Scientists have spotted a gas "only produced by life" on a distant planet that could ultimately prove that Earth is not the only planter in this vast cosmos to host life.

Scientists have spotted a gas "only produced by life" on a distant planet that could ultimately prove that Earth is not the only planter in this vast cosmos to host life. On Friday, NASA's James Webb Telescope went on a mission towards K2-18b to probe the most tantalising hints of alien life ever. The gas dimethyl sulphide (DMS) found on K2-18b has only one source on our planet - living beings. NASA explained that it mainly comes from "phytoplankton in marine environments". Dr Nikku Madhusudhan, an astrophysicist from the University of Cambridge leading the study, recalled when his analysis showed a possible hint of DMS in the planet's atmosphere last year. He told The Times, "It was a real shock, I had sleepless nights for a week. That week, I didn't even muster the courage to break it to my team." K2-18b Specifications Discovered: 2015 Star: K2-18 Orbital Duration: 33 days Constellation: Leo Mass: 8.6 times that of Earth Radius: 2.6 times that of Earth While the researchers could say with over 50 per cent confidence that DMS was present based on the data sent by the James Webb Telescope last year, Madhusudhan said it was far from "conclusive evidence." He is "super cautious" as any previous claims of discovery of alien life, like fossils on Martian meteorites and phosphine gas in Venetian clouds, have been debunked or challenged by studies offering more plausible explanations. ALSO READ | 'Grab your popcorn', NASA just released mesmerising celestial timelapses captured by Chandra observatory What's Next? Last year, NASA revealed there was the presence of "carbon-bearing molecules including methane and carbon dioxide" on K2-18b. These findings come after the previous discovery that the planet could be a "Hycean exoplanet," meaning it has the potential to possess a hydrogen-rich atmosphere and an ocean-covered surface. Madhusudhan said, "Our findings underscore the importance of considering diverse habitable environments in the search for life elsewhere. Traditionally, the search for life on exoplanets has focused primarily on smaller rocky planets, but the larger Hycean worlds are significantly more conducive to atmospheric observations." However, space enthusiasts will have to wait four to six months for the results while the "theoretical work" on the source of DMS continues. Madhusudhan said, "If we do detect DMS [on K2-18b] it does put it basically at the top for potential signs of habitability." "If you confirm the presence of life, whether or not through DMS, on any exoplanet that’s going to revolutionise scientific history," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

An Earth-like planet? Tantalising proof of life on THIS exoplanet has scientists in 'shock'

Decades can sometimes pass in the blink of an eye, or about 20 seconds. NASA has released two dramatic time-lapses of two of the most famous objects in the sky, compressing 20 years into just 20 seconds.

The time-lapses are of Cassiopeia A and the Crab Nebula, both leftovers of massive stars going supernova in our galaxy.

<h2>'Grab your popcorn' for the mesmerising time-lapse videos</h2>

NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory recorded the mesmerising time-lapse videos. Posting them on social media, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) wrote: "Grab your popcorn".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/hubble-space-telescope-temporarily-goes-off-duty-as-key-device-provides-faulty-reading-715992">Hubble space telescope temporarily goes off duty as key device provides faulty&nbsp;reading</a>

Watch the gorgeous videos here:

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Grab your popcorn 🍿 <a href="https://twitter.com/chandraxray?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@chandraxray</a> has released new timelapses of the Crab Nebula and Cassiopeia A! 
 
Each video includes X-ray data collected by Chandra over about two decades, showing dramatic changes from these two supernova remnants. 
 
READ MORE &gt;&gt; <a href="https://t.co/jeEbIVKjHn">https://t.co/jeEbIVKjHn</a> <a href="https://t.co/Np7MsTZD1B">pic.twitter.com/Np7MsTZD1B</a>
— NASA Marshall (@NASA_Marshall) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASA_Marshall/status/1783197244528681102?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 24, 2024</a></blockquote>
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The Crab Nebula, as per NASA, was born from a supernova seen by Chinese astronomers and witnessed globally nearly a thousand years ago in 1054.&nbsp;

"At its centre is a neutron star, a super-dense star produced by the supernova. As it rotates at about 30 times per second, its beam of radiation passes over the Earth every orbit, like a cosmic lighthouse," explains NASA.

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Chandra has been closely monitoring them from 2000 to 2022. This ongoing study is set to continue later this year.

On the other hand, Cassiopeia A (Cas A) is a younger supernova remnant, estimated to have exploded about 340 years ago.&nbsp;

Chandra has been observing it for years. The time-lapse features data from 2000 to 2019. Chandra's discovery of a neutron star at the heart of Cassiopeia A shortly after its 1999 launch has been crucial in deepening our understanding of how stars explode and form neutron stars or pulsars.

<h2>Scientists race to save Chandra</h2>

These gorgeous time-lapses come as the craft which was launched in 1999 becomes the subject of pay cuts that X-ray astronomers in the US contend would effectively mean the end of the mission.

NASA claims that the craft "has been degrading over its mission lifetime to the extent that several systems require active management…increasing management costs beyond what NASA can afford." However, researchers contend that Chandra "has plenty of life left in it."

(With inputs from agencies)

Decades can sometimes pass in the blink of an eye, or about 20 seconds. NASA has released two dramatic time-lapses of two of the most famous objects in the sky, compressing 20 years into just 20 seconds.

Decades can sometimes pass in the blink of an eye, or about 20 seconds. NASA has released two dramatic time-lapses of two of the most famous objects in the sky, compressing 20 years into just 20 seconds. The time-lapses are of Cassiopeia A and the Crab Nebula, both leftovers of massive stars going supernova in our galaxy. 'Grab your popcorn' for the mesmerising time-lapse videos NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory recorded the mesmerising time-lapse videos. Posting them on social media, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) wrote: "Grab your popcorn". Also read | Hubble space telescope temporarily goes off duty as key device provides faulty reading Watch the gorgeous videos here: Grab your popcorn 🍿 @chandraxray has released new timelapses of the Crab Nebula and Cassiopeia A! Each video includes X-ray data collected by Chandra over about two decades, showing dramatic changes from these two supernova remnants. READ MORE >> https://t.co/jeEbIVKjHn pic.twitter.com/Np7MsTZD1B — NASA Marshall (@NASA_Marshall) April 24, 2024 × The Crab Nebula, as per NASA, was born from a supernova seen by Chinese astronomers and witnessed globally nearly a thousand years ago in 1054. "At its centre is a neutron star, a super-dense star produced by the supernova. As it rotates at about 30 times per second, its beam of radiation passes over the Earth every orbit, like a cosmic lighthouse," explains NASA. Also read | 'Vampire facials' lead to women catching HIV; CDC reports cases of transmission via cosmetic procedures Chandra has been closely monitoring them from 2000 to 2022. This ongoing study is set to continue later this year. On the other hand, Cassiopeia A (Cas A) is a younger supernova remnant, estimated to have exploded about 340 years ago. Chandra has been observing it for years. The time-lapse features data from 2000 to 2019. Chandra's discovery of a neutron star at the heart of Cassiopeia A shortly after its 1999 launch has been crucial in deepening our understanding of how stars explode and form neutron stars or pulsars. Scientists race to save Chandra These gorgeous time-lapses come as the craft which was launched in 1999 becomes the subject of pay cuts that X-ray astronomers in the US contend would effectively mean the end of the mission. NASA claims that the craft "has been degrading over its mission lifetime to the extent that several systems require active management…increasing management costs beyond what NASA can afford." However, researchers contend that Chandra "has plenty of life left in it." (With inputs from agencies)

'Grab your popcorn', NASA just released mesmerising Nebula timelapses captured by Chandra observatory

After five months of radio silence, National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) Voyager 1 probe is back from the dead.&nbsp;

In a stellar display of problem-solving, a team of mission engineers have devised a workaround to a key computer chip whose failure led the 46-year-old spacecraft to only beam back an indecipherable repeating pattern of code.

<h2>Beaming gibberish</h2>

Since November last year, Voyager 1's flight data system had been stuck in a loop. The spacecraft, which is currently around 15 billion miles away from earth, began sending gibberish that NASA could not decipher. The data received was unusable, and the scientists were unable to determine Voyager 1's health status.

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Months later, in March, the Voyager engineering team at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California confirmed that the "issue was tied to one of the spacecraft's three onboard computers, called the flight data subsystem (FDS)."

"The FDS is responsible for packaging the science and engineering data before it's sent to Earth," reports NASA.

They found that a single chip responsible for storing a portion of the FDS memory wasn't working.

Now, NASA scientists have devised an audacious workaround the ageing spacecraft's faulty chip — they rewrote the corrupted software from scratch and relocated it piecemeal into unaffected areas of the probe's computer memory.

<h2>How did they do it?</h2>

The team started their journey towards finding a possible solution by "singling out the code responsible for packaging the spacecraft's engineering data," and sending "it to its new location in the FDS memory on April 18."

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According to NASA, "a radio signal takes about 22 ½ hours to reach Voyager 1, which is over 15 billion miles (24 billion kilometres) from Earth, and another 22 ½ hours for a signal to come back to Earth."

"When the mission flight team heard back from the spacecraft on April 20, they saw that the modification worked: For the first time in five months, they have been able to check the health and status of the spacecraft," added the space agency.

Although old, Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 are one of humanity's greatest achievements. The twin voyager spacecraft "are the longest-running and most distant spacecraft in history."

(With inputs from agencies)

After five months of radio silence, National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) Voyager 1 probe is back from the dead. In a stellar display of problem-solving, a team of mission engineers have devised a workaround to a key computer chip whose failure led the 46-year-old spacecraft to only beam back an indecipherable repeating pattern of code.

After five months of radio silence, National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) Voyager 1 probe is back from the dead. In a stellar display of problem-solving, a team of mission engineers have devised a workaround to a key computer chip whose failure led the 46-year-old spacecraft to only beam back an indecipherable repeating pattern of code. Beaming gibberish Since November last year, Voyager 1's flight data system had been stuck in a loop. The spacecraft, which is currently around 15 billion miles away from earth, began sending gibberish that NASA could not decipher. The data received was unusable, and the scientists were unable to determine Voyager 1's health status. Also read | Scientists believe Uranus and Neptune are 'ice giants,' but a new study hints at something else Months later, in March, the Voyager engineering team at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California confirmed that the "issue was tied to one of the spacecraft's three onboard computers, called the flight data subsystem (FDS)." "The FDS is responsible for packaging the science and engineering data before it's sent to Earth," reports NASA. They found that a single chip responsible for storing a portion of the FDS memory wasn't working. Now, NASA scientists have devised an audacious workaround the ageing spacecraft's faulty chip — they rewrote the corrupted software from scratch and relocated it piecemeal into unaffected areas of the probe's computer memory. How did they do it? The team started their journey towards finding a possible solution by "singling out the code responsible for packaging the spacecraft's engineering data," and sending "it to its new location in the FDS memory on April 18." Also read | Nature’s grand theatre: Volcanic eruption and northern lights create stunning visuals in Iceland. Watch! According to NASA, "a radio signal takes about 22 ½ hours to reach Voyager 1, which is over 15 billion miles (24 billion kilometres) from Earth, and another 22 ½ hours for a signal to come back to Earth." "When the mission flight team heard back from the spacecraft on April 20, they saw that the modification worked: For the first time in five months, they have been able to check the health and status of the spacecraft," added the space agency. Although old, Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 are one of humanity's greatest achievements. The twin voyager spacecraft "are the longest-running and most distant spacecraft in history." (With inputs from agencies)

Voyager 1 ends 'radio silence' thanks to NASA's software repair 15 billion miles away from Earth

In the 1980s, NASA's Voyager made a flyby past Uranus and Neptune and helped scientists conclude that the two planets are rich in frozen water.

Now, a new study has suggested that these planets may also contain substantial amounts of methane ice, which could help solve the puzzle of how they were formed.

<h2>Mystery in space</h2>

Uranus and Neptune have been a source of mystery due to their remote locations and the limited data available

Astronomers have developed models based on these observations, proposing that the planets have a thin hydrogen and helium envelope, a layer of compressed superionic water and ammonia, and a rocky core, with the water component giving them their "ice giant" designation.

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However, the new study challenges this view by considering the formation process of Uranus and Neptune. As these planets took shape from the primordial dust cloud around the young sun, they would have gobbled up planetesimals — objects similar to present-day comets, reports space.com.&nbsp;

These planetesimals are believed to be carbon-rich, unlike the assumed water-rich building blocks in current models.

So "How is it possible to form an icy giant from ice-poor building blocks?" asks planetary scientist at Technion–Israel Institute of Technology Uri Malamud, the study's lead author.

To address this discrepancy, the researchers constructed hundreds of thousands of models of Uranus and Neptune's interiors, considering various compositions including iron, water, and methane. They found that models incorporating methane, either as solid chunks or in a mushy state under extreme pressure, best matched the planets' observed traits.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/tiny-moon-big-ocean-this-is-how-a-huge-ocean-was-created-on-saturns-death-star-moon-mimas-712562">Tiny moon, big ocean: THIS is how a huge ocean was created on Saturn's 'Death Star' moon Mimas</a>

The presence of methane could help resolve the paradox of how these "ice giants" formed. The scientists propose that the methane ice formed when hydrogen in the growing planets reacted chemically with the carbon in the accreted planetesimals, under the intense heat and pressure that would have been prevalent in the developing planets.

While the study sheds light on the potential composition of Uranus and Neptune, verifying the presence of methane would be challenging, said Malamud. They hope that future missions, such as those proposed by NASA, could provide further insights into these enigmatic planets and help confirm the findings of this study.

(With inputs from agencies)

In the 1980s, NASA's Voyager made a flyby past Uranus and Neptune and helped scientists conclude that the two planets are rich in frozen water. Now, a new study has suggested that these planets may also contain substantial amounts of methane ice, which could help solve the puzzle of how they were formed.

In the 1980s, NASA's Voyager made a flyby past Uranus and Neptune and helped scientists conclude that the two planets are rich in frozen water. Now, a new study has suggested that these planets may also contain substantial amounts of methane ice, which could help solve the puzzle of how they were formed. Mystery in space Uranus and Neptune have been a source of mystery due to their remote locations and the limited data available Astronomers have developed models based on these observations, proposing that the planets have a thin hydrogen and helium envelope, a layer of compressed superionic water and ammonia, and a rocky core, with the water component giving them their "ice giant" designation. Also read | NASA's Juno captures closest views of erupting volcanoes on Jupiter's moon Io. Watch! However, the new study challenges this view by considering the formation process of Uranus and Neptune. As these planets took shape from the primordial dust cloud around the young sun, they would have gobbled up planetesimals — objects similar to present-day comets, reports space.com. These planetesimals are believed to be carbon-rich, unlike the assumed water-rich building blocks in current models. So "How is it possible to form an icy giant from ice-poor building blocks?" asks planetary scientist at Technion–Israel Institute of Technology Uri Malamud, the study's lead author. To address this discrepancy, the researchers constructed hundreds of thousands of models of Uranus and Neptune's interiors, considering various compositions including iron, water, and methane. They found that models incorporating methane, either as solid chunks or in a mushy state under extreme pressure, best matched the planets' observed traits. Also read | Tiny moon, big ocean: THIS is how a huge ocean was created on Saturn's 'Death Star' moon Mimas The presence of methane could help resolve the paradox of how these "ice giants" formed. The scientists propose that the methane ice formed when hydrogen in the growing planets reacted chemically with the carbon in the accreted planetesimals, under the intense heat and pressure that would have been prevalent in the developing planets. While the study sheds light on the potential composition of Uranus and Neptune, verifying the presence of methane would be challenging, said Malamud. They hope that future missions, such as those proposed by NASA, could provide further insights into these enigmatic planets and help confirm the findings of this study. (With inputs from agencies)

Scientists believe Uranus and Neptune are 'ice giants,' but a new study hints at something else

Earlier this year, a team of researchers had discovered that hiding beneath the surface of Saturn's icy moon Mimas was a huge ocean, accounting for almost half its volume. Now, the same team may have identified how the huge water body was created.

<h2>Creation of an ocean</h2>

New research published in the journal Planetary Science Letters suggests that the ocean may have something to do with how Mimas orbits around Saturn.

Researchers speculate that Mimas, which currently has a thin icy shell, once had a thick frozen exterior. However, as the moon's orbit around the ringed planet became less flattened or "eccentric" due to Saturn's pull, the icy shell melted and thinned.

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This, the researchers say, around two to 25 million years ago created a vast subsurface ocean, which is relatively young for a solar system feature.&nbsp;

"In our previous work, we found that for Mimas to be an ocean world today, it must have had a much thicker icy shell in the past. But because Mimas' eccentricity would have been even higher in the past, the pathway to get from thick ice to thinner ice was less clear," said the research team leader Matthew E. Walker in a statement.

"In this work, we showed that there is a pathway for the ice shell to be thinning currently, even as the eccentricity is dropping due to tidal heating. However, the ocean must be very young, geologically speaking," added Walker, who's a senior scientist at the Planetary Science Institute.

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The moon nicknamed 'death star' due to the Herschel crater, which gives it an appearance resembling the Empire's moon-sized space station in Star Wars, has a diameter of just around 148 miles (238.18 kilometres). This means it is around eight times smaller than Earth's moon, which has a diameter of 2,159 miles (3,474.57 kilometres).&nbsp;

Its ocean is located around 20 to 30 kilometres beneath the ice crust surface and is estimated to be 40 to 45 kilometres deep, thereby accounting for as much as half of Mimas' volume.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Earlier this year, a team of researchers had discovered that hiding beneath the surface of Saturn's icy moon Mimas was a huge ocean, accounting for almost half its volume.

Earlier this year, a team of researchers had discovered that hiding beneath the surface of Saturn's icy moon Mimas was a huge ocean, accounting for almost half its volume. Now, the same team may have identified how the huge water body was created. Creation of an ocean New research published in the journal Planetary Science Letters suggests that the ocean may have something to do with how Mimas orbits around Saturn. Researchers speculate that Mimas, which currently has a thin icy shell, once had a thick frozen exterior. However, as the moon's orbit around the ringed planet became less flattened or "eccentric" due to Saturn's pull, the icy shell melted and thinned. Also read | NASA's Juno captures closest views of erupting volcanoes on Jupiter's moon Io. Watch! This, the researchers say, around two to 25 million years ago created a vast subsurface ocean, which is relatively young for a solar system feature. "In our previous work, we found that for Mimas to be an ocean world today, it must have had a much thicker icy shell in the past. But because Mimas' eccentricity would have been even higher in the past, the pathway to get from thick ice to thinner ice was less clear," said the research team leader Matthew E. Walker in a statement. "In this work, we showed that there is a pathway for the ice shell to be thinning currently, even as the eccentricity is dropping due to tidal heating. However, the ocean must be very young, geologically speaking," added Walker, who's a senior scientist at the Planetary Science Institute. Also read | Ancient humans lived in THIS vast lava tube in Saudi Arabia 7,000 years ago The moon nicknamed 'death star' due to the Herschel crater, which gives it an appearance resembling the Empire's moon-sized space station in Star Wars, has a diameter of just around 148 miles (238.18 kilometres). This means it is around eight times smaller than Earth's moon, which has a diameter of 2,159 miles (3,474.57 kilometres). Its ocean is located around 20 to 30 kilometres beneath the ice crust surface and is estimated to be 40 to 45 kilometres deep, thereby accounting for as much as half of Mimas' volume. (With inputs from agencies)

Tiny moon, big ocean: THIS is how a huge ocean was created on Saturn's 'Death Star' moon Mimas

A conference of leading cosmologists at London's Royal Society is set to challenge the conventional view that the universe is a vast, evenly speckled expanse with no notable features. This view, a fundamental pillar of the standard model of cosmology, has been the basis for understanding the Big Bang and the evolution of the universe over the past 13.7 billion years.

<h2>What if we're wrong?</h2>

This week, some of the world's leading cosmologists will come together at the Royal Society in London&nbsp;to evaluate the important question: what if this basic assumption is wrong?

The meeting will last two days, from April 15th (Monday) to April 16th&nbsp;(Tuesday).

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Cosmologist Prof Subir Sarkar of the University of Oxford, a co-organiser of the meeting, as per the Guardian said that recent high-profile astronomical observations have cast doubt on this basic assumption of uniformity across the universe.

These observations include evidence suggesting that the universe is expanding more quickly in some regions than others. It also hints at megastructures in the night sky, and cosmic flows - vast celestial rivers of material that challenge conventional theories.

"We are, in cosmology, using a model that was first formulated in 1922," said Sarkar, adding that it is so deeply ingrained that it is treated as "the religion".

"We have great data, but the theoretical basis is past its sell-by date. More and more people are saying the same thing and these are respected astronomers," he added.

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One finding presented at the conference by Dr Nathan Secrest of the US Naval Observatory suggests that the universe may be slightly lopsided. Analysing a catalogue of over 1 million quasars (extremely luminous galactic cores), his team found that one hemisphere of the sky appeared to host roughly 0.5 per cent more sources than the other.

If confirmed, this discrepancy could undermine the basis for dark energy, which is supposed to be the dominant component of the universe.

"It would mean that two-thirds of the universe has just disappeared," remarked Sarkar.

<h2>The expanding&nbsp;universe </h2>

Dr Konstantinos Migkas of Leiden University will also share findings that the rate at which the universe is expanding, known as the Hubble constant, appears to vary across space. This suggests that observations do not match predictions of the standard model at a local scale, adding "another problematic piece to the puzzle," said Migkas.

PhD student Alexia Lopez of the University of Central Lancashire has discovered cosmic megastructures, named Big Ring and Giant Arc, traced out by galaxies and galaxy clusters on a scale beyond which the universe should be smooth and featureless. These structures challenge the assumption that the universe is homogeneous on large scales.

"When we're finding a list of structures that are exceeding this scale, are they challenging this assumption that is so fundamental in cosmology?"&nbsp;

"Maybe there needs to be more of a critical analysis of our standard model," said Lopez.&nbsp;

However, some scientists, like Prof George Efstathiou of the University of Cambridge, remain sceptical of these findings. At the conference, he will present his take to the scientific community. He said that while people accuse him of defending the model "they don't realise is how much time I’ve spent trying to disprove it. I completely disagree that's there’s some kind of groupthink."

As Prof Wendy Freeman, presenting new findings from the James Webb Space Telescope, puts it, there are "tantalising threads at varying levels of significance" that require further exploration to understand where, "if at all, the standard model breaks down."

(With inputs from agencies)

A conference of leading cosmologists at London's Royal Society is set to challenge the conventional view that the universe is a vast, evenly speckled expanse with no notable features.

A conference of leading cosmologists at London's Royal Society is set to challenge the conventional view that the universe is a vast, evenly speckled expanse with no notable features. This view, a fundamental pillar of the standard model of cosmology, has been the basis for understanding the Big Bang and the evolution of the universe over the past 13.7 billion years. What if we're wrong? This week, some of the world's leading cosmologists will come together at the Royal Society in London to evaluate the important question: what if this basic assumption is wrong? The meeting will last two days, from April 15th (Monday) to April 16th (Tuesday). Also read | US Space Force readies for first-of-its-kind military exercise in Earth orbit Cosmologist Prof Subir Sarkar of the University of Oxford, a co-organiser of the meeting, as per the Guardian said that recent high-profile astronomical observations have cast doubt on this basic assumption of uniformity across the universe. These observations include evidence suggesting that the universe is expanding more quickly in some regions than others. It also hints at megastructures in the night sky, and cosmic flows - vast celestial rivers of material that challenge conventional theories. "We are, in cosmology, using a model that was first formulated in 1922," said Sarkar, adding that it is so deeply ingrained that it is treated as "the religion". "We have great data, but the theoretical basis is past its sell-by date. More and more people are saying the same thing and these are respected astronomers," he added. Also read | Giant kangaroo, double the size of animals we know today once 'hopped' across Australia: Study One finding presented at the conference by Dr Nathan Secrest of the US Naval Observatory suggests that the universe may be slightly lopsided. Analysing a catalogue of over 1 million quasars (extremely luminous galactic cores), his team found that one hemisphere of the sky appeared to host roughly 0.5 per cent more sources than the other. If confirmed, this discrepancy could undermine the basis for dark energy, which is supposed to be the dominant component of the universe. "It would mean that two-thirds of the universe has just disappeared," remarked Sarkar. The expanding universe Dr Konstantinos Migkas of Leiden University will also share findings that the rate at which the universe is expanding, known as the Hubble constant, appears to vary across space. This suggests that observations do not match predictions of the standard model at a local scale, adding "another problematic piece to the puzzle," said Migkas. PhD student Alexia Lopez of the University of Central Lancashire has discovered cosmic megastructures, named Big Ring and Giant Arc, traced out by galaxies and galaxy clusters on a scale beyond which the universe should be smooth and featureless. These structures challenge the assumption that the universe is homogeneous on large scales. "When we're finding a list of structures that are exceeding this scale, are they challenging this assumption that is so fundamental in cosmology?" "Maybe there needs to be more of a critical analysis of our standard model," said Lopez. However, some scientists, like Prof George Efstathiou of the University of Cambridge, remain sceptical of these findings. At the conference, he will present his take to the scientific community. He said that while people accuse him of defending the model "they don't realise is how much time I’ve spent trying to disprove it. I completely disagree that's there’s some kind of groupthink." As Prof Wendy Freeman, presenting new findings from the James Webb Space Telescope, puts it, there are "tantalising threads at varying levels of significance" that require further exploration to understand where, "if at all, the standard model breaks down." (With inputs from agencies)

More complex than we thought? Cosmologists set to question the standards of how we view the universe

Scientists at a leading gravitational wave observatory detected a mysterious signal with chilling origins. As per reports, the signal has its origins in the collision between a star corpse and an unknown object.

<h2>Star corpse?</h2>

Yes, star corpse, or better known as the stellar remnant of a neuron star. It is what's left when a massive star collapses, leaving behind only a dense core.&nbsp;

One of the densest objects in the universe, Neutron stars are less dense than black holes, which have gravity so strong that even light cannot escape.

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The signal, which was named GW230529_181500, as per Gizmodo, travelled 650 million light-years to reach Earth. It was picked up by the LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA Collaboration, a network of observatories, last year. This was, in May 2023, just after it resumed its operations following upgrades to improve sensitivity.&nbsp;

While researchers have identified one object in the collision as likely being a neutron star, the other much object was more massive than any known neutron star, suggesting it could be a small black hole. However, the team will further scrutinise the collision to find out what it exactly is.&nbsp;

This unknown object fills the "mass gap" between the heaviest neutron stars and the lightest black holes. A paper describing the findings has been posted on the LIGO website.

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In a release Jess McIver, an astronomer at the University of British Columbia and Deputy Spokesperson of the LIGO Scientific Collaboration said that the detection "reveals that there may be a higher rate of similar collisions between neutron stars and low-mass black holes than we previously thought."

As per the report, only one other merger involving an object in this mass range has been observed before, known as GW190814.

There's a lot to look forward to. The LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA Collaboration is preparing for its fourth observing run, scheduled to start on April 10, 2023, and run until February 2025. During this time, they expect to observe more than 200 gravitational wave signals.

(With inputs from agencies)

Scientists at a leading gravitational wave observatory detected a mysterious signal with chilling origins. As per reports, the signal has its origins in the collision between a star corpse and an unknown object.

Scientists at a leading gravitational wave observatory detected a mysterious signal with chilling origins. As per reports, the signal has its origins in the collision between a star corpse and an unknown object. Star corpse? Yes, star corpse, or better known as the stellar remnant of a neuron star. It is what's left when a massive star collapses, leaving behind only a dense core. One of the densest objects in the universe, Neutron stars are less dense than black holes, which have gravity so strong that even light cannot escape. Also read | Glory effect: Rare rainbow-like rings observed on a planet outside our solar system The signal, which was named GW230529_181500, as per Gizmodo, travelled 650 million light-years to reach Earth. It was picked up by the LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA Collaboration, a network of observatories, last year. This was, in May 2023, just after it resumed its operations following upgrades to improve sensitivity. While researchers have identified one object in the collision as likely being a neutron star, the other much object was more massive than any known neutron star, suggesting it could be a small black hole. However, the team will further scrutinise the collision to find out what it exactly is. This unknown object fills the "mass gap" between the heaviest neutron stars and the lightest black holes. A paper describing the findings has been posted on the LIGO website. Also read | Groundbreaking study reveals how to cut cost of prostate cancer scans by half In a release Jess McIver, an astronomer at the University of British Columbia and Deputy Spokesperson of the LIGO Scientific Collaboration said that the detection "reveals that there may be a higher rate of similar collisions between neutron stars and low-mass black holes than we previously thought." As per the report, only one other merger involving an object in this mass range has been observed before, known as GW190814. There's a lot to look forward to. The LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA Collaboration is preparing for its fourth observing run, scheduled to start on April 10, 2023, and run until February 2025. During this time, they expect to observe more than 200 gravitational wave signals. (With inputs from agencies)

Travelling 650 million light-years, a mysterious signal possibly from a star corpse has reached Earth

NASA's cutting-edge James Webb Space Telescope has once again helped humanity unveil cosmic wonders beyond our imagination. Following up on the work of NASA's infrared Spitzer Space Telescope, Webb has now found an Earth-like planet that emits light.

Now, if you're wondering why this is groundbreaking, the answer is a simple one: this is the first time any light has been detected as being emitted from another planet outside of our solar system.

<h2>First such find</h2>

In a statement, NASA said, "This is the first detection of any form of light emitted by an exoplanet as small and as cool as the rocky planets in our own solar system."

"The result marks an important step in determining whether planets orbiting small active stars like TRAPPIST-1 can sustain atmospheres needed to support life."

"It also bodes well for Webb's ability to characterise temperate, Earth-sized exoplanets using MIRI," added the American space agency.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/mars-may-have-hosted-life-for-millions-of-years-longer-than-previously-thought-706772">Mars may have hosted life for millions of years longer than previously thought</a>

Thomas Greene, an astrophysicist at NASA's Ames Research Center, emphasised the significance of these observations, and said: "These observations really take advantage of Webb’s mid-infrared capability."

"No previous telescopes have had the sensitivity to measure such dim mid-infrared light," he added, lauding the findings published in the journal Nature.

&nbsp;

<h2>TRAPPIST-1 b</h2>

The planet in question is called 'TRAPPIST-1 b' and it shares Earth's composition. It is also roughly the same size as our planet.&nbsp;

The researchers, as per the ESA Webb website, employed secondary eclipse photometry, a technique using the Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI)&nbsp;to measure changes in brightness as the planet moved behind its star. It found that while TRAPPIST-1 b does not emit visible light, it does emit infrared light.&nbsp;

However, as per a LAD bible report, the planet is missing an atmosphere and thus cannot support life.

"Previous observations of TRAPPIST-1 b with the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope, as well as NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope, found no evidence for a puffy atmosphere, but were not able to rule out a dense one," says the WSA Webb website.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-announce-new-world-record-of-artificial-sun-at-100-million-degrees-706852">Scientists announce new world record of ‘artificial sun’ at 100 million degrees Celsius</a>

As per Pierre-Olivier Lagage from CEA, a co-author on the paper, "This planet is tidally locked, with one side facing the star at all times and the other in permanent darkness."

"If it has an atmosphere to circulate and redistribute the heat, the dayside will be cooler than if there is no atmosphere," said Lagage.

The planet which gets about four times the amount of energy that Earth gets from the Sun has a dayside temperature of around 500 kelvins, or 230 degrees Celsius — not an ideal temperature for life.

(With inputs from agencies)

NASA's cutting-edge James Webb Space Telescope has once again helped humanity unveil cosmic wonders beyond our imagination. Following up on the work of NASA's infrared Spitzer Space Telescope, Webb has now found an Earth-like planet that emits light.

NASA's cutting-edge James Webb Space Telescope has once again helped humanity unveil cosmic wonders beyond our imagination. Following up on the work of NASA's infrared Spitzer Space Telescope, Webb has now found an Earth-like planet that emits light. Now, if you're wondering why this is groundbreaking, the answer is a simple one: this is the first time any light has been detected as being emitted from another planet outside of our solar system. First such find In a statement, NASA said, "This is the first detection of any form of light emitted by an exoplanet as small and as cool as the rocky planets in our own solar system." "The result marks an important step in determining whether planets orbiting small active stars like TRAPPIST-1 can sustain atmospheres needed to support life." "It also bodes well for Webb's ability to characterise temperate, Earth-sized exoplanets using MIRI," added the American space agency. Also read | Mars may have hosted life for millions of years longer than previously thought Thomas Greene, an astrophysicist at NASA's Ames Research Center, emphasised the significance of these observations, and said: "These observations really take advantage of Webb’s mid-infrared capability." "No previous telescopes have had the sensitivity to measure such dim mid-infrared light," he added, lauding the findings published in the journal Nature. TRAPPIST-1 b The planet in question is called 'TRAPPIST-1 b' and it shares Earth's composition. It is also roughly the same size as our planet. The researchers, as per the ESA Webb website, employed secondary eclipse photometry, a technique using the Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI) to measure changes in brightness as the planet moved behind its star. It found that while TRAPPIST-1 b does not emit visible light, it does emit infrared light. However, as per a LAD bible report, the planet is missing an atmosphere and thus cannot support life. "Previous observations of TRAPPIST-1 b with the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope, as well as NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope, found no evidence for a puffy atmosphere, but were not able to rule out a dense one," says the WSA Webb website. Also read | Scientists announce new world record of ‘artificial sun’ at 100 million degrees Celsius As per Pierre-Olivier Lagage from CEA, a co-author on the paper, "This planet is tidally locked, with one side facing the star at all times and the other in permanent darkness." "If it has an atmosphere to circulate and redistribute the heat, the dayside will be cooler than if there is no atmosphere," said Lagage. The planet which gets about four times the amount of energy that Earth gets from the Sun has a dayside temperature of around 500 kelvins, or 230 degrees Celsius — not an ideal temperature for life. (With inputs from agencies)

James Webb Telescope spots extraterrestrial light outside our solar system. Here's what NASA has to say

Water on Mars: Mars may have hosted life for much longer than once believed, according to scientists. How much longer? Its habitable period might actually have been longer by millions of years.

<h2>Water on Mars</h2>

In its ancient past, Mars boasted oceans, lakes, and rivers, painting a picture reminiscent of early Earth during the solar system's infancy.

As per estimates, the gradually changing climate rendered the red planet barren, as we know it today.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/martians-wanted-nasa-is-looking-for-volunteers-to-live-in-a-mars-simulator-for-a-year-692066">‘Martians wanted’: NASA is looking for volunteers to live in a Mars simulator for a year</a>

Competing theories exist regarding the disappearance of Martian water. Some propose it evaporated into space as the planet's atmosphere thinned, while others suggest it became trapped within the planet's crust, forming an icy permafrost layer.

Traditionally, scientists thought Mars lost its water during the Hesperian period, about 3.7 to 2.9 billion years ago. However, recent findings propose water may have persisted until the late Hesperian period.

However, a research team by the UK's Imperial College has now found signs that water was abundant in a 154&nbsp;km-diameter basin just south of Mars' equator called Gale Crater. According to them, Mars had water "long after the planet was thought to have become dry and inhospitable."

<h2>Why does water on Mars matter?</h2>

The findings, as per the researchers, "have implications for our understanding of Mars' changing climate, as well as where we now look for signs of habitability."&nbsp;

Using data from the Curiosity rover's exploration, researchers spotted deformed layers in Mars' desert sandstone, which they say "could only have been formed by water".&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-curiosity-rover-finds-evidence-mars-was-once-a-planet-of-rivers-651444">Life on Mars? Curiosity rover discovers that it was once a 'planet of rivers'</a>

Dr Steven Banham, the lead author of the study&nbsp;published in Geology, noted that "the sandstone revealed that water was probably abundant more recently, and for longer than previously thought—but by which process did the water leave these clues? "

"This water might have been pressurised liquid, forced into and deforming the sediment; frozen, with the repeat freezing and thawing process causing the deformation; or briny, and subject to large temperature swings."

"What's clear is that behind each of these potential ways to deform this sandstone, water is the common link," he noted.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Water on Mars: Mars may have hosted life for much longer than once believed, according to scientists. How much longer? Its habitable period might actually have been longer by millions of years.

Water on Mars: Mars may have hosted life for much longer than once believed, according to scientists. How much longer? Its habitable period might actually have been longer by millions of years. Water on Mars In its ancient past, Mars boasted oceans, lakes, and rivers, painting a picture reminiscent of early Earth during the solar system's infancy. As per estimates, the gradually changing climate rendered the red planet barren, as we know it today. Also read | ‘Martians wanted’: NASA is looking for volunteers to live in a Mars simulator for a year Competing theories exist regarding the disappearance of Martian water. Some propose it evaporated into space as the planet's atmosphere thinned, while others suggest it became trapped within the planet's crust, forming an icy permafrost layer. Traditionally, scientists thought Mars lost its water during the Hesperian period, about 3.7 to 2.9 billion years ago. However, recent findings propose water may have persisted until the late Hesperian period. However, a research team by the UK's Imperial College has now found signs that water was abundant in a 154 km-diameter basin just south of Mars' equator called Gale Crater. According to them, Mars had water "long after the planet was thought to have become dry and inhospitable." Why does water on Mars matter? The findings, as per the researchers, "have implications for our understanding of Mars' changing climate, as well as where we now look for signs of habitability." Using data from the Curiosity rover's exploration, researchers spotted deformed layers in Mars' desert sandstone, which they say "could only have been formed by water". Also read | Life on Mars? Curiosity rover discovers that it was once a 'planet of rivers' Dr Steven Banham, the lead author of the study published in Geology, noted that "the sandstone revealed that water was probably abundant more recently, and for longer than previously thought—but by which process did the water leave these clues? " "This water might have been pressurised liquid, forced into and deforming the sediment; frozen, with the repeat freezing and thawing process causing the deformation; or briny, and subject to large temperature swings." "What's clear is that behind each of these potential ways to deform this sandstone, water is the common link," he noted. (With inputs from agencies)

Mars may have hosted life for millions of years longer than previously thought

In a groundbreaking discovery, astronomers utilising NASA's James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) have detected a distant exoplanet potentially cloaked entirely by a vast ocean of water. This finding marks a significant leap in the exploration of habitable conditions beyond Earth.

The observations, facilitated by the JWST, unveiled the presence of water vapour along with chemical signatures of methane and carbon dioxide within the atmosphere of the exoplanet.

Researchers from the University of Cambridge suggested that this chemical composition indicates a 'water world' scenario where the ocean blankets the entire surface, coupled with a hydrogen-rich atmosphere.

Professor Nikku Madhusudhan, leading the analysis, speculated on the extreme conditions of the exoplanet's ocean, stating, "The ocean could be upwards of 100 degrees [Celsius] or more." However, the habitability of such an environment remains uncertain.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-discover-a-snake-like-amphibian-that-produces-milk-for-its-young-698014">Scientists discover a snake-like amphibian that produces milk for its young</a>

Debates arise from a Canadian team's additional observations of the same exoplanet, challenging the proposed scenario.

They argue that the planet's temperature might be too high for liquid water to exist, estimating it could reach a staggering 4,000 degrees Celsius.

<h2>Habitable?</h2>

By analysing starlight filtered through exoplanet atmospheres, astronomers can discern detailed chemical compositions, shedding light on potential habitability.

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The absence of ammonia in the atmosphere of TOI-270 d supports the 'hycean world' hypothesis, suggesting an ocean beneath a hydrogen-rich atmosphere. However, further observations are needed to ascertain the abundance of water vapour and clarify the likelihood of an oceanic expanse.

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Dr. Jo Barstow of the Open University expressed excitement over the discovery, saying, "Spectra of these small planets with JWST are really exciting because these are brand new environments for which we have no solar system equivalent."&nbsp;

While the search for extraterrestrial life remains ongoing, scientists caution against premature conclusions. "We need to be extremely careful about how we communicate findings on this kind of object," Madhusudhan stressed, highlighting the complexity of interpreting data from distant worlds.

(With inputs from agencies)

In a groundbreaking discovery, astronomers utilising NASA's James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) have detected a distant exoplanet potentially cloaked entirely by a vast ocean of water.

In a groundbreaking discovery, astronomers utilising NASA's James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) have detected a distant exoplanet potentially cloaked entirely by a vast ocean of water. This finding marks a significant leap in the exploration of habitable conditions beyond Earth. The observations, facilitated by the JWST, unveiled the presence of water vapour along with chemical signatures of methane and carbon dioxide within the atmosphere of the exoplanet. Researchers from the University of Cambridge suggested that this chemical composition indicates a 'water world' scenario where the ocean blankets the entire surface, coupled with a hydrogen-rich atmosphere. Professor Nikku Madhusudhan, leading the analysis, speculated on the extreme conditions of the exoplanet's ocean, stating, "The ocean could be upwards of 100 degrees [Celsius] or more." However, the habitability of such an environment remains uncertain. Also Read | Scientists discover a snake-like amphibian that produces milk for its young Debates arise from a Canadian team's additional observations of the same exoplanet, challenging the proposed scenario. They argue that the planet's temperature might be too high for liquid water to exist, estimating it could reach a staggering 4,000 degrees Celsius. Habitable? By analysing starlight filtered through exoplanet atmospheres, astronomers can discern detailed chemical compositions, shedding light on potential habitability. Also Read | Ancient love preserved: Termites found frozen in amber while mating 38mn years ago The absence of ammonia in the atmosphere of TOI-270 d supports the 'hycean world' hypothesis, suggesting an ocean beneath a hydrogen-rich atmosphere. However, further observations are needed to ascertain the abundance of water vapour and clarify the likelihood of an oceanic expanse. Watch | Mystery of MH370: Families seek closure, what really happened to Malaysia's missing airplane? × Dr. Jo Barstow of the Open University expressed excitement over the discovery, saying, "Spectra of these small planets with JWST are really exciting because these are brand new environments for which we have no solar system equivalent." While the search for extraterrestrial life remains ongoing, scientists caution against premature conclusions. "We need to be extremely careful about how we communicate findings on this kind of object," Madhusudhan stressed, highlighting the complexity of interpreting data from distant worlds. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA's James Webb Telescope finds exoplanet with 'boiling ocean'. Is it a leap in habitable exploration?

In 2019, an unmanned space probe called Beresheet crashed into the moon, scattering its cargo on the lunar surface. Included in the cargo were tardigrades, a nearly indestructible critter that is known for its ability to survive in any environment. But can they survive an environment as foreign as that on the moon? Here's all you need to know.

<h2>The doomed spacecraft</h2>

In April 2019, Israeli spacecraft, originally designated SpaceIL, was a lunar lander funded and built by the non-profit organisation SpaceIL and Israel Aerospace Industries. Israel Space Agency provided technical support for it.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-warn-against-alarming-rise-in-pre-term-births-due-to-climate-change-696268">Scientists warn against alarming rise in pre-term births due to climate change</a>

The spacecraft, which was launched on February 22, 2019, attempted a soft landing on April 11.&nbsp;

As per the NASA website, the plan was for Beresheet to land in Mare Serenitatis and transmit data from the surface for about 2 days.

However, due to the main engine failure, it crashed on the lunar surface.

Its precious cargo included tardigrades and "lunar library" - something resembling a DVD that contains a 30-million-page archive of human history viewable under microscopes, as well as human DNA - was being carried on the Beresheet robot lander.

<h2>Tardigrades on moon</h2>

Aboard the Beresheet spacecraft were water bears or tardigrades, creatures which are under a millimetre long and can survive despite being heated to 150C or being frozen to almost absolute zero.&nbsp;

They were dehydrated and placed in suspended animation before being loaded on to the spacecraft.

Back then, Arch Mission Foundation boss Nova Spivack, as quoted by BBC, said that they "believe the chances of survival for the tardigrades… are extremely high."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/devil-comet-may-appear-during-total-solar-eclipse-to-show-its-stunning-celestial-display-696285">'Devil Comet' likely to make an appearance during total solar eclipse in April</a>

Now, as per a Science Alert report, these tiny animals may have colonised the moon thanks to their remarkable abilities to survive almost anything.

Apparently, laboratory tests have shown that frozen specimens of tardigrade's Hypsibius dujardini species, travelling in a vacuum, were fatally damaged when smashed into sand. However, at a little slower — 2,600 km/h or less — they survived. The moon crash was slower than that, so the chances of water bears on the moon would be very high, if not for the lack of liquid water necessary for their survival.

(With inputs from agencies)

In 2019, an unmanned space probe called Beresheet crashed into the moon, scattering its cargo on the lunar surface. Included in the cargo were tardigrades, a nearly indestructible critter that is known for its ability to survive in any environment.

In 2019, an unmanned space probe called Beresheet crashed into the moon, scattering its cargo on the lunar surface. Included in the cargo were tardigrades, a nearly indestructible critter that is known for its ability to survive in any environment. But can they survive an environment as foreign as that on the moon? Here's all you need to know. The doomed spacecraft In April 2019, Israeli spacecraft, originally designated SpaceIL, was a lunar lander funded and built by the non-profit organisation SpaceIL and Israel Aerospace Industries. Israel Space Agency provided technical support for it. Also read | Scientists warn against alarming rise in pre-term births due to climate change The spacecraft, which was launched on February 22, 2019, attempted a soft landing on April 11. As per the NASA website, the plan was for Beresheet to land in Mare Serenitatis and transmit data from the surface for about 2 days. However, due to the main engine failure, it crashed on the lunar surface. Its precious cargo included tardigrades and "lunar library" - something resembling a DVD that contains a 30-million-page archive of human history viewable under microscopes, as well as human DNA - was being carried on the Beresheet robot lander. Tardigrades on moon Aboard the Beresheet spacecraft were water bears or tardigrades, creatures which are under a millimetre long and can survive despite being heated to 150C or being frozen to almost absolute zero. They were dehydrated and placed in suspended animation before being loaded on to the spacecraft. Back then, Arch Mission Foundation boss Nova Spivack, as quoted by BBC, said that they "believe the chances of survival for the tardigrades… are extremely high." Also read | 'Devil Comet' likely to make an appearance during total solar eclipse in April Now, as per a Science Alert report, these tiny animals may have colonised the moon thanks to their remarkable abilities to survive almost anything. Apparently, laboratory tests have shown that frozen specimens of tardigrade's Hypsibius dujardini species, travelling in a vacuum, were fatally damaged when smashed into sand. However, at a little slower — 2,600 km/h or less — they survived. The moon crash was slower than that, so the chances of water bears on the moon would be very high, if not for the lack of liquid water necessary for their survival. (With inputs from agencies)

These Earth critters may be colonising the moon, all thanks to a 2019 crash. Here's all you need to know

Odysseus, an American lunar lander that had a doomed, wonky descent on the moon, sent its final image&nbsp;on Thursday&nbsp;before its power banks depleted, said Intuitive Machines (IM), the private company behind the project that saw America reach the Moon after over 50 years.

<h2>The final image</h2>

The photograph "showcases the crescent Earth in the backdrop, a subtle reminder of humanity's presence in the universe," said IM. As per the company, the image was actually captured more than a week back on February 22, the day Odysseus touched down near the Moon's south pole. However, it was only received on Thursday.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/quite-the-photographer-us-lunar-spacecraft-odysseus-shares-new-pictures-it-is-expected-to-go-dark-soon-694602">'Quite the photographer': US lunar spacecraft Odysseus shares new pictures</a>

"Goodnight, Odie. We hope to hear from you again," said the company to the spaceship that achieved America's first lunar touchdown since the manned Apollo 17 mission in 1972.

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Before its power was depleted, Odysseus completed a fitting farewell transmission. Received today, this image from February 22nd showcases the crescent Earth in the backdrop, a subtle reminder of humanity’s presence in the universe. 
 
Goodnight, Odie. We hope to hear from you… <a href="https://t.co/RwOWsH1TSz">pic.twitter.com/RwOWsH1TSz</a>
— Intuitive Machines (@Int_Machines) <a href="https://twitter.com/Int_Machines/status/1763336637432385813?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 29, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<h2>Is Odysseus out of commission forever?</h2>

With the onset of the long lunar night, flight controllers cannot attempt to awaken the lander for another two or three weeks. However, nothing is certain. Recently, Japan's SLIM spaceship, which in January had landed upside down, was successfully resurrected.

Watch:&nbsp;Odysseus moon landing: Historic mission reaches lunar surface

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<h2>Toppled over craft</h2>

Odysseus reached the Moon last Thursday (Feb 22) after an 11th-hour navigational glitch and white-knuckle descent that ended with it landing in a sideways or sharply tilted position. This toppled position has impeded the spacecraft's communications and solar-charging capability.

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/us-spaceship-odysseus-may-have-tipped-over-on-moon-surface-likely-fractured-landing-equipment-693303">US spaceship Odysseus may have 'tipped over' on Moon surface, likely 'fractured' landing equipment</a>

On Friday, Intuitive Machines said that two of the spacecraft's communication antennae were pointed the wrong way and thus were knocked out of commission. Likewise, Odysseus' solar panels were facing the wrong direction, thereby limiting the vehicle's ability to recharge its batteries.

As per the company, the navigational issues were due to human error.

(With inputs from agencies)

Odysseus, an American lunar lander that had a doomed, wonky descent on the moon, sent its final image on Thursday before its power banks depleted, said Intuitive Machines (IM), the private company behind the project that saw America reach the Moon after over 50 years.

Odysseus, an American lunar lander that had a doomed, wonky descent on the moon, sent its final image on Thursday before its power banks depleted, said Intuitive Machines (IM), the private company behind the project that saw America reach the Moon after over 50 years. The final image The photograph "showcases the crescent Earth in the backdrop, a subtle reminder of humanity's presence in the universe," said IM. As per the company, the image was actually captured more than a week back on February 22, the day Odysseus touched down near the Moon's south pole. However, it was only received on Thursday. Also read | 'Quite the photographer': US lunar spacecraft Odysseus shares new pictures "Goodnight, Odie. We hope to hear from you again," said the company to the spaceship that achieved America's first lunar touchdown since the manned Apollo 17 mission in 1972. Before its power was depleted, Odysseus completed a fitting farewell transmission. Received today, this image from February 22nd showcases the crescent Earth in the backdrop, a subtle reminder of humanity’s presence in the universe. Goodnight, Odie. We hope to hear from you… pic.twitter.com/RwOWsH1TSz — Intuitive Machines (@Int_Machines) February 29, 2024 × Is Odysseus out of commission forever? With the onset of the long lunar night, flight controllers cannot attempt to awaken the lander for another two or three weeks. However, nothing is certain. Recently, Japan's SLIM spaceship, which in January had landed upside down, was successfully resurrected. Watch: Odysseus moon landing: Historic mission reaches lunar surface Toppled over craft Odysseus reached the Moon last Thursday (Feb 22) after an 11th-hour navigational glitch and white-knuckle descent that ended with it landing in a sideways or sharply tilted position. This toppled position has impeded the spacecraft's communications and solar-charging capability. Watch | US spaceship Odysseus may have 'tipped over' on Moon surface, likely 'fractured' landing equipment On Friday, Intuitive Machines said that two of the spacecraft's communication antennae were pointed the wrong way and thus were knocked out of commission. Likewise, Odysseus' solar panels were facing the wrong direction, thereby limiting the vehicle's ability to recharge its batteries. As per the company, the navigational issues were due to human error. (With inputs from agencies)

'Goodnight Odie': Wonky US Moon lander Odysseus goes dark with power banks depleted

A potentially habitable planet which was discovered by scientists has destroyed its own atmosphere. Known as Trappist-1e, the planet is&nbsp;most likely&nbsp;inhospitable to alien life now.

The electric currents, which were created by the planet, have led to the stripping of the atmosphere as the planet has been racing near its red dwarf host star.&nbsp;

This is a significant discovery since the Trappist-1 system, in which this exoplanet orbits a small red dwarf star, was one of the major targets where alien life was being hunted.

Among the seven Earth-like planets in the system, at least three are present in the habitable zone, which is a region around a star that is neither too hot nor too cold and lets a planet support liquid water.

However, if a planet lacks an atmosphere, it cannot hold on to liquid water, even if it is in the habitable zone which is called the "Goldilocks zone."&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-discovers-super-earth-with-habitable-zone-this-planet-137-light-years-away-assures-687327">NASA discovers ‘super-Earth’ with habitable zone. This planet 137 light years away assures…</a>

The present condition proves that Trappist-1e may be the habitable zone of red dwarf Trappist-1 - which is at a distance of 40 light-years from Earth - however, its habitability may be fleeting.

The phenomenon which has affected the atmosphere of Trappist-1e, is also likely to have impacted the atmospheres of the other planets which are present in the habitable zone and has decreased the hope of finding life in this system.

<h2>What is stripping the atmosphere of exoplanets?</h2>

Trappist-1e is approximately the size of the Earth, however, it has around 0.7 times the mass of our planet. It is located fourth place from its star and orbits at just 0.028 times the distance between the sun and Earth, hence, completing one orbit in only 6.1 Earth days.

Even though Trappist-1 is in close proximity,&nbsp;it is much smaller and cooler than the sun and&nbsp;the&nbsp;habitable zone is closer to its surface in comparison to the habitable zone of our star.

So, the radiation from the red dwarf is not stripping the atmosphere of TRAPPIST-1e, but it is a wind of charged particles which is blowing from the star and is known as the "stellar wind."&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Planet warming at an accelerating rate

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/planet-warming-at-an-accelerating-rate-691640/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"We looked at how the space weather changes through the planet's orbit, with TRAPPIST-1e transitions very rapidly between very different stellar wind conditions and pressures, leading to a sort of pulsing compression and relaxation of the planetary magnetic field," said Cecilia Garraffo, team member and an astrophysicist at Harvard &amp; Smithsonian, while speaking to Space.com.&nbsp;

"This drives strong electric currents in the upper atmosphere — the ionosphere — that heat up the atmosphere just like an electric heater," Garraffo added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A potentially habitable planet which was discovered by scientists has destroyed its own atmosphere. Known as Trappist-1e, the planet is most likely inhospitable to alien life now.

A potentially habitable planet which was discovered by scientists has destroyed its own atmosphere. Known as Trappist-1e, the planet is most likely inhospitable to alien life now. The electric currents, which were created by the planet, have led to the stripping of the atmosphere as the planet has been racing near its red dwarf host star. This is a significant discovery since the Trappist-1 system, in which this exoplanet orbits a small red dwarf star, was one of the major targets where alien life was being hunted. Among the seven Earth-like planets in the system, at least three are present in the habitable zone, which is a region around a star that is neither too hot nor too cold and lets a planet support liquid water. However, if a planet lacks an atmosphere, it cannot hold on to liquid water, even if it is in the habitable zone which is called the "Goldilocks zone." Also Read: NASA discovers ‘super-Earth’ with habitable zone. This planet 137 light years away assures… The present condition proves that Trappist-1e may be the habitable zone of red dwarf Trappist-1 - which is at a distance of 40 light-years from Earth - however, its habitability may be fleeting. The phenomenon which has affected the atmosphere of Trappist-1e, is also likely to have impacted the atmospheres of the other planets which are present in the habitable zone and has decreased the hope of finding life in this system. What is stripping the atmosphere of exoplanets? Trappist-1e is approximately the size of the Earth, however, it has around 0.7 times the mass of our planet. It is located fourth place from its star and orbits at just 0.028 times the distance between the sun and Earth, hence, completing one orbit in only 6.1 Earth days. Even though Trappist-1 is in close proximity, it is much smaller and cooler than the sun and the habitable zone is closer to its surface in comparison to the habitable zone of our star. So, the radiation from the red dwarf is not stripping the atmosphere of TRAPPIST-1e, but it is a wind of charged particles which is blowing from the star and is known as the "stellar wind." Watch: Planet warming at an accelerating rate "We looked at how the space weather changes through the planet's orbit, with TRAPPIST-1e transitions very rapidly between very different stellar wind conditions and pressures, leading to a sort of pulsing compression and relaxation of the planetary magnetic field," said Cecilia Garraffo, team member and an astrophysicist at Harvard & Smithsonian, while speaking to Space.com. "This drives strong electric currents in the upper atmosphere — the ionosphere — that heat up the atmosphere just like an electric heater," Garraffo added. (With inputs from agencies)

Earth-like exoplanet destroys its own atmosphere, reduces hope of existence of alien life

Odysseus, the toppled US Spacecraft at the end of its fifth day (Tuesday, Feb 28) on the lunar surface, was still operational, reported Texas-based Intuitive Machines (IM). However, as per their estimates, the spacecraft was in its final hours before it was expected to go dark.

<h2>Day five update</h2>

Intuitive Machines in an update posted on Tuesday said that Flight Controllers from its control centre in Houston remained in contact with the lander which has "efficiently sent payload science data and imagery in furtherance of the company's mission objectives."

"Flight controllers are working on final determination of battery life on the lander, which may continue up to an additional 10-20 hours," it added.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/ill-fated-odysseus-lander-sends-grainy-images-from-moon-hours-before-going-dark-694156">Ill-fated Odysseus lander sends grainy images from Moon hours before going dark</a>

Posting pictures captured by Odysseus on X, it said: "The images included here are the closest observations of any spaceflight mission to the south pole region of the Moon."

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Flight Controllers continue to communicate with Odysseus. This morning, Odysseus efficiently sent payload science data and imagery in furtherance of the Company’s mission objectives. Flight controllers are working on final determination of battery life on the lander, which may… <a href="https://t.co/EbZ1NNOrvO">pic.twitter.com/EbZ1NNOrvO</a>
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"Odysseus is quite the photographer, capturing this image approximately 30 meters above the lunar surface, while his main engine throttled down more than 24,000 mph. Another day of exploration on the south pole region of the Moon," it added.

Watch:&nbsp;Odysseus moon landing: Historic mission reaches lunar surface

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/odysseus-moon-landing-historic-mission-reaches-lunar-surface-692967/embed" width="560"></iframe>

<h2>Toppled over craft</h2>

Odysseus reached the Moon last Thursday (Feb 22) after an 11th-hour navigational glitch and white-knuckle descent that ended with it landing in a sideways or sharply tilted position. This toppled position has impeded the spacecraft's communications and solar-charging capability.

On Friday, Intuitive Machines said that two of the spacecraft's communication antennae were pointed the wrong way and thus were knocked out of commission. Likewise, Odysseus' solar panels were facing the wrong direction, thereby limiting the vehicle's ability to recharge its batteries.

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/us-spaceship-odysseus-may-have-tipped-over-on-moon-surface-likely-fractured-landing-equipment-693303">US spaceship Odysseus may have 'tipped over' on Moon surface, likely 'fractured' landing equipment</a>

As per the company, the navigational issues were due to human error.

The mission, which was intended to operate on the lunar surface for about seven to 10 days, is expected to go dark soon. On Tuesday morning, IM said that it expects to lose contact with Odysseus, however, as per the latest update, it may continue to operate for "up to an additional 10-20 hours."

(With inputs from agencies)

Odysseus, the toppled US Spacecraft at the end of its fifth day (Tuesday, Feb 28) on the lunar surface, was still operational, reported Texas-based Intuitive Machines (IM).

Odysseus, the toppled US Spacecraft at the end of its fifth day (Tuesday, Feb 28) on the lunar surface, was still operational, reported Texas-based Intuitive Machines (IM). However, as per their estimates, the spacecraft was in its final hours before it was expected to go dark. Day five update Intuitive Machines in an update posted on Tuesday said that Flight Controllers from its control centre in Houston remained in contact with the lander which has "efficiently sent payload science data and imagery in furtherance of the company's mission objectives." "Flight controllers are working on final determination of battery life on the lander, which may continue up to an additional 10-20 hours," it added. Also read | Ill-fated Odysseus lander sends grainy images from Moon hours before going dark Posting pictures captured by Odysseus on X, it said: "The images included here are the closest observations of any spaceflight mission to the south pole region of the Moon." Flight Controllers continue to communicate with Odysseus. This morning, Odysseus efficiently sent payload science data and imagery in furtherance of the Company’s mission objectives. Flight controllers are working on final determination of battery life on the lander, which may… pic.twitter.com/EbZ1NNOrvO — Intuitive Machines (@Int_Machines) February 27, 2024 × "Odysseus is quite the photographer, capturing this image approximately 30 meters above the lunar surface, while his main engine throttled down more than 24,000 mph. Another day of exploration on the south pole region of the Moon," it added. Watch: Odysseus moon landing: Historic mission reaches lunar surface Toppled over craft Odysseus reached the Moon last Thursday (Feb 22) after an 11th-hour navigational glitch and white-knuckle descent that ended with it landing in a sideways or sharply tilted position. This toppled position has impeded the spacecraft's communications and solar-charging capability. On Friday, Intuitive Machines said that two of the spacecraft's communication antennae were pointed the wrong way and thus were knocked out of commission. Likewise, Odysseus' solar panels were facing the wrong direction, thereby limiting the vehicle's ability to recharge its batteries. Watch | US spaceship Odysseus may have 'tipped over' on Moon surface, likely 'fractured' landing equipment As per the company, the navigational issues were due to human error. The mission, which was intended to operate on the lunar surface for about seven to 10 days, is expected to go dark soon. On Tuesday morning, IM said that it expects to lose contact with Odysseus, however, as per the latest update, it may continue to operate for "up to an additional 10-20 hours." (With inputs from agencies)

'Quite the photographer': US lunar spacecraft Odysseus shares new pictures

Mars, a barren planet, is known for its harsh environment where the existence of life is nothing short of difficult, and living there won't be easy. Now, NASA is seeking applicants to do just that, in a simulation setting.&nbsp;

<h2>Life on Mars</h2>

The upcoming one-year simulation is part of the American space agency's Mars surface mission, part of the CHAPEA (Crew Health and Performance Exploration Analog) programme. This mission is the second of three planned ground-based missions and is set to begin in the spring of 2025.

Four volunteers will be required to live and work inside a 1,700-square-foot, 3D-printed habitat at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/esa-releases-pics-of-dead-satellite-tumbling-to-earth-can-it-fall-on-someones-head-all-you-need-to-know-691984">ESA shares pics of dead satellite tumbling towards Earth; can it fall on someone’s head? All you need to know</a>

The habitat, called Mars Dune Alpha, will replicate the challenges of a Mars mission, including limited resources, equipment failures, communication delays, and environmental stressors.&nbsp;

Volunteers will be given a living quarters, workspace, a medical station, lounge areas and a galley and food growing stations. They will be required to conduct simulated spacewalks, work with robots, habitat maintenance, exercise, and crop growth. Furthermore, they will be subjected to typical challenges, "including resource limitations, equipment failures, communication delays, and other environmental stressors."

<h2>Who can apply?</h2>

As per the NASA website, the space agency is looking for healthy, motivated US citizens or permanent residents who are non-smokers. The applicants must be between the ages of 30-55, and proficient in English.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/researchers-decode-years-of-research-to-find-the-optimal-temperature-for-life-heres-all-you-need-to-know-692028">Researchers decode years of research to find the optimal temperature for life. Here's all you need to know</a>

"Applicants should have a strong desire for unique, rewarding adventures and interest in contributing to NASA’s work to prepare for the first human journey to Mars," states NASA. They must also meet standard NASA criteria for astronaut candidates.

The deadline for applying for this unique opportunity is April 2nd.

Participants will be compensated for the mission, however, no details have been provided.

The CHAPEA missions are aimed at providing valuable scientific data to validate systems and develop solutions for future Mars missions. NASA is using research from the ongoing simulated missions to inform crew health and performance support during actual Mars expeditions.

(With inputs from agencies)

Mars, a barren planet, is known for its harsh environment where the existence of life is nothing short of difficult, and living there won't be easy. Now, NASA is seeking applicants to do just that, in a simulation setting.

Mars, a barren planet, is known for its harsh environment where the existence of life is nothing short of difficult, and living there won't be easy. Now, NASA is seeking applicants to do just that, in a simulation setting. Life on Mars The upcoming one-year simulation is part of the American space agency's Mars surface mission, part of the CHAPEA (Crew Health and Performance Exploration Analog) programme. This mission is the second of three planned ground-based missions and is set to begin in the spring of 2025. Four volunteers will be required to live and work inside a 1,700-square-foot, 3D-printed habitat at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. Also read | ESA shares pics of dead satellite tumbling towards Earth; can it fall on someone’s head? All you need to know The habitat, called Mars Dune Alpha, will replicate the challenges of a Mars mission, including limited resources, equipment failures, communication delays, and environmental stressors. Volunteers will be given a living quarters, workspace, a medical station, lounge areas and a galley and food growing stations. They will be required to conduct simulated spacewalks, work with robots, habitat maintenance, exercise, and crop growth. Furthermore, they will be subjected to typical challenges, "including resource limitations, equipment failures, communication delays, and other environmental stressors." Who can apply? As per the NASA website, the space agency is looking for healthy, motivated US citizens or permanent residents who are non-smokers. The applicants must be between the ages of 30-55, and proficient in English. Also read | Researchers decode years of research to find the optimal temperature for life. Here's all you need to know "Applicants should have a strong desire for unique, rewarding adventures and interest in contributing to NASA’s work to prepare for the first human journey to Mars," states NASA. They must also meet standard NASA criteria for astronaut candidates. The deadline for applying for this unique opportunity is April 2nd. Participants will be compensated for the mission, however, no details have been provided. The CHAPEA missions are aimed at providing valuable scientific data to validate systems and develop solutions for future Mars missions. NASA is using research from the ongoing simulated missions to inform crew health and performance support during actual Mars expeditions. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Martians wanted’: NASA is looking for volunteers to live in a Mars simulator for a year

The European Space Agency (ESA) on Monday (Feb 19) released images of a dead satellite as it tumbles down to Earth in what could potentially be a fiery spectacle.

The dead satellite was part of ESA's scientific Earth-monitoring mission called ERS-2. It was launched on April 21, 1995, and after a 16-year career, it retired in 2011.

During the time it was active, the ERS-2 collected data on polar ice, changing land surfaces, sea-level rise, warming oceans and atmospheric chemistry. Additionally, the satellite was also pressed into service during natural disasters in remote regions.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/doomed-european-satellite-to-crash-on-earth-in-six-days-but-nobody-knows-where-690567">European satellite to crash into Earth in six days. The exact place is eerily a mystery</a>

The dead satellite weighs approximately 5,057 pounds (2,293.82 kg) and is expected to start disintegrating at about 50 miles (80.47 kilometres) above the ground. While most of it will burn up completely in the Earth's atmosphere, the ESA estimates that the "largest fragment of the satellite that could reach the ground is 115 pounds"&nbsp;or around 52 kg.

Check out the pictures of the "tumbling descent" here:

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ERS-2 spotted! 📸🛰️ 
 
The ESA satellite is on a tumbling descent that will lead to its atmospheric reentry and break up this week. 
 
These images of ERS-2 were captured by <a href="https://twitter.com/heospace?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@heospace</a> for <a href="https://twitter.com/spacegovuk?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@spacegovuk</a> using cameras on board other satellites.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ERS2reentry?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ERS2reentry</a> <a href="https://t.co/GTuubP6apJ">pic.twitter.com/GTuubP6apJ</a>
— ESA Operations (@esaoperations) <a href="https://twitter.com/esaoperations/status/1759518956891557949?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 19, 2024</a></blockquote>
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These images were captured by cameras on board other satellites by Australian company HEO on behalf of the UK Space Agency.

<h2>When will the dead satellite crash onto Earth?</h2>

As per estimates by the ESA's Space Debris Office, the ERS-2 satellite will make its re-entry around 19:24 UTC (Coordinated Universal Time, earlier called Greenwich Mean Time or GMT) on Wednesday (Feb&nbsp;21).

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/japan-launches-debris-removal-spacecraft-to-tackle-space-junk-691743">Japan launches debris removal spacecraft to tackle space junk</a>

However, it must be noted that the prediction is uncertain by +/- 9.91 hours. This unpredictability, as per the space agency, is primarily due to the "influence of unpredictable solar activity, which affects the density of Earth’s atmosphere and therefore the drag experienced by the satellite."

<h2>Can the dead satellite crash on someone?</h2>

The European Space Agency estimates put the probability of the dead satellite crashing on someone's head at one in a billion.&nbsp;

"The odds of a piece of satellite falling on someone’s head is estimated at one in a billion."

It says that given that approximately 71 per cent of the Earth's surface is covered with water, the odds are that "the satellite will make a big splash somewhere."

(With inputs from agencies)

The European Space Agency (ESA) on Monday (Feb 19) released images of a dead satellite as it tumbles down to Earth in what could potentially be a fiery spectacle.

The European Space Agency (ESA) on Monday (Feb 19) released images of a dead satellite as it tumbles down to Earth in what could potentially be a fiery spectacle. The dead satellite was part of ESA's scientific Earth-monitoring mission called ERS-2. It was launched on April 21, 1995, and after a 16-year career, it retired in 2011. During the time it was active, the ERS-2 collected data on polar ice, changing land surfaces, sea-level rise, warming oceans and atmospheric chemistry. Additionally, the satellite was also pressed into service during natural disasters in remote regions. Also read | European satellite to crash into Earth in six days. The exact place is eerily a mystery The dead satellite weighs approximately 5,057 pounds (2,293.82 kg) and is expected to start disintegrating at about 50 miles (80.47 kilometres) above the ground. While most of it will burn up completely in the Earth's atmosphere, the ESA estimates that the "largest fragment of the satellite that could reach the ground is 115 pounds" or around 52 kg. Check out the pictures of the "tumbling descent" here: ERS-2 spotted! 📸🛰️ The ESA satellite is on a tumbling descent that will lead to its atmospheric reentry and break up this week. These images of ERS-2 were captured by @heospace for @spacegovuk using cameras on board other satellites.#ERS2reentry pic.twitter.com/GTuubP6apJ — ESA Operations (@esaoperations) February 19, 2024 × These images were captured by cameras on board other satellites by Australian company HEO on behalf of the UK Space Agency. When will the dead satellite crash onto Earth? As per estimates by the ESA's Space Debris Office, the ERS-2 satellite will make its re-entry around 19:24 UTC (Coordinated Universal Time, earlier called Greenwich Mean Time or GMT) on Wednesday (Feb 21). Also read | Japan launches debris removal spacecraft to tackle space junk However, it must be noted that the prediction is uncertain by +/- 9.91 hours. This unpredictability, as per the space agency, is primarily due to the "influence of unpredictable solar activity, which affects the density of Earth’s atmosphere and therefore the drag experienced by the satellite." Can the dead satellite crash on someone? The European Space Agency estimates put the probability of the dead satellite crashing on someone's head at one in a billion. "The odds of a piece of satellite falling on someone’s head is estimated at one in a billion." It says that given that approximately 71 per cent of the Earth's surface is covered with water, the odds are that "the satellite will make a big splash somewhere." (With inputs from agencies)

ESA shares pics of dead satellite tumbling towards Earth; can it fall on someone’s head? All you need to know

Surgeons, for the first time ever, successfully remotely controlled a small robot aboard the International Space Station (ISS)&nbsp;for surgery in orbit.&nbsp;

<h2>First-ever surgery in orbit</h2>

Done over the weekend, this surgery, as per an AFP report, was done on rubber bands and not a living organism. Deemed a "huge success" by participants, the experiment as per the news agency represents a significant advancement in space surgery technology. This could be crucial for treating medical emergencies during long-term manned missions, such as those to Mars.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/new-research-suggests-your-chihuahua-or-other-toy-breed-dog-may-have-shark-teeth-heres-what-it-means-690314">New research suggests your Chihuahua or other toy breed dog may have 'shark teeth'. Here's what it means</a>

It also has the potential to help pave the way for developing remote-control surgery techniques on Earth, especially for isolated and/or remote areas.

<h2>How did surgeons perform space surgery?</h2>

Surgeons used a robot, named spaceMIRA. It has been developed by Virtual Incision (VIC) and the University of Nebraska.&nbsp;

The robot was reportedly launched to the ISS at the end of January aboard a SpaceX rocket. Curiously, it was stored in a compact box only the size of a microwave oven.&nbsp;

NASA astronaut Loral O'Hara, who has been on the ISS since last September, installed the robot last Thursday.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/take-charge-companies-using-feminist-messages-to-push-useless-health-products-onto-women-finds-study-690564">'Take charge': Companies using feminist messages to push 'useless' health products onto women, finds study</a>

The experiment itself was conducted from Virtual Incision's headquarters in Lincoln, Nebraska, and it involved six surgeons who remotely operated upon the robot for around two hours.&nbsp;

Equipped with a camera and two arms, the robot performed standard surgical techniques. In a statement, Virtual Incision said: "The experiment tested standard surgical techniques like grasping, manipulating and cutting tissue. The simulated tissue is made up of rubber bands."

A significant challenge the surgeons faced during the experiment was the time lag of about 0.85 seconds between the operation centre on Earth and the ISS. Despite this, the experiment was deemed a success.

Virtual Incision said that "the experiment was deemed a huge success by all surgeons and researchers, and there were little to no hiccups." It added that this will "change the future of surgery."

NASA, which provided financial support for the project, highlighted the increasing need for emergency care, "including surgical procedures from simple stitching of lacerations to more complex activities," during longer space missions.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Surgeons, for the first time ever, successfully remotely controlled a small robot aboard the International Space Station (ISS) for surgery in orbit. First-ever surgery in orbit Done over the weekend, this surgery, as per an AFP report, was done on rubber bands and not a living organism.

Surgeons, for the first time ever, successfully remotely controlled a small robot aboard the International Space Station (ISS) for surgery in orbit. First-ever surgery in orbit Done over the weekend, this surgery, as per an AFP report, was done on rubber bands and not a living organism. Deemed a "huge success" by participants, the experiment as per the news agency represents a significant advancement in space surgery technology. This could be crucial for treating medical emergencies during long-term manned missions, such as those to Mars. Also read | New research suggests your Chihuahua or other toy breed dog may have 'shark teeth'. Here's what it means It also has the potential to help pave the way for developing remote-control surgery techniques on Earth, especially for isolated and/or remote areas. How did surgeons perform space surgery? Surgeons used a robot, named spaceMIRA. It has been developed by Virtual Incision (VIC) and the University of Nebraska. The robot was reportedly launched to the ISS at the end of January aboard a SpaceX rocket. Curiously, it was stored in a compact box only the size of a microwave oven. NASA astronaut Loral O'Hara, who has been on the ISS since last September, installed the robot last Thursday. Also read | 'Take charge': Companies using feminist messages to push 'useless' health products onto women, finds study The experiment itself was conducted from Virtual Incision's headquarters in Lincoln, Nebraska, and it involved six surgeons who remotely operated upon the robot for around two hours. Equipped with a camera and two arms, the robot performed standard surgical techniques. In a statement, Virtual Incision said: "The experiment tested standard surgical techniques like grasping, manipulating and cutting tissue. The simulated tissue is made up of rubber bands." A significant challenge the surgeons faced during the experiment was the time lag of about 0.85 seconds between the operation centre on Earth and the ISS. Despite this, the experiment was deemed a success. Virtual Incision said that "the experiment was deemed a huge success by all surgeons and researchers, and there were little to no hiccups." It added that this will "change the future of surgery." NASA, which provided financial support for the project, highlighted the increasing need for emergency care, "including surgical procedures from simple stitching of lacerations to more complex activities," during longer space missions. (With inputs from agencies)

'Future of surgery': Surgeons successfully perform remote-controlled opreration on ISS

New NASA-funded research has uncovered a surprising reality behind the serene facade of the moon. It turns out that the beautiful celestial object in our night skies is not as calm as it seems! Research suggests that it may actually be hiding some turbulence right at its core, that is causing it to shrink.

<h2>Wrinkles on the moon</h2>

As per The Guardian, as the moon's core cools down, it is actually shrinking. This is causing its surface to shrivel and form what scientists call thrust faults—basically, giant ripples across its surface.

These thrust faults aren't just harmless wrinkles; they can actually lead to moonquakes and landslides that last for hours.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/aliens-made-the-meteor-that-hit-earth-10-years-ago-scientist-claims-687718">Aliens made the 'meteor' that hit Earth 10 years ago, scientist claims</a>

In the new research published in the Planetary Science Journal, lead researcher Tom Watters from the Smithsonian Institution explains: "Our modelling suggests that shallow moonquakes capable of producing strong ground shaking in the south polar region are possible from slip events on existing faults or the formation of new thrust faults," he said.

The researchers took a close look at the moon's South Pole, an area believed to have places with water ice hidden in the shadows. This region is super important and is set to be explored by NASA's Artemis III mission in 2026.

Using cameras aboard the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, researchers spotted lots of "relatively small, young thrust faults widely distributed in the lunar crust, and seismic devices left on the moon's surface by astronauts decades ago".

They compared these findings with seismic data and found that they matched.

<h2>Why is this significant?</h2>

You may be asking why does this even matter. Well, it is not great news for astronauts or robots exploring the moon. These can actually be very dangerous as humans continue to explore Earth's natural satellite.

In a statement published by NASA, Watters said that "The global distribution of young thrust faults, their potential to be active, and the potential to form new thrust faults from ongoing global contraction should be considered when planning the location and stability of permanent outposts on the Moon".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/rocks-found-in-antarctica-suggest-an-asteroid-may-have-exploded-over-the-continent-25-million-years-ago-687777">An asteroid exploded over Antarctica 2.5 million years ago, rocky evidence suggests</a>

Speaking with CNN, he clarified that he was not trying to "alarm anyone" or "discourage exploration" of the moon. He said taht he just wants to warn future astronauts that the moon is more dynamic than it looks.&nbsp;"The moon is not this benign place where nothing is happening," he remarked.

(With inputs from agencies)

New NASA-funded research has uncovered a surprising reality behind the serene facade of the moon. It turns out that the beautiful celestial object in our night skies is not as calm as it seems!

New NASA-funded research has uncovered a surprising reality behind the serene facade of the moon. It turns out that the beautiful celestial object in our night skies is not as calm as it seems! Research suggests that it may actually be hiding some turbulence right at its core, that is causing it to shrink. Wrinkles on the moon As per The Guardian, as the moon's core cools down, it is actually shrinking. This is causing its surface to shrivel and form what scientists call thrust faults—basically, giant ripples across its surface. These thrust faults aren't just harmless wrinkles; they can actually lead to moonquakes and landslides that last for hours. Also read | Aliens made the 'meteor' that hit Earth 10 years ago, scientist claims In the new research published in the Planetary Science Journal, lead researcher Tom Watters from the Smithsonian Institution explains: "Our modelling suggests that shallow moonquakes capable of producing strong ground shaking in the south polar region are possible from slip events on existing faults or the formation of new thrust faults," he said. The researchers took a close look at the moon's South Pole, an area believed to have places with water ice hidden in the shadows. This region is super important and is set to be explored by NASA's Artemis III mission in 2026. Using cameras aboard the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, researchers spotted lots of "relatively small, young thrust faults widely distributed in the lunar crust, and seismic devices left on the moon's surface by astronauts decades ago". They compared these findings with seismic data and found that they matched. Why is this significant? You may be asking why does this even matter. Well, it is not great news for astronauts or robots exploring the moon. These can actually be very dangerous as humans continue to explore Earth's natural satellite. In a statement published by NASA, Watters said that "The global distribution of young thrust faults, their potential to be active, and the potential to form new thrust faults from ongoing global contraction should be considered when planning the location and stability of permanent outposts on the Moon". Also read | An asteroid exploded over Antarctica 2.5 million years ago, rocky evidence suggests Speaking with CNN, he clarified that he was not trying to "alarm anyone" or "discourage exploration" of the moon. He said taht he just wants to warn future astronauts that the moon is more dynamic than it looks. "The moon is not this benign place where nothing is happening," he remarked. (With inputs from agencies)

Moon's serene facade is hiding a turbulent reality, reveals NASA-funded research

After a brief time awake, Japan's Moon lander, the unmanned Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM), has once again fallen asleep. On Thursday, the Japanese space agency on X, formerly Twitter, revealed that the lander is out of action but will resume its mission if it survives the two-week lunar night.&nbsp;

<h2>What's up with SLIM?</h2>

In a post on X, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) said, "After completing operation from 1/30 (to) 1/31, #SLIM entered a two-week dormancy period during the long lunar night."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/lunar-resilience-japans-slim-bounces-back-captures-images-of-toy-poodle-rock-on-the-moons-surface-684647">Lunar resilience: Japan's SLIM bounces back, captures images of 'toy poodle' rock on Moon's surface</a>

The moon lander went dormant after capturing an amazing black-and-white picture of the rocky lunar surface.

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Last night (1/31 ~ 2/1) we sent a command to switch on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SLIM?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SLIM</a>’s communicator again just in case, but with no response, we confirmed SLIM had entered a dormant state. This is the last scene of the Moon taken by SLIM before dusk. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoodAfterMoon?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GoodAfterMoon</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JAXA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JAXA</a> <a href="https://t.co/V1iAUoxJFK">pic.twitter.com/V1iAUoxJFK</a>
— 小型月着陸実証機SLIM (@SLIM_JAXA) <a href="https://twitter.com/SLIM_JAXA/status/1752958572781330741?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2024</a></blockquote>
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"Although SLIM was not designed for the harsh lunar nights, we plan to try to operate again from mid-February, when the Sun will shine again on SLIM's solar cells," it added in another post.

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After completing operation from 1/30 ~ 1/31, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SLIM?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SLIM</a> entered a two week dormancy period during the long lunar night 🌚. Although SLIM was not designed for the harsh lunar nights, we plan to try to operate again from mid-February, when the Sun will shine again on SLIM’s solar cells. <a href="https://t.co/JO4ZgDaOxo">pic.twitter.com/JO4ZgDaOxo</a>
— 小型月着陸実証機SLIM (@SLIM_JAXA) <a href="https://twitter.com/SLIM_JAXA/status/1752958274767602063?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2024</a></blockquote>
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JAXA, as per space.com,&nbsp;will have to wait out a roughly 14.5 Earth-days-long lunar night—facing harsh temperatures of around minus 208 degrees Fahrenheit&nbsp;(minus 130 degrees Celsius). It can potentially revive because of the favourable lighting and temperature conditions during the lunar daytime (estimated to start around Feb 15).

<h2>Previous troubles</h2>

On January 20, Japan achieved a soft lunar landing, making it only the fifth nation to accomplish this feat, joining the ranks of the United States, the Soviet Union, China, and India.&nbsp;

The lander demonstrated remarkable precision, landing within 100 metres of its target and only 55 metres away.

Also read |&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/science/japans-probe-enters-lunar-orbit-what-happens-now-674131" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/science/japans-probe-enters-lunar-orbit-what-happens-now-674131&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiQtOfK5YuEAxWjqFYBHVSzDhcQFnoECAMQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw3JbEwqrpUfclheQmbZOMUx" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/science/japans-probe-enters-lunar-orbit-what-happens-now-674131" target="_blank">Japan's probe enters lunar orbit, what happens now?&nbsp;</a>

Despite the feat, challenges faced by SLIM led to the decision to temporarily switch it off. Landing at a wonky angle left its solar panels facing the wrong way, and merely three hours after landing SLIM had to be switched off.

SLIM, as per JAXA, deployed two probes successfully – one equipped with a transmitter and another designed to traverse the lunar surface, capturing images to beam back to Earth. The mini-rover, slightly larger than a tennis ball, has been co-developed by the creators of Transformer Toys.

(With inputs from agencies)

After a brief time awake, Japan's Moon lander, the unmanned Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM), has once again fallen asleep. On Thursday, the Japanese space agency on X, formerly Twitter, revealed that the lander is out of action but will resume its mission if it survives the two-week lunar night.

After a brief time awake, Japan's Moon lander, the unmanned Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM), has once again fallen asleep. On Thursday, the Japanese space agency on X, formerly Twitter, revealed that the lander is out of action but will resume its mission if it survives the two-week lunar night. What's up with SLIM? In a post on X, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) said, "After completing operation from 1/30 (to) 1/31, #SLIM entered a two-week dormancy period during the long lunar night." Also read | Lunar resilience: Japan's SLIM bounces back, captures images of 'toy poodle' rock on Moon's surface The moon lander went dormant after capturing an amazing black-and-white picture of the rocky lunar surface. Last night (1/31 ~ 2/1) we sent a command to switch on #SLIM’s communicator again just in case, but with no response, we confirmed SLIM had entered a dormant state. This is the last scene of the Moon taken by SLIM before dusk. #GoodAfterMoon #JAXA pic.twitter.com/V1iAUoxJFK — 小型月着陸実証機SLIM (@SLIM_JAXA) February 1, 2024 × "Although SLIM was not designed for the harsh lunar nights, we plan to try to operate again from mid-February, when the Sun will shine again on SLIM's solar cells," it added in another post. After completing operation from 1/30 ~ 1/31, #SLIM entered a two week dormancy period during the long lunar night 🌚. Although SLIM was not designed for the harsh lunar nights, we plan to try to operate again from mid-February, when the Sun will shine again on SLIM’s solar cells. pic.twitter.com/JO4ZgDaOxo — 小型月着陸実証機SLIM (@SLIM_JAXA) February 1, 2024 × JAXA, as per space.com, will have to wait out a roughly 14.5 Earth-days-long lunar night—facing harsh temperatures of around minus 208 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 130 degrees Celsius). It can potentially revive because of the favourable lighting and temperature conditions during the lunar daytime (estimated to start around Feb 15). Previous troubles On January 20, Japan achieved a soft lunar landing, making it only the fifth nation to accomplish this feat, joining the ranks of the United States, the Soviet Union, China, and India. The lander demonstrated remarkable precision, landing within 100 metres of its target and only 55 metres away. Also read | Japan's probe enters lunar orbit, what happens now? Despite the feat, challenges faced by SLIM led to the decision to temporarily switch it off. Landing at a wonky angle left its solar panels facing the wrong way, and merely three hours after landing SLIM had to be switched off. SLIM, as per JAXA, deployed two probes successfully – one equipped with a transmitter and another designed to traverse the lunar surface, capturing images to beam back to Earth. The mini-rover, slightly larger than a tennis ball, has been co-developed by the creators of Transformer Toys. (With inputs from agencies)

Japan's moon lander clicks final image before going dormant once again

Japan's Moon lander, the Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM), has resumed its operations in a triumphant turnaround. This comes after the lander faced initial challenges with its solar batteries.

Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) announced the successful restoration of communication on X (formerly Twitter), signalling the revival of scientific observations.

"Communication with SLIM was successfully established last night, and operations resumed!," said JAXA.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/japans-successful-moon-landing-was-upside-down-quite-literally-683782">Japan's successful Moon landing was 'upside down', quite literally</a>

"Science observations were immediately started with the MBC, and we obtained first light for the 10-band observation. This figure shows the “toy poodle” observed in the multi-band observation," it added. Here MBC refers to the lander's multi-band spectroscopic camera.

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Communication with SLIM was successfully established last night, and operations resumed! Science observations were immediately started with the MBC, and we obtained first light for the 10-band observation. This figure shows the “toy poodle” observed in the multi-band observation. <a href="https://t.co/WYD4NlYDaG">pic.twitter.com/WYD4NlYDaG</a>
— 小型月着陸実証機SLIM (@SLIM_JAXA) <a href="https://twitter.com/SLIM_JAXA/status/1751766255810556340?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 29, 2024</a></blockquote>
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It also shared an image taken by SLIM of a rock resembling a "toy poodle" near the lander, offering a glimpse into the lunar surface.

<h2>SLIM's troubles</h2>

The announcement came after the lunar lander encountered issues with its solar batteries, leading to a hiatus in its power generation.&nbsp;

On January 20, Japan achieved a soft lunar landing, making it only the fifth nation to accomplish this feat, joining the ranks of the United States, the Soviet Union, China, and India.&nbsp;

The lander demonstrated remarkable precision, landing within 100 metres of its target and only 55 metres away.

Despite the feat, challenges faced by SLIM led to the decision to temporarily switch it off, merely three hours after landing, reports AFP.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/pieces-of-asteroid-2024-bx1-that-crashed-into-earth-over-germany-recovered-684636">Pieces of asteroid 2024 BX1, that crashed into Earth over Germany, recovered</a>

SLIM, as per JAXA, deployed two probes successfully – one equipped with a transmitter and another designed to traverse the lunar surface, capturing images to beam back to Earth. The mini-rover, slightly larger than a tennis ball, has been co-developed by the creators of Transformer Toys.

Japan's lunar endeavours have faced challenges in the past, with two previous missions encountering setbacks.&nbsp;

Also watch |&nbsp;Japan's 'Moon Sniper' achieves historic lunar landing

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/japans-moon-sniper-achieves-historic-lunar-landing-681756/embed" width="560"></iframe>

In 2022, the nation witnessed an unsuccessful mission of its lunar probe, Omotenashi, as part of the United States' ambitious Artemis 1 mission. Adding to the cosmic drama, a Japanese startup, ispace, embarked on its lunar odyssey in April 2022. The attempts to etch its name as the first private company to achieve a Moon landing failed as the mission encountered challenges after what the company described as a "hard landing".

(With inputs from agencies)

Japan's Moon lander, the Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM), has resumed its operations in a triumphant turnaround. This comes after the lander faced initial challenges with its solar batteries.

Japan's Moon lander, the Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM), has resumed its operations in a triumphant turnaround. This comes after the lander faced initial challenges with its solar batteries. Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) announced the successful restoration of communication on X (formerly Twitter), signalling the revival of scientific observations. "Communication with SLIM was successfully established last night, and operations resumed!," said JAXA. Also read | Japan's successful Moon landing was 'upside down', quite literally "Science observations were immediately started with the MBC, and we obtained first light for the 10-band observation. This figure shows the “toy poodle” observed in the multi-band observation," it added. Here MBC refers to the lander's multi-band spectroscopic camera. Communication with SLIM was successfully established last night, and operations resumed! Science observations were immediately started with the MBC, and we obtained first light for the 10-band observation. This figure shows the “toy poodle” observed in the multi-band observation. pic.twitter.com/WYD4NlYDaG — 小型月着陸実証機SLIM (@SLIM_JAXA) January 29, 2024 × It also shared an image taken by SLIM of a rock resembling a "toy poodle" near the lander, offering a glimpse into the lunar surface. SLIM's troubles The announcement came after the lunar lander encountered issues with its solar batteries, leading to a hiatus in its power generation. On January 20, Japan achieved a soft lunar landing, making it only the fifth nation to accomplish this feat, joining the ranks of the United States, the Soviet Union, China, and India. The lander demonstrated remarkable precision, landing within 100 metres of its target and only 55 metres away. Despite the feat, challenges faced by SLIM led to the decision to temporarily switch it off, merely three hours after landing, reports AFP. Also read | Pieces of asteroid 2024 BX1, that crashed into Earth over Germany, recovered SLIM, as per JAXA, deployed two probes successfully – one equipped with a transmitter and another designed to traverse the lunar surface, capturing images to beam back to Earth. The mini-rover, slightly larger than a tennis ball, has been co-developed by the creators of Transformer Toys. Japan's lunar endeavours have faced challenges in the past, with two previous missions encountering setbacks. Also watch | Japan's 'Moon Sniper' achieves historic lunar landing In 2022, the nation witnessed an unsuccessful mission of its lunar probe, Omotenashi, as part of the United States' ambitious Artemis 1 mission. Adding to the cosmic drama, a Japanese startup, ispace, embarked on its lunar odyssey in April 2022. The attempts to etch its name as the first private company to achieve a Moon landing failed as the mission encountered challenges after what the company described as a "hard landing". (With inputs from agencies)

Lunar resilience: Japan's SLIM bounces back, captures images of 'toy poodle' rock on Moon's surface

This week, Earth is in for a celestial spectacle as it braces for&nbsp;close encounters with not one or two, but five asteroids.&nbsp;

As per NASA's Asteroid Watch dashboard, leading this stellar cast is the colossal Asteroid 2008 OS7, a celestial behemoth rivalling the dimensions of a Fifa-accredited football stadium, measuring a staggering 890 feet (0.27 kilometres) across.

Discovered by NASA in 2008, this cosmic giant is poised to zoom past our planet on February 2. The cosmic pas de deux, as per NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), will happen at a distance of 1.77 million miles—a cosmic closeness that, while safe, manages to stir the curiosity of avid skygazers.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/lunar-resilience-japans-slim-bounces-back-captures-images-of-toy-poodle-rock-on-the-moons-surface-684647">Lunar resilience: Japan's SLIM bounces back, captures images of 'toy poodle' rock on Moon's surface</a>

<h2>Other asteroids gracing Earth's skies</h2>

2008 OS7 is not the sole luminary in this cosmic parade. Four celestial companions, varying in size from a house to a building, are also set to make&nbsp;stellar flybys.&nbsp;

On Sunday (Jan 28th) Asteroid 2024 AU4, a 260-feet-wide celestial object the size of a big building, zoomed past Earth at a secure distance of 3.92 million miles.&nbsp;

Tuesday (Jan 30th) will witness the arrival of 2007 EG, an asteroid akin in size to an aeroplane — 130 feet (0.04 km), making its celestial approach at 3.8 million miles.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/pieces-of-asteroid-2024-bx1-that-crashed-into-earth-over-germany-recovered-684636">Fragments of asteroid that crashed into Earth with little warning have been found</a>

Thursday (Feb 1st) marks the entrance of two more cosmic voyagers: Asteroid 2024 BY, a house-sized wanderer — 62 feet (0.02 km), pirouetting at 1.57 million miles, and Asteroid 2003 BM4, a celestial aviator of aeroplane dimensions — 120 feet (0.04 km), traversing at 2.06 million miles.

NASA's Asteroid Watch dashboard tracks asteroids and comets that will make relatively close approaches to Earth. "The dashboard displays the next five Earth approaches to within 4.6 million miles (7.5 million kilometres or 19.5 times the distance to the moon); an object larger than about 150 meters that can approach the Earth to within this distance is termed a potentially hazardous object," states the JPL website.

(With inputs from agencies)

This week, Earth is in for a celestial spectacle as it braces for close encounters with not one or two, but five asteroids. As per NASA's Asteroid Watch dashboard, leading this stellar cast is the colossal Asteroid 2008 OS7, a celestial behemoth rivalling the dimensions of a Fifa-accredited football stadium, measuring a staggering 890 feet (0.

This week, Earth is in for a celestial spectacle as it braces for close encounters with not one or two, but five asteroids. As per NASA's Asteroid Watch dashboard, leading this stellar cast is the colossal Asteroid 2008 OS7, a celestial behemoth rivalling the dimensions of a Fifa-accredited football stadium, measuring a staggering 890 feet (0.27 kilometres) across. Discovered by NASA in 2008, this cosmic giant is poised to zoom past our planet on February 2. The cosmic pas de deux, as per NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), will happen at a distance of 1.77 million miles—a cosmic closeness that, while safe, manages to stir the curiosity of avid skygazers. Also read | Lunar resilience: Japan's SLIM bounces back, captures images of 'toy poodle' rock on Moon's surface Other asteroids gracing Earth's skies 2008 OS7 is not the sole luminary in this cosmic parade. Four celestial companions, varying in size from a house to a building, are also set to make stellar flybys. On Sunday (Jan 28th) Asteroid 2024 AU4, a 260-feet-wide celestial object the size of a big building, zoomed past Earth at a secure distance of 3.92 million miles. Tuesday (Jan 30th) will witness the arrival of 2007 EG, an asteroid akin in size to an aeroplane — 130 feet (0.04 km), making its celestial approach at 3.8 million miles. Also read | Fragments of asteroid that crashed into Earth with little warning have been found Thursday (Feb 1st) marks the entrance of two more cosmic voyagers: Asteroid 2024 BY, a house-sized wanderer — 62 feet (0.02 km), pirouetting at 1.57 million miles, and Asteroid 2003 BM4, a celestial aviator of aeroplane dimensions — 120 feet (0.04 km), traversing at 2.06 million miles. NASA's Asteroid Watch dashboard tracks asteroids and comets that will make relatively close approaches to Earth. "The dashboard displays the next five Earth approaches to within 4.6 million miles (7.5 million kilometres or 19.5 times the distance to the moon); an object larger than about 150 meters that can approach the Earth to within this distance is termed a potentially hazardous object," states the JPL website. (With inputs from agencies)

Celestial parade: Earth braces for close encounters with five colossal asteroids this week

A massive planet located 160 light years away now looks like a comet, complete with a tail that extends a massive 350,000 miles into space. The reason for this phenomenon is the distance between this planet and its host star.

A massive planet located 160 light years away now looks like a comet, complete with a tail that extends a massive 350,000 miles into space. The reason for this phenomenon is the distance between this planet and its host star. It is orbiting so close to its host star that the planet's atmosphere is boiling. This planet is the size of Jupiter and is shrinking in real time. According to astronomers, the planet is shedding the equivalent of one Earth every billion years, that is about 200,000 tonnes per second. The boiling is so intense that its atmosphere is now shedding, which is what has led to it developing a comet-like tail. Named WASP-69b, the amount of heat that this planet is taking can be understood by the fact that it completes one orbit of its host star in less than four days. Its orbit is so compact that the host star's intense radiation has vapourised the helium gas in the planet's atmosphere. Discussing the planet's condition, lead researcher Dakotah Tyler said jokingly in a press conference on Tuesday at the American Astronomical Society, "This is an extreme environment. I would suggest that you do not consider retiring on this planet." While this might sound like something unimaginable to us Earthlings, scientists say it might not be uncommon for planets to shed so much mass. In fact, the latest discovery might solve the mysterious gap in the size of exoplanets. ALSO READ | Scientists develop advanced DNA test that can detect 18 early stage cancers The comet-like tail of WASP-69b The tail that the planet has now developed, and which extends a whopping 350,000 miles into space, is one of the most fascinating pieces of news we have across from outer space in recent times. The WASP-69b is shedding helium which has taken the shape of a tail, stretching at least seven times the planet's width. It is due to the host star's stream of charged particles and magnetic fields. However, the hot host star might not be alone to blame for the planet shrinking. Scientists say that the planet could also be shrinking because of radiation from the planet's core which is probably pushing the atmosphere away. Super-Earths and Sub-Neptunes National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has catalogued over 5,000 alien worlds and classified them into two rough categories. The first category is super-Earths, which includes planets about 1.6 times as wide as Earth. The other is sub-Neptunes, two to four times Earth's width. Scientists think there are hardly any planets between these sizes because they shrink swiftly and turn into super-Earths. WASP-69b is more massive than a sub-Neptune, demonstrating the same boiling behaviour scientists suspected. Due to its giant size, scientists have ample time to examine it. Erik Petigura, study co-author and UCLA professor of Physics and Astronomy said, "The WASP-69b system is a gem because we have a rare opportunity to study atmospheric mass-loss in real-time and understand the critical physics that shape thousands of other planets." The study's authors believe that WASP-69b and its comet-like tail will help them explore more about the physics of space, like how planets and their host star evolve together over time. (With inputs from agencies)

Scientists discover planet with a tail that extends 350,000 miles into space

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), on Thursday (Jan 4)&nbsp;announced the winners of Phase 1 of the 2024 NIAC (NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts) programme.&nbsp;

<h2>What is NIAC?</h2>

This programme, as per the US space agency, "fosters pioneering ideas by funding early-stage technology concept studies for future consideration and potential commercialization".&nbsp;

As per NASA Associate Administrator Jim Free, "The daring missions NASA undertakes for the benefit of humanity all begin as just an idea, and NIAC is responsible for inspiring many of those ideas."

"The Ingenuity helicopter flying on Mars and instruments on the MarCO deep space CubeSats can trace their lineage back to NIAC, proving there is a path from creative idea to mission success. And, while not all these concepts will fly, NASA and our partners worldwide can learn from fresh approaches and may eventually use technologies advanced by NIAC," he added.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/video-nasa-releases-stunning-time-lapse-footage-of-gamma-ray-sky-676739">Video: NASA releases stunning time-lapse footage of gamma-ray sky</a>

In phase 1, NASA is funding 13 concepts it has chosen from among companies and institutions across the United States. Each idea will receive a maximum of $175,000 in grants.

Here are some interesting, "visionary" ideas that "could transform future NASA missions with the creation of breakthroughs ".

— Mars Aerial and Ground Global Intelligent Explorer (MAGGIE)

Ge-Cheng Zha Coflow Jet, LLC proposes a novel global mobility Mars exploration platform called the Mars Aerial and Ground Intelligent Explorer (MAGGIE). Powered by solar energy, MAGGIE a compact fixed-wing aircraft will fly in the Martian atmosphere with vertical take-off/landing (VTOL) capability.&nbsp;

— A Revolutionary Approach to Interplanetary Space Travel: Studying Torpor in Animals for Space-health in Humans (STASH)

Mammalian hibernation is suggested as a promising way to mitigate the physical and mental health risks of space travel. An essential feature of that is 'torpor' an energy-conserving state involving an active and often deep reduction in metabolic rate. Using animals, Ryan Sprenger from Fauna Bio Inc. wants to study this.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/explained-why-is-india-paying-elon-musks-spacex-to-launch-gsat-20-676608">Explained: Why is India paying Elon Musk's SpaceX to launch GSAT-20?</a>

— Add-on to Large-Scale Water Mining Operations on Mars to Screen for Introduced and Alien Life

Steven Benner from the Foundation For Applied Molecular Evolution poses that planned human missions to Mars can complicate the search for life on the alien planet. This project states that dry cached rocks aren't enough and that water mined in preparation for human missions can be used to extract genetic polymers (DNA or alien) using an “agnostic life finding” (ALF) system.

— Swarming Proxima Centauri: Coherent Picospacecraft Swarms Over Interstellar Distances

Thomas Eubanks, Space Initiatives Inc. in Florida, poses that a swarm of tiny probes pushed by a laser light could travel to another star (Proxima Centauri) this century. This swarm of 1000s of probes holds the capability to send an optical signal strong enough to send data back to Earth.

— Sample Return from the Surface of Venus

Venus with temperatures of around 450&nbsp;°C and atmospheric pressure of around 92 has the most hostile environment. Geoffrey Landis NASA Glenn Research Center proposes a new approach to return samples from the planet. They want to use innovations in high-temperature technology and solar aircraft for this.&nbsp;

<h2>Apart from these, the following ideas have won the prestigious grant:</h2>

— James Bickford, Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Massachusetts: Thin Film Isotope Nuclear Engine Rocket

— Peter Cabauy, City Labs, Inc., Florida: Autonomous Tritium Micropowered Sensors

— Kenneth Carpenter, NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Maryland: A Lunar Long-Baseline Optical Imaging Interferometer: Artemis-enabled Stellar Image

— Matthew McQuinn, University of Washington, Seattle: Solar System-Scale VLBI to Dramatically Improve Cosmological Distance Measurements

— Aaswath Pattabhi Raman, University of California, Los Angeles: Electro-Luminescently Cooled Zero-Boil-Off Propellant Depots Enabling Crewed Exploration of Mars&nbsp;

— Alvaro Romeo-Calvo, Georgia Tech Research Corporation, Atlanta: Magnetohydrodynamic Drive for Hydrogen and Oxygen Production in Mars Transfer

— Lynn Rothschild, NASA’s Ames Research Center, California’s Silicon Valley: Detoxifying Mars: The Biocatalytic Elimination of Omnipresent Perchlorates

—&nbsp;Beijia Zhang, MIT’s Lincoln Lab, Massachusetts: LIFA: Lightweight Fiber-based Antenna for Small Sat-Compatible Radiometry

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), on Thursday (Jan 4) announced the winners of Phase 1 of the 2024 NIAC (NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts) programme.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), on Thursday (Jan 4) announced the winners of Phase 1 of the 2024 NIAC (NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts) programme. What is NIAC? This programme, as per the US space agency, "fosters pioneering ideas by funding early-stage technology concept studies for future consideration and potential commercialization". As per NASA Associate Administrator Jim Free, "The daring missions NASA undertakes for the benefit of humanity all begin as just an idea, and NIAC is responsible for inspiring many of those ideas." "The Ingenuity helicopter flying on Mars and instruments on the MarCO deep space CubeSats can trace their lineage back to NIAC, proving there is a path from creative idea to mission success. And, while not all these concepts will fly, NASA and our partners worldwide can learn from fresh approaches and may eventually use technologies advanced by NIAC," he added. Also read | Video: NASA releases stunning time-lapse footage of gamma-ray sky In phase 1, NASA is funding 13 concepts it has chosen from among companies and institutions across the United States. Each idea will receive a maximum of $175,000 in grants. Here are some interesting, "visionary" ideas that "could transform future NASA missions with the creation of breakthroughs ". — Mars Aerial and Ground Global Intelligent Explorer (MAGGIE) Ge-Cheng Zha Coflow Jet, LLC proposes a novel global mobility Mars exploration platform called the Mars Aerial and Ground Intelligent Explorer (MAGGIE). Powered by solar energy, MAGGIE a compact fixed-wing aircraft will fly in the Martian atmosphere with vertical take-off/landing (VTOL) capability. — A Revolutionary Approach to Interplanetary Space Travel: Studying Torpor in Animals for Space-health in Humans (STASH) Mammalian hibernation is suggested as a promising way to mitigate the physical and mental health risks of space travel. An essential feature of that is 'torpor' an energy-conserving state involving an active and often deep reduction in metabolic rate. Using animals, Ryan Sprenger from Fauna Bio Inc. wants to study this. Also read | Explained: Why is India paying Elon Musk's SpaceX to launch GSAT-20? — Add-on to Large-Scale Water Mining Operations on Mars to Screen for Introduced and Alien Life Steven Benner from the Foundation For Applied Molecular Evolution poses that planned human missions to Mars can complicate the search for life on the alien planet. This project states that dry cached rocks aren't enough and that water mined in preparation for human missions can be used to extract genetic polymers (DNA or alien) using an “agnostic life finding” (ALF) system. — Swarming Proxima Centauri: Coherent Picospacecraft Swarms Over Interstellar Distances Thomas Eubanks, Space Initiatives Inc. in Florida, poses that a swarm of tiny probes pushed by a laser light could travel to another star (Proxima Centauri) this century. This swarm of 1000s of probes holds the capability to send an optical signal strong enough to send data back to Earth. — Sample Return from the Surface of Venus Venus with temperatures of around 450 °C and atmospheric pressure of around 92 has the most hostile environment. Geoffrey Landis NASA Glenn Research Center proposes a new approach to return samples from the planet. They want to use innovations in high-temperature technology and solar aircraft for this. Apart from these, the following ideas have won the prestigious grant: — James Bickford, Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Massachusetts: Thin Film Isotope Nuclear Engine Rocket — Peter Cabauy, City Labs, Inc., Florida: Autonomous Tritium Micropowered Sensors — Kenneth Carpenter, NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Maryland: A Lunar Long-Baseline Optical Imaging Interferometer: Artemis-enabled Stellar Image — Matthew McQuinn, University of Washington, Seattle: Solar System-Scale VLBI to Dramatically Improve Cosmological Distance Measurements — Aaswath Pattabhi Raman, University of California, Los Angeles: Electro-Luminescently Cooled Zero-Boil-Off Propellant Depots Enabling Crewed Exploration of Mars — Alvaro Romeo-Calvo, Georgia Tech Research Corporation, Atlanta: Magnetohydrodynamic Drive for Hydrogen and Oxygen Production in Mars Transfer — Lynn Rothschild, NASA’s Ames Research Center, California’s Silicon Valley: Detoxifying Mars: The Biocatalytic Elimination of Omnipresent Perchlorates — Beijia Zhang, MIT’s Lincoln Lab, Massachusetts: LIFA: Lightweight Fiber-based Antenna for Small Sat-Compatible Radiometry

NASA announces 13 ideas that won $175,000 under prestigious NIAC programme

As the world celebrated Christmas, the European Space Agency (ESA) shared a stunning image following "Santa's path" through the cosmos.

Sadly, the image, which was captured by the James Webb Space Telescope, is just the European Space Agency&nbsp;jumping onto the Christmas bandwagon. However, that doesn't discount the glorious, ethereal beauty of the picture.

"On 25 December 2021, an Ariane 5 rocket followed Santa Claus and launched @esawebb into space. Today, Webb brings what looks like the path left by Santa's sleigh," writes ESA.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-says-an-asteroid-has-come-near-earth-check-details-673517">NASA says an asteroid has come near Earth, check details</a>

The image which has quite predictably garnered significant attention on social media is actually of the Herbig-Haro objects. In merely 13 hours, the stunning image got more than 12,780 likes, with the numbers rolling up every minute. &nbsp;

<h2>What are Herbig Haro objects?</h2>

As per the ESA, "Herbig-Haro objects are luminous regions surrounding newborn stars (known as protostars), and are formed when stellar winds or jets of gas spewing from these newborn stars form shockwaves colliding with nearby gas and dust at high speeds."

"HH 797, which dominates the lower half of this image, is located close to the young open star cluster IC 348, which is located near the eastern edge of the Perseus dark cloud complex. The bright infrared objects in the upper portion of the image are thought to host two further protostars," it adds.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/japans-moon-sniper-enters-lunar-orbit-on-christmas-sets-stage-for-landing-on-jan-20-next-year-673453">Japan's 'Moon Sniper' enters lunar orbit on Christmas, sets stage for landing on Jan 20 next year</a>

Furthermore, the space agency details that using ground-based observations, "researchers have previously found that for cold molecular gas associated with HH 797, most of the red-shifted gas (moving away from us) is found to the south (bottom right), while the blue-shifted gas (moving towards us) is to the north (bottom left)."

Awestruck by the glorious display of stars, netizens left comments like "What a magnificence", and "magical", while others pointed out that it looked like a snake or a spaghetti monster.

(With inputs from agencies)

As the world celebrated Christmas, the European Space Agency (ESA) shared a stunning image following "Santa's path" through the cosmos. Sadly, the image, which was captured by the James Webb Space Telescope, is just the European Space Agency jumping onto the Christmas bandwagon.

As the world celebrated Christmas, the European Space Agency (ESA) shared a stunning image following "Santa's path" through the cosmos. Sadly, the image, which was captured by the James Webb Space Telescope, is just the European Space Agency jumping onto the Christmas bandwagon. However, that doesn't discount the glorious, ethereal beauty of the picture. "On 25 December 2021, an Ariane 5 rocket followed Santa Claus and launched @esawebb into space. Today, Webb brings what looks like the path left by Santa's sleigh," writes ESA. Also read | NASA says an asteroid has come near Earth, check details The image which has quite predictably garnered significant attention on social media is actually of the Herbig-Haro objects. In merely 13 hours, the stunning image got more than 12,780 likes, with the numbers rolling up every minute. What are Herbig Haro objects? As per the ESA, "Herbig-Haro objects are luminous regions surrounding newborn stars (known as protostars), and are formed when stellar winds or jets of gas spewing from these newborn stars form shockwaves colliding with nearby gas and dust at high speeds." "HH 797, which dominates the lower half of this image, is located close to the young open star cluster IC 348, which is located near the eastern edge of the Perseus dark cloud complex. The bright infrared objects in the upper portion of the image are thought to host two further protostars," it adds. Also read | Japan's 'Moon Sniper' enters lunar orbit on Christmas, sets stage for landing on Jan 20 next year Furthermore, the space agency details that using ground-based observations, "researchers have previously found that for cold molecular gas associated with HH 797, most of the red-shifted gas (moving away from us) is found to the south (bottom right), while the blue-shifted gas (moving towards us) is to the north (bottom left)." Awestruck by the glorious display of stars, netizens left comments like "What a magnificence", and "magical", while others pointed out that it looked like a snake or a spaghetti monster. (With inputs from agencies)

ESA's Christmas gift: James Webb Telescope captures stunning image of 'Santa's Path'

China's enigmatic reusable space plane, Shenlong aka the "Divine Dragon", has added another layer of mystery just four days into its third mission.&nbsp;

Amateur observers worldwide have been diligently tracking the spacecraft since its launch. They have now revealed that the Chinese spacecraft allegedly released six unidentified objects into Earth's orbit. What for? Here's all you need to know.

<h2>What are these 'Mysterious wingmen'?</h2>

As per amateur, spacecraft trackers that have been tracking these mystery objects — designated OBJECT A, B, C, D, E, and F — are emitting emissions.

Scott Tilley, an amateur astronomer known for his satellite tracking expertise, has been closely monitoring these objects.

On X, Tilley referred to the objects as "mysterious wingmen".&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-madhya-pradesh-familys-kuldevta-turns-out-to-be-dinosaur-egg-671119">India: Madhya Pradesh family's sacred totem 'kuldevta' turns out to be dinosaur egg</a>

Speaking to Space.com, he&nbsp;said: "OBJECT A's or nearby emission is reminiscent of earlier Chinese space plane 'wingman' emissions in the sense the signal is modulated with a limited amount of data."

"There is speculation that the emission from OBJECT A may be from an object close to it, but this is speculation, not based on any evidence I'm aware of."

"It should be noted that unlike emissions early in the Chinese space plane missions 1 and 2, these emissions are very intermittent and do not stay on long," he said.

"It's taken days of observations, tracking pass after pass with dish antennas, to come up with this data."

As per Space.com, Tilley and fellow trackers are confident that the emissions originate from the objects or proximity.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/us-two-months-in-nasa-is-still-trying-to-open-its-sample-container-from-asteroid-bennu-670880">Two months on, NASA is still struggling to open sample container from asteroid Bennu</a>

They've based this observation on the objects' expected paths, the absence of other known objects during data collection, and the unique modulation that, as per Tilley, has "only been seen from previous Chinese space plane missions using [a frequency of] 2280MHz."

"In summary, this iteration of the Chinese space plane mission launched into a similar orbit as the last two, but operationally it is exhibiting different radio behaviour than before. The additional observations of the emissions from OBJECT D and E is new, but could also have been missed on earlier missions if they too were intermittent," said Tilley.&nbsp;

"Something we should watch for is close encounters between OBJECT A and Objects D and E. D and E are in fairly elliptical orbits, while A is in a near-circular orbit. In the next couple of days there will be close approaches between these objects at perigee," he added.

<h2>China's mysterious packages in space</h2>

China's space plane, as per the report, exhibited similar behaviour in its prior missions — launched in September 2020 and August 2022, releasing unknown objects into orbit.&nbsp;

Earlier, speculation ranged from service modules to small satellites for monitoring the space plane.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

China's enigmatic reusable space plane, Shenlong aka the "Divine Dragon", has added another layer of mystery just four days into its third mission. Amateur observers worldwide have been diligently tracking the spacecraft since its launch.

China's enigmatic reusable space plane, Shenlong aka the "Divine Dragon", has added another layer of mystery just four days into its third mission. Amateur observers worldwide have been diligently tracking the spacecraft since its launch. They have now revealed that the Chinese spacecraft allegedly released six unidentified objects into Earth's orbit. What for? Here's all you need to know. What are these 'Mysterious wingmen'? As per amateur, spacecraft trackers that have been tracking these mystery objects — designated OBJECT A, B, C, D, E, and F — are emitting emissions. Scott Tilley, an amateur astronomer known for his satellite tracking expertise, has been closely monitoring these objects. On X, Tilley referred to the objects as "mysterious wingmen". Also read | India: Madhya Pradesh family's sacred totem 'kuldevta' turns out to be dinosaur egg Speaking to Space.com, he said: "OBJECT A's or nearby emission is reminiscent of earlier Chinese space plane 'wingman' emissions in the sense the signal is modulated with a limited amount of data." "There is speculation that the emission from OBJECT A may be from an object close to it, but this is speculation, not based on any evidence I'm aware of." "It should be noted that unlike emissions early in the Chinese space plane missions 1 and 2, these emissions are very intermittent and do not stay on long," he said. "It's taken days of observations, tracking pass after pass with dish antennas, to come up with this data." As per Space.com, Tilley and fellow trackers are confident that the emissions originate from the objects or proximity. Also read | Two months on, NASA is still struggling to open sample container from asteroid Bennu They've based this observation on the objects' expected paths, the absence of other known objects during data collection, and the unique modulation that, as per Tilley, has "only been seen from previous Chinese space plane missions using [a frequency of] 2280MHz." "In summary, this iteration of the Chinese space plane mission launched into a similar orbit as the last two, but operationally it is exhibiting different radio behaviour than before. The additional observations of the emissions from OBJECT D and E is new, but could also have been missed on earlier missions if they too were intermittent," said Tilley. "Something we should watch for is close encounters between OBJECT A and Objects D and E. D and E are in fairly elliptical orbits, while A is in a near-circular orbit. In the next couple of days there will be close approaches between these objects at perigee," he added. China's mysterious packages in space China's space plane, as per the report, exhibited similar behaviour in its prior missions — launched in September 2020 and August 2022, releasing unknown objects into orbit. Earlier, speculation ranged from service modules to small satellites for monitoring the space plane. (With inputs from agencies)

Chinese space plane deployed 6 mysterious 'wingmen' in Earth's orbit: Reports

As Christmas approaches, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has released an image of a space Christmas tree.

The image is of NGC 2264, a cluster of young stars, which is also known as the "Christmas Tree Cluster".

<h2>A cosmic tree</h2>

Released just days before Christmas, the new composite image resembles a Christmas tree, but this is a result of "choices of colour and rotation."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/hubbles-spectacular-capture-shows-distant-spiral-galaxy-with-forbidden-light-671530">Hubble's spectacular capture shows distant spiral galaxy with 'forbidden' light</a>

"It's beginning to look a lot like cosmos," wrote NASA on X, formerly Twitter.

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It's beginning to look a lot like cosmos. 🎶 
 
Our <a href="https://twitter.com/chandraxray?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ChandraXray</a> Observatory recently spotted the blue-and-white lights that decorate the "Christmas Tree Cluster," a swarm of stars and gas some 2,500 light-years from Earth: <a href="https://t.co/VT2WaLgp77">https://t.co/VT2WaLgp77</a> <a href="https://t.co/HrnrmxRyd7">pic.twitter.com/HrnrmxRyd7</a>
— NASA (@NASA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASA/status/1737176016622125352?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 19, 2023</a></blockquote>
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There's also an even more festive, Christmas-ey, blinking light version of the image. In it, blinking blue and white lights as per the space agency are "young stars that give off X-rays detected by NASA's Chandra X-ray".

<img alt="Blinking lights version " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8a452696-7fea-4eab-9088-e466f552a7dd" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/New%20wion.gif" />

(Image credit: NASA)

In the cosmic images, the green colour of the "pine needles" corresponds to gas in the nebula. This was the result of optical data from the National Science Foundation's WIYN 0.9-meter telescope on Kitt Peak. While the twinkling foreground and background stars in white are from infrared data from the Two Micron All Sky Survey.&nbsp;

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"This image has been rotated clockwise by about 160 degrees from the astronomer’s standard of North pointing upward, so that it appears like the top of the tree is toward the top of the image," adds NASA.

<h2>NGC 2264</h2>

The cluster of young stars, NGC 2264, as per NASA, has stars aged between one and five million years, and it is our planet's cosmic neighbour — located in our Milky Way galaxy, just about 2,500 light years away from Earth.

NGC 2264's stars, as per the space agency, vary in size. Some are smaller than our star: the Sun, others are larger. Their sizes range from less than a tenth the mass of the Sun to some as big as seven times the solar mass.

As Christmas approaches, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has released an image of a space Christmas tree. The image is of NGC 2264, a cluster of young stars, which is also known as the "Christmas Tree Cluster".

As Christmas approaches, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has released an image of a space Christmas tree. The image is of NGC 2264, a cluster of young stars, which is also known as the "Christmas Tree Cluster". A cosmic tree Released just days before Christmas, the new composite image resembles a Christmas tree, but this is a result of "choices of colour and rotation." Also read | Hubble's spectacular capture shows distant spiral galaxy with 'forbidden' light "It's beginning to look a lot like cosmos," wrote NASA on X, formerly Twitter. It's beginning to look a lot like cosmos. 🎶 Our @ChandraXray Observatory recently spotted the blue-and-white lights that decorate the "Christmas Tree Cluster," a swarm of stars and gas some 2,500 light-years from Earth: https://t.co/VT2WaLgp77 pic.twitter.com/HrnrmxRyd7 — NASA (@NASA) December 19, 2023 × There's also an even more festive, Christmas-ey, blinking light version of the image. In it, blinking blue and white lights as per the space agency are "young stars that give off X-rays detected by NASA's Chandra X-ray". (Image credit: NASA) In the cosmic images, the green colour of the "pine needles" corresponds to gas in the nebula. This was the result of optical data from the National Science Foundation's WIYN 0.9-meter telescope on Kitt Peak. While the twinkling foreground and background stars in white are from infrared data from the Two Micron All Sky Survey. Also read | Watch: NASA sends high-definition cat video from spaceship to Earth via laser, covering 31mn km "This image has been rotated clockwise by about 160 degrees from the astronomer’s standard of North pointing upward, so that it appears like the top of the tree is toward the top of the image," adds NASA. NGC 2264 The cluster of young stars, NGC 2264, as per NASA, has stars aged between one and five million years, and it is our planet's cosmic neighbour — located in our Milky Way galaxy, just about 2,500 light years away from Earth. NGC 2264's stars, as per the space agency, vary in size. Some are smaller than our star: the Sun, others are larger. Their sizes range from less than a tenth the mass of the Sun to some as big as seven times the solar mass.

Cosmic Christmas tree stuns ahead of holidays in new image shared by NASA

NASA has expanded the search for extraterrestrial life by identifying 17 exoplanets with the potential for habitable oceans hidden beneath their icy shells. "Water from these oceans could occasionally erupt through the ice crust as geysers. The science team calculated the amount of geyser activity on these exoplanets, the first time these estimates have been made," NASA said in a statement.

The study, led by Dr. Lynnae Quick of NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, challenged the conventional focus on a star’s "habitable zone" and explored the possibility of subsurface oceans on distant and cold exoplanets.

The research, published in the Astrophysical Journal on October 4, delved into the internal heating mechanisms of these exoplanets, by taking known properties of icy moons in our solar system like Europa and Enceladus, which harbour subsurface oceans due to gravitational forces from their host planets and other moons nearby them.

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"Our analyses predict that these 17 worlds may have ice-covered surfaces but receive enough internal heating from the decay of radioactive elements and tidal forces from their host stars to maintain internal oceans," explained Dr. Quick.

"Thanks to the amount of internal heating they experience, all planets in our study could also exhibit cryovolcanic eruptions in the form of geyser-like plumes."

The team focused on Earth-sized exoplanets with lower density, suggesting significant ice and water content. While their exact compositions remain unknown, estimates of surface temperatures indicated much colder conditions than Earth, implying potential ice coverings.

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The study also estimated total internal heating by considering tidal forces and radioactive activity. Comparing these figures to Europa's allowed the team to predict ice layer thickness and geyser activity on the exoplanets.

<h2>Surface temperature up to 60 degrees Fahrenheit colder</h2>

Surface temperatures were estimated to be up to 60 degrees Fahrenheit colder than previous assessments. Ice shell thickness varied among the exoplanets, ranging from 190 feet to 24 miles. Geyser activity estimates ranged from 17.6 pounds per second for Kepler 441b to 13.2 million pounds per second for Proxima Centauri b.

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The geyser activity could be seen when exoplanets pass in front of their stars. Water vapour from geysers could block certain colours of starlight, providing evidence of cryovolcanic eruptions. Sporadic detections of water vapour varying over time would suggest geological activity.&nbsp;
</section>

(With inputs from agencies)

NASA has expanded the search for extraterrestrial life by identifying 17 exoplanets with the potential for habitable oceans hidden beneath their icy shells. "Water from these oceans could occasionally erupt through the ice crust as geysers.

NASA has expanded the search for extraterrestrial life by identifying 17 exoplanets with the potential for habitable oceans hidden beneath their icy shells. "Water from these oceans could occasionally erupt through the ice crust as geysers. The science team calculated the amount of geyser activity on these exoplanets, the first time these estimates have been made," NASA said in a statement. The study, led by Dr. Lynnae Quick of NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, challenged the conventional focus on a star’s "habitable zone" and explored the possibility of subsurface oceans on distant and cold exoplanets. The research, published in the Astrophysical Journal on October 4, delved into the internal heating mechanisms of these exoplanets, by taking known properties of icy moons in our solar system like Europa and Enceladus, which harbour subsurface oceans due to gravitational forces from their host planets and other moons nearby them. Also Read | Delaying breakfast and dinner increases chances of heart attack, stroke: Study "Our analyses predict that these 17 worlds may have ice-covered surfaces but receive enough internal heating from the decay of radioactive elements and tidal forces from their host stars to maintain internal oceans," explained Dr. Quick. "Thanks to the amount of internal heating they experience, all planets in our study could also exhibit cryovolcanic eruptions in the form of geyser-like plumes." The team focused on Earth-sized exoplanets with lower density, suggesting significant ice and water content. While their exact compositions remain unknown, estimates of surface temperatures indicated much colder conditions than Earth, implying potential ice coverings. Also Read | ISS astronaut snaps photos of icebergs - a reminder of climate change The study also estimated total internal heating by considering tidal forces and radioactive activity. Comparing these figures to Europa's allowed the team to predict ice layer thickness and geyser activity on the exoplanets. Surface temperature up to 60 degrees Fahrenheit colder Surface temperatures were estimated to be up to 60 degrees Fahrenheit colder than previous assessments. Ice shell thickness varied among the exoplanets, ranging from 190 feet to 24 miles. Geyser activity estimates ranged from 17.6 pounds per second for Kepler 441b to 13.2 million pounds per second for Proxima Centauri b. Watch | Green transition & fiscal strain: Impact of Germany's debt brake suspension × The geyser activity could be seen when exoplanets pass in front of their stars. Water vapour from geysers could block certain colours of starlight, providing evidence of cryovolcanic eruptions. Sporadic detections of water vapour varying over time would suggest geological activity. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA identifies 17 exoplanets hosting 'hidden' oceans beneath icy shells, erupting geysers

Fast radio bursts (FRBs), those enigmatic millisecond-long flashes of radio waves from distant corners of the universe, have become more mysterious than ever.&nbsp;

The discovery of a unique pattern in a newly detected repeating FRB, named FRB 20220912A, has left astronomers intrigued.&nbsp;

<h2>New study</h2>

In a new study, published in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, astronomers have outlined the findings. The research offer valuable clues while introducing fresh puzzles to unravel.

The first FRB was identified in 2007, and since then, numerous such intense events have been spotted emanating from the far reaches of the cosmos. These bursts can unleash as much energy in a thousandth of a second as the sun generates in a year or more. Despite this, the cause behind FRBs remains unknown.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/boxing-glove-claws-breathing-through-legs-newly-found-sea-spider-species-has-some-bizarre-features-669867">Newly found sea spider species breathes through legs, has boxing gloves for claws</a>

As per a report in ABC 7 News, the recent discovery was made from observations made using the Allen Telescope Array (ATA) of the California-based SETI Institute, equipped with 42 antennae at the Hat Creek Radio Observatory.&nbsp;

Over a two-month period, the team detected 35 fast radio bursts from a single source.

This study marks the first use of the Allen Telescope Array to observe FRBs, showcasing the potential of new telescopes with unique capabilities in shedding light on the mysteries of FRB science.&nbsp;

<h2>The discovery</h2>

While most FRBs last only a few milliseconds, making them challenging to observe, some have been found to repeat, enabling astronomers to trace their origin back to distant galaxies. FRB 20220912A initially appeared akin to other known repeaters, with each burst transitioning from higher to lower frequencies.

A closer examination unveiled a novel aspect: a distinct drop in the centre frequency of the bursts, resembling a cosmic slide whistle. When the signals were converted into sounds using xylophone notes, it was even more noticeable. The high notes represented the beginning of the bursts, and the low notes depicted the concluding tones.

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Despite efforts to identify a pattern in the timings between each burst, similar to some other repeating FRBs, researchers could not detect one for FRB 20220912A, underscoring the unpredictable nature of these celestial events.

Lead study author Dr Sofia Sheikh, a National Science Foundation MPS-Ascend postdoctoral fellow at the SETI Institute, expressed excitement about the findings.

"This work is exciting because it provides both confirmation of known FRB properties and the discovery of some new ones," said Sheikh.&nbsp;Researchers noted that each observation of FRBs yields insights and raises further questions.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Fast radio bursts (FRBs), those enigmatic millisecond-long flashes of radio waves from distant corners of the universe, have become more mysterious than ever. The discovery of a unique pattern in a newly detected repeating FRB, named FRB 20220912A, has left astronomers intrigued.

Fast radio bursts (FRBs), those enigmatic millisecond-long flashes of radio waves from distant corners of the universe, have become more mysterious than ever. The discovery of a unique pattern in a newly detected repeating FRB, named FRB 20220912A, has left astronomers intrigued. New study In a new study, published in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, astronomers have outlined the findings. The research offer valuable clues while introducing fresh puzzles to unravel. The first FRB was identified in 2007, and since then, numerous such intense events have been spotted emanating from the far reaches of the cosmos. These bursts can unleash as much energy in a thousandth of a second as the sun generates in a year or more. Despite this, the cause behind FRBs remains unknown. Also read | Newly found sea spider species breathes through legs, has boxing gloves for claws As per a report in ABC 7 News, the recent discovery was made from observations made using the Allen Telescope Array (ATA) of the California-based SETI Institute, equipped with 42 antennae at the Hat Creek Radio Observatory. Over a two-month period, the team detected 35 fast radio bursts from a single source. This study marks the first use of the Allen Telescope Array to observe FRBs, showcasing the potential of new telescopes with unique capabilities in shedding light on the mysteries of FRB science. The discovery While most FRBs last only a few milliseconds, making them challenging to observe, some have been found to repeat, enabling astronomers to trace their origin back to distant galaxies. FRB 20220912A initially appeared akin to other known repeaters, with each burst transitioning from higher to lower frequencies. A closer examination unveiled a novel aspect: a distinct drop in the centre frequency of the bursts, resembling a cosmic slide whistle. When the signals were converted into sounds using xylophone notes, it was even more noticeable. The high notes represented the beginning of the bursts, and the low notes depicted the concluding tones. Also read | Bezos wants humans to colonise the solar system, while Musk has his sight set on Mars Despite efforts to identify a pattern in the timings between each burst, similar to some other repeating FRBs, researchers could not detect one for FRB 20220912A, underscoring the unpredictable nature of these celestial events. Lead study author Dr Sofia Sheikh, a National Science Foundation MPS-Ascend postdoctoral fellow at the SETI Institute, expressed excitement about the findings. "This work is exciting because it provides both confirmation of known FRB properties and the discovery of some new ones," said Sheikh. Researchers noted that each observation of FRBs yields insights and raises further questions. (With inputs from agencies)

Unlocking secrets of universe: Mysterious fast radio bursts in space gets stranger

Astronomers are forced to question the theories surrounding the planet's formation after stumbling upon an exoplanet which shouldn't have technically existed.

The discovered planet, which has a mass similar to Neptune and is more than 13 times larger than&nbsp;Earth, was spotted orbiting an ultracool M-dwarf star named LHS 3154. Ironically, the star is nine times smaller than our Sun. An M-dwarf star is the coolest and smallest kind of star in the galaxy.

The planet, which has been named LHS 3154b, has been closely orbiting the star and it completes one orbit every 3.7 Earth days. This has emerged as one of the largest known planets present in a close orbit around one of the most low-mass, coldest stars in the universe, as per the new study published in the journal Science on Thursday (Nov 30).

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/another-solar-system-in-milky-way-scientists-discover-six-unique-exoplanets-664654">Another solar system in Milky Way? Scientists discover six unique exoplanets</a>

The planet's discovery upends how the formation of planetary systems is understood by scientists. In a statement, study co-author Suvrath Mahadevan and professor of astronomy and astrophysics at Penn State Verne M. Willaman said, “This discovery really drives home the point of just how little we know about the universe. We wouldn’t expect a planet this heavy around such a low-mass star to exist.”

The stars are formed from massive clouds of dust and gas and a disk is created around them using the leftover material, where planets are later born. The amount of material located within the disks surrounding the stars determines the size of the planets to be formed. The disk material depends largely on the mass of the star.

Throughout the Milky Way galaxy, the small M dwarf stars are the most common. They generally have small and rocky planets which continue to orbit them, rather than giant gas planets.

“The planet-forming disk around the low-mass star LHS 3154 is not expected to have enough solid mass to make this planet. But it’s out there, so now we need to reexamine our understanding of how planets and stars form,” said Mahadevan.

<h2>Scientists look into habitable zones in search of life</h2>

The planet has been orbiting around the star nearly 51 light-years away from the sun and was spotted using the Habitable Zone Planet Finder (HPF), which was installed on the Hobby-Eberly Telescope by the scientists at the McDonald Observatory in Texas.

The HPF built by Mahadevan and his team was designed for spotting planets orbiting within the habitable zone of cool and small stars. The habitable zone refers to the right distance from a star from where a planet is in warm condition for supporting the presence of liquid water on its surface as well as life.

Watch:&nbsp;Cosmic journey: Space balloons &amp; space station visit part of the tour

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/cosmic-journey-space-balloons-space-station-visit-part-of-the-tour-636823/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

“Think about it like the star is a campfire. The more the fire cools down, the closer you’ll need to get to that fire to stay warm. The same is true for planets. If the star is colder, then a planet will need to be closer to that star if it is going to be warm enough to contain liquid water. If a planet has a close enough orbit to its ultracool star, we can detect it by seeing a very subtle change in the colour of the star’s spectra or light as it is tugged on by an orbiting planet,” said Mahadevan.

(With inputs from agencies)

Astronomers are forced to question the theories surrounding the planet's formation after stumbling upon an exoplanet which shouldn't have technically existed. The discovered planet, which has a mass similar to Neptune and is more than 13 times larger than Earth, was spotted orbiting an ultracool M-dwarf star named LHS 3154.

Astronomers are forced to question the theories surrounding the planet's formation after stumbling upon an exoplanet which shouldn't have technically existed. The discovered planet, which has a mass similar to Neptune and is more than 13 times larger than Earth, was spotted orbiting an ultracool M-dwarf star named LHS 3154. Ironically, the star is nine times smaller than our Sun. An M-dwarf star is the coolest and smallest kind of star in the galaxy. The planet, which has been named LHS 3154b, has been closely orbiting the star and it completes one orbit every 3.7 Earth days. This has emerged as one of the largest known planets present in a close orbit around one of the most low-mass, coldest stars in the universe, as per the new study published in the journal Science on Thursday (Nov 30). Also read: Another solar system in Milky Way? Scientists discover six unique exoplanets The planet's discovery upends how the formation of planetary systems is understood by scientists. In a statement, study co-author Suvrath Mahadevan and professor of astronomy and astrophysics at Penn State Verne M. Willaman said, “This discovery really drives home the point of just how little we know about the universe. We wouldn’t expect a planet this heavy around such a low-mass star to exist.” The stars are formed from massive clouds of dust and gas and a disk is created around them using the leftover material, where planets are later born. The amount of material located within the disks surrounding the stars determines the size of the planets to be formed. The disk material depends largely on the mass of the star. Throughout the Milky Way galaxy, the small M dwarf stars are the most common. They generally have small and rocky planets which continue to orbit them, rather than giant gas planets. “The planet-forming disk around the low-mass star LHS 3154 is not expected to have enough solid mass to make this planet. But it’s out there, so now we need to reexamine our understanding of how planets and stars form,” said Mahadevan. Scientists look into habitable zones in search of life The planet has been orbiting around the star nearly 51 light-years away from the sun and was spotted using the Habitable Zone Planet Finder (HPF), which was installed on the Hobby-Eberly Telescope by the scientists at the McDonald Observatory in Texas. The HPF built by Mahadevan and his team was designed for spotting planets orbiting within the habitable zone of cool and small stars. The habitable zone refers to the right distance from a star from where a planet is in warm condition for supporting the presence of liquid water on its surface as well as life. Watch: Cosmic journey: Space balloons & space station visit part of the tour “Think about it like the star is a campfire. The more the fire cools down, the closer you’ll need to get to that fire to stay warm. The same is true for planets. If the star is colder, then a planet will need to be closer to that star if it is going to be warm enough to contain liquid water. If a planet has a close enough orbit to its ultracool star, we can detect it by seeing a very subtle change in the colour of the star’s spectra or light as it is tugged on by an orbiting planet,” said Mahadevan. (With inputs from agencies)

Astronomers discover massive exoplanet which 'should not' have existed

Researchers have detected an exoplanet that appears to be far too massive for its host star. According to the study published in <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.abo0233?adobe_mc=MCMID%3D29156901692544506352378989499645601893%7CMCORGID%3D242B6472541199F70A4C98A6%2540AdobeOrg%7CTS%3D1701342118">the journal Science</a>, researchers said the exoplanet- called LHS 3154b- is 13 times bigger than Earth, and is orbiting the star called 3154, which is nine times smaller than the Sun. The planet was found using an instrument called the Habitable Zone Planet Finder (HPF)

"We used radial velocity observations to detect a Neptune-mass exoplanet orbiting LHS 3154, a star that is nine times less massive than the Sun," the study said.

"The exoplanet’s orbital period is 3.7 days, and its minimum mass is 13.2 Earth masses," it added. The study said that planets form in protoplanetary disks of gas and dust around young stars that are undergoing their formation process.

The amount of material in the disk determines how big the planets can grow. "In the core-accretion simulations, we show that close-in Neptune-mass planets are only formed if the dust mass of the protoplanetary disk is an order of magnitude greater than typically observed around very low-mass stars," it further added.

Speaking to The Guardian, the study's co-author Professor Suvrath Mahadevan, of Penn State University said that this discovery drives home the point of just how little is known about the universe.

"We wouldn’t expect a planet this heavy around such a low-mass star to exist," Professor Mahadevan said. “The planet-forming disk around the low-mass star LHS 3154 is not expected to have enough solid mass to make this planet,” he added.

Mahadevan also said there is a need to re-examine the understanding of how planets and stars are formed.

Speaking on the findings, Prof Frédéric Masset of the National Autonomous University of Mexico said that such a big planet in the vicinity of such a small star is “unheard of” and could prompt a rethink of planetary formation, The Guardian reported.

Researchers have detected an exoplanet that appears to be far too massive for its host star. According to the study published in the journal Science, researchers said the exoplanet- called LHS 3154b- is 13 times bigger than Earth, and is orbiting the star called 3154, which is nine times smaller than the Sun.

Researchers have detected an exoplanet that appears to be far too massive for its host star. According to the study published in the journal Science, researchers said the exoplanet- called LHS 3154b- is 13 times bigger than Earth, and is orbiting the star called 3154, which is nine times smaller than the Sun. The planet was found using an instrument called the Habitable Zone Planet Finder (HPF) "We used radial velocity observations to detect a Neptune-mass exoplanet orbiting LHS 3154, a star that is nine times less massive than the Sun," the study said. "The exoplanet’s orbital period is 3.7 days, and its minimum mass is 13.2 Earth masses," it added. The study said that planets form in protoplanetary disks of gas and dust around young stars that are undergoing their formation process. The amount of material in the disk determines how big the planets can grow. "In the core-accretion simulations, we show that close-in Neptune-mass planets are only formed if the dust mass of the protoplanetary disk is an order of magnitude greater than typically observed around very low-mass stars," it further added. Speaking to The Guardian, the study's co-author Professor Suvrath Mahadevan, of Penn State University said that this discovery drives home the point of just how little is known about the universe. "We wouldn’t expect a planet this heavy around such a low-mass star to exist," Professor Mahadevan said. “The planet-forming disk around the low-mass star LHS 3154 is not expected to have enough solid mass to make this planet,” he added. Mahadevan also said there is a need to re-examine the understanding of how planets and stars are formed. Speaking on the findings, Prof Frédéric Masset of the National Autonomous University of Mexico said that such a big planet in the vicinity of such a small star is “unheard of” and could prompt a rethink of planetary formation, The Guardian reported.

Exoplanet 13 times bigger than Earth found orbiting star 9 times smaller than our Sun

In a major discovery, NASA has found methane on a distant exoplanet, which made it important to be closely observed. 
 
But why is methane such an important discovery? Methane has been able to capture scientific attention due to its short duration in a planetary atmosphere. 
 
This chemical cannot withstand starlight for a longer duration, especially in the terrestrial atmosphere. Methane succumbs to photodissociation and requires it to be continually replenished to maintain its presence in an atmosphere. 
 
If there is presence of huge amount of methane on a rocky planet, then the source is likely to be a massive and biotic one. Biological activity on Earth leads to the creation of an enormous amount of methane. 
 
Metabolically, it is not difficult to create methane. Methane is commonly found in our Solar System, although not in abundance. As per scientists, it is all abiotic. It has also been found on Mars, the Moon and on a few asteroids. 
 
Recently, methane was detected by the James Webb Space Telescope in the atmosphere of exoplanet WASP-80b, which is a gas giant half as big as Jupiter.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/alien-worlds-astronomers-discover-two-new-hot-jupiters-heres-all-about-these-exoplanets-662475">Alien worlds: Astronomers discover two new 'hot Jupiters'. Here's all about these exoplanets</a>

WASP-80b has been orbiting around a K-type main sequence star, which is about 1.5 billion years old. WASP 80 is nearly 162 light-years away, and WASP-80b is the only exoplanet which has been found around the star till now. 
 
Since the exoplanet is a gas giant, there is no scope for life. However, the serpentinisation of olivine, which is methane's most well-known abiotic source, has also been ruled out since the exoplanet is not a rocky planet. 
 
Serpentinisation is an abiotic, natural process which involves water, carbon dioxide, and the mineral olivine. The detection has been presented in a new paper which has been published in the journal Nature.

<h2>Exoplanet like a warm Jupiter, says researchers</h2>

The paper has been titled "Methane throughout the atmosphere of the warm exoplanet WASP-80b" and its lead author is Taylor Bell, who is a post-doc researcher at the Bay Area Environmental Research Institute. 
 
WASP-80b is like a warm Jupiter, with a temperature of nearly 550 Celsius (1,025 F; 825 K). WASP-80b's temperature puts it in "an interesting transitional regime where equilibrium chemistry models predict that there should be detectable CH4 and CO/CO2 features in the planet's transmission and emission spectra,” explained the authors of the research.

Watch:&nbsp;SpaceX launches 22 Starlink satellites into orbit, launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base

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"However, this definitive detection of methane throughout the atmosphere of WASP-80b with low-resolution, JWST spectroscopy raises the question of to what extent past non-detections were affected by the sparse wavelength coverage and precision achievable with HST and Spitzer," wrote the authors. 
 
"As we find methane and other gases in exoplanets, we will continue to expand our knowledge about how chemistry and physics work under conditions unlike what we have on Earth, and maybe sometime soon, in other planets that remind us of what we have here at home," the authors said in a NASA blog post.

(With inputs from agencies)

In a major discovery, NASA has found methane on a distant exoplanet, which made it important to be closely observed. But why is methane such an important discovery?

In a major discovery, NASA has found methane on a distant exoplanet, which made it important to be closely observed. But why is methane such an important discovery? Methane has been able to capture scientific attention due to its short duration in a planetary atmosphere. This chemical cannot withstand starlight for a longer duration, especially in the terrestrial atmosphere. Methane succumbs to photodissociation and requires it to be continually replenished to maintain its presence in an atmosphere. If there is presence of huge amount of methane on a rocky planet, then the source is likely to be a massive and biotic one. Biological activity on Earth leads to the creation of an enormous amount of methane. Metabolically, it is not difficult to create methane. Methane is commonly found in our Solar System, although not in abundance. As per scientists, it is all abiotic. It has also been found on Mars, the Moon and on a few asteroids. Recently, methane was detected by the James Webb Space Telescope in the atmosphere of exoplanet WASP-80b, which is a gas giant half as big as Jupiter. Also Read: Alien worlds: Astronomers discover two new 'hot Jupiters'. Here's all about these exoplanets WASP-80b has been orbiting around a K-type main sequence star, which is about 1.5 billion years old. WASP 80 is nearly 162 light-years away, and WASP-80b is the only exoplanet which has been found around the star till now. Since the exoplanet is a gas giant, there is no scope for life. However, the serpentinisation of olivine, which is methane's most well-known abiotic source, has also been ruled out since the exoplanet is not a rocky planet. Serpentinisation is an abiotic, natural process which involves water, carbon dioxide, and the mineral olivine. The detection has been presented in a new paper which has been published in the journal Nature. Exoplanet like a warm Jupiter, says researchers The paper has been titled "Methane throughout the atmosphere of the warm exoplanet WASP-80b" and its lead author is Taylor Bell, who is a post-doc researcher at the Bay Area Environmental Research Institute. WASP-80b is like a warm Jupiter, with a temperature of nearly 550 Celsius (1,025 F; 825 K). WASP-80b's temperature puts it in "an interesting transitional regime where equilibrium chemistry models predict that there should be detectable CH4 and CO/CO2 features in the planet's transmission and emission spectra,” explained the authors of the research. Watch: SpaceX launches 22 Starlink satellites into orbit, launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base "However, this definitive detection of methane throughout the atmosphere of WASP-80b with low-resolution, JWST spectroscopy raises the question of to what extent past non-detections were affected by the sparse wavelength coverage and precision achievable with HST and Spitzer," wrote the authors. "As we find methane and other gases in exoplanets, we will continue to expand our knowledge about how chemistry and physics work under conditions unlike what we have on Earth, and maybe sometime soon, in other planets that remind us of what we have here at home," the authors said in a NASA blog post. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA discovers methane on distant exoplanet. Here is what it means...

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