Researchers from the United States, France and Germany have discovered that Earth’s natural satellite may have been formed as early as 4.53 billion years ago. This estimate derived from the new analysis is hundreds of millions of years earlier than previous ones.

New Study Rewrites The Moon's History

California, United States
Researchers from the United States, France and Germany have discovered that Earth’s natural satellite may have been formed as early as 4.53 billion years ago. This estimate derived from the new analysis is hundreds of millions of years earlier than previous ones.
This discovery may help in answering other questions about the Moon like why it has less metal compared to Earth and why it has fewer big impact basins than expected. The research can also provide better insights into the evolution and history of our own planet, according to the team led by geologist Francis Nimmo of the University of California Santa Cruz.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/skygazers-get-a-rare-cosmic-treat-as-cold-moon-shines-in-sky-after-19-years-784317">Skygazers get a rare cosmic treat as 'Cold Moon' shines after 19 years</a>
Earlier, it was believed that the Moon was formed after a large object, roughly the size of Mars, struck the Earth, while it was still in its formation stages about 4.35 billion years ago. However, the new research suggests it was formed much earlier and then experienced a dramatic “re-melting” at the time which was assumed for its creation.
According to the research, this re-melting event occurred due to the Earth’s and Moon’s gravitational pull tugging at each other, called a tidal force, which caused it to stretch and squish and warm the Moon drastically due to friction.
The study also explains the existence of zircon crystals, a mineral found on lunar rocks during the Apollo mission. The age of this mineral can be determined by observing the ratio of uranium to lead.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/saturns-rings-may-have-existed-since-the-solar-system-was-created-study-784694">Saturn's rings may have existed since the Solar System was created: Study</a>
The zircon crystals have been dated significantly older than the age of the Moon. While one crystal has been measured to be 4.46 billion years old, another was calculated to have formed 4.51 billion years ago.
The melting process altered the lunar surface, causing the metals to sink below and hiding the Moon’s real age, according to the study that was published in the journal Nature. This would imply that our planet has been with its natural satellite for almost its entire lifespan as it is estimated to have formed 4.54 billion years ago.
(With inputs from agencies)

This discovery may help in answering other questions about the Moon like why it has less metal compared to Earth and why it has fewer big impact basins than expected



California, United States Researchers from the United States, France and Germany have discovered that Earth’s natural satellite may have been formed as early as 4.53 billion years ago. This estimate derived from the new analysis is hundreds of millions of years earlier than previous ones. This discovery may help in answering other questions about the Moon like why it has less metal compared to Earth and why it has fewer big impact basins than expected. The research can also provide better insights into the evolution and history of our own planet, according to the team led by geologist Francis Nimmo of the University of California Santa Cruz. Also read | Skygazers get a rare cosmic treat as 'Cold Moon' shines after 19 years Earlier, it was believed that the Moon was formed after a large object, roughly the size of Mars, struck the Earth, while it was still in its formation stages about 4.35 billion years ago. However, the new research suggests it was formed much earlier and then experienced a dramatic “re-melting” at the time which was assumed for its creation. According to the research, this re-melting event occurred due to the Earth’s and Moon’s gravitational pull tugging at each other, called a tidal force, which caused it to stretch and squish and warm the Moon drastically due to friction. The study also explains the existence of zircon crystals, a mineral found on lunar rocks during the Apollo mission. The age of this mineral can be determined by observing the ratio of uranium to lead. Also read | Saturn's rings may have existed since the Solar System was created: Study The zircon crystals have been dated significantly older than the age of the Moon. While one crystal has been measured to be 4.46 billion years old, another was calculated to have formed 4.51 billion years ago. The melting process altered the lunar surface, causing the metals to sink below and hiding the Moon’s real age, according to the study that was published in the journal Nature. This would imply that our planet has been with its natural satellite for almost its entire lifespan as it is estimated to have formed 4.54 billion years ago. (With inputs from agencies)

The Moon may be much older than we thought, new study suggests

Researchers from the United States, France and Germany have discovered that Earth’s natural satellite may have been formed as early as 4.53 billion years ago. This estimate derived from the new analysis is hundreds of millions of years earlier than previous ones.

This discovery may help in answering other questions about the Moon like why it has less metal compared to Earth and why it has fewer big impact basins than expected. The research can also provide better insights into the evolution and history of our own planet, according to the team led by geologist Francis Nimmo of the University of California Santa Cruz.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/skygazers-get-a-rare-cosmic-treat-as-cold-moon-shines-in-sky-after-19-years-784317">Skygazers get a rare cosmic treat as 'Cold Moon' shines after 19 years</a>

Earlier, it was believed that the Moon was formed after a large object, roughly the size of Mars, struck the Earth, while it was still in its formation stages about 4.35 billion years ago. However, the new research suggests it was formed much earlier and then experienced a dramatic “re-melting” at the time which was assumed for its creation.

According to the research, this re-melting event occurred due to the Earth’s and Moon’s gravitational pull tugging at each other, called a tidal force, which caused it to stretch and squish and warm the Moon drastically due to friction.

The study also explains the existence of zircon crystals, a mineral found on lunar rocks during the Apollo mission. The age of this mineral can be determined by observing the ratio&nbsp;of uranium to lead.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/saturns-rings-may-have-existed-since-the-solar-system-was-created-study-784694">Saturn's rings may have existed since the Solar System was created: Study</a>

The zircon crystals have been dated significantly older than the age of the Moon. While one crystal has been measured to be 4.46 billion years old, another was calculated to have formed 4.51 billion years ago.

The melting process altered the lunar surface, causing the metals to sink below and hiding the Moon’s real age, according to the study that was published in the journal Nature. This would imply that our planet has been with its natural satellite for almost its entire lifespan as it is estimated to have formed 4.54 billion years ago.

(With inputs from agencies)

Researchers from the United States, France and Germany have discovered that Earth’s natural satellite may have been formed as early as 4.53 billion years ago. This estimate derived from the new analysis is hundreds of millions of years earlier than previous ones. This discovery may help in answering other questions about the Moon like why it has less metal compared to Earth and why it has fewer big impact basins than expected. The research can also provide better insights into the evolution and history of our own planet, according to the team led by geologist Francis Nimmo of the University of California Santa Cruz. Also read | Skygazers get a rare cosmic treat as 'Cold Moon' shines after 19 years Earlier, it was believed that the Moon was formed after a large object, roughly the size of Mars, struck the Earth, while it was still in its formation stages about 4.35 billion years ago. However, the new research suggests it was formed much earlier and then experienced a dramatic “re-melting” at the time which was assumed for its creation. According to the research, this re-melting event occurred due to the Earth’s and Moon’s gravitational pull tugging at each other, called a tidal force, which caused it to stretch and squish and warm the Moon drastically due to friction. The study also explains the existence of zircon crystals, a mineral found on lunar rocks during the Apollo mission. The age of this mineral can be determined by observing the ratio of uranium to lead. Also read | Saturn's rings may have existed since the Solar System was created: Study The zircon crystals have been dated significantly older than the age of the Moon. While one crystal has been measured to be 4.46 billion years old, another was calculated to have formed 4.51 billion years ago. The melting process altered the lunar surface, causing the metals to sink below and hiding the Moon’s real age, according to the study that was published in the journal Nature. This would imply that our planet has been with its natural satellite for almost its entire lifespan as it is estimated to have formed 4.54 billion years ago. (With inputs from agencies)

New Delhi, India
In the entire Solar System, the most volcanic celestial body is Jupiter's moon Io. Extensive lava flows on this moon and is spread across its surface. There are nearly 400 volcanoes on it. 
However, in a new study, scientists have found that this geographical situation on the moon is not because of a global and moonwide ocean of magma that flows beneath the surface. 
An international team of researchers used images snapped by NASA's Juno spacecraft and also looked into the moon's historical data and gravitational measurements about tidal deformations of Io to determine that the volcanoes of the moon are powered by scattered magma chambers that are present in the solid mantle. 
The new findings have countered the earlier theories, which had said that the volcanoes of Io are powered by the mostly solid mantle of the moon. 
According to scientists, magma oceans are present in different worlds, especially during their earlier formation. This also includes our own Moon.
"Since Morabito's discovery, planetary scientists have wondered how the volcanoes were fed from the lava underneath the surface," said space physicist Scott Bolton, who is from the Southwest Research Institute in San Antonio.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nasa-warns-asteroids-2024-xy5-and-2024-xb6-race-toward-earth-but-are-they-really-a-threat-784185">NASA warns, asteroids 2024 XY5 and 2024 XB6 race toward Earth — but are they really a threat?</a>
"Was there a shallow ocean of white-hot magma fuelling the volcanoes, or was their source more localised? We knew data from Juno's two very close flybys could give us some insights on how this tortured moon actually worked," he added. 
<h2>All about volcanic eruptions on Io</h2>
Jupiter's moon Io circles the planet every 42.5 hours and gets pulled and pushed by the massive gravitational forces present in the planet's elliptical orbit, which reshapes the moon constantly. 
This phenomenon is called tidal flexing and leads to the production of a huge amount of internal heat. 
In the new study, the deformations mentioned by the scientists are not enough to support the idea of the presence of a global magma ocean. 
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/jeff-bezos-will-spend-100000000000-on-a-new-space-station-that-will-also-host-tourists-781639">Jeff Bezos will spend $100,000,000,000 on a new space station that will also host tourists</a>
"This constant flexing creates immense energy, which literally melts portions of Io's interior," Bolton said.
"If Io has a global magma ocean, we knew the signature of its tidal deformation would be much larger than a more rigid, mostly solid interior," he added.
The lava flows and eruptions on Jupiter's moon cover hundreds of kilometres of area. 
Speaking about the findings, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory's (JPL) astronautical engineer Ryan Park said, "It has implications for our understanding of other moons, such as Enceladus and Europa, and even exoplanets and super-Earths." 
(With inputs from agencies)

Jupiter's moon Io has extensive lava flowing across its surface and around 400 volcanoes on it 



New Delhi, India In the entire Solar System, the most volcanic celestial body is Jupiter's moon Io. Extensive lava flows on this moon and is spread across its surface. There are nearly 400 volcanoes on it. However, in a new study, scientists have found that this geographical situation on the moon is not because of a global and moonwide ocean of magma that flows beneath the surface. An international team of researchers used images snapped by NASA's Juno spacecraft and also looked into the moon's historical data and gravitational measurements about tidal deformations of Io to determine that the volcanoes of the moon are powered by scattered magma chambers that are present in the solid mantle. The new findings have countered the earlier theories, which had said that the volcanoes of Io are powered by the mostly solid mantle of the moon. According to scientists, magma oceans are present in different worlds, especially during their earlier formation. This also includes our own Moon. "Since Morabito's discovery, planetary scientists have wondered how the volcanoes were fed from the lava underneath the surface," said space physicist Scott Bolton, who is from the Southwest Research Institute in San Antonio. Also Read: NASA warns, asteroids 2024 XY5 and 2024 XB6 race toward Earth — but are they really a threat? "Was there a shallow ocean of white-hot magma fuelling the volcanoes, or was their source more localised? We knew data from Juno's two very close flybys could give us some insights on how this tortured moon actually worked," he added. All about volcanic eruptions on Io Jupiter's moon Io circles the planet every 42.5 hours and gets pulled and pushed by the massive gravitational forces present in the planet's elliptical orbit, which reshapes the moon constantly. This phenomenon is called tidal flexing and leads to the production of a huge amount of internal heat. In the new study, the deformations mentioned by the scientists are not enough to support the idea of the presence of a global magma ocean. Also Read: Jeff Bezos will spend $100,000,000,000 on a new space station that will also host tourists "This constant flexing creates immense energy, which literally melts portions of Io's interior," Bolton said. "If Io has a global magma ocean, we knew the signature of its tidal deformation would be much larger than a more rigid, mostly solid interior," he added. The lava flows and eruptions on Jupiter's moon cover hundreds of kilometres of area. Speaking about the findings, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory's (JPL) astronautical engineer Ryan Park said, "It has implications for our understanding of other moons, such as Enceladus and Europa, and even exoplanets and super-Earths." (With inputs from agencies)

Jupiter's most volcanic moon Io doesn't have an ocean of magma beneath it: Study

In the entire Solar System, the most volcanic celestial body is Jupiter's moon&nbsp;Io. Extensive lava flows on this moon&nbsp;and is spread across its surface. There are nearly 400 volcanoes on it.&nbsp;

However, in a new study, scientists have found that this geographical situation on the moon is not because of a global and moonwide ocean of magma that flows beneath the surface.&nbsp;

An international team of researchers used images snapped by NASA's&nbsp;Juno&nbsp;spacecraft and also looked into the moon's historical data and gravitational measurements about tidal deformations of Io to determine that the volcanoes of the moon are powered by scattered magma chambers that are present in the solid mantle.&nbsp;

The new findings have countered the earlier theories, which had said that the volcanoes of Io are powered by the mostly solid mantle of&nbsp;the moon.&nbsp;

According to scientists, magma oceans are present in different worlds, especially during their earlier formation. This also includes our own Moon.

"Since Morabito's discovery, planetary scientists have wondered how the volcanoes were fed from the lava underneath the surface,"&nbsp;said space physicist Scott Bolton, who is from the Southwest Research Institute in San Antonio.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nasa-warns-asteroids-2024-xy5-and-2024-xb6-race-toward-earth-but-are-they-really-a-threat-784185">NASA warns, asteroids 2024 XY5 and 2024 XB6 race toward Earth — but are they really a threat?</a>

"Was there a shallow ocean of white-hot magma fuelling the volcanoes, or was their source more localised? We knew data from Juno's two very close flybys could give us some insights on how this tortured moon actually worked," he added.&nbsp;

<h2>All about volcanic eruptions on Io</h2>

Jupiter's moon Io circles the planet every 42.5 hours and gets pulled and pushed by the massive gravitational forces present in the planet's elliptical orbit, which reshapes the moon constantly.&nbsp;

This phenomenon is called tidal flexing and leads to the production of a huge amount of internal heat.&nbsp;

In the new study, the deformations mentioned by the scientists are not enough to support the idea of the presence of a global magma ocean.&nbsp;

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/jeff-bezos-will-spend-100000000000-on-a-new-space-station-that-will-also-host-tourists-781639">Jeff Bezos will spend $100,000,000,000 on a new space station that will also host tourists</a>

"This constant flexing creates immense energy, which literally melts portions of Io's interior,"&nbsp;Bolton said.

"If Io has a global magma ocean, we knew the signature of its tidal deformation would be much larger than a more rigid, mostly solid interior," he added.

The lava flows and eruptions on Jupiter's moon cover hundreds of kilometres of area.&nbsp;

Speaking about the findings, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory's (JPL) astronautical engineer Ryan Park said, "It has implications for our understanding of other moons, such as Enceladus and Europa, and even exoplanets and super-Earths."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

In the entire Solar System, the most volcanic celestial body is Jupiter's moon Io. Extensive lava flows on this moon and is spread across its surface. There are nearly 400 volcanoes on it.

In the entire Solar System, the most volcanic celestial body is Jupiter's moon Io. Extensive lava flows on this moon and is spread across its surface. There are nearly 400 volcanoes on it. However, in a new study, scientists have found that this geographical situation on the moon is not because of a global and moonwide ocean of magma that flows beneath the surface. An international team of researchers used images snapped by NASA's Juno spacecraft and also looked into the moon's historical data and gravitational measurements about tidal deformations of Io to determine that the volcanoes of the moon are powered by scattered magma chambers that are present in the solid mantle. The new findings have countered the earlier theories, which had said that the volcanoes of Io are powered by the mostly solid mantle of the moon. According to scientists, magma oceans are present in different worlds, especially during their earlier formation. This also includes our own Moon. "Since Morabito's discovery, planetary scientists have wondered how the volcanoes were fed from the lava underneath the surface," said space physicist Scott Bolton, who is from the Southwest Research Institute in San Antonio. Also Read: NASA warns, asteroids 2024 XY5 and 2024 XB6 race toward Earth — but are they really a threat? "Was there a shallow ocean of white-hot magma fuelling the volcanoes, or was their source more localised? We knew data from Juno's two very close flybys could give us some insights on how this tortured moon actually worked," he added. All about volcanic eruptions on Io Jupiter's moon Io circles the planet every 42.5 hours and gets pulled and pushed by the massive gravitational forces present in the planet's elliptical orbit, which reshapes the moon constantly. This phenomenon is called tidal flexing and leads to the production of a huge amount of internal heat. In the new study, the deformations mentioned by the scientists are not enough to support the idea of the presence of a global magma ocean. Also Read: Jeff Bezos will spend $100,000,000,000 on a new space station that will also host tourists "This constant flexing creates immense energy, which literally melts portions of Io's interior," Bolton said. "If Io has a global magma ocean, we knew the signature of its tidal deformation would be much larger than a more rigid, mostly solid interior," he added. The lava flows and eruptions on Jupiter's moon cover hundreds of kilometres of area. Speaking about the findings, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory's (JPL) astronautical engineer Ryan Park said, "It has implications for our understanding of other moons, such as Enceladus and Europa, and even exoplanets and super-Earths." (With inputs from agencies)

New Delhi, India
The "Cold Moon", which was the twelfth and final full moon of 2024, rose in the evening skies on Sunday (Dec 15).
The moon is also called the “Long Nights Moon” and the “Moon Before Yule” and makes an appearance after every 19 years.
The “Cold Moon” turned full at 9:01 UTC/4:01 a.m. EST on Sunday (Dec 15) and coincided with the peak of the annual Geminids meteor shower, which happened two days earlier.
The full moon of December is called by various names which include the Moon before Yule in Anglo-Saxon and Long Nights Moon in Old English. It is also famously known as "Oak Moon" or "Cold Moon".
In the Northern Hemisphere, the cold moon is the longest night of the year because the full moon remains closest to the winter solstice.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/beaver-moon-2024-the-last-supermoon-is-here-along-with-the-seven-sisters-details-775692">Beaver Moon 2024: The last Supermoon is here, along with the 'Seven Sisters'. Details</a>
The moon on this day takes the highest path to the top of the sky because of which its visibility is longer in comparison to other full moons.
The term cold moon was coined by the Mohawk tribe, who had named it because of its frigid conditions. It was called the "long night moon" by Mohicans as per Old Farmer's Almanac.
The Cold Moon also coincided with a rare major lunar standstill which extended its visibility.
Watch: Rare 'Second Moon' Spotted In Earth's Orbit Captivates Astronomers
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://cdn.thepublive.com/wion/static/kaltura_player/wion_video_player_iframe.html?thumbnail=wion/media/post_attachments/files/2024/11/23/2311_moon_4pm_pkwo-1732360812-00000003.jpg&videourl=https://vodakm.zeenews.com/vod/WION/2311_moon_4pm_pkwo_.mp4/index.m3u8&duration=68&tags=moon,comet,mini moon,second moon,asteroid" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
During a lunar standstill, the moon rises and sets at the horizon's northernmost and southernmost positions respectively.
This phenomenon takes place after every 18.6 years. 
<h2>When will 'Cold Moon' appear in 2025?</h2>
The 'Cold Moon' will appear next year on December 5 at 4:44 pm IST. It should be noted that the Cold Moon's appearance time differs as per the time zone.
<h2>Here's how the Cold Moon appeared this year across the world</h2>
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The full "Cold Moon" sitting on top of the Beer Can Building AKA <a href="https://twitter.com/RivergateTower?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RivergateTower</a> in Tampa this evening. Shot from almost 9 miles away. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/moon?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#moon</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/fullmoon?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#fullmoon</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/coldmoon?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#coldmoon</a> <a href="https://t.co/2zZLkBDInG">pic.twitter.com/2zZLkBDInG</a>
— Matthew Paulson (@MattPaulson28) <a href="https://twitter.com/MattPaulson28/status/1868442103820541974?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 15, 2024</a></blockquote>
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The 2024 Full Cold Moon rising at Stonehenge ??? Photo credit Nick Bull <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/coldmoon?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#coldmoon</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/fullmoon?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#fullmoon</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/winter?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#winter</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/december?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#december</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/stonehenge?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#stonehenge</a> <a href="https://t.co/hPqrGgutn7">pic.twitter.com/hPqrGgutn7</a>
— Stonehenge U.K (@ST0NEHENGE) <a href="https://twitter.com/ST0NEHENGE/status/1868231369081651639?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 15, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Rising Cold moon 2024 <a href="https://t.co/a7n34OMEqo">pic.twitter.com/a7n34OMEqo</a>
— Matilda (@mansebanjaran) <a href="https://twitter.com/mansebanjaran/status/1868306317380923800?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 15, 2024</a></blockquote>
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(With inputs from agencies)

This year's Cold Moon, which occurs after every 19 years, coincided with the Geminid meteor shower

 



New Delhi, India The "Cold Moon", which was the twelfth and final full moon of 2024, rose in the evening skies on Sunday (Dec 15). The moon is also called the “Long Nights Moon” and the “Moon Before Yule” and makes an appearance after every 19 years. The “Cold Moon” turned full at 9:01 UTC/4:01 a.m. EST on Sunday (Dec 15) and coincided with the peak of the annual Geminids meteor shower, which happened two days earlier. The full moon of December is called by various names which include the Moon before Yule in Anglo-Saxon and Long Nights Moon in Old English. It is also famously known as "Oak Moon" or "Cold Moon". In the Northern Hemisphere, the cold moon is the longest night of the year because the full moon remains closest to the winter solstice. Also Read: Beaver Moon 2024: The last Supermoon is here, along with the 'Seven Sisters'. Details The moon on this day takes the highest path to the top of the sky because of which its visibility is longer in comparison to other full moons. The term cold moon was coined by the Mohawk tribe, who had named it because of its frigid conditions. It was called the "long night moon" by Mohicans as per Old Farmer's Almanac. The Cold Moon also coincided with a rare major lunar standstill which extended its visibility. Watch: Rare 'Second Moon' Spotted In Earth's Orbit Captivates Astronomers During a lunar standstill, the moon rises and sets at the horizon's northernmost and southernmost positions respectively. This phenomenon takes place after every 18.6 years. When will 'Cold Moon' appear in 2025? The 'Cold Moon' will appear next year on December 5 at 4:44 pm IST. It should be noted that the Cold Moon's appearance time differs as per the time zone. Here's how the Cold Moon appeared this year across the world The full "Cold Moon" sitting on top of the Beer Can Building AKA @RivergateTower in Tampa this evening. Shot from almost 9 miles away. #moon #fullmoon #coldmoon pic.twitter.com/2zZLkBDInG — Matthew Paulson (@MattPaulson28) December 15, 2024 × The 2024 Full Cold Moon rising at Stonehenge ??? Photo credit Nick Bull #coldmoon #fullmoon #winter #december #stonehenge pic.twitter.com/hPqrGgutn7 — Stonehenge U.K (@ST0NEHENGE) December 15, 2024 × Rising Cold moon 2024 pic.twitter.com/a7n34OMEqo — Matilda (@mansebanjaran) December 15, 2024 × (With inputs from agencies)

Skygazers get a rare cosmic treat as 'Cold Moon' shines in sky after 19 years

The "Cold Moon", which was the 12th and final&nbsp;full moon of 2024, rose in the evening skies on Sunday (Dec 15) in rare celestial occurance.

The moon is also called the “Long Nights Moon” and the “Moon Before Yule” and makes an appearance after every 19 years.

The “Cold Moon” turned full at 9:01 UTC/4:01 a.m. EST on Sunday (Dec 15) and coincided with the peak of the annual Geminids meteor shower, which happened two days earlier.

The full moon of December is called by various names which include the Moon before Yule in Anglo-Saxon and Long Nights Moon in Old English. It is also famously known as "Oak Moon" or "Cold Moon".

In the Northern Hemisphere, the cold moon is the longest night of the year because the full moon remains closest to the winter solstice.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/beaver-moon-2024-the-last-supermoon-is-here-along-with-the-seven-sisters-details-775692">Beaver Moon 2024: The last Supermoon is here, along with the 'Seven Sisters'. Details</a>

The moon on this day takes the highest path to the top of the sky because of which its visibility is longer in comparison to other full moons.

The term cold moon was coined by the Mohawk tribe, who had named it because of its frigid conditions. It was called the "long night moon" by Mohicans as per Old Farmer's Almanac.

The Cold Moon also coincided with a rare major lunar standstill which extended its visibility.

Watch:&nbsp;Rare 'Second Moon' Spotted In Earth's Orbit Captivates Astronomers

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/rare-second-moon-spotted-in-earths-orbit-captivates-astronomers-778642/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

During a lunar standstill, the moon rises and sets at the horizon's northernmost and southernmost positions respectively.

This phenomenon takes place after every 18.6 years.&nbsp;

<h2>When will 'Cold Moon' appear in 2025?</h2>

The 'Cold Moon' will appear next year on December 5 at 4:44 pm IST. It should be noted that the Cold Moon's appearance time differs as per the time zone.

<h2>Here's how the Cold Moon appeared this year across the world</h2>

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The full "Cold Moon" sitting on top of the Beer Can Building AKA <a href="https://twitter.com/RivergateTower?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RivergateTower</a> in Tampa this evening. Shot from almost 9 miles away. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/moon?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#moon</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/fullmoon?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#fullmoon</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/coldmoon?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#coldmoon</a> <a href="https://t.co/2zZLkBDInG">pic.twitter.com/2zZLkBDInG</a>
— Matthew Paulson (@MattPaulson28) <a href="https://twitter.com/MattPaulson28/status/1868442103820541974?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 15, 2024</a></blockquote>
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The 2024 Full Cold Moon rising at Stonehenge 🤩🥶🌕 Photo credit Nick Bull <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/coldmoon?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#coldmoon</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/fullmoon?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#fullmoon</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/winter?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#winter</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/december?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#december</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/stonehenge?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#stonehenge</a> <a href="https://t.co/hPqrGgutn7">pic.twitter.com/hPqrGgutn7</a>
— Stonehenge U.K (@ST0NEHENGE) <a href="https://twitter.com/ST0NEHENGE/status/1868231369081651639?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 15, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Rising Cold moon 2024 <a href="https://t.co/a7n34OMEqo">pic.twitter.com/a7n34OMEqo</a>
— Matilda (@mansebanjaran) <a href="https://twitter.com/mansebanjaran/status/1868306317380923800?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 15, 2024</a></blockquote>
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(With inputs from agencies)

The "Cold Moon", which was the 12th and final full moon of 2024, rose in the evening skies on Sunday (Dec 15) in rare celestial occurance. The moon is also called the “Long Nights Moon” and the “Moon Before Yule” and makes an appearance after every 19 years.

The "Cold Moon", which was the 12th and final full moon of 2024, rose in the evening skies on Sunday (Dec 15) in rare celestial occurance. The moon is also called the “Long Nights Moon” and the “Moon Before Yule” and makes an appearance after every 19 years. The “Cold Moon” turned full at 9:01 UTC/4:01 a.m. EST on Sunday (Dec 15) and coincided with the peak of the annual Geminids meteor shower, which happened two days earlier. The full moon of December is called by various names which include the Moon before Yule in Anglo-Saxon and Long Nights Moon in Old English. It is also famously known as "Oak Moon" or "Cold Moon". In the Northern Hemisphere, the cold moon is the longest night of the year because the full moon remains closest to the winter solstice. Also Read: Beaver Moon 2024: The last Supermoon is here, along with the 'Seven Sisters'. Details The moon on this day takes the highest path to the top of the sky because of which its visibility is longer in comparison to other full moons. The term cold moon was coined by the Mohawk tribe, who had named it because of its frigid conditions. It was called the "long night moon" by Mohicans as per Old Farmer's Almanac. The Cold Moon also coincided with a rare major lunar standstill which extended its visibility. Watch: Rare 'Second Moon' Spotted In Earth's Orbit Captivates Astronomers During a lunar standstill, the moon rises and sets at the horizon's northernmost and southernmost positions respectively. This phenomenon takes place after every 18.6 years. When will 'Cold Moon' appear in 2025? The 'Cold Moon' will appear next year on December 5 at 4:44 pm IST. It should be noted that the Cold Moon's appearance time differs as per the time zone. Here's how the Cold Moon appeared this year across the world The full "Cold Moon" sitting on top of the Beer Can Building AKA @RivergateTower in Tampa this evening. Shot from almost 9 miles away. #moon #fullmoon #coldmoon pic.twitter.com/2zZLkBDInG — Matthew Paulson (@MattPaulson28) December 15, 2024 × The 2024 Full Cold Moon rising at Stonehenge 🤩🥶🌕 Photo credit Nick Bull #coldmoon #fullmoon #winter #december #stonehenge pic.twitter.com/hPqrGgutn7 — Stonehenge U.K (@ST0NEHENGE) December 15, 2024 × Rising Cold moon 2024 pic.twitter.com/a7n34OMEqo — Matilda (@mansebanjaran) December 15, 2024 × (With inputs from agencies)

Skygazers get a rare cosmic treat as 'Cold Moon' shines after 19 years

There have been major delays in NASA’s Artemis program which have caused setbacks for astronauts flying to the Moon as a part of that mission. This comes as Artemis II, which is intended to carry four astronauts into a lunar orbit, was moved to April 2026.

There have been major delays in NASA’s Artemis program which have caused setbacks for astronauts flying to the Moon as a part of that mission. This comes as Artemis II, which is intended to carry four astronauts into a lunar orbit, was moved to April 2026. Meanwhile, the initial plan of sending the astronauts around the Moon and not landing there will take place in September 2025. This date was already postponed once, from November of this year. The follow-up mission, Artemis III, scheduled for the following year, aims at the mid-2027 lunar landing. Also read: Was 'mini-moon' asteroid once part of our Moon? NASA will try to find out when it returns Why is the mission being delayed? NASA Administrator Bill Nelson attributed these delays to problems with the Orion crew capsule's heat shield. During a test flight in 2022, when the capsule flew without astronauts, the heat shield was damaged. It developed cracks and erosion as it re-entered Earth's atmosphere, raising concerns about its safety for future missions with crew onboard. To fix this, NASA has decided to change the capsule’s return path for the upcoming Artemis II mission, while keeping the current heat shield design to avoid further delays that would come from redesigning it completely. The Artemis program was launched during former United States President Donald Trump’s first term and aims to establish a permanent human presence on the Moon, with plans to build lunar bases for future Mars missions. However, the program has faced issues like rising costs and technical difficulties. By 2025, the estimated cost of Artemis is around $93 billion, and each launch of NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) costs about $2 billion. Watch: Why is NASA pushing back Moon mission timelines? × NASA's commitment to Artemis Nelson also highlighted the importance of sticking to the new deadlines to keep the US as a leader in space, especially with China planning to send astronauts to the Moon by 2030. He said the US still aims to land astronauts on the Moon before China, showing how competitive space exploration has become. Under Nelson’s leadership, the Artemis program has been the American space agency’s top priority. Former NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine, appointed by Trump, played a key role in launching the Artemis program and securing funding from Congress. Notably, India is a signatory to the Artemis Accords, a framework for international cooperation in lunar exploration. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA's Artemis Moon Mission delayed, new schedule set for 2026 and 2027

The debate of whether the moon’s inner core is solid or molten has finally been settled by a team of scientists at the French National Centre for Scientific Research. According to the article published in the journal Nature in May last year, the inner heart of the moon is a solid ball and has an iron-like density.

"Our results," the team led by astronomer Arthur Briaud wrote, "question the evolution of the Moon magnetic field thanks to its demonstration of the existence of the inner core and support a global mantle overturn scenario that brings substantial insights on the timeline of the lunar bombardment in the first billion years of the Solar System."

Seismic information can be used to investigate the interior composition of celestial objects in the solar system. Scientists created a detailed chart of the moon's interior by understanding how acoustic waves created by quakes pass through and reflect from the material inside.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/universe-just-recorded-its-most-powerful-sonic-booms-in-stephans-quintet-778628">Universe just recorded its most powerful sonic booms in Stephan’s Quintet</a>

Although the Apollo mission has provided seismic data from the moon, its low resolution makes it hard to make accurate deductions. While it is known that the outer core comprises a fluid, however, what lies beneath it remained a debate for a long time as the models of both a solid and liquid core work well with the data from Apollo.

Briaud and his team members collected data from various space missions and laser-ranging experiments on the moon to determine lunar characteristics and compared the data to various types of cores to find out which was the closest match.

The lunar models suggested that denser material remains towards the centre, while less dense material rises above. This also explains the elements found near the volcanic regions on the moon.

It was found that the moon’s core has a fluid outer layer and a solid inner core, which is similar to Earth's. The model revealed that the outer core radius is about 362 kilometres (225 miles), and the inner core radius of around 258 kilometres (160 miles), making up 15 per cent of the entire radius of the moon.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/artemis-astronauts-will-shift-from-orion-to-starship-in-space-to-reach-moons-surface-778617">Artemis astronauts will shift from Orion to Starship in space to reach Moon's surface</a>

The team was also able to determine the density of the moon to be about 7,822 kilograms per cubic meter, which is similar to the density of iron.

Interestingly, in 2011 a team led by NASA Marshall planetary scientist Renee Weber came to similar results from their investigation, which Briaud says are confirmed by his team’s findings that the lunar core is similar to Earth’s core.

Understanding the lunar core’s composition will help in understanding how and why the moon’s magnetic field began declining about 3.2 billion years ago, which used to be powerful in its initial stages, as this usually happens due to motion and convection inside the core.

(With inputs from agencies)

The debate of whether the moon’s inner core is solid or molten has finally been settled by a team of scientists at the French National Centre for Scientific Research.

The debate of whether the moon’s inner core is solid or molten has finally been settled by a team of scientists at the French National Centre for Scientific Research. According to the article published in the journal Nature in May last year, the inner heart of the moon is a solid ball and has an iron-like density. "Our results," the team led by astronomer Arthur Briaud wrote, "question the evolution of the Moon magnetic field thanks to its demonstration of the existence of the inner core and support a global mantle overturn scenario that brings substantial insights on the timeline of the lunar bombardment in the first billion years of the Solar System." Seismic information can be used to investigate the interior composition of celestial objects in the solar system. Scientists created a detailed chart of the moon's interior by understanding how acoustic waves created by quakes pass through and reflect from the material inside. Also read | Universe just recorded its most powerful sonic booms in Stephan’s Quintet Although the Apollo mission has provided seismic data from the moon, its low resolution makes it hard to make accurate deductions. While it is known that the outer core comprises a fluid, however, what lies beneath it remained a debate for a long time as the models of both a solid and liquid core work well with the data from Apollo. Briaud and his team members collected data from various space missions and laser-ranging experiments on the moon to determine lunar characteristics and compared the data to various types of cores to find out which was the closest match. The lunar models suggested that denser material remains towards the centre, while less dense material rises above. This also explains the elements found near the volcanic regions on the moon. It was found that the moon’s core has a fluid outer layer and a solid inner core, which is similar to Earth's. The model revealed that the outer core radius is about 362 kilometres (225 miles), and the inner core radius of around 258 kilometres (160 miles), making up 15 per cent of the entire radius of the moon. Also read | Artemis astronauts will shift from Orion to Starship in space to reach Moon's surface The team was also able to determine the density of the moon to be about 7,822 kilograms per cubic meter, which is similar to the density of iron. Interestingly, in 2011 a team led by NASA Marshall planetary scientist Renee Weber came to similar results from their investigation, which Briaud says are confirmed by his team’s findings that the lunar core is similar to Earth’s core. Understanding the lunar core’s composition will help in understanding how and why the moon’s magnetic field began declining about 3.2 billion years ago, which used to be powerful in its initial stages, as this usually happens due to motion and convection inside the core. (With inputs from agencies)

What is inside the moon’s inner core? Here’s what scientists revealed

A fascinating Mars exhibition has arrived at a museum in East London, offering visitors an immersive experience into the planet's mysteries and latest scientific discoveries.

Mars Exhibition Lands at East London Museum

Astronomers have discovered a rare "second moon" in Earth's orbit, sparking excitement within the scientific community. The object, a small asteroid, has been temporarily captured by Earth's gravity and is providing new opportunities for study.

Rare 'Second Moon' Spotted In Earth's Orbit Captivates Astronomers

Earth now officially has two moons after its gravity caught an asteroid. Our planet captured asteroid 2024 PT5 on Sunday, September 29, which has now become our mini-moon. However, do you know that this is not the first time Earth has had a mini-moon?

The asteroid was discovered on August 7 by the Asteroid Terrestrial-Impact Last Alert System (ATLAS). Carlos and Raúl de la Fuente Marcos, researchers at Spain’s Universidad Complutense de Madrid, were the first to spot it and published their findings in Research Notes of the AAS.&nbsp;

These space rocks regularly travel around the sun like other asteroids. But when they come near Earth, sometimes the planet's gravity pulls them in. It is definitely a rare event, however, not the first.&nbsp;

<h2>Other mini-moons</h2>

The two astronomers say in their paper that our planet has had a mini-moon previously as well. The first such recorded event happened in 1981. A cosmic body, called 2022 NX1, was temporarily captured by Earth's gravity. The mini-moon returned in 2022. Both times, it stayed only for a short period of time. It will return to Earth in 2051.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/earth-will-soon-have-two-moons-just-not-in-the-way-you-think-758421">Earth will soon have two moons, just not in the way you think</a>

Another short-lived mini-moon, as per the authors, was 1991 VG. It was captured for a short time in 1992 February during a flyby. Both of the above never completed a full revolution of Earth.

However, in 2006 we had a mini-moon that stayed with us for a full year. Asteroid 2006 RH120 remained gravitationally bound to Earth until July 2007 after getting caught in July 2006.&nbsp;

Another asteroid that stayed with us for many years was 2020 CD3. It remained in orbit for years and escaped early in May 2020.

<h2>Asteroid 2024 PT5</h2>

Our latest mini-moon is similar to the 2022 NX1. It will not complete a full orbit of Earth and will remain with us only for a few days before flying away on November 25. 2024 PT5 lives in the Arjuna asteroid belt. Space rocks living in this region follow orbits similar to Earth’s, which is about 93 million miles from the sun.

Some of the objects from the Arjuna asteroid belt can approach Earth at an extremely close range of around 2.8 million miles.&nbsp;

It is not possible to see the mini-moon since it is too small and dim. Amateur telescopes and binoculars are not going to be enough to see it. Our Moon is about 2,159 miles in diameter, while the new entrant is believed to be just 37 feet wide.

Earth now officially has two moons after its gravity caught an asteroid. Our planet captured asteroid 2024 PT5 on Sunday, September 29, which has now become our mini-moon.

Earth now officially has two moons after its gravity caught an asteroid. Our planet captured asteroid 2024 PT5 on Sunday, September 29, which has now become our mini-moon. However, do you know that this is not the first time Earth has had a mini-moon? The asteroid was discovered on August 7 by the Asteroid Terrestrial-Impact Last Alert System (ATLAS). Carlos and Raúl de la Fuente Marcos, researchers at Spain’s Universidad Complutense de Madrid, were the first to spot it and published their findings in Research Notes of the AAS. These space rocks regularly travel around the sun like other asteroids. But when they come near Earth, sometimes the planet's gravity pulls them in. It is definitely a rare event, however, not the first. Other mini-moons The two astronomers say in their paper that our planet has had a mini-moon previously as well. The first such recorded event happened in 1981. A cosmic body, called 2022 NX1, was temporarily captured by Earth's gravity. The mini-moon returned in 2022. Both times, it stayed only for a short period of time. It will return to Earth in 2051. Also Read: Earth will soon have two moons, just not in the way you think Another short-lived mini-moon, as per the authors, was 1991 VG. It was captured for a short time in 1992 February during a flyby. Both of the above never completed a full revolution of Earth. However, in 2006 we had a mini-moon that stayed with us for a full year. Asteroid 2006 RH120 remained gravitationally bound to Earth until July 2007 after getting caught in July 2006. Another asteroid that stayed with us for many years was 2020 CD3. It remained in orbit for years and escaped early in May 2020. Asteroid 2024 PT5 Our latest mini-moon is similar to the 2022 NX1. It will not complete a full orbit of Earth and will remain with us only for a few days before flying away on November 25. 2024 PT5 lives in the Arjuna asteroid belt. Space rocks living in this region follow orbits similar to Earth’s, which is about 93 million miles from the sun. Some of the objects from the Arjuna asteroid belt can approach Earth at an extremely close range of around 2.8 million miles. It is not possible to see the mini-moon since it is too small and dim. Amateur telescopes and binoculars are not going to be enough to see it. Our Moon is about 2,159 miles in diameter, while the new entrant is believed to be just 37 feet wide.

Earth has had two moons in the past. One of the mini-moons has visited twice and will return in 27 years

The futuristic kind of robots have been unveiled by NASA which will look into the mysteries of the underwater worlds of the moons of Jupiter like Europa and Saturn's Enceladus.&nbsp;

The concept, which has been built by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), is called Sensing With Independent Micro-swimmers (SWIM) and can prove revolutionary in the investigation of the icy worlds' subsurface oceans.&nbsp;

The robot is being tested in a pool and it weighs more than two kilograms and measures nearly 16.5 inches.

NASA said that their plan is to deliver various such tiny self-propelled robots which are three times smaller in comparison to the existing autonomous underwater vehicles and look for temperature and chemical signals which can point to life.

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Exploring alien oceans with tiny robots? These prototypes could pave the way for such a reality! 
 
A futuristic mission concept – called SWIM – envisions a swarm of cellphone-size robots that could explore the oceans beneath icy moons' shells. Learn more: <a href="https://t.co/oSqwn6y14J">https://t.co/oSqwn6y14J</a> <a href="https://t.co/QQyB1aTOEr">pic.twitter.com/QQyB1aTOEr</a>
— NASA JPL (@NASAJPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASAJPL/status/1859356929224511990?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 20, 2024</a></blockquote>
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The communication and GPS systems will be equipped in these robots for navigating underwater along with instruments which will investigate the chemicals in the oceans.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/space-station-avoids-major-collision-with-space-junk-without-the-manoeuvre-777566">Space station avoids major collision with space junk. 'Without the manoeuvre...'</a>

The video has been shared by JPL from the tests of the prototypes which showed that the concept can work. It is just a concept currently and needs funding and approval for development.&nbsp;

<h2>Missions to Jupiter's moons&nbsp;</h2>

Scientists have been intrigued by the moons of the outer solar system planets after they found hints of hidden oceans in moons like Europa, Enceladus, Titan and Ariel and links of water on moons being suitable for life.&nbsp;

NASA and ESA have been motivated by these possibilities and hence have launched their missions to the moons of Jupiter this year.

In April, ESA's&nbsp;Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer&nbsp;(JUICE) spacecraft took off to investigate Europa, Callisto and Ganymede.&nbsp;

This was followed by the Europa Clipper&nbsp;probe of NASA which will study the moon closely.

Watch:&nbsp;SpaceX to Launch an Indian Government Satellite

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/spacex-to-launch-an-indian-government-satellite-777223/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

In the early 2030s, both missions will get started when the spacecraft lands at their destination.&nbsp;

Another mission has been planned by NASA for studying Saturn's moon Titan which is also likely to have a subsurface ocean.&nbsp;

The Dragonfly mission will have a drone flying over the planet and finding the traces of 'prebiotic' conditions which may have led to the emergence of life in our solar system.

(With inputs from agencies)

The futuristic kind of robots have been unveiled by NASA which will look into the mysteries of the underwater worlds of the moons of Jupiter like Europa and Saturn's Enceladus.

The futuristic kind of robots have been unveiled by NASA which will look into the mysteries of the underwater worlds of the moons of Jupiter like Europa and Saturn's Enceladus. The concept, which has been built by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), is called Sensing With Independent Micro-swimmers (SWIM) and can prove revolutionary in the investigation of the icy worlds' subsurface oceans. The robot is being tested in a pool and it weighs more than two kilograms and measures nearly 16.5 inches. NASA said that their plan is to deliver various such tiny self-propelled robots which are three times smaller in comparison to the existing autonomous underwater vehicles and look for temperature and chemical signals which can point to life. Exploring alien oceans with tiny robots? These prototypes could pave the way for such a reality! A futuristic mission concept – called SWIM – envisions a swarm of cellphone-size robots that could explore the oceans beneath icy moons' shells. Learn more: https://t.co/oSqwn6y14J pic.twitter.com/QQyB1aTOEr — NASA JPL (@NASAJPL) November 20, 2024 × The communication and GPS systems will be equipped in these robots for navigating underwater along with instruments which will investigate the chemicals in the oceans. Also Read: Space station avoids major collision with space junk. 'Without the manoeuvre...' The video has been shared by JPL from the tests of the prototypes which showed that the concept can work. It is just a concept currently and needs funding and approval for development. Missions to Jupiter's moons Scientists have been intrigued by the moons of the outer solar system planets after they found hints of hidden oceans in moons like Europa, Enceladus, Titan and Ariel and links of water on moons being suitable for life. NASA and ESA have been motivated by these possibilities and hence have launched their missions to the moons of Jupiter this year. In April, ESA's Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (JUICE) spacecraft took off to investigate Europa, Callisto and Ganymede. This was followed by the Europa Clipper probe of NASA which will study the moon closely. Watch: SpaceX to Launch an Indian Government Satellite In the early 2030s, both missions will get started when the spacecraft lands at their destination. Another mission has been planned by NASA for studying Saturn's moon Titan which is also likely to have a subsurface ocean. The Dragonfly mission will have a drone flying over the planet and finding the traces of 'prebiotic' conditions which may have led to the emergence of life in our solar system. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA introduces robots that will swim in oceans of moons of Jupiter

A group of scientists, headed by Professor XU Yigang from the Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (GIGCAS), are investigating the unusual lunar characteristics.

In this study of lunar soil samples, which have been collected from the South Pole-Aitken (SPA) Basin which is on the Moon's far side by China's Chang'e-6 mission, scientists have discovered the mysterious past of the Moon.&nbsp;

The samples have helped scientists investigate the dichotomy of the Moon.&nbsp;

With the help of soil samples, a team of Professor XU found the existence of two various types of mare basalts which are – low-Ti, and very low-Ti (VLT).

“The samples returned by Chang’e-6 provide the best opportunity to investigate the lunar global dichotomy,” Professor XU said.

Chang'e 6 was launched by the Chinese space programme on May 3 and was their latest Moon mission. The spacecraft was blasted off at 9:27 UT (5:27 PM Beijing time) from Wenchang Satellite Launch Centre.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/did-nasa-accidentally-kill-living-creatures-on-mars-heres-what-a-scientist-claimed-777392">Did NASA accidentally kill living creatures on Mars? Here's what a scientist claimed</a>

On a huge crater, known as the South Pole Aitken Basin, the lander touched down after which the team used a scoop and a drill to dig up the surface samples and went 2 metres deeper into the lunar soil.

A small rover was also sent which cruised around and took snapshots of the lander as it worked.&nbsp;

<h2>Here's what scientists found on the Moon&nbsp;</h2>

The team used high-precision Pb-Pb dating techniques and found that the low-Ti basalt dates back to nearly 2.83 billion years ago.

This discovery confirmed the presence of volcanic activities or “young” magmatism on the Moon's far side.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Devotees Throng To Catch A Glimpse Of The Moon

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Hence, the scientists implied that increased volcanic activities occurred on the Moon's far side for at least 1.4 billion years. This happened between 4.2 billion and 2.8 billion years ago.

Independent planetary volcano expert Christopher Hamilton said the samples collected from the uncharted lunar territory played a major role in this discovery.

(With inputs from agencies)

A group of scientists, headed by Professor XU Yigang from the Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (GIGCAS), are investigating the unusual lunar characteristics.

A group of scientists, headed by Professor XU Yigang from the Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (GIGCAS), are investigating the unusual lunar characteristics. In this study of lunar soil samples, which have been collected from the South Pole-Aitken (SPA) Basin which is on the Moon's far side by China's Chang'e-6 mission, scientists have discovered the mysterious past of the Moon. The samples have helped scientists investigate the dichotomy of the Moon. With the help of soil samples, a team of Professor XU found the existence of two various types of mare basalts which are – low-Ti, and very low-Ti (VLT). “The samples returned by Chang’e-6 provide the best opportunity to investigate the lunar global dichotomy,” Professor XU said. Chang'e 6 was launched by the Chinese space programme on May 3 and was their latest Moon mission. The spacecraft was blasted off at 9:27 UT (5:27 PM Beijing time) from Wenchang Satellite Launch Centre. Also Read: Did NASA accidentally kill living creatures on Mars? Here's what a scientist claimed On a huge crater, known as the South Pole Aitken Basin, the lander touched down after which the team used a scoop and a drill to dig up the surface samples and went 2 metres deeper into the lunar soil. A small rover was also sent which cruised around and took snapshots of the lander as it worked. Here's what scientists found on the Moon The team used high-precision Pb-Pb dating techniques and found that the low-Ti basalt dates back to nearly 2.83 billion years ago. This discovery confirmed the presence of volcanic activities or “young” magmatism on the Moon's far side. Watch: Devotees Throng To Catch A Glimpse Of The Moon Hence, the scientists implied that increased volcanic activities occurred on the Moon's far side for at least 1.4 billion years. This happened between 4.2 billion and 2.8 billion years ago. Independent planetary volcano expert Christopher Hamilton said the samples collected from the uncharted lunar territory played a major role in this discovery. (With inputs from agencies)

Moon's far side witnessed volcanic eruptions for more than one billion years

Recent discoveries on Uranus' moons reveal potential conditions for life, suggesting these distant moons might hold environments where alien life could exist.

Could Uranus’ Moons Harbor Alien Life? New Findings Spark Hope

In a new research, it has been discovered that there may be enough natural resources on the moon of Uranus which may support alien life.&nbsp;

According to scientists&nbsp;from Johns Hopkins and the University of North Dakota, the sophomoric-sounding planet's moon Miranda has sources of water hidden underneath its surface.

The discovery can prove to be a breakthrough in mankind's ongoing search for aliens.

“To find evidence of an ocean inside a small object like Miranda is incredibly surprising,” explained planetary scientist and researcher Tom Nordheim. The discovery was published in&nbsp;The Planetary Science Journal.

“It helps build on the story that some of these moons at Uranus may be really interesting — that there may be several ocean worlds around one of the most distant planets in our solar system, which is both exciting and bizarre,” he said about the “remarkable” potential.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/humans-can-hitch-a-ride-to-mars-on-board-an-asteroid-ukrainian-scientists-say-771624">Asteroids can take humans to other planets. 'Like an interplanetary bus...'</a>

The new study has been carried out on the basis of NASA research in which Uranus&nbsp;moons Ariel, Umbriel, Titania, and Oberon were investigated for deep, water-filled gorges which can have signs of biological extraterrestrial life.

<h2>An ocean on Uranus'&nbsp;moon Miranda?</h2>

Researcher Sherry Fieber-Beyer said that the study gives clearer context regarding the formation of the solar system. She added that it can also help them understand how the giant planets' movement led to the creation of moons and asteroids.

With the help of the images clicked by the deep space probe Voyager 2 in 1986, the “Frankenstein-like hodgepodge of grooved terrain” on the southern hemisphere of Miranda was reanalysed to understand if the rugged ground was caused by the tidal forces which interacted with the heat.”

“This research helps us understand what the requirements are for an icy moon to be an ocean world, which is relevant to assessing the habitability of icy outer solar system satellites,” said researcher Caleb Strom.

“We do not know enough about the Uranian satellites to say whether there could be life on them, but understanding what factors would result in them having subsurface oceans is an important step toward addressing that question," he added.

Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-now-plan-to-grow-first-tree-on-planet-mars-heres-how-772050">&nbsp;Scientists now plan to grow first tree on planet Mars. Here's how</a>

Scientists discovered that there was probably an ocean below Miranda's icy surface around 100 to 500 million years ago.

According to the researchers, the ocean was formed because of the tidal forces between Miranda's gravity and other moons of the planet.

“That result was a big surprise to the team,” said Strom. “We won’t know for sure that it even has an ocean until we go back and collect more data,” explained Nordheim.

(With inputs from agencies)

In a new research, it has been discovered that there may be enough natural resources on the moon of Uranus which may support alien life. According to scientists from Johns Hopkins and the University of North Dakota, the sophomoric-sounding planet's moon Miranda has sources of water hidden underneath its surface.

In a new research, it has been discovered that there may be enough natural resources on the moon of Uranus which may support alien life. According to scientists from Johns Hopkins and the University of North Dakota, the sophomoric-sounding planet's moon Miranda has sources of water hidden underneath its surface. The discovery can prove to be a breakthrough in mankind's ongoing search for aliens. “To find evidence of an ocean inside a small object like Miranda is incredibly surprising,” explained planetary scientist and researcher Tom Nordheim. The discovery was published in The Planetary Science Journal. “It helps build on the story that some of these moons at Uranus may be really interesting — that there may be several ocean worlds around one of the most distant planets in our solar system, which is both exciting and bizarre,” he said about the “remarkable” potential. Also Read: Asteroids can take humans to other planets. 'Like an interplanetary bus...' The new study has been carried out on the basis of NASA research in which Uranus moons Ariel, Umbriel, Titania, and Oberon were investigated for deep, water-filled gorges which can have signs of biological extraterrestrial life. An ocean on Uranus' moon Miranda? Researcher Sherry Fieber-Beyer said that the study gives clearer context regarding the formation of the solar system. She added that it can also help them understand how the giant planets' movement led to the creation of moons and asteroids. With the help of the images clicked by the deep space probe Voyager 2 in 1986, the “Frankenstein-like hodgepodge of grooved terrain” on the southern hemisphere of Miranda was reanalysed to understand if the rugged ground was caused by the tidal forces which interacted with the heat.” “This research helps us understand what the requirements are for an icy moon to be an ocean world, which is relevant to assessing the habitability of icy outer solar system satellites,” said researcher Caleb Strom. “We do not know enough about the Uranian satellites to say whether there could be life on them, but understanding what factors would result in them having subsurface oceans is an important step toward addressing that question," he added. Also Read: Scientists now plan to grow first tree on planet Mars. Here's how Scientists discovered that there was probably an ocean below Miranda's icy surface around 100 to 500 million years ago. According to the researchers, the ocean was formed because of the tidal forces between Miranda's gravity and other moons of the planet. “That result was a big surprise to the team,” said Strom. “We won’t know for sure that it even has an ocean until we go back and collect more data,” explained Nordheim. (With inputs from agencies)

Are 'little green men' roaming on moon of Uranus? Scientists make 'bizarre' new find

October’s supermoon is the closest of the year and it’s teaming up with a comet for a rare stargazing two-for-one. Watch in the rarest of rare event.

Moon and Comet Cross Paths Creating Enchanting Spectacle

The world is witnessing the biggest supermoon of 2024,the occasion is also being celebrated as Sharad Purnima. For more information take a look a these visuals.

Devotees Throng To Catch A Glimpse Of The Moon

The Hunter’s moon, the third of four consecutive supermoons in 2024, will light up the skies on Thursday, October 17. This full moon will be bigger and brighter than usual and will shine bright for nearly three days.

Hunter Supermoon Rises This Week: Biggest and Brightest Full Moon Of 2024

NASA has launched its largest-ever space probe, a $5 billion mission to explore Jupiter’s moon, Europa, in search of signs of life. The probe, equipped with advanced instruments, aims to study Europa’s icy surface and the potential ocean beneath, which scientists believe could harbor the necessary conditions for life. The mission will analyze the moon’s chemical composition, magnetic field, and geological activity to gather crucial data. This ambitious exploration marks a significant step in the search for extraterrestrial life within our solar system.

Europa Clipper Set To Launch On Mission To Explore Potential For Life On Jupiter’s Moon

NASA's Largest $5 Billion Probe To Jupiter's Moon In Search For Life

NASA is all prepared to send its spacecraft Europa Clipper to Jupiter and its moon Europa where it will try to find life beyond Earth.

Europa Clipper is expected to look below the icy crust of the moon where it is believed that an ocean is hiding very close to the surface.

The spacecraft is not expected to search for life but to find if there are conditions in Europa that can support life.&nbsp;

NASA will have to launch another mission to find if any kind of microorganisms are lurking on the moon of Jupiter.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasas-hubble-telescope-captures-jupiters-great-red-spot-shake-bowl-of-gelatin-766403">NASA's Hubble telescope captures Jupiter's Great Red Spot shake 'bowl of gelatin'</a>

“It’s a chance for us to explore not a world that might have been habitable billions of years ago, but a world that might be habitable today — right now,” programme scientist Curt Niebur said.

<h2>All about Europa Clipper&nbsp;</h2>

The Europa Clipper is the biggest spacecraft built by NASA for investigating another planet so far. The spacecraft will take 5 and a half years to reach the planet and will travel within 16 miles of the surface of Europa.

The spacecraft's liftoff is set to take place this month aboard SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy rocket from NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre and the mission has cost around $5.2 billion.

The spacecraft has supersized solar panels which is required due to the distance of Jupiter from the Sun.

Jupiter's roundabout trip will cover 1.8 billion miles (3 billion kilometres) and it is expected to fly past Mars early next year and cross Earth in late 2026.&nbsp;

In 2030, the spacecraft will arrive at Jupiter and will start the work. When it will orbit Jupiter, it is expected to cross paths with Europa 49 times.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/cosmic-giant-300-light-years-away-in-great-bear-is-11-times-more-massive-than-jupiter-759348">Cosmic giant 300 light-years away in Great Bear is 11 times more massive than Jupiter</a>

It is expected that the mission will end in 2034 by crashing into Ganymede, which is the biggest moon of Jupiter and the solar system.

<h2>What kind of life is likely to harbour in Europa?</h2>

Europa, one of the 95 known moons of Jupiter, is almost as big as our moon.

It is covered with an ice sheet which is around 10 miles to 15 miles or more (15 kilometres to 24 kilometres) thick.&nbsp;

According to scientists, beneath this frozen crust is an ocean which is likely to be 80 miles (120 kilometres) or deeper.&nbsp;

The experts believe that there can be thermal vents on the ocean floor on Europa.

Deputy project scientist Bonnie Buratti said, “We will not know from this mission because we can’t see that deep."

(With inputs from agencies)

NASA is all prepared to send its spacecraft Europa Clipper to Jupiter and its moon Europa where it will try to find life beyond Earth. Europa Clipper is expected to look below the icy crust of the moon where it is believed that an ocean is hiding very close to the surface.

NASA is all prepared to send its spacecraft Europa Clipper to Jupiter and its moon Europa where it will try to find life beyond Earth. Europa Clipper is expected to look below the icy crust of the moon where it is believed that an ocean is hiding very close to the surface. The spacecraft is not expected to search for life but to find if there are conditions in Europa that can support life. NASA will have to launch another mission to find if any kind of microorganisms are lurking on the moon of Jupiter. Also Read: NASA's Hubble telescope captures Jupiter's Great Red Spot shake 'bowl of gelatin' “It’s a chance for us to explore not a world that might have been habitable billions of years ago, but a world that might be habitable today — right now,” programme scientist Curt Niebur said. All about Europa Clipper The Europa Clipper is the biggest spacecraft built by NASA for investigating another planet so far. The spacecraft will take 5 and a half years to reach the planet and will travel within 16 miles of the surface of Europa. The spacecraft's liftoff is set to take place this month aboard SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy rocket from NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre and the mission has cost around $5.2 billion. The spacecraft has supersized solar panels which is required due to the distance of Jupiter from the Sun. Jupiter's roundabout trip will cover 1.8 billion miles (3 billion kilometres) and it is expected to fly past Mars early next year and cross Earth in late 2026. In 2030, the spacecraft will arrive at Jupiter and will start the work. When it will orbit Jupiter, it is expected to cross paths with Europa 49 times. Also Read: Cosmic giant 300 light-years away in Great Bear is 11 times more massive than Jupiter It is expected that the mission will end in 2034 by crashing into Ganymede, which is the biggest moon of Jupiter and the solar system. What kind of life is likely to harbour in Europa? Europa, one of the 95 known moons of Jupiter, is almost as big as our moon. It is covered with an ice sheet which is around 10 miles to 15 miles or more (15 kilometres to 24 kilometres) thick. According to scientists, beneath this frozen crust is an ocean which is likely to be 80 miles (120 kilometres) or deeper. The experts believe that there can be thermal vents on the ocean floor on Europa. Deputy project scientist Bonnie Buratti said, “We will not know from this mission because we can’t see that deep." (With inputs from agencies)

NASA's spacecraft Europa Clipper set to find if Jupiter's moon is habitable

Is it possible for scientists to recreate the moon on Earth? The answer to this question is being explored by the European Space Agency (ESA) and German Aerospace Centre who are checking the possibility of recreating the moon in their LUNA Analog Facility.&nbsp;

There are 900 tonnes of ground-up volcanic rock on the moon at this LUNA facility which is at the European Astronaut Centre near Cologne.

Scientists have planned to simulate the low-gravity environment of the moon using movable ceiling-mounted trolleys which follow the rover’s movements or a suspended astronaut.&nbsp;

Speaking about the facility in the press briefing, ESA astronaut Alexander Gerst said that it will offer “most aspects that we will encounter on the moon”.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/earth-has-hosted-mini-moons-before-and-one-of-them-will-revisit-in-27-years-764394">Earth has had two moons in the past. One of the mini-moons has visited twice and will return in 27 years</a>

“It’s the surface, it’s the lunar dust, the rocks, the lighting. We will work in spacesuits that limit our movement, limit our view," he said.

<h2>What is ESA’s Moon Mission?</h2>

The facility is known as LUNA (Lunar Analog) and it provides simulated regolith in a hall - which is spread over a 700-square-meter area.&nbsp;

The astronauts from ESA, NASA and other space agencies can practice living in conditions similar to that on the Moon in this area.

“We have about 900 tonnes of regolith simulating material in the facility to simulate the dusty environment and mobility on the surface,” said Juergen Schlutz, LUNA Facility Engineer &amp; Moon Strategy Lead at European Space Agency, while speaking at the first press briefing of the facility.&nbsp;

Scientists have made 700 square meters of artificial regolith using the volcanic soils of the Eifel region in Germany, Italy’s Mount Etna and rocks from Norway.

Watch:&nbsp;Moon's surface cooled down during strict COVID-19 lockdown: Study

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Astronauts Germany’s Matthias Maurer and France’s Thomas Pesquet also showed how the facility replicates the shine of the sun, which will obstruct the vision of astronauts when they come back to the moon.&nbsp;

They also showed how they would explore a crater on the moon and collect samples. In this facility, cables will be attached to the spacesuits of astronauts to pull them back as they walk and suspend them when they jump. The project has been in the prototype phase.

ESA has got three spots on the NASA-led Artemis programme which will happen in 2030. It is currently dependent on NASA and others to send its astronauts to space.

(With inputs from agencies)

Is it possible for scientists to recreate the moon on Earth? The answer to this question is being explored by the European Space Agency (ESA) and German Aerospace Centre who are checking the possibility of recreating the moon in their LUNA Analog Facility.

Is it possible for scientists to recreate the moon on Earth? The answer to this question is being explored by the European Space Agency (ESA) and German Aerospace Centre who are checking the possibility of recreating the moon in their LUNA Analog Facility. There are 900 tonnes of ground-up volcanic rock on the moon at this LUNA facility which is at the European Astronaut Centre near Cologne. Scientists have planned to simulate the low-gravity environment of the moon using movable ceiling-mounted trolleys which follow the rover’s movements or a suspended astronaut. Speaking about the facility in the press briefing, ESA astronaut Alexander Gerst said that it will offer “most aspects that we will encounter on the moon”. Also Read: Earth has had two moons in the past. One of the mini-moons has visited twice and will return in 27 years “It’s the surface, it’s the lunar dust, the rocks, the lighting. We will work in spacesuits that limit our movement, limit our view," he said. What is ESA’s Moon Mission? The facility is known as LUNA (Lunar Analog) and it provides simulated regolith in a hall - which is spread over a 700-square-meter area. The astronauts from ESA, NASA and other space agencies can practice living in conditions similar to that on the Moon in this area. “We have about 900 tonnes of regolith simulating material in the facility to simulate the dusty environment and mobility on the surface,” said Juergen Schlutz, LUNA Facility Engineer & Moon Strategy Lead at European Space Agency, while speaking at the first press briefing of the facility. Scientists have made 700 square meters of artificial regolith using the volcanic soils of the Eifel region in Germany, Italy’s Mount Etna and rocks from Norway. Watch: Moon's surface cooled down during strict COVID-19 lockdown: Study Astronauts Germany’s Matthias Maurer and France’s Thomas Pesquet also showed how the facility replicates the shine of the sun, which will obstruct the vision of astronauts when they come back to the moon. They also showed how they would explore a crater on the moon and collect samples. In this facility, cables will be attached to the spacesuits of astronauts to pull them back as they walk and suspend them when they jump. The project has been in the prototype phase. ESA has got three spots on the NASA-led Artemis programme which will happen in 2030. It is currently dependent on NASA and others to send its astronauts to space. (With inputs from agencies)

Is Europe creating its own moon? Here's all about the LUNA facility

#Gravitas There is a new race in space between China and the U.S., but this has got nothing to do with exploration. Rather it is about something much more symbolic. They are battling each other to set a time zone on the Moon. Watch in for more details!

China, US, Race To Control Time On The Moon

During the COVID-19 lockdown, reduced human activity had unexpected effects beyond Earth, with some studies suggesting a cooling effect on the Moon. This raises questions about how lunar temperatures may reflect changes in Earth's atmosphere and climate.

COVID-19 Lockdown Cooled the Moon: Is It Earth's New Thermometer?

COVID-19 Lockdown Cooled The Moon: A New Indicator of Earth's Climate?

Humans might live in mushroom colonies, built using fungus, algae and water on the Moon in the coming years. This is if NASA's new plan is executed perfectly.

The space agency plans to conquer the Moon and build colonies where humans can live and conduct more experiments. It is supposed to act as a springboard to reach further into space, especially Mars.&nbsp;

However, NASA is faced with the dilemma of building these structures since it might not be possible to send bricks and steel to the Moon, and even if it can, whether or not they can sustain the lunar environment is an altogether different question. Besides, sending just one pound of material to the moon costs a whopping million dollars.&nbsp;

This is where fungus comes into the picture, as per fresh plans to settle humans there, which is expected to prove cost-effective as well as resilient.

Al Jazeera reported that NASA is planning to use mycotecture, a method that uses fungal spores and algae, to not build, but grow structures in space.

NASA is collaborating with others to make it a reality. Chris Maurer, founder of the architecture firm Redhouse, a company partnering with the space agency, told Al Jazeera, "You can’t take boards or bricks. So what are you going to build with?"

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-are-on-a-mission-to-find-15-million-year-old-ice-oldest-in-the-world-762792">Scientists are on a mission to find 1.5-million-year-old ice, oldest in the world</a>

The answer lies in the lunar soil, water and mould, which will be sent to the Moon in sealed and inflatable form. The fungal spores, when combined with algae and water, will literally start growing into habitable structures which will provide the perfect place for humans to stay.&nbsp;

Experts say these mushroom buildings will protect astronauts from dangerous space events, such as the widespread harmful radiation and micrometeorites.

Radiation, Maurer says, is the primary reason why man has never returned to the Moon since the epic Apollo missions.&nbsp;

He says fungus-based structures will prove to be a game-changer in man's quest to go back to the moon, and further into space. Just eight centimetres of the material can block over 99 per cent of radiation. The magnum of this plan can be gauged by the fact that in contrast 10 feet of lunar dust does the same job.&nbsp;

As the first step, NASA will test small-scale models on the moon by 2028.&nbsp;

NASA wants to build bases on the Moon which astronauts will use as stepping stones to travel towards their next destination - Mars.&nbsp;

Similar mushroom structures will be used to build&nbsp;on Mars as well in which humans will be able to dwell safely.&nbsp;

Humans might live in mushroom colonies, built using fungus, algae and water on the Moon in the coming years. This is if NASA's new plan is executed perfectly. The space agency plans to conquer the Moon and build colonies where humans can live and conduct more experiments.

Humans might live in mushroom colonies, built using fungus, algae and water on the Moon in the coming years. This is if NASA's new plan is executed perfectly. The space agency plans to conquer the Moon and build colonies where humans can live and conduct more experiments. It is supposed to act as a springboard to reach further into space, especially Mars. However, NASA is faced with the dilemma of building these structures since it might not be possible to send bricks and steel to the Moon, and even if it can, whether or not they can sustain the lunar environment is an altogether different question. Besides, sending just one pound of material to the moon costs a whopping million dollars. This is where fungus comes into the picture, as per fresh plans to settle humans there, which is expected to prove cost-effective as well as resilient. Al Jazeera reported that NASA is planning to use mycotecture, a method that uses fungal spores and algae, to not build, but grow structures in space. NASA is collaborating with others to make it a reality. Chris Maurer, founder of the architecture firm Redhouse, a company partnering with the space agency, told Al Jazeera, "You can’t take boards or bricks. So what are you going to build with?" Also Read: Scientists are on a mission to find 1.5-million-year-old ice, oldest in the world The answer lies in the lunar soil, water and mould, which will be sent to the Moon in sealed and inflatable form. The fungal spores, when combined with algae and water, will literally start growing into habitable structures which will provide the perfect place for humans to stay. Experts say these mushroom buildings will protect astronauts from dangerous space events, such as the widespread harmful radiation and micrometeorites. Radiation, Maurer says, is the primary reason why man has never returned to the Moon since the epic Apollo missions. He says fungus-based structures will prove to be a game-changer in man's quest to go back to the moon, and further into space. Just eight centimetres of the material can block over 99 per cent of radiation. The magnum of this plan can be gauged by the fact that in contrast 10 feet of lunar dust does the same job. As the first step, NASA will test small-scale models on the moon by 2028. NASA wants to build bases on the Moon which astronauts will use as stepping stones to travel towards their next destination - Mars. Similar mushroom structures will be used to build on Mars as well in which humans will be able to dwell safely.

NASA wants to 'grow' fungus and algae houses on Moon for astronauts

After more than 80,000 years, a comet will again become visible from Earth - in a treat for the sky gazers - during two separate phases in the next month.

Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS, which is also called Comet A3, will now orbit around the Sun after more than 80,000 years,&nbsp;according to a report published on Earth.com.

The comet has become visible from Earth from September 27 and will appear in the sky before sunrise on October 2.

It is likely to appear like a fuzzy ball with a tail which stretches across the sky.

"C/2023 A3 has an orbital period of approximately 80,000 years, classifying it as a long-period comet. This means its behaviour and appearance can be unpredictable, with potential changes in brightness and tail development as it approaches the sun," said Minjae Kim, a space expert in the University of Warwick's astronomy department, while speaking to Earth.com.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/watch-comet-tsuchinshan-atlas-en-route-to-sun-captured-from-iss-760651">Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS en route to sun captured from ISS</a>

"If predictions hold, it could be visible to the naked eye, appearing as a fuzzy star with a tail stretching across the sky.&nbsp;Otherwise, binoculars or a small telescope may reveal more detail in the comet’s structure and tail," Kim explained.

The comet achieved its perihelion on September 27 which means it came to the closest point to the sun and will not go on a trip back towards the outer solar system,&nbsp;as per WKMG.

The comet will also become visible in the middle of October if the comet lives after its trip around the Sun. This is because comets generally break apart as they come closer to the sun.

After the trip, the comet will become visible to the naked eye when it comes closest to Earth and its best visibility is likely to be from October 12 until October 20.

Every night, the comet will move higher up in the sky till it disappears again for the next 80,000 years.

Watch:&nbsp;Two black holes caught merging, event to provide insight into galaxy formation&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/two-black-holes-caught-merging-event-to-provide-insight-into-galaxy-formation-wion-originals-761880/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Astronomical app for stargazers Starwalk said that this comet is the "most anticipated comet of the year."

<h2>Here's how you can watch Comet C/2023 A3</h2>

Those who wish to see the comet with the naked eye should check the moon in its waning crescent phase. The comet's position can change as per the moon on different dates.&nbsp;

Comet C/2023 A3 is nearly 157.1 million miles away from Earth and is travelling at a speed of around 70km per second (150,000 miles per hour).

(With inputs from agencies)

After more than 80,000 years, a comet will again become visible from Earth - in a treat for the sky gazers - during two separate phases in the next month. Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS, which is also called Comet A3, will now orbit around the Sun after more than 80,000 years, according to a report published on Earth.

After more than 80,000 years, a comet will again become visible from Earth - in a treat for the sky gazers - during two separate phases in the next month. Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS, which is also called Comet A3, will now orbit around the Sun after more than 80,000 years, according to a report published on Earth.com. The comet has become visible from Earth from September 27 and will appear in the sky before sunrise on October 2. It is likely to appear like a fuzzy ball with a tail which stretches across the sky. "C/2023 A3 has an orbital period of approximately 80,000 years, classifying it as a long-period comet. This means its behaviour and appearance can be unpredictable, with potential changes in brightness and tail development as it approaches the sun," said Minjae Kim, a space expert in the University of Warwick's astronomy department, while speaking to Earth.com. Also Read: Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS en route to sun captured from ISS "If predictions hold, it could be visible to the naked eye, appearing as a fuzzy star with a tail stretching across the sky. Otherwise, binoculars or a small telescope may reveal more detail in the comet’s structure and tail," Kim explained. The comet achieved its perihelion on September 27 which means it came to the closest point to the sun and will not go on a trip back towards the outer solar system, as per WKMG. The comet will also become visible in the middle of October if the comet lives after its trip around the Sun. This is because comets generally break apart as they come closer to the sun. After the trip, the comet will become visible to the naked eye when it comes closest to Earth and its best visibility is likely to be from October 12 until October 20. Every night, the comet will move higher up in the sky till it disappears again for the next 80,000 years. Watch: Two black holes caught merging, event to provide insight into galaxy formation Astronomical app for stargazers Starwalk said that this comet is the "most anticipated comet of the year." Here's how you can watch Comet C/2023 A3 Those who wish to see the comet with the naked eye should check the moon in its waning crescent phase. The comet's position can change as per the moon on different dates. Comet C/2023 A3 is nearly 157.1 million miles away from Earth and is travelling at a speed of around 70km per second (150,000 miles per hour). (With inputs from agencies)

Comet C/2023 A3 will be visible from Earth after 80,000 years. Here's where to watch it

The COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent lockdowns had a significant impact on the surface temperature of the Moon, an astonishing study published by Indian scientists in&nbsp;Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society has claimed.

The study, conducted using the data from NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) concluded that an&nbsp;"anomalous" decrease of 8-10º Kelvin (-265ºC to -263ºC)&nbsp;was observed in nighttime surface temperatures on the Moon during the strictest lockdown period from April to May 2020.

"The Moon has possibly experienced the effect of COVID-19 lockdown, visualized as an anomalous decrease in lunar night-time surface temperatures during that period," the study stated.&nbsp;

Researchers K Durga Prasad and G Ambily attributed the dip in lunar surface temperature to the reduction in Earth's outgoing radiation during the lockdowns. Due to the drastic decrease in human activity during the lockdown, there was a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and aerosols --&nbsp;leading to less heat being trapped and re-emitted by Earth's atmosphere.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/chandrayaan-3-pragyan-rover-discovers-ancient-160-km-crater-on-moon-761259">Watch |&nbsp;Chandrayaan-3: Pragyan Rover Discovers Ancient 160 Km Crater On Moon</a>

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&nbsp;

<h2>Study methodology</h2>

To conduct the study, the scientists&nbsp;elected six distinct sites on the nearside of the Moon with a surface area ranging from 900–2500 square kilometres.&nbsp;The sites were selected based on the following criteria:

<ol>
	<li>The site should be relatively flat</li>
	<li>It should be within an equatorial or mid-latitude region</li>
	<li>The site should be of an optimum size</li>
</ol>

Using the&nbsp;Diviner Lunar Radiometer (DLRE) instrument onboard NASA's LRO, the scientists analysed the surface temperature.&nbsp;Night-time surface temperatures from DLRE for six diverse sites on the Moon were analysed through 2017–2023, covering the periods before, after and during the COVID-19 lockdown, to look for any lockdown-induced subtle signature.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/earth-to-get-a-second-moon-this-fall-here-is-how-to-watch-it-762928">Also read |&nbsp;Earth to get a ‘second moon’ on Sep 29. Here is how to watch it</a>

As per the scientists,&nbsp;2020 saw the coldest temperatures across most sites, with a noticeable warming trend in 2021 and 2022, once human activity resumed on Earth.

The study stated that based on the findings, Moon-based&nbsp;observatories can become potential tools for observing Earth's environmental changes, which need to be explored extensively.

(With inputs from agencies)

The COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent lockdowns had a significant impact on the surface temperature of the Moon, an astonishing study published by Indian scientists in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society has claimed.

The COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent lockdowns had a significant impact on the surface temperature of the Moon, an astonishing study published by Indian scientists in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society has claimed. The study, conducted using the data from NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) concluded that an "anomalous" decrease of 8-10º Kelvin (-265ºC to -263ºC) was observed in nighttime surface temperatures on the Moon during the strictest lockdown period from April to May 2020. "The Moon has possibly experienced the effect of COVID-19 lockdown, visualized as an anomalous decrease in lunar night-time surface temperatures during that period," the study stated. Researchers K Durga Prasad and G Ambily attributed the dip in lunar surface temperature to the reduction in Earth's outgoing radiation during the lockdowns. Due to the drastic decrease in human activity during the lockdown, there was a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and aerosols -- leading to less heat being trapped and re-emitted by Earth's atmosphere. Watch | Chandrayaan-3: Pragyan Rover Discovers Ancient 160 Km Crater On Moon × Study methodology To conduct the study, the scientists elected six distinct sites on the nearside of the Moon with a surface area ranging from 900–2500 square kilometres. The sites were selected based on the following criteria: The site should be relatively flat It should be within an equatorial or mid-latitude region The site should be of an optimum size Using the Diviner Lunar Radiometer (DLRE) instrument onboard NASA's LRO, the scientists analysed the surface temperature. Night-time surface temperatures from DLRE for six diverse sites on the Moon were analysed through 2017–2023, covering the periods before, after and during the COVID-19 lockdown, to look for any lockdown-induced subtle signature. Also read | Earth to get a ‘second moon’ on Sep 29. Here is how to watch it As per the scientists, 2020 saw the coldest temperatures across most sites, with a noticeable warming trend in 2021 and 2022, once human activity resumed on Earth. The study stated that based on the findings, Moon-based observatories can become potential tools for observing Earth's environmental changes, which need to be explored extensively. (With inputs from agencies)

Moon's surface cooled down during strict COVID-19 lockdown, Indian study claims

For nearly 40 years the Moon has been thought to be created by debris released when something collided with Earth. However, a new study offers another idea. What if this was not the case and the Moon was an external space body which Earth's gravity happened to catch?

The Apollo missions gave humans access to lunar soil. The astronauts who went to the moon between 1969 and 1972 collected more than 800 pounds of lunar rock and soil.&nbsp;

An analysis found that they were similar in composition to what is found on Earth and that our satellite was birthed 60 million years after the solar system formed. Scientists gathered at the Kona Conference in 1984 and concluded that the Moon was formed by a collision with a young Earth.&nbsp;

However, two Penn State researchers now say that it is likely the Moon was not born this way. The findings have been published in The Planetary Science Journal by Darren Williams, professor of astronomy and astrophysics at Penn State Behrend, and Michael Zugger, a senior research engineer at the Applied Research Lab at Penn State.

They say that the Moon was once part of a terrestrial binary. When it came too close to Earth, the planet caught one of them and repelled the other rocky object.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/comet-a3-icy-visitor-from-oort-cloud-is-becoming-brighter-here-is-when-to-watch-and-how-762534">Icy visitor from Oort Cloud is becoming brighter. When to watch and how</a>

"The Kona Conference set the narrative for 40 years," Williams said. The authors added that this was not the end point and certain troubling points remained.&nbsp;

<h2>Why Moon likely came from outside&nbsp;</h2>

One of them is the position of the moon. They say that a moon formed due to a planetary collision and the debris clumping together in a ring should orbit above the planet's equator. However, our moon orbits in a different plane.

"The moon is more in line with the sun than it is with the Earth's equator," Williams said.

Providing their binary-exchange capture theory, the two of them believe Earth's gravity separated the binary and caught one of them. The one it snagged became our moon.

Citing another such instance in the solar system. Williams and Zugger point to Triton, Neptune's largest moon. Current studies say that Triton was pulled into orbit from the Kuiper Belt, where several binaries exist.&nbsp;

They added that Moon's orbit started off as an elongated ellipse, rather than a circle. But extreme tides changed its shape&nbsp;over time. The researchers calculated tidal changes and the orbit's size and shape and determined our lunar satellite's orbit contracted over thousands of years and also became more circular.&nbsp;

For nearly 40 years the Moon has been thought to be created by debris released when something collided with Earth. However, a new study offers another idea. What if this was not the case and the Moon was an external space body which Earth's gravity happened to catch?

For nearly 40 years the Moon has been thought to be created by debris released when something collided with Earth. However, a new study offers another idea. What if this was not the case and the Moon was an external space body which Earth's gravity happened to catch? The Apollo missions gave humans access to lunar soil. The astronauts who went to the moon between 1969 and 1972 collected more than 800 pounds of lunar rock and soil. An analysis found that they were similar in composition to what is found on Earth and that our satellite was birthed 60 million years after the solar system formed. Scientists gathered at the Kona Conference in 1984 and concluded that the Moon was formed by a collision with a young Earth. However, two Penn State researchers now say that it is likely the Moon was not born this way. The findings have been published in The Planetary Science Journal by Darren Williams, professor of astronomy and astrophysics at Penn State Behrend, and Michael Zugger, a senior research engineer at the Applied Research Lab at Penn State. They say that the Moon was once part of a terrestrial binary. When it came too close to Earth, the planet caught one of them and repelled the other rocky object. Also Read: Icy visitor from Oort Cloud is becoming brighter. When to watch and how "The Kona Conference set the narrative for 40 years," Williams said. The authors added that this was not the end point and certain troubling points remained. Why Moon likely came from outside One of them is the position of the moon. They say that a moon formed due to a planetary collision and the debris clumping together in a ring should orbit above the planet's equator. However, our moon orbits in a different plane. "The moon is more in line with the sun than it is with the Earth's equator," Williams said. Providing their binary-exchange capture theory, the two of them believe Earth's gravity separated the binary and caught one of them. The one it snagged became our moon. Citing another such instance in the solar system. Williams and Zugger point to Triton, Neptune's largest moon. Current studies say that Triton was pulled into orbit from the Kuiper Belt, where several binaries exist. They added that Moon's orbit started off as an elongated ellipse, rather than a circle. But extreme tides changed its shape over time. The researchers calculated tidal changes and the orbit's size and shape and determined our lunar satellite's orbit contracted over thousands of years and also became more circular.

Earth snatched Moon from space and did not birth it, study suggests

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