<p>Imagine four months without any sunlight – That is the reality for Antarctica as it entered the ‘long night’ period with the final sunset on May 13. The isolation and extreme temperatures in the region may feel intimidating to most people but it also presents a special opportunity for astronauts to prepare for their space missions and practice living in some of the harder conditions on earth. With no sunlight and harsh conditions, these four months are perfect for their grueling training.</p>

<p>Although most places around the world experience four major seasons, there are only two – summer and winter – when it comes to Antarctica. The coldest continent in the earth experiences sunlight for six months while the other part of the year is spent in complete darkness.</p>

<p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/live-wions-global-summit-2022-world-leaders-converge-to-discuss-thoughts-issues-479257" hreflang="en">LIVE | WION's Global Summit 2022: Mindful of bioweapon, thanks to Wuhan virus'</a></p>

<p>Concordia, the remotest base in Antarctica, will once again be the base for the 12-member team from the European Space Agency (ESA) who will live and work in isolation. The mission for the crew will be to conduct various experiments to understand how the harsh conditions affect humans.</p>

<p>“From sleep studies to gut health measurements to mindful practices, the crew are poked and prodded to help researchers understand and overcome the challenges extreme environments, like space, pose to present and future explorers,” the ESA said on its official website.</p>

<p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-are-on-the-brink-of-the-next-world-war-former-belarusian-minister-vladzimir-astapenka-479412">We are on the brink of next world war: Former Belarusian minister Astapenka</a></p>

<p>The Concordia station will also not be receiving any more resources from outside as the last supplies flight visited Antarctica in February. In theory, the base is currently stocked up for at least nine months and the temperatures are expected to drop to nearly -80 degrees Celsius.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE -</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>


Imagine four months without any sunlight – That is the reality for Antarctica as it entered the ‘long night’ period with the final sunset on May 13. The isolation and extreme temperatures in the region may feel intimidating to most people but it also presents a special opportunity for astronauts to prepare for their space missions and practice living in some of the harder conditions on earth.

Imagine four months without any sunlight – That is the reality for Antarctica as it entered the ‘long night’ period with the final sunset on May 13. The isolation and extreme temperatures in the region may feel intimidating to most people but it also presents a special opportunity for astronauts to prepare for their space missions and practice living in some of the harder conditions on earth. With no sunlight and harsh conditions, these four months are perfect for their grueling training. Although most places around the world experience four major seasons, there are only two – summer and winter – when it comes to Antarctica. The coldest continent in the earth experiences sunlight for six months while the other part of the year is spent in complete darkness. Also read | LIVE | WION's Global Summit 2022: Mindful of bioweapon, thanks to Wuhan virus' Concordia, the remotest base in Antarctica, will once again be the base for the 12-member team from the European Space Agency (ESA) who will live and work in isolation. The mission for the crew will be to conduct various experiments to understand how the harsh conditions affect humans. “From sleep studies to gut health measurements to mindful practices, the crew are poked and prodded to help researchers understand and overcome the challenges extreme environments, like space, pose to present and future explorers,” the ESA said on its official website. Also read | We are on the brink of next world war: Former Belarusian minister Astapenka The Concordia station will also not be receiving any more resources from outside as the last supplies flight visited Antarctica in February. In theory, the base is currently stocked up for at least nine months and the temperatures are expected to drop to nearly -80 degrees Celsius. WATCH WION LIVE HERE -

'Extreme environment': Antarctica goes dark for four months as 'long night' begins

<p>For years now, researchers have been attempting to collect samples from Mars' surface.</p>

<p>Multiple missions are underway to collect a pristine sample of Mars, ranging from China's Tianwen-2 to NASA and the European Space Agency's (ESA) Perseverance Rover.</p>

<p>Strategies have ranged from "grab and go" from the surface of the planet to collecting dust from the atmosphere to robots collecting the much-desired samples.</p>

<p>However, one question arises from all of this. Does this collection, and transportation of samples from an alien planet pose a risk for Earth?</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;All the times humanity tried to communicate with aliens</strong></p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/all-the-times-humanity-tried-to-communicate-with-aliens-475869/embed" width="560"></iframe></p>

<p>Think Andromeda strain...&nbsp;</p>

<p>In case you don't know, 'Andromeda Strain' is a movie based on a novel of the same name by Michael Crichton. It is the story of a US research satellite that crashes into a small town, bringing with it a deadly extraterrestrial microscopic virus which wipes out half the population.</p>

<p>Now, what if this happens outside of reel life? What if fiction becomes reality and we end up bringing a deadly virus from Mars?</p>

<p>As per a former NASA Planetary Protection Officer, Cassie Conley, "Since the beginning of space exploration, planetary protection has mandated that samples from Mars should be considered 'Restricted Earth Return'."</p>

<p>Talking to space.com Colney explained that this means it "requires the most stringent containment to protect both the samples and the Earth."</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/science-fiction-of-reality-uk-to-build-a-solar-power-plant-in-space-heres-how-478462" hreflang="en">Science fiction or reality? UK to build a solar power plant in space. Here's how</a></strong></p>

<p>According to NASA, collecting and transporting samples is critical in answering one crucial question: did life ever exist on Mars?</p>

<p>The NASA Mars Sample Return Mission (MSR) website says "Only by bringing the samples back can we truly answer the question by using the most sophisticated, state-of-the-art labs, at a time when future generations can study them using techniques yet to be invented."</p>

<p>According to it, several panels of scientific experts from the United States and around the world have studied whether samples from Mars could pose a threat to Earth's environment. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasas-rover-found-alien-doorway-on-mars-find-out-truth-478650" hreflang="en">NASA’s rover found alien doorway on Mars? Find out truth</a></strong></p>

<p>The findings of these panels say that&nbsp;there is a very little chance that materials acquired from places on Mars, like those studied by Perseverance could contain a biological hazard to our biosphere.</p>

<p>While the effort is described as "low risk," it's wise to remember that it isn't zero risk.</p>

<p>But there is another possibility: robots and devices from Earth can very well take with them Earth microbes that can negatively affect Mars.</p>

<p>Is it worth the risk? We hope so.&nbsp;</p>


For years now, researchers have been attempting to collect samples from Mars' surface. Multiple missions are underway to collect a pristine sample of Mars, ranging from China's Tianwen-2 to NASA and the European Space Agency's (ESA) Perseverance Rover.

For years now, researchers have been attempting to collect samples from Mars' surface. Multiple missions are underway to collect a pristine sample of Mars, ranging from China's Tianwen-2 to NASA and the European Space Agency's (ESA) Perseverance Rover. Strategies have ranged from "grab and go" from the surface of the planet to collecting dust from the atmosphere to robots collecting the much-desired samples. However, one question arises from all of this. Does this collection, and transportation of samples from an alien planet pose a risk for Earth? Watch | All the times humanity tried to communicate with aliens Think Andromeda strain... In case you don't know, 'Andromeda Strain' is a movie based on a novel of the same name by Michael Crichton. It is the story of a US research satellite that crashes into a small town, bringing with it a deadly extraterrestrial microscopic virus which wipes out half the population. Now, what if this happens outside of reel life? What if fiction becomes reality and we end up bringing a deadly virus from Mars? As per a former NASA Planetary Protection Officer, Cassie Conley, "Since the beginning of space exploration, planetary protection has mandated that samples from Mars should be considered 'Restricted Earth Return'." Talking to space.com Colney explained that this means it "requires the most stringent containment to protect both the samples and the Earth." Also read | Science fiction or reality? UK to build a solar power plant in space. Here's how According to NASA, collecting and transporting samples is critical in answering one crucial question: did life ever exist on Mars? The NASA Mars Sample Return Mission (MSR) website says "Only by bringing the samples back can we truly answer the question by using the most sophisticated, state-of-the-art labs, at a time when future generations can study them using techniques yet to be invented." According to it, several panels of scientific experts from the United States and around the world have studied whether samples from Mars could pose a threat to Earth's environment. Also read | NASA’s rover found alien doorway on Mars? Find out truth The findings of these panels say that there is a very little chance that materials acquired from places on Mars, like those studied by Perseverance could contain a biological hazard to our biosphere. While the effort is described as "low risk," it's wise to remember that it isn't zero risk. But there is another possibility: robots and devices from Earth can very well take with them Earth microbes that can negatively affect Mars. Is it worth the risk? We hope so.

Mars sample collection risks bringing to Earth deadly alien virus. Here's what you should know

<p>With the Russia-Ukraine conflict crossing the two-month mark, the tensions between Moscow and the West continue to escalate.</p>

<p>Russia has now announced that it is all set to pull out of the International Space Station and that the country's space agency will no longer work with NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA).&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukrainian-army-damaged-1000-tanks-200-aircraft-2500-armored-vehicles-of-russian-forces-claims-zelensky-475357" hreflang="en">Ukrainian army damaged 1,000 tanks, 200 aircraft, 2,500 armored vehicles of Russian forces, claims Zelensky</a></strong></p>

<p>Speaking to Russian state TV, Roscosmos General Director Dmitry Rogozin said that Russia will no longer cooperate with international partners onboard ISS.</p>

<p>According to a Bloomberg report, Rogozin said that in accordance to the obligations the agency will inform its partners about the exit date with a year's notice.</p>

<p>In spite of the tensions between Russia and the West, space has been one of the last remaining areas of cooperation but seems like Russia's unprecedented aggression toward its neighbour&nbsp;Ukraine will be creating tensions in space too.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Will Putin declare war against Ukraine? Watch UK Defence Secretary speak on Ukraine conflict</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/will-putin-declare-war-against-ukraine-watch-uk-defence-secretary-speak-on-ukraine-conflict-475270/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>Russia had earlier warned this month that If the country were to withdraw, it will pose major problems for the ISS as Russian rockets deliver a large amount of cargo needed to maintain the space station.</p>

<p>&nbsp;In late March, NASA astronaut Mark Vande Hei shared a ride back to Earth alongside two Russian Cosmonauts and when asked had said that the relations among the ISS crew remained unaffected by the tensions in Ukraine.</p>

<p>"We support each other through everything," said Hei adding that he "never had any concerns about my ability to continue working with them".</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ghost-of-kyiv-killed-in-fighting-after-shooting-down-40-russian-jets-475309" hreflang="en">'Ghost of Kyiv' killed in fighting, has shot down 40 Russian jets</a></strong></p>

<p>After Russia's withdrawal will NASA, ESA and other space agencies continue to maintain operations remain to be seen.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Dailymail reports that as per Nathan Eismont a leading researcher at the Space Research Institute of the Russian Academy of sciences, operations would be close to impossible without the Russian crew.&nbsp;</p>

<p>ISS is jointly managed by Moscow and Washington and a complete Russian pullout will pose major challenges to the operation.</p>

<p><strong>Watch WION LIVE HERE:</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


With the Russia-Ukraine conflict crossing the two-month mark, the tensions between Moscow and the West continue to escalate. Russia has now announced that it is all set to pull out of the International Space Station and that the country's space agency will no longer work with NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA).

With the Russia-Ukraine conflict crossing the two-month mark, the tensions between Moscow and the West continue to escalate. Russia has now announced that it is all set to pull out of the International Space Station and that the country's space agency will no longer work with NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA). Also read | Ukrainian army damaged 1,000 tanks, 200 aircraft, 2,500 armored vehicles of Russian forces, claims Zelensky Speaking to Russian state TV, Roscosmos General Director Dmitry Rogozin said that Russia will no longer cooperate with international partners onboard ISS. According to a Bloomberg report, Rogozin said that in accordance to the obligations the agency will inform its partners about the exit date with a year's notice. In spite of the tensions between Russia and the West, space has been one of the last remaining areas of cooperation but seems like Russia's unprecedented aggression toward its neighbour Ukraine will be creating tensions in space too. Watch | Will Putin declare war against Ukraine? Watch UK Defence Secretary speak on Ukraine conflict Russia had earlier warned this month that If the country were to withdraw, it will pose major problems for the ISS as Russian rockets deliver a large amount of cargo needed to maintain the space station. In late March, NASA astronaut Mark Vande Hei shared a ride back to Earth alongside two Russian Cosmonauts and when asked had said that the relations among the ISS crew remained unaffected by the tensions in Ukraine. "We support each other through everything," said Hei adding that he "never had any concerns about my ability to continue working with them". Also read | 'Ghost of Kyiv' killed in fighting, has shot down 40 Russian jets After Russia's withdrawal will NASA, ESA and other space agencies continue to maintain operations remain to be seen. Dailymail reports that as per Nathan Eismont a leading researcher at the Space Research Institute of the Russian Academy of sciences, operations would be close to impossible without the Russian crew. ISS is jointly managed by Moscow and Washington and a complete Russian pullout will pose major challenges to the operation. Watch WION LIVE HERE: (With inputs from agencies)

Tensions in ISS: Russia announces that it will be ending space cooperation with NASA, ESA

<p>The concept of the spacewalk is fascinating, to say the least. Yes, its less of a walk and more of 'space-floating'. The idea of being outside the protective spacecraft with almost nothing between you and the stars is surreal to imagine. There is an element of thrill as well. There have been enough movies showing the tether connecting the astronaut and the spacecraft snapping and the hapless bro (or sis) doing all they can to prevent being drifted into unending space.</p>

<p>Till now we had to rely on videos shot by space agencies of astronauts as they spacewalked. It's almost unimaginable to look up from Earth and see astronauts doing their thing.</p>

<p>But a fascinating new development has enabled us to take a 'human's-eye view' of the recently concluded spacewalk.</p>

<p>On March 23, NASA astronaut Raja Chari and European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Matthias Maurer conducted a spacewalk outside the International Space Station (ISS). The spacewalk lasted for 7 hours during which the astronauts performed maintenance work at the ISS.</p>

<p>An astrophotographer has captured what he says is a "once in a lifetime" photo of this spacewalk. He was on Earth, and incidentally in Maurer's hometown in Germany.</p>

<p>"Yesterday I witnessed the #spacewalk shortly after sunset. Here comes a first photo. #ESA #astronaut Matthias Maurer was just 'climbing' at this moment. The rod-shaped structure (Canadarm2) is the robot arm. Greetings from Matthias Maurer's hometown — it was very exciting. #iss," Dr Sebastian Voltmer, the astrophotographer tweeted.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Yesterday I witnessed the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/spacewalk?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#spacewalk</a> shortly after sunset. Here comes a first photo. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ESA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ESA</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/astronaut?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#astronaut</a> Matthias Maurer was just "climbing" at this moment.<br />
The rod-shaped structure (Canadarm2) is the robot arm.<br />
Greetings from Matthias Maurers hometown - it was very exciting. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/iss?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#iss</a> <a href="https://t.co/39Q7YlG64u">pic.twitter.com/39Q7YlG64u</a></p>
— Dr. Sebastian Voltmer (@SeVoSpace) <a href="https://twitter.com/SeVoSpace/status/1506912147737088002?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 24, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Voltmer used Celestron 11-inch EdgeHD telescope on a GM2000 HPS mount and an ASI290 planetary camera to get the shot, as per his e-mail to Space.com</p>

<p>Voltmer analysed the photo and in an updated, indicated the positions of both astronauts.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Update: 2 Spacewalkers Imaged From The Ground<br />
<br />
During the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/spacewalk?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#spacewalk</a> of the two astronauts <a href="https://twitter.com/Astro_Raja?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Astro_Raja</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/astro_matthias?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@astro_matthias</a> the International Space Station appeared shortly after sunset in the bright evening sky over Germany. This image of the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ISS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ISS</a> was taken on March 23, 2022. <a href="https://t.co/xkKJtSoZFc">pic.twitter.com/xkKJtSoZFc</a></p>
— Dr. Sebastian Voltmer (@SeVoSpace) <a href="https://twitter.com/SeVoSpace/status/1508239974893768712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 28, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>"It's probably the first ground-based picture showing two spacewalkers on the ISS at the same time." he told spaceweather.com</p>

<p>The photos certainly don't show both astronauts discernibly but to point you camera at the sky and clicking image of spacewalking astronauts with clarity of this degree is a feat indeed!<br />
&nbsp;</p>


The concept of the spacewalk is fascinating, to say the least. Yes, its less of a walk and more of 'space-floating'. The idea of being outside the protective spacecraft with almost nothing between you and the stars is surreal to imagine.

The concept of the spacewalk is fascinating, to say the least. Yes, its less of a walk and more of 'space-floating'. The idea of being outside the protective spacecraft with almost nothing between you and the stars is surreal to imagine. There is an element of thrill as well. There have been enough movies showing the tether connecting the astronaut and the spacecraft snapping and the hapless bro (or sis) doing all they can to prevent being drifted into unending space. Till now we had to rely on videos shot by space agencies of astronauts as they spacewalked. It's almost unimaginable to look up from Earth and see astronauts doing their thing. But a fascinating new development has enabled us to take a 'human's-eye view' of the recently concluded spacewalk. On March 23, NASA astronaut Raja Chari and European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Matthias Maurer conducted a spacewalk outside the International Space Station (ISS). The spacewalk lasted for 7 hours during which the astronauts performed maintenance work at the ISS. An astrophotographer has captured what he says is a "once in a lifetime" photo of this spacewalk. He was on Earth, and incidentally in Maurer's hometown in Germany. "Yesterday I witnessed the #spacewalk shortly after sunset. Here comes a first photo. #ESA #astronaut Matthias Maurer was just 'climbing' at this moment. The rod-shaped structure (Canadarm2) is the robot arm. Greetings from Matthias Maurer's hometown — it was very exciting. #iss," Dr Sebastian Voltmer, the astrophotographer tweeted. Yesterday I witnessed the #spacewalk shortly after sunset. Here comes a first photo. #ESA #astronaut Matthias Maurer was just "climbing" at this moment. The rod-shaped structure (Canadarm2) is the robot arm. Greetings from Matthias Maurers hometown - it was very exciting. #iss pic.twitter.com/39Q7YlG64u — Dr. Sebastian Voltmer (@SeVoSpace) March 24, 2022 × Voltmer used Celestron 11-inch EdgeHD telescope on a GM2000 HPS mount and an ASI290 planetary camera to get the shot, as per his e-mail to Space.com Voltmer analysed the photo and in an updated, indicated the positions of both astronauts. Update: 2 Spacewalkers Imaged From The Ground During the #spacewalk of the two astronauts @Astro_Raja and @astro_matthias the International Space Station appeared shortly after sunset in the bright evening sky over Germany. This image of the #ISS was taken on March 23, 2022. pic.twitter.com/xkKJtSoZFc — Dr. Sebastian Voltmer (@SeVoSpace) March 28, 2022 × "It's probably the first ground-based picture showing two spacewalkers on the ISS at the same time." he told spaceweather.com The photos certainly don't show both astronauts discernibly but to point you camera at the sky and clicking image of spacewalking astronauts with clarity of this degree is a feat indeed!

Astrophotographer takes photo of spacewalking astronauts, from Earth

<p>The European Space Agency (ESA) has said that a joint Mars mission with Russia has been suspended over Ukraine war.</p>

<p>"We deeply deplore the human casualties and tragic consequences of the aggression towards Ukraine," the agency said as it confirmed the suspension of the ExoMars mission.</p>

<p>The decision to suspend cooperation with Roscosmos was taken by ESA's ruling council, at a meeting this week in Paris.</p>

<p>"We deeply deplore the human casualties and tragic consequences of the aggression towards Ukraine,? an ESA statement said.</p>

<p>"While recognising the impact on scientific exploration of space, ESA is fully aligned with the sanctions imposed on Russia by its member states."</p>

<p>Because of their respective orbits around the Sun, Mars is only readily reachable from Earth every two years. The next launch window would be 2024.</p>

<p>The rover's primary mission was to have been determining whether Mars ever hosted life.</p>

<p>The ExoMars mission has already been pushed back from 2020, because of the coronavirus pandemic and the need for more tests on the spacecraft.</p>

<p>The mission was to have blasted off on a Russian Proton-M rocket from the Baikonur launch site in Kazakhstan in September, and had been scheduled to land on the red planet some nine months later.</p>

<p>Already on Mars are NASA's Perseverance rover, which landed in February 2021, and China's first Mars rover, Zhurong, named after the Chinese god of fire</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The European Space Agency (ESA) has said that a joint Mars mission with Russia has been suspended over Ukraine war. "We deeply deplore the human casualties and tragic consequences of the aggression towards Ukraine," the agency said as it confirmed the suspension of the ExoMars mission.

The European Space Agency (ESA) has said that a joint Mars mission with Russia has been suspended over Ukraine war. "We deeply deplore the human casualties and tragic consequences of the aggression towards Ukraine," the agency said as it confirmed the suspension of the ExoMars mission. The decision to suspend cooperation with Roscosmos was taken by ESA's ruling council, at a meeting this week in Paris. "We deeply deplore the human casualties and tragic consequences of the aggression towards Ukraine,? an ESA statement said. "While recognising the impact on scientific exploration of space, ESA is fully aligned with the sanctions imposed on Russia by its member states." Because of their respective orbits around the Sun, Mars is only readily reachable from Earth every two years. The next launch window would be 2024. The rover's primary mission was to have been determining whether Mars ever hosted life. The ExoMars mission has already been pushed back from 2020, because of the coronavirus pandemic and the need for more tests on the spacecraft. The mission was to have blasted off on a Russian Proton-M rocket from the Baikonur launch site in Kazakhstan in September, and had been scheduled to land on the red planet some nine months later. Already on Mars are NASA's Perseverance rover, which landed in February 2021, and China's first Mars rover, Zhurong, named after the Chinese god of fire (With inputs from agencies)

Joint Euro-Russian Mars mission suspended because of Ukraine conflict: ESA

<p>Our idea of life and nature is so Earth-centric that it's hard for us to imagine that some of other planets have atmospheres too. Take Mars for example. It has a very thin atmosphere. But atmosphere nonetheless. Winds blow&nbsp;on Martian&nbsp;surface too. It's just that its intensity is way less than that on Earth.</p>

<p>The European Space Agency (ESA) has released a picture that shows effect of Martian wind on the surface of the planet. Just like the wind here on Earth, the Martian wind sculpts surface of the red planet.</p>

<p>The image is of The Hooke Crater area located in Mars' southern highlands. The image was clicked from orbit by ESA and Russian space agency Roscosmos' ExoMars Trace Gas orbitter.&nbsp;</p>

<p>ESA has shared the image on its Instagram handle. The ripples in the Martian soil and some hillocks can be seen in the picture.</p>

<p>"The devil's definitely in the detail‼️ Chaotic mounds, wind-sculpted ripples and dust devil tracks: this image shows a fascinating and otherworldly landscape near Hooke Crater in Mars’ southern highlands..." says ESA in the Instagram post.</p>

<p>"...This type of scenery is similar to ‘chaotic terrain’: a kind of broken, disrupted terrain seen across Mars where haphazard groups of variously sized and shaped rocks – irregular knobs, conical mounds, ridges, flat-topped hills known as mesas – clump together, often enclosed within depressions. There are around 30 regions of chaotic terrain defined on Mars..." it adds</p>

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<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CZ2rmdut4S6/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by ESA - European Space Agency (@europeanspaceagency)</a></p>
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<p>Space fanatics have given thumbs up to the image. It has garnered more than 10 thousand likes</p>


Our idea of life and nature is so Earth-centric that it's hard for us to imagine that some of other planets have atmospheres too. Take Mars for example. It has a very thin atmosphere.

Our idea of life and nature is so Earth-centric that it's hard for us to imagine that some of other planets have atmospheres too. Take Mars for example. It has a very thin atmosphere. But atmosphere nonetheless. Winds blow on Martian surface too. It's just that its intensity is way less than that on Earth. The European Space Agency (ESA) has released a picture that shows effect of Martian wind on the surface of the planet. Just like the wind here on Earth, the Martian wind sculpts surface of the red planet. The image is of The Hooke Crater area located in Mars' southern highlands. The image was clicked from orbit by ESA and Russian space agency Roscosmos' ExoMars Trace Gas orbitter. ESA has shared the image on its Instagram handle. The ripples in the Martian soil and some hillocks can be seen in the picture. "The devil's definitely in the detail‼️ Chaotic mounds, wind-sculpted ripples and dust devil tracks: this image shows a fascinating and otherworldly landscape near Hooke Crater in Mars’ southern highlands..." says ESA in the Instagram post. "...This type of scenery is similar to ‘chaotic terrain’: a kind of broken, disrupted terrain seen across Mars where haphazard groups of variously sized and shaped rocks – irregular knobs, conical mounds, ridges, flat-topped hills known as mesas – clump together, often enclosed within depressions. There are around 30 regions of chaotic terrain defined on Mars..." it adds View this post on Instagram A post shared by ESA - European Space Agency (@europeanspaceagency) × Space fanatics have given thumbs up to the image. It has garnered more than 10 thousand likes

ESA posts stunning image of wind-sculpted Martian surface

<p>A sense of excitement has engrossed the scientific community as NASA readies to launch the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST)—the largest space telescope ever and the most noteworthy after Hubble— which seeks to unveil many secrets of the universe, especially related to the formation of stars and galaxies in the early period after the Big Bang.</p>

<p>The powerful infrared telescope, which is hailed by NASA as the “premiere space-science observatory of the next decade”, is packed inside the cargo bay of an Ariane 5 rocket and poised for blastoff at 12.20 GMT (5:50 pm Indian Standard Time) from the European Space Agency`s (ESA) launch base in French Guiana.</p>

<p>If all goes according to plan, the 14,000-pound instrument will be released from the French-built rocket after a 26-minute ride into space.</p>

<p><strong>What is the James Webb Space Telescope?</strong></p>

<p>The telescope is named after James Edwin Webb—one of the architects of the Apollo Moon programme, and the space agencies of the US, Europe and Canada, who are all partners on the project. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The JWST is a product of an international partnership between NASA, ESA, and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA). It is not just the largest but also the most powerful telescope ever to be launched into space.</p>

<p>The ESA is providing the launch service to the telescope as part of the international agreement.</p>

<p>It's a project that has taken 30 years and cost $10 billion to design and build. It is regarded as one of the grand scientific endeavours of the 21st Century.</p>

<p>JWST will also be positioned much deeper into the space, about a million miles from Earth, at a spot known as L2. It is one of the five points, known as Lagrange’s points, in any revolving two-body system like Earth and Sun, where the gravitational forces of the two large bodies cancel each other out.</p>

<p><strong>What is the difference between JSWT and Hubble?</strong></p>

<p>The primary difference between the Hubble and the JWST is the wavelength of light that they are designed to image.</p>

<p>Hubble is sensitive to ultraviolet, visible, and near-infrared light (200-2,400 nanometers). In contrast, JWST is focused mostly on the infrared spectrum (600-28,000 nanometers), with some limited capability of seeing some red/orange visible light, but not the other colours.</p>

<p>This change in technology will help scientists to dwell more deeply into the past and get a first-hand look at how the universe originated.</p>

<p>Scientists from 44 countries will be able to make use of the JSWT telescope, with proposals including using the infrared capabilities to penetrate the supermassive black holes at the centre of galaxies, including our own.</p>

<p><strong>Where to watch the launch?</strong></p>

<p>NASA will run a live stream on its YouTube channel and on its Twitter and Facebook accounts as well. Moreover, the ESA will also be running its own live stream in French and Spanish languages on its website.</p>


A sense of excitement has engrossed the scientific community as NASA readies to launch the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST)—the largest space telescope ever and the most noteworthy after Hubble— which seeks to unveil many secrets of the universe, especially related to the formation of stars and galaxies in the early period after the Big Bang.

A sense of excitement has engrossed the scientific community as NASA readies to launch the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST)—the largest space telescope ever and the most noteworthy after Hubble— which seeks to unveil many secrets of the universe, especially related to the formation of stars and galaxies in the early period after the Big Bang. The powerful infrared telescope, which is hailed by NASA as the “premiere space-science observatory of the next decade”, is packed inside the cargo bay of an Ariane 5 rocket and poised for blastoff at 12.20 GMT (5:50 pm Indian Standard Time) from the European Space Agency`s (ESA) launch base in French Guiana. If all goes according to plan, the 14,000-pound instrument will be released from the French-built rocket after a 26-minute ride into space. What is the James Webb Space Telescope? The telescope is named after James Edwin Webb—one of the architects of the Apollo Moon programme, and the space agencies of the US, Europe and Canada, who are all partners on the project. The JWST is a product of an international partnership between NASA, ESA, and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA). It is not just the largest but also the most powerful telescope ever to be launched into space. The ESA is providing the launch service to the telescope as part of the international agreement. It's a project that has taken 30 years and cost $10 billion to design and build. It is regarded as one of the grand scientific endeavours of the 21st Century. JWST will also be positioned much deeper into the space, about a million miles from Earth, at a spot known as L2. It is one of the five points, known as Lagrange’s points, in any revolving two-body system like Earth and Sun, where the gravitational forces of the two large bodies cancel each other out. What is the difference between JSWT and Hubble? The primary difference between the Hubble and the JWST is the wavelength of light that they are designed to image. Hubble is sensitive to ultraviolet, visible, and near-infrared light (200-2,400 nanometers). In contrast, JWST is focused mostly on the infrared spectrum (600-28,000 nanometers), with some limited capability of seeing some red/orange visible light, but not the other colours. This change in technology will help scientists to dwell more deeply into the past and get a first-hand look at how the universe originated. Scientists from 44 countries will be able to make use of the JSWT telescope, with proposals including using the infrared capabilities to penetrate the supermassive black holes at the centre of galaxies, including our own. Where to watch the launch? NASA will run a live stream on its YouTube channel and on its Twitter and Facebook accounts as well. Moreover, the ESA will also be running its own live stream in French and Spanish languages on its website.

Explainer: What is James Webb Space Telescope that is set to be launched today

<p>Nothing more needs to be said about how Mars occupies a place of fascination in human mind. It has been revered as a God, feared in horoscopes. But it surely makes for a unique view in the night sky with its red glory.</p>

<p>The planet is not as unfamiliar scientifically as decades ago. Orbitters and rovers are still collecting info about the planet. We often see pics of Martian hills, atmosphere and even storms. But Martian landslide? Well that's something different.</p>

<p>European Space Agency (ESA) has captured such a landslide on the surface of Mars. It has posted the image on Instagram.</p>

<p>"Captured by the ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter on 13 April 2021, a 5 km-long landslide can be see in this scene at the rim of a 35 km wide crater in the Aeolis region of Mars (151.88°E/27.38°S).</p>

<p>Landslides are geomorphological processes occurring under specific environmental conditions. On Mars as on Earth, they come in various shapes and sizes, and Earth analogues are used to understand similar processes seen on planetary bodies..." said ESA in its post.</p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Netizens are awestruck, and the post has expectedly gone viral. At the time of publishing of this article, the images had got more than 20 thousand likes.</p>


Nothing more needs to be said about how Mars occupies a place of fascination in human mind. It has been revered as a God, feared in horoscopes. But it surely makes for a unique view in the night sky with its red glory.

Nothing more needs to be said about how Mars occupies a place of fascination in human mind. It has been revered as a God, feared in horoscopes. But it surely makes for a unique view in the night sky with its red glory. The planet is not as unfamiliar scientifically as decades ago. Orbitters and rovers are still collecting info about the planet. We often see pics of Martian hills, atmosphere and even storms. But Martian landslide? Well that's something different. European Space Agency (ESA) has captured such a landslide on the surface of Mars. It has posted the image on Instagram. "Captured by the ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter on 13 April 2021, a 5 km-long landslide can be see in this scene at the rim of a 35 km wide crater in the Aeolis region of Mars (151.88°E/27.38°S). Landslides are geomorphological processes occurring under specific environmental conditions. On Mars as on Earth, they come in various shapes and sizes, and Earth analogues are used to understand similar processes seen on planetary bodies..." said ESA in its post. View this post on Instagram A post shared by ESA - European Space Agency (@europeanspaceagency) × Netizens are awestruck, and the post has expectedly gone viral. At the time of publishing of this article, the images had got more than 20 thousand likes.

ESA posts brilliant pics of landslide on Mars

<p>Stars resemble twinkling dots in our night skies, but scientists now believe that the celestial bodies were way&nbsp;bigger earlier!</p>

<p>Scientists at the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan and the Academia Sinica Institute of Astronomy and Astrophysics (ASIAA) in Taiwan recently found that supermassive black holes situated at the centre of galaxies were actually really gigantic stars - too big for our comprehension.</p>

<p>The researchers ascertained that black holes were left behind in the aftermath of large supernovas from these supermassive stars.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/heres-why-scientists-want-to-send-millions-of-sperm-samples-to-the-moon-370339" hreflang="en">Here's why scientists want to send millions of sperm samples to the moon</a></p>

<p>Supernovas are essentially large-scale explosions that take place once the star runs out of energy and collapses into itself. Supernovas are considered the largest explosions in space. Reported first by Phys[dot]org, the team published their findings in the journal titled “Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society”.</p>

<p><strong>But how big were these stars?</strong><br />
Scientists posit that these historic stars could have been millions to billions times bigger than our sun!&nbsp;Black holes are difficult to research. Even then, there’s not much scientists know about the gigantic holes.</p>

<p>To gather evidence for this study, the researchers conducted a “radiation hydrodynamics simulation”. Based on their estimates, the team predicted that the James Webb Space Telescope will be successfully able to observe a supernova event once it launches this year.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/hubble-space-telescope-beams-back-mesmerising-image-of-a-nebula-370330" hreflang="en">Hubble Space Telescope beams back mesmerising image of a nebula!</a></p>

<p>If all goes well, then scientists may be able to understand not only the origins of these mega stars, but also of black holes as we know them today!</p>

<p>One of the researchers, Ke-Jung Chen’s earlier research posited that big stars are potentially “black hole seeds”, and are precursory to these fiery holes.</p>


Stars resemble twinkling dots in our night skies, but scientists now believe that the celestial bodies were way bigger earlier! Scientists at the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan and the Academia Sinica Institute of Astronomy and Astrophysics (ASIAA) in Taiwan recently found that supermassive black holes situated at the centre of galaxies were actually really gigantic stars - too big for our comprehension.

Stars resemble twinkling dots in our night skies, but scientists now believe that the celestial bodies were way bigger earlier! Scientists at the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan and the Academia Sinica Institute of Astronomy and Astrophysics (ASIAA) in Taiwan recently found that supermassive black holes situated at the centre of galaxies were actually really gigantic stars - too big for our comprehension. The researchers ascertained that black holes were left behind in the aftermath of large supernovas from these supermassive stars. Also read: Here's why scientists want to send millions of sperm samples to the moon Supernovas are essentially large-scale explosions that take place once the star runs out of energy and collapses into itself. Supernovas are considered the largest explosions in space. Reported first by Phys[dot]org, the team published their findings in the journal titled “Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society”. But how big were these stars? Scientists posit that these historic stars could have been millions to billions times bigger than our sun! Black holes are difficult to research. Even then, there’s not much scientists know about the gigantic holes. To gather evidence for this study, the researchers conducted a “radiation hydrodynamics simulation”. Based on their estimates, the team predicted that the James Webb Space Telescope will be successfully able to observe a supernova event once it launches this year. Also read: Hubble Space Telescope beams back mesmerising image of a nebula! If all goes well, then scientists may be able to understand not only the origins of these mega stars, but also of black holes as we know them today! One of the researchers, Ke-Jung Chen’s earlier research posited that big stars are potentially “black hole seeds”, and are precursory to these fiery holes.

Do gigantic stars from the past hold secrets to black holes? Scientists say so!

The European Space Agency has begun a recruitment drive to select next generation astronauts. Individuals with a lower limb deficiency or who have restricted growth - circumstances that have always been a bar in the past

ESA begins recruitment drive for next gen astronauts

The European Space Agency has announced its latest recruitment drive for its next generation of astronauts. Astronauts say that the program will push the boundaries of human endurance, engineering and science. WION brings you a report.

European Space Agency begins recruitment process for next generation of astronauts

<p>The claw that will clean space - no kidding!</p>

<p>Space clutter is now a hindrance in effective space exploration, and scientists are working on a quick fix. Over the last decade, new countries have entered the “Space war”, deploying satellites and technology of their own over time. However, this has clogged space, and filled it with debris.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to DailyMail, there are around 160 million pieces of space debris around planet Earth. These have been captured by our gravity, and circling around the planet at speeds of 18,000 miles per hour.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="http://13.235.153.162/science/nasa-seeking-explorers-for-mining-on-the-moon-all-nationalities-welcome-326795" hreflang="en">NASA seeking explorers for mining on the moon, all nationalities welcome</a></p>

<p>Additionally, out of these 160 million pieces, at least one million may be larger than 1 cm, posing risks of collision with satellites. Scientists worry that such debris is capable of setting a chain reaction of destruction, whereby a single damage to a single satellite could escalate into large scale global satellite technology damage.</p>

<p><b>Also read:&nbsp;</b><a href="http://13.235.153.162/science/scientists-recently-scanned-10-million-stars-for-alien-technology-what-did-they-find-326020">Scientists recently scanned 10 million stars for alien technology, what did they find?</a></p>

<p>What does this mean, you wonder? For starters, good bye GPS! In case our satellite connections are seriously severed, we will lose access to the map technology which has made navigating around the world easier. Additionally, mobile communication would be heavily disrupted, and weather forecasting interrupted.</p>

<p>2,800 satellites are currently orbiting earth. 3,000 dead satellites also orbit the Earth. Scientists and engineers have come up with a plan: A claw in space which will get hold of defunct satellites and push them back into the earth’s atmosphere. Once they enter the earth’s atmosphere, they will burn out.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/uk-is-planning-to-remove-debris-from-space-heres-why-every-country-should-be-doing-it-327976" hreflang="en">UK is planning to remove debris from space. Here's why every country should be doing it!</a></p>

<p>The European Space Agency came up with the plan in 2019, but now the agency is signing a contract with ClearSpace SA to kick start the mission called ClearSpace-1. The claw will first target VESPA (Vega Secondary Payload Adapter) which has been orbiting Earth since 2013.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The ESA is expected to contribute €86 million to the mission cost, with the rest of the money expected to be raised by ClearSpace, which intends to venture into the business of junk removal. ClearSpace SA hopes to launch its first mission in 2025.</p>


The claw that will clean space - no kidding! Space clutter is now a hindrance in effective space exploration, and scientists are working on a quick fix. Over the last decade, new countries have entered the “Space war”, deploying satellites and technology of their own over time.

The claw that will clean space - no kidding! Space clutter is now a hindrance in effective space exploration, and scientists are working on a quick fix. Over the last decade, new countries have entered the “Space war”, deploying satellites and technology of their own over time. However, this has clogged space, and filled it with debris. According to DailyMail, there are around 160 million pieces of space debris around planet Earth. These have been captured by our gravity, and circling around the planet at speeds of 18,000 miles per hour. Also read: NASA seeking explorers for mining on the moon, all nationalities welcome Additionally, out of these 160 million pieces, at least one million may be larger than 1 cm, posing risks of collision with satellites. Scientists worry that such debris is capable of setting a chain reaction of destruction, whereby a single damage to a single satellite could escalate into large scale global satellite technology damage. Also read: Scientists recently scanned 10 million stars for alien technology, what did they find? What does this mean, you wonder? For starters, good bye GPS! In case our satellite connections are seriously severed, we will lose access to the map technology which has made navigating around the world easier. Additionally, mobile communication would be heavily disrupted, and weather forecasting interrupted. 2,800 satellites are currently orbiting earth. 3,000 dead satellites also orbit the Earth. Scientists and engineers have come up with a plan: A claw in space which will get hold of defunct satellites and push them back into the earth’s atmosphere. Once they enter the earth’s atmosphere, they will burn out. Also read: UK is planning to remove debris from space. Here's why every country should be doing it! The European Space Agency came up with the plan in 2019, but now the agency is signing a contract with ClearSpace SA to kick start the mission called ClearSpace-1. The claw will first target VESPA (Vega Secondary Payload Adapter) which has been orbiting Earth since 2013. The ESA is expected to contribute €86 million to the mission cost, with the rest of the money expected to be raised by ClearSpace, which intends to venture into the business of junk removal. ClearSpace SA hopes to launch its first mission in 2025.

European Space Agency has the perfect fix for space junk - a claw!

A new probe built by NASA and the European Space Agency set off on a blazing hot journey to the sun on Sunday (February 9) to take the first close-up look at the star's polar regions, a mission expected to yield insight into how solar radiant energy affects Earth.

Solar probe embarks on unprecedented mission to map sun's polar regions

<p>The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-tiangong-1-space-lab-to-fall-to-earth-this-weekend-european-space-agency-126654">European Space Agency </a>has been forced to postpone a satellite launch scheduled for Tuesday after a problem in the launch sequence, the firm in charge of the launch said.</p>

<p>The satellite, part of an ESA programme to study planets and stars outside the solar system, had been within 90 minutes of launching from Kourou in French Guiana when the problem came up, said Arianespace.</p>

<p>"During final countdown operations for Flight VS23, the Soyuz launcher's automated sequence was interrupted at 1 hour 25 minutes before liftoff," said the statement, adding that a new launch date would be announced as soon as possible.</p>

<p>The launcher and payload were put in "a fully safe standby mode", the statement added.</p>

<p>The mission of the European Space Agency's Characterising Exoplanet Satellite (<a href="https://www.wionews.com/edge/out-of-the-world-space-expeditions-11183">CHEOPS</a>) is to study the stars where planets have already been identified.</p>

<p>It will try to understand what they are made of as part of the search to identify not just extraterrestrial life but to understand our own origins.</p>


The European Space Agency has been forced to postpone a satellite launch scheduled for Tuesday after a problem in the launch sequence, the firm in charge of the launch said.

The European Space Agency has been forced to postpone a satellite launch scheduled for Tuesday after a problem in the launch sequence, the firm in charge of the launch said. The satellite, part of an ESA programme to study planets and stars outside the solar system, had been within 90 minutes of launching from Kourou in French Guiana when the problem came up, said Arianespace. "During final countdown operations for Flight VS23, the Soyuz launcher's automated sequence was interrupted at 1 hour 25 minutes before liftoff," said the statement, adding that a new launch date would be announced as soon as possible. The launcher and payload were put in "a fully safe standby mode", the statement added. The mission of the European Space Agency's Characterising Exoplanet Satellite (CHEOPS) is to study the stars where planets have already been identified. It will try to understand what they are made of as part of the search to identify not just extraterrestrial life but to understand our own origins.

Glitch 'delays European CHEOPS satellite launch'

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