<p>Around millions of years ago, dinosaurs used to rule the world and roam freely.</p>

<p>At times, the extinction of dinosaurs is attributed to the impact of a huge asteroid. But does anybody know where it struck? &nbsp;</p>

<p>Well, maybe now as the experts have unraveled this mystery and have been able to pinpoint the exact location of the asteroid's impact on the ground. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/do-not-miss-it-catch-memorable-sight-of-eta-aquarids-meteor-shower-this-weekend-477019" hreflang="en">Do not miss it! Catch memorable sight of Eta Aquarids meteor shower this weekend&nbsp;</a></strong></p>

<p>The collision seems to have occurred about 66 million years ago. The catastrophic event had supposedly ended the realm of dinosaurs on the fateful day. &nbsp;</p>

<p>And, the answer is Chicxulub, Mexico, near the Yucatán Peninsula, as per media reports. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The dinosaur-killing asteroid seems to have had a diameter of 10.6 to 80.9 km. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Decoding UFOs: What do we know about ‘flying saucers’?</strong></p>

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<p>The impact of the asteroid had created a crater of nearly 140-kilometres-wide. It would have also caused huge tidal waves with a height of several metres. It may have swept away all the living forms on the Earth at that time. &nbsp;</p>

<p>It would have also caused huge volcanic activity and earthquakes. &nbsp;</p>

<p>These apocalyptic conditions would have led to the extinction of the dinosaurs, a France 5 report said citing scientists. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


Around millions of years ago, dinosaurs used to rule the world and roam freely. At times, the extinction of dinosaurs is attributed to the impact of a huge asteroid.

Around millions of years ago, dinosaurs used to rule the world and roam freely. At times, the extinction of dinosaurs is attributed to the impact of a huge asteroid. But does anybody know where it struck? Well, maybe now as the experts have unraveled this mystery and have been able to pinpoint the exact location of the asteroid's impact on the ground. Also Read: Do not miss it! Catch memorable sight of Eta Aquarids meteor shower this weekend The collision seems to have occurred about 66 million years ago. The catastrophic event had supposedly ended the realm of dinosaurs on the fateful day. And, the answer is Chicxulub, Mexico, near the Yucatán Peninsula, as per media reports. The dinosaur-killing asteroid seems to have had a diameter of 10.6 to 80.9 km. Watch | Decoding UFOs: What do we know about ‘flying saucers’? The impact of the asteroid had created a crater of nearly 140-kilometres-wide. It would have also caused huge tidal waves with a height of several metres. It may have swept away all the living forms on the Earth at that time. It would have also caused huge volcanic activity and earthquakes. These apocalyptic conditions would have led to the extinction of the dinosaurs, a France 5 report said citing scientists. WATCH WION LIVE HERE (With inputs from agencies)

Mystery revealed! Now, know where exactly dinosaur-killing asteroid hit Earth

Large parts of India were exposed to an extreme heatwave - with some regions reporting temperatures well above 60 °C. Experts now fear that global warming could get worse in the next 5 years. Palki Sharma tells you why.

Gravitas: Earth could heat up at alarming levels in 5 years

In Pics | Unravel the mystery: What are solar flares?

<p>Climate models are essential tools in climatology as they allow the projection of future warming scenarios, making it easier to identify and analyse probable climate change impacts, a report&nbsp;said.</p>

<p>However, a study has predicted&nbsp;that Arctic rainfall would become dominating in 2060s than in previous decades, another study claimed&nbsp;that by 2100, air pollution from forest fires in western US could triple. The third study has predicted&nbsp;a major extinction of the oceans during the next several millennia. These studies were published last year, relying on future estimates generated by some of the world’s climate models, the 'Science'&nbsp;report&nbsp;said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/antarctica-scientists-find-subglacial-aquifer-teeming-with-seawater-476713">Antarctica: Scientists find subglacial aquifer teeming with seawater</a></strong></p>

<p>Though, the models’ creators admit that many of them have major flaws, forecasting that future will become too hot, too fast. The modelmakers are still adjusting to this reality and researchers who use model forecasts to asses climate change implications are yet to be done. This has resulted in a slew of “faster than predicted” outcomes which threatens to undermine the credibility of climate science.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Australia: Climate change causes insurability crisis</strong></p>

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<p>A group of climate scientists argued in an editorial published in 'Nature' that scientists need to be considerably more selective in how they interpret the model results.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kate Marvel, climate scientist, NASA’s Goddard Institute for Space Studies and co-author of the editorial, said that nothing about “too hot” generation invalidates climate science’s tenets. Marvel said, although the greenhouse effect is still warming, ice is melting, sea levels are rising and droughts are also becoming frequent in areas. These models aren’t perfect. “They’re not crystal balls.”</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:</strong></p>

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<p>The Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP), which aggregates the result of the world’s models in anticipation of the major IPPC reports that comes out after every 7-8 years&nbsp;talked about the problems of “too-hot” models in 2019.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-flights-delayed-as-iraq-battered-by-a-dust-storm-once-again-475607">In pics: One dead, 5000 suffer breathing problems as thick sandstorm hits Iraq</a></strong></p>

<p>Last year, the IPCC attempted to address the issues by publishing its first working group report on the physical basis of climate change. The IPCC graded models based in their ability to reproduce historical temperatures. It then employed the sophisticated models to create official “assessed warming” forecasts for various fossil fuel emissions scenarios. When it comes to predicting future changes to Earth, the IPCC provided results from all the models based on the degree of warming: 1.5°C, 2°C useful information from the hot models, even if they have reached certain criteria too quickly.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Climate models are essential tools in climatology as they allow the projection of future warming scenarios, making it easier to identify and analyse probable climate change impacts, a report said.

Climate models are essential tools in climatology as they allow the projection of future warming scenarios, making it easier to identify and analyse probable climate change impacts, a report said. However, a study has predicted that Arctic rainfall would become dominating in 2060s than in previous decades, another study claimed that by 2100, air pollution from forest fires in western US could triple. The third study has predicted a major extinction of the oceans during the next several millennia. These studies were published last year, relying on future estimates generated by some of the world’s climate models, the 'Science' report said. Also Read | Antarctica: Scientists find subglacial aquifer teeming with seawater Though, the models’ creators admit that many of them have major flaws, forecasting that future will become too hot, too fast. The modelmakers are still adjusting to this reality and researchers who use model forecasts to asses climate change implications are yet to be done. This has resulted in a slew of “faster than predicted” outcomes which threatens to undermine the credibility of climate science. Watch | Australia: Climate change causes insurability crisis A group of climate scientists argued in an editorial published in 'Nature' that scientists need to be considerably more selective in how they interpret the model results. Kate Marvel, climate scientist, NASA’s Goddard Institute for Space Studies and co-author of the editorial, said that nothing about “too hot” generation invalidates climate science’s tenets. Marvel said, although the greenhouse effect is still warming, ice is melting, sea levels are rising and droughts are also becoming frequent in areas. These models aren’t perfect. “They’re not crystal balls.” WATCH WION LIVE HERE: The Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP), which aggregates the result of the world’s models in anticipation of the major IPPC reports that comes out after every 7-8 years talked about the problems of “too-hot” models in 2019. Also read | In pics: One dead, 5000 suffer breathing problems as thick sandstorm hits Iraq Last year, the IPCC attempted to address the issues by publishing its first working group report on the physical basis of climate change. The IPCC graded models based in their ability to reproduce historical temperatures. It then employed the sophisticated models to create official “assessed warming” forecasts for various fossil fuel emissions scenarios. When it comes to predicting future changes to Earth, the IPCC provided results from all the models based on the degree of warming: 1.5°C, 2°C useful information from the hot models, even if they have reached certain criteria too quickly. (With inputs from agencies)

"Too hot" climate models overstate global warming's effects, says report

<p>On Saturday (May 7), the world may witness minor radio blackouts. Well, if you do, it may be due to a weak solar storm, which will pass through Earth, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) said. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The NOAA gave vital information in a new space weather forecast, the media reports said. &nbsp;</p>

<p>This is happening as the sun has been witnessing a heightened activity for some months. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/committing-crimes-on-moon-or-in-orbit-may-turn-illegal-for-canadian-astronauts-soon-476882" hreflang="en">Committing crimes on Moon or in orbit may turn illegal for Canadian astronauts soon</a></strong></p>

<p>It is currently emitting several powerful solar flares. The giant explosions of plasma, which are known as coronal mass ejections (CMEs), are also released with flares sometimes. &nbsp;</p>

<p>When the CMEs pass through Earth, they temporarily compress the magnetic shield of the planet, which causes geomagnetic storms.&nbsp;These can muddle radio waves, take down power grids and damage satellites, a Live Science report said. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Decoding UFOs: What do we know about ‘flying saucers’?</strong></p>

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<p>As per NOAA, the majority of the geomagnetic storms are mild. But the largest CMEs can lead to devastating storms. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Usually, the CMEs take around 15 to 18 hours to reach Earth after leaving the sun. &nbsp;</p>

<p>A gigantic "cannibal CME", which means two CMEs combined into one, had smashed into Earth in late March.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


On Saturday (May 7), the world may witness minor radio blackouts. Well, if you do, it may be due to a weak solar storm, which will pass through Earth, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) said.

On Saturday (May 7), the world may witness minor radio blackouts. Well, if you do, it may be due to a weak solar storm, which will pass through Earth, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) said. The NOAA gave vital information in a new space weather forecast, the media reports said. This is happening as the sun has been witnessing a heightened activity for some months. Also Read: Committing crimes on Moon or in orbit may turn illegal for Canadian astronauts soon It is currently emitting several powerful solar flares. The giant explosions of plasma, which are known as coronal mass ejections (CMEs), are also released with flares sometimes. When the CMEs pass through Earth, they temporarily compress the magnetic shield of the planet, which causes geomagnetic storms. These can muddle radio waves, take down power grids and damage satellites, a Live Science report said. Watch | Decoding UFOs: What do we know about ‘flying saucers’? × As per NOAA, the majority of the geomagnetic storms are mild. But the largest CMEs can lead to devastating storms. Usually, the CMEs take around 15 to 18 hours to reach Earth after leaving the sun. A gigantic "cannibal CME", which means two CMEs combined into one, had smashed into Earth in late March. WATCH WION LIVE HERE (With inputs from agencies)

Warning! On May 7, solar storm will pass through Earth, says NOAA. Find out its effects

<p>NASA's third long-duration astronaut team to International Space Station (ISS) departed from the ISS to come return to Earth on Thursday (May 5). These astronauts were on a six-month mission and were ferried to the ISS by SpaceX when their mission began.</p>

<p>The SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule carrying three US&nbsp;NASA astronauts and a German astronaut from the European Space Agency undocked from the ISS at 1:20 a.m. EDT (0520 GMT) to embark on a return flight expected to last about 23 hours.</p>

<p>Live video showed the capsule drifting away from the ISS.</p>

<p>Wearing helmeted white-and-black spacesuits, the four astronauts were seen strapped into the crew cabin shortly before the spacecraft separated from the space station, orbiting some 250 miles (400 km) above the Earth.</p>

<p>A series of several brief rocket thrusts then autonomously pushed the capsule safely clear of the ISS and lowered its orbit to line up the spacecraft for later atmospheric reentry and splashdown.</p>

<p>If all goes smoothly, the Crew Dragon craft, dubbed Endurance, will parachute into the sea off the coast of Florida at 12:43 a.m. EDT (0443 GMT) on Friday (May 6).</p>

<p>The Endurance crew, consisting of American astronauts Tom Marshburn, 61, Raja Chari, 44 and Kayla Barron, 34, along with ESA crewmate Matthias Maurer, 52, arrived at the space station on Nov. 11.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/moon-may-be-stealing-earths-water-for-itself-here-is-how-476307">Moon may be 'stealing' Earth's water for itself, here is how</a></strong></p>

<p>Their departure came about a week after they welcomed their replacement team aboard the station, also currently home to three Russian cosmonauts on a long-term mission. One of those cosmonauts, Oleg Artemyev, assumed command of the ISS from Marshburn in a handover before Thursday's undocking, NASA said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong><em>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</em></strong></p>

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NASA's third long-duration astronaut team to International Space Station (ISS) departed from the ISS to come return to Earth on Thursday (May 5). These astronauts were on a six-month mission and were ferried to the ISS by SpaceX when their mission began.

NASA's third long-duration astronaut team to International Space Station (ISS) departed from the ISS to come return to Earth on Thursday (May 5). These astronauts were on a six-month mission and were ferried to the ISS by SpaceX when their mission began. The SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule carrying three US NASA astronauts and a German astronaut from the European Space Agency undocked from the ISS at 1:20 a.m. EDT (0520 GMT) to embark on a return flight expected to last about 23 hours. Live video showed the capsule drifting away from the ISS. Wearing helmeted white-and-black spacesuits, the four astronauts were seen strapped into the crew cabin shortly before the spacecraft separated from the space station, orbiting some 250 miles (400 km) above the Earth. A series of several brief rocket thrusts then autonomously pushed the capsule safely clear of the ISS and lowered its orbit to line up the spacecraft for later atmospheric reentry and splashdown. If all goes smoothly, the Crew Dragon craft, dubbed Endurance, will parachute into the sea off the coast of Florida at 12:43 a.m. EDT (0443 GMT) on Friday (May 6). The Endurance crew, consisting of American astronauts Tom Marshburn, 61, Raja Chari, 44 and Kayla Barron, 34, along with ESA crewmate Matthias Maurer, 52, arrived at the space station on Nov. 11. Also Read | Moon may be 'stealing' Earth's water for itself, here is how Their departure came about a week after they welcomed their replacement team aboard the station, also currently home to three Russian cosmonauts on a long-term mission. One of those cosmonauts, Oleg Artemyev, assumed command of the ISS from Marshburn in a handover before Thursday's undocking, NASA said. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

NASA astronaut team departs ISS to come back to Earth

<p>Around five solar flares have been released by the Sun in the last two weeks. Their range was from moderate to strong. &nbsp;</p>

<p>With the help of its Solar Dynamics Observatory, US space agency&nbsp;NASA managed to take an amazing photo of a solar flare on April 30. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Wondering what a solar flare is? Well, it is a sudden release of magnetic energy, which can be seen on the upper right part of the image. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/rare-celestial-spectacle-jupiter-venus-to-appear-to-collide-with-each-other-form-line-with-saturn-mars-475290" hreflang="en">Rare celestial spectacle: Jupiter, Venus to appear to collide with each other, form line with Saturn, Mars</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>In an Instagram post, NASA, said, "The Sun emits solar flares occasionally, though they don’t always impact humans on Earth." &nbsp;</p>

<p>Since April 19, out of the five solar flares, three were strong. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

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<p>"NASA missions study flares to help us prepare for and better mitigate their impact," the post added. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Solar flares can also be harmful if directed towards Earth. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Decoding UFOs: What do we know about ‘flying saucers’?</strong></p>

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<p>The strong flares can sometimes have an impact on radio communications, navigational systems, power grids, etc. They can also pose a risk to spacecraft and astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS), the space agency added.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>The solar flares belong to different classes. The X-class ones are the most powerful storms on the sun. A-class sun flares are the weakest; B- and C-class storms are likewise minor. When aimed directly at Earth, more intense M-class storms and above can supercharge the northern lights, while the strongest X-class storms can pose a threat to satellites and astronauts in orbit. &nbsp;</p>

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<p><em>(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;</em></p>


Around five solar flares have been released by the Sun in the last two weeks. Their range was from moderate to strong. With the help of its Solar Dynamics Observatory, US space agency NASA managed to take an amazing photo of a solar flare on April 30.

Around five solar flares have been released by the Sun in the last two weeks. Their range was from moderate to strong. With the help of its Solar Dynamics Observatory, US space agency NASA managed to take an amazing photo of a solar flare on April 30. Wondering what a solar flare is? Well, it is a sudden release of magnetic energy, which can be seen on the upper right part of the image. Also Read: Rare celestial spectacle: Jupiter, Venus to appear to collide with each other, form line with Saturn, Mars In an Instagram post, NASA, said, "The Sun emits solar flares occasionally, though they don’t always impact humans on Earth." Since April 19, out of the five solar flares, three were strong. View this post on Instagram A post shared by NASA (@nasa) × "NASA missions study flares to help us prepare for and better mitigate their impact," the post added. Solar flares can also be harmful if directed towards Earth. Watch | Decoding UFOs: What do we know about ‘flying saucers’? × The strong flares can sometimes have an impact on radio communications, navigational systems, power grids, etc. They can also pose a risk to spacecraft and astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS), the space agency added. The solar flares belong to different classes. The X-class ones are the most powerful storms on the sun. A-class sun flares are the weakest; B- and C-class storms are likewise minor. When aimed directly at Earth, more intense M-class storms and above can supercharge the northern lights, while the strongest X-class storms can pose a threat to satellites and astronauts in orbit. WATCH WION LIVE HERE (With inputs from agencies)

NASA posts amazing photo of recent solar flare. Was this release harmful for us on Earth?

<p>It is a known fact that Moon affects tides of the seas. The vast oceans on the Earth's surface are affected by effect of Moon's gravity. This is common knowledge with school textbooks across the world teaching this scientifically proven fact that has been observed for centuries before the scientific age.</p>

<p>But our only natural satellite may also be 'siphoning off' water for itself. A study says that water on Moon may originally have been on Earth!</p>

<p>There are various theories as to how molecules of water reached the lunar surface. Suggestions like imapact of water-rich asteroids and comets have been made to explain presence of water on the Moon.</p>

<p>But this new study puts forth an interesting idea. The research suggests that Hydrogen and Oxygen ions escaped from the Earth's atmosphere fuse again to form water on the surface of the Moon.</p>

<p>But how can such a seemingly unbelievable thing actually take place.</p>

<p>The research suggests that the process takes place when Moon passes through the tail of Earth's magnetosphere (A teardrop shaped bubble formed due to Earth's magnetic field).</p>

<p>When solar wind hits Earth's protective magnetic field, some of the magnetic lines of force are broken. When the Moon passes through the tail of the magnetosphere, some broken magnetic lines get fixed. This results in what is called a 'shower' of Hydrogen and Oxygen ions. These ions fuse to form water on the surface of the Moon.</p>

<p>This research has been published in journal Scientific Reports.</p>


It is a known fact that Moon affects tides of the seas. The vast oceans on the Earth's surface are affected by effect of Moon's gravity. This is common knowledge with school textbooks across the world teaching this scientifically proven fact that has been observed for centuries before the scientific age.

It is a known fact that Moon affects tides of the seas. The vast oceans on the Earth's surface are affected by effect of Moon's gravity. This is common knowledge with school textbooks across the world teaching this scientifically proven fact that has been observed for centuries before the scientific age. But our only natural satellite may also be 'siphoning off' water for itself. A study says that water on Moon may originally have been on Earth! There are various theories as to how molecules of water reached the lunar surface. Suggestions like imapact of water-rich asteroids and comets have been made to explain presence of water on the Moon. But this new study puts forth an interesting idea. The research suggests that Hydrogen and Oxygen ions escaped from the Earth's atmosphere fuse again to form water on the surface of the Moon. But how can such a seemingly unbelievable thing actually take place. The research suggests that the process takes place when Moon passes through the tail of Earth's magnetosphere (A teardrop shaped bubble formed due to Earth's magnetic field). When solar wind hits Earth's protective magnetic field, some of the magnetic lines of force are broken. When the Moon passes through the tail of the magnetosphere, some broken magnetic lines get fixed. This results in what is called a 'shower' of Hydrogen and Oxygen ions. These ions fuse to form water on the surface of the Moon. This research has been published in journal Scientific Reports.

Moon may be 'stealing' Earth's water for itself, here is how

According to a new discovery, the life on Earth may not have originated on our planet. Watch this report to know more.

The origin of life on Earth: Life may not have originated on our planet Earth

The origin of life on Earth: Life may not have originated on our planet

<p>Scientists are enthusiastic about establishing colonies on Mars, but is that a good idea? There have been claims and counterclaims over the possibility of living on Mars. Experts have noted that it's a planet where you cannot breathe.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The idea to find a place more Earth-like in the solar system is quite unreal, but not entirely. Titan, which is Saturn's largest Moon believed to be surprisingly similar to Earth.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Previous probes have concluded that Titan is the only Moon in the Solar System with a dense atmosphere.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It provides it with Earth-like weather phenomena. On Titan, methane rainfall converts into rivers, which later form lakes.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/presence-of-alien-tech-on-earth-scientist-wants-to-probe-interstellar-object-lying-in-the-pacific-ocean-473699">Presence of alien tech on Earth? Scientist wants to probe interstellar object 'lying in the Pacific Ocean'</a></strong></p>

<p>The rain, which is basically liquid methane, falls through nitrogen winds, experts have found.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per a new model given by planetary scientists, another feature was found to be similar such as landscape formations.&nbsp;The findings are reported in Geophysical Research Letters.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per a team of planetary scientists from Stanford University in California, materials produce hydrocarbon sand dunes. Scientists have found that the dunes are different to silicate sedimentary structures.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The team also explained that it was quite intriguing to observe the formation of the sand dunes, close to the rivers, lakes and oceans filled with liquid methane.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After creating a series of computer models, which further revealed that Titan has an Earth-like seasonal cycle within the atmosphere.&nbsp;</p>

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<p><em>Mosaics of Titan imaged by NASA's Cassini probe. (NASA/JPL/University of Arizona)</em></p>

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<p>The phenomenon drives the movement of grains over the Moon's surface. Such movement led to the formation of dunes and plains after clumps of hydrocarbons come together.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The study noted that "sediments on Saturn's Moon are thought to largely consist of mechanically weak organic grains, prone to rapid abrasion into dust."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Significantly, scientists see Titan as one of the main candidates for future human colonisation because of the Earth-like phenomena.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;What’s special about these astronauts returning to earth from space?</strong></p>

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<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sounds-bizarre-but-this-woman-is-seriously-scared-of-aliens-after-nine-ufo-sightings-474361">Sounds BIZARRE but this woman is seriously scared of aliens after 'nine UFO sightings'</a></strong></p>

<p>Mathieu Lapôtre, geologist and study lead author said, "Our model adds a unifying framework that allows us to understand how all of these sedimentary environments work together."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Lapôtre, an assistant professor of geological sciences at Stanford's School of Earth, Energy &amp; Environmental Sciences added, "If we understand how the different pieces of the puzzle fit together and their mechanics, then we can start using the landforms left behind by those sedimentary processes to say something about the climate or the geological history of Titan—and how they could impact the prospect for life on Titan."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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Scientists are enthusiastic about establishing colonies on Mars, but is that a good idea? There have been claims and counterclaims over the possibility of living on Mars.

Scientists are enthusiastic about establishing colonies on Mars, but is that a good idea? There have been claims and counterclaims over the possibility of living on Mars. Experts have noted that it's a planet where you cannot breathe. The idea to find a place more Earth-like in the solar system is quite unreal, but not entirely. Titan, which is Saturn's largest Moon believed to be surprisingly similar to Earth. Previous probes have concluded that Titan is the only Moon in the Solar System with a dense atmosphere. It provides it with Earth-like weather phenomena. On Titan, methane rainfall converts into rivers, which later form lakes. ALSO READ | Presence of alien tech on Earth? Scientist wants to probe interstellar object 'lying in the Pacific Ocean' The rain, which is basically liquid methane, falls through nitrogen winds, experts have found. As per a new model given by planetary scientists, another feature was found to be similar such as landscape formations. The findings are reported in Geophysical Research Letters. As per a team of planetary scientists from Stanford University in California, materials produce hydrocarbon sand dunes. Scientists have found that the dunes are different to silicate sedimentary structures. The team also explained that it was quite intriguing to observe the formation of the sand dunes, close to the rivers, lakes and oceans filled with liquid methane. After creating a series of computer models, which further revealed that Titan has an Earth-like seasonal cycle within the atmosphere. Mosaics of Titan imaged by NASA's Cassini probe. (NASA/JPL/University of Arizona) × The phenomenon drives the movement of grains over the Moon's surface. Such movement led to the formation of dunes and plains after clumps of hydrocarbons come together. The study noted that "sediments on Saturn's Moon are thought to largely consist of mechanically weak organic grains, prone to rapid abrasion into dust." Significantly, scientists see Titan as one of the main candidates for future human colonisation because of the Earth-like phenomena. WATCH | What’s special about these astronauts returning to earth from space? × ALSO READ | Sounds BIZARRE but this woman is seriously scared of aliens after 'nine UFO sightings' Mathieu Lapôtre, geologist and study lead author said, "Our model adds a unifying framework that allows us to understand how all of these sedimentary environments work together." Lapôtre, an assistant professor of geological sciences at Stanford's School of Earth, Energy & Environmental Sciences added, "If we understand how the different pieces of the puzzle fit together and their mechanics, then we can start using the landforms left behind by those sedimentary processes to say something about the climate or the geological history of Titan—and how they could impact the prospect for life on Titan." WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Fascinating fact: Saturn Moon Titan has Earth-like landscape

<p>It has been a staple for science fiction books and movies in the past to show technologies capable enough to target and destroy asteroids heading towards the earth. It seems like it can finally become a reality as China’s space agency announced a new space monitoring and defense system.</p>

<p>According to the state-backed media outlet Global Times, China National Space Administration (CSNA) deputy Wu Yanhua has said that they will be attempting to intercept an asteroid moving towards earth at an immense speed by crashing a spacecraft into its course and he added the mission can be launched by the year 2025.</p>

<p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-twitter-takeover-elon-musk-wants-to-add-cocaine-to-coca-cola-474530">After Twitter takeover, Elon Musk wants to add cocaine to Coca-Cola</a></p>

<p>The first target is reported to be an asteroid which may come threatingly close to earth in 2025 and Yanhua told The Global Times that the system will be important in protecting ‘Earth and mankind’.</p>

<p>The system will feature a simulation software which can help in getting ready for possible scenarios and rehearsals will be organised in order to perfect the system before using it in a situation.</p>

<p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/big-respite-finally-google-begins-to-take-requests-for-removal-of-search-results-with-personal-info-474460" hreflang="en">Right to be forgotten: Google begins to take requests for removal of search results with personal info</a></p>

<p>The system will connect both earth and space as the scientists will continue to monitor the situation in order to assess the threat levels of various asteroids. By crashing a spacecraft into the approaching asteroid, the scientists will be looking to change its course away from planet earth.</p>

<p>According to the report in The Global Times, the system is just at the establishment phase and the progress and findings of this system will be reviewed thoroughly before any sort of approval.</p>


It has been a staple for science fiction books and movies in the past to show technologies capable enough to target and destroy asteroids heading towards the earth.

It has been a staple for science fiction books and movies in the past to show technologies capable enough to target and destroy asteroids heading towards the earth. It seems like it can finally become a reality as China’s space agency announced a new space monitoring and defense system. According to the state-backed media outlet Global Times, China National Space Administration (CSNA) deputy Wu Yanhua has said that they will be attempting to intercept an asteroid moving towards earth at an immense speed by crashing a spacecraft into its course and he added the mission can be launched by the year 2025. Also read | After Twitter takeover, Elon Musk wants to add cocaine to Coca-Cola The first target is reported to be an asteroid which may come threatingly close to earth in 2025 and Yanhua told The Global Times that the system will be important in protecting ‘Earth and mankind’. The system will feature a simulation software which can help in getting ready for possible scenarios and rehearsals will be organised in order to perfect the system before using it in a situation. Also read | Right to be forgotten: Google begins to take requests for removal of search results with personal info The system will connect both earth and space as the scientists will continue to monitor the situation in order to assess the threat levels of various asteroids. By crashing a spacecraft into the approaching asteroid, the scientists will be looking to change its course away from planet earth. According to the report in The Global Times, the system is just at the establishment phase and the progress and findings of this system will be reviewed thoroughly before any sort of approval.

China's space agency planning to detect and attack asteroids heading towards earth

In a unique way to raise awareness about global deforestation, workers painted the trees blue outside the Peabody Essex Museum in Massachusetts to celebrate the Earth Day.

Why are they painting the trees blue? | Earth Day

Why are they painting the trees blue?

<p>A treat for the stargazers!&nbsp;</p>

<p>An alignment of four planets in our solar system will appear in the sky this month, a rare phenomenon that attracts skywatchers and space enthusiasts who are keen to witness various celestial events.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The planetary alignment of Mars, Venus, Saturn and Jupiter can be seen not only using telescopes but will be visible to the naked eye.&nbsp;</p>

<p>National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) said, "By mid-month, Jupiter is starting to rise in the pre-dawn hour, making for a quartet of planets, strung out in a line across the morning sky."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/sun-blasted-mercury-with-a-plasma-wave-what-does-it-mean-for-mercurys-atmosphere-471736">Sun blasted Mercury with a plasma wave. What does it mean for Mercury's atmosphere?</a></strong></p>

<p>The space agency stated that at the start of the month of April, Saturn appeared to move toward Mars each day with Venus, Mars and Saturn forming a trio in the southeast before sunrise.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Later, by the mid-month, NASA said that Jupiter started to rise in the pre-dawn hour. The movement made for a quartet of planets seen is a line across the morning sky.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The rare sighting will be easily observed when Jupiter will be high enough above the horizon in the hour before sunrise.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/machine-learning-approach-might-predict-risk-factors-of-conduct-disorder-in-kids-study-471724">Machine-learning approach might predict risk factors of conduct disorder in kids: Study</a></strong></p>

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<p><em>Sky chart showing the close conjunction of Venus and Jupiter before sunrise on April 30. Image Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech</em></p>

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<p>In a report, NASA revealed: "At the beginning of the month, Mars, Venus and Saturn were all visible in the early morning. Now, the trio are joined by Jupiter, and the four planets can be seen by the naked eye in a straight line for the rest of April, as long as city lights don't intrude."&nbsp;</p>

<p>NASA revealed that the reason for the rare occurrence is that all of the planet's orbits around the sun lining up. Meanwhile, the space agency also stated that Venus' orbit around the sun is 225 Earth days, while Saturn's is 29 years.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The conjunction can be seen across the world in the predawn hours of the morning by looking east or toward the sunrise, NASA informed.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;10 things about China's recent space mission</strong></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>


A treat for the stargazers! An alignment of four planets in our solar system will appear in the sky this month, a rare phenomenon that attracts skywatchers and space enthusiasts who are keen to witness various celestial events.

A treat for the stargazers! An alignment of four planets in our solar system will appear in the sky this month, a rare phenomenon that attracts skywatchers and space enthusiasts who are keen to witness various celestial events. The planetary alignment of Mars, Venus, Saturn and Jupiter can be seen not only using telescopes but will be visible to the naked eye. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) said, "By mid-month, Jupiter is starting to rise in the pre-dawn hour, making for a quartet of planets, strung out in a line across the morning sky." ALSO READ | Sun blasted Mercury with a plasma wave. What does it mean for Mercury's atmosphere? The space agency stated that at the start of the month of April, Saturn appeared to move toward Mars each day with Venus, Mars and Saturn forming a trio in the southeast before sunrise. Later, by the mid-month, NASA said that Jupiter started to rise in the pre-dawn hour. The movement made for a quartet of planets seen is a line across the morning sky. The rare sighting will be easily observed when Jupiter will be high enough above the horizon in the hour before sunrise. ALSO READ | Machine-learning approach might predict risk factors of conduct disorder in kids: Study Sky chart showing the close conjunction of Venus and Jupiter before sunrise on April 30. Image Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech × In a report, NASA revealed: "At the beginning of the month, Mars, Venus and Saturn were all visible in the early morning. Now, the trio are joined by Jupiter, and the four planets can be seen by the naked eye in a straight line for the rest of April, as long as city lights don't intrude." NASA revealed that the reason for the rare occurrence is that all of the planet's orbits around the sun lining up. Meanwhile, the space agency also stated that Venus' orbit around the sun is 225 Earth days, while Saturn's is 29 years. The conjunction can be seen across the world in the predawn hours of the morning by looking east or toward the sunrise, NASA informed. WATCH | 10 things about China's recent space mission ×

Rare sighting as alignment of four planets will be visible through April. Here's how to watch it

<p>NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) never fails to amaze us. Not only the US space agency is at the forefront of space exploration and research, but its social media feeds are also widely admired for brearthtaking images and interesting chunks of space info. And it never fails to enthral us.</p>

<p>So what's on the menu this time? An image of Earth, but with a twist.</p>

<p>As the new month dawned, NASA tweeted a pic taken by its Cassini probe that is studying Saturn. The image show Saturn in all its glory with the majestic rings. But also depicts a curious blue dot.</p>

<p>"You are here.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
In 2013, the Cassini spacecraft captured this wide-angle view of Saturn and a chunk of its rings. That pale blue dot just below the rings? That’s Earth from about 898 million miles (1.4 billion kilometers) away," says NASA in its tweet.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">You are here.<br />
<br />
In 2013, the Cassini spacecraft captured this wide-angle view of Saturn and a chunk of its rings. That pale blue dot just below the rings? That’s Earth from about 898 million miles (1.4 billion kilometers) away. Explore <a href="https://twitter.com/NASASolarSystem?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NASASolarSystem</a>: <a href="https://t.co/9sLPATJHaE">https://t.co/9sLPATJHaE</a> <a href="https://t.co/NlTxVXRANR">pic.twitter.com/NlTxVXRANR</a></p>
— NASA (@NASA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASA/status/1497734089692135428?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 27, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>The image is perhaps a lesson for the self-centred human race which probably thinks it is the centre of the universe. As you go away from the planet, other celestial bodies dwarf us. And all conflicts appear fruitless. This is the only planet we've got. No other space rock has been found to harbour life just like ours&nbsp;Peaceful co-existence is that tough, eh?</p>


NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) never fails to amaze us. Not only the US space agency is at the forefront of space exploration and research, but its social media feeds are also widely admired for brearthtaking images and interesting chunks of space info.

NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) never fails to amaze us. Not only the US space agency is at the forefront of space exploration and research, but its social media feeds are also widely admired for brearthtaking images and interesting chunks of space info. And it never fails to enthral us. So what's on the menu this time? An image of Earth, but with a twist. As the new month dawned, NASA tweeted a pic taken by its Cassini probe that is studying Saturn. The image show Saturn in all its glory with the majestic rings. But also depicts a curious blue dot. "You are here. In 2013, the Cassini spacecraft captured this wide-angle view of Saturn and a chunk of its rings. That pale blue dot just below the rings? That’s Earth from about 898 million miles (1.4 billion kilometers) away," says NASA in its tweet. You are here. In 2013, the Cassini spacecraft captured this wide-angle view of Saturn and a chunk of its rings. That pale blue dot just below the rings? That’s Earth from about 898 million miles (1.4 billion kilometers) away. Explore @NASASolarSystem: https://t.co/9sLPATJHaE pic.twitter.com/NlTxVXRANR — NASA (@NASA) February 27, 2022 × The image is perhaps a lesson for the self-centred human race which probably thinks it is the centre of the universe. As you go away from the planet, other celestial bodies dwarf us. And all conflicts appear fruitless. This is the only planet we've got. No other space rock has been found to harbour life just like ours Peaceful co-existence is that tough, eh?

NASA tweets brilliant image that may make you a bit introspective

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidjeaPieiH36CG" /><meta charset="utf-8" /></p>

<p>NASA's Hubble Space Telescope confirmed the largest icy comet nucleus ever seen by astronomers, with a mass of 500 trillion tonnes. It is said to be a hundred thousand times greater than the mass of a typical "comet found much closer to the Sun".&nbsp;</p>

<p>NASA revealed that the estimated diameter of the comet is appeared to be 80 miles across, which means it is larger than the US state of Rhode Island.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The comet's nucleus is about 50 times bigger as compared to those found in most known comets, NASA says.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The US-based space agency further revealed that the comet, C/2014 UN271 (Bernardinelli-Bernstein) is heading towards Earth at 22,000 miles per hour.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, there is no need to worry as it will not get closer to the planet. NASA noted: "It will never get closer than 1 billion miles away from the Sun, which is slightly farther than the distance of the planet Saturn. And that won't be until the year 2031."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/looks-like-alien-footprints-nasa-posts-stunning-image-read-details-here-470550">'Looks like alien footprints': NASA posts stunning image. Read details here</a></strong></p>

<p>"This comet is literally the tip of the iceberg for many thousands of comets that are too faint to see in the more distant parts of the solar system," NASA quoted David Jewitt as saying who is a professor of planetary science and astronomy at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), and co-author of the new study in&nbsp;<em>The Astrophysical Journal Letters</em>.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We've always suspected this comet had to be big because it is so bright at such a large distance. Now we confirm it is," Jewitt added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"This is an amazing object, given how active it is when it's still so far from the Sun," said the paper's lead author Man-To Hui of the Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macau.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We guessed the comet might be pretty big, but we needed the best data to confirm this," Hui added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/solar-systems-most-distant-planet-presents-unexplained-shift-in-temperature-470604">Solar system's most distant planet presents unexplained shift in temperature</a></strong></p>

<p><strong><img alt="NASA-comet" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="93156055-f5b8-4526-9e2f-7cf4a8bcb288" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/hubble_comet_c_2014_un271.png" /></strong></p>

<p><em>Image Credits: NASA, ESA, Man-To Hui (Macau University of Science and Technology), David Jewitt (UCLA); Image processing: Alyssa Pagan (STScI)</em></p>

<p>NASA stated that the team used Hubble to take five photos of the comet on January 8, 2022.&nbsp;</p>

<p>News about asteroids and meteorites barrelling toward Earth reminds of a popular Hollywood movie 'Don't Look Up' which was basically a satire. In the movie, two astronomers warn about an approaching comet that will destroy planet Earth, but the warning was overlooked resulting apocalypse.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, the reality is quite far from the movie as there is no doubt about the fact that space agencies around the world send alerts and remain vigilant.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH this explanation NASA:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>


NASA's Hubble Space Telescope confirmed the largest icy comet nucleus ever seen by astronomers, with a mass of 500 trillion tonnes. It is said to be a hundred thousand times greater than the mass of a typical "comet found much closer to the Sun".

NASA's Hubble Space Telescope confirmed the largest icy comet nucleus ever seen by astronomers, with a mass of 500 trillion tonnes. It is said to be a hundred thousand times greater than the mass of a typical "comet found much closer to the Sun". NASA revealed that the estimated diameter of the comet is appeared to be 80 miles across, which means it is larger than the US state of Rhode Island. The comet's nucleus is about 50 times bigger as compared to those found in most known comets, NASA says. The US-based space agency further revealed that the comet, C/2014 UN271 (Bernardinelli-Bernstein) is heading towards Earth at 22,000 miles per hour. However, there is no need to worry as it will not get closer to the planet. NASA noted: "It will never get closer than 1 billion miles away from the Sun, which is slightly farther than the distance of the planet Saturn. And that won't be until the year 2031." ALSO READ | 'Looks like alien footprints': NASA posts stunning image. Read details here "This comet is literally the tip of the iceberg for many thousands of comets that are too faint to see in the more distant parts of the solar system," NASA quoted David Jewitt as saying who is a professor of planetary science and astronomy at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), and co-author of the new study in The Astrophysical Journal Letters. "We've always suspected this comet had to be big because it is so bright at such a large distance. Now we confirm it is," Jewitt added. "This is an amazing object, given how active it is when it's still so far from the Sun," said the paper's lead author Man-To Hui of the Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macau. "We guessed the comet might be pretty big, but we needed the best data to confirm this," Hui added. ALSO READ | Solar system's most distant planet presents unexplained shift in temperature Image Credits: NASA, ESA, Man-To Hui (Macau University of Science and Technology), David Jewitt (UCLA); Image processing: Alyssa Pagan (STScI) NASA stated that the team used Hubble to take five photos of the comet on January 8, 2022. News about asteroids and meteorites barrelling toward Earth reminds of a popular Hollywood movie 'Don't Look Up' which was basically a satire. In the movie, two astronomers warn about an approaching comet that will destroy planet Earth, but the warning was overlooked resulting apocalypse. However, the reality is quite far from the movie as there is no doubt about the fact that space agencies around the world send alerts and remain vigilant. WATCH this explanation NASA: ×

Watch: Striking details about 'largest comet ever seen' that is hurtling towards Earth at 22,000mph

<p>In 2021, methane concentration in Earth’s air witnessed a record rise, as per US government data. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The spike in greenhouse gas has been witnessed for the second year in a row, raising fears of more effects of it on climate change. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) on Thursday found that the methane’s presence has risen by 17 parts per billion (ppb) in the atmosphere in 2021. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/covid-infection-raises-risk-of-developing-fatal-blood-clot-in-lung-by-33-fold-says-study-469136" hreflang="en">Covid infection raises risk of developing fatal blood clot in lung by 33-fold, says study</a></strong></p>

<p>This seems to be the largest annual hike recorded since the exercise began in 1983. Earlier, the record rise was of 15.3 ppb in 2020. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Rick Spinrad, administrator, NOAA, said, “Our data show that global emissions continue to move in the wrong direction at a rapid pace. The evidence is consistent, alarming, and undeniable.” &nbsp;</p>

<p>Lindsay Lan, atmospheric scientist, NOAA and University of Colorado, told AP that methane levels are now more than double the pre-industrial levels of 720 parts per billion. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Future of the aviation sector: First of its kind electric aircraft certified for training</strong></p>

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<p>Methane is a potent heat-trapping greenhouse gas but its effect is short-lived too. &nbsp;</p>

<p>It is around 25 times more powerful than carbon dioxide at trapping heat but it only lasts nine years in the air and not thousands of years like carbon dioxide, Lan added. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Cornell University methane researcher Robert Howarth told AP, “This trend of accelerating increase in methane is extremely disturbing.” &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


In 2021, methane concentration in Earth’s air witnessed a record rise, as per US government data. The spike in greenhouse gas has been witnessed for the second year in a row, raising fears of more effects of it on climate change.

In 2021, methane concentration in Earth’s air witnessed a record rise, as per US government data. The spike in greenhouse gas has been witnessed for the second year in a row, raising fears of more effects of it on climate change. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) on Thursday found that the methane’s presence has risen by 17 parts per billion (ppb) in the atmosphere in 2021. Also Read: Covid infection raises risk of developing fatal blood clot in lung by 33-fold, says study This seems to be the largest annual hike recorded since the exercise began in 1983. Earlier, the record rise was of 15.3 ppb in 2020. Rick Spinrad, administrator, NOAA, said, “Our data show that global emissions continue to move in the wrong direction at a rapid pace. The evidence is consistent, alarming, and undeniable.” Lindsay Lan, atmospheric scientist, NOAA and University of Colorado, told AP that methane levels are now more than double the pre-industrial levels of 720 parts per billion. Watch: Future of the aviation sector: First of its kind electric aircraft certified for training × Methane is a potent heat-trapping greenhouse gas but its effect is short-lived too. It is around 25 times more powerful than carbon dioxide at trapping heat but it only lasts nine years in the air and not thousands of years like carbon dioxide, Lan added. Cornell University methane researcher Robert Howarth told AP, “This trend of accelerating increase in methane is extremely disturbing.” (With inputs from agencies)

Methane concentration in Earth’s atmosphere witnessed record rise in 2021  

<p>Scientists claimed to have found a well-preserved fossil of a dinosaur leg touted to be from the time asteroid hit the Earth.</p>

<p>The limb of Thescelosaurus, covered with skin, was found at a fossil site in Tanis, North Dakota, 3,000kms away from the asteroid impact site in the Gulf of Mexico.</p>

<p>The British archaeologists, who have been working at the site, believe that it was killed and entombed around 66 million years ago when the asteroid rained down on the Earth, bringing an end to the era of dinosaurs.</p>

<p>The dig has been filmed for a BBC documentary Dinosaurs: The Final Day with Sir David Attenborough, who will review the fossil finds.</p>

<p>"It's a Thescelosaurus. It's from a group that we didn't have any previous record of what its skin looked like, and it shows very conclusively that these animals were very scaly, like lizards. They weren't feathered like their meat-eating contemporaries,” Prof Paul Barrett, a world-leading expert on herbivorous dinosaurs from London's Natural History Museum, told the BBC.</p>

<p>"This looks like an animal whose leg has simply been ripped off really quickly. There's no evidence on the leg of disease, there are no obvious pathologies, there's no trace of the leg being scavenged, such as bite marks or bits of it that are missing."</p>

<p>"So, the best idea that we have is that this is an animal that died more or less instantaneously."</p>

<p>The archaeologists also claimed to have discovered the fossilised remains of fish that breathed in debris from the asteroid.</p>

<p>Apart from that, the team also dug out a fossil turtle that was skewered by a wooden stake; the remains of small mammals and the burrows they made; skin from a horned triceratops; the embryo of a flying pterosaur inside its egg; and what appears to be a fragment from the asteroid impactor itself.</p>

<p>(With inputs from agencies)</p>


Scientists claimed to have found a well-preserved fossil of a dinosaur leg touted to be from the time asteroid hit the Earth. The limb of Thescelosaurus, covered with skin, was found at a fossil site in Tanis, North Dakota, 3,000kms away from the asteroid impact site in the Gulf of Mexico.

Scientists claimed to have found a well-preserved fossil of a dinosaur leg touted to be from the time asteroid hit the Earth. The limb of Thescelosaurus, covered with skin, was found at a fossil site in Tanis, North Dakota, 3,000kms away from the asteroid impact site in the Gulf of Mexico. The British archaeologists, who have been working at the site, believe that it was killed and entombed around 66 million years ago when the asteroid rained down on the Earth, bringing an end to the era of dinosaurs. The dig has been filmed for a BBC documentary Dinosaurs: The Final Day with Sir David Attenborough, who will review the fossil finds. "It's a Thescelosaurus. It's from a group that we didn't have any previous record of what its skin looked like, and it shows very conclusively that these animals were very scaly, like lizards. They weren't feathered like their meat-eating contemporaries,” Prof Paul Barrett, a world-leading expert on herbivorous dinosaurs from London's Natural History Museum, told the BBC. "This looks like an animal whose leg has simply been ripped off really quickly. There's no evidence on the leg of disease, there are no obvious pathologies, there's no trace of the leg being scavenged, such as bite marks or bits of it that are missing." "So, the best idea that we have is that this is an animal that died more or less instantaneously." The archaeologists also claimed to have discovered the fossilised remains of fish that breathed in debris from the asteroid. Apart from that, the team also dug out a fossil turtle that was skewered by a wooden stake; the remains of small mammals and the burrows they made; skin from a horned triceratops; the embryo of a flying pterosaur inside its egg; and what appears to be a fragment from the asteroid impactor itself. (With inputs from agencies)

Archaeologists find ‘perfectly preserved’ fossil of dinosaur that was killed on the day asteroid hit Earth

<p>NASA has found that the speed of sound on Mars is a lot slower than on Earth and a “deep silence prevails” over the red planet.</p>

<p>The scientists came to the conclusion after calculating the speed of sound on Mars dating back to February 19, 2021, the day after NASA's Perseverance rover landed on the planet.</p>

<p>They found out that sound travels 100 meters per second slower on Mars compared to Earth.</p>

<p>Moreover, the researchers discovered that there are two speeds of sound on Mars — one for high-pitched sounds and one for low-pitched sounds.</p>

<p>On Earth, sounds usually travel at 767 mph (343 meters per second). But on Mars, low-pitched sounds travel at about 537 mph (240 meters per second), while higher-pitched sounds move at 559 mph (250 meters per second), NASA said.</p>

<p>“This would make it difficult for two people standing only five meters apart to have a conversation," according to a press release on the findings.</p>

<p>This peculiar sound environment is due to the incredibly low atmospheric surface pressure on Mars, which is 170 times lower than Earth's pressure, the study published in Nature on Friday said.</p>

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<p>For example, if a high-pitched sound travels 213 feet on Earth, it will travel just 26 feet on Mars.</p>

<p>While sounds on Mars can be heard by human ears, they are incredibly soft.</p>

<p>"At some point, we thought the microphone was broken, it was so quiet," said Sylvestre Maurice, an astrophysicist at the University of Toulouse in France and lead author of the study, according to NASA.</p>

<p>Besides the wind, “natural sound sources are rare,” the press release said.</p>

<p>But NASA scientists believe that Mars may become more noisy in the autumn months, when there is higher atmospheric pressure.</p>

<p>"We are entering a high-pressure season," co-author of the study Baptiste Chide said in the press release. "Maybe the acoustic environment on Mars will be less quiet than it was when we landed."</p>


NASA has found that the speed of sound on Mars is a lot slower than on Earth and a “deep silence prevails” over the red planet. The scientists came to the conclusion after calculating the speed of sound on Mars dating back to February 19, 2021, the day after NASA's Perseverance rover landed on the planet.

NASA has found that the speed of sound on Mars is a lot slower than on Earth and a “deep silence prevails” over the red planet. The scientists came to the conclusion after calculating the speed of sound on Mars dating back to February 19, 2021, the day after NASA's Perseverance rover landed on the planet. They found out that sound travels 100 meters per second slower on Mars compared to Earth. Moreover, the researchers discovered that there are two speeds of sound on Mars — one for high-pitched sounds and one for low-pitched sounds. On Earth, sounds usually travel at 767 mph (343 meters per second). But on Mars, low-pitched sounds travel at about 537 mph (240 meters per second), while higher-pitched sounds move at 559 mph (250 meters per second), NASA said. “This would make it difficult for two people standing only five meters apart to have a conversation," according to a press release on the findings. This peculiar sound environment is due to the incredibly low atmospheric surface pressure on Mars, which is 170 times lower than Earth's pressure, the study published in Nature on Friday said. × For example, if a high-pitched sound travels 213 feet on Earth, it will travel just 26 feet on Mars. While sounds on Mars can be heard by human ears, they are incredibly soft. "At some point, we thought the microphone was broken, it was so quiet," said Sylvestre Maurice, an astrophysicist at the University of Toulouse in France and lead author of the study, according to NASA. Besides the wind, “natural sound sources are rare,” the press release said. But NASA scientists believe that Mars may become more noisy in the autumn months, when there is higher atmospheric pressure. "We are entering a high-pressure season," co-author of the study Baptiste Chide said in the press release. "Maybe the acoustic environment on Mars will be less quiet than it was when we landed."

‘One must shout to have conversation’: NASA finds sound travels slower on Mars than Earth

<p>The Earth has a slow, steady 'heartbeat' of geological activity every 27 million years or so that has perplexed astronomers as per a study published in Geoscience Frontiers.</p>

<p>“Many geologists believe that geological events are random over time. But our study provides statistical evidence for a common cycle, suggesting that these geologic events are correlated and not random,” said Michael Rampino, a geologist and professor in New York University’s Department of Biology, as well as the study’s lead author.</p>

<p>Over the past five decades, researchers have proposed cycles of major geological events, including volcanic activity and mass extinctions on land and sea, ranging from roughly 26 to 36 million years.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasas-spitzer-space-telescope-spots-star-sized-debris-cloud-from-distant-collision-465743" hreflang="en">NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope spots star-sized debris cloud from distant collision</a></strong></p>

<p>But early work on these correlations in the geological record was hampered by limitations in the age-dating of geologic events, which prevented scientists from conducting quantitative investigations.</p>

<p>However, there have been significant improvements in radio-isotopic dating techniques and changes in the geologic timescale, leading to new data on the timing of past events.</p>

<p>Using the latest age-dating data available, Rampino and his colleagues compiled updated records of major geological events over the last 260 million years and conducted new analyses.</p>

<p>The team analysed the ages of 89 well-dated major geological events of the last 260 million years. These events include marine and land extinctions, major volcanic outpourings of lava called flood-basalt eruptions, events when oceans were depleted of oxygen, sea-level fluctuations, and changes or reorganisation in the Earth’s tectonic plates.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/new-solar-physics-mysterious-vortex-waves-discovered-on-the-sun-travelling-faster-than-expected-465470" hreflang="en">New solar physics? Mysterious vortex waves discovered on the Sun travelling faster than expected</a></strong></p>

<p>They found that these global geologic events are generally clustered at 10 different timepoints over the 260 million years, grouped in peaks or pulses of roughly 27.5 million years apart.</p>

<p>The most recent cluster of geological events was approximately 7 million years ago, suggesting that the next pulse of major geological activity is more than 20 million years in the future.</p>

<p>The researchers posit that these pulses may be a function of cycles of activity in the Earth's interior, geophysical processes related to the dynamics of plate tectonics and climate. However, similar cycles in the Earth’s orbit in space might also be pacing these events.</p>

<p>“Whatever the origins of these cyclical episodes, our findings support the case for a largely periodic, coordinated, and intermittently catastrophic geologic record, which is a departure from the views held by many geologists,” explained Rampino.</p>

<p>In addition to Rampino, study authors include Yuhong Zhu of NYU’s Centre for Data Science and Ken Caldeira of the Carnegie Institution for Science.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Earth has a slow, steady 'heartbeat' of geological activity every 27 million years or so that has perplexed astronomers as per a study published in Geoscience Frontiers.

The Earth has a slow, steady 'heartbeat' of geological activity every 27 million years or so that has perplexed astronomers as per a study published in Geoscience Frontiers. “Many geologists believe that geological events are random over time. But our study provides statistical evidence for a common cycle, suggesting that these geologic events are correlated and not random,” said Michael Rampino, a geologist and professor in New York University’s Department of Biology, as well as the study’s lead author. Over the past five decades, researchers have proposed cycles of major geological events, including volcanic activity and mass extinctions on land and sea, ranging from roughly 26 to 36 million years. Also read | NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope spots star-sized debris cloud from distant collision But early work on these correlations in the geological record was hampered by limitations in the age-dating of geologic events, which prevented scientists from conducting quantitative investigations. However, there have been significant improvements in radio-isotopic dating techniques and changes in the geologic timescale, leading to new data on the timing of past events. Using the latest age-dating data available, Rampino and his colleagues compiled updated records of major geological events over the last 260 million years and conducted new analyses. The team analysed the ages of 89 well-dated major geological events of the last 260 million years. These events include marine and land extinctions, major volcanic outpourings of lava called flood-basalt eruptions, events when oceans were depleted of oxygen, sea-level fluctuations, and changes or reorganisation in the Earth’s tectonic plates. Also read | New solar physics? Mysterious vortex waves discovered on the Sun travelling faster than expected They found that these global geologic events are generally clustered at 10 different timepoints over the 260 million years, grouped in peaks or pulses of roughly 27.5 million years apart. The most recent cluster of geological events was approximately 7 million years ago, suggesting that the next pulse of major geological activity is more than 20 million years in the future. The researchers posit that these pulses may be a function of cycles of activity in the Earth's interior, geophysical processes related to the dynamics of plate tectonics and climate. However, similar cycles in the Earth’s orbit in space might also be pacing these events. “Whatever the origins of these cyclical episodes, our findings support the case for a largely periodic, coordinated, and intermittently catastrophic geologic record, which is a departure from the views held by many geologists,” explained Rampino. In addition to Rampino, study authors include Yuhong Zhu of NYU’s Centre for Data Science and Ken Caldeira of the Carnegie Institution for Science. (With inputs from agencies)

Astronomers perplexed by Earth's 27.5-million-year cycle of 'heartbeat'

Plastic is among biggest pollutants on our planet. WION tells you how it was once assumed to be the great boon for human life.

Plastic: Beauty and the beast; How can we solve plastic pollution?

<p>Although late detection of asteroids can prove suicidal for Earth, it seems to have been lucky this time. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Well, we are not kidding. Recently, an asteroid, which was around the size of a refrigerator, struck Earth's atmosphere just hours after getting spotted, said NASA. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>This has happened for the fifth time that an asteroid was able to get detected right before it hit the planet. &nbsp;</p>

<p>As it was too small, it wasn't dangerous, but we may not be lucky all the time. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/chinese-researchers-claim-to-develop-satellite-killing-weapon-463714" hreflang="en">Chinese researchers claim to develop satellite-killing weapon</a></strong></p>

<p>Astronomer Krisztian Sarneczky spotted an asteroid at the Piszkéstető Observatory in Hungary on March 11. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>The International Astronomical Union's Minor Planet Center was informed by Sarneczky, which also confirmed it. &nbsp;</p>

<p>In a statement, NASA said that luckily for Earth, the asteroid, which was named 2022 EB5, was around 6½-feet-long, a size "too small to pose a hazard to Earth." &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/recycled-plastic-bottles-pass-more-harmful-chemicals-into-contents-than-new-ones-warn-researchers-463736" hreflang="en">Recycled plastic bottles pass more harmful chemicals into contents than new ones, warn researchers</a></strong></p>

<p>NASA's "Scout" system, which keeps an eye for any potential impacts by asteroids, calculated the orbit of the rock and confirmed that it would certainly hit the planet. It also notified the Center for Near Earth Object Studies at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California and other asteroid impact systems. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>It also determined that the rock would enter atmosphere of Earth around Jan Mayen, a Norwegian island, which is roughly 300 miles northeast of Iceland. At 5:23 pm EDT, the asteroid hit Earth as "Scout" predicted. &nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


Although late detection of asteroids can prove suicidal for Earth, it seems to have been lucky this time. Well, we are not kidding. Recently, an asteroid, which was around the size of a refrigerator, struck Earth's atmosphere just hours after getting spotted, said NASA.

Although late detection of asteroids can prove suicidal for Earth, it seems to have been lucky this time. Well, we are not kidding. Recently, an asteroid, which was around the size of a refrigerator, struck Earth's atmosphere just hours after getting spotted, said NASA. This has happened for the fifth time that an asteroid was able to get detected right before it hit the planet. As it was too small, it wasn't dangerous, but we may not be lucky all the time. Also Read: Chinese researchers claim to develop satellite-killing weapon Astronomer Krisztian Sarneczky spotted an asteroid at the Piszkéstető Observatory in Hungary on March 11. The International Astronomical Union's Minor Planet Center was informed by Sarneczky, which also confirmed it. In a statement, NASA said that luckily for Earth, the asteroid, which was named 2022 EB5, was around 6½-feet-long, a size "too small to pose a hazard to Earth." Also Read: Recycled plastic bottles pass more harmful chemicals into contents than new ones, warn researchers NASA's "Scout" system, which keeps an eye for any potential impacts by asteroids, calculated the orbit of the rock and confirmed that it would certainly hit the planet. It also notified the Center for Near Earth Object Studies at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California and other asteroid impact systems. It also determined that the rock would enter atmosphere of Earth around Jan Mayen, a Norwegian island, which is roughly 300 miles northeast of Iceland. At 5:23 pm EDT, the asteroid hit Earth as "Scout" predicted. (With inputs from agencies)

Lucky for now? Fridge-sized asteroid gets spotted just two hours before hitting Earth, says NASA   

<p>During the turbulent early history of the solar system, the materials that shaped Earth might have been formed very far out in space, suggests a study.</p>

<p>A carbonaceous meteorite is thought to have contributed to Earth's formation, which came from outer main-belt asteroids.</p>

<p>Scientists at the Tokyo Institute of Technology have recently proposed that these asteroidal materials may have formed far out in the early solar system and then been transported to the inner solar system by chaotic mixing processes.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/uk-develops-robots-with-realistic-expressions-that-cut-doctors-errors-and-bias-462789" hreflang="en">UK develops robots with realistic expressions that cut doctors' errors and bias</a></strong></p>

<p>According to the study, published in the journal AGU Advances, the main-belt asteroids' surface minerals, especially those containing ammonia (NH3), form from starting materials containing NH3 and carbon dioxide (CO2) ice that are stable only at low temperatures, and under water-rich conditions.</p>

<p>In light of these results, the study suggests that outer main-belt asteroids originate from distant orbits and differentiate to form different minerals in a water-rich mantle and rock-dominated core.</p>

<p>According to the study, Earth's unique properties may have resulted from peculiar aspects of the formation of the solar system.</p>

<p>"Whether our solar system's formation is a typical outcome remains to be determined, but numerous measurements suggest we may be able to place our cosmic history in context soon," said lead author Hiroyuki Kurokawa from the Institute's Earth-Life Science Institute (ELSI).</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-identify-formation-of-three-planetary-systems-around-this-binary-star-462675" hreflang="en">Scientists identify formation of three planetary systems around this binary star</a></strong></p>

<p>A number of opportunities might arise to test this model, for example, this study provides predictions of the results of analysing Hayabusa 2 returned samples. Hayabusa is the asteroid sample return mission of JAXA, the Japanese state space agency.</p>

<p>This distant origin of asteroids, if correct, predicts that there will be ammoniated salts and minerals in Hayabusa 2's returned samples. Analysis of the OSIRIS-Rex mission's returned material will provide a further check on this model.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


During the turbulent early history of the solar system, the materials that shaped Earth might have been formed very far out in space, suggests a study. A carbonaceous meteorite is thought to have contributed to Earth's formation, which came from outer main-belt asteroids.

During the turbulent early history of the solar system, the materials that shaped Earth might have been formed very far out in space, suggests a study. A carbonaceous meteorite is thought to have contributed to Earth's formation, which came from outer main-belt asteroids. Scientists at the Tokyo Institute of Technology have recently proposed that these asteroidal materials may have formed far out in the early solar system and then been transported to the inner solar system by chaotic mixing processes. Also read | UK develops robots with realistic expressions that cut doctors' errors and bias According to the study, published in the journal AGU Advances, the main-belt asteroids' surface minerals, especially those containing ammonia (NH3), form from starting materials containing NH3 and carbon dioxide (CO2) ice that are stable only at low temperatures, and under water-rich conditions. In light of these results, the study suggests that outer main-belt asteroids originate from distant orbits and differentiate to form different minerals in a water-rich mantle and rock-dominated core. According to the study, Earth's unique properties may have resulted from peculiar aspects of the formation of the solar system. "Whether our solar system's formation is a typical outcome remains to be determined, but numerous measurements suggest we may be able to place our cosmic history in context soon," said lead author Hiroyuki Kurokawa from the Institute's Earth-Life Science Institute (ELSI). Also read | Scientists identify formation of three planetary systems around this binary star A number of opportunities might arise to test this model, for example, this study provides predictions of the results of analysing Hayabusa 2 returned samples. Hayabusa is the asteroid sample return mission of JAXA, the Japanese state space agency. This distant origin of asteroids, if correct, predicts that there will be ammoniated salts and minerals in Hayabusa 2's returned samples. Analysis of the OSIRIS-Rex mission's returned material will provide a further check on this model. (With inputs from agencies)

Scientists present a theory on how 'otherworldly materials' helped in Earth's formation

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