A new report of the UN on the state of nature talks about how the international community collectively missed a critical deadline to safeguard biodiversity.

UN report: World missed a critical deadline to safeguard biodiversity

The moon is getting rusty. And it actually takes rocket science to understand the phenomenon.

There are plenty of iron-rich rocks on the moon -- but rust is only produced when iron is exposed to oxygen and water.

The dichotomy has been solved by researchers, who have enough evidence to prove their findings.

India's lunar probe, Chandrayaan-1, orbited the moon in 2008, and gathered data that said there are water molecules on its surface.

When researchers at NASA and the Hawai'i Institute of Geophysics and Planetology analysed the data recently, they were stunned to find hints of hematite, a form of iron oxide known as rust.&nbsp;

Not only is there no air on the moon, but it is flooded with hydrogen that flows from the sun, carried by solar wind. Rust is produced when oxygen removes electrons from iron; hydrogen does the opposite by adding electrons, which means it's all the harder for rust to form on the hydrogen-rich moon.

This rust was more concentrated on the side of the moon that faces Earth -- which gave impetus to their research.

Earth is encompassed in a magnetic field, and solar wind stretches this bubble to create a long magnetic tail in the downwind direction. The moon enters this tail three days before it's full, and it takes six days to cross the tail and exit on the other side.

During these six days, Earth's magnetic tail covers the moon's surface with electrons. Dust particles on the moon's surface can then float off the ground, and moon dust might fly into a dust storm, according to NASA.

And oxygen from the Earth travels on this magnetic tail to land on the moon, where it interacts with lunar water molecules to create rust.

The magnetic tail also blocks nearly all solar wind during the full moon -- meaning the moon is temporarily shielded from the blast of hydrogen, opening a window for rust to form.

This theory could also explain why rust has been found on other airless bodies like asteroids.&nbsp;

It, however, remains unclear how exactly water on the moon is interacting with rock. 
&nbsp;

The moon is getting rusty. And it actually takes rocket science to understand the phenomenon. There are plenty of iron-rich rocks on the moon -- but rust is only produced when iron is exposed to oxygen and water.

The moon is getting rusty. And it actually takes rocket science to understand the phenomenon. There are plenty of iron-rich rocks on the moon -- but rust is only produced when iron is exposed to oxygen and water. The dichotomy has been solved by researchers, who have enough evidence to prove their findings. India's lunar probe, Chandrayaan-1, orbited the moon in 2008, and gathered data that said there are water molecules on its surface. When researchers at NASA and the Hawai'i Institute of Geophysics and Planetology analysed the data recently, they were stunned to find hints of hematite, a form of iron oxide known as rust. Not only is there no air on the moon, but it is flooded with hydrogen that flows from the sun, carried by solar wind. Rust is produced when oxygen removes electrons from iron; hydrogen does the opposite by adding electrons, which means it's all the harder for rust to form on the hydrogen-rich moon. This rust was more concentrated on the side of the moon that faces Earth -- which gave impetus to their research. Earth is encompassed in a magnetic field, and solar wind stretches this bubble to create a long magnetic tail in the downwind direction. The moon enters this tail three days before it's full, and it takes six days to cross the tail and exit on the other side. During these six days, Earth's magnetic tail covers the moon's surface with electrons. Dust particles on the moon's surface can then float off the ground, and moon dust might fly into a dust storm, according to NASA. And oxygen from the Earth travels on this magnetic tail to land on the moon, where it interacts with lunar water molecules to create rust. The magnetic tail also blocks nearly all solar wind during the full moon -- meaning the moon is temporarily shielded from the blast of hydrogen, opening a window for rust to form. This theory could also explain why rust has been found on other airless bodies like asteroids. It, however, remains unclear how exactly water on the moon is interacting with rock.

The Earth is contributing towards rust on the Moon

Scientists announced Wednesday the discovery of a black hole -- the oldest ever detected -- that shouldn't even exist according to the current understanding of cosmic monsters so dense not even light can escape their gravitational pull.

Born of a merger between two other black holes, GW190521 weighs in at 142 times the mass of our Sun and is the first "intermediate mass" black hole ever observed, two consortiums of some 1,500 scientists reported in a pair of studies.

"This event is a door opening into the cosmic process for the formation of black holes," co-author Stavros Katsanevas, an astrophysicist at the European Gravitational Observatory, said in an online press conference.&nbsp;

"It is a whole new world."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/this-is-when-the-universe-will-end-321273">Also read:&nbsp;This is when the universe will end!</a>

A so-called stellar-class black hole forms when a dying star collapses, and is typically three to ten solar masses in size. &nbsp;

Supermassive black holes found at the centre of most galaxies, including the Milky Way, range from millions to billions of solar masses.

Up to now, black holes with mass 100 to 1,000 times that of our Sun had never been found.

"This is the first evidence of a black hole in this mass range," said co-author Michaela, an astrophysicist at the University of Padova and a member of the Europe-based Virgo Collaboration.&nbsp;

"It may lead to a paradigm shift in the astrophysics of black holes."&nbsp;

The findings, she added, support the idea that supermassive black holes could be formed through the repeated merger of these mid-sized bodies.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/in-a-rare-event-astronomers-discover-saturn-like-planet-orbiting-small-cool-star-318644">Also read:&nbsp;In a rare event, astronomers discover Saturn-like planet orbiting small cool star</a>

What scientists actually observed were gravitational waves produced more than seven billion years ago when GW190521 was formed by the collision of two smaller black holes of 85 and 65 solar masses.

When they smashed together, eight solar masses worth of energy was released, creating one of the most powerful events in the Universe since the Big Bang.&nbsp;

Gravitational waves were first measured in September 2015, earning the lead researchers a physics Nobel two years later.

Albert Einstein anticipated gravitational waves in his general theory of relativity, which theorised that they spread through the Universe at the speed of light.

Challenge to current models

GW190521 was detected on May 21, 2019 by three interferometers, which can measure a change thousands of times smaller than an atomic nucleus as gravitational waves pass Earth.

According to current knowledge, the gravitational collapse of a star cannot form black holes in the range of 60 to 120 solar masses because -- at that size -- the stars are completely blown apart by the supernova explosion that accompanies collapse.

And yet, the two black holes that gave rise to GW190521 were both in the range.

"This event is a challenge for the current models of black hole formation," said Mapelli.

It is also a hint of how much is still not known.

"This detection confirms that there is a vast universe that has remained invisible to us," said Karan Jani, an astrophysicist with the Nobel-winning LIGO gravitational wave experiment.

"We have very limited theoretical and observational understanding of this elusive class of intermediate black hole."

But the very fact it could be detected is itself remarkable.

"Our ability to find a black hole a few hundred kilometres-wide from half-way across the Universe is one of the most striking realisations of this discovery," Jani added.

The two studies were published in Physical Review Letters, and Astrophysical Journal Letters.

The LIGO (Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory) consortium is led by scientists at MIT and Caltech, while the Virgo collaboration includes more than 500 scientists across Europe.

Scientists announced Wednesday the discovery of a black hole -- the oldest ever detected -- that shouldn't even exist according to the current understanding of cosmic monsters so dense not even light can escape their gravitational pull.

Scientists announced Wednesday the discovery of a black hole -- the oldest ever detected -- that shouldn't even exist according to the current understanding of cosmic monsters so dense not even light can escape their gravitational pull. Born of a merger between two other black holes, GW190521 weighs in at 142 times the mass of our Sun and is the first "intermediate mass" black hole ever observed, two consortiums of some 1,500 scientists reported in a pair of studies. "This event is a door opening into the cosmic process for the formation of black holes," co-author Stavros Katsanevas, an astrophysicist at the European Gravitational Observatory, said in an online press conference. "It is a whole new world." Also read: This is when the universe will end! A so-called stellar-class black hole forms when a dying star collapses, and is typically three to ten solar masses in size. Supermassive black holes found at the centre of most galaxies, including the Milky Way, range from millions to billions of solar masses. Up to now, black holes with mass 100 to 1,000 times that of our Sun had never been found. "This is the first evidence of a black hole in this mass range," said co-author Michaela, an astrophysicist at the University of Padova and a member of the Europe-based Virgo Collaboration. "It may lead to a paradigm shift in the astrophysics of black holes." The findings, she added, support the idea that supermassive black holes could be formed through the repeated merger of these mid-sized bodies. Also read: In a rare event, astronomers discover Saturn-like planet orbiting small cool star What scientists actually observed were gravitational waves produced more than seven billion years ago when GW190521 was formed by the collision of two smaller black holes of 85 and 65 solar masses. When they smashed together, eight solar masses worth of energy was released, creating one of the most powerful events in the Universe since the Big Bang. Gravitational waves were first measured in September 2015, earning the lead researchers a physics Nobel two years later. Albert Einstein anticipated gravitational waves in his general theory of relativity, which theorised that they spread through the Universe at the speed of light. Challenge to current models GW190521 was detected on May 21, 2019 by three interferometers, which can measure a change thousands of times smaller than an atomic nucleus as gravitational waves pass Earth. According to current knowledge, the gravitational collapse of a star cannot form black holes in the range of 60 to 120 solar masses because -- at that size -- the stars are completely blown apart by the supernova explosion that accompanies collapse. And yet, the two black holes that gave rise to GW190521 were both in the range. "This event is a challenge for the current models of black hole formation," said Mapelli. It is also a hint of how much is still not known. "This detection confirms that there is a vast universe that has remained invisible to us," said Karan Jani, an astrophysicist with the Nobel-winning LIGO gravitational wave experiment. "We have very limited theoretical and observational understanding of this elusive class of intermediate black hole." But the very fact it could be detected is itself remarkable. "Our ability to find a black hole a few hundred kilometres-wide from half-way across the Universe is one of the most striking realisations of this discovery," Jani added. The two studies were published in Physical Review Letters, and Astrophysical Journal Letters. The LIGO (Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory) consortium is led by scientists at MIT and Caltech, while the Virgo collaboration includes more than 500 scientists across Europe.

Scientists detect mysterious 'intermediate mass' black hole

The US Presidential elections are always a huge affair and comes with its own problems and controversies. This year, with the ongoing pandemic, problems have doubled up. However, to make matters worse, an asteroid is headed towards the United States.

The celestial object, 2018VP1, is headed towards the Earth and that too on November 02 — a day before the much-controversial elections.

Center for Near Earth Objects Studies at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory has claimed the asteroid is&nbsp;diameter is 0.002 km, or about 6.5 feet, but probably won't have a deep impact.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/car-sized-asteroid-becomes-closest-ever-seen-passing-earth-nasa-321591">Also read|&nbsp;Car-sized asteroid becomes closest ever seen passing Earth: NASA</a>

The asteroid, which was first discovered in Palomar Observatory in California in 2018, can have three imoacts but NASA has observed that "based on 21 observations spanning 12.968 days", there is only a&nbsp;0.41 per cent chance of the asteroid actually hitting the Earth.

The upcoming US Presidential elections have always been facing problems due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, that has made it difficult for voters to go to voting centres to vote. The US lawmakers are urging people to opt for mail-in voting, which the US President Donald Trump feels will be an "embarassment" for the country.

Trump is re-running for the post of President against Joe Biden, who is winning the race, as per the early polls. The elections are scheduled for November 03, with Trump claiming that the results will not be announced for weeks.

The US Presidential elections are always a huge affair and comes with its own problems and controversies. This year, with the ongoing pandemic, problems have doubled up.

The US Presidential elections are always a huge affair and comes with its own problems and controversies. This year, with the ongoing pandemic, problems have doubled up. However, to make matters worse, an asteroid is headed towards the United States. The celestial object, 2018VP1, is headed towards the Earth and that too on November 02 — a day before the much-controversial elections. Center for Near Earth Objects Studies at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory has claimed the asteroid is diameter is 0.002 km, or about 6.5 feet, but probably won't have a deep impact. Also read| Car-sized asteroid becomes closest ever seen passing Earth: NASA The asteroid, which was first discovered in Palomar Observatory in California in 2018, can have three imoacts but NASA has observed that "based on 21 observations spanning 12.968 days", there is only a 0.41 per cent chance of the asteroid actually hitting the Earth. The upcoming US Presidential elections have always been facing problems due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, that has made it difficult for voters to go to voting centres to vote. The US lawmakers are urging people to opt for mail-in voting, which the US President Donald Trump feels will be an "embarassment" for the country. Trump is re-running for the post of President against Joe Biden, who is winning the race, as per the early polls. The elections are scheduled for November 03, with Trump claiming that the results will not be announced for weeks.

Asteroid heading towards Earth a day before US elections: NASA

An asteroid which is slowly moving towards Earth was recently discovered by two Indian schoolgirls.

The asteroid in question is shifting its orbit, which will eventually cause it to potentially cross paths with our planet.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/astronaut-shares-picture-of-hurricane-hanna-from-space-leaving-netizens-in-awe-316415" hreflang="en">Astronaut shares picture of Hurricane Hanna from space leaving netizens in awe</a>

10th Standard&nbsp;students Radhika Lakhani and Vaidehi Vekariya stumbled upon the asteroid in the midst of a school project. They then named the asteroid HLC2514.

Project by Space India and NASA

Both the students are based in Gujarat’s city of Surat, on the eastern coast of India. They were working on a project by Space India and NASA. As part of this, students had access to telescopic images from the University of Hawaii when they then analysed.

Space India’s astronomer told CNN that the girls were able to identify the body using a software which analysed images captured by NASA’s PAN Star telescope.

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The project began in June 2020. After the analysis was over, the details were sent out to NASA. Vekariya, 15, told CNN that on July 23 they had received an email from NASA which confirmed that they had spotted an asteroid heading for earth.

On the lookout

The girls were able to identify the object by being on the lookout for moving objects in the images.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/giant-swarm-of-flying-ants-spotted-from-space-over-britain-314245" hreflang="en">Giant swarm of flying ants spotted from space over Britain</a>

Currently, the asteroid is circling Mars, and does not remain a threat to Earth. However, in over a million years, it will move closer to Earth. Even though it may not cause any harm to our planet, it still remains a potential hazard. The estimated distance between the asteroid and Earth a million years from now will still be more than 10 times the distance between Earth and the Moon.

Asteroids are small rocky objects that usually orbit the sun, but may change their course over time.

The student Vekariya told CNN that “this was a dream”, but suggested that they couldn’t celebrate because of the pandemic.

An asteroid which is slowly moving towards Earth was recently discovered by two Indian schoolgirls. The asteroid in question is shifting its orbit, which will eventually cause it to potentially cross paths with our planet.

An asteroid which is slowly moving towards Earth was recently discovered by two Indian schoolgirls. The asteroid in question is shifting its orbit, which will eventually cause it to potentially cross paths with our planet. Also read: Astronaut shares picture of Hurricane Hanna from space leaving netizens in awe 10th Standard students Radhika Lakhani and Vaidehi Vekariya stumbled upon the asteroid in the midst of a school project. They then named the asteroid HLC2514. Project by Space India and NASA Both the students are based in Gujarat’s city of Surat, on the eastern coast of India. They were working on a project by Space India and NASA. As part of this, students had access to telescopic images from the University of Hawaii when they then analysed. Space India’s astronomer told CNN that the girls were able to identify the body using a software which analysed images captured by NASA’s PAN Star telescope. Indian schoolgirls discover asteroid moving towards Earth https://t.co/EYrEosDVEF pic.twitter.com/EdVvdcYx8k — CTV News (@CTVNews) July 28, 2020 × The project began in June 2020. After the analysis was over, the details were sent out to NASA. Vekariya, 15, told CNN that on July 23 they had received an email from NASA which confirmed that they had spotted an asteroid heading for earth. On the lookout The girls were able to identify the object by being on the lookout for moving objects in the images. Also read: Giant swarm of flying ants spotted from space over Britain Currently, the asteroid is circling Mars, and does not remain a threat to Earth. However, in over a million years, it will move closer to Earth. Even though it may not cause any harm to our planet, it still remains a potential hazard. The estimated distance between the asteroid and Earth a million years from now will still be more than 10 times the distance between Earth and the Moon. Asteroids are small rocky objects that usually orbit the sun, but may change their course over time. The student Vekariya told CNN that “this was a dream”, but suggested that they couldn’t celebrate because of the pandemic.

Students from Gujarat in India spot an asteroid heading towards Earth

Two teenage girls from India have discovered an Earth-bound asteroid by poring through images from a University of Hawaii telescope, an Indian space education institute said on Monday.

The asteroid is presently near Mars and its orbit is expected to cross that of Earth in about one million years` time, said SPACE India, a private institute where the two 14-year-old girls received training.

"I look forward to... when we will get a chance to name the asteroid," said Vaidehi Vekariya, who added that she wants to become an astronaut when she is older.

The asteroid, currently called HLV2514, may be officially christened only after NASA confirms its orbit, a SPACE India spokeswoman said.

Radhika Lakhani, the other student, said she was working hard on her education. "I don`t even have a TV at home, so that I can concentrate on my studies."

Asteroids and comets pose a potential threat to Earth, and scientists discover thousands of them each year. In 2013, an asteroid heavier than the Eiffel Tower exploded over central Russia, leaving more than 1,000 people injured from its shockwave.

The two girls, who hail from Surat, discovered the object as part of an asteroid search campaign conducted by SPACE India along with the International Astronomical Search Collaboration (IASC), a NASA-affiliated citizen scientist group.

IASC Director J. Patrick Miller confirmed the discovery, according to an email from him to the girls seen by Reuters. 
The girls used specialised software to analyse the images snapped by the Pan-STARRS telescope in Hawaii, and made the discovery in June, SPACE India said.

The institute is among the few private space education initiatives in India, a country known for championing low-cost space technology that has spurred missions to the moon and Mars.

Two teenage girls from India have discovered an Earth-bound asteroid by poring through images from a University of Hawaii telescope, an Indian space education institute said on Monday.

Two teenage girls from India have discovered an Earth-bound asteroid by poring through images from a University of Hawaii telescope, an Indian space education institute said on Monday. The asteroid is presently near Mars and its orbit is expected to cross that of Earth in about one million years` time, said SPACE India, a private institute where the two 14-year-old girls received training. "I look forward to... when we will get a chance to name the asteroid," said Vaidehi Vekariya, who added that she wants to become an astronaut when she is older. The asteroid, currently called HLV2514, may be officially christened only after NASA confirms its orbit, a SPACE India spokeswoman said. Radhika Lakhani, the other student, said she was working hard on her education. "I don`t even have a TV at home, so that I can concentrate on my studies." Asteroids and comets pose a potential threat to Earth, and scientists discover thousands of them each year. In 2013, an asteroid heavier than the Eiffel Tower exploded over central Russia, leaving more than 1,000 people injured from its shockwave. The two girls, who hail from Surat, discovered the object as part of an asteroid search campaign conducted by SPACE India along with the International Astronomical Search Collaboration (IASC), a NASA-affiliated citizen scientist group. IASC Director J. Patrick Miller confirmed the discovery, according to an email from him to the girls seen by Reuters. The girls used specialised software to analyse the images snapped by the Pan-STARRS telescope in Hawaii, and made the discovery in June, SPACE India said. The institute is among the few private space education initiatives in India, a country known for championing low-cost space technology that has spurred missions to the moon and Mars.

School girls in India discover Earth-bound asteroid

The United Arab Emirates has postponed the launch of its mission to Mars due to weather conditions at the launch site in Japan.

The UAE government communications office said that a new launch date in July will be announced soon.

The UAE's Hope Probe, the first interplanetary mission by an Arab country, was due to launch from Japan’s Tanegashima Space Center at 12:51am UAE time on Wednesday&nbsp;for a seven-month journey to the red planet. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasas-curiosity-rover-embarks-on-mars-road-trip-312520">Also Read: NASA's Curiosity rover embarks on Mars road trip</a>

While the mission objective is to provide a comprehensive image of the weather dynamics in Mars' atmosphere and pave the way for scientific breakthroughs, the probe is a foundation for a much bigger goal - building a human settlement on Mars within the next 100 years.

The oil-rich Gulf nation plan to establish a "science city" on Earth that will reproduce Mars' atmospheric conditions, with the goal of establishing a human colony on the Red Planet around 2117. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/us-china-and-uae-all-set-to-take-advantage-of-mars-current-position-312295">Also Read: US, China and UAE all set to take advantage of Mars' current position</a>

Only the United States, India, the former Soviet Union, and the European Space Agency have successfully sent missions to orbit the Red Planet, while China is preparing to launch its first Mars rover later this month.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The United Arab Emirates has postponed the launch of its mission to Mars due to weather conditions at the launch site in Japan. The UAE government communications office said that a new launch date in July will be announced soon.

The United Arab Emirates has postponed the launch of its mission to Mars due to weather conditions at the launch site in Japan. The UAE government communications office said that a new launch date in July will be announced soon. The UAE's Hope Probe, the first interplanetary mission by an Arab country, was due to launch from Japan’s Tanegashima Space Center at 12:51am UAE time on Wednesday for a seven-month journey to the red planet. Also Read: NASA's Curiosity rover embarks on Mars road trip While the mission objective is to provide a comprehensive image of the weather dynamics in Mars' atmosphere and pave the way for scientific breakthroughs, the probe is a foundation for a much bigger goal - building a human settlement on Mars within the next 100 years. The oil-rich Gulf nation plan to establish a "science city" on Earth that will reproduce Mars' atmospheric conditions, with the goal of establishing a human colony on the Red Planet around 2117. Also Read: US, China and UAE all set to take advantage of Mars' current position Only the United States, India, the former Soviet Union, and the European Space Agency have successfully sent missions to orbit the Red Planet, while China is preparing to launch its first Mars rover later this month. (With inputs from agencies)

UAE Mars mission postponed due to weather conditions

The Earth’s magnetic field, ie, the location of the North Pole and the South Pole is never stable. In fact, it&nbsp;is&nbsp;continuously in the process of flipping, until it gradually does. What’s North Pole today will be South Pole in a hundred thousand years, and vice versa.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/science/we-all-come-from-star-dust-is-no-longer-just-a-saying-and-scientists-agree-311418" hreflang="en">'We all come from star dust' is no longer just a saying, and scientists agree!</a>

However, scientists have discovered a new piece of information about this which could change how we understand magnetic poles. The pole reversal, according to new study published in Nature Communications, could happen ten times faster than previously thought.

On an average, the phenomenon happens every few hundred thousands of years.&nbsp;This switch has multiple implications, for it affects life on Earth, and the course of evolution.

One degree per year? Wrong!

Earlier, scientists thought the maximum shift in the magnetic field would amount to one degree per year, but this new research says over ten degrees of movement could be taking place every year. The researchers reached this conclusion by following up on computer simulations of the outer core which is primarily made up of nickel and iron and resides 2,800 kilometres below the planet’s surface. This is the part of the planet which decides the magnetic field and the changes in it.

<h6><img alt="This handout picture obtained from the European Space Agency (ESA) on August 7, 2018 shows a view taken by German astronaut and geophysicist Alexander Gerst, showing drought affected areas across Germany and Central-Europe as seen from the International Space Station on August 6, 2018. " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ec1b2f0b-dc4b-42bc-bc2b-a44b3498a143" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design-3_25.jpg" /> 
This handout picture obtained from the European Space Agency (ESA) on August 7, 2018 shows a view taken by German astronaut and geophysicist Alexander Gerst, showing drought affected areas across Germany and Central-Europe as seen from the International Space Station on August 6, 2018. | AFP</h6>

The researchers from University of California San Diego juxtaposed their digital imitations of the core with a timeline of magnetic pole activity over the last 100,000 years and were able to find similarities which pointed to a faster movement.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/science/a-massive-star-in-a-far-off-galaxy-just-disappeared-leaving-behind-no-trace-310032" hreflang="en">A massive star in a far-off galaxy just disappeared, leaving behind no trace!</a>

When the magnetic field of Earth experiences changes, they can get&nbsp;replicated in the sediments, lava, and objects made out of these!

The scientists also posited that the quick switch may be attributed to localised fluctuations in the intensity of the magnetic field. For instance, they noted a movement of almost 2.5 degrees per year 39,000 years ago. This was right after the planet’s magnetic field became weak in Central America.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/science/a-blazing-fireball-produced-a-sonic-boom-in-tokyo-skies-leaving-residents-confused-311108" hreflang="en">A blazing fireball produced a sonic boom in Tokyo skies, leaving residents confused!</a>

The field, besides facilitating compass based navigation, also protects living beings from solar radiations, and the poles are constantly on the move, without us noticing it!

Even though they can’t still pinpoint to the exact cause and projected timeline of the shift, one thing’s for sure: the switch is contingent on a lot of factors that we still have no idea about!

The Earth’s magnetic field, ie, the location of the North Pole and the South Pole is never stable. In fact, it is continuously in the process of flipping, until it gradually does.

The Earth’s magnetic field, ie, the location of the North Pole and the South Pole is never stable. In fact, it is continuously in the process of flipping, until it gradually does. What’s North Pole today will be South Pole in a hundred thousand years, and vice versa. Also read: 'We all come from star dust' is no longer just a saying, and scientists agree! However, scientists have discovered a new piece of information about this which could change how we understand magnetic poles. The pole reversal, according to new study published in Nature Communications, could happen ten times faster than previously thought. On an average, the phenomenon happens every few hundred thousands of years. This switch has multiple implications, for it affects life on Earth, and the course of evolution. One degree per year? Wrong! Earlier, scientists thought the maximum shift in the magnetic field would amount to one degree per year, but this new research says over ten degrees of movement could be taking place every year. The researchers reached this conclusion by following up on computer simulations of the outer core which is primarily made up of nickel and iron and resides 2,800 kilometres below the planet’s surface. This is the part of the planet which decides the magnetic field and the changes in it. This handout picture obtained from the European Space Agency (ESA) on August 7, 2018 shows a view taken by German astronaut and geophysicist Alexander Gerst, showing drought affected areas across Germany and Central-Europe as seen from the International Space Station on August 6, 2018. | AFP The researchers from University of California San Diego juxtaposed their digital imitations of the core with a timeline of magnetic pole activity over the last 100,000 years and were able to find similarities which pointed to a faster movement. Also read: A massive star in a far-off galaxy just disappeared, leaving behind no trace! When the magnetic field of Earth experiences changes, they can get replicated in the sediments, lava, and objects made out of these! The scientists also posited that the quick switch may be attributed to localised fluctuations in the intensity of the magnetic field. For instance, they noted a movement of almost 2.5 degrees per year 39,000 years ago. This was right after the planet’s magnetic field became weak in Central America. Also read: A blazing fireball produced a sonic boom in Tokyo skies, leaving residents confused! The field, besides facilitating compass based navigation, also protects living beings from solar radiations, and the poles are constantly on the move, without us noticing it! Even though they can’t still pinpoint to the exact cause and projected timeline of the shift, one thing’s for sure: the switch is contingent on a lot of factors that we still have no idea about!

Earth's magnetic poles may be flipping by 10° each year, way more than previously thought!

Pluto, a dwarf planet which was formerly known as the ninth planet in our solar system may have a subsurface ocean owing to its initial warm temperatures, researches posited on Monday.

NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft took images of the dwarf planet’s surface in 2015, which led researchers to believe that the planet had a “hot start” 4.5 billion years ago, when Earth, along with our whole solar system was created.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/science/spacexs-envisioned-machinery-will-not-only-take-us-to-mars-but-reduce-travel-time-on-earth-tremendously-306615" hreflang="en">SpaceX's envisioned machinery will not only take us to Mars, but reduce travel time on Earth tremendously!</a>

"When Pluto was forming, new material would have been coming in and impacting its surface. Each impact is like an explosion that would warm the nearby area," said Carver Bierson, University of California Santa Cruz planetary scientist and the lead author of the research published in the journal Nature Geoscience.

"If Pluto formed slowly, the surface would cool between each impact and generally stay very cold. If Pluto formed quickly, you have impact on top of impact and the surface doesn't have time to cool. We calculate that if Pluto formed in less than 30,000 years, the heat from these impacts could have been sufficient to lead to an early ocean," Bierson added.

<h6><img alt="The planet Pluto is pictured in a handout image made up of four images from New Horizons' Long Range Reconnaissance Imager (LORRI) taken in July 2015 combined with color data from the Ralph instrument to create this enhanced color global view" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="aee9560c-1bdf-4326-a9df-33ad0cb2548b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design-4_8.jpg" /> 
The planet Pluto is pictured in a handout image made up of four images from New Horizons' Long Range Reconnaissance Imager (LORRI) taken in July 2015 combined with color data from the Ralph instrument to create this enhanced color global view | AFP 
&nbsp;</h6>

Pluto is situated in the region called the “Kuiper Belt”, and orbits the sun 40 times farther away than the Earth.

Additionally, the planet may have an icy outer shell spanning hundreds of kilometres. Scientists believe this layer protects an ocean of water which may be mixed with salts and ammonia. Pluto may also have a solid rocky core below.

If this is true, the cracks on Pluto’s surface would finally make sense. Water is bound to expand as it freezes, and this implies that Pluto’s oceans froze over time.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/science/astronomers-detect-another-mysterious-recurring-radio-burst-in-space-304417" hreflang="en">Astronomers detect another mysterious, recurring radio burst in space</a>

Pluto is a very cold planet, with temperatures running as low as minus 230 degree Celsius (minus 480 degrees F).

Water, an important ingredient of sustaining life, may point to Pluto’s ability to be able to host living organisms.

"Water could have been interacting chemically with the rocky core beneath the ocean, giving you more chemical ingredients to work with," Bierson added. "Are those the right ingredients for life? We don't know. We need to learn more about how life forms, or how life could form, to find these answers."

(With inputs from Reuters)

Pluto, a dwarf planet which was formerly known as the ninth planet in our solar system may have a subsurface ocean owing to its initial warm temperatures, researches posited on Monday.

Pluto, a dwarf planet which was formerly known as the ninth planet in our solar system may have a subsurface ocean owing to its initial warm temperatures, researches posited on Monday. NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft took images of the dwarf planet’s surface in 2015, which led researchers to believe that the planet had a “hot start” 4.5 billion years ago, when Earth, along with our whole solar system was created. Also read: SpaceX's envisioned machinery will not only take us to Mars, but reduce travel time on Earth tremendously! "When Pluto was forming, new material would have been coming in and impacting its surface. Each impact is like an explosion that would warm the nearby area," said Carver Bierson, University of California Santa Cruz planetary scientist and the lead author of the research published in the journal Nature Geoscience. "If Pluto formed slowly, the surface would cool between each impact and generally stay very cold. If Pluto formed quickly, you have impact on top of impact and the surface doesn't have time to cool. We calculate that if Pluto formed in less than 30,000 years, the heat from these impacts could have been sufficient to lead to an early ocean," Bierson added. The planet Pluto is pictured in a handout image made up of four images from New Horizons' Long Range Reconnaissance Imager (LORRI) taken in July 2015 combined with color data from the Ralph instrument to create this enhanced color global view | AFP Pluto is situated in the region called the “Kuiper Belt”, and orbits the sun 40 times farther away than the Earth. Additionally, the planet may have an icy outer shell spanning hundreds of kilometres. Scientists believe this layer protects an ocean of water which may be mixed with salts and ammonia. Pluto may also have a solid rocky core below. If this is true, the cracks on Pluto’s surface would finally make sense. Water is bound to expand as it freezes, and this implies that Pluto’s oceans froze over time. Also read: Astronomers detect another mysterious, recurring radio burst in space Pluto is a very cold planet, with temperatures running as low as minus 230 degree Celsius (minus 480 degrees F). Water, an important ingredient of sustaining life, may point to Pluto’s ability to be able to host living organisms. "Water could have been interacting chemically with the rocky core beneath the ocean, giving you more chemical ingredients to work with," Bierson added. "Are those the right ingredients for life? We don't know. We need to learn more about how life forms, or how life could form, to find these answers." (With inputs from Reuters)

Pluto may have been a warmer body when it was formed 4.5 billion years ago

SpaceX is considered one of the most ambitious companies of modern-day! The company have gone even further than anybody’s expectations.

An advertisement for job hiring for the company published on Tuesday revealed how the company is planning to develop floating spaceports to be used as launch sites for SpaceX’s “Super Heavy” launch vehicles.

Tech Crunch first reported how these rockets will be used to move large payloads to Moon, and probably to Mars. SpaceX CEO Elon Musk pointed that these would also be used for travelling on Earth.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/science/spacex-confirms-putting-60-new-starlink-internet-satellites-into-orbit-303249" hreflang="en">SpaceX confirms putting 60 new Starlink Internet satellites into orbit</a>

Musk pointed out that the purpose behind the job posting, originally spotted by Dan Paasch will be to induct new people to help the company achieve this mission.

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SpaceX is building floating, superheavy-class spaceports for Mars, moon &amp; hypersonic travel around Earth <a href="https://t.co/zLJjz43hKw">https://t.co/zLJjz43hKw</a>
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1272972228326379520?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 16, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The upcoming Super Heavy rocket boosters, intended to be worked with its Starship spacecraft, will allow hypersonic travel on Earth, which would cut travelling time tremendously. Take this - flights that took over a day will now take only a couple of hours.

The basic goal of SpaceX, which was to put humans on Mars and the Moon, are primarily why such heavy machines are being developed. No official work seems to have begun yet.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/science/spacex-confirms-putting-60-new-starlink-internet-satellites-into-orbit-303249" hreflang="en">SpaceX confirms putting 60 new Starlink Internet satellites into orbit</a>

Musk has reiterated his plans to “make humans an interstellar species”, with the idea to colonise multiple destinations, with Mars and Moon first on the list.

If the plan materialises, not just space but travelling on the planet might become a lot easier! The rationale is to enable travel at the edge of Earth’s atmosphere, which will cut down both on the duration and the fuel cost for the flight. If that happens, one may be able to travel from New York City to Paris in under an hour.

SpaceX is considered one of the most ambitious companies of modern-day! The company have gone even further than anybody’s expectations. An advertisement for job hiring for the company published on Tuesday revealed how the company is planning to develop floating spaceports to be used as launch sites for SpaceX’s “Super Heavy” launch vehicles.

SpaceX is considered one of the most ambitious companies of modern-day! The company have gone even further than anybody’s expectations. An advertisement for job hiring for the company published on Tuesday revealed how the company is planning to develop floating spaceports to be used as launch sites for SpaceX’s “Super Heavy” launch vehicles. Tech Crunch first reported how these rockets will be used to move large payloads to Moon, and probably to Mars. SpaceX CEO Elon Musk pointed that these would also be used for travelling on Earth. Also read: SpaceX confirms putting 60 new Starlink Internet satellites into orbit Musk pointed out that the purpose behind the job posting, originally spotted by Dan Paasch will be to induct new people to help the company achieve this mission. SpaceX is building floating, superheavy-class spaceports for Mars, moon & hypersonic travel around Earth https://t.co/zLJjz43hKw — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 16, 2020 × The upcoming Super Heavy rocket boosters, intended to be worked with its Starship spacecraft, will allow hypersonic travel on Earth, which would cut travelling time tremendously. Take this - flights that took over a day will now take only a couple of hours. The basic goal of SpaceX, which was to put humans on Mars and the Moon, are primarily why such heavy machines are being developed. No official work seems to have begun yet. Also read: SpaceX confirms putting 60 new Starlink Internet satellites into orbit Musk has reiterated his plans to “make humans an interstellar species”, with the idea to colonise multiple destinations, with Mars and Moon first on the list. If the plan materialises, not just space but travelling on the planet might become a lot easier! The rationale is to enable travel at the edge of Earth’s atmosphere, which will cut down both on the duration and the fuel cost for the flight. If that happens, one may be able to travel from New York City to Paris in under an hour.

SpaceX's envisioned machinery will not only take us to Mars, but reduce travel time on Earth tremendously!

As the climate changes rapidly because of human activity, scientists and researchers have always struggled to find a corner of the Earth unaffected by people.

But researchers from Colorado State University have now identified an atmospheric region which remains unchanged by human activity. They say it is the world's cleanest air, free from particles caused by human activity, located over the Southern Ocean, which surrounds Antarctica.

This result was based on a first-of-its-kind study of the bioaerosol composition of the Southern Ocean.

Researchers found that the boundary layer air, which feeds the lower clouds over the Southern Ocean, was free from aerosol particles produced by human activity -- including burning fossil fuels and wastewater disposal -- or transported from other countries around the world.

Research scientist and co-author of the study Thomas Hill explained that "the aerosols controlling the properties of SO (Southern Ocean) clouds are strongly linked to ocean biological processes, and that Antarctica appears to be isolated from southward dispersal of microorganisms and nutrient deposition from southern continents," he said in a statement.

"Overall, it suggests that the SO is one of very few places on Earth that has been minimally affected by anthropogenic activities," he added.

Scientists sampled the air in the marine boundary level, and then examined the composition of airborne microbes. And found that the microbes' origins were from the ocean.

They also concluded that aerosols from distant land masses and human activities, such as pollution or soil emissions caused by land use change, were not travelling south and into the air.

Scientists say that the results show a stark difference to all other studies from oceans both in the northern hemisphere and subtropics, which found that most microbes came from upwind continents.

In the study hence published on Monday in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences journal, scientists described the area as "truly pristine." 
&nbsp;

As the climate changes rapidly because of human activity, scientists and researchers have always struggled to find a corner of the Earth unaffected by people. But researchers from Colorado State University have now identified an atmospheric region which remains unchanged by human activity.

As the climate changes rapidly because of human activity, scientists and researchers have always struggled to find a corner of the Earth unaffected by people. But researchers from Colorado State University have now identified an atmospheric region which remains unchanged by human activity. They say it is the world's cleanest air, free from particles caused by human activity, located over the Southern Ocean, which surrounds Antarctica. This result was based on a first-of-its-kind study of the bioaerosol composition of the Southern Ocean. Researchers found that the boundary layer air, which feeds the lower clouds over the Southern Ocean, was free from aerosol particles produced by human activity -- including burning fossil fuels and wastewater disposal -- or transported from other countries around the world. Research scientist and co-author of the study Thomas Hill explained that "the aerosols controlling the properties of SO (Southern Ocean) clouds are strongly linked to ocean biological processes, and that Antarctica appears to be isolated from southward dispersal of microorganisms and nutrient deposition from southern continents," he said in a statement. "Overall, it suggests that the SO is one of very few places on Earth that has been minimally affected by anthropogenic activities," he added. Scientists sampled the air in the marine boundary level, and then examined the composition of airborne microbes. And found that the microbes' origins were from the ocean. They also concluded that aerosols from distant land masses and human activities, such as pollution or soil emissions caused by land use change, were not travelling south and into the air. Scientists say that the results show a stark difference to all other studies from oceans both in the northern hemisphere and subtropics, which found that most microbes came from upwind continents. In the study hence published on Monday in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences journal, scientists described the area as "truly pristine."

This is the place where you can find the cleanest air on Earth!

We have all read about how the magnetic field of the earth protects us from the solar radiation. However, according to reports, that magnetic field is now weakening.

As per the reports, the magnetic field around the earth, on an average, has lost almost 10% of its strength over the last two centuries.

However, a rapid shrink has been observed in the South Atlantic Anomaly, a stretch between Africa and South America. A large and rapid shrink has been observed in this region over the past&nbsp;50 years just as the area itself has grown and moved westward.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-tech/nasa-finds-evidence-of-parallel-universe-where-time-runs-backward-299949">Also read:&nbsp;NASA finds evidence of parallel universe where time runs backward</a>

Scientists from European Space Agency (ESA) from the Swarm Data, Innovation and Science Cluster (DISC) are using this data from ESA's Swarm satellite constellation to study the anomaly. The Swarm satellites can identify and measure the the various magnetic signals that combine to make up the Earth's magnetic field.In the last five years, a second centre of minimum intensity has developed towards southwest of Africa. Researchers believe that this could mean that the anomaly can split into two separate cells.

The weakening of the magnetic field is also causing technical difficulties for the satellites and spacecrafts orbiting the planet.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/scientists-prepare-a-map-of-antarctica-turning-green-due-to-climate-change-300122">Also read:&nbsp;Scientists prepare a map of Antarctica turning green due to climate change</a>

The South Atlantic Anomaly has been appearing over the last decade, but has developed vigorously in the last few years. Dr Jurgen Matzka, from the German Research Centre for Geosciences, said:&nbsp;"We are very lucky to have the Swarm satellites in orbit to investigate the development of the South Atlantic Anomaly. The challenge now is to understand the processes in Earth's core driving these changes."

One most speculated reason behind this is that there is a chance that the time for Earth's pole reversal is coming near.

Pole reversal is when the north and south magnetic poles flip. While this flip will not occur immediately or suddenly, and will happen over centuries,&nbsp;there would be multiple north and south magnetic poles during this period, all around the planet.

This is definitely not the first time that pole reversal will be happening on the Earth. This event has occurred few times in the history of our planet, as per the scientists and we are long overdue by the average rate at which these reversals take place (roughly every 250,000 years).

While this is not going to affect or alarm the general public to a huge extent, it is causing technical difficulties for various satellites and spacecrafts, as the&nbsp;magnetic field getting weaker, charged particles from the cosmos can penetrate through to the altitudes that low-Earth orbiting satellites fly at.

(With inputs from agencies)

We have all read about how the magnetic field of the earth protects us from the solar radiation. However, according to reports, that magnetic field is now weakening.

We have all read about how the magnetic field of the earth protects us from the solar radiation. However, according to reports, that magnetic field is now weakening. As per the reports, the magnetic field around the earth, on an average, has lost almost 10% of its strength over the last two centuries. However, a rapid shrink has been observed in the South Atlantic Anomaly, a stretch between Africa and South America. A large and rapid shrink has been observed in this region over the past 50 years just as the area itself has grown and moved westward. Also read: NASA finds evidence of parallel universe where time runs backward Scientists from European Space Agency (ESA) from the Swarm Data, Innovation and Science Cluster (DISC) are using this data from ESA's Swarm satellite constellation to study the anomaly. The Swarm satellites can identify and measure the the various magnetic signals that combine to make up the Earth's magnetic field.In the last five years, a second centre of minimum intensity has developed towards southwest of Africa. Researchers believe that this could mean that the anomaly can split into two separate cells. The weakening of the magnetic field is also causing technical difficulties for the satellites and spacecrafts orbiting the planet. Also read: Scientists prepare a map of Antarctica turning green due to climate change The South Atlantic Anomaly has been appearing over the last decade, but has developed vigorously in the last few years. Dr Jurgen Matzka, from the German Research Centre for Geosciences, said: "We are very lucky to have the Swarm satellites in orbit to investigate the development of the South Atlantic Anomaly. The challenge now is to understand the processes in Earth's core driving these changes." One most speculated reason behind this is that there is a chance that the time for Earth's pole reversal is coming near. Pole reversal is when the north and south magnetic poles flip. While this flip will not occur immediately or suddenly, and will happen over centuries, there would be multiple north and south magnetic poles during this period, all around the planet. This is definitely not the first time that pole reversal will be happening on the Earth. This event has occurred few times in the history of our planet, as per the scientists and we are long overdue by the average rate at which these reversals take place (roughly every 250,000 years). While this is not going to affect or alarm the general public to a huge extent, it is causing technical difficulties for various satellites and spacecrafts, as the magnetic field getting weaker, charged particles from the cosmos can penetrate through to the altitudes that low-Earth orbiting satellites fly at. (With inputs from agencies)

Earth's magnetic field weakens; satellites and spacecrafts malfunction

An astronomer has discovered the closest black hole to the Earth, about 1,000 light-years away.&nbsp;

The hole is so close that two stars swirling around an invisible object is visible with the naked eye on a clear dark night in the southern hemisphere.

The previous black hole was three times away from the current discovery. According to astronomers, it was at a distance of 3,200 light-years.

Every light year is 5.9 trillion miles.

The recently discovered black hole is the nearest to the earth, according to astronomers.

According to media reports, on the scale of the Milky Way, the black hole is in the backyard. Close to the doorstep.

The black hole which is centrally located in the Milky Way is more than 25,000 light-years away.

Scientists can discover these holes, like the latest one, when they absorb parts of a partner star or any other objects falling into them.

And most of them remain unspotted as they do not have anything close to swallowing.

An inner star’s orbit helped in the discovery of the closest black hole.

The 25-miles diameter hole was a part of the three-star dance system called HR 6819.

And the two stars were not very close to be sucked.

European scientists in Chile found something four to five times the mass of the sun was pulling on the inner star and said it was a black hole.

The spotting of the black hole suggests that there could be more out there.

There are around one billion small dense objects in the Milky Way, according to astronomers.

An astronomer has discovered the closest black hole to the Earth, about 1,000 light-years away. The hole is so close that two stars swirling around an invisible object is visible with the naked eye on a clear dark night in the southern hemisphere.

An astronomer has discovered the closest black hole to the Earth, about 1,000 light-years away. The hole is so close that two stars swirling around an invisible object is visible with the naked eye on a clear dark night in the southern hemisphere. The previous black hole was three times away from the current discovery. According to astronomers, it was at a distance of 3,200 light-years. Every light year is 5.9 trillion miles. The recently discovered black hole is the nearest to the earth, according to astronomers. According to media reports, on the scale of the Milky Way, the black hole is in the backyard. Close to the doorstep. The black hole which is centrally located in the Milky Way is more than 25,000 light-years away. Scientists can discover these holes, like the latest one, when they absorb parts of a partner star or any other objects falling into them. And most of them remain unspotted as they do not have anything close to swallowing. An inner star’s orbit helped in the discovery of the closest black hole. The 25-miles diameter hole was a part of the three-star dance system called HR 6819. And the two stars were not very close to be sucked. European scientists in Chile found something four to five times the mass of the sun was pulling on the inner star and said it was a black hole. The spotting of the black hole suggests that there could be more out there. There are around one billion small dense objects in the Milky Way, according to astronomers.

Three times close black hole spotted around 1,000 light-years away from Earth

A large near-Earth asteroid will safely pass by our planet on Wednesday morning, providing astronomers with an exceptional opportunity to study the 1.5-mile-wide (2-kilometer-wide) object in great detail.

The asteroid, called 1998 OR2, will make its closest approach at 5:55 a.m. EDT (2:55 a.m. PDT).

While this is known as a "close approach" by astronomers, it's still very far away: The asteroid will get no closer than about 3.9 million miles (6.3 million kilometers), passing more than 16 times farther away than the Moon.

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LIVE NOW: Ask us anything about asteroid 1998 OR2, interstellar comet Borisov and comet ATLAS. Asteroid 1998 OR2 will safely fly by Earth on April 29. 
 
Join <a href="https://twitter.com/AsteroidWatch?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AsteroidWatch</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PlanetaryDefense?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PlanetaryDefense</a> experts on <a href="https://twitter.com/reddit?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@reddit</a> to ask questions about comets and asteroids: <a href="https://t.co/PEPWiVc1OY">https://t.co/PEPWiVc1OY</a> <a href="https://t.co/OQyqeGRS2w">pic.twitter.com/OQyqeGRS2w</a>
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Asteroid 1998 OR2 was discovered by the Near-Earth Asteroid Tracking program at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in July 1998, and for the past two decades, astronomers have tracked it.

As a result, we understand its orbital trajectory very precisely, and we can say with confidence that this asteroid poses no possibility of impact for at least the next 200 years.

Its next close approach to Earth will occur in 2079 when it will pass by closer -- only about four times the lunar distance.

Despite this, 1998 OR2 is still categorized as a large "potentially hazardous asteroid" because, over the course of millennia, very slight changes in the asteroid's orbit may cause it to present more of a hazard to Earth than it does now.

This is one of the reasons why tracking this asteroid during its close approach -- using telescopes and especially ground-based radar -- is important, as observations such as these will enable an even better long-term assessment of the hazard presented by this asteroid.

Close approaches by large asteroids like 1998 OR2 are quite rare.

The previous close approach by a large asteroid was made by asteroid Florence in September 2017. That 3-mile-wide (5-kilometer-wide) object zoomed past Earth at 18 lunar distances.

On average, we expect asteroids of this size to fly by our planet this close roughly once every five years.

Since they are bigger, asteroids of this size reflect much more light than smaller asteroids and are therefore easier to detect with telescopes.

Almost all near-Earth asteroids (about 98%) of the size of 1998 OR2 or larger have already been discovered, tracked and cataloged.

It is extremely unlikely there could be an impact over the next century by one of these large asteroids, but efforts to discover all asteroids that could pose an impact hazard to Earth continue.

A large near-Earth asteroid will safely pass by our planet on Wednesday morning, providing astronomers with an exceptional opportunity to study the 1.5-mile-wide (2-kilometer-wide) object in great detail.

A large near-Earth asteroid will safely pass by our planet on Wednesday morning, providing astronomers with an exceptional opportunity to study the 1.5-mile-wide (2-kilometer-wide) object in great detail. The asteroid, called 1998 OR2, will make its closest approach at 5:55 a.m. EDT (2:55 a.m. PDT). While this is known as a "close approach" by astronomers, it's still very far away: The asteroid will get no closer than about 3.9 million miles (6.3 million kilometers), passing more than 16 times farther away than the Moon. LIVE NOW: Ask us anything about asteroid 1998 OR2, interstellar comet Borisov and comet ATLAS. Asteroid 1998 OR2 will safely fly by Earth on April 29. Join @AsteroidWatch #PlanetaryDefense experts on @reddit to ask questions about comets and asteroids: https://t.co/PEPWiVc1OY pic.twitter.com/OQyqeGRS2w — NASA (@NASA) April 28, 2020 × Asteroid 1998 OR2 was discovered by the Near-Earth Asteroid Tracking program at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in July 1998, and for the past two decades, astronomers have tracked it. As a result, we understand its orbital trajectory very precisely, and we can say with confidence that this asteroid poses no possibility of impact for at least the next 200 years. Its next close approach to Earth will occur in 2079 when it will pass by closer -- only about four times the lunar distance. Despite this, 1998 OR2 is still categorized as a large "potentially hazardous asteroid" because, over the course of millennia, very slight changes in the asteroid's orbit may cause it to present more of a hazard to Earth than it does now. This is one of the reasons why tracking this asteroid during its close approach -- using telescopes and especially ground-based radar -- is important, as observations such as these will enable an even better long-term assessment of the hazard presented by this asteroid. Close approaches by large asteroids like 1998 OR2 are quite rare. The previous close approach by a large asteroid was made by asteroid Florence in September 2017. That 3-mile-wide (5-kilometer-wide) object zoomed past Earth at 18 lunar distances. On average, we expect asteroids of this size to fly by our planet this close roughly once every five years. Since they are bigger, asteroids of this size reflect much more light than smaller asteroids and are therefore easier to detect with telescopes. Almost all near-Earth asteroids (about 98%) of the size of 1998 OR2 or larger have already been discovered, tracked and cataloged. It is extremely unlikely there could be an impact over the next century by one of these large asteroids, but efforts to discover all asteroids that could pose an impact hazard to Earth continue.

Asteroid 1998 OR2 to safely fly past earth this week

Earth Day is an annual event to raise awareness about environmental issues and inspire people to take action. Fifty years on, the day has become more important than ever if we want to save the planet.

Earth Day 2020: Why We Need to Act Now

The world has come to an abrupt halt, quite literally!

As the killer COVID-19 pandemic slows down the economy, the streets look more doomsday than ever before!

Turns out, the earth is also less noisy! Seismologists around the world have now observed that the ambient seismic noise is way lesser than it was a month ago.

For clarity, ambient seismic noise refers to subtle noise pollution caused by vehicles, public transport, and essentially, people!

Owing to this, the planet’s upper crust is witnessing lesser movement.

First recorded at the Royal Observatory in Belgium by Thomas Lecocq, a seismologist, the city of Brussels witnessed a whooping 30 to 50 per cent reduction in seismic noises.

As social distancing becomes the norm, most institutions remain shut. In Christian countries, the same noise level is recorded on Christmas Day, the major yearly festival.

<h6><img alt="lo" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d1bf4774-39c7-4c42-b201-9d6e19bbbce2" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%283%29_62.jpg" /> 
Earth from space | AFP 
&nbsp;</h6>

What does this mean?

The effect of decreased noise is simple: seismologists can now record smaller earthquakes and certain smaller events. If this were the norm, many earthquakes could be recorded earlier with quicker mitigation measures!

In conversation with CNN, Lecocq said that the Brussels station is otherwise useless.

Usually, such stations are situated outside cities to evade the noise and for better performance. However, the one in Brussels was made over a century ago, with the city growing around it.

This suggests that people over the world are, for once, not ignoring the warnings by authorities to stay inside and minimise outdoor activity.

This data, in turn, could be used to understand the success and failure of containment measures, ie, where they’ve been more effective and where not.

Based on this, quick mitigation strategies could be organised in states performing badly.

The world has come to an abrupt halt, quite literally! As the killer COVID-19 pandemic slows down the economy, the streets look more doomsday than ever before! Turns out, the earth is also less noisy!

The world has come to an abrupt halt, quite literally! As the killer COVID-19 pandemic slows down the economy, the streets look more doomsday than ever before! Turns out, the earth is also less noisy! Seismologists around the world have now observed that the ambient seismic noise is way lesser than it was a month ago. For clarity, ambient seismic noise refers to subtle noise pollution caused by vehicles, public transport, and essentially, people! Owing to this, the planet’s upper crust is witnessing lesser movement. First recorded at the Royal Observatory in Belgium by Thomas Lecocq, a seismologist, the city of Brussels witnessed a whooping 30 to 50 per cent reduction in seismic noises. As social distancing becomes the norm, most institutions remain shut. In Christian countries, the same noise level is recorded on Christmas Day, the major yearly festival. Earth from space | AFP What does this mean? The effect of decreased noise is simple: seismologists can now record smaller earthquakes and certain smaller events. If this were the norm, many earthquakes could be recorded earlier with quicker mitigation measures! In conversation with CNN, Lecocq said that the Brussels station is otherwise useless. Usually, such stations are situated outside cities to evade the noise and for better performance. However, the one in Brussels was made over a century ago, with the city growing around it. This suggests that people over the world are, for once, not ignoring the warnings by authorities to stay inside and minimise outdoor activity. This data, in turn, could be used to understand the success and failure of containment measures, ie, where they’ve been more effective and where not. Based on this, quick mitigation strategies could be organised in states performing badly.

Earth is less noisy during COVID-19, say seismologists

An asteroid "large enough to cause global effects," will fly by Earth next month on April 29.

According to NASA's Center for Near-Earth Object Studies, the asteroid is called 52768 (1998 OR2) and it will pass within 3,908,791 miles of Earth, moving at 19,461 miles per hour.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/oldest-known-asteroid-collision-ended-earths-ice-age-study-275861">Oldest known asteroid collision ended Earth's 'ice age': Study</a>

Its estimated timing is 4:56 am as per the space agency.

The asteroid was classified as a potentially hazardous object because it passes near Earth's orbit.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/asteroid-apophis-to-cause-massive-destruction-on-earth-in-2036-says-nasa-24666">Asteroid Apophis to cause massive destruction on Earth in 2036, says NASA</a>

However, it is not currently on NASA's list of potential future Earth impact events.&nbsp;

And scientists at NASA's Sentry System believe that it is not expected to collide with our planet.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-tech/nasas-first-of-its-kind-near-earth-asteroid-mission-lifts-off-6119">NASA's first-of-its kind near-Earth asteroid mission lifts off</a>

It's the largest asteroid expected to zip by Earth within the next two months, but it's not the largest ever.

The largest asteroid which flew by Earth was 3122 Florence (1981 ET3).&nbsp;

Fortunately, it missed colliding with it on September 1, 2017.

In addition to tracking Near-Earth Objects that could pose a threat, NASA and other agencies currently have missions underway to study near-Earth asteroids and potentially mitigate the danger of a collision.

The observatory is located on the Cerro Pachón ridge in north-central Chile.

An asteroid "large enough to cause global effects," will fly by Earth next month on April 29. According to NASA's Center for Near-Earth Object Studies, the asteroid is called 52768 (1998 OR2) and it will pass within 3,908,791 miles of Earth, moving at 19,461 miles per hour.

An asteroid "large enough to cause global effects," will fly by Earth next month on April 29. According to NASA's Center for Near-Earth Object Studies, the asteroid is called 52768 (1998 OR2) and it will pass within 3,908,791 miles of Earth, moving at 19,461 miles per hour. Also read: Oldest known asteroid collision ended Earth's 'ice age': Study Its estimated timing is 4:56 am as per the space agency. The asteroid was classified as a potentially hazardous object because it passes near Earth's orbit. Also read: Asteroid Apophis to cause massive destruction on Earth in 2036, says NASA However, it is not currently on NASA's list of potential future Earth impact events. And scientists at NASA's Sentry System believe that it is not expected to collide with our planet. Also read: NASA's first-of-its kind near-Earth asteroid mission lifts off It's the largest asteroid expected to zip by Earth within the next two months, but it's not the largest ever. The largest asteroid which flew by Earth was 3122 Florence (1981 ET3). Fortunately, it missed colliding with it on September 1, 2017. In addition to tracking Near-Earth Objects that could pose a threat, NASA and other agencies currently have missions underway to study near-Earth asteroids and potentially mitigate the danger of a collision. The observatory is located on the Cerro Pachón ridge in north-central Chile.

Asteroid 'large enough to cause global effect' to fly by Earth

Earth may have been a water world covered by global ocean 3.2 billion years ago according to a new study.

The study which has published in Nature Geoscience suggests that in its early years, Earth may have looked like a post-apocalyptic water world.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/earth-has-a-new-mini-moon-about-the-size-of-a-car-283144">Earth has a new 'mini-moon' about the&nbsp;size of a car</a>

In order to gather data, researchers analyzed more than 100 rock samples from across a dry area known as Panorama that's located in northwestern Australia's outback.&nbsp;

Scientists compared it to analyzing coffee grounds to learn more about the water that flowed through it.

Also see: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-a-first-water-found-on-earth-like-planet-beyond-our-solar-system-249176">In a first, water found on earth-like planet beyond our solar system</a>

''An early Earth without emergent continents may have resembled a water world, providing an important environmental constraint on the origin and evolution of life on Earth, as well as its possible existence elsewhere,'' the study stated.

The scientists focused on different types of oxygen that seawater had carried into the crust.&nbsp;

In particular, they analysed the relative amounts of two isotopes, oxygen-16 and the ever-so-slightly-heavier oxygen-18, in more than 100 samples of the stone.

They found that seawater contained more oxygen-18 when the crust was formed 3.2 billion&nbsp;years ago.&nbsp;

The most plausible explanation according to them is that Earth had no continents at the time, because when these form, the clays they contain absorb the ocean’s heavy oxygen isotopes.

Earth may have been a water world covered by global ocean 3.2 billion years ago according to a new study. The study which has published in Nature Geoscience suggests that in its early years, Earth may have looked like a post-apocalyptic water world.

Earth may have been a water world covered by global ocean 3.2 billion years ago according to a new study. The study which has published in Nature Geoscience suggests that in its early years, Earth may have looked like a post-apocalyptic water world. Also read: Earth has a new 'mini-moon' about the size of a car In order to gather data, researchers analyzed more than 100 rock samples from across a dry area known as Panorama that's located in northwestern Australia's outback. Scientists compared it to analyzing coffee grounds to learn more about the water that flowed through it. Also see: In a first, water found on earth-like planet beyond our solar system ''An early Earth without emergent continents may have resembled a water world, providing an important environmental constraint on the origin and evolution of life on Earth, as well as its possible existence elsewhere,'' the study stated. The scientists focused on different types of oxygen that seawater had carried into the crust. In particular, they analysed the relative amounts of two isotopes, oxygen-16 and the ever-so-slightly-heavier oxygen-18, in more than 100 samples of the stone. They found that seawater contained more oxygen-18 when the crust was formed 3.2 billion years ago. The most plausible explanation according to them is that Earth had no continents at the time, because when these form, the clays they contain absorb the ocean’s heavy oxygen isotopes.

Earth may have been a 'water world' 3 billion years ago: Study

Each year around 12 million tons of plastic waste is dumped into the world's oceans, polluting the water, killing wildlife and creating microplastics that enter the food chain.

The Battle Against Ocean Plastic

Why 11 million Brazilians think Earth is flat

Astronomers in the United States have spotted a new "mini-moon" circling the planet Earth which is about the&nbsp;size of a car.

According to the astronomers, Kacper Wierzchos and Teddy Pruyne of NASA-funded Catalina Sky Survey in Arizona, the mini-moon is between 2 to 3 meters wide.

"BIG NEWS, Earth has a new temporarily captured object/Possible mini-moon called 2020 CD3," Wierzchos announced on Twitter.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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BIG NEWS (thread 1/3). Earth has a new temporarily captured object/Possible mini-moon called 2020 CD3. On the night of Feb. 15, my Catalina Sky Survey teammate Teddy Pruyne and I found a 20th magnitude object. Here are the discovery images. <a href="https://t.co/zLkXyGAkZl">pic.twitter.com/zLkXyGAkZl</a>
— Kacper Wierzchos (@WierzchosKacper) <a href="https://twitter.com/WierzchosKacper/status/1232460436634656769?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 26, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The astronomer also said that Asteroid 2020 CD3 which has has been captured by Earth's gravity is lingering around for the past three years.

"The object has just been announced by the MPC and its orbit shows that it entered Earth's orbit some three years ago."

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(2/3) The object has just been announced by the MPC and its orbit shows that it entered Earth's orbit some three years ago. Here is a diagram of the orbit created with the orbit simulator written by Tony Dunn: <a href="https://t.co/2wsJGtexiO">pic.twitter.com/2wsJGtexiO</a>
— Kacper Wierzchos (@WierzchosKacper) <a href="https://twitter.com/WierzchosKacper/status/1232461053692268545?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 26, 2020</a></blockquote>
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It was a "big deal as out of 1 million known asteroids, this is just the second asteroid known to orbit Earth (after 2006 RH120, which was also discovered by the Catalina Sky Survey)," the astronomer also said.

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(3/3) The object has a diameter between 1.9 - 3.5 m assuming a C-type asteroid albedo. But it's a big deal as out of ~ 1 million known asteroids, this is just the second asteroid known to orbit Earth (after 2006 RH120, which was also discovered by the Catalina Sky Survey).
— Kacper Wierzchos (@WierzchosKacper) <a href="https://twitter.com/WierzchosKacper/status/1232461141256749057?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 26, 2020</a></blockquote>
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However, Earth's new neighbour is not in a stable orbit around the planet and is most likely to escape by April.

"It is heading away from the Earth-moon system as we speak," Grigori Fedorets, a research fellow at Queen's University Belfast in Northern Ireland, told New Scientist magazine and was likely to escape in April.

The only other asteroid is known to orbit Earth, 2006 RH120, rotated the planet from September 2006 to June 2007.&nbsp;

Scientists say that there is at least one mini-moon circling the planet at any given time, but most of them go undiscovered due to their small size.

Astronomers in the United States have spotted a new "mini-moon" circling the planet Earth which is about the size of a car. According to the astronomers, Kacper Wierzchos and Teddy Pruyne of NASA-funded Catalina Sky Survey in Arizona, the mini-moon is between 2 to 3 meters wide.

Astronomers in the United States have spotted a new "mini-moon" circling the planet Earth which is about the size of a car. According to the astronomers, Kacper Wierzchos and Teddy Pruyne of NASA-funded Catalina Sky Survey in Arizona, the mini-moon is between 2 to 3 meters wide. "BIG NEWS, Earth has a new temporarily captured object/Possible mini-moon called 2020 CD3," Wierzchos announced on Twitter. BIG NEWS (thread 1/3). Earth has a new temporarily captured object/Possible mini-moon called 2020 CD3. On the night of Feb. 15, my Catalina Sky Survey teammate Teddy Pruyne and I found a 20th magnitude object. Here are the discovery images. pic.twitter.com/zLkXyGAkZl — Kacper Wierzchos (@WierzchosKacper) February 26, 2020 × The astronomer also said that Asteroid 2020 CD3 which has has been captured by Earth's gravity is lingering around for the past three years. "The object has just been announced by the MPC and its orbit shows that it entered Earth's orbit some three years ago." (2/3) The object has just been announced by the MPC and its orbit shows that it entered Earth's orbit some three years ago. Here is a diagram of the orbit created with the orbit simulator written by Tony Dunn: pic.twitter.com/2wsJGtexiO — Kacper Wierzchos (@WierzchosKacper) February 26, 2020 × It was a "big deal as out of 1 million known asteroids, this is just the second asteroid known to orbit Earth (after 2006 RH120, which was also discovered by the Catalina Sky Survey)," the astronomer also said. (3/3) The object has a diameter between 1.9 - 3.5 m assuming a C-type asteroid albedo. But it's a big deal as out of ~ 1 million known asteroids, this is just the second asteroid known to orbit Earth (after 2006 RH120, which was also discovered by the Catalina Sky Survey). — Kacper Wierzchos (@WierzchosKacper) February 26, 2020 × However, Earth's new neighbour is not in a stable orbit around the planet and is most likely to escape by April. "It is heading away from the Earth-moon system as we speak," Grigori Fedorets, a research fellow at Queen's University Belfast in Northern Ireland, told New Scientist magazine and was likely to escape in April. The only other asteroid is known to orbit Earth, 2006 RH120, rotated the planet from September 2006 to June 2007. Scientists say that there is at least one mini-moon circling the planet at any given time, but most of them go undiscovered due to their small size.

Earth has a new 'mini-moon' about the size of a car

United States astronaut Christina Koch, is all set to return to Earth today after a record stay at the International Space Station.

The leader of the first all-female spacewalk in 2019, Koch's mission could provide rich insight into deep-space travel.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/science-trending-nasa-telescope-nasa-bids-farewell-to-iconic-spitzer-space-telescope-277732">NASA bids farewell to iconic Spitzer Space Telescope</a>

Koch spent 328 days in the orbiting laboratory. The 41-year-old boarded a Russian Soyuz capsule and which was set to depart at 0230 GMT today.

If the plan works out well, the capsule will ''parachute to a safe landing on the desert steppe of Dzhezkazgan, Kazakhstan'', Reuters reported. The touchdown is expected at 0912 GMT today with the aircraft carrying Koch, European astronaut Luca Parmitano and Russian cosmonaut Alexander Skvortsov.&nbsp;

<h6><img alt="ppp" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="038a3465-e493-4201-a53f-0083f3032d06" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2812%29_9.jpg" /> 
This NASA photo released on February 4, 20202 shows NASA astronaut Christina Koch during a spacewalk on January 15, 2020 | AFP</h6>

The record for the longest continuous stay in space by a woman was previously held by NASA's Peggy Whitson.

In October 2019, Koch achieved a gender milestone during a spacewalk, which was undertaken with a fellow NASA astronaut Jessica Meir. This was the first time two women stepped out of the space station at the same time. 
 
In March 2019, NASA attempted an all-female spacewalk which was later called off because one of the astronauts' medium-sized spacesuits was wrongly configured. This inspired gender-heavy rhetoric within the space community. 
 
This year, astronauts on the space station are set to celebrate the 20th anniversary in low-Earth orbit. The Station has held 227 maintenance spacewalks, with almost two dozen female astronauts participating in the process. Koch and Meir conducted two more spacewalks together in January.

<h6><img alt="ppp" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="718f535b-f55a-4bc7-9c01-a98982817b8d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2813%29_12.jpg" /> 
This NASA image shows the International Space Station, a search light, and the Moon in this long exposure photograph | AFP 
&nbsp;</h6>

According to NASA, Koch's mission would provide insight into the weightlessness of gravity. Additionally, it could also help the space organisation understand how space radiation affects the female body on long-duration spaceflights.

As NASA plans to build a permanent space station on the moon's surface within the next decade, the data from Koch's mission could prove to be immensely useful.

Scott Kelly, a US astronaut spent 340 days in orbit starting 2015. From Kelly's time in space, NASA learned that spaceflights cause the thickening of the carotid artery and retina, changes in gene expression and slight cognitive impairments for men.

Koch's mission began in March last year and was extended up to April, stretching the duration from six months to almost a year.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-space-force-unveils-camouflage-uniform-gets-trolled-on-twitter-275237">US Space Force unveils camouflage uniform, gets trolled on Twitter</a>

(With inputs from Reuters)

United States astronaut Christina Koch, is all set to return to Earth today after a record stay at the International Space Station. The leader of the first all-female spacewalk in 2019, Koch's mission could provide rich insight into deep-space travel.

United States astronaut Christina Koch, is all set to return to Earth today after a record stay at the International Space Station. The leader of the first all-female spacewalk in 2019, Koch's mission could provide rich insight into deep-space travel. Also read: NASA bids farewell to iconic Spitzer Space Telescope Koch spent 328 days in the orbiting laboratory. The 41-year-old boarded a Russian Soyuz capsule and which was set to depart at 0230 GMT today. If the plan works out well, the capsule will ''parachute to a safe landing on the desert steppe of Dzhezkazgan, Kazakhstan'', Reuters reported. The touchdown is expected at 0912 GMT today with the aircraft carrying Koch, European astronaut Luca Parmitano and Russian cosmonaut Alexander Skvortsov. This NASA photo released on February 4, 20202 shows NASA astronaut Christina Koch during a spacewalk on January 15, 2020 | AFP The record for the longest continuous stay in space by a woman was previously held by NASA's Peggy Whitson. In October 2019, Koch achieved a gender milestone during a spacewalk, which was undertaken with a fellow NASA astronaut Jessica Meir. This was the first time two women stepped out of the space station at the same time. In March 2019, NASA attempted an all-female spacewalk which was later called off because one of the astronauts' medium-sized spacesuits was wrongly configured. This inspired gender-heavy rhetoric within the space community. This year, astronauts on the space station are set to celebrate the 20th anniversary in low-Earth orbit. The Station has held 227 maintenance spacewalks, with almost two dozen female astronauts participating in the process. Koch and Meir conducted two more spacewalks together in January. This NASA image shows the International Space Station, a search light, and the Moon in this long exposure photograph | AFP According to NASA, Koch's mission would provide insight into the weightlessness of gravity. Additionally, it could also help the space organisation understand how space radiation affects the female body on long-duration spaceflights. As NASA plans to build a permanent space station on the moon's surface within the next decade, the data from Koch's mission could prove to be immensely useful. Scott Kelly, a US astronaut spent 340 days in orbit starting 2015. From Kelly's time in space, NASA learned that spaceflights cause the thickening of the carotid artery and retina, changes in gene expression and slight cognitive impairments for men. Koch's mission began in March last year and was extended up to April, stretching the duration from six months to almost a year. Also read: US Space Force unveils camouflage uniform, gets trolled on Twitter (With inputs from Reuters)

Christina Koch, NASA astronaut to return to Earth today after record 328 days in space

A team of scientists from the <a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/first-known-us-patient-of-coronavirus-being-treated-by-robot-276107">US </a>and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-news-wuhan-coronavirus-who-yet-to-decide-if-china-virus-is-a-global-health-emergency-276018">China </a>have reportedly discovered&nbsp;28 ancient viruses in the Tibetan glacier which were never been seen earlier in the modern world.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/only-ten-years-to-save-worlds-biodiversity-from-extinction-un-274629">Only ten years to save world's biodiversity from extinction: UN</a>

According to reports, at least 33 virus groups were also discovered in the&nbsp;glacier called Guliya ice cap in the northwestern Tibetan Plateau which is&nbsp;15,000 years old.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/oldest-known-asteroid-collision-ended-earths-ice-age-study-275861">Oldest known asteroid collision ended Earth's 'ice age': Study</a>

The group published a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/heat-from-eruption-of-mount-vesuvius-turned-victims-brained-to-glass-276041">research </a>paper which stated their findings in detail.&nbsp;They had travelled to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/villagers-hold-celebrations-to-warm-up-tibetan-new-year-in-southwest-china-274069">Tibet</a> in 2015 in search of the oldest glacial ice on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/oldest-known-asteroid-collision-ended-earths-ice-age-study-275861">Earth</a>.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/why-action-on-climate-change-gets-stuck-and-what-to-do-about-it-275736">Why action on climate change gets stuck and what to do about it</a>

The scientists&nbsp;obtained two ice cores after drilling 50 meters inside the ice cap and had to undergo&nbsp;a protocol of three-step decontamination.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-coronavirus-wuhan-city-imposes-transport-lockdown-as-death-toll-rises-to-seventeen-and-no-of-cases-rise-to-571-276004">China coronavirus: Wuhan city imposes transport lockdown&nbsp;</a>

It was followed by the use of microbiology techniques to identify microbes and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-coronavirus-wuhan-city-imposes-transport-lockdown-as-death-toll-rises-to-seventeen-and-no-of-cases-rise-to-571-276004">viruses</a> in the samples.&nbsp;

''Melting of glaciers, at a bare minimum leads to loss of microbial and viral archives and in turn can be informative and help in the diagnosis of the planet's old climate regimes,'' they scientists said in the&nbsp;research paper.

However, the melted ice can release toxic pathogens into the environment.&nbsp;It is a dire situation as this can lead to several fatal diseases, they predicted.

The inability to address global change is climate has transformed it in a ticking time bomb.&nbsp;They pointed out that climate change is an added threat as it has adversely affected our ability to delineate these minuscule lifeforms and to steer clear from harmful ones.

A team of scientists from the US and China have reportedly discovered 28 ancient viruses in the Tibetan glacier which were never been seen earlier in the modern world.

A team of scientists from the US and China have reportedly discovered 28 ancient viruses in the Tibetan glacier which were never been seen earlier in the modern world. Also read: Only ten years to save world's biodiversity from extinction: UN According to reports, at least 33 virus groups were also discovered in the glacier called Guliya ice cap in the northwestern Tibetan Plateau which is 15,000 years old. Also read: Oldest known asteroid collision ended Earth's 'ice age': Study The group published a research paper which stated their findings in detail. They had travelled to Tibet in 2015 in search of the oldest glacial ice on Earth. Also read: Why action on climate change gets stuck and what to do about it The scientists obtained two ice cores after drilling 50 meters inside the ice cap and had to undergo a protocol of three-step decontamination. Also read: China coronavirus: Wuhan city imposes transport lockdown It was followed by the use of microbiology techniques to identify microbes and viruses in the samples. ''Melting of glaciers, at a bare minimum leads to loss of microbial and viral archives and in turn can be informative and help in the diagnosis of the planet's old climate regimes,'' they scientists said in the research paper. However, the melted ice can release toxic pathogens into the environment. It is a dire situation as this can lead to several fatal diseases, they predicted. The inability to address global change is climate has transformed it in a ticking time bomb. They pointed out that climate change is an added threat as it has adversely affected our ability to delineate these minuscule lifeforms and to steer clear from harmful ones.

US, Chinese scientists discover ancient viruses in Tibetan glacier

The&nbsp;collision of an asteroid with the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/beyond-earth-designers-give-a-peek-into-what-life-could-look-like-on-mars-275336">Earth</a>'s surface more than 2 billion years ago created the oldest impact crater known as&nbsp;Yarrabubba crater in Western <a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/australia-to-begin-screening-passengers-from-china-as-coronavirus-continues-to-spread-275594">Australia</a>.

According to research, it precedes others by 200 million years. And it was due to it that the planet was able to exit the state of frozenness.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/beyond-earth-designers-give-a-peek-into-what-life-could-look-like-on-mars-275336">Beyond Earth: Designers give a peek into what life could look like on Mars</a>

An isotopic assessment of the minerals inside the crater was conducted to prove that the crater is the oldest.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/illegal-sand-mining-still-ongoing-in-madhya-pradesh-says-mineral-resources-minister-275165">Minerals </a>such as monazite and zircon were both found at the site.

<img alt="Decrystaliization" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d97a24c7-2718-4047-999d-457695643f0c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/_110599716_usecrystal.jpg" />

They had recrystallized due to the ''sudden'' impact of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-space-probe-on-its-way-back-after-asteroid-mission-262935">asteroid</a>.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/why-action-on-climate-change-gets-stuck-and-what-to-do-about-it-275736">Why action on climate change gets stuck and what to do about it</a>

The discoveries made by researchers were published on Tuesday in the journal Nature Communications.

The crater got eroded with the passage of time and thus making it difficult to determine its original size.

According to the latest findings, the new age estimate of this crater is much more accurate than the previous ones.

Also watch:&nbsp;A giant asteroid just whizzed past Earth, and no one had a clue!

&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/a-giant-asteroid-just-whizzed-past-earth-and-no-one-had-a-clue-239162/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

''This crater was created right at the end of Snowball Earth which is the time duration in which the atmosphere along with the oceans was involving and were becoming more oxygenated. Glacial conditions were recorded when rocks deposited on continents,'' said Chris Kirkland, the co-author of the study and a professor at the Curtin University's School of Earth and Planetary Sciences in Perth, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-to-begin-screening-passengers-from-china-as-coronavirus-continues-to-spread-275594">Australia</a>.

According to Nicholas Timms, the study co-author and associate professor at the same university, ''the age of this impact crater is similar to that of the demise of a series of ancient glaciations''.&nbsp;

It was half a trillion tons of water vapour, an effective and the most abundant greenhouse gas that absorbed radiation and send it back to the surface of the Earth that resulted in the meltdown of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/climate-change-due-to-deforestation-worries-people-in-gilgit-baltistan-275823">glaciers</a>.

The collision of an asteroid with the Earth's surface more than 2 billion years ago created the oldest impact crater known as Yarrabubba crater in Western Australia.

The collision of an asteroid with the Earth's surface more than 2 billion years ago created the oldest impact crater known as Yarrabubba crater in Western Australia. According to research, it precedes others by 200 million years. And it was due to it that the planet was able to exit the state of frozenness. Also read: Beyond Earth: Designers give a peek into what life could look like on Mars An isotopic assessment of the minerals inside the crater was conducted to prove that the crater is the oldest. Minerals such as monazite and zircon were both found at the site. They had recrystallized due to the ''sudden'' impact of the asteroid. Also read: Why action on climate change gets stuck and what to do about it The discoveries made by researchers were published on Tuesday in the journal Nature Communications. The crater got eroded with the passage of time and thus making it difficult to determine its original size. According to the latest findings, the new age estimate of this crater is much more accurate than the previous ones. Also watch: A giant asteroid just whizzed past Earth, and no one had a clue! ''This crater was created right at the end of Snowball Earth which is the time duration in which the atmosphere along with the oceans was involving and were becoming more oxygenated. Glacial conditions were recorded when rocks deposited on continents,'' said Chris Kirkland, the co-author of the study and a professor at the Curtin University's School of Earth and Planetary Sciences in Perth, Australia. According to Nicholas Timms, the study co-author and associate professor at the same university, ''the age of this impact crater is similar to that of the demise of a series of ancient glaciations''. It was half a trillion tons of water vapour, an effective and the most abundant greenhouse gas that absorbed radiation and send it back to the surface of the Earth that resulted in the meltdown of the glaciers.

Oldest known asteroid collision ended Earth's 'ice age': Study

A decade on Earth captured from space

Boeing's new&nbsp;Starliner&nbsp;spacecraft will return to&nbsp;Earth&nbsp;on Sunday, six days&nbsp;early,&nbsp;after&nbsp;a clock problem prevented a rendezvous with the International Space Station, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/chandrayaan-2-nasa-satellite-finds-indias-vikram-moon-lander-releases-images-of-impact-site-265811">NASA</a> and the aerospace giant confirmed Saturday.

The uncrewed&nbsp;Starliner&nbsp;capsule is now scheduled to land Sunday at 05:47 am at the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico.

The capsule is currently in a low, 250-kilometre&nbsp;orbit.&nbsp;Boeing&nbsp;engineers are programming it to re-enter the atmosphere over the Pacific Ocean.&nbsp;

Parachutes will slow its descent, and huge airbags will be deployed to cushion its desert landing.

Starliner's&nbsp;failure&nbsp;was the latest serious setback for&nbsp;Boeing, which is still reeling from two fatal crashes of its 737 Max airliner. The crashes, in October 2018 in Indonesia and in March 2019 in Ethiopia, claimed a total of 346 lives.

The aerospace company plans to suspend production of the plane in January.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Gravitas -&nbsp;NASA To Welcome Supersonic Commercial Travel

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Too much propellant burned

The&nbsp;Starliner&nbsp;capsule was launched Friday from Cape Canaveral, Florida, but shortly&nbsp;after&nbsp;separating from its Atlas V launch rocket its thrusters failed to activate as planned, preventing it from reaching an orbit high enough to meet up with the ISS.

The space station orbits at an altitude of about 400 kilometres above sea level.&nbsp;

After&nbsp;calculating that the craft had burned too much propellant for several minutes -- owing to a clock problem --&nbsp;Boeing&nbsp;and NASA determined that the&nbsp;Starliner&nbsp;would have to return to&nbsp;Earth&nbsp;without fulfilling its planned&nbsp;mission.

Jim Chilton, senior vice president of&nbsp;Boeing's space and launch division, told reporters that "we started the clock at the wrong time."

The craft, assuming it was at a different stage of its flight, burned much more propellant than it should have.

NASA finds a bright side

The flight,&nbsp;carrying only a dummy into space,&nbsp;was meant to be a final dress rehearsal before a crewed flight.&nbsp;

But NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine insisted that the&nbsp;mission&nbsp;was not a complete&nbsp;failure.

"The NASA team and the&nbsp;Boeing&nbsp;team have been working&nbsp;hand in glove to accomplish as many of the test objectives as we can," he said.

Thus,&nbsp;Starliner&nbsp;was able to establish a communications link with the ISS, and to test in space its docking mechanism as well as its solar panels, batteries, thrusters and heat regulation system.

Chilton said the vehicle's status is "really excellent."

But a major test awaits:&nbsp;Starliner's landing Sunday in the New Mexico desert,&nbsp;one of the most dangerous phases for any space&nbsp;mission, particularly when the vehicle is designed to transport astronauts.

Starliner&nbsp;is set to re-enter the atmosphere at 25 times the speed of sound. Its thermal shield will have to resist the intense heat created by friction with the atmosphere, and its three parachutes will have to deploy correctly.&nbsp;

In a test in November only two parachutes opened, although they proved sufficient for the landing.

"The entry, descent and landing is not for the faint of heart," Chilton said.&nbsp;

NASA will have to decide whether to carry out another test flight or to trust that the vehicle is safe to carry astronauts.&nbsp;

Starliner's first crewed flight had been scheduled for&nbsp;early&nbsp;2020 -- no specific date has been announced -- a much-anticipated development ever since NASA sent up its last space shuttle in 2011. &nbsp;

Another vehicle, the Crew Dragon, has been developed by SpaceX corporation for NASA. It is expected to be ready for launch in the next several months.

NASA has committed to pay $8 billion to&nbsp;Boeing&nbsp;and SpaceX, which in return are to deliver six trips carrying four astronauts each from now to 2024.

Boeing's new Starliner spacecraft will return to Earth on Sunday, six days early, after a clock problem prevented a rendezvous with the International Space Station, NASA and the aerospace giant confirmed Saturday.

Boeing's new Starliner spacecraft will return to Earth on Sunday, six days early, after a clock problem prevented a rendezvous with the International Space Station, NASA and the aerospace giant confirmed Saturday. The uncrewed Starliner capsule is now scheduled to land Sunday at 05:47 am at the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico. The capsule is currently in a low, 250-kilometre orbit. Boeing engineers are programming it to re-enter the atmosphere over the Pacific Ocean. Parachutes will slow its descent, and huge airbags will be deployed to cushion its desert landing. Starliner's failure was the latest serious setback for Boeing, which is still reeling from two fatal crashes of its 737 Max airliner. The crashes, in October 2018 in Indonesia and in March 2019 in Ethiopia, claimed a total of 346 lives. The aerospace company plans to suspend production of the plane in January. Watch: Gravitas - NASA To Welcome Supersonic Commercial Travel Too much propellant burned The Starliner capsule was launched Friday from Cape Canaveral, Florida, but shortly after separating from its Atlas V launch rocket its thrusters failed to activate as planned, preventing it from reaching an orbit high enough to meet up with the ISS. The space station orbits at an altitude of about 400 kilometres above sea level. After calculating that the craft had burned too much propellant for several minutes -- owing to a clock problem -- Boeing and NASA determined that the Starliner would have to return to Earth without fulfilling its planned mission. Jim Chilton, senior vice president of Boeing's space and launch division, told reporters that "we started the clock at the wrong time." The craft, assuming it was at a different stage of its flight, burned much more propellant than it should have. NASA finds a bright side The flight, carrying only a dummy into space, was meant to be a final dress rehearsal before a crewed flight. But NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine insisted that the mission was not a complete failure. "The NASA team and the Boeing team have been working hand in glove to accomplish as many of the test objectives as we can," he said. Thus, Starliner was able to establish a communications link with the ISS, and to test in space its docking mechanism as well as its solar panels, batteries, thrusters and heat regulation system. Chilton said the vehicle's status is "really excellent." But a major test awaits: Starliner's landing Sunday in the New Mexico desert, one of the most dangerous phases for any space mission, particularly when the vehicle is designed to transport astronauts. Starliner is set to re-enter the atmosphere at 25 times the speed of sound. Its thermal shield will have to resist the intense heat created by friction with the atmosphere, and its three parachutes will have to deploy correctly. In a test in November only two parachutes opened, although they proved sufficient for the landing. "The entry, descent and landing is not for the faint of heart," Chilton said. NASA will have to decide whether to carry out another test flight or to trust that the vehicle is safe to carry astronauts. Starliner's first crewed flight had been scheduled for early 2020 -- no specific date has been announced -- a much-anticipated development ever since NASA sent up its last space shuttle in 2011. Another vehicle, the Crew Dragon, has been developed by SpaceX corporation for NASA. It is expected to be ready for launch in the next several months. NASA has committed to pay $8 billion to Boeing and SpaceX, which in return are to deliver six trips carrying four astronauts each from now to 2024.

Boeing Starliner returning to Earth early after mission failure

Climate Change Is Driving Planet Earth To A Dangerous Tipping Point.

Gravitas: Climate Change 'Tipping Points'

A place on Earth with no life

The largest of Saturn's many moons has lakes, mountains and dunes, with its surface scarred and crafted by many of the same forces which have shaped Earth, scientists said Monday.

A team led by Rosaly Lopes at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) said Titan's visible exterior was "one of the most geologically diverse in the Solar System."

"Despite the differences in materials, temperatures and gravity fields between Earth and Titan, many of their surface features are similar and can be interpreted as products of the same geologic processes," the scientists said in an article in Nature Astronomy.

Using radar and infra-red data generated by the now-defunct Cassini probe, which completed a 20-year mission by crashing into Saturn in 2017, the scientists said they could fill in many of the gaps in mapping Titan, some 1.2 billion kilometres (800 million miles) from Earth.

Dunes and lakes, they said, were relatively young while mountainous terrain appeared older.

Titan’s surface was sculpted by the accumulation and erosion of sediment and showed "clear latitudinal variation, with dunes at the equator, plains at mid-latitudes and labyrinth terrains and lakes at the poles," they said.

The region around the equator is arid, with Titan getting wetter closer to the poles.

Just as on Earth, Titan's surface has been marked by impact craters, liquid- and air-driven erosion, methane-laden rainfall, tectonic plate movement and possible volcanic activity.

Alice Le Gall, one of the team and working at Paris-Saclay University, said Titan "is the only known extraterrestrial body to have liquid bodies on its surface."

Methane exists in three states -- solid, liquid and gas -- at super-cold temperatures. It produces a cycle similar to that of rain falling on Earth to form rivers and lakes, and then evaporating to form clouds again, Le Gall told AFP.

The largest of Saturn's many moons has lakes, mountains and dunes, with its surface scarred and crafted by many of the same forces which have shaped Earth, scientists said Monday.

The largest of Saturn's many moons has lakes, mountains and dunes, with its surface scarred and crafted by many of the same forces which have shaped Earth, scientists said Monday. A team led by Rosaly Lopes at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) said Titan's visible exterior was "one of the most geologically diverse in the Solar System." "Despite the differences in materials, temperatures and gravity fields between Earth and Titan, many of their surface features are similar and can be interpreted as products of the same geologic processes," the scientists said in an article in Nature Astronomy. Using radar and infra-red data generated by the now-defunct Cassini probe, which completed a 20-year mission by crashing into Saturn in 2017, the scientists said they could fill in many of the gaps in mapping Titan, some 1.2 billion kilometres (800 million miles) from Earth. Dunes and lakes, they said, were relatively young while mountainous terrain appeared older. Titan’s surface was sculpted by the accumulation and erosion of sediment and showed "clear latitudinal variation, with dunes at the equator, plains at mid-latitudes and labyrinth terrains and lakes at the poles," they said. The region around the equator is arid, with Titan getting wetter closer to the poles. Just as on Earth, Titan's surface has been marked by impact craters, liquid- and air-driven erosion, methane-laden rainfall, tectonic plate movement and possible volcanic activity. Alice Le Gall, one of the team and working at Paris-Saclay University, said Titan "is the only known extraterrestrial body to have liquid bodies on its surface." Methane exists in three states -- solid, liquid and gas -- at super-cold temperatures. It produces a cycle similar to that of rain falling on Earth to form rivers and lakes, and then evaporating to form clouds again, Le Gall told AFP.

Saturn moon Titan shaped by same forces as Earth

Know-How you unknowingly pollute the Earth and what are the ways to reduce the carbon footprint.

How you unknowingly pollute the Earth?

Maybe we can get through the climate crisis without a global catastrophe, although that door is closing fast. And maybe we can cope with the huge loss of jobs caused by the revolution in robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) without a social and political calamity. But can we do both at the same time?

We should know how to deal with the AI revolution because we have been down this road before. It’s a bit different this time, of course, in the sense that the original industrial revolution in 1780-1850 created as many new jobs (in manufacturing) as it destroyed (in cottage industries and skilled trades).

The AI revolution, by contrast, is not producing nearly enough replacement jobs, but it is making us much wealthier.&nbsp;

The value of manufactured goods doubled in the United States in the past 30 years even as the number of good industrial jobs fell by a third (8 million jobs gone). Maybe we could use that extra wealth to ease the transition to a job-scarce future.

The climate emergency is unlike any challenge we have faced before. Surmounting it would require an unprecedented level of global cooperation and very big changes in how people consume and behave, neither of which human beings have historically been good at.

These two crisis are already interacting. The erosion of middle-class jobs and the stagnation (or worse) of real wage levels generates resentment and anger among the victims that is already creating populist, authoritarian regimes throughout the world. These regimes despise international cooperation and often deny climate change as well (Donald Trump in the US, Jair Bolsonaro in Brazil).

Even Trump is worried, which is why he postponed the harsher US trade tariffs against China that were due next month.

So what can we do about all this? The first thing is to recognise that we cannot plot a course that takes us from here and now through all the changes and past all the unpleasant surprises to ultimate safety, maybe 50 years from now.

We can plan how to get through the next five years, and we should be thinking hard about what will be needed later on, but we can’t steer a safe and steady course to the year 2070 any more than intelligent decision-makers in 1790 could have planned how to get through to 1840 without too much upheaval. They might have seen steam engines, but they would have had no idea what a railroad was.

We are in the same position as those people with regard to both AI and the global environmental emergency (which extends far beyond ‘climate change’, although that is at its heart).&nbsp;

We know a good deal about both issues, but not enough to be confident about our choices — and besides, they may well mutate and head off in unforeseen directions as the crisis deepens.

But, there are two big things we can do right now. We need to stop the slide into populist and increasingly authoritarian governments. And we have to win ourselves more time to get our greenhouse gas emissions under control.&nbsp;

The best bet for getting our politics back on track is a guaranteed minimum income high enough to keep everybody comfortable whether they are working or not. That is well within the reach of any developed country’s economy, and has the added benefit of putting enough money into people’s pockets to save everybody’s business model.

And the best way to win more time on the climate front is to start geoengineering (direct intervention in the atmosphere to hold the global temperature down) as soon as we get anywhere near +2 degree Celsius. To be ready then, we need to be doing open-air testing on a small scale now.

There will be howls of protest from the right about a guaranteed minimum income, and from the greener parts of the left about geo-engineering. However, both will probably be indispensable if we want to get through these huge changes without mass casualties or even civilisational collapse. 
 
(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-dealing-with-two-critical-converging-crises-on-planet-earth-2790804">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp;

Maybe we can get through the climate crisis without a global catastrophe, although that door is closing fast. And maybe we can cope with the huge loss of jobs caused by the revolution in robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) without a social and political calamity.

Maybe we can get through the climate crisis without a global catastrophe, although that door is closing fast. And maybe we can cope with the huge loss of jobs caused by the revolution in robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) without a social and political calamity. But can we do both at the same time? We should know how to deal with the AI revolution because we have been down this road before. It’s a bit different this time, of course, in the sense that the original industrial revolution in 1780-1850 created as many new jobs (in manufacturing) as it destroyed (in cottage industries and skilled trades). The AI revolution, by contrast, is not producing nearly enough replacement jobs, but it is making us much wealthier. The value of manufactured goods doubled in the United States in the past 30 years even as the number of good industrial jobs fell by a third (8 million jobs gone). Maybe we could use that extra wealth to ease the transition to a job-scarce future. The climate emergency is unlike any challenge we have faced before. Surmounting it would require an unprecedented level of global cooperation and very big changes in how people consume and behave, neither of which human beings have historically been good at. These two crisis are already interacting. The erosion of middle-class jobs and the stagnation (or worse) of real wage levels generates resentment and anger among the victims that is already creating populist, authoritarian regimes throughout the world. These regimes despise international cooperation and often deny climate change as well (Donald Trump in the US, Jair Bolsonaro in Brazil). Even Trump is worried, which is why he postponed the harsher US trade tariffs against China that were due next month. So what can we do about all this? The first thing is to recognise that we cannot plot a course that takes us from here and now through all the changes and past all the unpleasant surprises to ultimate safety, maybe 50 years from now. We can plan how to get through the next five years, and we should be thinking hard about what will be needed later on, but we can’t steer a safe and steady course to the year 2070 any more than intelligent decision-makers in 1790 could have planned how to get through to 1840 without too much upheaval. They might have seen steam engines, but they would have had no idea what a railroad was. We are in the same position as those people with regard to both AI and the global environmental emergency (which extends far beyond ‘climate change’, although that is at its heart). We know a good deal about both issues, but not enough to be confident about our choices — and besides, they may well mutate and head off in unforeseen directions as the crisis deepens. But, there are two big things we can do right now. We need to stop the slide into populist and increasingly authoritarian governments. And we have to win ourselves more time to get our greenhouse gas emissions under control. The best bet for getting our politics back on track is a guaranteed minimum income high enough to keep everybody comfortable whether they are working or not. That is well within the reach of any developed country’s economy, and has the added benefit of putting enough money into people’s pockets to save everybody’s business model. And the best way to win more time on the climate front is to start geoengineering (direct intervention in the atmosphere to hold the global temperature down) as soon as we get anywhere near +2 degree Celsius. To be ready then, we need to be doing open-air testing on a small scale now. There will be howls of protest from the right about a guaranteed minimum income, and from the greener parts of the left about geo-engineering. However, both will probably be indispensable if we want to get through these huge changes without mass casualties or even civilisational collapse. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Dealing with two critical converging crisis on planet earth

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