Scientists are warning of growing risks to satellites as a mysterious weak spot in Earth’s magnetic field continues to expand. The anomaly could expose spacecraft to increased radiation, raising concerns for navigation, communication, and space technology.


Solar Radiation Pours Through Earth’s Gap, Satellites Reveal Growing Weak Spot in Magnetic Field

Moon has been pulling away material from Earth for billions of years, according to a new study. Scientists say that it did not happen before the magnetic field was formed, but instead, this process is facilitated by our planet's magnetic tail.

Earth's tail has been helping Moon steal from our planet for billions of years

<p>A study has found that even though the planet is warming up, we might be going towards another ice age. It sounds paradoxical, but scientists say it is possible. Researchers from the University of California, Riverside, and the University of Bremen believe that as carbon dioxide levels rise and Earth heats up to an extreme point, heat would end in cold because of "a glitch in the matrix", ultimately returning us to an Ice Age. According to the researchers, Earth has a natural thermostat which helps it regulate its temperature when things get out of hand. More carbon dioxide and heat in the atmosphere cause it to rain more, eroding rocks and pulling all the CO2 into the ocean. In the sea, microscopic plankton feed on it and then die and sink. With them, CO2 also disappears for thousands of years. This cools down the planet, and the cycle resets.</p><p>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/a-robot-got-lost-in-antarctica-it-revealed-scary-secrets-from-underneath-another-glacier-1766997802759"><strong>A robot got lost in Antarctica. It revealed scary secrets from underneath another glacier</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Earth's chemistry will go off track</strong></h2><p>However, the latest study suggests that if Earth witnesses extreme warning, way over the edge, this thermostat fails to function as expected. An overreaction occurs, and the ocean is filled with nutrients, mainly phosphorus, causing the plankton to overgrow. A lot more CO2 starts getting absorbed by the seafloor, quicker than what is released into the atmosphere by volcanoes and other occurrences. In even warmer seas with low oxygen levels, phosphorus is released again, providing more of it to the plankton, which keep growing. With CO2 &nbsp;fast depleting, a vicious cycle sets in and temperatures will plummet rapidly, pushing Earth into an Ice Age.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Researchers state that this is what will ultimately happen to Earth someday, but not today. This process would take place over hundreds of thousands of years, and humans would not be here to see this Ice Age. The cycle will happen as it usually does, with a warming climate, extreme heat, rising sea levels that would wash away much of the coasts and much more.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

Climate change threatens to end our world, but it might not wither away from heat and could be pushed into extreme cold. Scientists say if Earth hits extremely hot temperatures, we could enter an Ice Age. Will humans be here to witness it?

A study has found that even though the planet is warming up, we might be going towards another ice age. It sounds paradoxical, but scientists say it is possible. Researchers from the University of California, Riverside, and the University of Bremen believe that as carbon dioxide levels rise and Earth heats up to an extreme point, heat would end in cold because of "a glitch in the matrix", ultimately returning us to an Ice Age. According to the researchers, Earth has a natural thermostat which helps it regulate its temperature when things get out of hand. More carbon dioxide and heat in the atmosphere cause it to rain more, eroding rocks and pulling all the CO2 into the ocean. In the sea, microscopic plankton feed on it and then die and sink. With them, CO2 also disappears for thousands of years. This cools down the planet, and the cycle resets. Also Read: A robot got lost in Antarctica. It revealed scary secrets from underneath another glacier Earth's chemistry will go off track However, the latest study suggests that if Earth witnesses extreme warning, way over the edge, this thermostat fails to function as expected. An overreaction occurs, and the ocean is filled with nutrients, mainly phosphorus, causing the plankton to overgrow. A lot more CO2 starts getting absorbed by the seafloor, quicker than what is released into the atmosphere by volcanoes and other occurrences. In even warmer seas with low oxygen levels, phosphorus is released again, providing more of it to the plankton, which keep growing. With CO2 fast depleting, a vicious cycle sets in and temperatures will plummet rapidly, pushing Earth into an Ice Age. Researchers state that this is what will ultimately happen to Earth someday, but not today. This process would take place over hundreds of thousands of years, and humans would not be here to see this Ice Age. The cycle will happen as it usually does, with a warming climate, extreme heat, rising sea levels that would wash away much of the coasts and much more.

<p>Climate change threatens to end our world, but it might not wither away from heat and could be pushed into extreme cold. Scientists say if Earth hits extremely hot temperatures, we could enter an Ice Age. Will humans be here to witness it?</p>

Scientists warn intense heat due to climate change could freeze Earth, ushering in a new Ice Age

<p>Earth is a rare cosmic body which supports life with just the right balance of ingredients and is in the optimal zone near the Sun where it is warm enough for life to thrive. Our planet has an atmosphere us from solar radiation and a magnetic field. A new study has suggested that for a planet like Earth to be born, we need a warm solar system, and this is triggered by short-lived radioisotopes (SLRs). When these isotopes decay, a warmer cosmic environment is formed. This prevents terrestrial planets like Earth from holding on to too much water. If these isotopes did not exist, those planets similar to Earth in size would turn into a theoretical type of exoplanet, called Hycean worlds. Such bodies have a deep global ocean underneath a thick, hydrogen-rich atmosphere.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>So, how do we know that our solar system had these crucial isotopes? This is proven by meteorites, as research has shown these isotopes, or SLRs, to be present in these rocks. For these short-lived radioisotopes to form, a supernova is needed, a stellar explosion leading to the death of a star. However, this powerful cosmic event would rip apart the protoplanetary disk of a young star. But the Sun's early disk remained unscathed, and we got our solar system. If a supernova is needed for a planet to form, it would mean that Earth-like planets are rare.</p><p>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/earth-has-a-tail-flowing-for-millions-of-kilometres-into-space-on-its-dark-side-1765431481520"><strong>Earth has a tail, flowing for millions of kilometres into space on its dark side</strong></a></p><p>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/catastrophe-in-2-8-days-scientists-say-earth-at-risk-of-disastrous-chain-reaction-in-space-1765868167625"><strong>Catastrophe in 2.8 days: Scientists say Earth at risk of disastrous chain reaction in space</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Earth-like worlds could be very common</strong></h2><p>However, a new study states that Earth-like planets could be extremely common in the universe. Researchers say that the early solar system was covered with cosmic rays triggered from a supernova that was extremely far away. According to a report by Universe Today, "if at least one supernova occurred within a parsec of us," enough cosmic rays would be formed to create the level of radioactive isotopes necessary to match those of meteorites found in the solar system. Sun-like stars form within star clusters, which means the chances of such a supernova are quite good, and hence, there might be several more Earth-like planets.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

For Earth to be born, our solar system needed certain isotopes which could only be formed by supernovae. But, shouldn't such a stellar violent event kill a planet-forming disk? Here is what a study says about such events and how common Earth-like bodies are.

Earth is a rare cosmic body which supports life with just the right balance of ingredients and is in the optimal zone near the Sun where it is warm enough for life to thrive. Our planet has an atmosphere us from solar radiation and a magnetic field. A new study has suggested that for a planet like Earth to be born, we need a warm solar system, and this is triggered by short-lived radioisotopes (SLRs). When these isotopes decay, a warmer cosmic environment is formed. This prevents terrestrial planets like Earth from holding on to too much water. If these isotopes did not exist, those planets similar to Earth in size would turn into a theoretical type of exoplanet, called Hycean worlds. Such bodies have a deep global ocean underneath a thick, hydrogen-rich atmosphere. So, how do we know that our solar system had these crucial isotopes? This is proven by meteorites, as research has shown these isotopes, or SLRs, to be present in these rocks. For these short-lived radioisotopes to form, a supernova is needed, a stellar explosion leading to the death of a star. However, this powerful cosmic event would rip apart the protoplanetary disk of a young star. But the Sun's early disk remained unscathed, and we got our solar system. If a supernova is needed for a planet to form, it would mean that Earth-like planets are rare. Also Read: Earth has a tail, flowing for millions of kilometres into space on its dark side Also Read: Catastrophe in 2.8 days: Scientists say Earth at risk of disastrous chain reaction in space Earth-like worlds could be very common However, a new study states that Earth-like planets could be extremely common in the universe. Researchers say that the early solar system was covered with cosmic rays triggered from a supernova that was extremely far away. According to a report by Universe Today, "if at least one supernova occurred within a parsec of us," enough cosmic rays would be formed to create the level of radioactive isotopes necessary to match those of meteorites found in the solar system. Sun-like stars form within star clusters, which means the chances of such a supernova are quite good, and hence, there might be several more Earth-like planets.

<p>For Earth to be born, our solar system needed certain isotopes which could only be formed by supernovae. But, shouldn't such a stellar violent event kill a planet-forming disk? Here is what a study says about such events and how common Earth-like bodies are.</p>

Earth was formed with lots of cosmic rays from a supernova, and many of them could be out there

A new study reveals that the Earth is absorbing more solar energy than before, causing the planet to trap additional heat. Scientists warn this could accelerate climate change, affecting global weather patterns, ecosystems, and sea levels. Learn why our planet is heating faster and what it means for the future. 

Study Shows Earth Absorbing More Solar Energy, Trapping Extra Heat

Earth's growing heat imbalance a new scientific study reveals a surprising twist in the way our planet is warming...

While air pollution has long been blamed for climate change, ---

Researchers now say the biggest driver of earth’s growing heat imbalance may actually lie in changes to cloud behavior...

Study: Earth Absorbing More Solar Energy

An interstellar object from another star system is passing Earth and it’s behaving in a way scientists didn’t expect. Its strange pulsing cycle, glowing green coma, and shifting rhythm have sparked global fascination. As telescopes capture its closest approach, this story explains what this comet is doing, why it matters, and what mysteries remain unanswered.

Mysterious 'Alien' Comet 3I/Atlas Reaches Closest Point to Earth

A major British scientific breakthrough has pushed nuclear fusion the same process that powers the Sun closer to becoming a real-world energy source. From UK labs to U.S. lasers, China’s artificial sun and India’s fusion roadmap, this video explains what fusion is, why it matters, and how it could revolutionise global energy forever.


The end of Fossil Fuels? Fusion breakthrough: The Sun comes to Earth 

<p>Once upon a time, Earth was a hot planet with magma flowing in one vast ocean. When our home was born 4.6 billion years ago, space was not the kindest place. The chaotic environment and the constant bombardment caused the planet’s surface and interior to remain in a near-constant molten state. So if magma was spread everywhere, where was water? According to a study, Earth was hiding it all deep within a mineral in the mantle. This was a time when the flowing magma turned the planet into a blazing furnace. &nbsp;Over millions of years, Earth transitioned from being a hot piece of cosmic body in a molten state to a cool and calm solid planet. The oceans were filled with water, which was hiding somewhere on the planet.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Professor Zhixue Du from the Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (GIGCAS) tried to decode this mystery of the hiding place of Earth's water. According to the researchers on his team, large quantities of water were effectively "locked away" deep inside Earth’s mantle. A mineral found abundantly in the mantle acted like a microscopic "water container" as the planet solidified. Their findings have been published in Science.</p><p>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/earth-has-a-tail-flowing-for-millions-of-kilometres-into-space-on-its-dark-side-1765431481520"><strong>Earth has a tail, flowing for millions of kilometres into space on its dark side</strong></a></p><p>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/catastrophe-in-2-8-days-scientists-say-earth-at-risk-of-disastrous-chain-reaction-in-space-1765868167625"><strong>Catastrophe in 2.8 days: Scientists say Earth at risk of disastrous chain reaction in space</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Simulation revealed something new about the water-absorbing mineral</strong></h2><p>This water reservoir is what helped Earth transform from a fiery planet into the habitable world we know today. &nbsp;The team set out to test a previous theory, according to which bridgmanite had limited water storage capacity in low-temperature conditions. They built a diamond anvil cell experimental setup equipped with laser heating and high-temperature imaging to understand the extreme conditions at depths exceeding 660 kilometres, and detect water signals in bridgmanite samples. They gradually raised temperatures to approximately 4,100 degrees Celsius, which helped them learn how it affects the ability of minerals to pull in water.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>This simulation revealed that bridgmanite’s “water-locking” capacity increased with rising temperature. This means that during Earth’s hottest “magma ocean” phase, it had changed to retain a lot more water. After the magma ocean solidified, the lower mantle became the largest water reservoir in the solid mantle. Gradually, this water reached the surface through magmatic activity.</p>

Earth was once a fireball with magma flowing in one giant ocean. But, even at this time, it had water. However, it was not present on the surface, but hid somewhere deep inside the planet. What could hold so much water? Scientists have now revealed.

Once upon a time, Earth was a hot planet with magma flowing in one vast ocean. When our home was born 4.6 billion years ago, space was not the kindest place. The chaotic environment and the constant bombardment caused the planet’s surface and interior to remain in a near-constant molten state. So if magma was spread everywhere, where was water? According to a study, Earth was hiding it all deep within a mineral in the mantle. This was a time when the flowing magma turned the planet into a blazing furnace. Over millions of years, Earth transitioned from being a hot piece of cosmic body in a molten state to a cool and calm solid planet. The oceans were filled with water, which was hiding somewhere on the planet. Professor Zhixue Du from the Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (GIGCAS) tried to decode this mystery of the hiding place of Earth's water. According to the researchers on his team, large quantities of water were effectively "locked away" deep inside Earth’s mantle. A mineral found abundantly in the mantle acted like a microscopic "water container" as the planet solidified. Their findings have been published in Science. Also Read: Earth has a tail, flowing for millions of kilometres into space on its dark side Also Read: Catastrophe in 2.8 days: Scientists say Earth at risk of disastrous chain reaction in space Simulation revealed something new about the water-absorbing mineral This water reservoir is what helped Earth transform from a fiery planet into the habitable world we know today. The team set out to test a previous theory, according to which bridgmanite had limited water storage capacity in low-temperature conditions. They built a diamond anvil cell experimental setup equipped with laser heating and high-temperature imaging to understand the extreme conditions at depths exceeding 660 kilometres, and detect water signals in bridgmanite samples. They gradually raised temperatures to approximately 4,100 degrees Celsius, which helped them learn how it affects the ability of minerals to pull in water. This simulation revealed that bridgmanite’s “water-locking” capacity increased with rising temperature. This means that during Earth’s hottest “magma ocean” phase, it had changed to retain a lot more water. After the magma ocean solidified, the lower mantle became the largest water reservoir in the solid mantle. Gradually, this water reached the surface through magmatic activity.

<p>Earth was once a fireball with magma flowing in one giant ocean. But, even at this time, it had water. However, it was not present on the surface, but hid somewhere deep inside the planet. What could hold so much water? Scientists have now revealed.</p>

Scientists reveal the hiding place of all the water on Earth 4.6 billion years ago

Comet 3I/Atlas, often dubbed the “alien green comet,” is making a rare and historic flyby of Earth, drawing global attention from astronomers and skywatchers. Scientists say the comet’s unusual glow and trajectory make it a unique object of study.

This video explains where the comet came from, why it appears green, how close it will pass Earth, and what this rare event means for space research.

Comet 3I/Atlas Nears Earth For A Historic Flyby

<p>The current satellite mega-constellation system can crumble within days in case of an intense solar storm, according to a new paper. Low-Earth orbit is extremely crowded, with several satellites working there. According to data, two satellites make a “close approach”, that is, pass by each other at less than one kilometre distance, every 22 seconds. Scientists handle these satellites from Earth to avoid collisions between them. However, the paper by Sarah Thiele, a PhD student at Princeton, and he co-authors, analysed what would happen in "edge cases" that can cause system failures, specifically in the case of a solar storm, Universe Today reported. Solar storms can cause an increased drag on satellites and put them on a collision path with another, forcing manoeuvres to avoid them crashing into one another. But the bigger problem, according to the authors, is that solar storms can affect navigational and communications systems, which facilitate these manoeuvres. What would happen in this case?</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>If humans lose control of satellites and are unable to move them around, the drag from the solar storm would put them in a precarious situation and trigger an immediate catastrophe. Using a new metric - the Collision Realization and Significant Harm (CRASH) Clock, the researchers calculated that if operators are unable to send commands for avoidance manoeuvres, a catastrophic collision will occur in around 2.8 days. This statistic holds true for June 2025, and is a stark change from 2018, when this time period was 121 days. If operators lose control for just 24 hours, there's a 30 per cent chance of a collision that can trigger a process leading to the Kessler Syndrome, a scenario where the orbit would be filled with a debris cloud, rendering satellites unworkable and preventing the launch of new satellites.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Responding to a solar storm would need real-time action to keep satellites afloat and safe. However, if this system goes down, the window to fix it would be extremely small and failure to do so would result in the constellation crumbling like a "pack of cards". The researchers also noted that if a storm as intense as the Carrington Event of 1859 were to strike, humans would not be able to control the satellites for longer than three days, eventually wiping out our satellite infrastructure.<br>&nbsp;</p>

Scientists have flagged a catastrophic scenario waiting to unfold in low-Earth orbit, where a solar storm can trigger a collision between satellites, setting a chain reaction that ultimately leaves humans without access to them.

The current satellite mega-constellation system can crumble within days in case of an intense solar storm, according to a new paper. Low-Earth orbit is extremely crowded, with several satellites working there. According to data, two satellites make a “close approach”, that is, pass by each other at less than one kilometre distance, every 22 seconds. Scientists handle these satellites from Earth to avoid collisions between them. However, the paper by Sarah Thiele, a PhD student at Princeton, and he co-authors, analysed what would happen in "edge cases" that can cause system failures, specifically in the case of a solar storm, Universe Today reported. Solar storms can cause an increased drag on satellites and put them on a collision path with another, forcing manoeuvres to avoid them crashing into one another. But the bigger problem, according to the authors, is that solar storms can affect navigational and communications systems, which facilitate these manoeuvres. What would happen in this case? If humans lose control of satellites and are unable to move them around, the drag from the solar storm would put them in a precarious situation and trigger an immediate catastrophe. Using a new metric - the Collision Realization and Significant Harm (CRASH) Clock, the researchers calculated that if operators are unable to send commands for avoidance manoeuvres, a catastrophic collision will occur in around 2.8 days. This statistic holds true for June 2025, and is a stark change from 2018, when this time period was 121 days. If operators lose control for just 24 hours, there's a 30 per cent chance of a collision that can trigger a process leading to the Kessler Syndrome, a scenario where the orbit would be filled with a debris cloud, rendering satellites unworkable and preventing the launch of new satellites. Responding to a solar storm would need real-time action to keep satellites afloat and safe. However, if this system goes down, the window to fix it would be extremely small and failure to do so would result in the constellation crumbling like a "pack of cards". The researchers also noted that if a storm as intense as the Carrington Event of 1859 were to strike, humans would not be able to control the satellites for longer than three days, eventually wiping out our satellite infrastructure.

<p>Scientists have flagged a catastrophic scenario waiting to unfold in low-Earth orbit, where a solar storm can trigger a collision between satellites, setting a chain reaction that ultimately leaves humans without access to them.</p>

Catastrophe in 2.8 days: Scientists say Earth at risk of disastrous chain reaction in space

<p>The tail of 3I/ATLAS, the third interstellar visitor observed in our solar system, has created quite a buzz - sometimes you see it, and other times you don't. This object has been classified as a comet and so developed a tail that is not quite clearly visible. However, comets are not the only cosmic bodies that have tails. Our very own planet, the one we call home, Earth, also has a tail. Recently, NASA revealed that Mercury, the closest planet to the Sun, is displaying a tail. This is nothing new, but it only becomes so at a certain time and position. Now, scientists are telling us that Earth is no exception. This tail extends for at least two million kilometres into space behind our planet, and is present on the dark side of our planet.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Mercury gets its tail from the sodium present in the planet. It starts extending outwards when it gets to its closest point to the Sun. According to NASA, scattered sunlight gives the sodium "a bright orange glow." The sodium atoms are pushed outwards due to the "radiation pressure" and strip its atmosphere, giving it a long glowing tail. In the case of Earth, it boils down to its magnetic field. Called the magnetosphere, it "dominates the behaviour of electrically charged particles in space near Earth and shields the planet from the solar wind," according to NASA.</p><p>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/2025-in-space-10-weirdest-cosmic-events-and-objects-discovered-in-universe-this-year-1765347593790"><strong>2025 in space: 3I/ATLAS, quasi-moon and more - 10 weirdest cosmic events and objects discovered in universe</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Plasma tail formed by solar winds</strong></h2><p>The magnetosphere also traps electrified gas, called plasma. Some of this plasma extends outwards into space, forming the tail of Earth. NASA believes it is a "return flow of plasma" that happens because of the solar wind, plasma being continuously released from the solar surface. This gives a kind of push to the magnetosphere and distorts its shape, "compressing it on the Earth's day side, like the head of a raindrop. The region is stretched on the night side, like the raindrop tail, forming a teardrop shape." This is how it also gets its name - &nbsp;"magnetotail".</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Earth's tail possibly extends to 1,000 times Earth’s radius; however, scientists aren't sure of its exact length. According to the European Space Agency, it stretches at least two million kilometres into space on the night side of the Earth.&nbsp;</p>

Comets have tails; 3I/ATLAS has a tail, and even Mercury has one. Does Earth have a tail? Yes. Our planet also has a tail, which possibly extends to two million kilometres into space. It is present on the dark side of the planet.

The tail of 3I/ATLAS, the third interstellar visitor observed in our solar system, has created quite a buzz - sometimes you see it, and other times you don't. This object has been classified as a comet and so developed a tail that is not quite clearly visible. However, comets are not the only cosmic bodies that have tails. Our very own planet, the one we call home, Earth, also has a tail. Recently, NASA revealed that Mercury, the closest planet to the Sun, is displaying a tail. This is nothing new, but it only becomes so at a certain time and position. Now, scientists are telling us that Earth is no exception. This tail extends for at least two million kilometres into space behind our planet, and is present on the dark side of our planet. Mercury gets its tail from the sodium present in the planet. It starts extending outwards when it gets to its closest point to the Sun. According to NASA, scattered sunlight gives the sodium "a bright orange glow." The sodium atoms are pushed outwards due to the "radiation pressure" and strip its atmosphere, giving it a long glowing tail. In the case of Earth, it boils down to its magnetic field. Called the magnetosphere, it "dominates the behaviour of electrically charged particles in space near Earth and shields the planet from the solar wind," according to NASA. Also Read: 2025 in space: 3I/ATLAS, quasi-moon and more - 10 weirdest cosmic events and objects discovered in universe Plasma tail formed by solar winds The magnetosphere also traps electrified gas, called plasma. Some of this plasma extends outwards into space, forming the tail of Earth. NASA believes it is a "return flow of plasma" that happens because of the solar wind, plasma being continuously released from the solar surface. This gives a kind of push to the magnetosphere and distorts its shape, "compressing it on the Earth's day side, like the head of a raindrop. The region is stretched on the night side, like the raindrop tail, forming a teardrop shape." This is how it also gets its name - "magnetotail". Earth's tail possibly extends to 1,000 times Earth’s radius; however, scientists aren't sure of its exact length. According to the European Space Agency, it stretches at least two million kilometres into space on the night side of the Earth.

<p>Comets have tails; 3I/ATLAS has a tail, and even Mercury has one. Does Earth have a tail? Yes. Our planet also has a tail, which possibly extends to two million kilometres into space. It is present on the dark side of the planet.</p>

Earth has a tail, flowing for millions of kilometres into space on its dark side

<p>A California-based startup has plans to change night into day by placing huge mirrors in space. Aptly named &nbsp;Reflect Orbital, the company thinks it can launch thousands of satellites with reflective panels that can redirect sunlight towards the night side of Earth. The owners have pitched several benefits of their plan that go against Mother Nature. For starters, the solar light can help power solar panels, help with rescue and other operations and help treat seasonal depression that comes with a lack of sunlight. It wants to start work by next year and has approached the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for a license, Smithsonian magazine reported.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>However, astronomers are not happy with this idea, as it goes against the natural order of things. They say the sun should when it's supposed to, and humans shouldn't be able to control such a powerful force. The first problem with these massive reflective satellites is that they will be brighter than the moon, blocking out the view of on-ground telescopes, making it harder to observe cosmic bodies, and making astronomy work harder. Also, forcefully turning night into day will also mess with the human body, which depends on this day-night cycle for rest. The dark is the body's cue to go to sleep. When it won't happen, many things could go wrong with the human body.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>James Lowenthal, an astronomer at Smith College, told Smithsonian magazine, "It goes against every fibre of my existence to imagine that we could intentionally banish the night." The mirrors will be made up of Mylar, which will add to the reflectivity. They are proposed to be square-shaped and will be about 33 feet to 180 feet across. The first satellite with a 60-foot mirror, called Earendil-1, is scheduled to be launched in April 2026. It will be a prototype and will be followed by many more such satellites. Reflect Orbital plans to place 4,000 satellites in orbit by 2030.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The satellites will be in low orbit and move quickly, lighting up an area only for a small amount of time. This is why several of them will be needed to make the plan a success. The idea of space mirrors is not new. &nbsp;In 1923, German rocket pioneer Hermann Oberth proposed it in his thesis. Later, other scientists also talked about it to help with solar power. In 1993, a Russian satellite known as Znamya 2 with an 80-foot mirror was launched to extend daylight hours in Arctic Siberia, but it was later de-orbited.&nbsp;</p>

Can humans end night? Should we be tampering with Mother Nature? That is the question astronomers across the world are raising as one company gets ready to launch huge mirrors into space to reflect sunlight on the darker side of Earth. 

A California-based startup has plans to change night into day by placing huge mirrors in space. Aptly named Reflect Orbital, the company thinks it can launch thousands of satellites with reflective panels that can redirect sunlight towards the night side of Earth. The owners have pitched several benefits of their plan that go against Mother Nature. For starters, the solar light can help power solar panels, help with rescue and other operations and help treat seasonal depression that comes with a lack of sunlight. It wants to start work by next year and has approached the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for a license, Smithsonian magazine reported. However, astronomers are not happy with this idea, as it goes against the natural order of things. They say the sun should when it's supposed to, and humans shouldn't be able to control such a powerful force. The first problem with these massive reflective satellites is that they will be brighter than the moon, blocking out the view of on-ground telescopes, making it harder to observe cosmic bodies, and making astronomy work harder. Also, forcefully turning night into day will also mess with the human body, which depends on this day-night cycle for rest. The dark is the body's cue to go to sleep. When it won't happen, many things could go wrong with the human body. James Lowenthal, an astronomer at Smith College, told Smithsonian magazine, "It goes against every fibre of my existence to imagine that we could intentionally banish the night." The mirrors will be made up of Mylar, which will add to the reflectivity. They are proposed to be square-shaped and will be about 33 feet to 180 feet across. The first satellite with a 60-foot mirror, called Earendil-1, is scheduled to be launched in April 2026. It will be a prototype and will be followed by many more such satellites. Reflect Orbital plans to place 4,000 satellites in orbit by 2030. The satellites will be in low orbit and move quickly, lighting up an area only for a small amount of time. This is why several of them will be needed to make the plan a success. The idea of space mirrors is not new. In 1923, German rocket pioneer Hermann Oberth proposed it in his thesis. Later, other scientists also talked about it to help with solar power. In 1993, a Russian satellite known as Znamya 2 with an 80-foot mirror was launched to extend daylight hours in Arctic Siberia, but it was later de-orbited.

<p>Can humans end night? Should we be tampering with Mother Nature? That's the question astronomers across the world are raising as one company gets ready to launch huge mirrors into space to reflect sunlight on the darker side of Earth.&nbsp;</p>

California company wants to 'banish the night' with mirrors in space: 'It goes against every...'

If the Sun were to start dimming, what would happen to Earth? Will a gradual dimming keep our planet unaffected, or will it spell doom? If sunlight were to vanish all of a sudden, that would fling Earth out of the solar system, with all life wiped out soon.

What if the sun started dimming? What could happen to Earth? Gradual and sudden scenarios explained

In just 72 hours, five volcanoes have erupted, from Ethiopia’s reawakening Hayli Gubbi to Russia’s mighty Bezymianny. Indonesia lights up with three fiery outbursts, as magma and ash carve new scars across the map. Scientists say it’s coincidence, not catastrophe. But the question echoes: is the Earth sending a signal, or simply breathing again?


Global magma surge? 1,400 quakes in 30 days in Indonesia; Is the planet warning us? 

<p>Two years ago, when residents of a small Italian town watched a mysterious halo of red light in the skies, no one could explain it. Now the same phenomenon has returned and was seen once again on November 17. The ring was seen floating above Possagno, located in the foothills of the Italian Alps. Photographer Valter Binotto took a photo of the UFO-like structure in 2025 after capturing it in his lens in 2023 as well. It measured approximately 200 kilometres across and was around 100 kilometres above the ground. While some might quickly link it to extraterrestrial forces, Binotto has a perfect explanation. He says the halo is what is called ELVEs, a rare lightning–related phenomenon. It is so rare that NASA did not spot one until 1990. So to see it in the same location twice is somewhat of an atmospheric miracle.</p><p>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/portugal-tsunami-waves-roll-clouds-beach-heatwave-1751367271740"><strong>150km-long feature in Portugal appeared to be tsunami waves. It turned out to be...</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2><strong>How are ELVEs, the red halo seen in Italy, formed?</strong></h2><p>ELVEs, or "emission of light and very low–frequency perturbations due to electromagnetic pulse sources", are formed because of an electromagnetic pulse (EMP). When extremely powerful lightning bolts shoot EMP through the upper atmosphere, they clash with a part of the ionosphere, located 80–644 kilometres above the ground. The electromagnetic radiation excites charged particles of nitrogen, triggering the red halo glow. Scientists say this is similar to how solar particles create auroras following a collision with Earth's magnetic field.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

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<h2><strong>Why did Possagno have two rare red halos?</strong></h2><p>Witnessing the rare phenomenon twice in Possagno has nothing to do with anything special being present there. ELVEs spread for several kilometres and at high altitude. So a strike in one place means they will be visible from hundreds of kilometres away also. The latest one was from a storm above Ancona, 280 kilometres away. The one in 2023 originated 300 kilometres away in Vernazza.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Photographing ELVEs is not easy since the halo only lasts for one thousandth of a second. Binotto says he sets up his camera and hits record as soon as the conditions are right. The camera is set up to capture extremely high–framerate videos. He later scans through and chooses the frames in which the ELVEs can be seen.</p>

Possagno in Italy was covered by a strange red halo glowing in the dark skies a few days ago. A photographer captured it and had also seen it at the same place two years ago. The mysterious sight lasts for only one thousandth of a second.

Two years ago, when residents of a small Italian town watched a mysterious halo of red light in the skies, no one could explain it. Now the same phenomenon has returned and was seen once again on November 17. The ring was seen floating above Possagno, located in the foothills of the Italian Alps. Photographer Valter Binotto took a photo of the UFO-like structure in 2025 after capturing it in his lens in 2023 as well. It measured approximately 200 kilometres across and was around 100 kilometres above the ground. While some might quickly link it to extraterrestrial forces, Binotto has a perfect explanation. He says the halo is what is called ELVEs, a rare lightning–related phenomenon. It is so rare that NASA did not spot one until 1990. So to see it in the same location twice is somewhat of an atmospheric miracle. Also Read: 150km-long feature in Portugal appeared to be tsunami waves. It turned out to be... How are ELVEs, the red halo seen in Italy, formed? ELVEs, or "emission of light and very low–frequency perturbations due to electromagnetic pulse sources", are formed because of an electromagnetic pulse (EMP). When extremely powerful lightning bolts shoot EMP through the upper atmosphere, they clash with a part of the ionosphere, located 80–644 kilometres above the ground. The electromagnetic radiation excites charged particles of nitrogen, triggering the red halo glow. Scientists say this is similar to how solar particles create auroras following a collision with Earth's magnetic field.

<p>Possagno in Italy was covered by a strange red halo glowing in the dark skies a few days ago. A photographer captured it and had also seen it at the same place two years ago. The mysterious sight lasts for only one thousandth of a second.</p>

200km rare red halo seen over small Italian town for a second time. It was ELVEs

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