Zhurong, China's first rover to Mars was declared dead. After months of shying away from answering the status of this rover, China has finally confirmed that it has lost all its contacts with Zhurong. What was Zhurong? Why did it die? How did it meet the same fate as most Chinese products? Molly Gambhir reports.

Gravitas: Zhurong: Chinese rover on Mars dies

Earth's neighbour Mars has always been among the prime candidates when it came to search for extraterrestrial life. In order for life to thrive on a particular planet's surface, it also needs to have some favourable conditions under the surface. Movement of Earth's interior creates a protective magnetic field that protects life from harmful cosmic radiations.

Now, data obtained by NASA's InSight lander has revealed that Mars has a completely liquid core. Additionally, it is rich in Sulphur and Oxygen, the data has revealed. To reach their conclusions, scientists have analysed seismic waves caused by 'Marsquakes' that passed through the lanet's core. The international research team included seismologists from University of Maryland (UMD).

The findings have been published on April 24, 2023, in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, according to a report in SciTechDaily.

"In 1906, scientists first discovered the Earth’s core by observing how seismic waves from earthquakes were affected by traveling through it,” said UMD Associate Professor of Geology Vedran Lekic, second author of the paper, as quoted in the report.

“More than a hundred years later, we’re applying our knowledge of seismic waves to Mars. With InSight, we’re finally discovering what’s at the center of Mars and what makes Mars so similar yet distinct from Earth.”

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/uae-spacecraft-captures-most-detailed-photos-of-mars-little-moon-585996">UAE spacecraft captures most detailed photos of Mars' little moon</a>

In their study, the team of researchers studied two distant seismic events on Mars. They detected waves that travelled through the planet's core.

By using the data obtained by the measurements and more, scientists were able to measure density and compressibility of the material these seismic waves passed through.

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Earth's neighbour Mars has always been among the prime candidates when it came to search for extraterrestrial life. In order for life to thrive on a particular planet's surface, it also needs to have some favourable conditions under the surface.

Earth's neighbour Mars has always been among the prime candidates when it came to search for extraterrestrial life. In order for life to thrive on a particular planet's surface, it also needs to have some favourable conditions under the surface. Movement of Earth's interior creates a protective magnetic field that protects life from harmful cosmic radiations. Now, data obtained by NASA's InSight lander has revealed that Mars has a completely liquid core. Additionally, it is rich in Sulphur and Oxygen, the data has revealed. To reach their conclusions, scientists have analysed seismic waves caused by 'Marsquakes' that passed through the lanet's core. The international research team included seismologists from University of Maryland (UMD). The findings have been published on April 24, 2023, in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, according to a report in SciTechDaily. "In 1906, scientists first discovered the Earth’s core by observing how seismic waves from earthquakes were affected by traveling through it,” said UMD Associate Professor of Geology Vedran Lekic, second author of the paper, as quoted in the report. “More than a hundred years later, we’re applying our knowledge of seismic waves to Mars. With InSight, we’re finally discovering what’s at the center of Mars and what makes Mars so similar yet distinct from Earth.” Also Read | UAE spacecraft captures most detailed photos of Mars' little moon In their study, the team of researchers studied two distant seismic events on Mars. They detected waves that travelled through the planet's core. By using the data obtained by the measurements and more, scientists were able to measure density and compressibility of the material these seismic waves passed through. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Scientists analyse marsquake to conclude that red planet has liquid core

A spacecraft around Mars has captured the most-detailed photographs of the planet's little moon "Deimos". According to a report by the news agency Associated Press on Monday (April 24), the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Amal spacecraft flew within 100 kilometres of Deimos on March 10. The photographs were released on Monday. This was the closest a spacecraft had been to Deimos in almost a half-century.

Amal also observed the little explored far side of the moon just (15 kilometres by 12 kilometres by 12 kilometres). Phobos, the other moon of Mars, is almost double that size. It orbits much closer to the planet- just 6,000 kilometres away, the closest of any planet’s moon in the solar system.

The report said that Deimos' orbit around Mars stretched 23,000 kilometres out. That’s close to the inner part of the spacecraft’s orbit — “which is what made observing Deimos such a compelling idea,” Hessa al-Matroushi, the mission's lead scientist, said.&nbsp;

Al-Matroushi and other scientists with the UAE's space agency said the new photographs indicated that Deimos was not an asteroid that got captured in Mars’ orbit eons ago- which had been the leading theory until now.&nbsp;

The scientists, instead, said the moon appeared to be of Martian origin, the Associated Press reported on Monday.&nbsp;

Amal rocketed to Mars on July 19, 2020. Al-Matroushi said the spacecraft would continue to sweep past Deimos this year, but not as closely as it was on March 10.&nbsp;

Previously, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) Viking 2 came within 30 kilometres of Deimos in 1977. But since then, other spacecraft photographed the moon but from a much farther distance.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
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A spacecraft around Mars has captured the most-detailed photographs of the planet's little moon "Deimos". According to a report by the news agency Associated Press on Monday (April 24), the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Amal spacecraft flew within 100 kilometres of Deimos on March 10.

A spacecraft around Mars has captured the most-detailed photographs of the planet's little moon "Deimos". According to a report by the news agency Associated Press on Monday (April 24), the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Amal spacecraft flew within 100 kilometres of Deimos on March 10. The photographs were released on Monday. This was the closest a spacecraft had been to Deimos in almost a half-century. Amal also observed the little explored far side of the moon just (15 kilometres by 12 kilometres by 12 kilometres). Phobos, the other moon of Mars, is almost double that size. It orbits much closer to the planet- just 6,000 kilometres away, the closest of any planet’s moon in the solar system. The report said that Deimos' orbit around Mars stretched 23,000 kilometres out. That’s close to the inner part of the spacecraft’s orbit — “which is what made observing Deimos such a compelling idea,” Hessa al-Matroushi, the mission's lead scientist, said. Al-Matroushi and other scientists with the UAE's space agency said the new photographs indicated that Deimos was not an asteroid that got captured in Mars’ orbit eons ago- which had been the leading theory until now. The scientists, instead, said the moon appeared to be of Martian origin, the Associated Press reported on Monday. Amal rocketed to Mars on July 19, 2020. Al-Matroushi said the spacecraft would continue to sweep past Deimos this year, but not as closely as it was on March 10. Previously, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) Viking 2 came within 30 kilometres of Deimos in 1977. But since then, other spacecraft photographed the moon but from a much farther distance. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

UAE spacecraft captures most detailed photos of Mars' little moon

Aliens have long been a fascinating subject for humans. Innumerable movies, TV series and books are proof of this allure. Our search for extra-terrestrial has even&nbsp;taken us to other planets, albeit remotely. This search has progressed leaps and bounds in the last few years, but it is still in its natal stages. Global space agencies like the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and China National Space Administration (CNSA) have in recent years sent rovers to Mars to aid this search remotely. However, the accuracy of these random searches remains low.

To remedy this, the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) Institute has been exploring the use of artificial intelligence (AI) for finding extraterrestrial life on Mars and other icy worlds.

According to a report on Space, a recent study from SETI&nbsp;states that AI could be used to detect microbial life in the depths of the icy oceans on other planets.

In a paper published in Nature Astronomy, the team details how they trained a machine-learning model to scan data for signs of microbial life or other unusual features that could be indicative of alien life.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/heres-how-ai-can-help-modern-day-goldilocks-get-a-good-nights-sleep-578610">Here's how Artificial Intelligence can help modern-day Goldilocks get a good night's sleep</a>

Using a machine learning algorithm called convolutional neural networks (CNNs) a multidisciplinary team of scientists led by SETI's Kim Warren-Rhodes has mapped sparse lifeforms on Earth.&nbsp;Warren-Rhodes worked alongside experts from other prestigious institutions: Michael Phillips of Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab&nbsp;and Freddie Kalaitzis of the University&nbsp;of Oxford.

The system developed by them used statistical ecology and AI-detected biosignatures with up to 87.5 per cent accuracy, compared to only 10 per cent for random searches. As per the researchers, it&nbsp;can&nbsp;potentially reduce the search area by up to 97 per cent, making it easier for scientists to locate potential chemical traces of life.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/up-up-and-away-elon-musks-spacex-to-try-and-launch-starship-its-most-powerful-rocket-ever-on-monday-582601">Up, Up, and Away!: Elon Musk’s SpaceX to try and launch ‘Starship,’ its most powerful rocket ever on Monday</a>

For testing their system,&nbsp;they initially&nbsp;focused on the sparse lifeforms that dwell in salt domes, rocks, and crystals at Salar de Pajonales at the boundary of the Chilean Atacama Desert and Altiplano.

Warren-Rhodes and his team collected over 8,000 images and 1,000 samples from Salar de Pajonales to search for photosynthetic microbes that may represent a biosignature on NASA's "ladder of life detection" for finding life beyond Earth.&nbsp;

The team also used drone imagery to simulate Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter's High-Resolution Imaging Experiment camera's Martian terrain images to examine the region.

They found that microbial life in the region is concentrated in biological hotspots that strongly relate to the availability of water.

Researchers suggest that the machine learning tools developed can be used in robotic planetary missions like NASA's Perseverance Rover. The tools can guide rovers towards areas with a higher probability of having traces of alien life, even if they are rare or hidden.&nbsp;

"With these models, we can design tailor-made roadmaps and algorithms to guide rovers to places with the highest probability of harbouring past or present life  — no matter how hidden or rare," explained Warren-Rhodes.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Aliens have long been a fascinating subject for humans. Innumerable movies, TV series and books are proof of this allure. Our search for extra-terrestrial has even taken us to other planets, albeit remotely.

Aliens have long been a fascinating subject for humans. Innumerable movies, TV series and books are proof of this allure. Our search for extra-terrestrial has even taken us to other planets, albeit remotely. This search has progressed leaps and bounds in the last few years, but it is still in its natal stages. Global space agencies like the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and China National Space Administration (CNSA) have in recent years sent rovers to Mars to aid this search remotely. However, the accuracy of these random searches remains low. To remedy this, the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) Institute has been exploring the use of artificial intelligence (AI) for finding extraterrestrial life on Mars and other icy worlds. According to a report on Space, a recent study from SETI states that AI could be used to detect microbial life in the depths of the icy oceans on other planets. In a paper published in Nature Astronomy, the team details how they trained a machine-learning model to scan data for signs of microbial life or other unusual features that could be indicative of alien life. Also read | Here's how Artificial Intelligence can help modern-day Goldilocks get a good night's sleep Using a machine learning algorithm called convolutional neural networks (CNNs) a multidisciplinary team of scientists led by SETI's Kim Warren-Rhodes has mapped sparse lifeforms on Earth. Warren-Rhodes worked alongside experts from other prestigious institutions: Michael Phillips of Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab and Freddie Kalaitzis of the University of Oxford. The system developed by them used statistical ecology and AI-detected biosignatures with up to 87.5 per cent accuracy, compared to only 10 per cent for random searches. As per the researchers, it can potentially reduce the search area by up to 97 per cent, making it easier for scientists to locate potential chemical traces of life. Also read | Up, Up, and Away!: Elon Musk’s SpaceX to try and launch ‘Starship,’ its most powerful rocket ever on Monday For testing their system, they initially focused on the sparse lifeforms that dwell in salt domes, rocks, and crystals at Salar de Pajonales at the boundary of the Chilean Atacama Desert and Altiplano. Warren-Rhodes and his team collected over 8,000 images and 1,000 samples from Salar de Pajonales to search for photosynthetic microbes that may represent a biosignature on NASA's "ladder of life detection" for finding life beyond Earth. The team also used drone imagery to simulate Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter's High-Resolution Imaging Experiment camera's Martian terrain images to examine the region. They found that microbial life in the region is concentrated in biological hotspots that strongly relate to the availability of water. Researchers suggest that the machine learning tools developed can be used in robotic planetary missions like NASA's Perseverance Rover. The tools can guide rovers towards areas with a higher probability of having traces of alien life, even if they are rare or hidden. "With these models, we can design tailor-made roadmaps and algorithms to guide rovers to places with the highest probability of harbouring past or present life  — no matter how hidden or rare," explained Warren-Rhodes. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Research reveals how Artificial Intelligence can help look for alien lifeforms on Mars and other planets

NASA has its sight on the Red Planet 'Mars'. NASA plans to send astronauts to Mars sometime in the 2030s. The space agency released a draft set of high-level objectives earlier this year. These identify 50 points falling under four categories of exploration, including transportation & habitation. To check the habitation of a four-person crew on Mars, NASA unveiled a new Mars simulation habitat.

Inside NASA's 3D-printed 'Mars' simulation habitat

In Pics | NASA's Mars-simulation habitat gives a glimpse of life on red planet

Four human beings will fulfil their dream as they will start living under a Mars-simulated environment&nbsp;this summer, taking ahead the efforts made by engineers and scientists to make it possible to send humans to the red planet and make it a habitable place to survive.

The four volunteers have been part of the year-long mission under which humans are being prepared for the red planet's exploration.

The humans will survive in a habitat that will simulate the climatic conditions similar to what they will face on Mars when they actually set foot on the planet in the near future.

The 3D-printed habitat will include a kitchen, private crew quarters, areas dedicated to fitness, recreation, medical, crop growth activities and work, along with a technical work area as well as two bathrooms.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/a-martian-aurora-nasas-curiosity-captures-heavenly-sun-rays-on-mars-569795">A Martian Aurora? NASA's Curiosity captures heavenly sun rays on Mars</a>

The crew will begin living in their Martian home in June this year as the most accurate data is collected by the teams during the analogue mission

"During the simulation, crew members will carry out different types of mission activities, including simulated spacewalks, robotic operations, habitat maintenance, personal hygiene, exercise, and crop growth," said NASA in a statement.

The volunteers will face environmental stressors like isolation, resource limitations, and equipment failure along with a significant workload so as to experience all possible situations the humans may have to face when they actually arrive on Mars.

"The major crew activities during the analogue may consist of simulated spacewalks including virtual reality, communications, crop growth, meal preparation and consumption, exercise, hygiene activities, maintenance work, personal time, science work, and sleep," said NASA in its mission brief.

The volunteers will spend their time remotely operating robotic elements which will be important for real crews during their Mars expedition to extend their exploration capabilities. They will also be given the responsibility of controlling a roving robot and a helicopter-like drone.

WATCH | Is an alien looking at us from Mars?

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Three such analogue missions are being planned by the American space agency to get a better understanding of what is required to inhabit our next-door cosmic neighbour. While they are commencing the analogue mission this year, they will conduct the second mission in 2025 which will be followed up by a third mission in 2026.

“We’re really looking at how the crew performance and health changes based on realistic Mars restrictions and the lifestyle of the crew members. So, the lifestyle is what we're trying to simulate by setting up a realistic environment and workload for the CHAPEA crew,” said Raina MacLeod, CHAPEA deputy project manager.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Four human beings will fulfil their dream as they will start living under a Mars-simulated environment this summer, taking ahead the efforts made by engineers and scientists to make it possible to send humans to the red planet and make it a habitable place to survive.

Four human beings will fulfil their dream as they will start living under a Mars-simulated environment this summer, taking ahead the efforts made by engineers and scientists to make it possible to send humans to the red planet and make it a habitable place to survive. The four volunteers have been part of the year-long mission under which humans are being prepared for the red planet's exploration. The humans will survive in a habitat that will simulate the climatic conditions similar to what they will face on Mars when they actually set foot on the planet in the near future. The 3D-printed habitat will include a kitchen, private crew quarters, areas dedicated to fitness, recreation, medical, crop growth activities and work, along with a technical work area as well as two bathrooms. ALSO READ | A Martian Aurora? NASA's Curiosity captures heavenly sun rays on Mars The crew will begin living in their Martian home in June this year as the most accurate data is collected by the teams during the analogue mission "During the simulation, crew members will carry out different types of mission activities, including simulated spacewalks, robotic operations, habitat maintenance, personal hygiene, exercise, and crop growth," said NASA in a statement. The volunteers will face environmental stressors like isolation, resource limitations, and equipment failure along with a significant workload so as to experience all possible situations the humans may have to face when they actually arrive on Mars. "The major crew activities during the analogue may consist of simulated spacewalks including virtual reality, communications, crop growth, meal preparation and consumption, exercise, hygiene activities, maintenance work, personal time, science work, and sleep," said NASA in its mission brief. The volunteers will spend their time remotely operating robotic elements which will be important for real crews during their Mars expedition to extend their exploration capabilities. They will also be given the responsibility of controlling a roving robot and a helicopter-like drone. WATCH | Is an alien looking at us from Mars? Three such analogue missions are being planned by the American space agency to get a better understanding of what is required to inhabit our next-door cosmic neighbour. While they are commencing the analogue mission this year, they will conduct the second mission in 2025 which will be followed up by a third mission in 2026. “We’re really looking at how the crew performance and health changes based on realistic Mars restrictions and the lifestyle of the crew members. So, the lifestyle is what we're trying to simulate by setting up a realistic environment and workload for the CHAPEA crew,” said Raina MacLeod, CHAPEA deputy project manager. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

A real-life Martian? Four humans to start 'living on Mars'

Planets Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Uranus aligned with the Moon forming an arc across Monday's evening sky, with some being clearly visible to the naked eye of humans.

Such an alignment is often termed "a planetary parade" and was visible to people after sunset in the west. Clear skies and a good view of the horizon gave people the best chance to see the alignment of planets.

Last summer, Jupiter, Saturn, Mars, Venus and Mercury had come together in what was said to be a rare planetary conjunction. The best way to spot the planets in alignment on Monday was to travel away from the city's bright light to someplace with an unobstructed, clear view.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/rare-treat-for-skywatchers-all-solar-system-planets-visible-to-the-naked-eye-547558">Rare 'treat' for skywatchers: All solar system planets visible to the naked eye</a>

The planets needed to be spotted early in the evening because Jupiter and Mercury disappeared quickly over the horizon. People got some of the best views from Scotland's northern parts and its islands due to the clear skies.

Astronomer Royal for Scotland's Prof Catherine Heymans viewed the spectacle from Portobello beach in Edinburgh.

"Planet spotting on a crystal clear night along with so many other planetary parade enthusiasts was an absolute delight!" she said.

Royal Observatory Greenwich's astronomer Jake Foster said that such alignments of planets are very particular to the perspective we get from Earth.

"The planets aren't aligned right now, they are all spread out across the Solar System but just from our perspective, every once in a while they get close enough to each other in the sky that we're able to see quite a few at once," he added.

Anglesey, which is situated in north Wales, has some of Europe's darkest skies.

North Wales' dark skies officer Dani Robertson, speaking from Anglesey, said that evening was a visual treat even after a slight cloudy haze.

WATCH | Gravitas: The Earth has a hidden layer. Here's what it's called

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"I'm in my back garden and I can see a very nice little crescent Moon, to the top left and just above it I can see Mars, which has a lovely red glow, and a bit lower towards the horizon there's a really bright light and that's Venus. If it were clearer, I could see all of it, the only one you wouldn't be able to see is Uranus, you'd need a telescope,” she said.

Kielder Observatory's Dan Pye from Hexham, near Scotland's border, said that looking at the planets in alignment gave us a perspective about where are we placed in the solar system.

"Over the course of the night, the distance between these objects shifts as the moon goes around us, we move a little further around the sun, and the planets continue their journeys around the sun. I think witnessing this helps you realise that connection we have to the cosmic ballet we have with other objects in just our very local space theatre,” he said.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Planets Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Uranus aligned with the Moon forming an arc across Monday's evening sky, with some being clearly visible to the naked eye of humans.

Planets Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Uranus aligned with the Moon forming an arc across Monday's evening sky, with some being clearly visible to the naked eye of humans. Such an alignment is often termed "a planetary parade" and was visible to people after sunset in the west. Clear skies and a good view of the horizon gave people the best chance to see the alignment of planets. Last summer, Jupiter, Saturn, Mars, Venus and Mercury had come together in what was said to be a rare planetary conjunction. The best way to spot the planets in alignment on Monday was to travel away from the city's bright light to someplace with an unobstructed, clear view. ALSO READ | Rare 'treat' for skywatchers: All solar system planets visible to the naked eye The planets needed to be spotted early in the evening because Jupiter and Mercury disappeared quickly over the horizon. People got some of the best views from Scotland's northern parts and its islands due to the clear skies. Astronomer Royal for Scotland's Prof Catherine Heymans viewed the spectacle from Portobello beach in Edinburgh. "Planet spotting on a crystal clear night along with so many other planetary parade enthusiasts was an absolute delight!" she said. Royal Observatory Greenwich's astronomer Jake Foster said that such alignments of planets are very particular to the perspective we get from Earth. "The planets aren't aligned right now, they are all spread out across the Solar System but just from our perspective, every once in a while they get close enough to each other in the sky that we're able to see quite a few at once," he added. Anglesey, which is situated in north Wales, has some of Europe's darkest skies. North Wales' dark skies officer Dani Robertson, speaking from Anglesey, said that evening was a visual treat even after a slight cloudy haze. WATCH | Gravitas: The Earth has a hidden layer. Here's what it's called "I'm in my back garden and I can see a very nice little crescent Moon, to the top left and just above it I can see Mars, which has a lovely red glow, and a bit lower towards the horizon there's a really bright light and that's Venus. If it were clearer, I could see all of it, the only one you wouldn't be able to see is Uranus, you'd need a telescope,” she said. Kielder Observatory's Dan Pye from Hexham, near Scotland's border, said that looking at the planets in alignment gave us a perspective about where are we placed in the solar system. "Over the course of the night, the distance between these objects shifts as the moon goes around us, we move a little further around the sun, and the planets continue their journeys around the sun. I think witnessing this helps you realise that connection we have to the cosmic ballet we have with other objects in just our very local space theatre,” he said. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Planetary Parade | Five planets come in rare alignment along with Moon in night sky

It's just before sunrise. Sunrays have gently started piercing the distant atmosphere and clouds can be&nbsp;seen moving in the early light. This can well be any morning right here on Earth. But thanks to NASA, we have been able to describe few such moments passing&nbsp;millions of miles away on Mars.

The scene looks just like one on Earth. Mars has an atmosphere of its own. It's very thin compared to Earth but it is&nbsp;atmosphere nonetheless. The eerie but beautiful image has been clicked by NASA's Perseverance rover which is still scouring the Martian surface to make its observations and search for signs of possible life on the planet.

"Dusty and cold, sure – but Mars has a certain, raw beauty," said NASA in its tweet as it posted the moments captured by Perseverance in a form of a Gif.

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Dusty and cold, sure – but Mars has a certain, raw beauty. 
 
Dawn at the Red Planet, with high clouds floating by. Take time to look up. 
 
Full image: <a href="https://t.co/lOIB0GBraf">https://t.co/lOIB0GBraf</a> <a href="https://t.co/bYreLdR2Fc">pic.twitter.com/bYreLdR2Fc</a>
— NASA's Perseverance Mars Rover (@NASAPersevere) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASAPersevere/status/1638904566279454721?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 23, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Perseverance rover is currently in Jezero crater which scientists believe was a sight of a lake filled with water in ancient times on Mars. They believe that it is the best place to search for any signs of past life.

Millions of years ago, Mars has oceans on its surface and possibly life. When the water on Mars started drying up, microbial life may have survived in moist soil and clay at the bottom of lakes before being wiped out.

Perseverance is searching for signs of this.

And in process enthralling us with brilliant pics which can only be taken from the surface of the red planet.

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It's just before sunrise. Sunrays have gently started piercing the distant atmosphere and clouds can be seen moving in the early light. This can well be any morning right here on Earth.

It's just before sunrise. Sunrays have gently started piercing the distant atmosphere and clouds can be seen moving in the early light. This can well be any morning right here on Earth. But thanks to NASA, we have been able to describe few such moments passing millions of miles away on Mars. The scene looks just like one on Earth. Mars has an atmosphere of its own. It's very thin compared to Earth but it is atmosphere nonetheless. The eerie but beautiful image has been clicked by NASA's Perseverance rover which is still scouring the Martian surface to make its observations and search for signs of possible life on the planet. "Dusty and cold, sure – but Mars has a certain, raw beauty," said NASA in its tweet as it posted the moments captured by Perseverance in a form of a Gif. Dusty and cold, sure – but Mars has a certain, raw beauty. Dawn at the Red Planet, with high clouds floating by. Take time to look up. Full image: https://t.co/lOIB0GBraf pic.twitter.com/bYreLdR2Fc — NASA's Perseverance Mars Rover (@NASAPersevere) March 23, 2023 × Perseverance rover is currently in Jezero crater which scientists believe was a sight of a lake filled with water in ancient times on Mars. They believe that it is the best place to search for any signs of past life. Millions of years ago, Mars has oceans on its surface and possibly life. When the water on Mars started drying up, microbial life may have survived in moist soil and clay at the bottom of lakes before being wiped out. Perseverance is searching for signs of this. And in process enthralling us with brilliant pics which can only be taken from the surface of the red planet. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

NASA's Perseverance rover sends eerie photo of dawn on Mars

In a marvellous capture, NASA's Curiosity rover has for the first time clicked the "sun rays" on Mars, the agency stated.

NASA said that the footage was captured on February 2 and showed the sun rays spread in the planet's atmosphere during the sunset. NASA stated that this is the first time they have captured the sun rays so clearly.

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NASA took to Twitter to share a glimpse of the scenes captured by the rover. In the photo, patches of red and green light fill the grey sky on the rocky black landscape. The view was captured by the rover as the sun illuminated the cumulous clouds while descending over the horizon.

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Martian sunsets are moody. 
 
However, last month <a href="https://twitter.com/MarsCuriosity?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MarsCuriosity</a> captured a different kind of sunset on the planet. Rays of light illuminated a bank of clouds, making it the first time sun rays have been so clearly viewed on Mars: <a href="https://t.co/HhKa0IAWWv">https://t.co/HhKa0IAWWv</a> <a href="https://t.co/iToToqaQmb">pic.twitter.com/iToToqaQmb</a>
— NASA JPL (@NASAJPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASAJPL/status/1632837173358788608?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 6, 2023</a></blockquote>
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The “sun rays” captured are also called crepuscular rays, which is derived from the Latin word for “twilight”. The Martian rover captured the image while conducting the twilight cloud survey. The image will add to its 2021 observations of noctilucent, or night-shining clouds.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasas-curiosity-rover-discovers-wave-rippled-rocks-on-mars-560282">NASA's Curiosity rover discovers wave-rippled rocks on Mars</a>

It was believed that the clouds are present 60 kilometres above the ground on Mars and are made of water ice. However, the latest images show the clouds hovering at a higher altitude, where it is really cold.

“Where we see iridescence, it means a cloud’s particle sizes are identical to their neighbours in each part of the cloud. By looking at colour transitions, we’re seeing particle size changing across the cloud. That tells us about the way the cloud is evolving and how its particles are changing size over time,” said Mark Lemmon, an atmospheric scientist, in a statement.

WATCH | Gravitas: The Earth has a hidden layer. Here's what it's called

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A set of colourful clouds, in the shape of a feather, was also captured by the rover on January 27. When sunlight will illuminate the clouds, a few of them will create a rainbow-like display called iridescence.

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In a marvellous capture, NASA's Curiosity rover has for the first time clicked the "sun rays" on Mars, the agency stated. NASA said that the footage was captured on February 2 and showed the sun rays spread in the planet's atmosphere during the sunset.

In a marvellous capture, NASA's Curiosity rover has for the first time clicked the "sun rays" on Mars, the agency stated. NASA said that the footage was captured on February 2 and showed the sun rays spread in the planet's atmosphere during the sunset. NASA stated that this is the first time they have captured the sun rays so clearly. NASA took to Twitter to share a glimpse of the scenes captured by the rover. In the photo, patches of red and green light fill the grey sky on the rocky black landscape. The view was captured by the rover as the sun illuminated the cumulous clouds while descending over the horizon. Martian sunsets are moody. However, last month @MarsCuriosity captured a different kind of sunset on the planet. Rays of light illuminated a bank of clouds, making it the first time sun rays have been so clearly viewed on Mars: https://t.co/HhKa0IAWWv pic.twitter.com/iToToqaQmb — NASA JPL (@NASAJPL) March 6, 2023 × The “sun rays” captured are also called crepuscular rays, which is derived from the Latin word for “twilight”. The Martian rover captured the image while conducting the twilight cloud survey. The image will add to its 2021 observations of noctilucent, or night-shining clouds. ALSO READ | NASA's Curiosity rover discovers wave-rippled rocks on Mars It was believed that the clouds are present 60 kilometres above the ground on Mars and are made of water ice. However, the latest images show the clouds hovering at a higher altitude, where it is really cold. “Where we see iridescence, it means a cloud’s particle sizes are identical to their neighbours in each part of the cloud. By looking at colour transitions, we’re seeing particle size changing across the cloud. That tells us about the way the cloud is evolving and how its particles are changing size over time,” said Mark Lemmon, an atmospheric scientist, in a statement. WATCH | Gravitas: The Earth has a hidden layer. Here's what it's called A set of colourful clouds, in the shape of a feather, was also captured by the rover on January 27. When sunlight will illuminate the clouds, a few of them will create a rainbow-like display called iridescence. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

A Martian Aurora? NASA's Curiosity captures heavenly sun rays on Mars

As humanity reaches out towards space, thousands of commercial satellites are being launched into Earth's orbit. The launch of these satellites at a record, breakneck speed has also spurred a growing swarm of space debris, which has become the cause of concern for governments and private companies alike. In a bid to establish norms in the orbit, the US Space Command on Friday released a formal list of what it considers "responsible space behaviours."

Watch |&nbsp;Expanding problem of space debris: What is space junk? Why is it a problem?

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The norms, as per Reuters, comprise a section on space debris urging space players to dispose of defunct satellites safely. It also calls on companies to notify other operators if any problems with their spacecraft might pose a debris hazard.

"You have to find a way to allow the economy to grow in the space domain, and in order to do that you need to make sure that it remains sustainable," said Brigadier General Richard Zellmann, deputy director of the command's operations unit while talking to Reuters.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-perseverance-rovers-pictures-raise-question-can-humanity-be-trusted-with-other-planets-488883">NASA Perseverance rover's pictures raise question: Can humanity be trusted with other planets?</a>

"Key to that is going to be ensuring that we can either solve that debris problem or at least mitigate it to the point that it's acceptable," he added.

The private sector, too, is attempting to control littering in orbit. Reportedly, Neumann Space, an&nbsp;Australia-based company, is developing technology that could help recycle old defunct satellites into fuel. A test satellite may be launched in coming June this year.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/narrow-escape-international-space-station-dodges-space-debris-from-russian-anti-satellite-test-490218">Narrow escape! International Space Station dodges space debris from Russian anti-satellite test</a>

"It's great because you can do mission extension by refuelling with what's already in space," said Neumann Chief Executive Herve Astier. "Using the metal that's already there, that's a way to move forward in terms of sustainability," he added.

Another firm, Tokyo-based Astroscale, is testing a debris-removing device called ELSA. The device latches onto defunct satellites and drags them towards Earth's atmosphere, where they undergo a fiery disposal upon entering the planet's atmosphere.

(With inputs from agencies)

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As humanity reaches out towards space, thousands of commercial satellites are being launched into Earth's orbit. The launch of these satellites at a record, breakneck speed has also spurred a growing swarm of space debris, which has become the cause of concern for governments and private companies alike.

As humanity reaches out towards space, thousands of commercial satellites are being launched into Earth's orbit. The launch of these satellites at a record, breakneck speed has also spurred a growing swarm of space debris, which has become the cause of concern for governments and private companies alike. In a bid to establish norms in the orbit, the US Space Command on Friday released a formal list of what it considers "responsible space behaviours." Watch | Expanding problem of space debris: What is space junk? Why is it a problem? The norms, as per Reuters, comprise a section on space debris urging space players to dispose of defunct satellites safely. It also calls on companies to notify other operators if any problems with their spacecraft might pose a debris hazard. "You have to find a way to allow the economy to grow in the space domain, and in order to do that you need to make sure that it remains sustainable," said Brigadier General Richard Zellmann, deputy director of the command's operations unit while talking to Reuters. Also read | NASA Perseverance rover's pictures raise question: Can humanity be trusted with other planets? "Key to that is going to be ensuring that we can either solve that debris problem or at least mitigate it to the point that it's acceptable," he added. The private sector, too, is attempting to control littering in orbit. Reportedly, Neumann Space, an Australia-based company, is developing technology that could help recycle old defunct satellites into fuel. A test satellite may be launched in coming June this year. Also read | Narrow escape! International Space Station dodges space debris from Russian anti-satellite test "It's great because you can do mission extension by refuelling with what's already in space," said Neumann Chief Executive Herve Astier. "Using the metal that's already there, that's a way to move forward in terms of sustainability," he added. Another firm, Tokyo-based Astroscale, is testing a debris-removing device called ELSA. The device latches onto defunct satellites and drags them towards Earth's atmosphere, where they undergo a fiery disposal upon entering the planet's atmosphere. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

As space race zooms junk in Earth’s orbit, US Space Command shares ‘responsible space behaviours’

&nbsp;A fixed-wing robotic aerial platform is being developed by a team of scientists from the Moscow Aviation Institute (MAI) along with Indian specialists to study the atmosphere and surface of Mars, said Yelena Karpovich, MAI junior researcher in charge of the project’s UAV general and aerodynamic designing.

She added that they will be testing the technology demonstrator by late 2024. "The Mars robotic flying craft is being engineered by an international team that comprises computational fluid dynamics specialists from the Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur," said Karpovich, Russian news agency TASS reported.&nbsp;

The project is aimed at developing the fixed-wing aerial platform that could claim its niche along with other Mars research probes, she said.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/spacex-international-crew-blasts-off-for-space-station-mission-567564">SpaceX international crew blasts off for space station mission</a>

The scientists started the work on the Marsoplane in April 2022 after the Russian Science Fund approved the funding request. &nbsp;Karpovich said that the technology demonstrator will be tested by a team of scientists by the end of next year.

"By the end of 2024, the Russian side will have to publish ten articles, build and successfully test the technology demonstrator," she stated.&nbsp;

Karpovich pointed out that the major obstacles in the project are getting the specifics of the Martian climate and atmosphere and preparing the UAV to deal with the rarified atmosphere and dust storms of Mars

"The specifics of the Martian atmosphere complicate the designing of the effective lifting surfaces and restrict us in choosing the powerplant. Dust storms require thoroughly designing protection for the systems and equipment and the flight profile of the flying craft with a small wing load," she said.

The researcher added that it is important to find the method of placing the UAV in the nose cone of the carrier rocket.

"For this reason, our UAV must be either very compact or have a folding or soft structure design (an inflatable or self-hardening wing)," Karpovich stated.

WATCH | Europe shoots the moon! US join hands with Europe for Space mission

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The research team has been holding active consultations with scientific institutions and enterprises of the domestic space rocket industry.

She stated that the research mission of the project is being jointly developed by the Space Research Institute within the Russian Academy of Sciences.

"Presently, together with specialists of the Space Research Institute, we continue discussing research tasks for UAVs and their relevant devices and flight profile, as well as areas on Mars that are of interest for studies. The scientific mission can include climatic, mineralogical and thermophysical studies, as well as the study of the Martian magnetic field," Karpovich stated.

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A fixed-wing robotic aerial platform is being developed by a team of scientists from the Moscow Aviation Institute (MAI) along with Indian specialists to study the atmosphere and surface of Mars, said Yelena Karpovich, MAI junior researcher in charge of the project’s UAV general and aerodynamic designing.

A fixed-wing robotic aerial platform is being developed by a team of scientists from the Moscow Aviation Institute (MAI) along with Indian specialists to study the atmosphere and surface of Mars, said Yelena Karpovich, MAI junior researcher in charge of the project’s UAV general and aerodynamic designing. She added that they will be testing the technology demonstrator by late 2024. "The Mars robotic flying craft is being engineered by an international team that comprises computational fluid dynamics specialists from the Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur," said Karpovich, Russian news agency TASS reported. The project is aimed at developing the fixed-wing aerial platform that could claim its niche along with other Mars research probes, she said. ALSO READ | SpaceX international crew blasts off for space station mission The scientists started the work on the Marsoplane in April 2022 after the Russian Science Fund approved the funding request. Karpovich said that the technology demonstrator will be tested by a team of scientists by the end of next year. "By the end of 2024, the Russian side will have to publish ten articles, build and successfully test the technology demonstrator," she stated. Karpovich pointed out that the major obstacles in the project are getting the specifics of the Martian climate and atmosphere and preparing the UAV to deal with the rarified atmosphere and dust storms of Mars "The specifics of the Martian atmosphere complicate the designing of the effective lifting surfaces and restrict us in choosing the powerplant. Dust storms require thoroughly designing protection for the systems and equipment and the flight profile of the flying craft with a small wing load," she said. The researcher added that it is important to find the method of placing the UAV in the nose cone of the carrier rocket. "For this reason, our UAV must be either very compact or have a folding or soft structure design (an inflatable or self-hardening wing)," Karpovich stated. WATCH | Europe shoots the moon! US join hands with Europe for Space mission The research team has been holding active consultations with scientific institutions and enterprises of the domestic space rocket industry. She stated that the research mission of the project is being jointly developed by the Space Research Institute within the Russian Academy of Sciences. "Presently, together with specialists of the Space Research Institute, we continue discussing research tasks for UAVs and their relevant devices and flight profile, as well as areas on Mars that are of interest for studies. The scientific mission can include climatic, mineralogical and thermophysical studies, as well as the study of the Martian magnetic field," Karpovich stated. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

India and Russia develop Marsoplane to study Red Planet's atmosphere, surface

February 10&nbsp;marked the second anniversary of China's ambitious Tianwen 1 mission — which also happens to be the nation's first interplanetary mission. Amid the celebration, one voice remained silent, that of China's Zhurong Mars rover, which was sent to the surface of the red planet as part of Beijing's Tianwen 1 mission. The Chinese rover has been in "hibernation" for months. It was supposed to wake up back in December of last year. However, almost two months later, its slumber still continues. Last month, a report expressed hope that Zhurong would come out of its sleep, but recent images from NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter show that it hasn't changed its position for five months.

Watch |&nbsp;This study suggests ancient Mars was also hit by climate change

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As per NASA, the rover hasn't moved since September 2022. The space agency's office at the University of Arizona which manages the HiRISE camera released a series of images, which show that Zhurong has not changed its position between September 8, 2022 and February 7,&nbsp;2023.

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HiPOD: Monitoring the Zhurong Rover 
 
The Chinese Zhurong rover has been on Mars since 14 May 2021, and MRO/HiRISE has imaged it several times to track its progress and monitor the surface for changes. 
 
For full cutout: <a href="https://t.co/WKCpyrbqI9">https://t.co/WKCpyrbqI9</a> 
 
NASA/JPL-Caltech/UArizona<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Mars?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Mars</a> <a href="https://t.co/EzER3I5Q4Y">pic.twitter.com/EzER3I5Q4Y</a>
— HiRISE: Beautiful Mars (NASA) (@HiRISE) <a href="https://twitter.com/HiRISE/status/1628032187181281283?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 21, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/explained-zhurongs-slumber-continues-for-months-has-chinas-mars-rover-fallen-silent-forever-554018">Explained | Zhurong's slumber continues for months. Has China's Mars rover fallen 'silent' forever?</a>

The rover entered its hibernation mode way back on May 18,&nbsp;2022, to survive barren Mars' harsh winter months. During winter on the red planet, temperatures can fall down to minus 195 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 125 degrees Celsius).

As per Jia Yang, Tianwen 1 mission deputy chief designer, the rover would wake up when two conditions are met: it can generate energy greater than 140 watts and the planet’s temperature, or rather the region where the rover is, reaches the somewhat warmer, 5 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 15 degrees Celsius).

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/men-are-from-mars-women-are-from-venus-which-one-should-humans-visit-first-520603">'Men are from Mars, women are from Venus', which planet should humans visit first?</a>

However, it is possible that due to Mars' sand storms, Zhurong which uses solar arrays for energy might be unable to do so. Dust may be hindering the rover's arrays. Even if it never wakes up, the rover has already achieved significant things; it successfully completed one year of operations, for which it was also presented with the International Astronautical Federation's annual space achievement award in September 2022.

(With inputs from agencies)

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February 10 marked the second anniversary of China's ambitious Tianwen 1 mission — which also happens to be the nation's first interplanetary mission. Amid the celebration, one voice remained silent, that of China's Zhurong Mars rover, which was sent to the surface of the red planet as part of Beijing's Tianwen 1 mission.

February 10 marked the second anniversary of China's ambitious Tianwen 1 mission — which also happens to be the nation's first interplanetary mission. Amid the celebration, one voice remained silent, that of China's Zhurong Mars rover, which was sent to the surface of the red planet as part of Beijing's Tianwen 1 mission. The Chinese rover has been in "hibernation" for months. It was supposed to wake up back in December of last year. However, almost two months later, its slumber still continues. Last month, a report expressed hope that Zhurong would come out of its sleep, but recent images from NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter show that it hasn't changed its position for five months. Watch | This study suggests ancient Mars was also hit by climate change As per NASA, the rover hasn't moved since September 2022. The space agency's office at the University of Arizona which manages the HiRISE camera released a series of images, which show that Zhurong has not changed its position between September 8, 2022 and February 7, 2023. HiPOD: Monitoring the Zhurong Rover The Chinese Zhurong rover has been on Mars since 14 May 2021, and MRO/HiRISE has imaged it several times to track its progress and monitor the surface for changes. For full cutout: https://t.co/WKCpyrbqI9 NASA/JPL-Caltech/UArizona#Mars pic.twitter.com/EzER3I5Q4Y — HiRISE: Beautiful Mars (NASA) (@HiRISE) February 21, 2023 × Also read | Explained | Zhurong's slumber continues for months. Has China's Mars rover fallen 'silent' forever? The rover entered its hibernation mode way back on May 18, 2022, to survive barren Mars' harsh winter months. During winter on the red planet, temperatures can fall down to minus 195 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 125 degrees Celsius). As per Jia Yang, Tianwen 1 mission deputy chief designer, the rover would wake up when two conditions are met: it can generate energy greater than 140 watts and the planet’s temperature, or rather the region where the rover is, reaches the somewhat warmer, 5 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 15 degrees Celsius). Also read | 'Men are from Mars, women are from Venus', which planet should humans visit first? However, it is possible that due to Mars' sand storms, Zhurong which uses solar arrays for energy might be unable to do so. Dust may be hindering the rover's arrays. Even if it never wakes up, the rover has already achieved significant things; it successfully completed one year of operations, for which it was also presented with the International Astronautical Federation's annual space achievement award in September 2022. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Five months and counting...NASA images show China's Mars rover 'Zhurong' hasn't moved

China has continued its silence over the fate of its Zhurong rover which is currently on Mars. The rover, part of China's Tianwen 1 mission, has fallen silent but there hasn't been any official confirmation of the exact state. Tianwen 1 is China's first interplanetary mission completed two years on February 10.

Even at this occasion, China did not choose to release a substantial update with state media just sticking to short write-ups that had only brief mention of Zhurong. The silence from the rover continues, so does from the Chinese state.

Zhurong went in hibernation in May 2022 during winter in Mars' northern hemisphere. The available solar energy was less. The rover was expected to 'wake up' in December 2022. However, there has hardly been any news on the rover from the Chinese authorities and the status of the rover remains unknown. No new images from the rover have been released.&nbsp;

Unlike other Mars rovers, Zhurong does not have a heating unit. It has two windows to allow a chemical to store heat energy obtained on Mars. The chemical, by the name n-undecane, absorbs heat during the martian day and melts. It releases heat during the night and solidifies.

Mars has atmosphere and dust storms are a normal occurrence on the Martian surface. Though these storms are of much lesser intensity than those on Earth, it is being reported that martian storms may have been the reason why the rover may not have been able to generate enough heat. However, there has been no official confirmation on this from China.

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China has continued its silence over the fate of its Zhurong rover which is currently on Mars. The rover, part of China's Tianwen 1 mission, has fallen silent but there hasn't been any official confirmation of the exact state.

China has continued its silence over the fate of its Zhurong rover which is currently on Mars. The rover, part of China's Tianwen 1 mission, has fallen silent but there hasn't been any official confirmation of the exact state. Tianwen 1 is China's first interplanetary mission completed two years on February 10. Even at this occasion, China did not choose to release a substantial update with state media just sticking to short write-ups that had only brief mention of Zhurong. The silence from the rover continues, so does from the Chinese state. Zhurong went in hibernation in May 2022 during winter in Mars' northern hemisphere. The available solar energy was less. The rover was expected to 'wake up' in December 2022. However, there has hardly been any news on the rover from the Chinese authorities and the status of the rover remains unknown. No new images from the rover have been released. Unlike other Mars rovers, Zhurong does not have a heating unit. It has two windows to allow a chemical to store heat energy obtained on Mars. The chemical, by the name n-undecane, absorbs heat during the martian day and melts. It releases heat during the night and solidifies. Mars has atmosphere and dust storms are a normal occurrence on the Martian surface. Though these storms are of much lesser intensity than those on Earth, it is being reported that martian storms may have been the reason why the rover may not have been able to generate enough heat. However, there has been no official confirmation on this from China. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

What has happened to Zhurong rover on Mars? China remains silent

Elon Musk’s SpaceX carried out a successful static fire test of the engines of its Super Heavy rocket booster on February 9, thereby achieving a critical milestone of inching closer to its first orbital flight in the coming months, as reported by Reuters.

Elon Musk’s SpaceX carried out a successful static fire test of the engines of its Super Heavy rocket booster on February 9, thereby achieving a critical milestone of inching closer to its first orbital flight in the coming months, as reported by Reuters. The rockets are part of the company's Starship system designed to carry out space expeditions, including carrying humans to Mars and the Moon. Speaking about the success of the mission, Elon Musk stressed on the vision that his space vehicle will one day carry humans to Mars. The test was conducted at SpaceX’s Starbase facility located in South Texas and witnessed 31 of the 33 engines being ignited. A drone footage of the test was tweeted by SpaceX, that shows the booster engines igniting for several seconds and kicking up a dust storm while being strapped to the ground. “Views from drone of Booster 7's static fire test,” the caption read. Views from drone of Booster 7's static fire test pic.twitter.com/KN4sk1nohf — SpaceX (@SpaceX) February 9, 2023 × In reaction to the video, Elon Musk wrote, “One day, Starship will take us to Mars.” One day, Starship will take us to Mars https://t.co/oMrnBIiBjY — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) February 9, 2023 × Also read | US investigating Elon Musk's brain implant company Neuralink. Here's why The Tesla CEO has been working steadily on his ambitious project of creating a permanent human settlement on Mars. On being asked by the Twitterati on when he expects humans to land on Mars, Musk said, “I must admit to being congenitally optimistic (SpaceX & Tesla wouldn't exist otherwise), but I think 5 years is possible and 10 years is highly likely.” Elon, when do imagine a human existence upon Mars? — Laura Catherine ✨✨🚀📚 (@CatherinScience) February 9, 2023 × Booster 7 Super heavy rocket The Booster 7 Super Heavy rocket created by SpaceX is considered the most powerful ever built by the company consisting of 33 Raptor engines. The test, conducted in Texas, had the objective to fire up all engines but only 31 could be kicked off. One engine was turned off before the test, while another did not ignite. Also watch | NASA-ISRO satellite 'NISAR' to map earth's surface “Team turned off 1 engine just before start & 1 stopped itself, so 31 engines fired overall. But still enough engines to reach orbit!” Elon Musk tweeted. Team turned off 1 engine just before start & 1 stopped itself, so 31 engines fired overall. But still enough engines to reach orbit! https://t.co/QYx3oVM4Gw — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) February 9, 2023 × According to Space.com, the Starship space vehicle has two components – a gigantic booster called Super Heavy and an upper stage named Starship. While the booster will use 33 of them, the upper stage will need six engine units. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

‘One day, Starship will take us to Mars’, says Elon Musk after latest SpaceX fire test

The Curiosity rover of NASA discovered wave-rippled rocks on planet Mars, which is evidence of the presence of an ancient lake, in a comparatively dry area, said the US space agency on Wednesday.&nbsp;"This is the best evidence of water and waves that we've seen in the entire mission," stated Ashwin Vasavada, who works as Curiosity's project scientist at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California.

The rover, which has been exploring Mars since 2012, sent stunning pictures of rocks' surfaces covered with rippled patterns which seemed to have been created by the waves of a shallow lake almost billions of years ago.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasas-webb-gets-photobombed-by-a-colosseum-sized-asteroid-559500/amp">NASA's Webb gets 'photobombed' by a Colosseum-sized asteroid</a>

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The evidence that once parts of Mars were covered by lakes was previously discovered by Curiosity in the salty minerals that it left behind when the area dried up.

However, the scientists at NASA were surprised to discover such stark evidence of the presence of water in the Gale Crater, which is now being explored by the rover.

"We've climbed through many lake deposits during our mission but have never seen wave ripples this clearly. This was especially surprising because the area we're in probably formed at a time when Mars was becoming more dry," said Vasavada, in a statement.

The foothills of a three-mile (five-kilometre) tall mountain, which is called Mount Sharp, are being explored by the Curiosity.&nbsp;

NASA stated that debris was also spotted by the rover in the valley, which the wet landslides on Mount Sharp had washed down.

"This landslide debris is probably the most recent evidence of water that we'll ever see. It will allow us to study layers higher up on Mount Sharp that we can't reach," Vasavada said.&nbsp;

WATCH | NASA's Dart mission: The world's first planetary defence

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NASA stated that a sort of "Martian timeline" has been provided by Mount Sharp to scientists with the presence of the oldest layers at the bottom and the youngest at the top.

This allows them to "study how Mars evolved from a planet that was more Earth-like in its ancient past, with a warmer climate and plentiful water, to the freezing desert it is today," it stated.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The Curiosity rover of NASA discovered wave-rippled rocks on planet Mars, which is evidence of the presence of an ancient lake, in a comparatively dry area, said the US space agency on Wednesday.

The Curiosity rover of NASA discovered wave-rippled rocks on planet Mars, which is evidence of the presence of an ancient lake, in a comparatively dry area, said the US space agency on Wednesday. "This is the best evidence of water and waves that we've seen in the entire mission," stated Ashwin Vasavada, who works as Curiosity's project scientist at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California. The rover, which has been exploring Mars since 2012, sent stunning pictures of rocks' surfaces covered with rippled patterns which seemed to have been created by the waves of a shallow lake almost billions of years ago. ALSO READ | NASA's Webb gets 'photobombed' by a Colosseum-sized asteroid The evidence that once parts of Mars were covered by lakes was previously discovered by Curiosity in the salty minerals that it left behind when the area dried up. However, the scientists at NASA were surprised to discover such stark evidence of the presence of water in the Gale Crater, which is now being explored by the rover. "We've climbed through many lake deposits during our mission but have never seen wave ripples this clearly. This was especially surprising because the area we're in probably formed at a time when Mars was becoming more dry," said Vasavada, in a statement. The foothills of a three-mile (five-kilometre) tall mountain, which is called Mount Sharp, are being explored by the Curiosity. NASA stated that debris was also spotted by the rover in the valley, which the wet landslides on Mount Sharp had washed down. "This landslide debris is probably the most recent evidence of water that we'll ever see. It will allow us to study layers higher up on Mount Sharp that we can't reach," Vasavada said. WATCH | NASA's Dart mission: The world's first planetary defence NASA stated that a sort of "Martian timeline" has been provided by Mount Sharp to scientists with the presence of the oldest layers at the bottom and the youngest at the top. This allows them to "study how Mars evolved from a planet that was more Earth-like in its ancient past, with a warmer climate and plentiful water, to the freezing desert it is today," it stated. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

NASA's Curiosity rover discovers wave-rippled rocks on Mars

Is that the face of a bear on Mars?&nbsp;

A satellite image of the surface of Mars has baffled Twitterati after the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) posted a picture of a fragment of the surface of Mars that looked like a bear. &nbsp;

NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter captured the bear-looking image on December 12. The snap was shared by the University of Arizona earlier this week.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/radiation-alert-in-australia-as-hunt-for-lost-caesium-137-mining-capsule-on-how-can-it-hurt-you-556727">Radiation alert in Australia after Caesium-137 capsule goes missing, here's HOW it can hurt you</a>&nbsp;

The University of Arizona's Lunar and Planetary Laboratory said: "The circular fracture pattern might be due to the settling of a deposit over a buried impact crater."&nbsp;

While explaining the image, which looks like a bear, the laboratory said that "maybe the nose is a volcanic or mud vent and the deposit could be lava or mud flows?"&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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HiPOD: A Bear on Mars? 
 
This feature looks a bit like a bear’s face. What is it really? 
 
More: <a href="https://t.co/MpLQBg38ur">https://t.co/MpLQBg38ur</a> 
 
NASA/JPL-Caltech/UArizona<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Mars?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Mars</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/science?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#science</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NASA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NASA</a> <a href="https://t.co/2WUNquTUZH">https://t.co/2WUNquTUZH</a> <a href="https://t.co/1k2ZnLcJ5o">pic.twitter.com/1k2ZnLcJ5o</a>
— HiRISE: Beautiful Mars (NASA) (@HiRISE) <a href="https://twitter.com/HiRISE/status/1618247829847261184?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 25, 2023</a></blockquote>
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The image become a matter of discussion as a few online users called it an Angry Bird and a few others said it looked like a Doge meme of a Shiba Inu.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: Scientists adjust 'doomsday clock' to 90 seconds from midnight&nbsp;

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ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/private-firm-agnikul-to-launch-indias-first-kerosene-oxygen-powered-rocket-agnibaan-in-march-556412">Private firm Agnikul to launch India's first kerosene-oxygen powered rocket 'Agnibaan' in March</a>&nbsp;

<h2>'Mysterious' flying spiral&nbsp;</h2>

Recently, a bizarre blue 'mysterious flying spiral' was captured in the Hawaiian sky by a Japanese telescope camera. The spiral appeared to be otherworldly at the first glance, but there's more to it. The Subaru-Asahi Star Camera captured the eerie video, which disappeared within seconds. It was seen over Maunakea, Hawaii on January 18.&nbsp;

The spiral seems to be related to the SpaceX company's launch of a new satellite. Reports mentioned that SpaceX launched a Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) into space for the US Space Force on January 18.&nbsp;

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Is that the face of a bear on Mars? A satellite image of the surface of Mars has baffled Twitterati after the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) posted a picture of a fragment of the surface of Mars that looked like a bear.

Is that the face of a bear on Mars? A satellite image of the surface of Mars has baffled Twitterati after the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) posted a picture of a fragment of the surface of Mars that looked like a bear. NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter captured the bear-looking image on December 12. The snap was shared by the University of Arizona earlier this week. ALSO READ | Radiation alert in Australia after Caesium-137 capsule goes missing, here's HOW it can hurt you The University of Arizona's Lunar and Planetary Laboratory said: "The circular fracture pattern might be due to the settling of a deposit over a buried impact crater." While explaining the image, which looks like a bear, the laboratory said that "maybe the nose is a volcanic or mud vent and the deposit could be lava or mud flows?" HiPOD: A Bear on Mars? This feature looks a bit like a bear’s face. What is it really? More: https://t.co/MpLQBg38ur NASA/JPL-Caltech/UArizona#Mars #science #NASA https://t.co/2WUNquTUZH pic.twitter.com/1k2ZnLcJ5o — HiRISE: Beautiful Mars (NASA) (@HiRISE) January 25, 2023 × The image become a matter of discussion as a few online users called it an Angry Bird and a few others said it looked like a Doge meme of a Shiba Inu. WATCH | Gravitas: Scientists adjust 'doomsday clock' to 90 seconds from midnight × ALSO READ | Private firm Agnikul to launch India's first kerosene-oxygen powered rocket 'Agnibaan' in March 'Mysterious' flying spiral Recently, a bizarre blue 'mysterious flying spiral' was captured in the Hawaiian sky by a Japanese telescope camera. The spiral appeared to be otherworldly at the first glance, but there's more to it. The Subaru-Asahi Star Camera captured the eerie video, which disappeared within seconds. It was seen over Maunakea, Hawaii on January 18. The spiral seems to be related to the SpaceX company's launch of a new satellite. Reports mentioned that SpaceX launched a Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) into space for the US Space Force on January 18. × WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

A bear on Mars? This satellite image of Mars surface stuns netizens

It’s been months since China’s Zhurong Mars rover entered a “hibernation” to wait out the cold and harsh winter on planet&nbsp;Mars’ northern hemisphere and its alien landscape. However, the slumber which was planned to end in December of last year still continues. Now the question is, will the rover ever wake up? There’s still hope.

What is Zhurong?

Zhurong is part of Tianwen 1, China’s ambitious Mars mission, and the nation’s first interplanetary mission. The mission, which includes a Mars rover, touched down on the Red Planet’s Utopian Planitia in May of the year 2021.

Watch |&nbsp;This study suggests ancient Mars was also hit by climate change

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Why is a rover ‘sleeping’?&nbsp;

Following its landing, it conducted a range of scientific and exploration activities before retreating into a so-called hibernation or dormant state to survive the barren planet’s winter, during which, as per space.com, temperatures can fall down to minus 195 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 125 degrees Celsius).&nbsp;

It went to sleep on May 18 of last year.

What conditions are needed for it to wake up?

Talking to reporters in September 2022, Jia Yang, a Tianwen 1 mission deputy chief designer, revealed that Zhurong would wake up by itself when two conditions are met: it can generate energy greater than 140 watts and the planet’s temperature, or rather the region where the rover is, reaches the somewhat warmer, 5 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 15 degrees Celsius).

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/men-are-from-mars-women-are-from-venus-which-one-should-humans-visit-first-520603">'Men are from Mars, women are from Venus', which planet should humans visit first?</a>

When was it supposed to rise up again?

Zhurong slumber was expected to end in December when the red planet experiences its spring equinox. However, this did not happen. So far, it’s just silence.

What went wrong?

As per a January 9 report by Space News, China’s first interplanetary mission may be in trouble “with the rover potentially lost on the surface after winter hibernation”. There is also speculation that maybe the temperatures just aren’t warm enough.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/humans-yet-to-set-foot-on-mars-yet-the-red-planet-is-already-littered-with-7000-kgs-of-our-trash-519541">Humans yet to set foot on Mars, but the red planet is already 'littered' with 7000 kg of our trash</a>

What is the temperature on Mars currently?

As per NASA’s Perseverance Rover, which is also wandering Mars’s surface, the temperature in the planet’s Jezero Crater has only briefly risen higher than Zhurong’s lowest heat requirement.&nbsp;

But given that Perseverance is nearer to the red planet’s equator - located around seven degrees latitude south of its Chinese counterpart - it may be experiencing slightly more favourable conditions than Zhurong.

How is Perseverance awake?

NASA's 2020 rover Perseverance, meanwhile, is not asleep. It is nuclear-powered and doesn’t need to hibernate.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/mars-sample-collection-risks-bringing-to-earth-deadly-alien-virus-heres-what-you-should-know-478730">Mars sample collection risks bringing to Earth deadly alien virus. Here's what you should know</a>

What else could be plaguing the Chinese rover?

Zhurong generates its power using solar arrays. Mars is known for its sand storms and there is concern that the dust from them may be hindering the rover and its solar arrays’ ability to generate power.

While Zhurong’s panels are made using anti-dust material and it has a vibration setting to shake off the dust, even that feature requires some power. The rover has to be active to “shake it off”.

What now?

The rover's mission with which China achieved the status of being the second country to reach the surface of Mars is already a great success.

But only time can tell if it will wake up to achieve bigger and better things.

(With inputs from agencies)

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It’s been months since China’s Zhurong Mars rover entered a “hibernation” to wait out the cold and harsh winter on planet Mars’ northern hemisphere and its alien landscape.

It’s been months since China’s Zhurong Mars rover entered a “hibernation” to wait out the cold and harsh winter on planet Mars’ northern hemisphere and its alien landscape. However, the slumber which was planned to end in December of last year still continues. Now the question is, will the rover ever wake up? There’s still hope. What is Zhurong? Zhurong is part of Tianwen 1, China’s ambitious Mars mission, and the nation’s first interplanetary mission. The mission, which includes a Mars rover, touched down on the Red Planet’s Utopian Planitia in May of the year 2021. Watch | This study suggests ancient Mars was also hit by climate change Why is a rover ‘sleeping’? Following its landing, it conducted a range of scientific and exploration activities before retreating into a so-called hibernation or dormant state to survive the barren planet’s winter, during which, as per space.com, temperatures can fall down to minus 195 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 125 degrees Celsius). It went to sleep on May 18 of last year. What conditions are needed for it to wake up? Talking to reporters in September 2022, Jia Yang, a Tianwen 1 mission deputy chief designer, revealed that Zhurong would wake up by itself when two conditions are met: it can generate energy greater than 140 watts and the planet’s temperature, or rather the region where the rover is, reaches the somewhat warmer, 5 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 15 degrees Celsius). Also read | 'Men are from Mars, women are from Venus', which planet should humans visit first? When was it supposed to rise up again? Zhurong slumber was expected to end in December when the red planet experiences its spring equinox. However, this did not happen. So far, it’s just silence. What went wrong? As per a January 9 report by Space News, China’s first interplanetary mission may be in trouble “with the rover potentially lost on the surface after winter hibernation”. There is also speculation that maybe the temperatures just aren’t warm enough. Also read | Humans yet to set foot on Mars, but the red planet is already 'littered' with 7000 kg of our trash What is the temperature on Mars currently? As per NASA’s Perseverance Rover, which is also wandering Mars’s surface, the temperature in the planet’s Jezero Crater has only briefly risen higher than Zhurong’s lowest heat requirement. But given that Perseverance is nearer to the red planet’s equator - located around seven degrees latitude south of its Chinese counterpart - it may be experiencing slightly more favourable conditions than Zhurong. How is Perseverance awake? NASA's 2020 rover Perseverance, meanwhile, is not asleep. It is nuclear-powered and doesn’t need to hibernate. Also read | Mars sample collection risks bringing to Earth deadly alien virus. Here's what you should know What else could be plaguing the Chinese rover? Zhurong generates its power using solar arrays. Mars is known for its sand storms and there is concern that the dust from them may be hindering the rover and its solar arrays’ ability to generate power. While Zhurong’s panels are made using anti-dust material and it has a vibration setting to shake off the dust, even that feature requires some power. The rover has to be active to “shake it off”. What now? The rover's mission with which China achieved the status of being the second country to reach the surface of Mars is already a great success. But only time can tell if it will wake up to achieve bigger and better things. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Explained | Zhurong's slumber continues for months. Has China's Mars rover fallen 'silent' forever?

A study of the Martian meteorite ‘Tissint’ which crashed landed in Morocco over a decade ago found that it consists of a vast array of organic compounds which could reveal new details about the Red Planet’s habitability and even important clues about Earth’s geological history. Published in the journal Science Advances by an international team of researchers led by the Technical University of Munich in Germany. It also included Helmholtz Munich’s Philippe Schmitt-Kopplin and Carnegie Institution for Science in the United States’ Andrew Steele.&nbsp;

In a statement, the lead author of the study, Schmitt-Kopplin, said, “Mars and Earth share many aspects of their evolution. And while life arose and thrived on our home planet, the question of whether it ever existed on Mars is a very hot research topic that requires deeper knowledge of our neighbouring planet’s water, organic molecules, and reactive surfaces.”&nbsp;

After analysing the meteorite’s organic inventory in detail the researchers found a link between the type and diversity of organic molecules as well as specific mineralogy. This helped them create the most comprehensive catalogue of the diversity of organic compounds found in a Martian meteorite or in a sample collected and analysed by a rover. &nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/is-there-life-on-mars-study-of-decades-old-meteorite-casts-doubt-on-presence-of-life-on-the-planet-444601">Is there life on Mars?: Study of decades-old meteorite casts doubt on presence of life on the planet</a>

The meteorite, Tissint, is one of the five Martian rocks that was observed as it fell to the Earth, over 11 years ago its pieces were scattered in a Moroccan desert about 30 miles from the town after which it was named. It is speculated that the hundred million years old rock was launched into space following a violent event.&nbsp;

Notably, organic compounds are large molecules that contain predominantly carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen and sulphur, and are associated with life and biological processes. However, these compounds can be created by non-biological processes which previous Martian meteorite research demonstrated which scientists call, abiotic organic chemistry.&nbsp;

The findings of the study detailed the process occurring beneath the Red Planet’s mantle and crust and how they have changed over time, especially with regard to abiotic organics that formed from Mars’ water-rock interactions.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/30000-meteorites-are-hiding-across-antarctica-as-per-this-treasure-map-created-by-artificial-intelligence-451559">30,000 meteorites are hiding across Antarctica as per this 'treasure map' created by artificial intelligence</a>

According to Steele who was also a member of both the Perseverance and Curiosity rovers’ teams, “understanding the processes and sequence of events that shaped this rich organic bounty will reveal new details about Mars’ habitability and potentially about the reactions that could lead to the formation of life.”&nbsp;

Additionally, one of the most intriguing findings of the study was the abundance of organic magnesium compounds which was previously not seen on Mars and offered insights into the planet’s high-pressure and high-temperature geochemistry that shaped its deep interior as well as a connection between its carbon cycle and mineral evolution.&nbsp; 
 
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A study of the Martian meteorite ‘Tissint’ which crashed landed in Morocco over a decade ago found that it consists of a vast array of organic compounds which could reveal new details about the Red Planet’s habitability and even important clues about Earth’s geological history.

A study of the Martian meteorite ‘Tissint’ which crashed landed in Morocco over a decade ago found that it consists of a vast array of organic compounds which could reveal new details about the Red Planet’s habitability and even important clues about Earth’s geological history. Published in the journal Science Advances by an international team of researchers led by the Technical University of Munich in Germany. It also included Helmholtz Munich’s Philippe Schmitt-Kopplin and Carnegie Institution for Science in the United States’ Andrew Steele. In a statement, the lead author of the study, Schmitt-Kopplin, said, “Mars and Earth share many aspects of their evolution. And while life arose and thrived on our home planet, the question of whether it ever existed on Mars is a very hot research topic that requires deeper knowledge of our neighbouring planet’s water, organic molecules, and reactive surfaces.” After analysing the meteorite’s organic inventory in detail the researchers found a link between the type and diversity of organic molecules as well as specific mineralogy. This helped them create the most comprehensive catalogue of the diversity of organic compounds found in a Martian meteorite or in a sample collected and analysed by a rover. ALSO READ | Is there life on Mars?: Study of decades-old meteorite casts doubt on presence of life on the planet The meteorite, Tissint, is one of the five Martian rocks that was observed as it fell to the Earth, over 11 years ago its pieces were scattered in a Moroccan desert about 30 miles from the town after which it was named. It is speculated that the hundred million years old rock was launched into space following a violent event. Notably, organic compounds are large molecules that contain predominantly carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen and sulphur, and are associated with life and biological processes. However, these compounds can be created by non-biological processes which previous Martian meteorite research demonstrated which scientists call, abiotic organic chemistry. The findings of the study detailed the process occurring beneath the Red Planet’s mantle and crust and how they have changed over time, especially with regard to abiotic organics that formed from Mars’ water-rock interactions. ALSO READ | 30,000 meteorites are hiding across Antarctica as per this 'treasure map' created by artificial intelligence According to Steele who was also a member of both the Perseverance and Curiosity rovers’ teams, “understanding the processes and sequence of events that shaped this rich organic bounty will reveal new details about Mars’ habitability and potentially about the reactions that could lead to the formation of life.” Additionally, one of the most intriguing findings of the study was the abundance of organic magnesium compounds which was previously not seen on Mars and offered insights into the planet’s high-pressure and high-temperature geochemistry that shaped its deep interior as well as a connection between its carbon cycle and mineral evolution. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Martian meteorite with vast array of organic compounds might hold clues to life on Mars

On Wednesday, astronomy buffs witnessed what experts regard as a rare astronomical event where all the planets in the solar system were visible in the night sky.&nbsp;

In the Northern Hemisphere, Venus, Mercury, Saturn, Jupiter and Mars could be seen with the naked eye. While, the two outermost planets, Uranus and Neptune could be seen using binoculars or telescopes and would be visible until the end of the year.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/china-develops-lobster-eye-telescope-to-scan-the-murky-depths-of-the-universe-547044">China develops 'lobster eye' telescope to scan the murky depths of the universe</a>

Such "grand tours" as per Space happen roughly once every one or two years.&nbsp;

As per Guardian, all eight planets appeared only 1.5 degrees apart on Wednesday night and will reach their closest point or conjunction today (Thursday, December 29) at 2100 GMT (0230 IST).

Watch |&nbsp;NASA's Dart mission: The world's first planetary defence

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Talking to Newsweek, Gianluca Masi, an astronomer with the Virtual Telescope Project in Italy, said "These nights, we can see all the planets of our solar system at a glance, soon after sunset. It happens from time to time, but it is always a spectacular sight."

In June, skywatchers were treated to a similar but rarer alignment of five planets, where Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn were arranged in an alignment the likes of which hadn't occurred in about 150 years, or since 1864.

(With inputs from agencies)

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On Wednesday, astronomy buffs witnessed what experts regard as a rare astronomical event where all the planets in the solar system were visible in the night sky.

On Wednesday, astronomy buffs witnessed what experts regard as a rare astronomical event where all the planets in the solar system were visible in the night sky. In the Northern Hemisphere, Venus, Mercury, Saturn, Jupiter and Mars could be seen with the naked eye. While, the two outermost planets, Uranus and Neptune could be seen using binoculars or telescopes and would be visible until the end of the year. Also read | China develops 'lobster eye' telescope to scan the murky depths of the universe Such "grand tours" as per Space happen roughly once every one or two years. As per Guardian, all eight planets appeared only 1.5 degrees apart on Wednesday night and will reach their closest point or conjunction today (Thursday, December 29) at 2100 GMT (0230 IST). Watch | NASA's Dart mission: The world's first planetary defence Talking to Newsweek, Gianluca Masi, an astronomer with the Virtual Telescope Project in Italy, said "These nights, we can see all the planets of our solar system at a glance, soon after sunset. It happens from time to time, but it is always a spectacular sight." In June, skywatchers were treated to a similar but rarer alignment of five planets, where Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn were arranged in an alignment the likes of which hadn't occurred in about 150 years, or since 1864. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Rare 'treat' for skywatchers: All solar system planets visible to the naked eye

Fifty years after the first crewed mission to the Moon, NASA launched its most powerful rocket on its maiden lunar voyage. According to NASA, Artemis-1 is first in the series of increasingly complex space missions. Will the mission revolutionise space exploration? Here are 5 reasons why this mission is important

5 reasons why NASA's Artemis-1 mission is important for future of space exploration

NASA’s InSight lander has recorded epic 'Marsquakes'. Images show debris hurled up to 40 KM. Watch this report for all the details.

NASA spacecraft records epic 'Marsquakes', images show debris hurled up to 40 KM

On Christmas Eve 2021, a meteor struck Mars, shaking the planet so intensely that NASA's InSight lander captured the tremblings.

Until NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, a satellite orbiting the red planet, took pictures of the fresh impact crater, scientists had no idea where the earthquake originated. On Thursday, NASA made the discovery public.

"It was immediately clear that this is the biggest new crater we've ever seen," Ingrid Daubar, InSight impact science lead, said in a press briefing. "It's about 500 feet wide or about two city blocks across. And even though meteorites are hitting the planet all the time, this crater is more than 10 times larger than the typical new craters we see forming on Mars."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/unusually-warm-autumn-in-spain-france-raises-climate-concerns-529058">Unusually warm autumn in Europe raises climate concerns; UN warns of 'irreversible' climate breakdown</a>

A striking glow could be seen everywhere around the new crater: boulder-sized pieces of water ice that had been thrown up during the explosion from below the surface. NASA has never discovered water this close to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/ancient-bacteria-shielded-from-harsh-space-radiation-might-be-sleeping-on-martian-surface-528845">Martian equator</a>. Scientists had only before observed water ice grouped close to the poles.

The finding is encouraging for NASA's goal of sending people to Mars in the future.

Their observations from those meteor hits, which were presented in two papers and published on Thursday in the journal Science, may help resolve a long-standing conundrum about the geography of Mars.

(With inputs from agencies)

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On Christmas Eve 2021, a meteor struck Mars, shaking the planet so intensely that NASA's InSight lander captured the tremblings. Until NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, a satellite orbiting the red planet, took pictures of the fresh impact crater, scientists had no idea where the earthquake originated.

On Christmas Eve 2021, a meteor struck Mars, shaking the planet so intensely that NASA's InSight lander captured the tremblings. Until NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, a satellite orbiting the red planet, took pictures of the fresh impact crater, scientists had no idea where the earthquake originated. On Thursday, NASA made the discovery public. "It was immediately clear that this is the biggest new crater we've ever seen," Ingrid Daubar, InSight impact science lead, said in a press briefing. "It's about 500 feet wide or about two city blocks across. And even though meteorites are hitting the planet all the time, this crater is more than 10 times larger than the typical new craters we see forming on Mars." Also read | Unusually warm autumn in Europe raises climate concerns; UN warns of 'irreversible' climate breakdown A striking glow could be seen everywhere around the new crater: boulder-sized pieces of water ice that had been thrown up during the explosion from below the surface. NASA has never discovered water this close to the Martian equator. Scientists had only before observed water ice grouped close to the poles. The finding is encouraging for NASA's goal of sending people to Mars in the future. Their observations from those meteor hits, which were presented in two papers and published on Thursday in the journal Science, may help resolve a long-standing conundrum about the geography of Mars. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

NASA images prove a meteor crashed into Mars, triggered a massive quake

According to recent research, ancient microbes may be dozing beneath the surface of Mars, protected from the harsh radiation of space for millions of years.&nbsp;

Although there hasn't been any proof of life on Mars, scientists recreated its environment in a lab to explore if bacteria and fungi could survive. The researchers were shocked to learn that bacteria could probably live for 280 million years if they were buried and shielded from the solar radiation and ionising radiation that constantly pummelled the Martian surface.&nbsp;

The results suggested that if life had existed on Mars, the remnants of past life may still be present in the planet's subsurface, where future expeditions may drill into the Martian soil.

Mars was probably more habitable for life billions of years ago when it had an atmosphere and water on its surface, but now it resembles a frozen desert. Average temperatures in the planet's arid midlatitudes are minus 80 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 62 degrees Celsius). And because Mars' atmosphere is so thin, radiation is another persistent danger.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/bees-order-numbers-in-increasing-size-from-left-to-right-study-reveals-528769">Bees 'count' numbers in increasing size from left to right, study reveals</a>

The limits of microbial life's ability to survive when subjected to the kind of ionising radiation that it would encounter on Mars have been established by researchers. The team then exposed six different kinds of Earth-based bacteria and fungi to a model Martian surface environment while bombarding them with protons or gamma rays to replicate space radiation.

Deinococcus radiodurans emerged as the winner without a doubt. The hardy bacteria, known as "Conan the Bacterium" because of this, appeared to be ideal for life on Mars.&nbsp;

The bacteria is polyextremophile, which means it can withstand extreme temperatures, acidity, and dehydration. One of the most radiation-resistant species known to science is the hardy bacterium.

(with inputs from agencies)

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According to recent research, ancient microbes may be dozing beneath the surface of Mars, protected from the harsh radiation of space for millions of years. Although there hasn't been any proof of life on Mars, scientists recreated its environment in a lab to explore if bacteria and fungi could survive.

According to recent research, ancient microbes may be dozing beneath the surface of Mars, protected from the harsh radiation of space for millions of years. Although there hasn't been any proof of life on Mars, scientists recreated its environment in a lab to explore if bacteria and fungi could survive. The researchers were shocked to learn that bacteria could probably live for 280 million years if they were buried and shielded from the solar radiation and ionising radiation that constantly pummelled the Martian surface. The results suggested that if life had existed on Mars, the remnants of past life may still be present in the planet's subsurface, where future expeditions may drill into the Martian soil. Mars was probably more habitable for life billions of years ago when it had an atmosphere and water on its surface, but now it resembles a frozen desert. Average temperatures in the planet's arid midlatitudes are minus 80 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 62 degrees Celsius). And because Mars' atmosphere is so thin, radiation is another persistent danger. Also Read: Bees 'count' numbers in increasing size from left to right, study reveals The limits of microbial life's ability to survive when subjected to the kind of ionising radiation that it would encounter on Mars have been established by researchers. The team then exposed six different kinds of Earth-based bacteria and fungi to a model Martian surface environment while bombarding them with protons or gamma rays to replicate space radiation. Deinococcus radiodurans emerged as the winner without a doubt. The hardy bacteria, known as "Conan the Bacterium" because of this, appeared to be ideal for life on Mars. The bacteria is polyextremophile, which means it can withstand extreme temperatures, acidity, and dehydration. One of the most radiation-resistant species known to science is the hardy bacterium. (with inputs from agencies)

Ancient bacteria, shielded from harsh space radiation, might be sleeping on Martian surface

A study published in the journal Nature Astronomy suggests that ancient Mars was also hit by climate change triggered by Ancient microbes.

This study suggests ancient Mars was also hit by climate change

Clearing the mystery over the health of the country's nine-year-old Mars mission, the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) declared the 'Mangalyaan' Mars orbiting spacecraft non-recoverable.

Clearing the mystery over the health of the country's nine-year-old Mars mission, the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) declared the 'Mangalyaan' Mars orbiting spacecraft non-recoverable. This confirmation from ISRO comes after there were reports of the spacecraft having lost communication with the ground station and run out of fuel. Finally, #ISRO puts to rest the confusion over #MangalyaanMission After 8yrs of orbiting #Mars and generating terabytes of data…The #indian #satellite has gone for eternal rest.. @isro says fuel must have been exhausted, sat couldn’t look at sun, so declared non-recoverable https://t.co/uIZqt7Jv1o pic.twitter.com/8w6ougeWHP — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) October 3, 2022 × ISRO launched Mangalyaan or Mars Orbiter Mission (MoM) on November 3, 2013, and the spacecraft entered the Martian orbit on September 24, 2014, after a 300-days-long interplanetary journey. Designed for a six-month operational life in Martian orbit, the MoM spacecraft worked for almost eight years and generated ample quantities of scientific data about the red planet. "ISRO deliberated that the propellant (fuel onboard the spacecraft) must have been exhausted, and therefore, the desired attitude pointing could not be achieved (spacecraft's solar panels could not point towards the sun) for sustained power generation," read the statement from ISRO. Based on the analysis, the Indian space agency declared the spacecraft non-recoverable and as having reached the 'end of its life'. As recently as last week, speaking at an event commemorating '8 Years of Mangalyaan', a senior ISRO scientist shared specific details on the MoM. "Right now, we have no fuel left, to be able to change the geometry of the spacecraft to the sun" the scientist is heard saying in the video. It was also elaborated that the spacecraft had to operate during back-to-back, long-duration eclipses (periods when the shadow of Mars falls on it, thus hindering its ability to receive solar energy on its panels and charge its batteries)." Sr #ISRO scientist says “Right now, there is no fuel left..we are not able to change the geometry between the spacecraft and the sun”.. this is from last week’s @isro event titled ‘8 yrs of #Mangalyaan #MarsOrbiter ‘ ISRO foresaw the inevitable! Hoping for a statement on MoM pic.twitter.com/JXIHUlNF8K — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) October 3, 2022 × "From April 1, 2022, we have had back-to-back long eclipses that spanned anywhere from 30 minutes to seven-and-a-half hours...the one we really survived was an eclipse that lasted six and a half hours," the scientist says. Read more: When an ISRO scientist said 'Mangalyaan' was running really low on fuel The scientist also added that the spacecraft did a critical manoeuvre in 2017 and ended up burning 20 kilogrammes of its 33 kg fuel. After that manoeuvre, the spacecraft had only 13 kg of fuel left, of which 2.5 kg is required every year for basic manoeuvres to remain in orbit. Finally, it was added that there is only around 2 or 2.4 kg of fuel left in the spacecraft and that quantity won't be sufficient for any future manoeuvres. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

After 8 years of service, Indian space agency ISRO declares Mars mission non-recoverable

While Mars is the intended target for humanity's first crewed mission to another planet, a group of experts is now advocating for Earth's sister planet Venus to get that accolade.

However, the planet is practically burning up. It is hot enough to melt lead, is home to clouds of sulphuric acid, a chemical capable of causing severe skin burns, and has a crushing atmospheric pressure.&nbsp;

Why then, do these experts want to forego Mars and visit Venus?

As per a report by the Guardian quoting research presented at the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) in Paris last week, there are actually plus points to this.

Watch |&nbsp;Expanding problem of space debris: What is space junk? Why is it a problem?

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Firstly, Venus is nearer. While a roundtrip to Mars is estimated to take around three years, to and fro Venus would only take one year.

Second, while walking on the planet's surface is a distant dream, and an unlivable experience, a flyby might offer the essential experience of a lengthy deep-space mission as a prelude to reaching Mars.

One of the supporters of the Venus flyby, Dr Noam Izenberg of the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, claimed that Venus "gets a bad rap because it's got such a difficult surface environment."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/humans-yet-to-set-foot-on-mars-yet-the-red-planet-is-already-littered-with-7000-kgs-of-our-trash-519541" hreflang="en">Humans yet to set foot on Mars, but the red planet is already 'littered' with 7000 kg of our trash</a>

"Moon to Mars is the current NASA paradigm," he said adding that they're attempting to justify Venus as an additional objective along that route.&nbsp;He says that a Venus flyby makes sense as performing a slingshot or gravity assist around Earth's sister planet, could shorten the journey time and fuel needed to reach the red planet despite the fact that Venus is in the "wrong" direction.

However, not everyone is sold on the idea.&nbsp;

“It’s really not a nice place to go. It’s a hellish environment and the thermal challenges for a human mission would be quite considerable,” says Prof. Andrew Coates of UCL's Mullard Space Science Laboratory.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-captures-mid-boggling-photo-of-ufo-like-object-on-mars-take-a-look-474921">NASA captures mind-boggling photo of UFO-like object on Mars. Take a look!</a>

He claimed that although Venus was rightfully the focus of scientific inquiry, "a human flyby really wouldn't add very much."

Since the discovery of hundreds of exoplanets, scientific curiosity about Venus has grown as the finding raises the question of how many of these planets may be habitable. Now, scientists want to know how and why Venus, a planet so similar to our own in size, mass, and distance from the sun, ended up with hellish surface conditions.

(With inputs from agencies)

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While Mars is the intended target for humanity's first crewed mission to another planet, a group of experts is now advocating for Earth's sister planet Venus to get that accolade.

While Mars is the intended target for humanity's first crewed mission to another planet, a group of experts is now advocating for Earth's sister planet Venus to get that accolade. However, the planet is practically burning up. It is hot enough to melt lead, is home to clouds of sulphuric acid, a chemical capable of causing severe skin burns, and has a crushing atmospheric pressure. Why then, do these experts want to forego Mars and visit Venus? As per a report by the Guardian quoting research presented at the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) in Paris last week, there are actually plus points to this. Watch | Expanding problem of space debris: What is space junk? Why is it a problem? Firstly, Venus is nearer. While a roundtrip to Mars is estimated to take around three years, to and fro Venus would only take one year. Second, while walking on the planet's surface is a distant dream, and an unlivable experience, a flyby might offer the essential experience of a lengthy deep-space mission as a prelude to reaching Mars. One of the supporters of the Venus flyby, Dr Noam Izenberg of the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, claimed that Venus "gets a bad rap because it's got such a difficult surface environment." Also read | Humans yet to set foot on Mars, but the red planet is already 'littered' with 7000 kg of our trash "Moon to Mars is the current NASA paradigm," he said adding that they're attempting to justify Venus as an additional objective along that route. He says that a Venus flyby makes sense as performing a slingshot or gravity assist around Earth's sister planet, could shorten the journey time and fuel needed to reach the red planet despite the fact that Venus is in the "wrong" direction. However, not everyone is sold on the idea. “It’s really not a nice place to go. It’s a hellish environment and the thermal challenges for a human mission would be quite considerable,” says Prof. Andrew Coates of UCL's Mullard Space Science Laboratory. Also read | NASA captures mind-boggling photo of UFO-like object on Mars. Take a look! He claimed that although Venus was rightfully the focus of scientific inquiry, "a human flyby really wouldn't add very much." Since the discovery of hundreds of exoplanets, scientific curiosity about Venus has grown as the finding raises the question of how many of these planets may be habitable. Now, scientists want to know how and why Venus, a planet so similar to our own in size, mass, and distance from the sun, ended up with hellish surface conditions. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

'Men are from Mars, women are from Venus', which planet should humans visit first?

Mars is a far-away dream. That is not to say that humans haven't reached the planet: we have, albeit, by proxy, as our rovers have been on the red soil. However, no man has ever stepped foot on Mars's surface. Yet, as per a new estimate, our race has already littered the red planet with more than 15,000 pounds or 7,000 kilogrammes&nbsp;of trash.

There is 15,694 pounds (approximately 7118.6 kilogrammes) of human debris on the red planet, estimates Cagri Kilic, a postdoctoral research fellow in robotics at West Virginia University. He&nbsp;analysed the mass of all Mars rovers and orbiters before deducting the weight of those that are still in use to arrive at this estimate.

Watch |&nbsp;Expanding problem of space debris: What is space junk? Why is it a problem?

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As per Daily Mail, the debris includes abandoned tools, dormant rockets, and spacecraft that have crashed onto the planet, including the Soviet Union's Mars orbiter 2 which made a crash landing in 1971.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-captures-mid-boggling-photo-of-ufo-like-object-on-mars-take-a-look-474921">NASA captures mind-boggling photo of UFO-like object on Mars. Take a look!</a>

Scientists fear that not only is our race polluting yet another planet, even as we struggle to save ours, but that this trash could contaminate the samples being collected by NASA’s Perseverance rover and endanger the missions worth millions of dollars&nbsp;to search for signs of life on mars.

However, the report points out that much of the discarded parts had to be abandoned in order to preserve ships as they soar through the Red Planet's harsh atmosphere. An example of this is NASA's Perseverance, which weathered seven minutes of hell when it landed in February 2021, and also resulted in the creation of an unavoidable amount of trash.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/did-an-asteroid-wipe-out-dinosaurs-new-study-claims-otherwise-heres-what-it-says-happened-518465" hreflang="en">Was an asteroid the sole reason dinosaurs went extinct? New study claims they were already 'dying out'</a>

Nine dormant spacecraft, including the Mars 3 and Mars 6 landers, the Viking 1 and Viking 2 landers, the Sojourner rover, the Schiaparelli lander of the European Space Agency, the Phoenix lander, the Spirit rover, and the Opportunity rover, are currently stranded on Mars.

Kilic claims that the majority of the robots are still in working order and that space agencies consider them as historical artefacts rather than scrap metal.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Mars is a far-away dream. That is not to say that humans haven't reached the planet: we have, albeit, by proxy, as our rovers have been on the red soil. However, no man has ever stepped foot on Mars's surface.

Mars is a far-away dream. That is not to say that humans haven't reached the planet: we have, albeit, by proxy, as our rovers have been on the red soil. However, no man has ever stepped foot on Mars's surface. Yet, as per a new estimate, our race has already littered the red planet with more than 15,000 pounds or 7,000 kilogrammes of trash. There is 15,694 pounds (approximately 7118.6 kilogrammes) of human debris on the red planet, estimates Cagri Kilic, a postdoctoral research fellow in robotics at West Virginia University. He analysed the mass of all Mars rovers and orbiters before deducting the weight of those that are still in use to arrive at this estimate. Watch | Expanding problem of space debris: What is space junk? Why is it a problem? As per Daily Mail, the debris includes abandoned tools, dormant rockets, and spacecraft that have crashed onto the planet, including the Soviet Union's Mars orbiter 2 which made a crash landing in 1971. Also read | NASA captures mind-boggling photo of UFO-like object on Mars. Take a look! Scientists fear that not only is our race polluting yet another planet, even as we struggle to save ours, but that this trash could contaminate the samples being collected by NASA’s Perseverance rover and endanger the missions worth millions of dollars to search for signs of life on mars. However, the report points out that much of the discarded parts had to be abandoned in order to preserve ships as they soar through the Red Planet's harsh atmosphere. An example of this is NASA's Perseverance, which weathered seven minutes of hell when it landed in February 2021, and also resulted in the creation of an unavoidable amount of trash. Also read | Was an asteroid the sole reason dinosaurs went extinct? New study claims they were already 'dying out' Nine dormant spacecraft, including the Mars 3 and Mars 6 landers, the Viking 1 and Viking 2 landers, the Sojourner rover, the Schiaparelli lander of the European Space Agency, the Phoenix lander, the Spirit rover, and the Opportunity rover, are currently stranded on Mars. Kilic claims that the majority of the robots are still in working order and that space agencies consider them as historical artefacts rather than scrap metal. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Humans yet to set foot on Mars, but the red planet is already 'littered' with 7000 kg of our trash

The topography of Mars has been a subject of interest for researchers over the years and they have now found a new process to understand how the surface of the planet has changed over time due to the impact of space rocks. According to a new line of studies, the scientists are using shock waves created on impact to find the exact position and depth of the craters on the surface of Mars.

“This is the first time we have felt and heard an impact on another planet,” said Raphael Garcia, a planetary seismologist at the Higher Institute of Aeronautics and Space at the University of Toulouse.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/location-is-everything-donald-trump-mocks-joe-biden-after-queen-elizabeth-iis-funeral-517943" hreflang="en">'Location is everything': Trump mocks Biden for getting back seat at Queen Elizabeth funeral</a>

The data used in this method was taken from NASA’s InSight lander which provided an insight into seismic activities on Mars between May 2020 and September 2021. It took into account small space rocks as well as meteoroids which came in contact with the surface of the red planet.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/four-day-working-week-receives-thumbs-up-from-86-of-trial-companies-study-517940" hreflang="en">Four-day working week receives thumbs-up from 86% of trial companies: Study</a>

The study, which was published in Nature Geoscience, succeeded in mapping the surface of Mars up to a certain extent and also helped in understanding the crust of the planet. In an atmosphere where impact craters are extremely common, the study showed the impact they had on changing the landscape of Mars and over time, how it has slowly impacted the composition of the surface.

“If people want to know if a surface is older or younger, it is critical to know the impact rate, but we are not there yet,” said Garcia when asked about the exact accuracy of the study.

The topography of Mars has been a subject of interest for researchers over the years and they have now found a new process to understand how the surface of the planet has changed over time due to the impact of space rocks.

The topography of Mars has been a subject of interest for researchers over the years and they have now found a new process to understand how the surface of the planet has changed over time due to the impact of space rocks. According to a new line of studies, the scientists are using shock waves created on impact to find the exact position and depth of the craters on the surface of Mars. “This is the first time we have felt and heard an impact on another planet,” said Raphael Garcia, a planetary seismologist at the Higher Institute of Aeronautics and Space at the University of Toulouse. Also read | 'Location is everything': Trump mocks Biden for getting back seat at Queen Elizabeth funeral The data used in this method was taken from NASA’s InSight lander which provided an insight into seismic activities on Mars between May 2020 and September 2021. It took into account small space rocks as well as meteoroids which came in contact with the surface of the red planet. Also read | Four-day working week receives thumbs-up from 86% of trial companies: Study The study, which was published in Nature Geoscience, succeeded in mapping the surface of Mars up to a certain extent and also helped in understanding the crust of the planet. In an atmosphere where impact craters are extremely common, the study showed the impact they had on changing the landscape of Mars and over time, how it has slowly impacted the composition of the surface. “If people want to know if a surface is older or younger, it is critical to know the impact rate, but we are not there yet,” said Garcia when asked about the exact accuracy of the study.

Scientists use impact shock waves to understand new craters on surface of Mars

American space agency NASA's Perseverance rover has captured a Sun Halo on the surface of Mars that has&nbsp;never been seen before.

Although the unique feature has been seen time and again in the skies over Earth, it was never spotted on the red planet.

As white light passes through ice crystals found in upper-level cirrus clouds, the Sun Halo is a 22-degree ring that appears due to the dispersion of light.

Giving&nbsp;scientists a rare view into the complexity of the Martian atmosphere, the Perseverance rover picked up the unique development happening in the skies in December last year.

Calling the phenomenon ''surprising'', planetary scientist Mark Lemmon told Space.com that he had been involved in it for a really long time and his initial reaction was that it was a false alarm.

Also see |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-nasas-gigantic-sls-moon-rocket-a-practice-for-future-mars-mission-507987" hreflang="en">In pics: NASA's gigantic SLS moon rocket, a 'practice' for future Mars mission</a>

"The halo is a ring of light 22 degrees from the Sun or Moon and is the most common type of halo observed and formed by hexagonal ice crystals," according to the University of Illinois.

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The <a href="https://twitter.com/NASAPersevere?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NASAPersevere</a> rover found the most intriguing samples yet that could tell us if life once existed on the Red Planet - but scientists on Earth need to analyze the samples to know for sure. The Mars Sample Return campaign will help us solve the mystery. <a href="https://t.co/DjgfkLsapA">https://t.co/DjgfkLsapA</a> <a href="https://t.co/WLgt7bl7Pi">pic.twitter.com/WLgt7bl7Pi</a>
— NASA JPL (@NASAJPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASAJPL/status/1570448808965996544?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 15, 2022</a></blockquote>
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While the Earth has a lower content of carbon dioxide than water in comparison to Mars, scientists confirmed that it was not dust that led to the formation of the ring on the image.

"We've got a lot of pictures that show you what kind of features you get from dust in the sky, and we know for sure that you never get a halo from that," Lemmon said.

In order to advance NASA's quest to explore the past habitability of Mars, the Perseverance rover was launched in 2020 to look for signs of ancient microbial life.

Watch WION's live TV here:

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American space agency NASA's Perseverance rover has captured a Sun Halo on the surface of Mars that has never been seen before. Although the unique feature has been seen time and again in the skies over Earth, it was never spotted on the red planet.

American space agency NASA's Perseverance rover has captured a Sun Halo on the surface of Mars that has never been seen before. Although the unique feature has been seen time and again in the skies over Earth, it was never spotted on the red planet. As white light passes through ice crystals found in upper-level cirrus clouds, the Sun Halo is a 22-degree ring that appears due to the dispersion of light. Giving scientists a rare view into the complexity of the Martian atmosphere, the Perseverance rover picked up the unique development happening in the skies in December last year. Calling the phenomenon ''surprising'', planetary scientist Mark Lemmon told Space.com that he had been involved in it for a really long time and his initial reaction was that it was a false alarm. Also see | In pics: NASA's gigantic SLS moon rocket, a 'practice' for future Mars mission "The halo is a ring of light 22 degrees from the Sun or Moon and is the most common type of halo observed and formed by hexagonal ice crystals," according to the University of Illinois. The @NASAPersevere rover found the most intriguing samples yet that could tell us if life once existed on the Red Planet - but scientists on Earth need to analyze the samples to know for sure. The Mars Sample Return campaign will help us solve the mystery. https://t.co/DjgfkLsapA pic.twitter.com/WLgt7bl7Pi — NASA JPL (@NASAJPL) September 15, 2022 × While the Earth has a lower content of carbon dioxide than water in comparison to Mars, scientists confirmed that it was not dust that led to the formation of the ring on the image. "We've got a lot of pictures that show you what kind of features you get from dust in the sky, and we know for sure that you never get a halo from that," Lemmon said. In order to advance NASA's quest to explore the past habitability of Mars, the Perseverance rover was launched in 2020 to look for signs of ancient microbial life. Watch WION's live TV here: ×

NASA's Perseverance rover captures never-seen-before Sun Halo on surface of Mars

NASA's Mars Perseverance rover found biologically-interesting rocks in an ancient lake bed that could indicate microbial life existed on the red planet billions of years ago.

NASA's Mars Perseverance rover finds samples of Microbial life on mars

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