The comet's coma, a cloud of gas and dust, is composed of carbon dioxide, water vapour, carbon monoxide, and carbonyl sulfide. Notably, it emits atomic nickel vapour and cyanide gas, a first for interstellar comets.

<p>The comet's coma, a cloud of gas and dust, is composed of carbon dioxide, water vapour, carbon monoxide, and carbonyl sulfide. Notably, it emits atomic nickel vapour and cyanide gas, a first for interstellar comets.</p>

5 reasons why 3I/ATLAS differs from the first interstellar comet 2I/Borisov

<p>The European Space Agency (ESA) has inaugurated its most advanced deep-space antenna in the remote town of New Norcia, Western Australia, marking a major milestone in Europe’s space communication capabilities.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The ceremony, held on October 4, 2025, was attended by ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher and Australian Space Agency chief Enrico Palermo. The project, costing $110 million, adds a new dimension to ESA’s ability to communicate with spacecraft exploring the far reaches of our solar system.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The antenna, known as New Norcia 3 (NNO-3), is 35 metres in diameter and becomes the fourth deep space antenna in ESA’s global Estrack network and the second installed at the New Norcia site.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2><strong>AI to power space communication</strong></h2><p>What makes this antenna unique is its integration of artificial intelligence a first for ESA’s ground network. The AI system will help fine-tune signal detection, filter out background noise, and automatically adjust the antenna’s position for precise communication with distant spacecraft.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Speaking to The Sunday Times, Aschbacher said, “This is one of our major antennas that helps us look deep into the universe and receive data from our telescopes and missions.”</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>To ensure maximum sensitivity, parts of the antenna’s receiver system are cryogenically cooled to -263°C, close to absolute zero. This enables it to capture extremely weak signals travelling billions of kilometres from spacecraft across the solar system.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2><strong>Supporting Jupiter and Mercury missions</strong></h2><p>The NNO-3 antenna will play a crucial role in two of ESA’s most ambitious missions the Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (JUICE) and BepiColombo mission to Mercury.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The JUICE mission aims to explore Jupiter’s icy moons Ganymede, Callisto, and Europa, searching for subsurface oceans that might hold conditions for life. Scientists believe these moons contain more water beneath their icy crusts than all of Earth’s oceans combined.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The BepiColombo mission, jointly run with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), will study Mercury’s surface and magnetic field under extreme heat and radiation. Data from these missions will be relayed through the New Norcia antenna, ensuring reliable communication despite vast distances.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2><strong>Expanding Europe’s space network</strong></h2><p>When fully operational in 2026, NNO-3 will also support other flagship missions, including Solar Orbiter, Mars Express, Hera, and future explorations such as Plato, Envision, Ariel, Ramses, and Vigil.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The facility strengthens Europe’s independent capacity to track and communicate with deep space missions, reducing reliance on international partners.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Director General Aschbacher called the project a “significant step forward” for Europe’s role in global space exploration, adding that the partnership with Australia highlights the value of international collaboration in advancing science and technology.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

ESA has launched its most advanced deep space antenna in New Norcia, Australia. Powered by AI, it will support missions like JUICE and BepiColombo, improving communication with spacecraft deep in the solar system a major leap in Europe's space exploration.

The European Space Agency (ESA) has inaugurated its most advanced deep-space antenna in the remote town of New Norcia, Western Australia, marking a major milestone in Europe’s space communication capabilities. The ceremony, held on October 4, 2025, was attended by ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher and Australian Space Agency chief Enrico Palermo. The project, costing $110 million, adds a new dimension to ESA’s ability to communicate with spacecraft exploring the far reaches of our solar system. The antenna, known as New Norcia 3 (NNO-3), is 35 metres in diameter and becomes the fourth deep space antenna in ESA’s global Estrack network and the second installed at the New Norcia site. AI to power space communication What makes this antenna unique is its integration of artificial intelligence a first for ESA’s ground network. The AI system will help fine-tune signal detection, filter out background noise, and automatically adjust the antenna’s position for precise communication with distant spacecraft. Speaking to The Sunday Times, Aschbacher said, “This is one of our major antennas that helps us look deep into the universe and receive data from our telescopes and missions.” To ensure maximum sensitivity, parts of the antenna’s receiver system are cryogenically cooled to -263°C, close to absolute zero. This enables it to capture extremely weak signals travelling billions of kilometres from spacecraft across the solar system. Supporting Jupiter and Mercury missions The NNO-3 antenna will play a crucial role in two of ESA’s most ambitious missions the Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (JUICE) and BepiColombo mission to Mercury. The JUICE mission aims to explore Jupiter’s icy moons Ganymede, Callisto, and Europa, searching for subsurface oceans that might hold conditions for life. Scientists believe these moons contain more water beneath their icy crusts than all of Earth’s oceans combined. The BepiColombo mission, jointly run with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), will study Mercury’s surface and magnetic field under extreme heat and radiation. Data from these missions will be relayed through the New Norcia antenna, ensuring reliable communication despite vast distances. Expanding Europe’s space network When fully operational in 2026, NNO-3 will also support other flagship missions, including Solar Orbiter, Mars Express, Hera, and future explorations such as Plato, Envision, Ariel, Ramses, and Vigil. The facility strengthens Europe’s independent capacity to track and communicate with deep space missions, reducing reliance on international partners. Director General Aschbacher called the project a “significant step forward” for Europe’s role in global space exploration, adding that the partnership with Australia highlights the value of international collaboration in advancing science and technology.

<p>ESA has launched its most advanced deep space antenna in New Norcia, Australia. Powered by AI, it will support missions like JUICE and BepiColombo, improving communication with spacecraft deep in the solar system a major leap in Europe's space exploration.</p>

AI in space: How ESA’s new antenna will track missions across the solar system

Joint projects, such as the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) satellite, demonstrate how collaboration enhances global monitoring of climate change, natural disasters, and other scientific research objectives.

<p>Joint projects, such as the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) satellite, demonstrate how collaboration enhances global monitoring of climate change, natural disasters, and other scientific research objectives.</p>

From NASA to ISRO: Top 6 space agencies shaping the future of exploration

The space economy had a gross value of $596 billion in 2024, and according to a McKinsey report, it is projected to reach $1.8 trillion by 2035. Explore the list of countries with the highest budget for their space program.

<p>The space economy had a gross value of $596 billion in 2024, and according to a McKinsey report, it is projected to reach $1.8 trillion by 2035. Explore the list of countries with the highest budget for their space program.</p>

Global Space Economy : Top countries with highest space budget in 2025

<p>Earth is surrounded by an invisible force field — a vast magnetic shield generated by molten metal churning deep inside the planet. This magnetic field protects us from harmful solar winds and cosmic radiation, quietly doing its job day after day. But what happens when this shield falters — or even flips? Around 41,000 years ago, that's exactly what happened. This event is now known as the Laschamps event, or the time when Earth's magnetic poles switched places – the North Pole became the South Pole and vice versa. Now, scientists have managed to turn the cosmic event into a sound, and we can finally hear what that moment in Earth's history might have sounded like.</p><h2><strong>The time when Earth screamed</strong></h2><p>Using data collected by the European Space Agency's Swarm satellite mission, scientists from the Technical University of Denmark and Germany's Research Center for Geosciences managed to turn magnetic field variations into sound. As per the ESA, “The soundscape was made using recordings of natural noises like wood creaking and rocks falling, blending them into familiar and strange, almost alien-like, sounds. The process of transforming the sounds with data is similar to composing music from a score.” The result is eerie — a low, groaning composition of creaks and crashes that brings to mind what the slow collapse of a giant force might sound like. The sound is far from music; it's more of a sonic translation of Earth's ancient turmoil. You can hear the eerie sound here:</p>

<h2><strong>Earth's magnetic field: The hidden machinery beneath our feet</strong></h2><p>Earth's magnetic field is created by the movement of liquid iron and nickel in the planet's outer core. This geodynamic process produces electrical currents that give rise to magnetic forces which extend far into space — forming the magnetosphere, which shields life on Earth from solar and cosmic particles. However, this magnetic field isn't constant. It wobbles, weakens, and sometimes even flips. This is exactly what happened 41,000 years ago, and it may be happening right now. In recent decades, scientists have tracked the magnetic north pole drifting away from Canada toward Siberia.</p>

Scientists have managed to turn Laschamps event, or the cosmic event when Earth's magnetic poles switched places – the North Pole became the South Pole and vice versa – into a sound. We can finally hear what that moment in Earth's history might have sounded like.

Earth is surrounded by an invisible force field — a vast magnetic shield generated by molten metal churning deep inside the planet. This magnetic field protects us from harmful solar winds and cosmic radiation, quietly doing its job day after day. But what happens when this shield falters — or even flips? Around 41,000 years ago, that's exactly what happened. This event is now known as the Laschamps event, or the time when Earth's magnetic poles switched places – the North Pole became the South Pole and vice versa. Now, scientists have managed to turn the cosmic event into a sound, and we can finally hear what that moment in Earth's history might have sounded like. The time when Earth screamed Using data collected by the European Space Agency's Swarm satellite mission, scientists from the Technical University of Denmark and Germany's Research Center for Geosciences managed to turn magnetic field variations into sound. As per the ESA, “The soundscape was made using recordings of natural noises like wood creaking and rocks falling, blending them into familiar and strange, almost alien-like, sounds. The process of transforming the sounds with data is similar to composing music from a score.” The result is eerie — a low, groaning composition of creaks and crashes that brings to mind what the slow collapse of a giant force might sound like. The sound is far from music; it's more of a sonic translation of Earth's ancient turmoil. You can hear the eerie sound here:

<p>Scientists have managed to turn Laschamps event, or the cosmic event when Earth's magnetic poles switched places – the North Pole became the South Pole and vice versa – into a sound. We can finally hear what it might have sounded like; click here to listen to the eerie sound.</p>

THIS is what Earth sounded like when North Pole became South Pole: Scientists turn ancient chaos into eerie sound

NASA's Hubble Space Telescope will soon celebrate the 35th anniversary of its launch. It was sent into space on April 24, 1990. Photos | Trending

Hubble turns 35: 7 stunning cosmic photos clicked by the NASA space telescope

<p>Europe&rsquo;s Ariane 6 commercial launch has been postponed for the second time due to an anomaly detected on the ground, French aerospace company Arianespace announced on Monday. The mission was set to take off from the Kourou spaceport in French Guiana but was called off minutes before launch. Arianespace CEO David Cavailloles confirmed that the decision to delay the launch was necessary and that it would not take place on the scheduled day.</p>
<p>The first commercial flight of Ariane 6 was initially scheduled for 26 February but was delayed due to a previous anomaly. Arianespace has not provided a revised launch date.</p>
<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/web-stories/science-technology/thermonuclear-blast-a-star-is-about-to-explode-in-deep-space-and-it-will-be-visible-from-earth-8774338">'Thermonuclear blast': A star is about to explode in deep space and it will be visible from Earth</a></strong></p>
<h2>CSO-3 Satellite</h2>
<p>The mission aims to deploy the CSO-3 satellite, developed for the French Defence Procurement and Technology Agency (DGA) and the French space agency CNES, on behalf of the French Air and Space Force&rsquo;s Space Command (CDE). The satellite is part of the Optical Space Component (CSO) programme, which enhances France&rsquo;s defence and reconnaissance capabilities.</p>
<p>Ariane 6 is Europe&rsquo;s next-generation heavy-lift launcher, designed to succeed the Ariane 5 rocket. It comes in two configurations: Ariane 62, equipped with two boosters, and Ariane 64, with four boosters for higher payload capacity.</p>
<p>The Ariane 62 version was set to carry the CSO-3 satellite into a sun-synchronous orbit at an altitude of approximately 800 km. The satellite was expected to separate from the rocket around an hour and six minutes after launch. The CSO-3 satellite is the third and final component of the CSO constellation, joining CSO-1, launched in December 2018, and CSO-2, launched in December 2020.</p>
<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/web-stories/science-technology/36-billion-suns-inside-nasas-hubble-telescope-discovers-one-of-the-largest-black-hole-hiding-inside-an-einstein-ring-8773922">'36 billion suns inside': NASA's Hubble Telescope discovers one of the largest black hole hiding inside an Einstein Ring</a></strong></p>
<p>The satellites are supposed to be positioned in different sun-synchronous orbits to perform distinct roles: CSO-1 and CSO-3 focus on reconnaissance, covering operational theatres, and providing revisit capability, while CSO-2 is dedicated to high-resolution imaging and analysis. The constellation is designed to support the Multinational Space-based Imaging System (MUSIS), an initiative led by the DGA.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The CSO satellites are built by Airbus Defence and Space, with Thales Alenia Space supplying the very high-resolution optical imaging instrument. Each satellite has an expected operational lifespan of ten years. Arianespace has been working closely with CNES and the French military to ensure the successful deployment of the CSO-3 satellite, but further technical evaluations will now be required before a new launch date is confirmed.</p>

Science: ESA's Ariane 6 mission was set to take off from the Kourou spaceport in French Guiana but was called off minutes before launch due to a ground system anomaly.

Europe’s Ariane 6 commercial launch has been postponed for the second time due to an anomaly detected on the ground, French aerospace company Arianespace announced on Monday. The mission was set to take off from the Kourou spaceport in French Guiana but was called off minutes before launch. Arianespace CEO David Cavailloles confirmed that the decision to delay the launch was necessary and that it would not take place on the scheduled day. The first commercial flight of Ariane 6 was initially scheduled for 26 February but was delayed due to a previous anomaly. Arianespace has not provided a revised launch date. Also read: 'Thermonuclear blast': A star is about to explode in deep space and it will be visible from Earth CSO-3 Satellite The mission aims to deploy the CSO-3 satellite, developed for the French Defence Procurement and Technology Agency (DGA) and the French space agency CNES, on behalf of the French Air and Space Force’s Space Command (CDE). The satellite is part of the Optical Space Component (CSO) programme, which enhances France’s defence and reconnaissance capabilities. Ariane 6 is Europe’s next-generation heavy-lift launcher, designed to succeed the Ariane 5 rocket. It comes in two configurations: Ariane 62, equipped with two boosters, and Ariane 64, with four boosters for higher payload capacity. The Ariane 62 version was set to carry the CSO-3 satellite into a sun-synchronous orbit at an altitude of approximately 800 km. The satellite was expected to separate from the rocket around an hour and six minutes after launch. The CSO-3 satellite is the third and final component of the CSO constellation, joining CSO-1, launched in December 2018, and CSO-2, launched in December 2020. Also read: '36 billion suns inside': NASA's Hubble Telescope discovers one of the largest black hole hiding inside an Einstein Ring The satellites are supposed to be positioned in different sun-synchronous orbits to perform distinct roles: CSO-1 and CSO-3 focus on reconnaissance, covering operational theatres, and providing revisit capability, while CSO-2 is dedicated to high-resolution imaging and analysis. The constellation is designed to support the Multinational Space-based Imaging System (MUSIS), an initiative led by the DGA. The CSO satellites are built by Airbus Defence and Space, with Thales Alenia Space supplying the very high-resolution optical imaging instrument. Each satellite has an expected operational lifespan of ten years. Arianespace has been working closely with CNES and the French military to ensure the successful deployment of the CSO-3 satellite, but further technical evaluations will now be required before a new launch date is confirmed.

ESA's Ariane 6 launch delayed again due to ground system anomaly

<p>Astronomers have identified the nearest known Einstein ring, a rare gravitational lensing phenomenon where light from a distant galaxy is bent by the gravitational field of a closer galaxy. Initially thought to be a single galaxy, the object was first observed more than a century ago but has now been confirmed as a gravitational lens.</p>
<p>Such galactic lenses were predicted by Albert Einstein in 1936 as part of his general theory of relativity. At the time, he believed they would be too difficult to observe. However, with modern telescopes, such phenomena can now be detected. &ldquo;It was there all along, but we had no idea,&rdquo; said Thomas Collett from the University of Portsmouth, UK.</p>
<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/web-stories/science-technology/cinematic-voyage-of-space-why-interstellar-in-imax-is-a-must-watch-8704787">&lsquo;Cinematic voyage of space&rsquo;: Why Interstellar in IMAX is a must-watch</a></strong></p>
<p>The Einstein ring was discovered when Collett and his team studied NGC 6505, an oval-shaped galaxy located around 600 million light-years from Earth. The galaxy, first documented in 1884, was found to be bending the light from a second galaxy approximately 6 billion light-years away.</p>
<p><img src="https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/10103031/SEI_239324054.jpg?width=1600" alt="My alt text" style="width: 1350px;"></p>
<p>The discovery was made using data from the European Space Agency&rsquo;s Euclid telescope, which is surveying billions of galaxies across a third of the night sky. Team member Bruno Altieri noticed the Einstein ring while validating early test data. &ldquo;There was this abundantly obvious Einstein ring. There are not many things in the universe that can produce a ring like this,&rdquo; Collett said.</p>
<p>The ring appears exceptionally bright compared to other known Einstein rings. Its relative proximity to Earth and the imaging capabilities of Euclid make it easier to distinguish the four images of the distant galaxy. The faint orange glow surrounding the ring represents the lensing galaxy.</p>
<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/web-stories/science-technology/runs-on-radiation-this-tiny-cosmic-object-will-travel-through-interstellar-space-at-astonishing-speeds-8708156">'Runs on radiation': This tiny cosmic object will travel through interstellar space at astonishing speeds</a></strong></p>
<h2>Theory of Relativity&nbsp;</h2>
<p>This discovery provides an opportunity to test Einstein&rsquo;s theory of general relativity. Researchers can measure the mass of the lensing galaxy in two ways&mdash;by analysing how the light bends and by observing the velocity of its stars. Einstein&rsquo;s theory predicts these values should be the same, so any discrepancy could indicate a need to modify existing gravitational models.</p>
<p>When the team calculated the mass of the lensing galaxy, they found it to be slightly higher than expected based on the estimated number of stars it contains. This discrepancy may be due to dark matter clustering at the galaxy&rsquo;s centre, according to Fr&eacute;d&eacute;ric Dux from the European Southern Observatory. However, further observations of similar lenses will be required to confirm this hypothesis.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>

SCIENCE & TECH: Such galactic lenses were predicted by Albert Einstein in 1936 as part of his general theory of relativity. Initially thought to be a single galaxy, the object was first observed more than a century ago.

Astronomers have identified the nearest known Einstein ring, a rare gravitational lensing phenomenon where light from a distant galaxy is bent by the gravitational field of a closer galaxy. Initially thought to be a single galaxy, the object was first observed more than a century ago but has now been confirmed as a gravitational lens. Such galactic lenses were predicted by Albert Einstein in 1936 as part of his general theory of relativity. At the time, he believed they would be too difficult to observe. However, with modern telescopes, such phenomena can now be detected. “It was there all along, but we had no idea,” said Thomas Collett from the University of Portsmouth, UK. Also read: ‘Cinematic voyage of space’: Why Interstellar in IMAX is a must-watch The Einstein ring was discovered when Collett and his team studied NGC 6505, an oval-shaped galaxy located around 600 million light-years from Earth. The galaxy, first documented in 1884, was found to be bending the light from a second galaxy approximately 6 billion light-years away. The discovery was made using data from the European Space Agency’s Euclid telescope, which is surveying billions of galaxies across a third of the night sky. Team member Bruno Altieri noticed the Einstein ring while validating early test data. “There was this abundantly obvious Einstein ring. There are not many things in the universe that can produce a ring like this,” Collett said. The ring appears exceptionally bright compared to other known Einstein rings. Its relative proximity to Earth and the imaging capabilities of Euclid make it easier to distinguish the four images of the distant galaxy. The faint orange glow surrounding the ring represents the lensing galaxy. Also read: 'Runs on radiation': This tiny cosmic object will travel through interstellar space at astonishing speeds Theory of Relativity This discovery provides an opportunity to test Einstein’s theory of general relativity. Researchers can measure the mass of the lensing galaxy in two ways—by analysing how the light bends and by observing the velocity of its stars. Einstein’s theory predicts these values should be the same, so any discrepancy could indicate a need to modify existing gravitational models. When the team calculated the mass of the lensing galaxy, they found it to be slightly higher than expected based on the estimated number of stars it contains. This discrepancy may be due to dark matter clustering at the galaxy’s centre, according to Frédéric Dux from the European Southern Observatory. However, further observations of similar lenses will be required to confirm this hypothesis.

Inside an oval shaped galaxy, European astronomers detect nearest Einstein ring using Euclid telescope

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched their GSLV-F15 carrying the NVS-02 at Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, marking ISRO's 100th rocket mission.

Indian Space Research Organisation accomplishes milestone 100th rocket launch

ISRO's GSLV launch is an exciting moment for us: V Narayan

ISRO achieves a significant milestone by successfully germinating cowpea seeds in space within four days, demonstrating plant growth in microgravity conditions.

ISRO successfully germinates cowpea seeds in space in just four days under microgravity

ISRO is looking forward to an exciting 2025 with at least 10 rocket launch missions planned. The Indian space agency is also working towards ramping up the ability to produce rockets and components to match the growing requirements.

ISRO To Perform 10 Launches In 2025

ISRO's PSLV-C60 rocket successfully launched the SpaDex satellite, designed for an important space docking experiment. This mission marks a significant achievement in India’s space exploration efforts, advancing research in space technology and docking capabilities.

ISRO Successfully Launches SpaDeX Mission For Space Docking

After wrapping up 2024 with the launch of India's space docking experiment, ISRO is now heading to a busier 2025... ISRO is looking at more than 10 launches in the New Year... This also includes the maiden test flight of India's astronaut-carrying Gaganyaan rocket... For insights into what ISRO has lined up for 2025, WION's Sidharth. M.P speaks to ISRO Chief Dr. S. Somanath

ISRO Planning Over 10 Launches In 2025

ISRO Successfully Launches SpaDeX for Crucial Space Docking Experiment

ISRO's Final Mission Of 2024: SpaDex Satellites Take Off Successfully

ISRO PSLV-C60 Launches SpaDex For Critical Space Docking Experiment, Launches Successfully

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<p>In the coming years, when India's Gaganyaan astronaut-carrying capsule circles the Earth, antennae belonging to the European Space Agency (ESA) will help the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) 'see and speak' to the mission.</p>

<p>ISRO and ESA signed a Technical Implementing Plan (TIP)&nbsp;document for Ground Tracking Support for Gaganyaan Missions. The TIP was signed by Dr Anilkumar A K, Director, ISTRAC, from ISRO and Mr Dietmar Pilz, Director of Technology, Engineering &amp; Quality and Director of ESTEC, Netherlands, from ESA.</p>

<p>The TIP was signed at the Indian Spaceport, Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC), in the presence of Dr S&nbsp;Somanath, Chairman, ISRO and Mr Didier van der Hasselt, Belgium's Ambassador to India.</p>

<h2><strong>What is a satellite ground station and how does it work?</strong></h2>

<p>A satellite ground station is an Earth-based facility equipped with antennae, specialised hardware and software that help communicate with satellites in space. These stations serve as the bridge between space assets and Earth, enabling the exchange of data, commands, and signals.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-space-agency-isro-launches-proba-3-mission-satellites-781717">India's space agency ISRO launches Proba-3 mission satellites</a></strong></p>

<p>Satellites and ground stations communicate via radio waves, which require a clear line of sight. Due to Earth's curvature, a&nbsp;ground station (antenna) can maintain contact with a satellite only while the satellite is above the station's field of view. As satellites orbiting the earth only spend a couple of&nbsp;minutes within the range of an antenna, a network of ground stations around the globe is required to maintain continuous contact with the satellite.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Therefore, as India's Gaganyaan astronaut-carrying capsule circles the Earth, multiple ground stations around the world will help Indian ground controllers stay in touch with the crew, monitor the spacecraft, and its technical parameters, and carry out many crucial functions. Establishing multiple ground stations around the world is a very expensive and time-consuming effort, which is why space agencies collaborate and share their tracking resources.</p>

<h2><strong>Telemetry, Tracking, and Command (TT&amp;C)</strong></h2>

<p>Ground stations are used to monitor the satellite's health, such as power levels, orientation (which direction it is facing), and system status. This process is known as Telemetry.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Satellites have to remain in a specific pre-determined orbit to carry out their functions. Ground stations are responsible for keeping a tab on the satellite's orbit, a function that is known as Tracking.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ISRO?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ISRO</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/esa?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@esa</a> have inked a pact that enables ESA to provide ground station support for 🇮🇳 Gaganyaan astronaut Missions.<br />
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Establishing antennae around the world is too expensive, so it is practical to use other agencies' support to track &amp; talk to our mission as it circles 🌏 <a href="https://t.co/Qr9XlpU4rp">pic.twitter.com/Qr9XlpU4rp</a></p>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1864927332684959872?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 6, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Satellites carry various payloads (scientific equipment) onboard and each one of them has a unique purpose and function. Ground stations regularly issue commands to satellites to perform specific tasks – such as clicking pictures of a certain region, operating a particular piece of equipment, manoeuvring the satellite in a certain direction etc. Simply put, it is a process of remotely controlling the satellite, based on instructions issued from the ground.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Global support for tracking India's Chandrayaan-3</strong></h2>

<p>ISRO Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC) in the city of&nbsp;Bengaluru handles the major responsibility of providing tracking support for all the satellite and launch vehicle missions of ISRO. ISTRAC has a network of ground stations at Bengaluru, Lucknow, Sriharikota, Port Blair, and Thiruvananthapuram, within India.</p>

<p>Brunei, Biak (Indonesia), and Mauritius are the friendly-foreign nations where ISTRAC operates its overseas facilities. However, when a spacecraft like Chandrayaan-3 circles the Earth and travels farther (the moon is 3.84 lakh km away), it is imperative to have a global network of stations that can offer tracking support.</p>

<p>As part of ISRO's international cooperation with major space agencies, multiple tracking stations belonging to NASA, the European Space Agency and the Swedish Space Corporation tracked Chandrayaan-3 from around the world. These include South Point Satellite Station in Hawaii, Goldstone in California, Kourou in South America (French Guiana), Madrid in Spain, Goonhilly in the United Kingdom and Canberra in Australia. The constant tracking from Indian and foreign stations ensured that India's Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft was visible to one or more stations at a time and could be monitored and safely steered towards the Moon.</p>

<h2><strong>Ship-based tracking</strong></h2>

<p>There are times when the rocket is not 'visible' to tracking antennae, especially, when the rocket or satellite flies over the high seas, where tracking stations are unavailable. Such gaps in the tracking process are filled in by specialised tracking ships that are fitted with long-range radars and communications antennae.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/russian-deputy-envoy-roman-babushkin-calls-india-a-space-superpower-indicates-support-for-gaganyaan-707451">Russian Deputy Envoy Roman Babushkin calls India a space superpower, indicates support for Gaganyaan</a></strong></p>

<p>Such vessels are stationed at a pre-determined location on the high seas, by the flight path of the rocket/satellite. As the vehicle overflows that large region, the sensors and tracking equipment on board the ship can provide real-time tracking and telemetry on how the mission is progressing.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>In October 2022, when ISRO launched 36 satellites of the European firm OneWeb, India positioned Ocean Research Vessel Sagar Nidhi in the Indian Ocean region (thousands of kilometres south of India's southern tip) to track the flight of the LVM3 rocket that was flying towards the south pole.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>International Cooperation for Gaganyaan tracking</strong></h2>

<p>In close coordination with the Australian government and space agency, ISRO will be setting up a tracking antenna at the Australian External Territory of Cocos Keeling islands, to track the Gaganyaan craft, as it overflies the region. Similarly, Indian and Australian authorities have signed a pact to ensure support for the search and rescue of crew, and recovery of crew module as part of contingency planning (in case the Gaganyaan crew module has to be ejected mid-flight). This arrangement is in place, as the ejected capsule could land in Australian waters.</p>

<p>ISRO and ESA have signed the Technical Implementing Plan (TIP) so that ISRO can avail the support of ESA's tracking station network Estrack. Estrack is a global system of ground stations providing links between satellites in orbit and the European Space Operations Centre (ESOC), Darmstadt, Germany. The core Estrack network comprises seven stations in seven countries. The essential task of all ESA ground tracking stations is to communicate with spacecraft, transmitting commands and receiving scientific data and spacecraft status information.</p>


In the coming years, when India's Gaganyaan astronaut-carrying capsule circles the Earth, antennae belonging to the European Space Agency (ESA) will help the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) 'see and speak' to the mission.

In the coming years, when India's Gaganyaan astronaut-carrying capsule circles the Earth, antennae belonging to the European Space Agency (ESA) will help the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) 'see and speak' to the mission. ISRO and ESA signed a Technical Implementing Plan (TIP) document for Ground Tracking Support for Gaganyaan Missions. The TIP was signed by Dr Anilkumar A K, Director, ISTRAC, from ISRO and Mr Dietmar Pilz, Director of Technology, Engineering & Quality and Director of ESTEC, Netherlands, from ESA. The TIP was signed at the Indian Spaceport, Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC), in the presence of Dr S Somanath, Chairman, ISRO and Mr Didier van der Hasselt, Belgium's Ambassador to India. What is a satellite ground station and how does it work? A satellite ground station is an Earth-based facility equipped with antennae, specialised hardware and software that help communicate with satellites in space. These stations serve as the bridge between space assets and Earth, enabling the exchange of data, commands, and signals. Also read | India's space agency ISRO launches Proba-3 mission satellites Satellites and ground stations communicate via radio waves, which require a clear line of sight. Due to Earth's curvature, a ground station (antenna) can maintain contact with a satellite only while the satellite is above the station's field of view. As satellites orbiting the earth only spend a couple of minutes within the range of an antenna, a network of ground stations around the globe is required to maintain continuous contact with the satellite. Therefore, as India's Gaganyaan astronaut-carrying capsule circles the Earth, multiple ground stations around the world will help Indian ground controllers stay in touch with the crew, monitor the spacecraft, and its technical parameters, and carry out many crucial functions. Establishing multiple ground stations around the world is a very expensive and time-consuming effort, which is why space agencies collaborate and share their tracking resources. Telemetry, Tracking, and Command (TT&C) Ground stations are used to monitor the satellite's health, such as power levels, orientation (which direction it is facing), and system status. This process is known as Telemetry. Satellites have to remain in a specific pre-determined orbit to carry out their functions. Ground stations are responsible for keeping a tab on the satellite's orbit, a function that is known as Tracking. #ISRO and @esa have inked a pact that enables ESA to provide ground station support for 🇮🇳 Gaganyaan astronaut Missions. Establishing antennae around the world is too expensive, so it is practical to use other agencies' support to track & talk to our mission as it circles 🌏 pic.twitter.com/Qr9XlpU4rp — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) December 6, 2024 × Satellites carry various payloads (scientific equipment) onboard and each one of them has a unique purpose and function. Ground stations regularly issue commands to satellites to perform specific tasks – such as clicking pictures of a certain region, operating a particular piece of equipment, manoeuvring the satellite in a certain direction etc. Simply put, it is a process of remotely controlling the satellite, based on instructions issued from the ground. Global support for tracking India's Chandrayaan-3 ISRO Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC) in the city of Bengaluru handles the major responsibility of providing tracking support for all the satellite and launch vehicle missions of ISRO. ISTRAC has a network of ground stations at Bengaluru, Lucknow, Sriharikota, Port Blair, and Thiruvananthapuram, within India. Brunei, Biak (Indonesia), and Mauritius are the friendly-foreign nations where ISTRAC operates its overseas facilities. However, when a spacecraft like Chandrayaan-3 circles the Earth and travels farther (the moon is 3.84 lakh km away), it is imperative to have a global network of stations that can offer tracking support. As part of ISRO's international cooperation with major space agencies, multiple tracking stations belonging to NASA, the European Space Agency and the Swedish Space Corporation tracked Chandrayaan-3 from around the world. These include South Point Satellite Station in Hawaii, Goldstone in California, Kourou in South America (French Guiana), Madrid in Spain, Goonhilly in the United Kingdom and Canberra in Australia. The constant tracking from Indian and foreign stations ensured that India's Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft was visible to one or more stations at a time and could be monitored and safely steered towards the Moon. Ship-based tracking There are times when the rocket is not 'visible' to tracking antennae, especially, when the rocket or satellite flies over the high seas, where tracking stations are unavailable. Such gaps in the tracking process are filled in by specialised tracking ships that are fitted with long-range radars and communications antennae. Also read | Russian Deputy Envoy Roman Babushkin calls India a space superpower, indicates support for Gaganyaan Such vessels are stationed at a pre-determined location on the high seas, by the flight path of the rocket/satellite. As the vehicle overflows that large region, the sensors and tracking equipment on board the ship can provide real-time tracking and telemetry on how the mission is progressing. In October 2022, when ISRO launched 36 satellites of the European firm OneWeb, India positioned Ocean Research Vessel Sagar Nidhi in the Indian Ocean region (thousands of kilometres south of India's southern tip) to track the flight of the LVM3 rocket that was flying towards the south pole. International Cooperation for Gaganyaan tracking In close coordination with the Australian government and space agency, ISRO will be setting up a tracking antenna at the Australian External Territory of Cocos Keeling islands, to track the Gaganyaan craft, as it overflies the region. Similarly, Indian and Australian authorities have signed a pact to ensure support for the search and rescue of crew, and recovery of crew module as part of contingency planning (in case the Gaganyaan crew module has to be ejected mid-flight). This arrangement is in place, as the ejected capsule could land in Australian waters. ISRO and ESA have signed the Technical Implementing Plan (TIP) so that ISRO can avail the support of ESA's tracking station network Estrack. Estrack is a global system of ground stations providing links between satellites in orbit and the European Space Operations Centre (ESOC), Darmstadt, Germany. The core Estrack network comprises seven stations in seven countries. The essential task of all ESA ground tracking stations is to communicate with spacecraft, transmitting commands and receiving scientific data and spacecraft status information.

Explained: European Space Agency to help India 'see and speak' to Gaganyaan

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched the PSLV-C59/ Proba-3 mission successfully today from Sriharikota. Watch here to learn more!

ISRO Successfully Launches ESA’s Proba-3 Mission To Study Sun’s Corona

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<p>WION has learnt that the twin satellites of the European Space Agency's (ESA) Proba-3 mission arrived at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (Indian Spaceport)&nbsp;in Sriharikota, Southern India, during the early hours of Wednesday, 6th November. Over the next four weeks, the spacecraft will undergo final assembly, integration and testing, ahead of its planned December 4th launch on the Indian PSLV rocket. In its 30&nbsp;years of operation, the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle has launched more than 300 foreign-origin satellites, raking in millions for the commercial arm of the Indian space agency.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Proba-3 satellites were flown to the Chennai airport from Liege, Belgium, following which they were trucked to the spaceport at Sriharikota. European Space Agency's teams, present at the Indian spaceport, will now prepare the satellite for its planned launch on December 4th.</p>

<p>Originally, the satellites were meant to arrive in India on 21st October and then be readied for a launch by November-end. However, there had been a delay owing to administrative reasons at ESA. "Consequentially the launch date of November 30th will not be met. The new launch date has not been confirmed but the goal is to launch in December,” an ESA Spokesperson responded to WION's query.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It is learnt that ISRO and ESA are now looking at launching PSLV-C59/Proba-3 on December 4th, if all goes well.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What makes Proba-3 unique</strong></h2>

<p>Proba stands for ‘PRoject for OnBoard Autonomy’.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Proba-3 is the world’s first precision formation flying mission. It consists of two small satellites launched together that will separate apart to fly in tandem, to prepare for future multi-satellite missions flying as one virtual structure.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/samosa-caucus-expands-six-indian-americans-elected-to-us-house-of-representatives-774053">'Samosa Caucus' expands: Six Indian Americans elected to US House of Representatives</a></strong></p>

<p>As a world first, its two satellites –the Coronagraph spacecraft and the Occulter spacecraft&nbsp;–will maintain formation to a few millimetres and arc second precision at distances of 144 m or more for six hours at a time. In effect, the pair will be forming a virtual giant satellite. And this will be achieved autonomously, without relying on guidance from the ground.</p>

<h2><strong>What will Proba-3 study</strong>?</h2>

<p>The solar corona (the outermost part of the sun's atmosphere) has many mysteries associated with it. The solar corona is a million degrees warmer than the surface of the sun, and it is the origin of coronal mass ejections (highly charged particles), which can affect the functioning of satellites or communication and power networks back on earth. There is immense scientific interest in better understanding the solar corona and related phenomena.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A Coronagraph is a device that can artificially block out the bright light of the sun, thereby enhancing the visibility of the faint corona. A solar eclipse, when the moon blocks out the sun, is a great natural opportunity to study the solar corona. But eclipses are rare and occur only for a few minutes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The two Proba-3 satellites will be precisely aligned so that the Occulter spacecraft casts a shadow across the Coronagraph spacecraft, thereby enabling the visibility of the faint solar corona. If the two are not perfectly aligned, then the bright disc of the Sun will not be hidden from the instrument, and the corona will be obscured by its bright light.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Why is Proba-3 being launched from India?&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>India's PSLV-XL launcher was chosen to ferry Proba-3 satellites to space, as the European Space Agency (ESA) does not possess a medium-lift rocket that can launch the 550 kg Proba-3 satellites into the desired orbit. The mass of the satellites is above the capability of ESA's Vega-C small rocket, while the large Ariane-6 rocket would be too costly for a mission of this kind. PSLV offers the perfect balance in terms of lift capability and cost. ESA will be paying around € 30 million (approx Rs. 271 crore) to avail the launch services from ISRO's commercial arm NewSpace India Limited (NSIL).</p>


WION has learnt that the twin satellites of the European Space Agency's (ESA) Proba-3 mission arrived at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (Indian Spaceport) in Sriharikota, Southern India, during the early hours of Wednesday, 6th November.

WION has learnt that the twin satellites of the European Space Agency's (ESA) Proba-3 mission arrived at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (Indian Spaceport) in Sriharikota, Southern India, during the early hours of Wednesday, 6th November. Over the next four weeks, the spacecraft will undergo final assembly, integration and testing, ahead of its planned December 4th launch on the Indian PSLV rocket. In its 30 years of operation, the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle has launched more than 300 foreign-origin satellites, raking in millions for the commercial arm of the Indian space agency. The Proba-3 satellites were flown to the Chennai airport from Liege, Belgium, following which they were trucked to the spaceport at Sriharikota. European Space Agency's teams, present at the Indian spaceport, will now prepare the satellite for its planned launch on December 4th. Originally, the satellites were meant to arrive in India on 21st October and then be readied for a launch by November-end. However, there had been a delay owing to administrative reasons at ESA. "Consequentially the launch date of November 30th will not be met. The new launch date has not been confirmed but the goal is to launch in December,” an ESA Spokesperson responded to WION's query. It is learnt that ISRO and ESA are now looking at launching PSLV-C59/Proba-3 on December 4th, if all goes well. What makes Proba-3 unique Proba stands for ‘PRoject for OnBoard Autonomy’. Proba-3 is the world’s first precision formation flying mission. It consists of two small satellites launched together that will separate apart to fly in tandem, to prepare for future multi-satellite missions flying as one virtual structure. Also read: 'Samosa Caucus' expands: Six Indian Americans elected to US House of Representatives As a world first, its two satellites –the Coronagraph spacecraft and the Occulter spacecraft –will maintain formation to a few millimetres and arc second precision at distances of 144 m or more for six hours at a time. In effect, the pair will be forming a virtual giant satellite. And this will be achieved autonomously, without relying on guidance from the ground. What will Proba-3 study? The solar corona (the outermost part of the sun's atmosphere) has many mysteries associated with it. The solar corona is a million degrees warmer than the surface of the sun, and it is the origin of coronal mass ejections (highly charged particles), which can affect the functioning of satellites or communication and power networks back on earth. There is immense scientific interest in better understanding the solar corona and related phenomena. A Coronagraph is a device that can artificially block out the bright light of the sun, thereby enhancing the visibility of the faint corona. A solar eclipse, when the moon blocks out the sun, is a great natural opportunity to study the solar corona. But eclipses are rare and occur only for a few minutes. The two Proba-3 satellites will be precisely aligned so that the Occulter spacecraft casts a shadow across the Coronagraph spacecraft, thereby enabling the visibility of the faint solar corona. If the two are not perfectly aligned, then the bright disc of the Sun will not be hidden from the instrument, and the corona will be obscured by its bright light. Why is Proba-3 being launched from India? India's PSLV-XL launcher was chosen to ferry Proba-3 satellites to space, as the European Space Agency (ESA) does not possess a medium-lift rocket that can launch the 550 kg Proba-3 satellites into the desired orbit. The mass of the satellites is above the capability of ESA's Vega-C small rocket, while the large Ariane-6 rocket would be too costly for a mission of this kind. PSLV offers the perfect balance in terms of lift capability and cost. ESA will be paying around € 30 million (approx Rs. 271 crore) to avail the launch services from ISRO's commercial arm NewSpace India Limited (NSIL).

Proba-3 satellites arrive at ISRO Spaceport; 4th Dec launch on PSLV rocket

<p>The European Space Agency’s (ESA) Mars Express has spotted some remarkable mysterious features in the south polar region of the Red Planet.</p>

<p>The landforms, which are surrounded by darker than the icy realms, have earned the title of ‘cryptic terrain’.</p>

<p>The planet's seasonal polar caps are filled with carbon dioxide ice and have a touch of water ice.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As the spring arrives, the ice is known to sublimate at a good pace and quickly turn from a solid state to vapour because of which a considerable amount of gas gets freed into the thin atmosphere of Mars.</p>

<p>The process is known to reverse during autumn as the vapour condenses and the caps continue to grow. In this process, these mysterious landforms are formed out of the freeze-thaw cycle.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-reveal-mars-battery-that-can-operate-for-months-on-a-single-charge-765918">Scientists reveal Mars battery that can operate for months on a single charge</a></p>

<p>This landform has been found in Australe Scopuli, which was captured by the High Resolution Stereo Camera (HRSC) onboard&nbsp;Mars Express&nbsp;during spring in the Southern Hemisphere.</p>

<h2><strong>All about Australe Scopuli</strong></h2>

<p>The Australe Scopuli has layered deposits of ice which has different amounts of dust trapped beneath the smooth surface of the polar layered deposits.</p>

<p>In the centre of this region is the cryptic terrain, which is darker in comparison to the rest of the ice cap.</p>

<p>In the image captured, the dark centre stage was covered with different types of polygon shapes at various scales.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the polygon edges appear to be trapped in bright frost, which is a pattern found in the Arctic and Antarctic regions on Earth.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/perseverance-spots-an-odd-rock-on-mars-with-zebra-stripes-where-did-it-come-from-761350">Perseverance spots an odd rock on Mars with zebra stripes. Where did it come from?</a></p>

<p>Such patterns generally indicate the presence of water ice in the ground. In the image are bright and dark fan-shaped deposits that appear in the direction of prevailing winds.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In early spring, sunlight permeates across the translucent carbon dioxide ice layer and leads to warming of the underlying surface, where pressure is built by pockets of trapped gases that cause the overlying ice to crack.</p>

<p>Through the surface, the jets of gas burst and carry dark dust from below. &nbsp;When the dust settles back, it falls in the direction of the prevailing wind patterns.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The European Space Agency’s (ESA) Mars Express has spotted some remarkable mysterious features in the south polar region of the Red Planet. The landforms, which are surrounded by darker than the icy realms, have earned the title of ‘cryptic terrain’.

The European Space Agency’s (ESA) Mars Express has spotted some remarkable mysterious features in the south polar region of the Red Planet. The landforms, which are surrounded by darker than the icy realms, have earned the title of ‘cryptic terrain’. The planet's seasonal polar caps are filled with carbon dioxide ice and have a touch of water ice. As the spring arrives, the ice is known to sublimate at a good pace and quickly turn from a solid state to vapour because of which a considerable amount of gas gets freed into the thin atmosphere of Mars. The process is known to reverse during autumn as the vapour condenses and the caps continue to grow. In this process, these mysterious landforms are formed out of the freeze-thaw cycle. Also Read: Scientists reveal Mars battery that can operate for months on a single charge This landform has been found in Australe Scopuli, which was captured by the High Resolution Stereo Camera (HRSC) onboard Mars Express during spring in the Southern Hemisphere. All about Australe Scopuli The Australe Scopuli has layered deposits of ice which has different amounts of dust trapped beneath the smooth surface of the polar layered deposits. In the centre of this region is the cryptic terrain, which is darker in comparison to the rest of the ice cap. In the image captured, the dark centre stage was covered with different types of polygon shapes at various scales. Meanwhile, the polygon edges appear to be trapped in bright frost, which is a pattern found in the Arctic and Antarctic regions on Earth. Also Read: Perseverance spots an odd rock on Mars with zebra stripes. Where did it come from? Such patterns generally indicate the presence of water ice in the ground. In the image are bright and dark fan-shaped deposits that appear in the direction of prevailing winds. In early spring, sunlight permeates across the translucent carbon dioxide ice layer and leads to warming of the underlying surface, where pressure is built by pockets of trapped gases that cause the overlying ice to crack. Through the surface, the jets of gas burst and carry dark dust from below. When the dust settles back, it falls in the direction of the prevailing wind patterns. (With inputs from agencies)

Mysterious landforms are rising on Mars. Here's how

The European Space Agency (ESA) is gearing up to launch its Hera spacecraft, a key mission aimed at revisiting the asteroid that was part of NASA's successful redirection test. Hera will study the asteroid in detail, providing crucial data on the impact of NASA's test and further enhancing our understanding of planetary defense. The mission marks a collaborative effort to protect Earth from potential asteroid threats and offers valuable insights into how we can redirect space objects in the future.

What Is ESA's Hera Mission, Set To Revisit Asteroid After NASA's Redirection Test?

Top 8 Stunning Images of Distant Galaxies by Hubble Space Telescope

<p>Mars, Earth's nearest neighbour, has caught the imagination of scientists who have been keenly studying the red planet for signs of life and to know whether humans can one day live there. One such research has revealed the amazing cloud patterns that run on Mars.</p>

<p>Images of clouds on Mars have been captured by the High Resolution Stereo Camera (HRSC) instrument in orbit on board the European Space Agency (ESA) Mars Express spacecraft since 2005.&nbsp;The collection spans more than 20 years.</p>

<p>The collection of cloud pictures, or "cloud atlas", shows the amazing atmospheric phenomena witnessed there. While some of them are similar to ones seen on Earth, others are unique.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The atlas has been made by Daniela Tirsch at the German Aerospace Center in Berlin and her colleagues who collected images of these clouds.</p>

<p>The dazzling array of clouds comes into existence when its thin atmosphere, made up of primarily carbon dioxide, condenses and mixes with dust and water vapour.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Clouds on Mars are just as diverse and fascinating as those we see in our skies on Earth, with some features unique to the red planet," Tirsch said.</p>

<p>The ones that resemble those on Earth are the gravity wave clouds. The thin clouds are formed when features on the land below force parts of the atmosphere upwards which then interact with other columns of atmospheric gas.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The other types of clouds are cloud streets which spread out over larger regions. They look the same as gravity wave clouds but are caused by chaotic currents in Mars’s atmosphere. Speaking about the clouds, Tirsch said at the Europlanet Science Congress in Berlin, "They are enigmatic but beautiful."</p>

<p>"One of my favourite phenomena are the beautiful 'cloud streets'—linear rows of fleecy clouds that develop around the huge volcanic Tharsis rise and the northern lowlands in northern spring and summer. While they resemble cumulus clouds on Earth, they are formed under different atmospheric conditions," said Dr Tirsch.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/invisible-force-zoomed-through-solar-system-and-threw-off-objects-from-their-orbit-757694">Invisible force zoomed through solar system and threw off objects from their orbit</a></strong></p>

<p>The clouds not found on Earth are the dust clouds formed due to the planet's atmospheric conditions. These clouds are bright red, carry huge amounts of Martian dust and can extend for hundreds of kilometres.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We also see impressive dust clouds that can spread hundreds of kilometres—a phenomenon we luckily don't experience on Earth."</p>

<p><img alt="Orographic clouds near volcanoes (Photo: ESA/DLR/FU Berlin/A. Cowart)" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f58f34c9-8b58-4887-8729-9c08dc52f150" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Mars%20clouds.png" /></p>

<p>(Photo:&nbsp;ESA/DLR/FU Berlin/A. Cowart)</p>

<p>Unique features of Mars give birth to orographic clouds. These are seen near volcanoes when large amounts of gas is forced upwards. Some of these clouds can also mix with dust or dust-filled storms and create clouds that look like eruptions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The twilight clouds especially stunned the researchers. “We were astonished at the wealth of morphologies that twilight clouds could have,” said Tirsch.</p>

<p>They form near the horizon as the sun rises on Mars and take on different appearances.</p>


Mars, Earth's nearest neighbour, has caught the imagination of scientists who have been keenly studying the red planet for signs of life and to know whether humans can one day live there.

Mars, Earth's nearest neighbour, has caught the imagination of scientists who have been keenly studying the red planet for signs of life and to know whether humans can one day live there. One such research has revealed the amazing cloud patterns that run on Mars. Images of clouds on Mars have been captured by the High Resolution Stereo Camera (HRSC) instrument in orbit on board the European Space Agency (ESA) Mars Express spacecraft since 2005. The collection spans more than 20 years. The collection of cloud pictures, or "cloud atlas", shows the amazing atmospheric phenomena witnessed there. While some of them are similar to ones seen on Earth, others are unique. The atlas has been made by Daniela Tirsch at the German Aerospace Center in Berlin and her colleagues who collected images of these clouds. The dazzling array of clouds comes into existence when its thin atmosphere, made up of primarily carbon dioxide, condenses and mixes with dust and water vapour. "Clouds on Mars are just as diverse and fascinating as those we see in our skies on Earth, with some features unique to the red planet," Tirsch said. The ones that resemble those on Earth are the gravity wave clouds. The thin clouds are formed when features on the land below force parts of the atmosphere upwards which then interact with other columns of atmospheric gas. The other types of clouds are cloud streets which spread out over larger regions. They look the same as gravity wave clouds but are caused by chaotic currents in Mars’s atmosphere. Speaking about the clouds, Tirsch said at the Europlanet Science Congress in Berlin, "They are enigmatic but beautiful." "One of my favourite phenomena are the beautiful 'cloud streets'—linear rows of fleecy clouds that develop around the huge volcanic Tharsis rise and the northern lowlands in northern spring and summer. While they resemble cumulus clouds on Earth, they are formed under different atmospheric conditions," said Dr Tirsch. Also Read: Invisible force zoomed through solar system and threw off objects from their orbit The clouds not found on Earth are the dust clouds formed due to the planet's atmospheric conditions. These clouds are bright red, carry huge amounts of Martian dust and can extend for hundreds of kilometres. "We also see impressive dust clouds that can spread hundreds of kilometres—a phenomenon we luckily don't experience on Earth." (Photo: ESA/DLR/FU Berlin/A. Cowart) Unique features of Mars give birth to orographic clouds. These are seen near volcanoes when large amounts of gas is forced upwards. Some of these clouds can also mix with dust or dust-filled storms and create clouds that look like eruptions. The twilight clouds especially stunned the researchers. “We were astonished at the wealth of morphologies that twilight clouds could have,” said Tirsch. They form near the horizon as the sun rises on Mars and take on different appearances.

Twilight clouds, dust clouds and more line the atmosphere of Mars

<p>A satellite named Salsa is set to re-enter Earth's atmosphere on September 8. It has been carefully brought down by the operators from 81,250 miles (130,000 km) to return to Earth and burn up over a region of the South Pacific.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Guided re-entries ensure that no debris remains in orbit, nor does it fall over unexpected and populated areas. This is the second satellite to be brought down using a planned and manoeuvred "guided re-entry" after&nbsp;Aeolus.</p>

<p>Salsa has been in orbit since 2000 and is part of a four-piece group called Cluster. The other three satellites are named - &nbsp;Rumba, Tango and Samba. The identical satellites were entrusted with the work of monitoring Earth's magnetic field for two years. However, the satellites are still going strong and sending back data.&nbsp;</p>

<p>By bringing the satellite safely back to Earth, the European Space Agency (ESA) plans to understand more about creating satellites that do not add to space debris.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"By studying how Salsa burns up, which parts might survive, for how long and in what state, we will learn much about how to build 'zero-debris' satellites," said Tim Flohrer, head of ESA's Space Debris Office, in a statement.</p>

<p>Aeolus was manoeuvred from its old orbit at an altitude of 200 miles (320 km) down to 75 miles (120 km). From here, Earth's atmosphere dragged it down and it ended in a fireball over the Atlantic.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/chinese-rocket-blows-up-in-space-casting-a-huge-cloud-of-debris-around-earth-748750">Chinese rocket blows up in space casting a huge cloud of debris around Earth</a></strong></p>

<p>Salsa has a more eccentric orbit, and in January a manoeuvre was conducted that will bring it to its nearest point of just 50 miles (80 km) soon. From here, it will fall into the Pacific.</p>

<p>ESA will then bring back Rumba in 2025, followed by Tango and Samba in 2026. It hopes to observe each of them burning up at a different angle.</p>

<h2><strong>The problem of space debris</strong></h2>

<p>Space debris has emerged as a major problem in the past few years. Earlier, satellites were left to drift away after their purpose was fulfilled. However, space agencies are now working to ensure they do not add to the space debris. If Cluster had retired in 2002 as intended, the four satellites would have been left up in space.</p>

<p>Allowing a satellite to fall to Earth itself assuming it burns up upon re-entry also poses a danger to people as the satellite is still likely to spread debris. A guided re-entry lets operators get it to fall exactly in the place they have in mind. However, ESA says that it is highly unlikely that a defunct satellite will inflict damage. But ESA is still eager to work on guide re-entries.&nbsp;</p>


A satellite named Salsa is set to re-enter Earth's atmosphere on September 8. It has been carefully brought down by the operators from 81,250 miles (130,000 km) to return to Earth and burn up over a region of the South Pacific.

A satellite named Salsa is set to re-enter Earth's atmosphere on September 8. It has been carefully brought down by the operators from 81,250 miles (130,000 km) to return to Earth and burn up over a region of the South Pacific. Guided re-entries ensure that no debris remains in orbit, nor does it fall over unexpected and populated areas. This is the second satellite to be brought down using a planned and manoeuvred "guided re-entry" after Aeolus. Salsa has been in orbit since 2000 and is part of a four-piece group called Cluster. The other three satellites are named - Rumba, Tango and Samba. The identical satellites were entrusted with the work of monitoring Earth's magnetic field for two years. However, the satellites are still going strong and sending back data. By bringing the satellite safely back to Earth, the European Space Agency (ESA) plans to understand more about creating satellites that do not add to space debris. "By studying how Salsa burns up, which parts might survive, for how long and in what state, we will learn much about how to build 'zero-debris' satellites," said Tim Flohrer, head of ESA's Space Debris Office, in a statement. Aeolus was manoeuvred from its old orbit at an altitude of 200 miles (320 km) down to 75 miles (120 km). From here, Earth's atmosphere dragged it down and it ended in a fireball over the Atlantic. Also Read: Chinese rocket blows up in space casting a huge cloud of debris around Earth Salsa has a more eccentric orbit, and in January a manoeuvre was conducted that will bring it to its nearest point of just 50 miles (80 km) soon. From here, it will fall into the Pacific. ESA will then bring back Rumba in 2025, followed by Tango and Samba in 2026. It hopes to observe each of them burning up at a different angle. The problem of space debris Space debris has emerged as a major problem in the past few years. Earlier, satellites were left to drift away after their purpose was fulfilled. However, space agencies are now working to ensure they do not add to the space debris. If Cluster had retired in 2002 as intended, the four satellites would have been left up in space. Allowing a satellite to fall to Earth itself assuming it burns up upon re-entry also poses a danger to people as the satellite is still likely to spread debris. A guided re-entry lets operators get it to fall exactly in the place they have in mind. However, ESA says that it is highly unlikely that a defunct satellite will inflict damage. But ESA is still eager to work on guide re-entries.

Salsa satellite set for fiery re-entry on Sep 8. Rumba, Tango and Samba lined up next

<p>The aftermath of devastating landslides in Wayanad in Kerala which killed hundreds of people, have reminded the centre once again to discuss and finalise on how much Western Ghats should be declared as an eco-sensitive areas (ESA).&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Union government has re-issued — for the sixth time in a decade — a draft notification classifying parts of the Western Ghats in six States as ecologically sensitive areas (ESAs).&nbsp;</p>

<p>This would impose restrictions on economic activities such as quarrying, mining, and large infrastructural development in these areas.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the concerned officials the centre’s expert panel on the western ghats is in advanced discussions on the extent of ESAs to be finalised for three states – Gujarat, Maharashtra and Goa.</p>

<p><strong>Submissions have been made by these three states.&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>The panel may recommend separate notifications for these three states if the agreement is reached soon, likely by end of August.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“We are not going to wait for consensus from all six states. States like Maharashtra, Gujarat and Goa have its information broadly in place and it does not have too many discrepancies. We have sought more information from the remaining three states of Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Despite its six iterations, however, the draft notification is yet to become law, as the other three States have objected to specific places that have been included in the ESA regions,” commented a senior official from the concerned department.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The dominant sentiment in Kerala was that this notification would subsume agricultural plantations, curtail the State’s hydro-electricity plans, and would lead to a migration crisis given the State’s high population density.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This is crucial as successive governments at the Centre, including the NDA over the past decade, have failed to reach a consensus on how much of the Ghats should be declared as ESA.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The first draft notification was issued in 2014, and the current draft, issued on July 31 2024 and made public on August 2, is “open to comments” from the public for 60 days.&nbsp;</p>

<p>At present, the total ESA area across all States amounts to 56,825 square km. Kerala has 9,993 sq km; Karnataka 20,668 sq km, Tamil Nadu 6,914 sq km; Maharashtra 17,340 sq km; Goa 1,461 sq km and Gujarat 449 sq km.</p>

<p>As per the procedure, once the ESA notification is finalised, it will invite a complete ban on&nbsp;</p>

<p>-mining, quarrying and sand mining in the ESA and all existing mines would have to be phased out within five years.</p>

<p>-New thermal power projects and the expansion of existing plants will not be allowed, and new ‘Red category’ industries – a list of which will be drawn up the Central Pollution Control Board – will be prohibited.&nbsp;</p>

<p>-New and expansion projects of building and construction with built-up areas of 20,000 square metres and above, and all new and expansion townships and area development projects with an area of 50 hectares and above, or with built-up area of 1,50,000 square metres and above will also be prohibited.&nbsp;</p>

<p>-Hydropower projects conforming to certain conditions will, however, be allowed, and a separate monitoring mechanism will be established for economic activity in the region.</p>


The aftermath of devastating landslides in Wayanad in Kerala which killed hundreds of people, have reminded the centre once again to discuss and finalise on how much Western Ghats should be declared as an eco-sensitive areas (ESA).

The aftermath of devastating landslides in Wayanad in Kerala which killed hundreds of people, have reminded the centre once again to discuss and finalise on how much Western Ghats should be declared as an eco-sensitive areas (ESA). The Union government has re-issued — for the sixth time in a decade — a draft notification classifying parts of the Western Ghats in six States as ecologically sensitive areas (ESAs). This would impose restrictions on economic activities such as quarrying, mining, and large infrastructural development in these areas. According to the concerned officials the centre’s expert panel on the western ghats is in advanced discussions on the extent of ESAs to be finalised for three states – Gujarat, Maharashtra and Goa. Submissions have been made by these three states. The panel may recommend separate notifications for these three states if the agreement is reached soon, likely by end of August. “We are not going to wait for consensus from all six states. States like Maharashtra, Gujarat and Goa have its information broadly in place and it does not have too many discrepancies. We have sought more information from the remaining three states of Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Despite its six iterations, however, the draft notification is yet to become law, as the other three States have objected to specific places that have been included in the ESA regions,” commented a senior official from the concerned department. The dominant sentiment in Kerala was that this notification would subsume agricultural plantations, curtail the State’s hydro-electricity plans, and would lead to a migration crisis given the State’s high population density. This is crucial as successive governments at the Centre, including the NDA over the past decade, have failed to reach a consensus on how much of the Ghats should be declared as ESA. The first draft notification was issued in 2014, and the current draft, issued on July 31 2024 and made public on August 2, is “open to comments” from the public for 60 days. At present, the total ESA area across all States amounts to 56,825 square km. Kerala has 9,993 sq km; Karnataka 20,668 sq km, Tamil Nadu 6,914 sq km; Maharashtra 17,340 sq km; Goa 1,461 sq km and Gujarat 449 sq km. As per the procedure, once the ESA notification is finalised, it will invite a complete ban on -mining, quarrying and sand mining in the ESA and all existing mines would have to be phased out within five years. -New thermal power projects and the expansion of existing plants will not be allowed, and new ‘Red category’ industries – a list of which will be drawn up the Central Pollution Control Board – will be prohibited. -New and expansion projects of building and construction with built-up areas of 20,000 square metres and above, and all new and expansion townships and area development projects with an area of 50 hectares and above, or with built-up area of 1,50,000 square metres and above will also be prohibited. -Hydropower projects conforming to certain conditions will, however, be allowed, and a separate monitoring mechanism will be established for economic activity in the region.

Western ghats ESA notification: Panel to finalise the draft soon for three states

<p>The Gaia telescope of the European Space Agency has spotted 352 asteroids around potential moons.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the scientists, these asteroids did not have any companions and hence were what is known as "binary asteroids".</p>

<p>Because of the ultra-accurate astrometric data of the telescope, the scientists were able to find signs of tiny rocks flying around huge asteroids.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the ESA, this also proves the ability of Gaia to conduct 'blind' searches for finding unknown candidates and work like an asteroid explorer.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-issues-sudden-alert-as-massive-asteroid-rushes-to-come-too-close-to-earth-at-scary-speed-749113">NASA issues sudden alert as massive asteroid rushes to come too close to Earth at scary speed</a></p>

<p>After the findings are confirmed, the 352 binary asteroid candidates will be added to the list.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Scientists are interested in binary asteroids because they have clues about the ancient universe and help astronomers study how various bodies were formed in space.</p>

<h2>Why are binary asteroids important for scientists?</h2>

<p>The study's lead author, Luana Liberato, said that it is difficult to find the binary asteroids because of their small size and huge distance.</p>

<p>“Binary asteroids are difficult to find as they are mostly so small and far away from us,” Liberato said.</p>

<p>"Despite us expecting just under one-sixth of asteroids to have a companion, so far we have only found 500 of the million known asteroids to be in binary systems. But this discovery shows that there are many asteroid moons out there just waiting to be found," said Liberato who is also an astronomer&nbsp;at France's Observatoire de la Côte d’Azur.</p>

<p>Since 2013, Gaia has been an asteroid explorer and has all-sky scanning capabilities, because of which it has made various remarkable asteroid&nbsp;discoveries.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Earth slows down by 1.33 milliseconds</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/earth-slows-down-by-133-milliseconds-741345/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>By studying these moon-asteroid pairs, scientists can improve their knowledge of the gravitational interactions that influence their stability and orbits.</p>

<p>“Binary asteroids have attracted the attention of the scientific community due to their interesting properties and the significant impact they have on our understanding of the solar system,” the study authors stated.</p>

<p>“Unlike single asteroids, binary systems offer unique insights into many fundamental processes, including the formation and evolution of planetary bodies, collision dynamics, and gravitational interactions," they added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Gaia telescope of the European Space Agency has spotted 352 asteroids around potential moons. According to the scientists, these asteroids did not have any companions and hence were what is known as "binary asteroids".

The Gaia telescope of the European Space Agency has spotted 352 asteroids around potential moons. According to the scientists, these asteroids did not have any companions and hence were what is known as "binary asteroids". Because of the ultra-accurate astrometric data of the telescope, the scientists were able to find signs of tiny rocks flying around huge asteroids. According to the ESA, this also proves the ability of Gaia to conduct 'blind' searches for finding unknown candidates and work like an asteroid explorer. Also Read: NASA issues sudden alert as massive asteroid rushes to come too close to Earth at scary speed After the findings are confirmed, the 352 binary asteroid candidates will be added to the list. Scientists are interested in binary asteroids because they have clues about the ancient universe and help astronomers study how various bodies were formed in space. Why are binary asteroids important for scientists? The study's lead author, Luana Liberato, said that it is difficult to find the binary asteroids because of their small size and huge distance. “Binary asteroids are difficult to find as they are mostly so small and far away from us,” Liberato said. "Despite us expecting just under one-sixth of asteroids to have a companion, so far we have only found 500 of the million known asteroids to be in binary systems. But this discovery shows that there are many asteroid moons out there just waiting to be found," said Liberato who is also an astronomer at France's Observatoire de la Côte d’Azur. Since 2013, Gaia has been an asteroid explorer and has all-sky scanning capabilities, because of which it has made various remarkable asteroid discoveries. Watch: Earth slows down by 1.33 milliseconds By studying these moon-asteroid pairs, scientists can improve their knowledge of the gravitational interactions that influence their stability and orbits. “Binary asteroids have attracted the attention of the scientific community due to their interesting properties and the significant impact they have on our understanding of the solar system,” the study authors stated. “Unlike single asteroids, binary systems offer unique insights into many fundamental processes, including the formation and evolution of planetary bodies, collision dynamics, and gravitational interactions," they added. (With inputs from agencies)

ESA's Gaia telescope detects 352 asteroids hovering around elusive moons

<p>The JUICE mission of the European Space Agency is set to complete a new manoeuvre and break two records.</p>

<p>This is the first time the spacecraft will use two objects to carry out a gravity assist maneuver,&nbsp;and for the first time, it will also attempt Lunar-Earth flyby.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Lunar-Earth Gravity Assist (LEGA) is likely to save JUICE many propellants, which the mission will use at a later stage.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-issues-sudden-alert-as-massive-asteroid-rushes-to-come-too-close-to-earth-at-scary-speed-749113">NASA issues sudden alert as massive asteroid rushes to come too close to Earth at scary speed</a></p>

<p>This is a tough manoeuvre which was first planned 15 years ago and for this, the spacecraft should be launched at a precise second so that it is able to find the Earth and the Moon in the correct position.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>How ESA's JUICE mission will fly by the Moon and Earth?</strong></h2>

<p>The spacecraft will first go around the Moon at 21:16 UTC on Monday evening (August 19) while losing some of its speed.</p>

<p>After 25 hours, it is expected to approach Earth. Because of Earth, it will slow down further and go towards Venus, however, there will be no room for errors.</p>

<p>“It’s like passing through a very narrow corridor, very, very quickly: pushing the accelerator to the maximum when the margin at the side of the road is just millimetres," said Spacecraft Operations Manager, Ignacio Tanco, in a&nbsp;statement.</p>

<p>“It’s a very important mission because we want to find out whether there are habitable places inside the icy moons, so Europa, Ganymede, or Callisto. That’s the main question of the mission,” said Dr Olivier Witasse, who is a planetary scientist working on the scientific aspects of the mission,&nbsp;while speaking to IFLScience.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Earth slows down by 1.33 milliseconds</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/earth-slows-down-by-133-milliseconds-741345/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>According to the team, the fuel saved in this manoeuvre will help the JUICE mission orbit at nearly 200 kilometres (120 miles) from the surface of Jupiter's moon Ganymede because of which the spacecraft will be able to make precise observations.&nbsp;</p>

<p>With the help of the flyby, the spacecraft will get in the right orbit and speed will make sure that the instruments are working well. This means that the scientists will be able to test a whole set of instruments during the flyby.</p>

<p>“This could not be done in the lab. This will be an excellent test to check the performance of the radar in the context of the full spacecraft operating,”&nbsp;said Nicolas Altobelli, planetary scientist with ESA, while speaking at a press conference.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The JUICE mission of the European Space Agency is set to complete a new manoeuvre and break two records. This is the first time the spacecraft will use two objects to carry out a gravity assist maneuver, and for the first time, it will also attempt Lunar-Earth flyby.

The JUICE mission of the European Space Agency is set to complete a new manoeuvre and break two records. This is the first time the spacecraft will use two objects to carry out a gravity assist maneuver, and for the first time, it will also attempt Lunar-Earth flyby. The Lunar-Earth Gravity Assist (LEGA) is likely to save JUICE many propellants, which the mission will use at a later stage. Also Read: NASA issues sudden alert as massive asteroid rushes to come too close to Earth at scary speed This is a tough manoeuvre which was first planned 15 years ago and for this, the spacecraft should be launched at a precise second so that it is able to find the Earth and the Moon in the correct position. How ESA's JUICE mission will fly by the Moon and Earth? The spacecraft will first go around the Moon at 21:16 UTC on Monday evening (August 19) while losing some of its speed. After 25 hours, it is expected to approach Earth. Because of Earth, it will slow down further and go towards Venus, however, there will be no room for errors. “It’s like passing through a very narrow corridor, very, very quickly: pushing the accelerator to the maximum when the margin at the side of the road is just millimetres," said Spacecraft Operations Manager, Ignacio Tanco, in a statement. “It’s a very important mission because we want to find out whether there are habitable places inside the icy moons, so Europa, Ganymede, or Callisto. That’s the main question of the mission,” said Dr Olivier Witasse, who is a planetary scientist working on the scientific aspects of the mission, while speaking to IFLScience. Watch: Earth slows down by 1.33 milliseconds According to the team, the fuel saved in this manoeuvre will help the JUICE mission orbit at nearly 200 kilometres (120 miles) from the surface of Jupiter's moon Ganymede because of which the spacecraft will be able to make precise observations. With the help of the flyby, the spacecraft will get in the right orbit and speed will make sure that the instruments are working well. This means that the scientists will be able to test a whole set of instruments during the flyby. “This could not be done in the lab. This will be an excellent test to check the performance of the radar in the context of the full spacecraft operating,” said Nicolas Altobelli, planetary scientist with ESA, while speaking at a press conference. (With inputs from agencies)

ESA's JUICE mission is set to attempt first-ever Lunar-Earth flyby. Here's how it will impact planet

<p>The European Space Agency (ESA) has shared the magnificent glimpses of an ‘enigmatic’ star system 3,400 light-years away, dubbing it a 'cosmic dance of fire and ice'.</p>

<p>The symbiotic star, located in the Sagitta constellation, comprises a red giant and its white dwarf companion, which are becoming increasingly hotter and dimmer.</p>

<p>''It's a tale of two stars: a red giant generously donates material to its white dwarf companion, creating a dazzling display. The red haze? That's the red giant's powerful wind! But Mira HM Sge is a real enigma,'' the ESA wrote in its Instagram post on Friday (June 14).</p>

<p>The post includes four images that piece the puzzle of the symbiotic star system Mira HM Sge together.</p>

<h2><strong>The Mira HM Sge star system</strong></h2>

<p>As per the ESA, the mysterious stars startled astronomers earlier in 1975 with a ''nova-like outburst''— growing some 250 times brighter between April and September of that year.<br />
However, unlike most novae, it has not faded in the ensuing decades.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/researchers-find-proof-of-biblical-battle-between-gods-angel-and-assyrian-soldiers-in-jerusalem-732394">A Biblical battle was fought 2,700 years ago in Jerusalem, and we now have proof</a></p>

<p>Recent observations indicate that the system has gotten hotter, but paradoxically faded a little.</p>

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<p>“This system first flared up as a nova in 1975. The red nebulosity is evidence of the stellar wind. The nebula is about one-quarter light-year across,” its profile on the NASA website explains.<br />
Infrared spectral data shows that the giant star, which produces copious amounts of dust returned to its normal behaviour within only a couple years of the explosion but dimmed in recent years.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-spot-ancient-star-which-happens-to-be-one-of-the-oldest-in-the-milky-way-732385">Maverick star, one of the oldest in Milky Way, spotted moving at insane speed</a></p>

<p>“Thanks to Hubble and the retired SOFIA telescope, we’re piecing together the puzzle. Hubble’s ultraviolet data reveals scorching temperatures around the white dwarf, while SOFIA detected water flowing at incredible speeds, hinting at a swirling disk of material,” the caption of the post reads.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Study: Secret aliens could be here on Earth already</strong></p>

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<p>The estimated temperature of the white dwarf and accretion disk has increased from less than 220,000 degrees Celsius in 1989 to greater than 250,000 degrees Celsius, Ultraviolet data from the Hubble indicates.</p>

<p>The bridge of gas connecting the giant star to the white dwarf presently spans about 3.2 billion kilometres.</p>

<p>Reacting to the image, one user wrote, ''really amazing this dance of swapping material between the red giant and the white dwarf.''<br />
Another commented, ''This is so beautiful and enigmatic, love it.'' A third said, ''awesome&nbsp;shots.''</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The European Space Agency (ESA) has shared the magnificent glimpses of an ‘enigmatic’ star system 3,400 light-years away, dubbing it a 'cosmic dance of fire and ice'.

The European Space Agency (ESA) has shared the magnificent glimpses of an ‘enigmatic’ star system 3,400 light-years away, dubbing it a 'cosmic dance of fire and ice'. The symbiotic star, located in the Sagitta constellation, comprises a red giant and its white dwarf companion, which are becoming increasingly hotter and dimmer. ''It's a tale of two stars: a red giant generously donates material to its white dwarf companion, creating a dazzling display. The red haze? That's the red giant's powerful wind! But Mira HM Sge is a real enigma,'' the ESA wrote in its Instagram post on Friday (June 14). The post includes four images that piece the puzzle of the symbiotic star system Mira HM Sge together. The Mira HM Sge star system As per the ESA, the mysterious stars startled astronomers earlier in 1975 with a ''nova-like outburst''— growing some 250 times brighter between April and September of that year. However, unlike most novae, it has not faded in the ensuing decades. Also Read | A Biblical battle was fought 2,700 years ago in Jerusalem, and we now have proof Recent observations indicate that the system has gotten hotter, but paradoxically faded a little. View this post on Instagram A post shared by ESA - European Space Agency (@europeanspaceagency) × “This system first flared up as a nova in 1975. The red nebulosity is evidence of the stellar wind. The nebula is about one-quarter light-year across,” its profile on the NASA website explains. Infrared spectral data shows that the giant star, which produces copious amounts of dust returned to its normal behaviour within only a couple years of the explosion but dimmed in recent years. Also Read | Maverick star, one of the oldest in Milky Way, spotted moving at insane speed “Thanks to Hubble and the retired SOFIA telescope, we’re piecing together the puzzle. Hubble’s ultraviolet data reveals scorching temperatures around the white dwarf, while SOFIA detected water flowing at incredible speeds, hinting at a swirling disk of material,” the caption of the post reads. Watch | Study: Secret aliens could be here on Earth already × The estimated temperature of the white dwarf and accretion disk has increased from less than 220,000 degrees Celsius in 1989 to greater than 250,000 degrees Celsius, Ultraviolet data from the Hubble indicates. The bridge of gas connecting the giant star to the white dwarf presently spans about 3.2 billion kilometres. Reacting to the image, one user wrote, ''really amazing this dance of swapping material between the red giant and the white dwarf.'' Another commented, ''This is so beautiful and enigmatic, love it.'' A third said, ''awesome shots.'' (With inputs from agencies)

‘Cosmic dance of fire and ice’: ESA unveils marvellous photos of mysterious star system

<p>Scientists have been hunting for one sign of life on Mars and even the slightest presence of water can prove to be a breakthrough.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In this hunt for alien life, scientists have now made a discovery by detecting the patches of water frost equal to "60 Olympic-size swimming pools" on the Martian volcanoes.</p>

<p>The scientists spotted thin and widespread layers of water frost which were spotted atop three of Tharsis volcanoes in Mars, as per a new study published in the journal&nbsp;Nature Geoscience.</p>

<p>The volcanoes are located on a plateau at the equator of the planet. The Tharsis volcanoes, which are a series of 12 large peaks, are the tallest volcanoes present in our solar system, as per the study.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/mysterious-hole-appears-on-surface-of-mars-whats-hiding-in-there-aliens-727237">Mysterious hole appears on surface of Mars. What's hiding in there? Aliens?</a></p>

<p>The study further emphasised that the water frost was discovered on the volcanoes Olympus, Arsia Ascraeus Mons, and Ceraunius Tholus.</p>

<p>In a press release, researchers from Brown University said, "The researchers calculate the frost constitutes at least 150,000 tonnes of water that swap between the surface and atmosphere each day during the cold seasons. That's the equivalent of roughly 60 Olympic-size swimming pools."</p>

<h2><strong>European Space Agency's missions capture water frost</strong></h2>

<p>The European Space Agency's Mars Express and ExoMars missions clicked 30,000 images of the water frost while orbiting the planet and a team of international researchers then analysed the planet, as per the study.</p>

<p>The thin layer of frost found was approximately "one-hundredth of a millimetre thick or about the width of a human hair," as per the study. The study added that they are formed during sunrise and eventually evaporate amid daylight hours.</p>

<p>In a press release, lead author of study and postdoctoral fellow at Brown University Adomas Valantinas said, "We thought it was impossible for frost to form around Mars' equator, as the mix of sunshine and thin atmosphere keeps temperatures during the day relatively high at both the surface and mountaintop — unlike what we see on Earth, where you might expect to see frosty peaks."</p>

<p>Speaking about the frost discovery to AFP, Paris-Saclay University's &nbsp;Frederic Schmidt said, "We saw a shiny, blue deposit there, a particular texture that we only see in the early morning and during the cold seasons."</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Gravitas: Is China practicing placing payload in space?</strong></p>

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<p>"What we're seeing may be a remnant of an ancient climate cycle on modern Mars, where you had precipitation and maybe even snowfall on these volcanoes in the past," he added,</p>

<p>As per the study, the water frost is present on the calderas of the volcanoes which are huge depressions present at the top of the summit that were formed after eruptions in the past.</p>

<p>Speaking about the presence of water on Martian Earth ESA scientist Colin Wilson said, “Finding water on the surface of Mars is always exciting, both for scientific interest and for its implications for human and robotic exploration."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


Scientists have been hunting for one sign of life on Mars and even the slightest presence of water can prove to be a breakthrough. In this hunt for alien life, scientists have now made a discovery by detecting the patches of water frost equal to "60 Olympic-size swimming pools" on the Martian volcanoes.

Scientists have been hunting for one sign of life on Mars and even the slightest presence of water can prove to be a breakthrough. In this hunt for alien life, scientists have now made a discovery by detecting the patches of water frost equal to "60 Olympic-size swimming pools" on the Martian volcanoes. The scientists spotted thin and widespread layers of water frost which were spotted atop three of Tharsis volcanoes in Mars, as per a new study published in the journal Nature Geoscience. The volcanoes are located on a plateau at the equator of the planet. The Tharsis volcanoes, which are a series of 12 large peaks, are the tallest volcanoes present in our solar system, as per the study. Also Read: Mysterious hole appears on surface of Mars. What's hiding in there? Aliens? The study further emphasised that the water frost was discovered on the volcanoes Olympus, Arsia Ascraeus Mons, and Ceraunius Tholus. In a press release, researchers from Brown University said, "The researchers calculate the frost constitutes at least 150,000 tonnes of water that swap between the surface and atmosphere each day during the cold seasons. That's the equivalent of roughly 60 Olympic-size swimming pools." European Space Agency's missions capture water frost The European Space Agency's Mars Express and ExoMars missions clicked 30,000 images of the water frost while orbiting the planet and a team of international researchers then analysed the planet, as per the study. The thin layer of frost found was approximately "one-hundredth of a millimetre thick or about the width of a human hair," as per the study. The study added that they are formed during sunrise and eventually evaporate amid daylight hours. In a press release, lead author of study and postdoctoral fellow at Brown University Adomas Valantinas said, "We thought it was impossible for frost to form around Mars' equator, as the mix of sunshine and thin atmosphere keeps temperatures during the day relatively high at both the surface and mountaintop — unlike what we see on Earth, where you might expect to see frosty peaks." Speaking about the frost discovery to AFP, Paris-Saclay University's Frederic Schmidt said, "We saw a shiny, blue deposit there, a particular texture that we only see in the early morning and during the cold seasons." Watch: Gravitas: Is China practicing placing payload in space? "What we're seeing may be a remnant of an ancient climate cycle on modern Mars, where you had precipitation and maybe even snowfall on these volcanoes in the past," he added, As per the study, the water frost is present on the calderas of the volcanoes which are huge depressions present at the top of the summit that were formed after eruptions in the past. Speaking about the presence of water on Martian Earth ESA scientist Colin Wilson said, “Finding water on the surface of Mars is always exciting, both for scientific interest and for its implications for human and robotic exploration." (With inputs from agencies)

Water on Mars! Early morning frost spotted on volcanoes in breakthrough discovery

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<p>James Webb Space Telescope,&nbsp;&nbsp;which is&nbsp;the largest, most&nbsp;powerful telescope ever launched into space, has captured the sharpest infrared images&nbsp;to date&nbsp;of the Horsehead Nebula,&nbsp; which is&nbsp;one of the most distinctive objects in our skies.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The images shared on the official website of&nbsp;the European Space Agency (ESA) show observations of a part of the iconic nebula in a whole new light.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The latest images have captured the complexity of the nebula with "unprecedented spatial resolution", the official statement said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/isro-delayed-chandrayaan-3s-launch-by-four-seconds-to-avoid-massive-collision-in-space-716278">ISRO delayed&nbsp;Chandrayaan-3’s&nbsp;launch by four seconds to avoid massive collision in space</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>The observations show the top of the "horse's mane" or the edge of this iconic nebula. The images also show part of the sky in the constellation Orion (The Hunter), on the western side of a dense region known as the Orion B molecular cloud.</p>

<p>Horsehead Nebula&nbsp;is seen&nbsp;rising from turbulent waves of dust and gas,&nbsp;which is otherwise&nbsp; known as Barnard 33. It resides roughly 1,300 light-years away.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">🆕 The Horsehead Nebula as you've never seen it before...<br />
<br />
The NASA/ESA/CSA James <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Webb?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Webb</a> Space Telescope has captured the sharpest infrared images to date of one of the most distinctive objects in our skies, showing a part of the iconic nebula in unprecedented spatial resolution. <a href="https://t.co/1Gdwyzh5wI">pic.twitter.com/1Gdwyzh5wI</a></p>
— European Space Agency (@esa) <a href="https://twitter.com/esa/status/1784872592827945231?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 29, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">🐴⭐The Horsehead Nebula as seen by three space telescopes! 🤩<br />
<br />
From <a href="https://twitter.com/ESA_Euclid?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ESA_Euclid</a> to <a href="https://twitter.com/HUBBLE_space?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HUBBLE_space</a> to <a href="https://twitter.com/ESA_Webb?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ESA_Webb</a>, delve into the complementary views from these <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BFFinSpace?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BFFinSpace</a>! Details 🧵👇 <a href="https://t.co/RdtzijNYdL">pic.twitter.com/RdtzijNYdL</a></p>
— ESA Science (@esascience) <a href="https://twitter.com/esascience/status/1784870244156076123?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 29, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/a-meteor-crashed-in-india-6900-years-ago-and-created-a-crater-reveals-nasa-716205">NASA confirms meteor crash created Luna crater, estimates impact happened 6,900 years ago</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<h2><strong>Formation of Horsehead Nebula</strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>

<p>The nebula was formed&nbsp;from a collapsing interstellar cloud of material.&nbsp;The official statement revealed that it glows because&nbsp;it is illuminated by a nearby hot star.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The gas clouds surrounding the Horsehead have already dissipated, but the jutting pillar&nbsp;is made&nbsp;of thick clumps of material that is harder to erode," ESA said.</p>

<p>According to the astronomers, the Horsehead has about five million years left before it too disintegrates.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Thanks to the MIRI and NIRCam instruments of James Webb, a team of astronomers has revealed the small-scale structures of the illuminated edge of the Horsehead for the first time.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


James Webb Space Telescope, which is the largest, most powerful telescope ever launched into space, has captured the sharpest infrared images to date of the Horsehead Nebula, which is one of the most distinctive objects in our skies.

James Webb Space Telescope, which is the largest, most powerful telescope ever launched into space, has captured the sharpest infrared images to date of the Horsehead Nebula, which is one of the most distinctive objects in our skies. The images shared on the official website of the European Space Agency (ESA) show observations of a part of the iconic nebula in a whole new light. The latest images have captured the complexity of the nebula with "unprecedented spatial resolution", the official statement said. Also read: ISRO delayed Chandrayaan-3’s launch by four seconds to avoid massive collision in space The observations show the top of the "horse's mane" or the edge of this iconic nebula. The images also show part of the sky in the constellation Orion (The Hunter), on the western side of a dense region known as the Orion B molecular cloud. Horsehead Nebula is seen rising from turbulent waves of dust and gas, which is otherwise known as Barnard 33. It resides roughly 1,300 light-years away. 🆕 The Horsehead Nebula as you've never seen it before... The NASA/ESA/CSA James #Webb Space Telescope has captured the sharpest infrared images to date of one of the most distinctive objects in our skies, showing a part of the iconic nebula in unprecedented spatial resolution. pic.twitter.com/1Gdwyzh5wI — European Space Agency (@esa) April 29, 2024 × 🐴⭐The Horsehead Nebula as seen by three space telescopes! 🤩 From @ESA_Euclid to @HUBBLE_space to @ESA_Webb, delve into the complementary views from these #BFFinSpace! Details 🧵👇 pic.twitter.com/RdtzijNYdL — ESA Science (@esascience) April 29, 2024 × Also read: NASA confirms meteor crash created Luna crater, estimates impact happened 6,900 years ago Formation of Horsehead Nebula The nebula was formed from a collapsing interstellar cloud of material. The official statement revealed that it glows because it is illuminated by a nearby hot star. "The gas clouds surrounding the Horsehead have already dissipated, but the jutting pillar is made of thick clumps of material that is harder to erode," ESA said. According to the astronomers, the Horsehead has about five million years left before it too disintegrates. Thanks to the MIRI and NIRCam instruments of James Webb, a team of astronomers has revealed the small-scale structures of the illuminated edge of the Horsehead for the first time. (With inputs from agencies)

James Webb captures stunning Horsehead Nebula as ‘you’ve never seen it before...’

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