Google has taken its AI ambitions beyond Earth. The company has successfully placed a prototype satellite carrying its Tensor Processing Units (TPUs) into orbit as part of Project Suncatcher, an experimental plan to explore AI data centres in space.&nbsp;The refrigerator-sized satellite, built with Planet, launched aboard SpaceX's Transporter-18 rideshare mission from California on October 1. Google has confirmed contact with the spacecraft and says it is operating as expected. This is not yet a space data centre. It is a crucial test to answer a much simpler question: can Google's AI hardware actually work reliably in orbit?<h2>Four AI chips face the ultimate test</h2>The prototype carries four Google TPUs. They will be exposed to the radiation, vibration and thermal conditions of space while Google gathers data on their performance. Cooling is one of the biggest challenges. On Earth, data centres rely heavily on air and liquid cooling. In the vacuum of space, there is no air to carry heat away. Google therefore has to move heat from the chips to radiators that can release it into space. For the initial experiment, the TPUs will operate only in short bursts of around 15 minutes, allowing the thermal system time to manage the heat. Radiation is another concern. Google's testing indicates its TPUs can withstand radiation levels greater than those expected during a five-year space mission, although errors can still occur.<h2>Google has a much bigger plan</h2>The satellite is only the beginning. Google's longer-term vision involves interconnected satellites carrying AI chips and communicating using high-speed laser links. The company believes near-constant sunlight in orbit could provide significantly more solar energy than comparable systems on Earth. The next major step is planned for 2027, when Google and Planet intend to test two more purpose-built satellites and their ability to communicate with each other. Google's broader research has explored an eventual constellation of 81 satellites working together as an orbital computing system.&nbsp;<h2>The biggest obstacle may be getting there cheaply</h2>The technology is only one part of the challenge. Launching enough hardware into orbit could be enormously expensive. Google's research examines whether falling launch costs could eventually make orbital computing economically viable. The company's analysis points to dramatically higher launch activity being required, including thousands of Starship-class missions over time. That is a major assumption because the required launch cadence does not exist today. For now, Suncatcher remains a research project rather than a commercial product. But Google's first TPU satellite is now in orbit, turning what was once a theoretical idea into a real-world engineering experiment.

Google has launched its first Project Suncatcher prototype into orbit with four Tensor Processing Units aboard a Planet-built satellite. The mission will test AI chips against radiation, heat and spaceflight conditions as Google explores future solar-powered orbital data centres.

Google has taken its AI ambitions beyond Earth. The company has successfully placed a prototype satellite carrying its Tensor Processing Units (TPUs) into orbit as part of Project Suncatcher, an experimental plan to explore AI data centres in space. The refrigerator-sized satellite, built with Planet, launched aboard SpaceX's Transporter-18 rideshare mission from California on October 1. Google has confirmed contact with the spacecraft and says it is operating as expected. This is not yet a space data centre. It is a crucial test to answer a much simpler question: can Google's AI hardware actually work reliably in orbit? Four AI chips face the ultimate test The prototype carries four Google TPUs. They will be exposed to the radiation, vibration and thermal conditions of space while Google gathers data on their performance. Cooling is one of the biggest challenges. On Earth, data centres rely heavily on air and liquid cooling. In the vacuum of space, there is no air to carry heat away. Google therefore has to move heat from the chips to radiators that can release it into space. For the initial experiment, the TPUs will operate only in short bursts of around 15 minutes, allowing the thermal system time to manage the heat. Radiation is another concern. Google's testing indicates its TPUs can withstand radiation levels greater than those expected during a five-year space mission, although errors can still occur. Google has a much bigger plan The satellite is only the beginning. Google's longer-term vision involves interconnected satellites carrying AI chips and communicating using high-speed laser links. The company believes near-constant sunlight in orbit could provide significantly more solar energy than comparable systems on Earth. The next major step is planned for 2027, when Google and Planet intend to test two more purpose-built satellites and their ability to communicate with each other. Google's broader research has explored an eventual constellation of 81 satellites working together as an orbital computing system. The biggest obstacle may be getting there cheaply The technology is only one part of the challenge. Launching enough hardware into orbit could be enormously expensive. Google's research examines whether falling launch costs could eventually make orbital computing economically viable. The company's analysis points to dramatically higher launch activity being required, including thousands of Starship-class missions over time. That is a major assumption because the required launch cadence does not exist today. For now, Suncatcher remains a research project rather than a commercial product. But Google's first TPU satellite is now in orbit, turning what was once a theoretical idea into a real-world engineering experiment.

Google has launched its first Project Suncatcher prototype into orbit with four Tensor Processing Units aboard a Planet-built satellite. The mission will test AI chips against radiation, heat and spaceflight conditions as Google explores future solar-powered orbital data centres.

Google sends four AI chips into orbit as it eyes solar-powered data centres in space

Climate change is the reality of our world today. While we know human actions are the primary cause of global warming, some researchers also link it to an event our Earth undergoes every few thousand to millions of years. This event is the flipping of the magnetic field. But is this really true? Could magnetic pole reversal trigger a mass extinction?&nbsp;According to research, when the poles reverse, that is, the north and south magnetic poles swap places, the magnetic field weakens. According to scientists, this protective field has weakened by about 9 per cent in the last 200 years. This could be an indication that the pole reversal is due.&nbsp;Some people claim that this event can have a significant effect on the climate. This can happen from cosmic rays, the energetic charged particles streaming through outer space produced by coronal mass ejections and supernovae. When these mingle with Earth's atmosphere, secondary radiation is formed, which can reach the surface of our planet. Studies have shown that this event causes ionisation, which can affect atmospheric processes and also damage human DNA.&nbsp;The magnetic field deflects these rays, protecting equatorial regions more than the poles where the field lines dip. A weakened magnetic field could make it easier for this radiation to penetrate Earth. Several studies, including by researchers like Jacob Svensmark, have shown that this could cause ionisation rates to rise globally at sea level and become substantially higher in the upper atmosphere.&nbsp;This is when our planet likely becomes vulnerable to changes in the climate. Increased atmospheric ionisation could change cloud cover patterns and influence climate, as aerosol and water condensation processes are impacted in this scenario. But this might be it when it comes to climate.<h2>What could happen when magnetic poles flip?</h2> According to NASA, past geomagnetic reversals have not triggered mass extinctions or cataclysmic physical disasters. Fossil records show no correlation between pole flips and extinction events. A small risk lies during the weak transition phase when chances of solar particle radiation reaching Earth's upper atmosphere increase. During this time, power grids, satellite communications, aviation networks, and GPS systems could be affected.<h2>How long does pole reversal take?</h2> Magnetic pole reversal is not a sudden event. A full reversal could take anywhere from 2,000 to 10,000 years. In the transition period, the primary dipole field degrades and turns into a complex multipole field. Earth might likely have multiple weak magnetic poles scattered around before stabilising.<h2>When will the next magnetic pole reversal happen?</h2> Predicting this flip is not possible. Historically, magnetic reversals occur roughly every 200,000 to 300,000 years. But the most recent one occurred approximately 780,000 years ago. Known as the Brunhes–Matuyama reversal, the entire process was completed over several thousand years. Despite this long gap, there is no way to say for sure that the reversal is overdue.<h2>Could the pole reversal have already started?</h2> Scientists have seen some indications that hint that the magnetic poles could already be in the process of exchanging places. As mentioned in the beginning, the dipole strength of Earth's magnetic field has decreased by about 9 per cent over the last 150–200 years. The Magnetic North is also drifting and is moving from northern Canada toward Siberia at speeds of 50–60 km/year in recent decades. There is a growing region of weak magnetic field over South America and the southern Atlantic Ocean, impacting satellites in lower orbits. However, it is unclear whether this is happening due to a pole reversal or not.&nbsp;Conclusion: Even if we assume that the pole reversal has already started, fossil records have established that this event is not linked to a mass extinction.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Could the weakening of the magnetic field trigger climate change and ultimately the end of humanity? Some people claim that magnetic pole reversal, which weakens this field, could be affecting our climate. Is there historical proof of a mass extinction linked to this reversal?

Climate change is the reality of our world today. While we know human actions are the primary cause of global warming, some researchers also link it to an event our Earth undergoes every few thousand to millions of years. This event is the flipping of the magnetic field. But is this really true? Could magnetic pole reversal trigger a mass extinction? According to research, when the poles reverse, that is, the north and south magnetic poles swap places, the magnetic field weakens. According to scientists, this protective field has weakened by about 9 per cent in the last 200 years. This could be an indication that the pole reversal is due. Some people claim that this event can have a significant effect on the climate. This can happen from cosmic rays, the energetic charged particles streaming through outer space produced by coronal mass ejections and supernovae. When these mingle with Earth's atmosphere, secondary radiation is formed, which can reach the surface of our planet. Studies have shown that this event causes ionisation, which can affect atmospheric processes and also damage human DNA. The magnetic field deflects these rays, protecting equatorial regions more than the poles where the field lines dip. A weakened magnetic field could make it easier for this radiation to penetrate Earth. Several studies, including by researchers like Jacob Svensmark, have shown that this could cause ionisation rates to rise globally at sea level and become substantially higher in the upper atmosphere. This is when our planet likely becomes vulnerable to changes in the climate. Increased atmospheric ionisation could change cloud cover patterns and influence climate, as aerosol and water condensation processes are impacted in this scenario. But this might be it when it comes to climate. What could happen when magnetic poles flip? According to NASA, past geomagnetic reversals have not triggered mass extinctions or cataclysmic physical disasters. Fossil records show no correlation between pole flips and extinction events. A small risk lies during the weak transition phase when chances of solar particle radiation reaching Earth's upper atmosphere increase. During this time, power grids, satellite communications, aviation networks, and GPS systems could be affected. How long does pole reversal take? Magnetic pole reversal is not a sudden event. A full reversal could take anywhere from 2,000 to 10,000 years. In the transition period, the primary dipole field degrades and turns into a complex multipole field. Earth might likely have multiple weak magnetic poles scattered around before stabilising. When will the next magnetic pole reversal happen? Predicting this flip is not possible. Historically, magnetic reversals occur roughly every 200,000 to 300,000 years. But the most recent one occurred approximately 780,000 years ago. Known as the Brunhes–Matuyama reversal, the entire process was completed over several thousand years. Despite this long gap, there is no way to say for sure that the reversal is overdue. Could the pole reversal have already started? Scientists have seen some indications that hint that the magnetic poles could already be in the process of exchanging places. As mentioned in the beginning, the dipole strength of Earth's magnetic field has decreased by about 9 per cent over the last 150–200 years. The Magnetic North is also drifting and is moving from northern Canada toward Siberia at speeds of 50–60 km/year in recent decades. There is a growing region of weak magnetic field over South America and the southern Atlantic Ocean, impacting satellites in lower orbits. However, it is unclear whether this is happening due to a pole reversal or not. Conclusion: Even if we assume that the pole reversal has already started, fossil records have established that this event is not linked to a mass extinction.

Could the weakening of the magnetic field trigger climate change and ultimately the end of humanity? Some people claim that magnetic pole reversal, which weakens this field, could be affecting our climate. Is there historical proof of a mass extinction linked to this reversal?

Will Earth's magnetic poles flip soon, and could it trigger a mass extinction?

An American spy satellite launched in 1988 to monitor radar signals from the Soviet Union has broken into pieces in orbit. Space Force confirmed that satellite USA 32, codename FARRAH III, fragmented on September 13, 2026. "U.S. Space Forces–Space (S4S) confirms the fragmentation of USA 32 (#19460) in LEO on 13 Sep 2026 (JDay 256) at approximately 2113 UTC," Space Force said. The break-up occurred around 775 kilometres above Earth, and no reason has been revealed yet.&nbsp;It further added that all "debris is being incorporated into routine conjunction assessment screenings" and the pieces do not pose any danger to other satellites. A report by Spaceweather.com suggested that a pressurised tank or battery possibly exploded after heating and cooling for years. Another likely cause is a meteorite strike, or collision with debris. Low-Earth orbit is an extremely congested place, and experts have warned that such events can become common.<h2>Satellite debris could trigger further collisions</h2>The newly created debris is now at risk of further collision with other objects in the region. Space Force has said that it is monitoring the situation and checking the size of each piece and the risk it poses to other spacecraft. Astronomers are also hoping to reconstruct how the satellite came apart by studying the paths of the new objects.&nbsp;FARRAH III was launched on September 5, 1988, to keep an eye on radar from the Soviet Union. It processed some data on board and sent it to astronomers and military officials on Earth. The satellite's codename was inspired by American actor Farrah Fawcett. It was described as a "tuna can" because it wasn't a grand satellite that used spin to stabilise itself. It is not known how long it remained functional, although it was observed spinning in 2021.&nbsp;In order to reduce debris in orbit, space agencies bring down satellites in a planned manner that mostly break up in the atmosphere. They also passivate them, a process where all the propellant is utilised to prevent any explosions. NASA says launch vehicles and payload satellites have "several types of stored energy sources on board, any of which might result in energetic breakups and the creation of debris after their mission has ended."&nbsp;Whether FARRAH III was passivated or not is not known.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Spy satellite USA 32, codename FARRAH III, reportedly broke unexpectedly earlier this month. No reason for the occurrence has been given, while Space Force said it is monitoring the debris. It was launched in 1988 during the Cold War to monitor the Soviet Union's radar signals.

An American spy satellite launched in 1988 to monitor radar signals from the Soviet Union has broken into pieces in orbit. Space Force confirmed that satellite USA 32, codename FARRAH III, fragmented on September 13, 2026. "U.S. Space Forces–Space (S4S) confirms the fragmentation of USA 32 (#19460) in LEO on 13 Sep 2026 (JDay 256) at approximately 2113 UTC," Space Force said. The break-up occurred around 775 kilometres above Earth, and no reason has been revealed yet. It further added that all "debris is being incorporated into routine conjunction assessment screenings" and the pieces do not pose any danger to other satellites. A report by Spaceweather.com suggested that a pressurised tank or battery possibly exploded after heating and cooling for years. Another likely cause is a meteorite strike, or collision with debris. Low-Earth orbit is an extremely congested place, and experts have warned that such events can become common. Satellite debris could trigger further collisions The newly created debris is now at risk of further collision with other objects in the region. Space Force has said that it is monitoring the situation and checking the size of each piece and the risk it poses to other spacecraft. Astronomers are also hoping to reconstruct how the satellite came apart by studying the paths of the new objects. FARRAH III was launched on September 5, 1988, to keep an eye on radar from the Soviet Union. It processed some data on board and sent it to astronomers and military officials on Earth. The satellite's codename was inspired by American actor Farrah Fawcett. It was described as a "tuna can" because it wasn't a grand satellite that used spin to stabilise itself. It is not known how long it remained functional, although it was observed spinning in 2021. In order to reduce debris in orbit, space agencies bring down satellites in a planned manner that mostly break up in the atmosphere. They also passivate them, a process where all the propellant is utilised to prevent any explosions. NASA says launch vehicles and payload satellites have "several types of stored energy sources on board, any of which might result in energetic breakups and the creation of debris after their mission has ended." Whether FARRAH III was passivated or not is not known.

Spy satellite USA 32, codename FARRAH III, reportedly broke unexpectedly earlier this month. No reason for the occurrence has been given, while Space Force said it is monitoring the debris. It was launched in 1988 during the Cold War to monitor the Soviet Union's radar signals.

US spy satellite from Cold War shatters 775 km above Earth

NASA’s WB-57 high-altitude research aircraft studies Earth’s upper atmosphere by flying above 60,000 feet for up to seven hours. The aircraft is equipped for scientific missions that observe atmospheric conditions, weather and other phenomena from the edge of near-space.

NASA research plane reaches 61,000 feet over Panama

Liquid water makes life on Earth possible. Water is what facilitates the mantle layers sliding past each other, which is needed for the tectonic cycle and, in turn, to regulate the climate on the planet over its lifespan. But scientists have long grappled with the answer to the location of this water. A new study has now suggested that this water could be present 2,900 kilometres beneath the surface. The research is published in Nature Geoscience.&nbsp;This region falls near the boundary between the mantle and its liquid outer core. "Ultralow velocity zones" have been detected here in the past with little explanation. Two minerals in the lower mantle - bridgmanite and ferropericlase - are largely dry. Assuming other minerals could hold water in the deeper reaches would also have a problem. The extremely high temperatures in the deepest mantle would lead to these minerals breaking down, or would require unusual compositions to stay stable.<h2>New minerals discovered in the hunt for water locations inside Earth</h2>&nbsp;Researchers started hunting for what else might make this water possible. They recreated high temperatures and pressures in the laboratory by squeezing tiny samples between two diamond tips and blasting them with lasers. Two candidates emerged - both iron oxyhydroxides (Fe5O12Hx and Fe7O12Hx) that had not been known about before. They noted that this mineral had the capability to stash away huge amounts of water.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/el-nino-record-earth-s-oceans-in-2026-are-the-hottest-in-125-000-years-1787647970513">El Niño record: Earth's oceans in 2026 are the hottest in 125,000 years</a><h2>Conditions inside Earth could be similar</h2>These precise conditions could exist under deep-mantle conditions, experiments have shown. However, there is no proof that the phases are present inside Earth. "Identifying these iron oxyhydroxides is important because they are seemingly stable, dense phases that capture and retain water across a wide range of lower-mantle conditions," geoscientist Alfred Wilson from the University of Leeds wrote in the commentary alongside the new study.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/earth-theia-collision-created-the-moon-in-just-5-hours-study-shows-1788430465699">Earth-Theia collision created the moon in just 5 hours, study shows</a>&nbsp;Any water present inside Earth would exist inside minerals and not like the vast oceans we see. Both these minerals emerged as the best candidates for the job. They were found to be stable in extreme conditions. The researchers believe that when a molten "basal magma ocean" cooled and crystallised early in Earth's history, the newly formed minerals were likely born and seeped into the core-mantle boundary.&nbsp;Wilson said the finding is a crucial piece in the puzzle about how Earth obtained and retained its water.

Scientists have discovered two new minerals that they believe likely hold enormous amounts of water in the lower mantle. Previous estimates suggest that water equivalent to one to two Pacific Oceans, or 5 to 10 Indian Oceans, could be present in this region. 

Liquid water makes life on Earth possible. Water is what facilitates the mantle layers sliding past each other, which is needed for the tectonic cycle and, in turn, to regulate the climate on the planet over its lifespan. But scientists have long grappled with the answer to the location of this water. A new study has now suggested that this water could be present 2,900 kilometres beneath the surface. The research is published in Nature Geoscience. This region falls near the boundary between the mantle and its liquid outer core. "Ultralow velocity zones" have been detected here in the past with little explanation. Two minerals in the lower mantle - bridgmanite and ferropericlase - are largely dry. Assuming other minerals could hold water in the deeper reaches would also have a problem. The extremely high temperatures in the deepest mantle would lead to these minerals breaking down, or would require unusual compositions to stay stable. New minerals discovered in the hunt for water locations inside Earth Researchers started hunting for what else might make this water possible. They recreated high temperatures and pressures in the laboratory by squeezing tiny samples between two diamond tips and blasting them with lasers. Two candidates emerged - both iron oxyhydroxides (Fe5O12Hx and Fe7O12Hx) that had not been known about before. They noted that this mineral had the capability to stash away huge amounts of water. Also Read: El Niño record: Earth's oceans in 2026 are the hottest in 125,000 years Conditions inside Earth could be similar These precise conditions could exist under deep-mantle conditions, experiments have shown. However, there is no proof that the phases are present inside Earth. "Identifying these iron oxyhydroxides is important because they are seemingly stable, dense phases that capture and retain water across a wide range of lower-mantle conditions," geoscientist Alfred Wilson from the University of Leeds wrote in the commentary alongside the new study. Also Read: Earth-Theia collision created the moon in just 5 hours, study shows Any water present inside Earth would exist inside minerals and not like the vast oceans we see. Both these minerals emerged as the best candidates for the job. They were found to be stable in extreme conditions. The researchers believe that when a molten "basal magma ocean" cooled and crystallised early in Earth's history, the newly formed minerals were likely born and seeped into the core-mantle boundary. Wilson said the finding is a crucial piece in the puzzle about how Earth obtained and retained its water.

Scientists have discovered two new minerals that they believe likely hold enormous amounts of water in the lower mantle. Previous estimates suggest that water equivalent to one to two Pacific Oceans, or 5 to 10 Indian Oceans, could be present in this region.&nbsp;

Water equivalent to two Pacific Oceans could be stashed 2,900 km inside Earth

Billions of years before life, oceans and continents, the young Earth suffered a planet-sized collision. A new Southwest Research Institute-led study suggests that a Mars-sized body could have smashed into Earth and produced an intact Moon in as little as five hours. The finding could dramatically change our understanding of one of the Solar System's most violent events and the mysterious birth of our Moon.


A Mars-sized world smashed Earth, five hours later, the Moon was born

The Moon was formed when a planet named Theia smashed into Earth 4.5 billion years ago, releasing huge amounts of rocks and debris into outer space. This material coalesced and clumped together over years to create our lunar satellite. However, scientists from the Southwest Research Institute and the University of Arizona have now claimed that it could have taken just five hours for the Moon to have formed.&nbsp;They created several computer simulations of the event, and some of them showed that an intact moon didn't take very long to take shape. They attributed the time taken to shape the Moon to how hot Earth and Theia were before the collision. Dr Adeene Denton said that these temperatures decided how fast the massive disk of debris collected to make the moon.&nbsp;Dr Adeene Denton said that when he “used the same parameters as original impact modelling, down to the equal temperature structures inside both bodies, within around five hours, an intact moon emerged.”<h2>Material strength of Earth and Theia changed the equation</h2>The latest model, published in Astrophysical Journal Letters, went around understanding how the Moon formed differently. Previous studies treated the Moon and Theia as fluid worlds and did not take the strength of their rocks into account. When the strength of these planetary materials was also considered in the simulations, the results were very different.&nbsp;Dr Denton said that material strength is important while studying collisions between smaller bodies like asteroids, "or for my previous paper about the formation of the Pluto–Charon system." He added that when applied to the moon, both criteria turned out to matter a lot in the case of the moon as well.&nbsp;Scientists say the findings can help learn exactly when this historic collision that created the moon occurred. It would also explain the reason behind the differences in its composition and the amount of volatile material in the lunar body.&nbsp;The Moon and Earth are compositionally quite similar, which scientists think is because they were formed from a common region of the protoplanetary disk. &nbsp;Dr Denton added that Mars and Earth are very different, which means they were both formed from different regions and further apart.&nbsp;

The moon might have shaped into an intact and solid structure in as little as five hours, according to a new study. This event has always been believed to have taken several years. But some models show there is a possibility of a quicker birth.

The Moon was formed when a planet named Theia smashed into Earth 4.5 billion years ago, releasing huge amounts of rocks and debris into outer space. This material coalesced and clumped together over years to create our lunar satellite. However, scientists from the Southwest Research Institute and the University of Arizona have now claimed that it could have taken just five hours for the Moon to have formed. They created several computer simulations of the event, and some of them showed that an intact moon didn't take very long to take shape. They attributed the time taken to shape the Moon to how hot Earth and Theia were before the collision. Dr Adeene Denton said that these temperatures decided how fast the massive disk of debris collected to make the moon. Dr Adeene Denton said that when he “used the same parameters as original impact modelling, down to the equal temperature structures inside both bodies, within around five hours, an intact moon emerged.” Material strength of Earth and Theia changed the equation The latest model, published in Astrophysical Journal Letters, went around understanding how the Moon formed differently. Previous studies treated the Moon and Theia as fluid worlds and did not take the strength of their rocks into account. When the strength of these planetary materials was also considered in the simulations, the results were very different. Dr Denton said that material strength is important while studying collisions between smaller bodies like asteroids, "or for my previous paper about the formation of the Pluto–Charon system." He added that when applied to the moon, both criteria turned out to matter a lot in the case of the moon as well. Scientists say the findings can help learn exactly when this historic collision that created the moon occurred. It would also explain the reason behind the differences in its composition and the amount of volatile material in the lunar body. The Moon and Earth are compositionally quite similar, which scientists think is because they were formed from a common region of the protoplanetary disk. Dr Denton added that Mars and Earth are very different, which means they were both formed from different regions and further apart.

The moon might have shaped into an intact and solid structure in as little as five hours, according to a new study. This event has always been believed to have taken several years. But some models show there is a possibility of a quicker birth.

Earth-Theia collision created the moon in just 5 hours, study shows

To show that soil on Earth has lost much of its nutrients, a team of scientists came up with a bizarre experiment. They buried 2,000 pairs of underwear across Switzerland in gardens and lawns, and then dug them up two months later. Some of them barely had any cloth left, while others only had one or two holes. The authors wrote that the "<a href="https://www.news.uzh.ch/en/articles/media/2026/buried-underwear.html%20">Proof by Underpants</a>" project is "an easy-to-interpret tool, providing informative insights into the state of soils." It was published in the journal Plants, People, Planet.&nbsp;"They are perfectly suited to raise attention in society for soil," they said. The study was carried out five years ago with 1,000 volunteers burying the underwear and 12,000 tea bags in different places in Switzerland. They were retrieved two months later and sent to the lab.<h2>What no holes in underwear told about the soil&nbsp;</h2>Scientists led by researchers at the University of Zurich said that the underpants with a lack of holes are a sign of missing nutrients in the soil. "Soils are rapidly degrading, threatening food production, biodiversity, and Earth system functioning," the researchers wrote.&nbsp;In Switzerland, the lowest signs of biological activity were observed in lawns, croplands, and grasslands. Monocultures of grass around houses and buildings had the least fertile soil. Private gardens had the most active degraders - worms, fungi, bacteria, and other organisms - and the highest levels of organic carbon and nutrients. This is likely because such spaces are actively taken care of and nourished with fertilisers.&nbsp;Around 58 per cent of the cotton in underwear planted in private gardens decomposed in two months. Meanwhile, in lawns, the percentage stood at 40, the least of all spaces.<h2>Importance of soil</h2>The topsoil helps provide 95 per cent of our food, and soil itself is the second-largest carbon reservoir on Earth. But as its quality deteriorates, society stands at risk of collapse. "This threat is largely unrecognised in broader society, hindering effective steps towards soil protection," they state in the study.&nbsp;The researchers said that this can be reversed by changing how land is used. Land use was the single most important predictor of how well the underwear decomposed in the study.<h2>Why use underpants for the study?&nbsp;</h2> Simply because they are more "playful" and an "excellent outreach tool". The results have shown that better management of soil is crucial. "Our results show that how soil is managed can significantly affect both soil life and soil quality," co-leader of the study Marcel van der Heijden, an agroecologist at UZH, said.<h2>The downside of the underwear study</h2> Scientists cautioned that increased soil fertility isn't always a good sign. In private gardens, the presence of phosphorus, nitrogen, and potassium concentrations showed fertiliser use. Higher phosphorus levels threaten the waterways and local biodiversity. The Underwear Index shows "fertile" soils, which might not necessarily be healthier.

Scientists buried 2,000 pairs of underwear in various places in Switzerland, and two months later, they removed them to learn about the quality of the soil. The holes in them, or the lack of them, told researchers something very important.

To show that soil on Earth has lost much of its nutrients, a team of scientists came up with a bizarre experiment. They buried 2,000 pairs of underwear across Switzerland in gardens and lawns, and then dug them up two months later. Some of them barely had any cloth left, while others only had one or two holes. The authors wrote that the "Proof by Underpants" project is "an easy-to-interpret tool, providing informative insights into the state of soils." It was published in the journal Plants, People, Planet. "They are perfectly suited to raise attention in society for soil," they said. The study was carried out five years ago with 1,000 volunteers burying the underwear and 12,000 tea bags in different places in Switzerland. They were retrieved two months later and sent to the lab. What no holes in underwear told about the soil Scientists led by researchers at the University of Zurich said that the underpants with a lack of holes are a sign of missing nutrients in the soil. "Soils are rapidly degrading, threatening food production, biodiversity, and Earth system functioning," the researchers wrote. In Switzerland, the lowest signs of biological activity were observed in lawns, croplands, and grasslands. Monocultures of grass around houses and buildings had the least fertile soil. Private gardens had the most active degraders - worms, fungi, bacteria, and other organisms - and the highest levels of organic carbon and nutrients. This is likely because such spaces are actively taken care of and nourished with fertilisers. Around 58 per cent of the cotton in underwear planted in private gardens decomposed in two months. Meanwhile, in lawns, the percentage stood at 40, the least of all spaces. Importance of soil The topsoil helps provide 95 per cent of our food, and soil itself is the second-largest carbon reservoir on Earth. But as its quality deteriorates, society stands at risk of collapse. "This threat is largely unrecognised in broader society, hindering effective steps towards soil protection," they state in the study. The researchers said that this can be reversed by changing how land is used. Land use was the single most important predictor of how well the underwear decomposed in the study. Why use underpants for the study? Simply because they are more "playful" and an "excellent outreach tool". The results have shown that better management of soil is crucial. "Our results show that how soil is managed can significantly affect both soil life and soil quality," co-leader of the study Marcel van der Heijden, an agroecologist at UZH, said. The downside of the underwear study Scientists cautioned that increased soil fertility isn't always a good sign. In private gardens, the presence of phosphorus, nitrogen, and potassium concentrations showed fertiliser use. Higher phosphorus levels threaten the waterways and local biodiversity. The Underwear Index shows "fertile" soils, which might not necessarily be healthier.

Scientists buried 2,000 pairs of underwear in various places in Switzerland, and two months later, they removed them to learn about the quality of the soil. The holes in them, or the lack of them, told researchers something very important.

2,000 pairs of underwear buried in Switzerland revealed something startling

A group of scientists predicted in 1960 the exact date humans would be squeezed to death because of overpopulation. That day is just three months away. Austrian physicist Heinz von Foerster and his colleagues talked about the end of humanity in a paper published in the journal Science on November 13, 2026. It was not a prophecy or mystic prediction, but was based on clear mathematical data and facts. Will this scenario really unfold?<h2>What Heinz von Foerster said</h2> According to Foerster, the human population would one day surge towards infinity, and there won't be enough space left for everyone. This would be Doomsday for humanity. He based his calculations on the trend of population growth in the past 2,000 years. He examined 24 estimates of the world's population and noted that the growth wasn't even and was instead speeding up. The population typically doubled over centuries, but the gap between each doubling was becoming smaller. Foerster wrote his predictions in the paper titled Doomsday: Friday, 13 November, AD 2026.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/why-are-we-fascinated-with-doomsday-the-end-of-our-own-world-wion-decodes-1786685223811">Why are we obsessed with the idea of 'doomsday', the end of our own world? Psychologist decodes</a>&nbsp;He said that if the trend continued, there would come a point when the difference between each doubling would become zero. This is when humanity would reach an impossible mathematical endpoint called "Doomsday". The result produced by this trend would create an unlivable reality. "Our great-great-grandchildren will not starve to death. They will be squeezed to death," von Foerster said. He then gave the date, writing, “At this date human population will approach infinity if it grows as it has in the last two millennia.”Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/prophecy-of-wars-and-doom-renewed-as-life-teems-around-dead-sea-1785216805622">Prophecy of wars and doom renewed as life teems around deadly sea near Jerusalem</a><h2>Dismissal of the theory</h2> However, as we can clearly see, the world's population is nowhere close to reaching the point described by van Foerster. According to demographers, this scenario is unlikely to happen since population growth has not been happening in the same way as before the 1960s. When he wrote the paper, the world's population stood at a little over three billion, while today there are approximately 8.2 billion people on Earth, which means this number has not doubled.US Census Bureau 2026 estimates that the annual global population growth rate peaked at roughly 2.2 per cent in 1963, and is about 0.84 per cent in 2026. The rate at which population increased at the time would have seen it double every 32 years. At today's rate, the same change would take 83 years.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/physicist-warns-of-unseen-threat-in-space-blames-humans-for-a-doomsday-system-1784621355783">Physicist warns of unseen threat in space, blames humans for a ‘doomsday system’</a><h2>Problems with the paper</h2> The mathematical model designed to predict the changes had a few chinks, as discovered by the researchers themselves. When they ran the equation backwards, it showed that the first human lived approximately 200 billion years ago. The universe itself is 13.6 billion years old, and Earth is only about 4.6 billion years old. This led the authors to admit that their prediction might be wrong. However, as the day is fast approaching, it has reappeared on social media, where people are talking about it.&nbsp;

Earth's population doubles after a certain interval. In 1960, this number was 32, but today the gap has increased drastically. Heinz von Foerster mathematically calculated the date when humans would no longer be able to live on the planet. Can it really happen?

A group of scientists predicted in 1960 the exact date humans would be squeezed to death because of overpopulation. That day is just three months away. Austrian physicist Heinz von Foerster and his colleagues talked about the end of humanity in a paper published in the journal Science on November 13, 2026. It was not a prophecy or mystic prediction, but was based on clear mathematical data and facts. Will this scenario really unfold? What Heinz von Foerster said According to Foerster, the human population would one day surge towards infinity, and there won't be enough space left for everyone. This would be Doomsday for humanity. He based his calculations on the trend of population growth in the past 2,000 years. He examined 24 estimates of the world's population and noted that the growth wasn't even and was instead speeding up. The population typically doubled over centuries, but the gap between each doubling was becoming smaller. Foerster wrote his predictions in the paper titled Doomsday: Friday, 13 November, AD 2026. Also Read: Why are we obsessed with the idea of 'doomsday', the end of our own world? Psychologist decodes He said that if the trend continued, there would come a point when the difference between each doubling would become zero. This is when humanity would reach an impossible mathematical endpoint called "Doomsday". The result produced by this trend would create an unlivable reality. "Our great-great-grandchildren will not starve to death. They will be squeezed to death," von Foerster said. He then gave the date, writing, “At this date human population will approach infinity if it grows as it has in the last two millennia.” Also Read: Prophecy of wars and doom renewed as life teems around deadly sea near Jerusalem Dismissal of the theory However, as we can clearly see, the world's population is nowhere close to reaching the point described by van Foerster. According to demographers, this scenario is unlikely to happen since population growth has not been happening in the same way as before the 1960s. When he wrote the paper, the world's population stood at a little over three billion, while today there are approximately 8.2 billion people on Earth, which means this number has not doubled. US Census Bureau 2026 estimates that the annual global population growth rate peaked at roughly 2.2 per cent in 1963, and is about 0.84 per cent in 2026. The rate at which population increased at the time would have seen it double every 32 years. At today's rate, the same change would take 83 years. Also Read: Physicist warns of unseen threat in space, blames humans for a ‘doomsday system’ Problems with the paper The mathematical model designed to predict the changes had a few chinks, as discovered by the researchers themselves. When they ran the equation backwards, it showed that the first human lived approximately 200 billion years ago. The universe itself is 13.6 billion years old, and Earth is only about 4.6 billion years old. This led the authors to admit that their prediction might be wrong. However, as the day is fast approaching, it has reappeared on social media, where people are talking about it.

Earth's population doubles after a certain interval. In 1960, this number was 32, but today the gap has increased drastically. Heinz von Foerster mathematically calculated the date when humans would no longer be able to live on the planet. Can it really happen?

The day humanity is 'squeezed to death' is almost here. What are the chances of it happening?

Earth has experienced a notable run of strong earthquakes in 2026. But scientists say the number of major earthquakes remains within the normal range, and there is no evidence of a new global earthquake season. Now scientists are using repeating earthquakes to study a part of earth nobody can directly see: the SOLID inner core more than 5,000 kilometres beneath the surface. Their analysis suggests the inner core, which once moved slightly faster than the surrounding layers, slowed around 2010 and began moving more slowly relative to the surface. It has not literally reversed its spin.  

The finding could help scientists understand tiny changes in the length of a day and the complex processes inside the planet that are connected to earth's magnetic field.  

Is the world experiencing more earthquakes now than before? | Earth's inner core is moving

A string of powerful earthquakes across the world has renewed fears about seismic activity, with magnitude-7 or stronger quakes striking Venezuela, Japan, Mexico, Colombia and Indonesia this summer. At the same time, recent studies show Earth's solid iron inner core has slowed its rotation and is moving backward relative to the planet's surface — a natural cycle that is not considered a sign of an impending global disaster.

Quakes hit Indonesia, Venezuela, but experts see no global surge

Because the Earth is an oblate spheroid that bulges at the equator, Ecuador's Mount Chimborazo is officially the closest point on the planet to outer space.

While Mount Everest holds the world record for the highest elevation above sea level, it is not the closest point to outer space. Because the Earth is not a perfect sphere, regions near the equator naturally bulge outward. This unique geographical phenomenon gives a dormant volcano in Ecuador a massive head start, making it the farthest surface point from the Earth's core.

Which country is actually closest to space?

It's August 12, and with it rumours of an apparent gravity loss are also back. They first arose in January this year, when people started claiming on social media that on this day at 8:03 pm IST, Earth will lose gravity for seven seconds. They even claimed that this is coming from NASA and that the agency has known about it for many years. The posts claimed that the space agency has been working on a secret project to prepare for this day since 2014.&nbsp;According to social media posts, two black holes collided millions of years ago, and the waves from this event have been heading towards Earth. NASA detected them a long time back and believes that when it sweeps Earth, gravity would be cancelled and everything would be left floating for 7.3 seconds. Users claimed that a document named Project Anchor holds all the details and everything NASA is doing to prepare for the bizarre anomaly.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/7-second-gravity-collapse-on-earth-august-12-nasa-scientists-1768886441014">7-second gravity collapse on Earth could never happen, unless…</a><h2>NASA secretly working to safeguard people and buildings?</h2>The loss of gravity will result in people and things floating, and upon its return, everything will come crashing down. Nearly 900 million could lose their lives when this happens, according to the claims. NASA has been secretly working to keep essential personnel and buildings safe, the posts state. The project costs $89 billion, under which the agency has been building underground bunkers for essential personnel and installing hidden tethering systems to hold critical buildings.&nbsp;A NASA spokesman previously dismissed all such rumours. "The Earth will not lose gravity on August 12, 2026," they said, explaining, "Earth's gravity, or total gravitational force, is determined by its mass. The only way for the Earth to lose gravity would be for the Earth system, the combined mass of its core, mantle, crust, ocean, terrestrial water, and atmosphere, to lose mass."&nbsp;Strangely, today is also the day when a total solar eclipse occurs, the Perseids Meteor shower peaks and a six-planet parade graces the sky. With <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/august-12-total-solar-eclipse-perseid-meteor-shower-planetary-parade-1785827364472">three cosmic events</a> set to happen on the same day, social media was abuzz with noise of a doomsday. &nbsp;&nbsp;

August 12, 2026, is the day Earth loses gravity for seven seconds, as per claims on social media. Bizarrely, they claim that NASA has known about it for 12 years and that a wave from a black hole collision will cancel gravity on Earth.

It's August 12, and with it rumours of an apparent gravity loss are also back. They first arose in January this year, when people started claiming on social media that on this day at 8:03 pm IST, Earth will lose gravity for seven seconds. They even claimed that this is coming from NASA and that the agency has known about it for many years. The posts claimed that the space agency has been working on a secret project to prepare for this day since 2014. According to social media posts, two black holes collided millions of years ago, and the waves from this event have been heading towards Earth. NASA detected them a long time back and believes that when it sweeps Earth, gravity would be cancelled and everything would be left floating for 7.3 seconds. Users claimed that a document named Project Anchor holds all the details and everything NASA is doing to prepare for the bizarre anomaly. Also Read: 7-second gravity collapse on Earth could never happen, unless… NASA secretly working to safeguard people and buildings? The loss of gravity will result in people and things floating, and upon its return, everything will come crashing down. Nearly 900 million could lose their lives when this happens, according to the claims. NASA has been secretly working to keep essential personnel and buildings safe, the posts state. The project costs $89 billion, under which the agency has been building underground bunkers for essential personnel and installing hidden tethering systems to hold critical buildings. A NASA spokesman previously dismissed all such rumours. "The Earth will not lose gravity on August 12, 2026," they said, explaining, "Earth's gravity, or total gravitational force, is determined by its mass. The only way for the Earth to lose gravity would be for the Earth system, the combined mass of its core, mantle, crust, ocean, terrestrial water, and atmosphere, to lose mass." Strangely, today is also the day when a total solar eclipse occurs, the Perseids Meteor shower peaks and a six-planet parade graces the sky. With three cosmic events set to happen on the same day, social media was abuzz with noise of a doomsday.

August 12, 2026, is the day Earth loses gravity for seven seconds, as per claims on social media. Bizarrely, they claim that NASA has known about it for 12 years and that a wave from a black hole collision will cancel gravity on Earth.

Earth will lose gravity on August 12 killing 900 million people - Bizarre claim resurfaces as D-day arrives

Nearly 540 million years ago, the Cambrian explosion happened when life exploded and expanded dramatically. Scientists now have a cause for it - poop. A study published in Trends in Ecology &amp; Evolution states that as faecal matter slowly accumulated, it distributed organic material and nutrients throughout the ocean. This created the right conditions for life to be born and evolve. The study notes that fossilised faeces and the emergence of animals with complex digestive systems are linked.&nbsp;Study co-author Russell Bicknell said that the importance of faeces in ancient ecosystems is often overlooked, with oxygen levels being given more importance. Turns out, poop played a major role in the evolutionary explosion during the Cambrian period. It took place around 539 million to 485 million years ago. Almost all major animal groups we know of on Earth today emerged during this time. Scientists treat this time period as a benchmark for the evolution of early life on Earth.<h2>Complex digestive systems emerged because of poop</h2>Fossilised faeces, also called coprolites, are from the time around the onset of the Cambrian, co-author Julien Kimming, a palaeontologist at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology in Germany, and Bicknell wrote in The Conversation. There is also no evidence of complex digestive systems before the Cambrian. "As we move forwards in time, more diverse coprolites appear. Associated with this shift, there was an increase in very well-preserved fossils with complex digestive systems, particularly among early arthropods," they wrote.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/scientists-find-descendants-of-ancient-sea-creatures-trapped-under-antarctica-s-blood-falls-1785840315758">Scientists find descendants of ancient sea creatures trapped under Antarctica's Blood Falls</a>&nbsp;The researchers state in the study that until now, all studies have focused on oxygen levels, food webs, or biogeochemical cycles during the Cambrian. The authors started off with the aim to explore the origin and role of faecal matter, as today poop is a vital element of the marine biological pump. They talk about an ecological feedback loop in which more poop added more nutrients into the environment, thus supporting more animals and consequently leading to more poop.&nbsp;The scientists say this isn't any different from other theories about life on Earth. In most systems on Earth, a combination of various elements triggered a feedback loop, leading to something bigger to be born. In the case of the Cambrian, poop played a vital role in triggering life to be born, as did other elements.

Complex life on Earth was born nearly 540 million years ago, and the reason was something as simple as poop. Scientists have found that fossilised faeces led to the emergence of animals with complex digestive systems on Earth during the Cambrian explosion.

Nearly 540 million years ago, the Cambrian explosion happened when life exploded and expanded dramatically. Scientists now have a cause for it - poop. A study published in Trends in Ecology & Evolution states that as faecal matter slowly accumulated, it distributed organic material and nutrients throughout the ocean. This created the right conditions for life to be born and evolve. The study notes that fossilised faeces and the emergence of animals with complex digestive systems are linked. Study co-author Russell Bicknell said that the importance of faeces in ancient ecosystems is often overlooked, with oxygen levels being given more importance. Turns out, poop played a major role in the evolutionary explosion during the Cambrian period. It took place around 539 million to 485 million years ago. Almost all major animal groups we know of on Earth today emerged during this time. Scientists treat this time period as a benchmark for the evolution of early life on Earth. Complex digestive systems emerged because of poop Fossilised faeces, also called coprolites, are from the time around the onset of the Cambrian, co-author Julien Kimming, a palaeontologist at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology in Germany, and Bicknell wrote in The Conversation. There is also no evidence of complex digestive systems before the Cambrian. "As we move forwards in time, more diverse coprolites appear. Associated with this shift, there was an increase in very well-preserved fossils with complex digestive systems, particularly among early arthropods," they wrote. Also Read: Scientists find descendants of ancient sea creatures trapped under Antarctica's Blood Falls The researchers state in the study that until now, all studies have focused on oxygen levels, food webs, or biogeochemical cycles during the Cambrian. The authors started off with the aim to explore the origin and role of faecal matter, as today poop is a vital element of the marine biological pump. They talk about an ecological feedback loop in which more poop added more nutrients into the environment, thus supporting more animals and consequently leading to more poop. The scientists say this isn't any different from other theories about life on Earth. In most systems on Earth, a combination of various elements triggered a feedback loop, leading to something bigger to be born. In the case of the Cambrian, poop played a vital role in triggering life to be born, as did other elements.

Complex life on Earth was born nearly 540 million years ago, and the reason was something as simple as poop. Scientists have found that fossilised faeces led to the emergence of animals with complex digestive systems on Earth during the Cambrian explosion.

540 million years ago, ancient poop caused life to explode on Earth

Scientists have long projected that billions of years from now, our Sun will start expanding as it reaches the end stages of its life. It will become a Red Giant, swallow Mercury and Venus, and likely Earth and Mars as well, while affecting the environments and orbits of Jupiter and the later gas giants. But one researcher thinks that we can save ourselves from this fate. A soon-to-be-published study argues that it is possible to dodge the bullet when the Sun is no longer alive.&nbsp;Independent researcher Gabriel Harry provides a solution to living for up to 9 quadrillion years even when the Sun runs out of fuel in about a billion years, and finally shrivels into a glowing ring of gas in 5 billion years. The study, set to appear in the Journal of the British Interplanetary Society, states megaengineering can protect Earth from not only the Sun, but also tectonics and water loss, changes in the planet’s tilt and spin, collision, and any other dangers from beyond our solar system.<h2>A sunshield in Moon's orbit</h2>In its current state, Earth will become uninhabitable in about one billion years, Harry states. "Implementing and maintaining the set of safeguards would allow the Earth to remain habitable for 9.1 million billion years," he adds. As the Sun starts expanding, Earth will need some kind of shield to protect itself from solar radiation. He proposes that a 700,000-kilometre-wide sunshade placed just outside the Moon’s orbit can save Earth.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/sun-may-spare-earth-and-mars-as-study-reverses-course-on-death-of-our-planet-1781952003897">Sun may spare Earth and Mars, as study reverses course on death of our planet</a>&nbsp;To keep it in position, a carbon cable can be used, which is attached to a weight placed at Lagrange Point 1 (L1). &nbsp;It will be made of aluminium that can be mined from the Moon, and will cover a 70-degree area of the sky. The 2-million-km carbon tether could be made by mining 40 per cent of the dwarf planet Ceres. The shield will be 0.1 millimetres thick, putting its total mass at around 100 quadrillion kilograms.<h2>How to heat up Earth if the Sun is blocked out</h2>However, blocking out the Sun would cool Earth considerably. To solve this problem, he suggests making an artificial sun. The fuel could be sourced from Jupiter for fusion reactors that could orbit the gas giant 6,500 km deep in its atmosphere. The energy produced can be beamed up to Jupiter’s L1, then shone onto Earth’s surface, heating up the atmosphere.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wion">This is a photo of the Sun, and it can answer a big question about our star</a><h2>How to avoid being swallowed by the Sun?</h2>The problem of being engulfed by the Sun would still remain. For this, we would need to move away from it. Harry suggests extending Earth’s orbit from 1 astronomical unit to 1.2 astronomical units. For this shift, oxygen mined from Jupiter could be used to fire a particle beam past Earth. With a mass roughly equal to half of the Amazon River’s outflow, it will slowly move our planet away from the Sun.&nbsp;All of these methods sound like straight from a sci-fi thriller, and it is hard to believe that they could ever become real. Mining Jupiter for energy and a 2-million-km carbon tether sound purely absurd. However, since the Sun is still many, many years away from dying, an advanced civilisation might be able to pull it off. Let's save his recommendations in a black box that future humans can dig up.

Can humans alter the fate of our planet? Is it possible to survive the death of our star? A scientist thinks it can be done and has suggested three ways to avoid being killed off by our Sun. But they would need extreme advances in technology.

Scientists have long projected that billions of years from now, our Sun will start expanding as it reaches the end stages of its life. It will become a Red Giant, swallow Mercury and Venus, and likely Earth and Mars as well, while affecting the environments and orbits of Jupiter and the later gas giants. But one researcher thinks that we can save ourselves from this fate. A soon-to-be-published study argues that it is possible to dodge the bullet when the Sun is no longer alive. Independent researcher Gabriel Harry provides a solution to living for up to 9 quadrillion years even when the Sun runs out of fuel in about a billion years, and finally shrivels into a glowing ring of gas in 5 billion years. The study, set to appear in the Journal of the British Interplanetary Society, states megaengineering can protect Earth from not only the Sun, but also tectonics and water loss, changes in the planet’s tilt and spin, collision, and any other dangers from beyond our solar system. A sunshield in Moon's orbit In its current state, Earth will become uninhabitable in about one billion years, Harry states. "Implementing and maintaining the set of safeguards would allow the Earth to remain habitable for 9.1 million billion years," he adds. As the Sun starts expanding, Earth will need some kind of shield to protect itself from solar radiation. He proposes that a 700,000-kilometre-wide sunshade placed just outside the Moon’s orbit can save Earth. Also Read: Sun may spare Earth and Mars, as study reverses course on death of our planet To keep it in position, a carbon cable can be used, which is attached to a weight placed at Lagrange Point 1 (L1). It will be made of aluminium that can be mined from the Moon, and will cover a 70-degree area of the sky. The 2-million-km carbon tether could be made by mining 40 per cent of the dwarf planet Ceres. The shield will be 0.1 millimetres thick, putting its total mass at around 100 quadrillion kilograms. How to heat up Earth if the Sun is blocked out However, blocking out the Sun would cool Earth considerably. To solve this problem, he suggests making an artificial sun. The fuel could be sourced from Jupiter for fusion reactors that could orbit the gas giant 6,500 km deep in its atmosphere. The energy produced can be beamed up to Jupiter’s L1, then shone onto Earth’s surface, heating up the atmosphere. Also Read: This is a photo of the Sun, and it can answer a big question about our star How to avoid being swallowed by the Sun? The problem of being engulfed by the Sun would still remain. For this, we would need to move away from it. Harry suggests extending Earth’s orbit from 1 astronomical unit to 1.2 astronomical units. For this shift, oxygen mined from Jupiter could be used to fire a particle beam past Earth. With a mass roughly equal to half of the Amazon River’s outflow, it will slowly move our planet away from the Sun. All of these methods sound like straight from a sci-fi thriller, and it is hard to believe that they could ever become real. Mining Jupiter for energy and a 2-million-km carbon tether sound purely absurd. However, since the Sun is still many, many years away from dying, an advanced civilisation might be able to pull it off. Let's save his recommendations in a black box that future humans can dig up.

Can humans alter the fate of our planet? Is it possible to survive the death of our star? A scientist thinks it can be done and has suggested three ways to avoid being killed off by our Sun. But they would need extreme advances in technology.

Can Earth survive the death of Sun? Researcher proposes wild plan to live for 9 quadrillion years

Scientists have detected sugar molecules at the centre of the Milky Way, suggesting that the clouds of interstellar gas could have carried a vital ingredient for life to bloom on Earth. Erythrulose – the first true sugar ever found in interstellar space - has been found at the galactic centre. Cosmochemist Izaskun Jiménez-Serra of the Spanish Astrobiology Center, led a team of researchers who believe that "interstellar erythrulose could have contributed to the sugar inventory available for early metabolic and replication processes" on our planet.&nbsp;This happened about four billion years ago when our solar system was still taking shape. Up to 50 million tonnes of sugar fell on Earth from deep space, providing the building blocks of life. Sugars are molecules cells need for energy and as raw materials to build larger biological molecules. They also form the backbone of RNA and DNA. The interstellar clouds could have similarly seeded other parts of the universe with life, the study suggests.<h2>Earth's violent period of formation brought sugar for life</h2>For nearly 300 million years, every planet in the solar system was bombarded with asteroids and meteorites. This is how we got our Moon. This is also when interstellar dust brought sugar to Earth. Simple sugar precursors such as glycolaldehyde and (Z)-1,2-ethenediol &nbsp;have been found in space before. However, scientists peered at the centre of the Milky Way to find true sugar, containing three or more carbon atoms. This region is filled with thick clouds of gas and dust that are rich with complex organic molecules.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/physicist-creates-mini-universe-in-lab-to-show-time-is-an-illusion-1783508424513">Physicist creates 'mini-universe' in lab and proves time is an illusion</a> &nbsp;Two radio telescopes in Spain watched the cloud named G+0.693, where prebiotic molecules have been found. The team was expecting to find simpler sugars containing three carbon atoms. However, they were surprised to come across four-carbon erythrulose, which was at least 8 to 17 times more abundant than the three-carbon sugars. The huge amount of sugar at the galactic centre meant that Earth also got a lot of it in its initial years.<h2>How much sugar fell on Earth?</h2>“Based on the abundance of erythrulose measured in the molecular cloud, the researchers estimate that between 0.5 and 50 million tonnes of this sugar could have reached Earth’s surface during the late heavy bombardment,” the team said.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/how-to-spot-a-nuclear-weapon-in-space-1783602276606">Scientist says nuclear weapons could be lurking in space undetected. An explosion could trigger chaos above Earth</a>&nbsp;They also used the data to understand how sugar forms in interstellar space. Analysis showed that it formed on the icy surfaces of tiny dust grains carrying two-carbon molecules – glycolaldehyde and ethylene glycol. When activated by radiation, they could combine to build erythrulose. The discovery shows that complex molecules “can form under interstellar conditions”.&nbsp;“The detection of erythrulose is very exciting because it opens up the possibility of discovering in space other sugars such as ribose, which is part of RNA, and other important molecules for the origin of life,” co-author Carlos Briones said. They concluded that as the sugars were knocked off the cosmic dust, they could have landed not only on ancient Earth but also somewhere else in the universe.

Sugar is a crucial building block of life, and Earth received nearly 50 million tonnes of it over four billion years ago. Interstellar dust is full of it, a study has found, and could have possibly sprinkled it on other parts of the universe as well.

Scientists have detected sugar molecules at the centre of the Milky Way, suggesting that the clouds of interstellar gas could have carried a vital ingredient for life to bloom on Earth. Erythrulose – the first true sugar ever found in interstellar space - has been found at the galactic centre. Cosmochemist Izaskun Jiménez-Serra of the Spanish Astrobiology Center, led a team of researchers who believe that "interstellar erythrulose could have contributed to the sugar inventory available for early metabolic and replication processes" on our planet. This happened about four billion years ago when our solar system was still taking shape. Up to 50 million tonnes of sugar fell on Earth from deep space, providing the building blocks of life. Sugars are molecules cells need for energy and as raw materials to build larger biological molecules. They also form the backbone of RNA and DNA. The interstellar clouds could have similarly seeded other parts of the universe with life, the study suggests. Earth's violent period of formation brought sugar for life For nearly 300 million years, every planet in the solar system was bombarded with asteroids and meteorites. This is how we got our Moon. This is also when interstellar dust brought sugar to Earth. Simple sugar precursors such as glycolaldehyde and (Z)-1,2-ethenediol have been found in space before. However, scientists peered at the centre of the Milky Way to find true sugar, containing three or more carbon atoms. This region is filled with thick clouds of gas and dust that are rich with complex organic molecules. Also Read: Physicist creates 'mini-universe' in lab and proves time is an illusion Two radio telescopes in Spain watched the cloud named G+0.693, where prebiotic molecules have been found. The team was expecting to find simpler sugars containing three carbon atoms. However, they were surprised to come across four-carbon erythrulose, which was at least 8 to 17 times more abundant than the three-carbon sugars. The huge amount of sugar at the galactic centre meant that Earth also got a lot of it in its initial years. How much sugar fell on Earth? “Based on the abundance of erythrulose measured in the molecular cloud, the researchers estimate that between 0.5 and 50 million tonnes of this sugar could have reached Earth’s surface during the late heavy bombardment,” the team said. Also Read: Scientist says nuclear weapons could be lurking in space undetected. An explosion could trigger chaos above Earth They also used the data to understand how sugar forms in interstellar space. Analysis showed that it formed on the icy surfaces of tiny dust grains carrying two-carbon molecules – glycolaldehyde and ethylene glycol. When activated by radiation, they could combine to build erythrulose. The discovery shows that complex molecules “can form under interstellar conditions”. “The detection of erythrulose is very exciting because it opens up the possibility of discovering in space other sugars such as ribose, which is part of RNA, and other important molecules for the origin of life,” co-author Carlos Briones said. They concluded that as the sugars were knocked off the cosmic dust, they could have landed not only on ancient Earth but also somewhere else in the universe.

Sugar is a crucial building block of life, and Earth received nearly 50 million tonnes of it over four billion years ago. Interstellar dust is full of it, a study has found, and could have possibly sprinkled it on other parts of the universe as well.

50mn tonnes of sugar from deep space delivered a sweet start to life on Earth

India is witnessing a rather unusual weather pattern across states due to El Nino. For instance, Meghalaya- one of the world's wettest places saw a 74% rainfall deficit in the month of June. Amid this, rainfall lashed several other parts of the country.


Rainiest place on Earth runs dry: Meghalaya records shocking 74% rainfall deficit 

A new case study suggests Earth's orbital environment could eventually accommodate up to 1.7 million satellites, highlighting the rapid pace of the global space economy.
Researchers warn that such large-scale satellite deployment could significantly increase the risks of orbital congestion, collisions and space debris.

Threat from rapid satellite expansion? Thousands of new satellites may alter Earth's night view

Two black holes are moving towards each other 500 million light-years from our solar system and will merge in about 100 years. When this happens, Earth will also feel the effects of the cosmic event. Study co-author Silke Britzen told BBC Science Focus, "We expect one (merged) black hole to remain.” The blazar at the core of the galaxy Markarian 501 caught the attention of scientists. This extremely luminous and ultrabright object is usually powered by a black hole. When they got a closer look, the researchers found that there was not one but two jet streams. This showed that the activity was happening because of two black holes that will collide in the next 100 years.&nbsp;The blazar shoots jets of energy radiation into space as they consume objects at the centres of galaxies, which also reaches Earth. A central black hole acts as the source for them. But the blazar in the galaxy Markarian 501 appeared different from usual. Radio telescope data gathered over the years failed to reveal whether a supermassive black hole was at its core. The study was published in the journal Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society.&nbsp;<h2>Two jets at the centre of the galaxy</h2>To get a better look, they analysed over 83 datasets from the Very Long Baseline Array, which comprises 10 radio telescopes located in different parts of the world. The observations revealed that there was another jet looping counterclockwise around the blazar's centre. This led them to believe that each jet was originating from a different black hole, which are likely the mass of 100 million to one billion suns. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/a-first-since-pluto-did-a-comet-explosion-create-atmosphere-on-this-object-beyond-neptune-1782135566992">Did a comet explosion create atmosphere on this object beyond Neptune?</a> &nbsp;More evidence about the presence of two black holes emerged when they lined up nearly in 2022. The gravity of the first black hole bent the light emitted by the second jet, forming an Einstein ring. Gravitational lensing, a cosmic magnifying glass, confirmed that the blazar was coming from two supermassive black holes. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/sun-may-spare-earth-and-mars-as-study-reverses-course-on-death-of-our-planet-1781952003897">Sun may spare Earth and Mars, as study reverses course on death of our planet</a>&nbsp;The distance between the two black holes is about 250 to 540 times the distance between Earth and the sun. They are circling each other and complete one orbit in about 121 days. They are slowly coming closer, and a collision will be so powerful that the ripples through space-time will also reach Earth, where they would be picked up by gravitational wave detectors. It would be the most intense black holes ever recorded by humans.

Two supermassive black holes about the mass of one billion suns are on their way to smash into each other in about 100 years. This event is happening 500 million light-years away, and Earth will feel the effects. It will be one of the most intense collisions ever recorded by humans. 

Two black holes are moving towards each other 500 million light-years from our solar system and will merge in about 100 years. When this happens, Earth will also feel the effects of the cosmic event. Study co-author Silke Britzen told BBC Science Focus, "We expect one (merged) black hole to remain.” The blazar at the core of the galaxy Markarian 501 caught the attention of scientists. This extremely luminous and ultrabright object is usually powered by a black hole. When they got a closer look, the researchers found that there was not one but two jet streams. This showed that the activity was happening because of two black holes that will collide in the next 100 years. The blazar shoots jets of energy radiation into space as they consume objects at the centres of galaxies, which also reaches Earth. A central black hole acts as the source for them. But the blazar in the galaxy Markarian 501 appeared different from usual. Radio telescope data gathered over the years failed to reveal whether a supermassive black hole was at its core. The study was published in the journal Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society. Two jets at the centre of the galaxy To get a better look, they analysed over 83 datasets from the Very Long Baseline Array, which comprises 10 radio telescopes located in different parts of the world. The observations revealed that there was another jet looping counterclockwise around the blazar's centre. This led them to believe that each jet was originating from a different black hole, which are likely the mass of 100 million to one billion suns. Also Read: Did a comet explosion create atmosphere on this object beyond Neptune? More evidence about the presence of two black holes emerged when they lined up nearly in 2022. The gravity of the first black hole bent the light emitted by the second jet, forming an Einstein ring. Gravitational lensing, a cosmic magnifying glass, confirmed that the blazar was coming from two supermassive black holes. Also Read: Sun may spare Earth and Mars, as study reverses course on death of our planet The distance between the two black holes is about 250 to 540 times the distance between Earth and the sun. They are circling each other and complete one orbit in about 121 days. They are slowly coming closer, and a collision will be so powerful that the ripples through space-time will also reach Earth, where they would be picked up by gravitational wave detectors. It would be the most intense black holes ever recorded by humans.

Two supermassive black holes about the mass of one billion suns are on their way to smash into each other in about 100 years. This event is happening 500 million light-years away, and Earth will feel the effects. It will be one of the most intense collisions ever recorded by humans.&nbsp;

Two supermassive black holes will collide by the year 2125, and Earth will feel it

In 1989, Earth crossed paths with an asteroid that missed us by only a few hours. It is one of the closest and most terrifying "near misses" in modern astronomical history. NASA has an Asteroid Watch program managed by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, the Center for Near Earth Object Studies (CNEOS), to monitor potential space rocks that could threaten Earth. Multiple asteroids cross near our planet daily; however, none pose a danger. The asteroid watch program officially began in 1998, and so nine years earlier, when a space rock came into Earth's orbit, scientists only got to learn about it after nine days had passed.&nbsp;Asteroid 4581 Asclepius was estimated to be about 1,000 feet in diameter. “An impact would have released a devastating amount of energy equivalent to about a gigaton of TNT, which is 67,000 times the energy output of the Hiroshima atomic bomb,” Harvard professor Avi Loeb told WION. A massive shock wave would have levelled cities, experts said.<h2>So what exactly happened in 1989?&nbsp;</h2> The asteroid flew past Earth on March 22, 1989, at a comfortable distance of 684,000 km, nearly twice the distance between our planet and the Moon. But this was not a hazardous event, even though in cosmic terms, this is still quite near. The orbits of Earth and asteroid 4581 Asclepius led them to travel through a common point in space, but at different times. The asteroid was at the same point in our orbit where Earth was just six hours ago.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/apocalypse-an-inevitable-reality-for-humans-today-whether-caused-by-human-stupidity-or-divinity-1773227301958">Apocalypse an inevitable reality for humans today, whether caused by human stupidity or divinity</a>&nbsp;Basically, the asteroid crossed a point in Earth's orbit, and our planet was in that spot just six hours earlier. Just a little bad timing would have been enough to send the asteroid flinging into our planet. The surprising thing is that nobody knew that the asteroid was there. Astronomers Henry Holt and Norman Thomas only discovered the close call at the Palomar Observatory on March 31, 1989. Humanity dodged a bullet, literally.<h2>Effect of asteroid impact on Earth</h2> Asteroid 4581 Asclepius was 1,000 feet in diameter, about the size of three football fields. It was travelling at a speed of 74,000 km/hr, which means an impact would have been catastrophic. It would have released energy equivalent to roughly 600 megatons of TNT. For comparison, the Tsar Bomba, or the RDS-220, the most powerful nuclear weapon ever made by man, yielded energy equivalent to 50 megatons of TNT. The asteroid would have gouged a crater nearly 10 kilometres wide, vapourised the immediate impact zone and generated a massive shock wave. If it had slammed into the ocean, tsunami waves hundreds of feet high would have been generated, wiping out coastlines.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/move-over-rapture-another-prophecy-claims-comet-will-end-the-world-in-2026-1758790270916">Rapture did not happen, but another world-ending event has been prophesied for 2026</a><h2>How does Asclepius compare to the dinosaur-killing asteroid?</h2> The asteroid that struck the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico, creating the massive Chicxulub crater, was roughly 10 kilometres in diameter, or nearly 50,000 feet. In comparison, Asclepius was only 1,000 feet, and so was a city-killer asteroid, while the Chicxulub Impactor was a "Planet-Rebooter."Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/asteroid-bound-mission-caught-mars-in-a-completely-new-light-1779458912239">Asteroid-bound mission caught Mars in a completely new light</a><h2>How Asclepius changed asteroid watch</h2> Asclepius miss served as a wake-up call, as before the Asteroid Watch program, only a handful of people observed near-Earth objects as an academic interest. Asclepius's movement past Earth led to a push for automated, computerised sky surveys and dedicated planetary defence initiatives. Today, we not only have a mission dedicated to looking out for the asteroids, but we also have plans to deflect potentially dangerous space rocks. The DART mission was one such test that slammed into the moonlet of an asteroid.

Earth crossed paths with an asteroid and missed an impact by a tiny margin of six hours. No one knew it was about to happen, and scientists detected it only nine days later. This scare led to the push for programs to watch for hazardous asteroids.

In 1989, Earth crossed paths with an asteroid that missed us by only a few hours. It is one of the closest and most terrifying "near misses" in modern astronomical history. NASA has an Asteroid Watch program managed by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, the Center for Near Earth Object Studies (CNEOS), to monitor potential space rocks that could threaten Earth. Multiple asteroids cross near our planet daily; however, none pose a danger. The asteroid watch program officially began in 1998, and so nine years earlier, when a space rock came into Earth's orbit, scientists only got to learn about it after nine days had passed. Asteroid 4581 Asclepius was estimated to be about 1,000 feet in diameter. “An impact would have released a devastating amount of energy equivalent to about a gigaton of TNT, which is 67,000 times the energy output of the Hiroshima atomic bomb,” Harvard professor Avi Loeb told WION. A massive shock wave would have levelled cities, experts said. So what exactly happened in 1989? The asteroid flew past Earth on March 22, 1989, at a comfortable distance of 684,000 km, nearly twice the distance between our planet and the Moon. But this was not a hazardous event, even though in cosmic terms, this is still quite near. The orbits of Earth and asteroid 4581 Asclepius led them to travel through a common point in space, but at different times. The asteroid was at the same point in our orbit where Earth was just six hours ago. Also Read: Apocalypse an inevitable reality for humans today, whether caused by human stupidity or divinity Basically, the asteroid crossed a point in Earth's orbit, and our planet was in that spot just six hours earlier. Just a little bad timing would have been enough to send the asteroid flinging into our planet. The surprising thing is that nobody knew that the asteroid was there. Astronomers Henry Holt and Norman Thomas only discovered the close call at the Palomar Observatory on March 31, 1989. Humanity dodged a bullet, literally. Effect of asteroid impact on Earth Asteroid 4581 Asclepius was 1,000 feet in diameter, about the size of three football fields. It was travelling at a speed of 74,000 km/hr, which means an impact would have been catastrophic. It would have released energy equivalent to roughly 600 megatons of TNT. For comparison, the Tsar Bomba, or the RDS-220, the most powerful nuclear weapon ever made by man, yielded energy equivalent to 50 megatons of TNT. The asteroid would have gouged a crater nearly 10 kilometres wide, vapourised the immediate impact zone and generated a massive shock wave. If it had slammed into the ocean, tsunami waves hundreds of feet high would have been generated, wiping out coastlines. Also Read: Rapture did not happen, but another world-ending event has been prophesied for 2026 How does Asclepius compare to the dinosaur-killing asteroid? The asteroid that struck the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico, creating the massive Chicxulub crater, was roughly 10 kilometres in diameter, or nearly 50,000 feet. In comparison, Asclepius was only 1,000 feet, and so was a city-killer asteroid, while the Chicxulub Impactor was a "Planet-Rebooter." Also Read: Asteroid-bound mission caught Mars in a completely new light How Asclepius changed asteroid watch Asclepius miss served as a wake-up call, as before the Asteroid Watch program, only a handful of people observed near-Earth objects as an academic interest. Asclepius's movement past Earth led to a push for automated, computerised sky surveys and dedicated planetary defence initiatives. Today, we not only have a mission dedicated to looking out for the asteroids, but we also have plans to deflect potentially dangerous space rocks. The DART mission was one such test that slammed into the moonlet of an asteroid.

Earth crossed paths with an asteroid and missed an impact by a tiny margin of six hours. No one knew it was about to happen, and scientists detected it only nine days later. This scare led to the push for programs to watch for hazardous asteroids.

Earth dodged an asteroid by just 6 hours, crossing paths with a potential city-killer

A new study has changed a major belief about Earth's demise in the cosmos. For a long time, it has been hypothesised that the Sun will swallow Earth towards the end of its life when it turns into a Red Giant. However, a new study has proposed that this may or may not happen, and it depends on two things. When the sun burns through all of the hydrogen in its core, it will go through a violent death in which it will expand, in turn increasing its gravitational forces, which will pull Earth towards it. As it nears Earth, intense tidal waves will stir within the star. When they end, Earth will end up inside the sun, dead for eternity. But there is another scenario that can unfold.&nbsp;According to the study published in the journal Astronomy &amp; Astrophysics on Friday, stellar winds will cause the Sun to lose a lot of mass, pushing away our planet. "Earth's fate depends on a delicate balance between these two effects," astrophysicist Mats Esseldeurs, the lead author, explained. The ultimate fate of our planet will depend on which of the two forces dominates at the time. "If tidal interactions predominate, Earth is engulfed by the sun. If the sun's mass loss predominates, Earth escapes into an orbit larger than the radius of its star," the scientist from Belgium's University of Leuven said in a statement. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/lease-for-life-on-earth-extended-as-study-finds-end-of-times-are-at-least-1-84-billion-years-away-1781617653902">Lease for life on Earth extended as study finds end of times are at least 1.84 billion years away</a>&nbsp;The study is based on tidal dissipation within giant stars. To understand how much mass the sun could lose, the researchers focused on L2 Puppis, a star they call the sun's "old cousin." &nbsp;Stephane Mathis, an astrophysicist and co-author of the study, said that "in the current state of knowledge, Earth could move away from the sun, contrary to what was predicted before." Not only would Earth escape the Sun's wrath, but even Mars would survive. However, Mercury and Venus would not be so lucky and would be swallowed by the Sun. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/new-theory-suggests-billions-of-mini-universes-could-be-scattered-in-our-own-cosmos-1781512244963">New theory suggests billions of 'mini universes' could be scattered in our own cosmos</a><h2>Earth's future - Imminent death</h2> But humans on Earth have nothing to worry about as of now, since the Sun at least has another 5 billion years of life left. By that time, we would have long gone. Earth is currently in the middle of its 10-billion-year cosmic life cycle. As the Sun starts to burn hotter and brighter in about 1-2 billion years, our planet will witness a super-greenhouse effect, with surface temperatures climbing to over 100°C. The oceans will evaporate, and life will cease to exist. &nbsp;

Scientists say that the Sun might not swallow Earth towards its end time. There is a chance that our planet is pushed away instead of being pulled in by the dying star. A study has claimed that this is entirely possible.

A new study has changed a major belief about Earth's demise in the cosmos. For a long time, it has been hypothesised that the Sun will swallow Earth towards the end of its life when it turns into a Red Giant. However, a new study has proposed that this may or may not happen, and it depends on two things. When the sun burns through all of the hydrogen in its core, it will go through a violent death in which it will expand, in turn increasing its gravitational forces, which will pull Earth towards it. As it nears Earth, intense tidal waves will stir within the star. When they end, Earth will end up inside the sun, dead for eternity. But there is another scenario that can unfold. According to the study published in the journal Astronomy & Astrophysics on Friday, stellar winds will cause the Sun to lose a lot of mass, pushing away our planet. "Earth's fate depends on a delicate balance between these two effects," astrophysicist Mats Esseldeurs, the lead author, explained. The ultimate fate of our planet will depend on which of the two forces dominates at the time. "If tidal interactions predominate, Earth is engulfed by the sun. If the sun's mass loss predominates, Earth escapes into an orbit larger than the radius of its star," the scientist from Belgium's University of Leuven said in a statement. Also Read: Lease for life on Earth extended as study finds end of times are at least 1.84 billion years away The study is based on tidal dissipation within giant stars. To understand how much mass the sun could lose, the researchers focused on L2 Puppis, a star they call the sun's "old cousin." Stephane Mathis, an astrophysicist and co-author of the study, said that "in the current state of knowledge, Earth could move away from the sun, contrary to what was predicted before." Not only would Earth escape the Sun's wrath, but even Mars would survive. However, Mercury and Venus would not be so lucky and would be swallowed by the Sun. Also Read: New theory suggests billions of 'mini universes' could be scattered in our own cosmos Earth's future - Imminent death But humans on Earth have nothing to worry about as of now, since the Sun at least has another 5 billion years of life left. By that time, we would have long gone. Earth is currently in the middle of its 10-billion-year cosmic life cycle. As the Sun starts to burn hotter and brighter in about 1-2 billion years, our planet will witness a super-greenhouse effect, with surface temperatures climbing to over 100°C. The oceans will evaporate, and life will cease to exist.

Scientists say that the Sun might not swallow Earth towards its end time. There is a chance that our planet is pushed away instead of being pulled in by the dying star. A study has claimed that this is entirely possible.

Sun may spare Earth and Mars, as study reverses course on death of our planet

A study published in the Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres has pushed the upper limit for complex plant life to survive on Earth by hundreds of millions of years. Previous estimates suggested that Earth's biosphere would meet its demise in about 1.35 billion years. However, three-dimensional (3D) general circulation models show that the more adaptable plants would actually be able to live for another 1.84 billion years. Older models predicted that as the Sun continues to age and brighten, global temperatures will skyrocket quickly, creating a world where plants would not be able to live.&nbsp;&nbsp;As for the humans, we would be gone within the next few hundred million years. But scientists in the new study state that they vastly overestimated how fast the Earth will warm up for the plants. The clear timeline emerged as the new model took into consideration complex, realistic factors like atmospheric circulation and cloud behaviour.<h2>When Sun gets older and brighter, what happens to Earth?</h2>The study explored two extreme scenarios for Earth in the future as the Sun gets older. Our planet will need to endure weathering—the chemical process where atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) reacts with rainwater and rocks, locking carbon away. When this happens, the strong weathering could trigger a massive drawdown of CO2 to buffer the rising temperatures. While global temperatures will stay stable, the atmosphere will eventually run out of CO2. The plants would starve and die out in about 1.35 billion years when CO2 drops below 10 parts per million, as per older models. But the new model states that some plant life would be better at adapting to the new circumstances and could live even at 1 part per million of CO2.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/1-8mn-year-old-fiery-discovery-in-south-african-cave-could-change-timeline-of-human-history-1781530048766">1.8 million-year-old 'fiery' discovery in South African cave could change timeline of human history</a>&nbsp;However, the weathering could be weak as well. In this case, the gas levels will remain high, and CO2 won't be removed. The Sun will bake the planet, and in this case, the 3D model shows the climate remains tolerable for most land plants until 1.68 billion years. This thermal ceiling for all plant life could reach 1.87 billion years. The study shows that whether plants die from a lack of carbon dioxide or are roasted from extreme heat, in either case, it has a realistic window of 1.68 to 1.84 billion years before oceans evaporate.

Complex plant life on Earth will be able to survive the most extreme scenario created by the heating and ageing Sun. A study has found that the biosphere could live for another 1.84 billion years. However, humans would have already been long gone.

A study published in the Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres has pushed the upper limit for complex plant life to survive on Earth by hundreds of millions of years. Previous estimates suggested that Earth's biosphere would meet its demise in about 1.35 billion years. However, three-dimensional (3D) general circulation models show that the more adaptable plants would actually be able to live for another 1.84 billion years. Older models predicted that as the Sun continues to age and brighten, global temperatures will skyrocket quickly, creating a world where plants would not be able to live. As for the humans, we would be gone within the next few hundred million years. But scientists in the new study state that they vastly overestimated how fast the Earth will warm up for the plants. The clear timeline emerged as the new model took into consideration complex, realistic factors like atmospheric circulation and cloud behaviour. When Sun gets older and brighter, what happens to Earth? The study explored two extreme scenarios for Earth in the future as the Sun gets older. Our planet will need to endure weathering—the chemical process where atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) reacts with rainwater and rocks, locking carbon away. When this happens, the strong weathering could trigger a massive drawdown of CO2 to buffer the rising temperatures. While global temperatures will stay stable, the atmosphere will eventually run out of CO2. The plants would starve and die out in about 1.35 billion years when CO2 drops below 10 parts per million, as per older models. But the new model states that some plant life would be better at adapting to the new circumstances and could live even at 1 part per million of CO2. Also Read: 1.8 million-year-old 'fiery' discovery in South African cave could change timeline of human history However, the weathering could be weak as well. In this case, the gas levels will remain high, and CO2 won't be removed. The Sun will bake the planet, and in this case, the 3D model shows the climate remains tolerable for most land plants until 1.68 billion years. This thermal ceiling for all plant life could reach 1.87 billion years. The study shows that whether plants die from a lack of carbon dioxide or are roasted from extreme heat, in either case, it has a realistic window of 1.68 to 1.84 billion years before oceans evaporate.

Complex plant life on Earth will be able to survive the most extreme scenario created by the heating and ageing Sun. A study has found that the biosphere could live for another 1.84 billion years. However, humans would have already been long gone.

Lease for life on Earth extended as study finds end of times are at least 1.84 billion years away

A new scientific report has issued a serious warning about rising global temperatures, suggesting that Earth is heating faster than ever before. Researchers say the planet is rapidly approaching the critical 1.5°C warming threshold set under global climate goals. This level of warming could lead to more frequent heatwaves, extreme weather events, and environmental disruptions. Scientists are urging urgent action as climate patterns continue to show alarming and record-breaking changes across regions worldwide.


Study Says Earth Is Heating Faster Than Ever

We have all heard that one day our Sun will expand to such a massive size that it will gobble up Earth and every other planet in the solar system. Scientists have now actually found proof that this happened in other places in the universe, to be precise, six different red dwarfs in three separate clusters. Researchers from Keele University and the University of Exeter state in their study that they have found proof that young stars are capable of eating nearby worlds as planetary systems form. Published in Monthly Notices of the Astronomical Society, the study presents six cases where they found that six different red dwarfs had swallowed Earth-like rocky planets. Their ages were 50 to 200 million years, right around the Zero Age Main Sequence (ZAMS). Lead author, Professor Robin Jeffries, from Keele University, said the team detected the chemical fingerprint which gave away the red dwarfs as planet eaters. “We found that a few of the red dwarf stars we studied contained lithium, a chemical element that should not be there,” he said.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/interstellar-inspired-study-proves-it-is-possible-to-send-messages-back-in-time-1780067491280">‘Interstellar’ inspired study proves it is possible to send messages back in time</a>&nbsp;Red dwarfs are cool on the outside and extremely hot on the inside. They are smaller than even our Sun, but have the potential to consume planetesimals. The nuclear reactions going on inside a red dwarf would destroy all the lithium right after they are born. Identifying hints of lithium in their atmosphere would mean that they likely engulfed lithium-rich material from a surrounding planetary system. Scientists went through the data on thousands of stars gathered by the Gaia-ESO Spectroscopic (GES) survey and found that six red dwarfs have much higher lithium content. These sibling stars were born at the same time from the exact same initial gas cloud. Most of them had no lithium, while six early M-dwarfs had anomalous, high-abundance "fingerprints" of lithium.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientist-says-this-dark-comet-could-be-a-human-probe-what-avi-loeb-told-wion-1780306270065">Scientist says THIS dark comet could be a 38-year-old human probe - What Avi Loeb told us</a>&nbsp;The study states that this is proof that they either dramatically “swallowed” surrounding Earth-like planets or chomped down three to 10 Earth masses of planetary material, which led to a fresh lithium infusion. Earlier papers have theorised that similar events could be common in early planetary system formation, and our solar system was likely no exception. If this explanation is correct, it opens a new window into the youth of planetary systems, letting us investigate how often and when planetary engulfment occurs.

Scientists studied thousands of stars born at the same time from the same initial gas cloud and found that six red dwarfs had much higher lithium content. This gave away their past activity, where they had swallowed nearly 10 Earth-like planets.

We have all heard that one day our Sun will expand to such a massive size that it will gobble up Earth and every other planet in the solar system. Scientists have now actually found proof that this happened in other places in the universe, to be precise, six different red dwarfs in three separate clusters. Researchers from Keele University and the University of Exeter state in their study that they have found proof that young stars are capable of eating nearby worlds as planetary systems form. Published in Monthly Notices of the Astronomical Society, the study presents six cases where they found that six different red dwarfs had swallowed Earth-like rocky planets. Their ages were 50 to 200 million years, right around the Zero Age Main Sequence (ZAMS). Lead author, Professor Robin Jeffries, from Keele University, said the team detected the chemical fingerprint which gave away the red dwarfs as planet eaters. “We found that a few of the red dwarf stars we studied contained lithium, a chemical element that should not be there,” he said. Also Read: ‘Interstellar’ inspired study proves it is possible to send messages back in time Red dwarfs are cool on the outside and extremely hot on the inside. They are smaller than even our Sun, but have the potential to consume planetesimals. The nuclear reactions going on inside a red dwarf would destroy all the lithium right after they are born. Identifying hints of lithium in their atmosphere would mean that they likely engulfed lithium-rich material from a surrounding planetary system. Scientists went through the data on thousands of stars gathered by the Gaia-ESO Spectroscopic (GES) survey and found that six red dwarfs have much higher lithium content. These sibling stars were born at the same time from the exact same initial gas cloud. Most of them had no lithium, while six early M-dwarfs had anomalous, high-abundance "fingerprints" of lithium. Also Read: Scientist says THIS dark comet could be a 38-year-old human probe - What Avi Loeb told us The study states that this is proof that they either dramatically “swallowed” surrounding Earth-like planets or chomped down three to 10 Earth masses of planetary material, which led to a fresh lithium infusion. Earlier papers have theorised that similar events could be common in early planetary system formation, and our solar system was likely no exception. If this explanation is correct, it opens a new window into the youth of planetary systems, letting us investigate how often and when planetary engulfment occurs.

Scientists studied thousands of stars born at the same time from the same initial gas cloud and found that six red dwarfs had much higher lithium content. This gave away their past activity, where they had swallowed nearly 10 Earth-like planets.

Six red dwarf stars ate rocky worlds like Earth. The 'fingerprints' exposed them

Scientists have discovered that the molten iron churning deep inside Earth abruptly changed directions around 2010. This goes against the common belief that this liquid outer core only travels westwards. The findings were made by researchers from the University of Edinburgh and published in the Journal of Studies of Earth’s Deep Interior. This molten iron surrounds the solid inner core and is the reason why life is possible on Earth. It creates the magnetic field that cocoons our planet and protects it from the harsh solar radiation. But it switched directions around the equatorial Pacific 16 years ago, leaving scientists questioning everything they know about this layer of Earth.&nbsp;“Scientists now want to understand whether the reversal represents a short-lived fluctuation, part of a repeating oscillation, or a new stable equilibrium for core circulation," lead author of the study, Frederik Dahl Madsen, said in a statement. He added that this discovery "raises new questions about the behaviour of Earth’s deep interior." The team gathered 30 years' worth of data from ground observations and satellites for the study. ESA’s CryoSat and Swarm missions, and the German-launched CHAMP and Ørsted satellites, provided crucial information on the molten layer and its movements.&nbsp;&nbsp;The combined analysis revealed a clear flow reversal in the Pacific Ocean. They noted that its westward movement was weak from 1997 until roughly 2010, and then it turned and started moving eastward. They clarified that this change does not alter Earth's protective layer, the magnetic field.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientist-says-this-dark-comet-could-be-a-human-probe-what-avi-loeb-told-wion-1780306270065">Scientist says THIS dark comet could be a 38-year-old human probe - What Avi Loeb told us</a>&nbsp;They further stated that this reverse movement started to slow down in 2020, and could be tied to the inner core. "This study shows that regional changes can emerge rapidly within just a decade," ESA’s Elisabetta Iorfida said in a press statement. This information can also help scientists understand "possible interactions between Earth’s outer core, inner core, lower mantle", and offer insights into "core-mantle boundary."&nbsp;Meanwhile, &nbsp;ESA’s Swarm Mission Manager Anja Stromm said that "long-duration satellite magnetic measurements allow researchers to follow changes in the geodynamo in near-real time and improve models of Earth’s magnetic field evolution." &nbsp;

Scientists studied 30 years of data linked to Earth's inner processes and found that the liquid outer core changed direction in 2010. Ten years later, the movement started slowing down and could again go westward. This layer is what created Earth's magnetic field. 

Scientists have discovered that the molten iron churning deep inside Earth abruptly changed directions around 2010. This goes against the common belief that this liquid outer core only travels westwards. The findings were made by researchers from the University of Edinburgh and published in the Journal of Studies of Earth’s Deep Interior. This molten iron surrounds the solid inner core and is the reason why life is possible on Earth. It creates the magnetic field that cocoons our planet and protects it from the harsh solar radiation. But it switched directions around the equatorial Pacific 16 years ago, leaving scientists questioning everything they know about this layer of Earth. “Scientists now want to understand whether the reversal represents a short-lived fluctuation, part of a repeating oscillation, or a new stable equilibrium for core circulation," lead author of the study, Frederik Dahl Madsen, said in a statement. He added that this discovery "raises new questions about the behaviour of Earth’s deep interior." The team gathered 30 years' worth of data from ground observations and satellites for the study. ESA’s CryoSat and Swarm missions, and the German-launched CHAMP and Ørsted satellites, provided crucial information on the molten layer and its movements. The combined analysis revealed a clear flow reversal in the Pacific Ocean. They noted that its westward movement was weak from 1997 until roughly 2010, and then it turned and started moving eastward. They clarified that this change does not alter Earth's protective layer, the magnetic field. Also Read: Scientist says THIS dark comet could be a 38-year-old human probe - What Avi Loeb told us They further stated that this reverse movement started to slow down in 2020, and could be tied to the inner core. "This study shows that regional changes can emerge rapidly within just a decade," ESA’s Elisabetta Iorfida said in a press statement. This information can also help scientists understand "possible interactions between Earth’s outer core, inner core, lower mantle", and offer insights into "core-mantle boundary." Meanwhile, ESA’s Swarm Mission Manager Anja Stromm said that "long-duration satellite magnetic measurements allow researchers to follow changes in the geodynamo in near-real time and improve models of Earth’s magnetic field evolution."

Scientists studied 30 years of data linked to Earth's inner processes and found that the liquid outer core changed direction in 2010. Ten years later, the movement started slowing down and could again go westward. This layer is what created Earth's magnetic field.&nbsp;

Earth's 'river of liquid iron' shields us from space radiation. But something changed 16 years ago

A rare Blue Micromoon is lighting up skies across the world. It is the second full moon of May, making it a Blue Moon, while its position more than 406,000 kilometres from Earth makes it the smallest full moon of the year. Why does it look smaller? What makes it so rare? And why are astrologers calling it a moment of change? Watch the story to know everything you need to know about the celestial event captivating skywatchers worldwide.


Astrologers Say Rare Moon Changes Everything | Blue Micromoon Dazzles the World

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has studied a planet that is essentially a rocky planet 48 light-years away. LHS 3844 b was first discovered by the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) in 2018. It was revealed to be a tidally locked planet, meaning its one side was always facing its star. It was named Kua'kua, after a Central American Bribri word for "butterfly", and is about 30 per cent bigger than Earth. It completes one orbit of its red dwarf star host named Batsu in 11 hours. Being too close to its star means it is constantly burning at a temperature of 1000 Kelvin. That was all the information scientists had, until now. A team of researchers used the Mid Infrared Instrument (MIRI) on JWST to analyse Kua'kua's surface composition, and found that this planet is actually the complete opposite of Earth, Universe Today reported.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/sun-released-a-record-breaking-radio-burst-for-19-days-nasa-and-esa-probes-reveal-what-happened-1779873159921">Record-breaking solar radio burst lasted 19 days. NASA and ESA probes reveal what happened</a>&nbsp;Scientists from Harvard Center for Astrophysics and the Max Planck Institute for Astronomy detected "light coming directly from the surface of this distant rocky planet." Laura Kreidberg said they spotted "a dark, hot, barren rock, devoid of any atmosphere." The team studied the infrared radiation reflecting from the sizzling dayside of the planet to understand more about its surface. They compared the JWST data with the rocks and minerals from Earth, the Moon, and Mars. They were able to deduce what could be producing the infrared signatures seen at Kua'kua.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/deep-space-signal-that-lasted-25-000-seconds-gets-a-possible-explanation-1779876010241">Deep space signal that lasted 25,200 seconds gets a possible explanation</a><h2>Kua'kua is different from Earth's crust</h2>They were sure that Kua'kua's is nothing like Earth’s crust, which is made of silicate-rich rocks such as granite. "Since LHS 3844 b lacks such a silicate crust, one may conclude that Earth-like plate tectonics does not apply to this planet, or it is ineffective,” said PhD student Sebastian Zieba. There is also likely very little water on this planet. The silicate-rich crust found on Earth is the result of tectonic activity, which also uses water, and repeats over several years. No signs of any such activity have been found on Kua'kua. The lack of atmosphere also proves that it has been geologically inactive for a long time.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/james-webb-space-telescope-rock-clouds-on-hot-jupiter-1779722150175">Rock clouds on Hot Jupiter 700 light-years from Earth form in the morning and disappear by evening</a>&nbsp;Scientists suggest two scenarios for Kua'kua’s surface. Volcanic activity could have covered its surface with dark, solid rock, and this fresh lava has not yet been heavily altered by space environments. In the second scenario, such a dark surface could have been laid down millions of years ago, with harsh space radiation and meteorites darkening the regolith layers. This is similar to the surface of our Moon.

The James Webb Space Telescope helped scientists study a super-Earth 48 light-years away. It was discovered in 2018, and only now have scientists been able to learn about its surface and atmosphere. They have found that this planet is only an Earth in name.

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has studied a planet that is essentially a rocky planet 48 light-years away. LHS 3844 b was first discovered by the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) in 2018. It was revealed to be a tidally locked planet, meaning its one side was always facing its star. It was named Kua'kua, after a Central American Bribri word for "butterfly", and is about 30 per cent bigger than Earth. It completes one orbit of its red dwarf star host named Batsu in 11 hours. Being too close to its star means it is constantly burning at a temperature of 1000 Kelvin. That was all the information scientists had, until now. A team of researchers used the Mid Infrared Instrument (MIRI) on JWST to analyse Kua'kua's surface composition, and found that this planet is actually the complete opposite of Earth, Universe Today reported. Also Read: Record-breaking solar radio burst lasted 19 days. NASA and ESA probes reveal what happened Scientists from Harvard Center for Astrophysics and the Max Planck Institute for Astronomy detected "light coming directly from the surface of this distant rocky planet." Laura Kreidberg said they spotted "a dark, hot, barren rock, devoid of any atmosphere." The team studied the infrared radiation reflecting from the sizzling dayside of the planet to understand more about its surface. They compared the JWST data with the rocks and minerals from Earth, the Moon, and Mars. They were able to deduce what could be producing the infrared signatures seen at Kua'kua. Also Read: Deep space signal that lasted 25,200 seconds gets a possible explanation Kua'kua is different from Earth's crust They were sure that Kua'kua's is nothing like Earth’s crust, which is made of silicate-rich rocks such as granite. "Since LHS 3844 b lacks such a silicate crust, one may conclude that Earth-like plate tectonics does not apply to this planet, or it is ineffective,” said PhD student Sebastian Zieba. There is also likely very little water on this planet. The silicate-rich crust found on Earth is the result of tectonic activity, which also uses water, and repeats over several years. No signs of any such activity have been found on Kua'kua. The lack of atmosphere also proves that it has been geologically inactive for a long time. Also Read: Rock clouds on Hot Jupiter 700 light-years from Earth form in the morning and disappear by evening Scientists suggest two scenarios for Kua'kua’s surface. Volcanic activity could have covered its surface with dark, solid rock, and this fresh lava has not yet been heavily altered by space environments. In the second scenario, such a dark surface could have been laid down millions of years ago, with harsh space radiation and meteorites darkening the regolith layers. This is similar to the surface of our Moon.

The James Webb Space Telescope helped scientists study a super-Earth 48 light-years away. It was discovered in 2018, and only now have scientists been able to learn about its surface and atmosphere. They have found that this planet is only an Earth in name.

Hellish 'super-Earth' Kua'kua is closer to the Moon than our home planet, JWST finds

NASA is racing to closely monitor a newly detected asteroid that made a sudden close approach to Earth, triggering fresh attention from astronomers worldwide. Scientists reportedly scrambled to calculate the object’s trajectory after its late discovery raised concerns over how difficult some near-Earth objects can be to detect in time. While there is no confirmed collision threat, the incident has once again highlighted the growing global focus on planetary defence and asteroid tracking systems.


NASA Rushes To Track Surprise Asteroid After Close Earth Flyby

NASA is racing to closely monitor a newly detected asteroid that made a sudden close approach to Earth, triggering fresh attention from astronomers worldwide. Scientists reportedly scrambled to calculate the object’s trajectory after its late discovery raised concerns over how difficult some near-Earth objects can be to detect in time. While there is no confirmed collision threat, the incident has once again highlighted the growing global focus on planetary defence and asteroid tracking systems.

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

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

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

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

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

Scientists have retrieved a piece of Earth's mantle, the layer hidden beneath the crust. Measuring 4,160 feet, this section of rocks is a data mine that helps us understand how things work inside our planet. The achievement is also expected to offer a peek into the origin of life, volcanic activities and how elements like carbon and hydrogen move between the ocean, rocks, and Earth's deep interior. The mantle makes up 80 per cent of our planet's volume with a thick outer crust. Below the mantle is the outer core that consists of liquid metal. This mix of iron and nickel swirls to give us our magnetic field. In the innermost part is the inner core, which is solid. Professor Johan Lissenberg from Cardiff University’s School of Earth and Environmental Sciences conducted the work in 2023. The area chosen was the seabed near the Mid-Atlantic Ridge (the Atlantis Massif) because in this underwater area, the crust is thin, allowing mantle rocks to sit closer to the surface.&nbsp;Previous attempts to drill into the crust and reach the mantle reached a depth of only 650 feet. But Lissenberg and his team managed to drill deeper and extract a continuous piece measuring 4,160 feet. &nbsp;“Our study begins to look at the composition of the mantle by documenting the mineralogy of the recovered rocks, as well as their chemical makeup," he said. The team found that the mantle had undergone more melting than previously believed, which explains the formation of magma and volcanic eruptions. They also observed pathways in the rocks used by magma to swell up to the Earth's surface, explaining how it moves upwards. “This is important because it tells us how the mantle melts and feeds volcanoes, particularly those on the ocean floor that account for the majority of volcanism on Earth,” explains Professor Lissenberg.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/ecological-disaster-unfolding-in-western-ghats-as-one-insect-goes-missing-in-india-1777956918157">Ecological disaster unfolding in Western Ghats as one insect goes 'missing' in India</a><h2>How life originated on Earth</h2>Scientists also noted that the rocks contain an abundant mineral called olivine. When olivine comes into direct contact with hot seawater, it undergoes a chemical reaction known as serpentinization. It gives scientists a real-world model to study the conditions that may have supported the very first forms of life on early Earth. Researchers believe this process served as the necessary "spark" that generated organic building blocks before life officially began. The sample will act as a baseline reference for geologists, microbiologists, and geochemists for decades to come.

A long piece of Earth's mantle measuring 4,160 feet has shed light on how the building blocks of life took shape on our planet. This was the first time that scientists reached such depths of the Earth and extracted an invaluable data mine. 

Scientists have retrieved a piece of Earth's mantle, the layer hidden beneath the crust. Measuring 4,160 feet, this section of rocks is a data mine that helps us understand how things work inside our planet. The achievement is also expected to offer a peek into the origin of life, volcanic activities and how elements like carbon and hydrogen move between the ocean, rocks, and Earth's deep interior. The mantle makes up 80 per cent of our planet's volume with a thick outer crust. Below the mantle is the outer core that consists of liquid metal. This mix of iron and nickel swirls to give us our magnetic field. In the innermost part is the inner core, which is solid. Professor Johan Lissenberg from Cardiff University’s School of Earth and Environmental Sciences conducted the work in 2023. The area chosen was the seabed near the Mid-Atlantic Ridge (the Atlantis Massif) because in this underwater area, the crust is thin, allowing mantle rocks to sit closer to the surface. Previous attempts to drill into the crust and reach the mantle reached a depth of only 650 feet. But Lissenberg and his team managed to drill deeper and extract a continuous piece measuring 4,160 feet. “Our study begins to look at the composition of the mantle by documenting the mineralogy of the recovered rocks, as well as their chemical makeup," he said. The team found that the mantle had undergone more melting than previously believed, which explains the formation of magma and volcanic eruptions. They also observed pathways in the rocks used by magma to swell up to the Earth's surface, explaining how it moves upwards. “This is important because it tells us how the mantle melts and feeds volcanoes, particularly those on the ocean floor that account for the majority of volcanism on Earth,” explains Professor Lissenberg. Also Read: Ecological disaster unfolding in Western Ghats as one insect goes 'missing' in India How life originated on Earth Scientists also noted that the rocks contain an abundant mineral called olivine. When olivine comes into direct contact with hot seawater, it undergoes a chemical reaction known as serpentinization. It gives scientists a real-world model to study the conditions that may have supported the very first forms of life on early Earth. Researchers believe this process served as the necessary "spark" that generated organic building blocks before life officially began. The sample will act as a baseline reference for geologists, microbiologists, and geochemists for decades to come.

A long piece of Earth's mantle measuring 4,160 feet has shed light on how the building blocks of life took shape on our planet. This was the first time that scientists reached such depths of the Earth and extracted an invaluable data mine.&nbsp;

Scientists extract 4,160 feet of Earth's mantle and learn how first life forms originated

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