on-site detection of water on Moon points to many future possibilities</a></strong></p>

<p>Lockwood said that after telescope's mirrors are fully moved out of the launch positions. The process of commissioning will go on for five months</p>

<p>The process will include,</p>

<p>'<strong>1)</strong> Further cooling of the entire observatory, and of the Mid-Infrared Instrument in particular.<br />
&nbsp;<strong>2)</strong> checking and then aligning the secondary and 18 mirror segments into a single coherent optical system, first with the NIRCam instrument and then with all instruments individually and in parallel.</p>

<p>&nbsp;<strong>3)</strong> calibrating of each of the four instruments and their many scientific modes.'&nbsp;</p>

<p>James Webb telescope will replace the legendary but aging Hubble Space Telescope.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


We know that James Webb Space Telescope has been fully deployed. Humanity is on the verge of benefitting from a new generation space telescope equipped with latest technology and instrument.

We know that James Webb Space Telescope has been fully deployed. Humanity is on the verge of benefitting from a new generation space telescope equipped with latest technology and instrument. Our observation of the universe will be deeper and we will get more insights into how the universe formed. James Webb Space Telescope was launched on December 25, 2021. Once the telescope was launched, it underwent the process of unfolding. This major phase was important as it involved hundreads of careful manoeuvres guided from Earth. Now that deployment process is fully complete, the space telescope is entering a 'period of cooldown' What is a period of cooldown? NASA said that updates from James Webb space telescope would be less frequent now. ❄️ Now that our deployments are complete, just like our telescope, we’re entering a period of cooldown. Our updates will be less frequent, but that doesn’t mean things have stopped happening: https://t.co/32QJr7R8am Thread ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/3sEF9SVIS5 — NASA Webb Telescope (@NASAWebb) January 10, 2022 × Alexandra Lockwood, the project scientist for James Webb telescope's science communications, explained more in her blogpost “Words can’t describe the pride and excitement the Webb team is feeling right now. From engineers to scientists to IT staff to graphic designers to administrative personnel (and more!), we are all overjoyed with the incredible successes of the observatory to date. While we still have a long way to go before getting the science, the engineering feats that have been accomplished, on Earth and now in space, are awe-inspiring. They are a testament to the hard work and expertise of the international Webb team," she says. Also Read | First ever on-site detection of water on Moon points to many future possibilities Lockwood said that after telescope's mirrors are fully moved out of the launch positions. The process of commissioning will go on for five months The process will include, '1) Further cooling of the entire observatory, and of the Mid-Infrared Instrument in particular. 2) checking and then aligning the secondary and 18 mirror segments into a single coherent optical system, first with the NIRCam instrument and then with all instruments individually and in parallel. 3) calibrating of each of the four instruments and their many scientific modes.' James Webb telescope will replace the legendary but aging Hubble Space Telescope.

James Webb telescope is entering period of cooldown, here's what it means

<p>James Webb Space Telescope was to open a whole new vista for humanity in space. This much was definitely known. But deployment of the most powerful telescope ever built was a challenge as it needed careful unfolding of its components. The major milestone was achieved on Saturday (January 8) as the tricky, two-week-long deployment process was completed. The final golden mirror panel was unfolded.</p>

<p>Teams in NASA's James Webb Space Telescope's control room cheered on confirmation that the space telescope's final wing was deployed and latched into place.</p>

<p><img alt="James Webb" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="871da599-9cfe-4159-9915-991a97268c7d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_9VT8VZ.jpg" /></p>

<p>"I'm emotional about it -- what an amazing milestone," Thomas Zurbuchen, a senior NASA engineer, said during the live video feed as stargazers worldwide celebrated.</p>

<p>Because the telescope was too large to fit into a rocket's nose cone in its operational configuration, it was transported folded up.</p>

<p>Unfurling has been a complex and risky task -- "arguably the most challenging deployment program ever done by NASA," said NASA engineer Mike Menzel.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/astronomers-resolve-mystery-of-cube-spotted-on-moons-dark-side-443232">Astronomers resolve mystery of 'cube' spotted on Moon's dark side</a></strong></p>

<p>On Saturday morning, engineers sent a command from the Space Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore, Maryland for the final section of golden mirror to unfold.</p>

<p>According to NASA, after the mirror was latched into place at 1:17 PM (1817 GMT), "the team declared all major deployments successfully completed."</p>

<p>"I want to tell you just how excited and emotional I am right now," said Zurbuchen on the live video feed. "We have a deployed telescope on orbit."</p>

<p>Webb, the successor to Hubble, blasted off in an Ariane 5 rocket from French Guiana on December 25, and is heading to its orbital point, a million miles (1.6 million kilometers) from Earth.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/in-a-first-astronomers-watch-a-dying-star-explode-in-real-time-442861">In a first, astronomers watch a dying star explode in real time</a></strong></p>

<p>Though Webb will reach its space destination, known as the second Lagrange point, in a matter of weeks, it still has around another five and a half months of setup to go.</p>

<p>"While the journey is not complete, I join the Webb team in breathing a little easier and imagining the future breakthroughs bound to inspire the world," said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson.</p>

<p>Next steps include aligning the telescope's optics, and calibrating its scientific instruments.</p>

<p><strong>Far reaches of the Universe</strong></p>

<p>Its infrared technology will allow it to see the first stars and galaxies that formed 13.5 billion years ago, giving astronomers new insight into the earliest epoch of the Universe.</p>

<p>Earlier this week, the telescope deployed its five-layered sunshield -- a 70-foot (21 meter) long, kite-shaped apparatus that acts like a parasol, ensuring Webb's instruments are kept in the shade so they can detect faint infrared signals from the far reaches of the Universe.</p>

<p>The sunshield will be permanently positioned between the telescope and the Sun, Earth and Moon, with the Sun-facing side built to withstand 230 degrees Fahrenheit (110 degrees Celsius).</p>

<p>Visible and ultraviolet light emitted by the very first luminous objects has been stretched by the Universe's expansion, and arrives today in the form of infrared, which Webb is equipped to detect with unprecedented clarity.</p>

<p>Its mission also includes the study of distant planets to determine their origin, evolution, and habitability.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


James Webb Space Telescope was to open a whole new vista for humanity in space. This much was definitely known. But deployment of the most powerful telescope ever built was a challenge as it needed careful unfolding of its components.

James Webb Space Telescope was to open a whole new vista for humanity in space. This much was definitely known. But deployment of the most powerful telescope ever built was a challenge as it needed careful unfolding of its components. The major milestone was achieved on Saturday (January 8) as the tricky, two-week-long deployment process was completed. The final golden mirror panel was unfolded. Teams in NASA's James Webb Space Telescope's control room cheered on confirmation that the space telescope's final wing was deployed and latched into place. "I'm emotional about it -- what an amazing milestone," Thomas Zurbuchen, a senior NASA engineer, said during the live video feed as stargazers worldwide celebrated. Because the telescope was too large to fit into a rocket's nose cone in its operational configuration, it was transported folded up. Unfurling has been a complex and risky task -- "arguably the most challenging deployment program ever done by NASA," said NASA engineer Mike Menzel. Also Read | Astronomers resolve mystery of 'cube' spotted on Moon's dark side On Saturday morning, engineers sent a command from the Space Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore, Maryland for the final section of golden mirror to unfold. According to NASA, after the mirror was latched into place at 1:17 PM (1817 GMT), "the team declared all major deployments successfully completed." "I want to tell you just how excited and emotional I am right now," said Zurbuchen on the live video feed. "We have a deployed telescope on orbit." Webb, the successor to Hubble, blasted off in an Ariane 5 rocket from French Guiana on December 25, and is heading to its orbital point, a million miles (1.6 million kilometers) from Earth. Also Read | In a first, astronomers watch a dying star explode in real time Though Webb will reach its space destination, known as the second Lagrange point, in a matter of weeks, it still has around another five and a half months of setup to go. "While the journey is not complete, I join the Webb team in breathing a little easier and imagining the future breakthroughs bound to inspire the world," said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson. Next steps include aligning the telescope's optics, and calibrating its scientific instruments. Far reaches of the Universe Its infrared technology will allow it to see the first stars and galaxies that formed 13.5 billion years ago, giving astronomers new insight into the earliest epoch of the Universe. Earlier this week, the telescope deployed its five-layered sunshield -- a 70-foot (21 meter) long, kite-shaped apparatus that acts like a parasol, ensuring Webb's instruments are kept in the shade so they can detect faint infrared signals from the far reaches of the Universe. The sunshield will be permanently positioned between the telescope and the Sun, Earth and Moon, with the Sun-facing side built to withstand 230 degrees Fahrenheit (110 degrees Celsius). Visible and ultraviolet light emitted by the very first luminous objects has been stretched by the Universe's expansion, and arrives today in the form of infrared, which Webb is equipped to detect with unprecedented clarity. Its mission also includes the study of distant planets to determine their origin, evolution, and habitability. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA fully deploys James Webb telescope in space

<p>Most of us are content with the idea of becoming a millionaire. The ambitious aim for the billionaire club and perhaps only tech companies can dream of being in T-club.</p>

<p>But what if you become a 'quintilllionaire'? With 18 zeroes in your net worth, the Bezoses and Musks of the world wouldn't stand a chance against you.</p>

<p>All you have to do is go to space, travel to the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter, and mine metals from an asteroid. It is estimated that the asteroid is made of metals worth 10 quintillions! The asteroid is literally biggest floating bank in our solar system!</p>

<p>If you think this is crazy, obtain info on an asteroid dubbed 16 Psyche. It is located in the main asteroid belt.</p>

<p>The asteroid, first discovered by Italian astronomer Annibale de Gasparis in 1852 is made up of exposed metallic iron, nickel and even gold. Scientists think that the asteroid is part of remains of the core of a shattered planetesimal, that is, a clump of space rocks that was on the verge of becoming a planet but didn't.&nbsp;</p>

<p>From Earth, asteroid 16 Psych appears hazy but by analysing the light reflected off the surface of the asteroid, scientists have been able to conclude that it is very rich in metals.</p>


Most of us are content with the idea of becoming a millionaire. The ambitious aim for the billionaire club and perhaps only tech companies can dream of being in T-club.

Most of us are content with the idea of becoming a millionaire. The ambitious aim for the billionaire club and perhaps only tech companies can dream of being in T-club. But what if you become a 'quintilllionaire'? With 18 zeroes in your net worth, the Bezoses and Musks of the world wouldn't stand a chance against you. All you have to do is go to space, travel to the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter, and mine metals from an asteroid. It is estimated that the asteroid is made of metals worth 10 quintillions! The asteroid is literally biggest floating bank in our solar system! If you think this is crazy, obtain info on an asteroid dubbed 16 Psyche. It is located in the main asteroid belt. The asteroid, first discovered by Italian astronomer Annibale de Gasparis in 1852 is made up of exposed metallic iron, nickel and even gold. Scientists think that the asteroid is part of remains of the core of a shattered planetesimal, that is, a clump of space rocks that was on the verge of becoming a planet but didn't. From Earth, asteroid 16 Psych appears hazy but by analysing the light reflected off the surface of the asteroid, scientists have been able to conclude that it is very rich in metals.

This asteroid can make you richer than a billionaire

<p>James Web Space Telescope has reached a milestone in its unfolding and this marks start of a crucial phase. James Webb Space Telescope lifted off on December 24 and is now in the phase of unfolding before it can start its function as most powerful eye in the sky of humanity.</p>

<p>On December 28 (Eastern Time), the space telescope deployed its forward and aft pallets. The pallet structures contain Webb's sunshield. Five carefully folded sunshield membranes have been packed inside the afts. Needless to say that delecate components like cables, pulleys and release mechanisms need careful handling.</p>

<p>NASA said that deployment of forward pallet began on the morning of December 28 and concluded at 1:21 pm EST. The aft pallet deployment was complete by 7:27 pm.</p>

<p>Although actual deployment of the pallets from their folded position took less than half an hour, the entire process took hours as series of complicated steps was involved during the deployment.</p>

<p>"The unfolding of the pallets marks the beginning of Webb’s major structural deployments and also the beginning of the sunshield deployment phase – which will continue through at least this Sunday, Jan. 2," says NASA</p>

<p>The James Webb Space Telescope, some three decades and billions of dollars in the making, left Earth on December 24 enclosed in its Ariane 5 rocket from Kourou Space Centre in French Guiana.</p>

<p>It is expected to take a month to reach its remote destination.</p>

<p>It is set to beam back new clues that will help scientists understand more about the origins of the Universe and Earth-like planets beyond our solar system.</p>

<p>Named after a former NASA director, Webb follows in the footsteps of the legendary Hubble -- but intends to show humans what the Universe looked like even closer to its birth nearly 14 billion years ago.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


James Web Space Telescope has reached a milestone in its unfolding and this marks start of a crucial phase. James Webb Space Telescope lifted off on December 24 and is now in the phase of unfolding before it can start its function as most powerful eye in the sky of humanity.

James Web Space Telescope has reached a milestone in its unfolding and this marks start of a crucial phase. James Webb Space Telescope lifted off on December 24 and is now in the phase of unfolding before it can start its function as most powerful eye in the sky of humanity. On December 28 (Eastern Time), the space telescope deployed its forward and aft pallets. The pallet structures contain Webb's sunshield. Five carefully folded sunshield membranes have been packed inside the afts. Needless to say that delecate components like cables, pulleys and release mechanisms need careful handling. NASA said that deployment of forward pallet began on the morning of December 28 and concluded at 1:21 pm EST. The aft pallet deployment was complete by 7:27 pm. Although actual deployment of the pallets from their folded position took less than half an hour, the entire process took hours as series of complicated steps was involved during the deployment. "The unfolding of the pallets marks the beginning of Webb’s major structural deployments and also the beginning of the sunshield deployment phase – which will continue through at least this Sunday, Jan. 2," says NASA The James Webb Space Telescope, some three decades and billions of dollars in the making, left Earth on December 24 enclosed in its Ariane 5 rocket from Kourou Space Centre in French Guiana. It is expected to take a month to reach its remote destination. It is set to beam back new clues that will help scientists understand more about the origins of the Universe and Earth-like planets beyond our solar system. Named after a former NASA director, Webb follows in the footsteps of the legendary Hubble -- but intends to show humans what the Universe looked like even closer to its birth nearly 14 billion years ago. (With inputs from agencies)

James Webb Space Telescope deploys pallets, crucial process begins

<p>Volcanic eruptions are as beautiful to watch as they are destructive to people living around the volcano. If a natural phenomenon on Earth can be so remarkable, what about celestial eruptions? To be more precise, what about eruptions taking place from a black hole?</p>

<p>Black holes are intriguing space objects. They have such powerful gravity that even light cannot escape from it. But eruptions do take place from black holes and scientists have been able to capture an image of one such eruption.</p>

<p>The black hole in question is at the centre of Centaurus A, the nearest radio galaxy closest to our own Milky Way. The galaxy is 12 million light years away from us.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The black hole is still feeding. This means that the surrounding gas is still falling inside it. As the black hole gobbles up gas, it ejects material that nearly travels at the speed of light. This causes 'radio bubbles' to form.</p>

<p>This eruption and the radio waves have been caught by Murchison Widefield Array (MWA) telescope in Western Australia.</p>

<p>“These radio waves come from material being sucked into the supermassive black hole in the middle of the galaxy,” said Dr. Benjamin McKinley, lead author of the study. He was quoted by ScieTechDaily.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“It forms a disc around the black hole, and as the matter gets ripped apart going close to the black hole, powerful jets form on either side of the disc, ejecting most of the material back out into space, to distances of probably more than a million light years"</p>

<p>Research on this black hole eruption was published in journal Nature Astronomy on December 22, 2021.</p>


Volcanic eruptions are as beautiful to watch as they are destructive to people living around the volcano. If a natural phenomenon on Earth can be so remarkable, what about celestial eruptions?

Volcanic eruptions are as beautiful to watch as they are destructive to people living around the volcano. If a natural phenomenon on Earth can be so remarkable, what about celestial eruptions? To be more precise, what about eruptions taking place from a black hole? Black holes are intriguing space objects. They have such powerful gravity that even light cannot escape from it. But eruptions do take place from black holes and scientists have been able to capture an image of one such eruption. The black hole in question is at the centre of Centaurus A, the nearest radio galaxy closest to our own Milky Way. The galaxy is 12 million light years away from us. The black hole is still feeding. This means that the surrounding gas is still falling inside it. As the black hole gobbles up gas, it ejects material that nearly travels at the speed of light. This causes 'radio bubbles' to form. This eruption and the radio waves have been caught by Murchison Widefield Array (MWA) telescope in Western Australia. “These radio waves come from material being sucked into the supermassive black hole in the middle of the galaxy,” said Dr. Benjamin McKinley, lead author of the study. He was quoted by ScieTechDaily. “It forms a disc around the black hole, and as the matter gets ripped apart going close to the black hole, powerful jets form on either side of the disc, ejecting most of the material back out into space, to distances of probably more than a million light years" Research on this black hole eruption was published in journal Nature Astronomy on December 22, 2021.

Astronomers capture an erupting black hole 12 million light-years from Earth

<p>The National Space and Aeronautics Administration (NASA) is enlisting help of 24 theologians as part of its efforts to determine how different religions around the world would react to contact with aliens, reported Technotrendz. A reverend is already working with NASA.</p>

<p>Rev Dr Andrew Davison, a British priest and theologist at Cambridge University has a degree in Biochemistry. Next year, he is releasing his book on the subject. In his book he is going to raise questions that ask how will discovery of life affect beliefs of religious people across the world.</p>

<p>Search for alien life has been a matter of fascination for humankind for centuries. As tools of modern science became more and more available, scientists have cast an informed gaze at the universe in search of alien life.&nbsp;</p>

<p>There are several candidates in our solar system itself. Scientists think that Europa, the icy moon of planet Jupiter has liquid oceans under its surface that may support life. Scientists also think that microbes exist in clouds of Venus.</p>

<p>Humanity is soon to get fresh 'eyes' in the sky. James Webb space telescope was launched on December 26. This will be humanity's main space telescope over the ageing Hubble space telescope. We will soon be able to see corners of universe that were unobservable to us before this. Will we find an alien spaceship flying in deep space? Time will soon tell.</p>


The National Space and Aeronautics Administration (NASA) is enlisting help of 24 theologians as part of its efforts to determine how different religions around the world would react to contact with aliens, reported Technotrendz.

The National Space and Aeronautics Administration (NASA) is enlisting help of 24 theologians as part of its efforts to determine how different religions around the world would react to contact with aliens, reported Technotrendz. A reverend is already working with NASA. Rev Dr Andrew Davison, a British priest and theologist at Cambridge University has a degree in Biochemistry. Next year, he is releasing his book on the subject. In his book he is going to raise questions that ask how will discovery of life affect beliefs of religious people across the world. Search for alien life has been a matter of fascination for humankind for centuries. As tools of modern science became more and more available, scientists have cast an informed gaze at the universe in search of alien life. There are several candidates in our solar system itself. Scientists think that Europa, the icy moon of planet Jupiter has liquid oceans under its surface that may support life. Scientists also think that microbes exist in clouds of Venus. Humanity is soon to get fresh 'eyes' in the sky. James Webb space telescope was launched on December 26. This will be humanity's main space telescope over the ageing Hubble space telescope. We will soon be able to see corners of universe that were unobservable to us before this. Will we find an alien spaceship flying in deep space? Time will soon tell.

NASA is hiring priests to prepare humans for contact with aliens

<p>Planet Venus, the other neighbour of Earth besides Mars is perfect example of hell. Venus is rightly called a 'greenhouse planet' since surface temperatures go upto 400 degrees Celsius. Its thick atmosphere is predominantly made of carbon dioxide and sulfuric acid droplets. Such harsh conditions are not at all conducive to life. Hence it was thought that there was no life on Venus.</p>

<p>But now, scientists think that life may have found a way to survive in these harsh conditions on Venus.</p>

<p>Scientists and researchers from MIT, Cardiff University and Cambridge University have said in a new study that presence of Ammonia may suggest that microbes may be able to live inside clouds in Venus's atmosphere. The Ammonia can neutralise Venus' highly acidic environment and create habitable space in the clouds.</p>

<p>Moreover, these researchers think that a biological activity led to formation of Ammonia.</p>

<p>But can life survive in highly acidic environment?</p>

<p>Co-author of the study has been quoted in media reports as saying that life exists in highly acidic environs on Earth.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Venus, after Mars has always piqued scientific interest with respect to possibility of life. NASA and European Space Agency (ESA) are planning to send two spacecrafts to Venus in next 10 to 15 years. More light would be thrown on habitability of Venus' atmosphere at that time.</p>


Planet Venus, the other neighbour of Earth besides Mars is perfect example of hell. Venus is rightly called a 'greenhouse planet' since surface temperatures go upto 400 degrees Celsius.

Planet Venus, the other neighbour of Earth besides Mars is perfect example of hell. Venus is rightly called a 'greenhouse planet' since surface temperatures go upto 400 degrees Celsius. Its thick atmosphere is predominantly made of carbon dioxide and sulfuric acid droplets. Such harsh conditions are not at all conducive to life. Hence it was thought that there was no life on Venus. But now, scientists think that life may have found a way to survive in these harsh conditions on Venus. Scientists and researchers from MIT, Cardiff University and Cambridge University have said in a new study that presence of Ammonia may suggest that microbes may be able to live inside clouds in Venus's atmosphere. The Ammonia can neutralise Venus' highly acidic environment and create habitable space in the clouds. Moreover, these researchers think that a biological activity led to formation of Ammonia. But can life survive in highly acidic environment? Co-author of the study has been quoted in media reports as saying that life exists in highly acidic environs on Earth. Venus, after Mars has always piqued scientific interest with respect to possibility of life. NASA and European Space Agency (ESA) are planning to send two spacecrafts to Venus in next 10 to 15 years. More light would be thrown on habitability of Venus' atmosphere at that time.

Study finds more indication of life on Venus

<p>We all have seen alien movies. The space-faring adventurers often encounter them somewhere in the universe. The first conversation is always gibberish, with strange noises made by the aliens that can sound anything between a frightening hum to some electronic buzz that resembles children's video games. Creative imagination runs wild when it comes to representing alien worlds.</p>

<p>But if a legit space noise sounded not far away from these seemingly imaginative works, it's often scary. NASA has released noises captured near Jupiter's moon Ganymede.</p>

<p>Ganymede is the largest moon in our solar system. It is so large that it size dwarfs Mercury, a full-fledged planet. Ganymede also has its own magnetic field, something that other moons in solar system can't boast of.</p>

<p>NASA's Juno spacecraft is in Jupiter's neighbourhood and making its observations. Earlier this year, Juno captured Ganymede's electromagnetic waves.</p>

<p>NASA has converted these waves into sound and has released what can be perhaps scientifically considered as sound of Ganymede. The eerie audio has been released. Check out</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_09R6jIo74U" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Scientists believe that Ganymede has oceans below ice on its surface. They think that life may even exist in these alien waters. So was an alien heard calling out to humanity in the sound clip? Hear again and take a guess.</p>


We all have seen alien movies. The space-faring adventurers often encounter them somewhere in the universe. The first conversation is always gibberish, with strange noises made by the aliens that can sound anything between a frightening hum to some electronic buzz that resembles children's video games.

We all have seen alien movies. The space-faring adventurers often encounter them somewhere in the universe. The first conversation is always gibberish, with strange noises made by the aliens that can sound anything between a frightening hum to some electronic buzz that resembles children's video games. Creative imagination runs wild when it comes to representing alien worlds. But if a legit space noise sounded not far away from these seemingly imaginative works, it's often scary. NASA has released noises captured near Jupiter's moon Ganymede. Ganymede is the largest moon in our solar system. It is so large that it size dwarfs Mercury, a full-fledged planet. Ganymede also has its own magnetic field, something that other moons in solar system can't boast of. NASA's Juno spacecraft is in Jupiter's neighbourhood and making its observations. Earlier this year, Juno captured Ganymede's electromagnetic waves. NASA has converted these waves into sound and has released what can be perhaps scientifically considered as sound of Ganymede. The eerie audio has been released. Check out × Scientists believe that Ganymede has oceans below ice on its surface. They think that life may even exist in these alien waters. So was an alien heard calling out to humanity in the sound clip? Hear again and take a guess.

NASA releases eerie sounds captured near Jupiter's moon Ganymede

<p>The skies will be aglow with a spectacular display of shooting stars tonight. The Geminid meteor shower is a yearly thing, it returns each December, and this year it will peak on Monday night and continue into the early hours of Tuesday.</p>

<p>Let's refresh our memory on why meteors appear so bright. Meteors are high-speed pieces of debris that burn up as they enter the Earth's atmosphere. Their speeds can reach 70 km per second, which results in pretty light trails in the sky.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/wait-what-scientists-say-water-in-our-oceans-has-alien-origins-436557" hreflang="en">Wait, what!? Scientists say water in our oceans has alien origins</a></strong></p>

<p>The Geminids are a popular stargazing phenomenon because they are very bright, fast, and quite often multicoloured.</p>

<p>While they are mainly white, some may appear yellow, green, red, and blue, caused by the presence of trace amounts of sodium and calcium - the same elements used to make fireworks.</p>

<p>At its height, the shower can produce more than 100 meteors an hour, but light pollution might prevent people from seeing these many.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/astronomers-discover-trouble-making-nemesis-twin-of-the-sun-435917" hreflang="en">Astronomers discover trouble-making 'nemesis' twin of the Sun</a></strong></p>

<p>If you can't attend the shower in person, NASA will be live-streaming it online on their <a href="https://www.facebook.com/NasaMeteorWatch">NASA Meteor Watch</a> page on Facebook.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Seen any shooting stars recently?🌠<br />
<br />
Every December we have a chance to see one of our favorite meteor showers, the Geminids. The shower will peak this Sunday and you can tune into a live stream of the shower on the <a href="https://twitter.com/NASA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NASA</a> Meteor Watch FB Page. Learn More: <a href="https://t.co/DowUA7m0sL">https://t.co/DowUA7m0sL</a> <a href="https://t.co/so9dvON0IA">pic.twitter.com/so9dvON0IA</a></p>
— NASA Marshall (@NASA_Marshall) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASA_Marshall/status/1469071864605683714?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 9, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Interestingly, the shooting stars originate from a stream of debris left behind by the asteroid 3200 Phaethon, making it one of the few showers that do not originate from a comet.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;NASA launches DART mission to test asteroid defense concept</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nasa-launches-dart-mission-to-test-asteroid-defense-concept-431957/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>There is no need for binoculars or telescopes for viewing the display, instead, people can watch it with the naked eye.</p>

<p>Astronomers, however,&nbsp;recommend&nbsp;that they do not look directly towards the radiant meteors, as focusing on one can limit the number of meteors they can see. They say, that people will have a better chance of spotting the display by looking to the side and in a dark area of the sky.</p>


The skies will be aglow with a spectacular display of shooting stars tonight. The Geminid meteor shower is a yearly thing, it returns each December, and this year it will peak on Monday night and continue into the early hours of Tuesday.

The skies will be aglow with a spectacular display of shooting stars tonight. The Geminid meteor shower is a yearly thing, it returns each December, and this year it will peak on Monday night and continue into the early hours of Tuesday. Let's refresh our memory on why meteors appear so bright. Meteors are high-speed pieces of debris that burn up as they enter the Earth's atmosphere. Their speeds can reach 70 km per second, which results in pretty light trails in the sky. Also read | Wait, what!? Scientists say water in our oceans has alien origins The Geminids are a popular stargazing phenomenon because they are very bright, fast, and quite often multicoloured. While they are mainly white, some may appear yellow, green, red, and blue, caused by the presence of trace amounts of sodium and calcium - the same elements used to make fireworks. At its height, the shower can produce more than 100 meteors an hour, but light pollution might prevent people from seeing these many. Also read | Astronomers discover trouble-making 'nemesis' twin of the Sun If you can't attend the shower in person, NASA will be live-streaming it online on their NASA Meteor Watch page on Facebook. Seen any shooting stars recently?🌠 Every December we have a chance to see one of our favorite meteor showers, the Geminids. The shower will peak this Sunday and you can tune into a live stream of the shower on the @NASA Meteor Watch FB Page. Learn More: https://t.co/DowUA7m0sL pic.twitter.com/so9dvON0IA — NASA Marshall (@NASA_Marshall) December 9, 2021 × Interestingly, the shooting stars originate from a stream of debris left behind by the asteroid 3200 Phaethon, making it one of the few showers that do not originate from a comet. Watch | NASA launches DART mission to test asteroid defense concept There is no need for binoculars or telescopes for viewing the display, instead, people can watch it with the naked eye. Astronomers, however, recommend that they do not look directly towards the radiant meteors, as focusing on one can limit the number of meteors they can see. They say, that people will have a better chance of spotting the display by looking to the side and in a dark area of the sky.

Tonight, tomorrow...Resplendent Geminid meteor shower to light up the skies

<p>Though there are many misconceptions, even superstitions associated with comets, they are nothing but celestial bodies that travel around the Sun in insanely big orbits.</p>

<p>When these icy bodies come relatively close to the Sun, the melting ice and other substances make what is known as the tail of a comet. And when they zoom past Earth, sometimes the comets are visible with naked eye.</p>

<p>Comet Leonard is slated to make its closest approach to Earth on December 12. It will be the brightest comet of 2021. The comet was discovered by Gregory J Leonard earlier this year.</p>

<p>You may want to catch a glimpse of Comet Leonard now because when it'll come to our neighbourhood again, it will be too late for all of us. If you miss it this time, you'll have to wait 35,000 years to see it again.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/star-system-with-planet-10-times-bigger-than-jupiter-is-disproving-assumptions-435522">Star system with planet 10 times bigger than Jupiter is disproving assumptions</a></strong></p>

<p>It is expected that the comet would be visible to the naked eye, but it is advisable to use binoculars or telescope in order to fully appreciate the space spectacle.</p>

<p><strong>When is the best time to watch Comet Leonard?</strong></p>

<p>The comet will make its closest approach on December 12. The best time to spot it will be a few hours before dawn.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Where to look in the sky to spot Comet Leonard?</strong></p>

<p>The comet would be visible in east-northeast part of the sky in the first weeks of December. It will pass between Arcturus, the brightest star of the Bootes constellation and the handle of the Big Dipper asterism.</p>

<p>After December 14, the comet can be seen in the evening sky after sunset. Astronomers say that comet Leonard will be visible till December 17.</p>


Though there are many misconceptions, even superstitions associated with comets, they are nothing but celestial bodies that travel around the Sun in insanely big orbits.

Though there are many misconceptions, even superstitions associated with comets, they are nothing but celestial bodies that travel around the Sun in insanely big orbits. When these icy bodies come relatively close to the Sun, the melting ice and other substances make what is known as the tail of a comet. And when they zoom past Earth, sometimes the comets are visible with naked eye. Comet Leonard is slated to make its closest approach to Earth on December 12. It will be the brightest comet of 2021. The comet was discovered by Gregory J Leonard earlier this year. You may want to catch a glimpse of Comet Leonard now because when it'll come to our neighbourhood again, it will be too late for all of us. If you miss it this time, you'll have to wait 35,000 years to see it again. Also Read | Star system with planet 10 times bigger than Jupiter is disproving assumptions It is expected that the comet would be visible to the naked eye, but it is advisable to use binoculars or telescope in order to fully appreciate the space spectacle. When is the best time to watch Comet Leonard? The comet will make its closest approach on December 12. The best time to spot it will be a few hours before dawn. Where to look in the sky to spot Comet Leonard? The comet would be visible in east-northeast part of the sky in the first weeks of December. It will pass between Arcturus, the brightest star of the Bootes constellation and the handle of the Big Dipper asterism. After December 14, the comet can be seen in the evening sky after sunset. Astronomers say that comet Leonard will be visible till December 17.

Leonard: Brightest comet of 2021 to make closest approach in few days | How to watch

<p>Our view of the universe has long been very solar system-centric. We have traditionally believed and looked for star systems that have one star at the centre and planets orbitting around it. This fixed idea of how star systems are 'supposed to look like' has often dominated our astronomical perspective for decades, even centuries.</p>

<p>But as wonderful the universe is, it continues to force us to rethink our ways by revealing new secrets.</p>

<p>Scientists have found the hottest star system and a massive planet orbitting b Centauri, a binary star.</p>

<p>For most of us, planet Jupiter is maxima of imagination for planetary size. If Jupiter is considered to be a football, Earth will be smallers than a marble.</p>

<p>But in this new star system, the planet orbitting the binary star has been found to be 10 times the size pf Jupiter! And the distance between the planet and the binary star is ten times that between Jupiter and the Sun.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This star system lies 325 light-years away from Earth. The system lies in the Centaurus constellation.</p>

<p>The primary star in this star system is over three times hotter than the Sun. It is also bigger. Its mass is six times that of the Sun.</p>

<p>Previously, it was thought that stars bigger than three times the size of Sun were not able to harbour planets. But this star system has proven this assumption wrong.</p>


Our view of the universe has long been very solar system-centric. We have traditionally believed and looked for star systems that have one star at the centre and planets orbitting around it.

Our view of the universe has long been very solar system-centric. We have traditionally believed and looked for star systems that have one star at the centre and planets orbitting around it. This fixed idea of how star systems are 'supposed to look like' has often dominated our astronomical perspective for decades, even centuries. But as wonderful the universe is, it continues to force us to rethink our ways by revealing new secrets. Scientists have found the hottest star system and a massive planet orbitting b Centauri, a binary star. For most of us, planet Jupiter is maxima of imagination for planetary size. If Jupiter is considered to be a football, Earth will be smallers than a marble. But in this new star system, the planet orbitting the binary star has been found to be 10 times the size pf Jupiter! And the distance between the planet and the binary star is ten times that between Jupiter and the Sun. This star system lies 325 light-years away from Earth. The system lies in the Centaurus constellation. The primary star in this star system is over three times hotter than the Sun. It is also bigger. Its mass is six times that of the Sun. Previously, it was thought that stars bigger than three times the size of Sun were not able to harbour planets. But this star system has proven this assumption wrong.

Star system with planet 10 times bigger than Jupiter is disproving assumptions

<p>Solar eclipse is a treat to the senses. It's amazing to see a day give way to a sudden night and the ever-shining disc of the Sun getting obscured by the Moon. Those observing can see stars twinkling right in front of them in a black sky which, by logic, should have been lit by bright sunshine.</p>

<p>But not everyone is lucky to have seen a total eclipse. You have to be in the right place at the right time to witness this natural wonder. There may be thousand who wouldn't have seen total, or even a partial solar eclipse.</p>

<p>But witnessing a solar eclipse from space is a privilege affrded to even fewer people.</p>

<p>NASA has come to aid of those who can't become an astronaut overnight in order to see an eclipse from space.</p>

<p>In its Instagram post, NASA has posted an image taken from space during the recent total eclipse which was visible only from Antarctica.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Have you ever seen a total solar eclipse? How about seeing a total solar eclipse FROM SPACE?" asks NASA at the outset. The image shows the familiar blue orb of our planet. But what's different than usual is a black spot right over Antarctica in the south. That is Moon's shadow as it passes between the Sun and Earth, therby treating the regions under that shadow to a beautiful solar eclipse.</p>

<p>"Our robotic and human explorers are here to help. On Dec. 4, 2021, the Deep Space Climate Observatory (DSCOVR) spacecraft captured the Moon's shadow as it passed over Antarctica, home to penguins and a handful of scientists. Shaped like a cone extending into space, the shadow has a circular cross-section most easily seen during a solar eclipse. People in parts of Namibia, South Africa, New Zealand, and the Falkland Islands were treated to a partial eclipse," says NASA in Instagram post.</p>

<p>Check it out below</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CXKQ86Dps0H/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
<div style="padding:16px;">
<div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;">
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 19% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CXKQ86Dps0H/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"><svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd" stroke="none" stroke-width="1"><g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></a></div>

<div style="padding-top: 8px;">
<div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CXKQ86Dps0H/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank">View this post on Instagram</a></div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 12.5% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;">
<div>
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: 8px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: auto;">
<div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CXKQ86Dps0H/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by NASA (@nasa)</a></p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>As it can be seen. Netizens have loved the pic and it has been 'liked' by nearly a million people.</p>


Solar eclipse is a treat to the senses. It's amazing to see a day give way to a sudden night and the ever-shining disc of the Sun getting obscured by the Moon. Those observing can see stars twinkling right in front of them in a black sky which, by logic, should have been lit by bright sunshine.

Solar eclipse is a treat to the senses. It's amazing to see a day give way to a sudden night and the ever-shining disc of the Sun getting obscured by the Moon. Those observing can see stars twinkling right in front of them in a black sky which, by logic, should have been lit by bright sunshine. But not everyone is lucky to have seen a total eclipse. You have to be in the right place at the right time to witness this natural wonder. There may be thousand who wouldn't have seen total, or even a partial solar eclipse. But witnessing a solar eclipse from space is a privilege affrded to even fewer people. NASA has come to aid of those who can't become an astronaut overnight in order to see an eclipse from space. In its Instagram post, NASA has posted an image taken from space during the recent total eclipse which was visible only from Antarctica. "Have you ever seen a total solar eclipse? How about seeing a total solar eclipse FROM SPACE?" asks NASA at the outset. The image shows the familiar blue orb of our planet. But what's different than usual is a black spot right over Antarctica in the south. That is Moon's shadow as it passes between the Sun and Earth, therby treating the regions under that shadow to a beautiful solar eclipse. "Our robotic and human explorers are here to help. On Dec. 4, 2021, the Deep Space Climate Observatory (DSCOVR) spacecraft captured the Moon's shadow as it passed over Antarctica, home to penguins and a handful of scientists. Shaped like a cone extending into space, the shadow has a circular cross-section most easily seen during a solar eclipse. People in parts of Namibia, South Africa, New Zealand, and the Falkland Islands were treated to a partial eclipse," says NASA in Instagram post. Check it out below View this post on Instagram A post shared by NASA (@nasa) × As it can be seen. Netizens have loved the pic and it has been 'liked' by nearly a million people.

NASA depicts solar eclipse from space in a brilliant photo

<p>There is no saying what the universe might throw at us. Just when some of us think they know everything about it, a new discovery tosses all that smugness out of the park.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Scientists have now spotted one of the smallest planets ever to be discovered outside our solar system. The planet, designated as GJ 367b is a red-hot world. It's just a bit larger than Mars and is as dense as pure Iron.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The planet zooms around its star every eight hours. It is 31 light-years away from Earth.</p>

<p>Scientists are eager to find exoplanets, as these alien worlds are known, that might harbor life. The newly discovered one, called GJ 367b, certainly could not, possessing ferocious surface temperatures and perhaps a molten lava surface on the side facing its star, they said. But other small exoplanets found and studied using the same methods might emerge as good candidates for nurturing extraterrestrial life.</p>

<p>A quarter century after the first exoplanet discoveries, scientists have turned toward characterizing them more precisely to gain a deeper understanding of their variety, from large gas giants akin to Jupiter to smaller rocky Earth-like planets where life might thrive.</p>

<p>"Gas giants such as Jupiter, as we know it, are not habitable because they have more extreme temperatures, weather, pressures and a lack of essential building blocks to support life," said astronomer Kristine Lam of the Institute of Planetary Research at the German Aerospace Center (DLR), lead author of the study published in the journal Science. She was quoted by Reuters.</p>

<p>"Unlike gas giants, small terrestrial worlds like Earth are more temperate and consist of important ingredients, such as liquid water and oxygen, to harbor life forms. Although not all terrestrial exoplanets are habitable, searching for smaller worlds and identifying the type of planets they are can help us understand how planets were formed, what makes a planet habitable and if our solar system is unique," Lam added.</p>

<p>GJ 367b is the smallest exoplanet to be so precisely characterized. It has a diameter of about 5,600 miles (9,000 km) - compared to Earth's 7,900 miles (12,700 km) and the 4,200 miles (6,800 km) of Mars. Its mass is 55% that of Earth and it is more dense - near that of pure iron.</p>

<p>The researchers calculated that 86% of GJ 367b is composed of iron, with an interior structure resembling Mercury, the closest planet to our sun. They are wondering whether the planet lost an outer mantle that once encased its core.</p>

<p>"Perhaps like Mercury, GJ 367b could have experienced an episode of giant impact which stripped away the mantle, leaving behind a large iron core. Or maybe the exoplanet is a remnant of a Neptune or super-Earth sized gaseous planet, where the atmosphere of the planet has completely blown away as the planet is blasted by a large amount of radiation from the star," Lam said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


There is no saying what the universe might throw at us. Just when some of us think they know everything about it, a new discovery tosses all that smugness out of the park.

There is no saying what the universe might throw at us. Just when some of us think they know everything about it, a new discovery tosses all that smugness out of the park. Scientists have now spotted one of the smallest planets ever to be discovered outside our solar system. The planet, designated as GJ 367b is a red-hot world. It's just a bit larger than Mars and is as dense as pure Iron. The planet zooms around its star every eight hours. It is 31 light-years away from Earth. Scientists are eager to find exoplanets, as these alien worlds are known, that might harbor life. The newly discovered one, called GJ 367b, certainly could not, possessing ferocious surface temperatures and perhaps a molten lava surface on the side facing its star, they said. But other small exoplanets found and studied using the same methods might emerge as good candidates for nurturing extraterrestrial life. A quarter century after the first exoplanet discoveries, scientists have turned toward characterizing them more precisely to gain a deeper understanding of their variety, from large gas giants akin to Jupiter to smaller rocky Earth-like planets where life might thrive. "Gas giants such as Jupiter, as we know it, are not habitable because they have more extreme temperatures, weather, pressures and a lack of essential building blocks to support life," said astronomer Kristine Lam of the Institute of Planetary Research at the German Aerospace Center (DLR), lead author of the study published in the journal Science. She was quoted by Reuters. "Unlike gas giants, small terrestrial worlds like Earth are more temperate and consist of important ingredients, such as liquid water and oxygen, to harbor life forms. Although not all terrestrial exoplanets are habitable, searching for smaller worlds and identifying the type of planets they are can help us understand how planets were formed, what makes a planet habitable and if our solar system is unique," Lam added. GJ 367b is the smallest exoplanet to be so precisely characterized. It has a diameter of about 5,600 miles (9,000 km) - compared to Earth's 7,900 miles (12,700 km) and the 4,200 miles (6,800 km) of Mars. Its mass is 55% that of Earth and it is more dense - near that of pure iron. The researchers calculated that 86% of GJ 367b is composed of iron, with an interior structure resembling Mercury, the closest planet to our sun. They are wondering whether the planet lost an outer mantle that once encased its core. "Perhaps like Mercury, GJ 367b could have experienced an episode of giant impact which stripped away the mantle, leaving behind a large iron core. Or maybe the exoplanet is a remnant of a Neptune or super-Earth sized gaseous planet, where the atmosphere of the planet has completely blown away as the planet is blasted by a large amount of radiation from the star," Lam said. (With inputs from agencies)

On this planet as dense as Iron, a year lasts only eight hours

<p>Nebulas are places in space where stars form. Nebulas are made up of interstellar gas and dust. They are formed when old stars explode. Amd in turn, new stars are formed from the stellar material deposited in the nebula.</p>

<p>NASA's Hubble space telescope has captured image of Prawn Nebula, a massive stellar nursery. The nebula is 250 might-years wide and is situated at a distance of 6000 light-years away from Earth. Formally, the Prawn Nebula is called IC 4628.</p>

<p>The nebula has been classified as emission nebula. This is because the gas in the nebula is being ionised by stars forming inside it. This forms electrons that re-emit the absorbed energy in the form of infrared light. Human eye cannot see infrared light. And thus good-ol Hubble comes into play.</p>

<p>Hubble's unique vantage point in space gives it a unique advantage when it comes to clicking pictures of celestial bodies. Needless to say, its vast array of cameras and lenses makes it capable of perceiving light not ordinarily visible to human eye.</p>

<p>This image has been taken by Hubble's Wide Field Camera 3. The image was clicked as part of an initiative to survey large and intermediate-size stars which are in early stage of their development.</p>


Nebulas are places in space where stars form. Nebulas are made up of interstellar gas and dust. They are formed when old stars explode. Amd in turn, new stars are formed from the stellar material deposited in the nebula.

Nebulas are places in space where stars form. Nebulas are made up of interstellar gas and dust. They are formed when old stars explode. Amd in turn, new stars are formed from the stellar material deposited in the nebula. NASA's Hubble space telescope has captured image of Prawn Nebula, a massive stellar nursery. The nebula is 250 might-years wide and is situated at a distance of 6000 light-years away from Earth. Formally, the Prawn Nebula is called IC 4628. The nebula has been classified as emission nebula. This is because the gas in the nebula is being ionised by stars forming inside it. This forms electrons that re-emit the absorbed energy in the form of infrared light. Human eye cannot see infrared light. And thus good-ol Hubble comes into play. Hubble's unique vantage point in space gives it a unique advantage when it comes to clicking pictures of celestial bodies. Needless to say, its vast array of cameras and lenses makes it capable of perceiving light not ordinarily visible to human eye. This image has been taken by Hubble's Wide Field Camera 3. The image was clicked as part of an initiative to survey large and intermediate-size stars which are in early stage of their development.

Hubble telescope captures pic of Prawn Nebula, a massive stellar nursery

<p>For the first time, astronomers have detected fluorine—which is found in human’s bones and teeth as fluoride—in a galaxy that is more than 12 billion light-years away.</p>

<p>A team of astronomers made the discovery using the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array telescope (ALMA) in Chile.</p>

<p>“We all know about fluorine because the toothpaste we use every day contains it in the form of fluoride,” said Maximilien Franco from the University of Hertfordshire in the UK, who led the new study, published on Thursday in Nature Astronomy.</p>

<p>“Like most elements around us, fluorine is created inside stars but, until now, we did not know exactly how this element was produced. We did not even know which type of stars produced the majority of fluorine in the Universe!” he said in a statement.</p>

<p>Franco and his collaborators spotted fluorine (in the form of hydrogen fluoride) in the large clouds of gas of the distant galaxy NGP–190387.</p>

<p>Since stars expel the elements, they form in their cores as they reach the end of their lives, this detection implies that the stars that created fluorine must have lived and died quickly.</p>

<p>The team believes that Wolf–Rayet stars, very massive stars that live only a few million years, are the most likely production sites of fluorine.</p>

<p>They are needed to explain the amounts of hydrogen fluoride the team spotted, the astronomers say.</p>

<p>Wolf–Rayet stars had been suggested as possible sources of cosmic fluorine before, but astronomers did not know until now how important they were in producing this element in the early Universe.</p>

<p>“We have shown that Wolf–Rayet stars, which are among the most massive stars known and can explode violently as they reach the end of their lives, help us, in a way, to maintain good dental health!” Franco said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


For the first time, astronomers have detected fluorine—which is found in human’s bones and teeth as fluoride—in a galaxy that is more than 12 billion light-years away.

For the first time, astronomers have detected fluorine—which is found in human’s bones and teeth as fluoride—in a galaxy that is more than 12 billion light-years away. A team of astronomers made the discovery using the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array telescope (ALMA) in Chile. “We all know about fluorine because the toothpaste we use every day contains it in the form of fluoride,” said Maximilien Franco from the University of Hertfordshire in the UK, who led the new study, published on Thursday in Nature Astronomy. “Like most elements around us, fluorine is created inside stars but, until now, we did not know exactly how this element was produced. We did not even know which type of stars produced the majority of fluorine in the Universe!” he said in a statement. Franco and his collaborators spotted fluorine (in the form of hydrogen fluoride) in the large clouds of gas of the distant galaxy NGP–190387. Since stars expel the elements, they form in their cores as they reach the end of their lives, this detection implies that the stars that created fluorine must have lived and died quickly. The team believes that Wolf–Rayet stars, very massive stars that live only a few million years, are the most likely production sites of fluorine. They are needed to explain the amounts of hydrogen fluoride the team spotted, the astronomers say. Wolf–Rayet stars had been suggested as possible sources of cosmic fluorine before, but astronomers did not know until now how important they were in producing this element in the early Universe. “We have shown that Wolf–Rayet stars, which are among the most massive stars known and can explode violently as they reach the end of their lives, help us, in a way, to maintain good dental health!” Franco said. (With inputs from agencies)

For first time, element found in bones, teeth detected in galaxy 12 billion light years away

<p>Andromeda galaxy is the nearest large galaxy to the Milky Way. Naturally, we have our scientific eyes in its direction. the galaxy is 2.5 million lightyears away from us.</p>

<p>There is a strange elongated cluster of stars near the centre of the Andromeda galaxy. Astronomers now know the reason behind it.</p>

<p>Galaxies have supermassive black holes at the centre. It is common for two galaxies to collide in space. In such a case, the supermassive black holes at the centre of these galaxies collide as well. The black holes are first locked in a gravitational dance in which they revolve around each other. They merge afterwards to form a single supermassive black hole.</p>

<p>This merger causes a gravitational 'kick' in the form of gravitational waves. This 'kick' is somewhat like a recoil of a gun when bullet is fired.</p>

<p>A latest study says that this gravitational kick on a cosmic scale is powerful enough to form an elongated disc near the centre of a galaxy. This disc is a mass made up of millions of stars. And this is what is visible at the centre of the Andromeda galaxy.</p>

<p>To arrive at the conclusion, a team of researchers at University of Colorado Boulder ran simulation of collision of supermassive black holes. The team found that resulting force of the collision was enough to stretch disc of nearby stars in an elongated shape rather than a symmetrical one.</p>


Andromeda galaxy is the nearest large galaxy to the Milky Way. Naturally, we have our scientific eyes in its direction. the galaxy is 2.5 million lightyears away from us.

Andromeda galaxy is the nearest large galaxy to the Milky Way. Naturally, we have our scientific eyes in its direction. the galaxy is 2.5 million lightyears away from us. There is a strange elongated cluster of stars near the centre of the Andromeda galaxy. Astronomers now know the reason behind it. Galaxies have supermassive black holes at the centre. It is common for two galaxies to collide in space. In such a case, the supermassive black holes at the centre of these galaxies collide as well. The black holes are first locked in a gravitational dance in which they revolve around each other. They merge afterwards to form a single supermassive black hole. This merger causes a gravitational 'kick' in the form of gravitational waves. This 'kick' is somewhat like a recoil of a gun when bullet is fired. A latest study says that this gravitational kick on a cosmic scale is powerful enough to form an elongated disc near the centre of a galaxy. This disc is a mass made up of millions of stars. And this is what is visible at the centre of the Andromeda galaxy. To arrive at the conclusion, a team of researchers at University of Colorado Boulder ran simulation of collision of supermassive black holes. The team found that resulting force of the collision was enough to stretch disc of nearby stars in an elongated shape rather than a symmetrical one.

Andromeda galaxy has a weird shape in the middle, astronomers now know why

<p>Space is full of surprises and wonders. The beauty is unparalleled and sometimes we come across such a beauty that we can't help but be mesmerised and ascribe some meaning to the resplendent celestial structure.</p>

<p>Trust NASA to send such pictures our way! The space agency regularly posts photos it clicks via its social media channels. And on of its photos has us go gaga again.</p>

<p>The image is of 'Hand of God'. The photo shows a golden structure on the background of deep black of the space that has arranged itself to resemble a hand. And it would have been surprising if this would've got called anything but 'hand of God'. The structure appears to pop out of nothingness, just like a Supreme Being wanting to convey his blessings and nothing more. Take a look at the image.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/devils-eye-nasa-posts-eerie-image-of-helix-nebula-in-the-halloween-season-426198">Devil's eye? NASA posts eerie image of Helix Nebula this Halloween season</a></strong></p>

<p>NASA explains that the golden structure is a nebula of energy and particles blown by a pulsar. The pulsar has been left behind after explosion of a star. This pulsar is known as PSR B1509-58. It is about 19 kilometres in diamters. Mind boggling thing is that it is spinning around itself 7 times per second. It is 17,000 lightyears away from Earth.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CUKsAqir5Bp/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
<div style="padding:16px;">
<div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;">
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 19% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CUKsAqir5Bp/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"><svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd" stroke="none" stroke-width="1"><g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></a></div>

<div style="padding-top: 8px;">
<div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CUKsAqir5Bp/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank">View this post on Instagram</a></div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 12.5% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;">
<div>
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: 8px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: auto;">
<div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CUKsAqir5Bp/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by NASA Chandra X-ray Observatory (@nasachandraxray)</a></p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Netizens are obviously awestruck at the images.</p>

<p>"It should be called "hand of Midas"!" says a user referring to the fairy tale of a king whose touch turned everything to gold.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-ingenuity-helicopter-latest-mars-flying-tougher-415112">NASA's Ingenuity helicopter is finding it tougher to fly on Mars</a></strong></p>

<p>"How do you measure something that is only 19 kms in diameter from 17,000 light years away? That cray cray," exclaims another user.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-astronaut-iss-cracks-serious-issue-415124">Cracks on ISS a 'serious issue', says former NASA astronaut</a></strong></p>

<p>"For me it looks like fire from Lord Shiva's third eye,, and he is wearing an earring and his hairstyle holding ganga," a third user delves into Indian mythology.</p>

<p>No wonder the beautIful image has gone viral and has got about 25,000 likes already.</p>


Space is full of surprises and wonders. The beauty is unparalleled and sometimes we come across such a beauty that we can't help but be mesmerised and ascribe some meaning to the resplendent celestial structure.

Space is full of surprises and wonders. The beauty is unparalleled and sometimes we come across such a beauty that we can't help but be mesmerised and ascribe some meaning to the resplendent celestial structure. Trust NASA to send such pictures our way! The space agency regularly posts photos it clicks via its social media channels. And on of its photos has us go gaga again. The image is of 'Hand of God'. The photo shows a golden structure on the background of deep black of the space that has arranged itself to resemble a hand. And it would have been surprising if this would've got called anything but 'hand of God'. The structure appears to pop out of nothingness, just like a Supreme Being wanting to convey his blessings and nothing more. Take a look at the image. Also Read | Devil's eye? NASA posts eerie image of Helix Nebula this Halloween season NASA explains that the golden structure is a nebula of energy and particles blown by a pulsar. The pulsar has been left behind after explosion of a star. This pulsar is known as PSR B1509-58. It is about 19 kilometres in diamters. Mind boggling thing is that it is spinning around itself 7 times per second. It is 17,000 lightyears away from Earth. View this post on Instagram A post shared by NASA Chandra X-ray Observatory (@nasachandraxray) × Netizens are obviously awestruck at the images. "It should be called "hand of Midas"!" says a user referring to the fairy tale of a king whose touch turned everything to gold. Also Read | NASA's Ingenuity helicopter is finding it tougher to fly on Mars "How do you measure something that is only 19 kms in diameter from 17,000 light years away? That cray cray," exclaims another user. Also Read | Cracks on ISS a 'serious issue', says former NASA astronaut "For me it looks like fire from Lord Shiva's third eye,, and he is wearing an earring and his hairstyle holding ganga," a third user delves into Indian mythology. No wonder the beautIful image has gone viral and has got about 25,000 likes already.

NASA posts image of 'Hand of God', netizens are awestruck

<p>Space is full of wonders beyond our imagination. Though we have gazed far and deep into reaches of the black expanse, a lot remains unknown and what is known continues to surprise and mesmerise us. It's a good thing NASA and other space agencies are keeping track of it all.</p>

<p>A new image posted by NASA has transfixed everyone. The image shows a celestial structure that is like an eye in the sky looking at us from above. The eye does not appear benevolently watchful but has a mesmerising glow to it. The eyelashes are blue while the iris is blazing red.</p>

<p>Who is watching? God? or the Devil himself?</p>

<p>The eerie beauty is imparted to the photo by Helix Nebula which has been captured by Spitzer telescope. Helix Nebula is 700 light-years away from Earth and located in the Aquarius constellation.</p>

<p>NASA has posted the image on its Instagram account.</p>

<p>"The two-light-year diameter shroud of dust and gas around a central white dwarf, is an example of a planetary nebula, one of the final stages in the evolution of a Sun-like star. The dust makes this cosmic eye gleam red," says NASA in its Instagram post.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-posts-image-of-hand-of-god-netizens-are-awestruck-416265">NASA posts image of 'Hand of God', netizens are awestruck</a></strong></p>

<p>NASA further explains that nebular material was ejected from the star thousands of years ago.</p>

<p>"...the close-in dust could be generated by collisions in a reservoir of objects, like our own solar system’s Kuiper Belt or cometary Oort cloud. Formed in the distant planetary system, the comet-like bodies have otherwise survived the dramatic late stages of the star’s evolution...," says NASA</p>

<p>Check out the image</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CVwBAj2Jr-K/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
<div style="padding:16px;">
<div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;">
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 19% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CVwBAj2Jr-K/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"><svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd" stroke="none" stroke-width="1"><g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></a></div>

<div style="padding-top: 8px;">
<div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CVwBAj2Jr-K/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank">View this post on Instagram</a></div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 12.5% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;">
<div>
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: 8px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: auto;">
<div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CVwBAj2Jr-K/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by NASA (@nasa)</a></p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>The image has gone crazy viral on Instagram and has been liked by more than 1000000 people.</p>


Space is full of wonders beyond our imagination. Though we have gazed far and deep into reaches of the black expanse, a lot remains unknown and what is known continues to surprise and mesmerise us.

Space is full of wonders beyond our imagination. Though we have gazed far and deep into reaches of the black expanse, a lot remains unknown and what is known continues to surprise and mesmerise us. It's a good thing NASA and other space agencies are keeping track of it all. A new image posted by NASA has transfixed everyone. The image shows a celestial structure that is like an eye in the sky looking at us from above. The eye does not appear benevolently watchful but has a mesmerising glow to it. The eyelashes are blue while the iris is blazing red. Who is watching? God? or the Devil himself? The eerie beauty is imparted to the photo by Helix Nebula which has been captured by Spitzer telescope. Helix Nebula is 700 light-years away from Earth and located in the Aquarius constellation. NASA has posted the image on its Instagram account. "The two-light-year diameter shroud of dust and gas around a central white dwarf, is an example of a planetary nebula, one of the final stages in the evolution of a Sun-like star. The dust makes this cosmic eye gleam red," says NASA in its Instagram post. Also Read | NASA posts image of 'Hand of God', netizens are awestruck NASA further explains that nebular material was ejected from the star thousands of years ago. "...the close-in dust could be generated by collisions in a reservoir of objects, like our own solar system’s Kuiper Belt or cometary Oort cloud. Formed in the distant planetary system, the comet-like bodies have otherwise survived the dramatic late stages of the star’s evolution...," says NASA Check out the image View this post on Instagram A post shared by NASA (@nasa) × The image has gone crazy viral on Instagram and has been liked by more than 1000000 people.

Devil's eye? NASA posts eerie image of Helix Nebula in Halloween season

<p>It perhaps is a dream of all of us to find a new planet or a star. If the discovery is vital enough, they even may give the planet our name. But not all of us have the scientific know-how to actually do that and all we can do is dream.</p>

<p>But now in our connected world, anything is possible. And if you really want to help scientists discover a new planet, all you need is a web browser and the internet.</p>

<p>The mission is to observe changes in brightness of stars. If a planet comes between us and the star, the star may dim in a certain way indicating presence of the planet.</p>

<p>There is a lot of data to sift through. The images and data has been captured by NGTS telescopes based at the European Southern Observatory (ESO) Paranal Observatory in Chile.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/jupiter-collides-with-a-space-rock-japanese-skywatchers-observe-event-423312">Jupiter collides with a space rock, collision causes flash in its atmosphere</a></strong></p>

<p>The NGTS telescope captures images of thousands of stars in the space.</p>

<p>So why don't our softwares find the planets? Astronomers have been quoted in media reports as saying that current softwares do not capture the dimming effectively. They may miss a dimming star or falsely report presence of a planet. That's where volunteers come in.</p>

<p>If you are interested, you can head to Planet Hunters NGST page to get started. And if you think all the exercise is futile, remember that a mechanic in Australia has already found an unusual four-planet solar system.</p>


It perhaps is a dream of all of us to find a new planet or a star. If the discovery is vital enough, they even may give the planet our name. But not all of us have the scientific know-how to actually do that and all we can do is dream.

It perhaps is a dream of all of us to find a new planet or a star. If the discovery is vital enough, they even may give the planet our name. But not all of us have the scientific know-how to actually do that and all we can do is dream. But now in our connected world, anything is possible. And if you really want to help scientists discover a new planet, all you need is a web browser and the internet. The mission is to observe changes in brightness of stars. If a planet comes between us and the star, the star may dim in a certain way indicating presence of the planet. There is a lot of data to sift through. The images and data has been captured by NGTS telescopes based at the European Southern Observatory (ESO) Paranal Observatory in Chile. Also Read | Jupiter collides with a space rock, collision causes flash in its atmosphere The NGTS telescope captures images of thousands of stars in the space. So why don't our softwares find the planets? Astronomers have been quoted in media reports as saying that current softwares do not capture the dimming effectively. They may miss a dimming star or falsely report presence of a planet. That's where volunteers come in. If you are interested, you can head to Planet Hunters NGST page to get started. And if you think all the exercise is futile, remember that a mechanic in Australia has already found an unusual four-planet solar system.

Scientists want you to help them discover new planets, here's how

<p>Some readers may remember the time when a legit comet collided with planet Jupiter. The exceptional event that took place in the year 1992 was huge news worldwide as it was first such event taking place inside solar system when human technology was developed enough to observe it in detail. As the comet approached Jupiter, it broke apart and created several bright flashes that were observed by telescopes on Earth and in space.</p>

<p>A similar event has grabbed headlines now. This time the object that hit Jupiter may not be as spectacular as a comet but has generated interest in scientific community nonetheless.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/asteroid-deflecting-nasa-spacecraft-begins-final-preparations-422759">Asteroid-deflecting NASA spacecraft begins final preparations</a></strong></p>

<p>On October 15, a flash in Jupiter's atmosphere attracted attention of skywatchers in Japan. A Twitter user who photographed the event told news websites that the flash appeared to last long.</p>

<p>The flash was also observed by team of astronomers at Japan's Kyoto University. A space rock had collided with the gas giant.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/china-plans-to-extract-oxygen-from-moons-surface-report-422444">China plans to extract oxygen from Moon's surface: Report</a></strong></p>

<p>According to Sky &amp; Telescope, the space rock hit Jupiter's northern hemisphere.</p>

<p>Space rocks, asteroids and even comets are attracted to Jupiter due to the planet's enormous gravity. The biggest planet in our solar system has a monstrous pull on objects venturing too close to it. The planet is jokingly called a 'vacuum cleaner' of the solar system but in all seriousness, Jupiter may have been the reason we are alive today because of it eating up a rogue asteroid heading our way in all these years.</p>


Some readers may remember the time when a legit comet collided with planet Jupiter. The exceptional event that took place in the year 1992 was huge news worldwide as it was first such event taking place inside solar system when human technology was developed enough to observe it in detail.

Some readers may remember the time when a legit comet collided with planet Jupiter. The exceptional event that took place in the year 1992 was huge news worldwide as it was first such event taking place inside solar system when human technology was developed enough to observe it in detail. As the comet approached Jupiter, it broke apart and created several bright flashes that were observed by telescopes on Earth and in space. A similar event has grabbed headlines now. This time the object that hit Jupiter may not be as spectacular as a comet but has generated interest in scientific community nonetheless. Also Read | Asteroid-deflecting NASA spacecraft begins final preparations On October 15, a flash in Jupiter's atmosphere attracted attention of skywatchers in Japan. A Twitter user who photographed the event told news websites that the flash appeared to last long. The flash was also observed by team of astronomers at Japan's Kyoto University. A space rock had collided with the gas giant. Also Read | China plans to extract oxygen from Moon's surface: Report According to Sky & Telescope, the space rock hit Jupiter's northern hemisphere. Space rocks, asteroids and even comets are attracted to Jupiter due to the planet's enormous gravity. The biggest planet in our solar system has a monstrous pull on objects venturing too close to it. The planet is jokingly called a 'vacuum cleaner' of the solar system but in all seriousness, Jupiter may have been the reason we are alive today because of it eating up a rogue asteroid heading our way in all these years.

Jupiter collides with a space rock, collision causes flash in its atmosphere

<p>Asteroids may be small as compared to Earth, but their destructive power is huge due to momentum imparted to them by their speed. An asteroid struck Earth millions of years ago and ended the reign of dinosaurs. Such a rogue asteroid will very much be capable of ending human civilisation as we know it. Planetary defence hence is an important aspect of our space studies.</p>

<p>Humankind is taking first steps in this direction. NASA's asteroid deflecting spacecraft has begun final preparations before its lift-off. The spacecraft will lift-off in November this year. SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will take it in space.</p>

<p>The spacecraft is now at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. It was transported there on October 2.</p>

<p>"The spacecraft will go through a series of final tests and checks, as well as fueling, in the next few weeks as the team prepares for DART’s scheduled launch," NASA said.</p>

<p>DART is an acronym for Double Asteroid Redirection Test.</p>

<p>"DART will be the world’s first mission to test planetary defense techniques, demonstrating one mitigation method of asteroid deflection, called kinetic impact. DART will impact the small asteroid moonlet Dimorphos, which orbits a larger companion, Didymos, in a binary asteroid system to change its orbital period. Although neither asteroid poses a threat to Earth, the collision with Dimorphos enables researchers to demonstrate the deflection technique along with several new technologies, and collect important data to enhance our modeling and predictive capabilities for asteroid deflection. Those enhancements will help us better prepare should an asteroid ever be discovered as a threat to Earth," NASA said on its website<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Asteroids may be small as compared to Earth, but their destructive power is huge due to momentum imparted to them by their speed. An asteroid struck Earth millions of years ago and ended the reign of dinosaurs.

Asteroids may be small as compared to Earth, but their destructive power is huge due to momentum imparted to them by their speed. An asteroid struck Earth millions of years ago and ended the reign of dinosaurs. Such a rogue asteroid will very much be capable of ending human civilisation as we know it. Planetary defence hence is an important aspect of our space studies. Humankind is taking first steps in this direction. NASA's asteroid deflecting spacecraft has begun final preparations before its lift-off. The spacecraft will lift-off in November this year. SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will take it in space. The spacecraft is now at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. It was transported there on October 2. "The spacecraft will go through a series of final tests and checks, as well as fueling, in the next few weeks as the team prepares for DART’s scheduled launch," NASA said. DART is an acronym for Double Asteroid Redirection Test. "DART will be the world’s first mission to test planetary defense techniques, demonstrating one mitigation method of asteroid deflection, called kinetic impact. DART will impact the small asteroid moonlet Dimorphos, which orbits a larger companion, Didymos, in a binary asteroid system to change its orbital period. Although neither asteroid poses a threat to Earth, the collision with Dimorphos enables researchers to demonstrate the deflection technique along with several new technologies, and collect important data to enhance our modeling and predictive capabilities for asteroid deflection. Those enhancements will help us better prepare should an asteroid ever be discovered as a threat to Earth," NASA said on its website

Asteroid-deflecting NASA spacecraft begins final preparations

<p>NASA's newly launched spacecraft Lucy, which lifted off on October 16 to explore distant asteroids has faced issues with one of its solar panels.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Sunday, NASA said that one of Lucy's 24-foot-wide solar panels may not be working well.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While the 12-year asteroid mission is safe and healthy, one of the two solar array is not be fully latched, NASA said in a statement.</p>

<p>"NASA`s #LucyMission is safe &amp; stable. The two solar arrays have deployed, but one may not be fully latched. The team is analysing data to determine next steps," Thomas Zurbuchen, associate administrator for the Science Mission Directorate at the agency`s Headquarters in Washington, DC, wrote on Twitter.</p>

<p>NASA said that the team was analysing the problem and will decide on next steps in coming days.</p>

<p>"Lucy spacecraft systems show the spacecraft is operating well and is stable," NASA added in a blogpost.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, it said all other system is working well and both of the solar arrays are producing power and charging the battery .</p>

<p>"All other subsystems are normal. In the current spacecraft attitude, Lucy can continue to operate with no threat to its health and safety. The team is analysing spacecraft data to understand the situation and determine next steps to achieve full deployment of the solar array," the blogpost said.</p>

<p>Lucy`s solar panels are a crucial part of the spacecraft`s ambitious mission to get scientists their first-ever up-close look at asteroids that orbit in the same path as Jupiter, called the Trojans.</p>

<p>Lucy will explore the Trojan asteroids with a suite of remote sensing instruments. Additionally, the navigation cameras will be used to determine the shapes of the Trojan asteroids.</p>

<p>Jupiter`s Trojan Asteroids are small bodies that are remnants of our early solar system, now trapped in stable orbits associated with, but not close to, the giant planet Jupiter.</p>

<p>These primitive bodies hold vital clues to deciphering the history of the solar system.</p>


NASA's newly launched spacecraft Lucy, which lifted off on October 16 to explore distant asteroids has faced issues with one of its solar panels. On Sunday, NASA said that one of Lucy's 24-foot-wide solar panels may not be working well.

NASA's newly launched spacecraft Lucy, which lifted off on October 16 to explore distant asteroids has faced issues with one of its solar panels. On Sunday, NASA said that one of Lucy's 24-foot-wide solar panels may not be working well. While the 12-year asteroid mission is safe and healthy, one of the two solar array is not be fully latched, NASA said in a statement. "NASA`s #LucyMission is safe & stable. The two solar arrays have deployed, but one may not be fully latched. The team is analysing data to determine next steps," Thomas Zurbuchen, associate administrator for the Science Mission Directorate at the agency`s Headquarters in Washington, DC, wrote on Twitter. NASA said that the team was analysing the problem and will decide on next steps in coming days. "Lucy spacecraft systems show the spacecraft is operating well and is stable," NASA added in a blogpost. Meanwhile, it said all other system is working well and both of the solar arrays are producing power and charging the battery . "All other subsystems are normal. In the current spacecraft attitude, Lucy can continue to operate with no threat to its health and safety. The team is analysing spacecraft data to understand the situation and determine next steps to achieve full deployment of the solar array," the blogpost said. Lucy`s solar panels are a crucial part of the spacecraft`s ambitious mission to get scientists their first-ever up-close look at asteroids that orbit in the same path as Jupiter, called the Trojans. Lucy will explore the Trojan asteroids with a suite of remote sensing instruments. Additionally, the navigation cameras will be used to determine the shapes of the Trojan asteroids. Jupiter`s Trojan Asteroids are small bodies that are remnants of our early solar system, now trapped in stable orbits associated with, but not close to, the giant planet Jupiter. These primitive bodies hold vital clues to deciphering the history of the solar system.

NASA's Lucy spacecraft faces issues with solar panel

astronomy

Astronomy, News on Astronomy, stories on Astronomy, articles on Astronomy, Astronomy stories at Wion, Astronomy news, Astronomy latest news