The skywatchers are set to get a visual treat when the moon will occult Saturn in a rare celestial event on July 25, and the giant planet will go in hiding temporarily behind the natural satellite.&nbsp;

The phenomenon, which is known as occultation, will be a rare opportunity to witness the celestial event for both amateur and professional astronomers.

The process of occultation takes place when one celestial body covers the other one and makes it invisible for some time. In this case, the Moon will come in front of Saturn and its visibility will be blocked for a short duration, hence the event is called the "Lunar Occultation of Saturn".&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/strange-lakes-rivers-and-oceans-are-flowing-on-saturns-moon-scientists-find-it-eerily-similar-to-earth-742065">Strange lakes, rivers and oceans are flowing on Saturn's moon. Scientists find it eerily similar to Earth</a>

<h2>When will Saturn's Lunar Eclipse occur in India and how to watch it?</h2>

This kind of eclipse will become visible in India after a span of 18 years. It will begin at around 1:03 am IST and Saturn is expected to get completely hidden by the moon at 1:44 am IST.&nbsp;

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Moon will occult, or pass in front of, the planet Saturn in the early morning of 25 July, for the southern and eastern parts of India (see map below). For more info: check out our posts! 
🌏🌖🪐 
🗓️ After midnight of 24/25 July.<a href="https://twitter.com/IndiaDST?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IndiaDST</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/asipoec?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@asipoec</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/doot_iia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@doot_iia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CosmosMysuru?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CosmosMysuru</a> <a href="https://t.co/0KmjwsRbbl">pic.twitter.com/0KmjwsRbbl</a>
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The planet will then make its reappearance at 2:25 am IST and it will last till 2:56 am IST, as per the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA). However, the timings are likely to slightly differ at various locations.

According to the IIA, the occultation will appear in Bengaluru from 1:03 am to 2:09 am, in Bhubaneshwar from 1:30 am to 2:38 am, in Guwahati from 1:50 am to 2:56 am, in Mumbai from 1:26 am to 1:49 am and in Kolkata from 1:38 am to 2:46 am.

Watch:&nbsp;China finds traces of water in moon's soil, samples collected by China's Chang'E-5 rover

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-finds-traces-of-water-in-moons-soil-samples-collected-by-chinas-change-5-rover-743624/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The eclipse will also become visible in other countries like Japan, China, Myanmar and Sri Lanka. When the occultation occurs, it is expected that the rings of Saturn will emerge from behind the Moon.

For those interested in observing this event, binoculars or a small telescope can help them see the eclipse with the naked eye.

Before and after the occultation, Saturn will be visible as a bright star near the Moon. The occultation, which is part of a series of lunar occultations of planets, is expected to occur again on October 14, 2024.

(With inputs from agencies)

The skywatchers are set to get a visual treat when the moon will occult Saturn in a rare celestial event on July 25, and the giant planet will go in hiding temporarily behind the natural satellite.

The skywatchers are set to get a visual treat when the moon will occult Saturn in a rare celestial event on July 25, and the giant planet will go in hiding temporarily behind the natural satellite. The phenomenon, which is known as occultation, will be a rare opportunity to witness the celestial event for both amateur and professional astronomers. The process of occultation takes place when one celestial body covers the other one and makes it invisible for some time. In this case, the Moon will come in front of Saturn and its visibility will be blocked for a short duration, hence the event is called the "Lunar Occultation of Saturn". Also Read: Strange lakes, rivers and oceans are flowing on Saturn's moon. Scientists find it eerily similar to Earth When will Saturn's Lunar Eclipse occur in India and how to watch it? This kind of eclipse will become visible in India after a span of 18 years. It will begin at around 1:03 am IST and Saturn is expected to get completely hidden by the moon at 1:44 am IST. Moon will occult, or pass in front of, the planet Saturn in the early morning of 25 July, for the southern and eastern parts of India (see map below). For more info: check out our posts! 🌏🌖🪐 🗓️ After midnight of 24/25 July.@IndiaDST @asipoec @doot_iia @CosmosMysuru pic.twitter.com/0KmjwsRbbl — IIAstrophysics (@IIABengaluru) July 22, 2024 × The planet will then make its reappearance at 2:25 am IST and it will last till 2:56 am IST, as per the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA). However, the timings are likely to slightly differ at various locations. According to the IIA, the occultation will appear in Bengaluru from 1:03 am to 2:09 am, in Bhubaneshwar from 1:30 am to 2:38 am, in Guwahati from 1:50 am to 2:56 am, in Mumbai from 1:26 am to 1:49 am and in Kolkata from 1:38 am to 2:46 am. Watch: China finds traces of water in moon's soil, samples collected by China's Chang'E-5 rover The eclipse will also become visible in other countries like Japan, China, Myanmar and Sri Lanka. When the occultation occurs, it is expected that the rings of Saturn will emerge from behind the Moon. For those interested in observing this event, binoculars or a small telescope can help them see the eclipse with the naked eye. Before and after the occultation, Saturn will be visible as a bright star near the Moon. The occultation, which is part of a series of lunar occultations of planets, is expected to occur again on October 14, 2024. (With inputs from agencies)

Moon to occult Saturn in a rare eclipse. Here's how to watch this celestial event in India

China's lunar probe has found traces of water in samples of the moon soil. The Change'E-5 rover completed its mission in 2020, returning to Earth with rock and soil samples from the moon. Watch in for more details!

China finds traces of water in moon's soil, samples collected by China's Chang'E-5 rover

Scientists have said that a Chinese lunar probe found traces of water in samples of the Moon's soil. The Chang'e-5 rover completed its mission in 2020, returning to Earth with rock and soil samples from the Moon.&nbsp;

A group of scientists from Chinese universities wrote in the Nature Astronomy journal that the lunar samples "revealed the presence of trace water".&nbsp;

India's Chandrayaan-1 played a crucial role in the discovery of water molecules on the Moon. The mission carried NASA's Moon Minerology Mapper (M3), an imaging spectrometer that helped confirm the discovery of water locked in minerals on the Moon.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/bronze-age-artefact-stuns-scientists-after-mysteriously-appearing-in-norway-waters-743492">Bronze Age artefact stuns scientists after mysteriously appearing in Norway waters</a>&nbsp;

In 2020, water on the Moon was already confirmed by a NASA infrared detector and recent examinations of materials from the 1960s and 1970s have shown water traces.&nbsp;

According to the Chinese scientists, the Chang'e-5 samples are from a "much higher latitude", providing new clues as to what form water takes on the Moon's surface.&nbsp;

They said that the samples suggest that "water molecules can persist in sunlit areas of the Moon in the form of hydrated salts".&nbsp;

As reported by SCMP, the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) on Tuesday said that Chinese scientists have found a hydrated mineral "enriched" with molecular water based on lunar soil samples returned by China's Chang'e-5 mission in 2020.&nbsp;

Researchers from the Beijing National Laboratory for Condensed Matter Physics, the Institute of Physics of CAS and other domestic research institutions jointly carried out the research, which was published in the peer-reviewed journal Nature Astronomy on July 16.&nbsp;

Researchers have also eliminated the chance that the mineral-carrying water was tainted by rocket exhaust or other terrestrial sources.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-marks-25th-anniversary-of-chandra-with-25-photos-including-of-the-peacocks-galaxy-743234">25 years, 25 photos: NASA's Chandra Observatory peeks into the mysteries of cosmos</a>&nbsp;

As quoted by SCMP, a scientist who asked not to be named said, "If this water-bearing mineral is present in the lunar samples, more than one piece should be found." The scientist was not associated with the study.&nbsp;

The researchers said that the presence of ammonium indicates a more complex lunar degassing history and highlights its potential as a resource for lunar habitation.

"Our findings also suggest that water molecules can persist in sunlit areas of the Moon as hydrated salts, providing crucial constraints on the fugacity of water and ammonia vapour in lunar volcanic gases," researchers said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Scientists have said that a Chinese lunar probe found traces of water in samples of the Moon's soil. The Chang'e-5 rover completed its mission in 2020, returning to Earth with rock and soil samples from the Moon.

Scientists have said that a Chinese lunar probe found traces of water in samples of the Moon's soil. The Chang'e-5 rover completed its mission in 2020, returning to Earth with rock and soil samples from the Moon. A group of scientists from Chinese universities wrote in the Nature Astronomy journal that the lunar samples "revealed the presence of trace water". India's Chandrayaan-1 played a crucial role in the discovery of water molecules on the Moon. The mission carried NASA's Moon Minerology Mapper (M3), an imaging spectrometer that helped confirm the discovery of water locked in minerals on the Moon. Also read: Bronze Age artefact stuns scientists after mysteriously appearing in Norway waters In 2020, water on the Moon was already confirmed by a NASA infrared detector and recent examinations of materials from the 1960s and 1970s have shown water traces. According to the Chinese scientists, the Chang'e-5 samples are from a "much higher latitude", providing new clues as to what form water takes on the Moon's surface. They said that the samples suggest that "water molecules can persist in sunlit areas of the Moon in the form of hydrated salts". As reported by SCMP, the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) on Tuesday said that Chinese scientists have found a hydrated mineral "enriched" with molecular water based on lunar soil samples returned by China's Chang'e-5 mission in 2020. Researchers from the Beijing National Laboratory for Condensed Matter Physics, the Institute of Physics of CAS and other domestic research institutions jointly carried out the research, which was published in the peer-reviewed journal Nature Astronomy on July 16. Researchers have also eliminated the chance that the mineral-carrying water was tainted by rocket exhaust or other terrestrial sources. Also read: 25 years, 25 photos: NASA's Chandra Observatory peeks into the mysteries of cosmos As quoted by SCMP, a scientist who asked not to be named said, "If this water-bearing mineral is present in the lunar samples, more than one piece should be found." The scientist was not associated with the study. The researchers said that the presence of ammonium indicates a more complex lunar degassing history and highlights its potential as a resource for lunar habitation. "Our findings also suggest that water molecules can persist in sunlit areas of the Moon as hydrated salts, providing crucial constraints on the fugacity of water and ammonia vapour in lunar volcanic gases," researchers said. (With inputs from agencies)

Chinese lunar probe finds traces of water in samples of Moon's soil

The scientists in China have laid out a road map for creating network infrastructure between Earth and the moon which is expected to make space travel easier.&nbsp;

As per the China Academy of Space Technology (CAST) and the Beijing Institute of Spacecraft System Engineering's researchers, the complete network of three lunar ground stations and 30 satellites will provide monitoring services, navigation and real-time communication to global users.&nbsp;

The aim of creating this superhighway is to allow 20 or more space travellers to communicate simultaneously with Earth through audio, images or video.&nbsp;

The network will also provide&nbsp;accurate positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) when the spacecraft is travelling between the moon and Earth and lunar surface operations are being carried out.&nbsp;

This network will also monitor as well as track the moving targets called the cislunar space, which are in the region between the Earth and the&nbsp;moon even though they are as small as one metre, the&nbsp;researchers wrote in the journal Chinese Space Science and Technology in June.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/strictly-speaking-earth-is-not-revolving-around-the-sun-currently-heres-what-it-means-740359">Strictly speaking, Earth is not revolving around the Sun currently. Here's what it means</a>

“Cislunar space has become a new frontier for human activities,” said the team headed by Yang Mengfei, chief designer of China’s&nbsp;Chang’e-5 mission.

“Space activities in this region are set to expand rapidly over the next decade, driving a new round of global competition," the team explained.

“The competition for resources such as orbital slots and radio frequencies is already on, and will only get more intense in the future. There’s an urgent need for China to establish a top-level road map to develop cislunar space infrastructure and gain a competitive edge in the emerging cislunar economy," they added.

<h2>What is cislunar space in which China plans to build a communication road?</h2>

Cislunar space is the region between Earth and the moon. This includes the orbits of&nbsp;satellites&nbsp;around Earth and the space where the orbit of the moon is placed.

The researchers said that China is becoming a major player in deep space and lunar exploration and hence strategic planning is critical to “avoid repetitive construction and optimise resource allocation” for future missions.

Watch:&nbsp;How climate change is altering the earth’s rotation?

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The strategic planning includes exploration missions to the outer solar system, construction of an international lunar research station and crewed lunar landings.&nbsp;

“While plans exist in the US, Europe and Japan, none have been implemented yet. China has a unique opportunity to secure a substantial share in the emerging cislunar space industry,” the researchers said.

(With inputs from agencies)

The scientists in China have laid out a road map for creating network infrastructure between Earth and the moon which is expected to make space travel easier. As per the China Academy of Space Technology (CAST) and the Beijing Institute of Spacecraft System Engineering's researchers, the complete network of three lunar ground stations and 30 satellites will provide monitoring services, navigation and real-time communication to global users.

The scientists in China have laid out a road map for creating network infrastructure between Earth and the moon which is expected to make space travel easier. As per the China Academy of Space Technology (CAST) and the Beijing Institute of Spacecraft System Engineering's researchers, the complete network of three lunar ground stations and 30 satellites will provide monitoring services, navigation and real-time communication to global users. The aim of creating this superhighway is to allow 20 or more space travellers to communicate simultaneously with Earth through audio, images or video. The network will also provide accurate positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) when the spacecraft is travelling between the moon and Earth and lunar surface operations are being carried out. This network will also monitor as well as track the moving targets called the cislunar space, which are in the region between the Earth and the moon even though they are as small as one metre, the researchers wrote in the journal Chinese Space Science and Technology in June. Also Read: Strictly speaking, Earth is not revolving around the Sun currently. Here's what it means “Cislunar space has become a new frontier for human activities,” said the team headed by Yang Mengfei, chief designer of China’s Chang’e-5 mission. “Space activities in this region are set to expand rapidly over the next decade, driving a new round of global competition," the team explained. “The competition for resources such as orbital slots and radio frequencies is already on, and will only get more intense in the future. There’s an urgent need for China to establish a top-level road map to develop cislunar space infrastructure and gain a competitive edge in the emerging cislunar economy," they added. What is cislunar space in which China plans to build a communication road? Cislunar space is the region between Earth and the moon. This includes the orbits of satellites around Earth and the space where the orbit of the moon is placed. The researchers said that China is becoming a major player in deep space and lunar exploration and hence strategic planning is critical to “avoid repetitive construction and optimise resource allocation” for future missions. Watch: How climate change is altering the earth’s rotation? The strategic planning includes exploration missions to the outer solar system, construction of an international lunar research station and crewed lunar landings. “While plans exist in the US, Europe and Japan, none have been implemented yet. China has a unique opportunity to secure a substantial share in the emerging cislunar space industry,” the researchers said. (With inputs from agencies)

China plans to connect Earth with the moon through a communication superhighway

Chinese scientists have unveiled a road map to build infrastructure between Earth and the moon to meet national strategic needs and make space travel easier and safer for all. Watch in for more details!

China proposes information superhighway between Earth and Moon

The quest for water (or ice) on the Moon is significant&nbsp;for scientists around the world. It's because the water can be harnessed as potential fuel for future space exploration missions, with the Moon effectively hosting a fuel station for spacecraft. Taking this idea forward, American&nbsp;space agency NASA launched its Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover (VIPER) mission, which aimed to map ice on the south pole of the Moon and then drill it out on the surface. Now, as per reports, NASA on Wednesday (Jul 17) scrapped the project citing cost and delay concerns.

<h2>$450 million already spent</h2>

The decision comes even as the space agency has already spent a whopping $450 million on the project. A rover, that the agency planned to use in the mission, has already been assembled and the construction of the lander was in the works. Now, NASA says it's looking for potential buyers for that rover, which can be used in lunar exploration missions.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwieitrUjbOHAxVQUWwGHT9MANwQxfQBKAB6BAgQEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/science/decline-in-indias-vulture-population-impacted-human-health-contributing-to-thousands-of-deaths-report-741732" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/science/decline-in-indias-vulture-population-impacted-human-health-contributing-to-thousands-of-deaths-report-741732&amp;ved=2ahUKEwieitrUjbOHAxVQUWwGHT9MANwQxfQBKAB6BAgQEAE">Decline in India`s vulture population impacted human health, contributing to thousands of deaths: Report</a>

Nicola Fox, associate administrator for NASA’s science mission directorate, said it was a "tough decision."

“This has been a really tough decision, which we make in an uncertain budget environment,” Fox said. “But we do believe that this is a way for us to continue to support the entire CLPS portfolio.”

<h2>Why has the project been cancelled?</h2>

The United States&nbsp;Congress had allocated $433.5 million for the VIPER project. The mission's objective was to land the rover on the lunar surface by the end of 2023. But, new estimates suggested the mission will require $176 million more and would only be ready for launch by late 2025.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwieitrUjbOHAxVQUWwGHT9MANwQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-finally-know-why-do-we-blush-741791" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-finally-know-why-do-we-blush-741791&amp;ved=2ahUKEwieitrUjbOHAxVQUWwGHT9MANwQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE">Scientists finally know why do we blush</a>

NASA was not ready for this budget increase, amidst the agency's increased focus on the Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) programme, where it plans to join forces with private players to transport scientific equipment to space.

<h2>NASA's quest for water on the Moon still ON'</h2>

Despite the closure of the VIPER project, NASA isn't going to put a halt to its ongoing search for water on the Moon.

“Despite what’s happening with VIPER, we are committed to continuing to study the Moon and to look for water and ice in all of our future missions,” Fox said during the 17 July announcement.

(With inputs from agencies)

The quest for water (or ice) on the Moon is significant for scientists around the world. It's because the water can be harnessed as potential fuel for future space exploration missions, with the Moon effectively hosting a fuel station for spacecraft.

The quest for water (or ice) on the Moon is significant for scientists around the world. It's because the water can be harnessed as potential fuel for future space exploration missions, with the Moon effectively hosting a fuel station for spacecraft. Taking this idea forward, American space agency NASA launched its Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover (VIPER) mission, which aimed to map ice on the south pole of the Moon and then drill it out on the surface. Now, as per reports, NASA on Wednesday (Jul 17) scrapped the project citing cost and delay concerns. $450 million already spent The decision comes even as the space agency has already spent a whopping $450 million on the project. A rover, that the agency planned to use in the mission, has already been assembled and the construction of the lander was in the works. Now, NASA says it's looking for potential buyers for that rover, which can be used in lunar exploration missions. Also read: Decline in India`s vulture population impacted human health, contributing to thousands of deaths: Report Nicola Fox, associate administrator for NASA’s science mission directorate, said it was a "tough decision." “This has been a really tough decision, which we make in an uncertain budget environment,” Fox said. “But we do believe that this is a way for us to continue to support the entire CLPS portfolio.” Why has the project been cancelled? The United States Congress had allocated $433.5 million for the VIPER project. The mission's objective was to land the rover on the lunar surface by the end of 2023. But, new estimates suggested the mission will require $176 million more and would only be ready for launch by late 2025. Also read: Scientists finally know why do we blush NASA was not ready for this budget increase, amidst the agency's increased focus on the Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) programme, where it plans to join forces with private players to transport scientific equipment to space. NASA's quest for water on the Moon still ON' Despite the closure of the VIPER project, NASA isn't going to put a halt to its ongoing search for water on the Moon. “Despite what’s happening with VIPER, we are committed to continuing to study the Moon and to look for water and ice in all of our future missions,” Fox said during the 17 July announcement. (With inputs from agencies)

After spending $450mn on lunar exploration mission, NASA abruptly cancels it

Scientists have been left stunned after they found a diverse seascape on Saturn’s moon Titan appearing eerily similar to Earth.&nbsp;

Just like freshwater rivers and salty oceans flowing on Earth, scientists have now found strange lakes, rivers and oceans flowing on Titan.&nbsp;

Unlike the water oceans present on Earth, the lakes of Titan are filled with ethane and methane which are in liquid form at the average surface temperature of the planet which is about -179°C (-290°F).

The surface and composition of Titan’s seas were mapped by Valerio Poggiali&nbsp;at Cornell University, New York and his colleagues using a different radar technique in which an increased amount of ethane was revealed.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-plan-to-redefine-meaning-of-the-planet-but-pluto-still-remains-out-of-list-740584">Scientists plan to revisit definition of planet but Pluto still remains out of list</a>

“The more north you go, the cleaner and purer the seas are; they’re more methane-dominated,” Poggiali said.&nbsp;

In the new study, the signals from Cassini’s radar were analysed which reflected off the surface of the lakes and eventually received with the help of radio antennae on Earth operated by NASA, known as the Deep Space Network.&nbsp;

<h2>Wind-whipped waves emerging from Titan's rivers: Study</h2>

Poggiali said that many of the rivers and estuaries, which fed the lakes, had rough surfaces beneath them which was a result of wind-whipped waves.

He added that this hints at active tides or currents which feed into the lakes.&nbsp;

“Activity on the surface of the seas is super important if you want to plan a future mission, like a Titan submarine, but also to be able to better understand Titan’s environments in terms of wind and its atmospheric characteristics," Poggiali said.&nbsp;

Poggiali and his colleagues also discovered that there was higher composition of methane in the rivers before they reached the lakes.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Scientists say the Earth's core is behaving oddly. Here's why

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/scientists-say-the-earths-core-is-behaving-oddly-heres-why-739062/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Ingo Mueller-Wodarg&nbsp;at Imperial College London said that it will help them in tracking the ethane and methane cycle on Titan.&nbsp;

“When a river enters a large, salty ocean on Earth, then you would see that, near where the river enters, you have a lower salinity of the water,” he said.&nbsp;

“It's kind of a similar thing happening here, only that it's not about the content of salt, but the relative proportion of methane and ethane," he added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Scientists have been left stunned after they found a diverse seascape on Saturn’s moon Titan appearing eerily similar to Earth. Just like freshwater rivers and salty oceans flowing on Earth, scientists have now found strange lakes, rivers and oceans flowing on Titan.

Scientists have been left stunned after they found a diverse seascape on Saturn’s moon Titan appearing eerily similar to Earth. Just like freshwater rivers and salty oceans flowing on Earth, scientists have now found strange lakes, rivers and oceans flowing on Titan. Unlike the water oceans present on Earth, the lakes of Titan are filled with ethane and methane which are in liquid form at the average surface temperature of the planet which is about -179°C (-290°F). The surface and composition of Titan’s seas were mapped by Valerio Poggiali at Cornell University, New York and his colleagues using a different radar technique in which an increased amount of ethane was revealed. Also Read: Scientists plan to revisit definition of planet but Pluto still remains out of list “The more north you go, the cleaner and purer the seas are; they’re more methane-dominated,” Poggiali said. In the new study, the signals from Cassini’s radar were analysed which reflected off the surface of the lakes and eventually received with the help of radio antennae on Earth operated by NASA, known as the Deep Space Network. Wind-whipped waves emerging from Titan's rivers: Study Poggiali said that many of the rivers and estuaries, which fed the lakes, had rough surfaces beneath them which was a result of wind-whipped waves. He added that this hints at active tides or currents which feed into the lakes. “Activity on the surface of the seas is super important if you want to plan a future mission, like a Titan submarine, but also to be able to better understand Titan’s environments in terms of wind and its atmospheric characteristics," Poggiali said. Poggiali and his colleagues also discovered that there was higher composition of methane in the rivers before they reached the lakes. Watch: Scientists say the Earth's core is behaving oddly. Here's why Ingo Mueller-Wodarg at Imperial College London said that it will help them in tracking the ethane and methane cycle on Titan. “When a river enters a large, salty ocean on Earth, then you would see that, near where the river enters, you have a lower salinity of the water,” he said. “It's kind of a similar thing happening here, only that it's not about the content of salt, but the relative proportion of methane and ethane," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Strange lakes, rivers and oceans are flowing on Saturn's moon. Scientists find it eerily similar to Earth

Researchers have newly found an underground cave system on the moon, that could be established as the lunar base for the astronauts visiting the moon during future missions. Watch in for more details!

Gravitas: Mapping moon's underground potential, scientists find underground cave on moon

Scientists find underground caves on moon

How caves could revolutionise Moon missions?

Scientists have confirmed a cave on the Moon and suspect that there are hundreds more. They believe that such caves could house future astronauts. The one confirmed is quite close to the region where Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin landed in 1969.&nbsp;

The cave is said to be reachable from an open pit in the Mare Tranquillitatis (Sea of Tranquility). As it is accessible from the surface, it has made the spot a prime location to build a future lunar base. It would serve as a natural shelter against the difficult lunar environment.&nbsp;

Leonardo Carrer, the study's first author, said, "The main advantage of caves is that they make available the main structural parts of a possible human base without requiring complex construction activities."&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-shares-stunning-images-of-a-space-get-away-captured-by-webb-and-chandra-741018">NASA shares stunning images of a space get-away captured by Webb and Chandra</a>&nbsp;

The latest research published in Nature Astronomy titled, "Radar evidence of an accessible cave conduit on the Moon below the Mare Tranquillitatis pit", made this milestone discovery about the Moon and future lunar explorations.&nbsp;

The research, which is a result of an international collaboration, was published on Monday (Jul 15). Scientists for the first time have found evidence of&nbsp;a substantial underground cave on the Moon. Researchers suspect that the cave is an empty lava tube.&nbsp;

The study was partially funded by the Italian Space Agency. It also involved researchers of the University of Padua and La Venta Geographic Explorations APS. The researchers contributed to the geological analyses and the modelling of the identified conduit.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/our-sun-has-been-emanating-mysterious-radio-signals-for-decades-nasa-plans-to-find-the-exact-source-740983">Our sun is sending mysterious radio signals for decades. NASA plans to find the exact source</a>&nbsp;

NASA's lunar reconnaissance orbiter (LRO) radar data analysis showed that the Mare Tranquillitatis pit, the Moon's deepest known pit, leads to a cave that is up to 80 metres long and 45 metres wide. The cave lies about 150 metres beneath the surface.&nbsp;

As quoted in reports, Lorenzo Bruzzone, professor at the University of Trento, explained: "These caves have been theorized for over 50 years, but it is the first time ever that we have demonstrated their existence."&nbsp;

Explaining further, Bruzzone said, "In 2010, as part of the ongoing LRO NASA mission, the Miniature Radio-Frequency (Mini-RF) instrument acquired data that included a pit in Mare Tranquilitatis."&nbsp;

"Years later we have reanalyzed these data with complex signal processing techniques we have recently developed, and have discovered radar reflections from the area of the pit that are best explained by an underground cave conduit," he added. &nbsp;

The scientist said that the "discovery provides the first direct evidence of an accessible lava tube under the surface of the Moon".&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Scientists have confirmed a cave on the Moon and suspect that there are hundreds more. They believe that such caves could house future astronauts. The one confirmed is quite close to the region where Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin landed in 1969.

Scientists have confirmed a cave on the Moon and suspect that there are hundreds more. They believe that such caves could house future astronauts. The one confirmed is quite close to the region where Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin landed in 1969. The cave is said to be reachable from an open pit in the Mare Tranquillitatis (Sea of Tranquility). As it is accessible from the surface, it has made the spot a prime location to build a future lunar base. It would serve as a natural shelter against the difficult lunar environment. Leonardo Carrer, the study's first author, said, "The main advantage of caves is that they make available the main structural parts of a possible human base without requiring complex construction activities." Also read: NASA shares stunning images of a space get-away captured by Webb and Chandra The latest research published in Nature Astronomy titled, "Radar evidence of an accessible cave conduit on the Moon below the Mare Tranquillitatis pit", made this milestone discovery about the Moon and future lunar explorations. The research, which is a result of an international collaboration, was published on Monday (Jul 15). Scientists for the first time have found evidence of a substantial underground cave on the Moon. Researchers suspect that the cave is an empty lava tube. The study was partially funded by the Italian Space Agency. It also involved researchers of the University of Padua and La Venta Geographic Explorations APS. The researchers contributed to the geological analyses and the modelling of the identified conduit. Also read: Our sun is sending mysterious radio signals for decades. NASA plans to find the exact source NASA's lunar reconnaissance orbiter (LRO) radar data analysis showed that the Mare Tranquillitatis pit, the Moon's deepest known pit, leads to a cave that is up to 80 metres long and 45 metres wide. The cave lies about 150 metres beneath the surface. As quoted in reports, Lorenzo Bruzzone, professor at the University of Trento, explained: "These caves have been theorized for over 50 years, but it is the first time ever that we have demonstrated their existence." Explaining further, Bruzzone said, "In 2010, as part of the ongoing LRO NASA mission, the Miniature Radio-Frequency (Mini-RF) instrument acquired data that included a pit in Mare Tranquilitatis." "Years later we have reanalyzed these data with complex signal processing techniques we have recently developed, and have discovered radar reflections from the area of the pit that are best explained by an underground cave conduit," he added. The scientist said that the "discovery provides the first direct evidence of an accessible lava tube under the surface of the Moon". (With inputs from agencies)

Scientists find underground cave on Moon that could be prime location for future lunar base

Earth was seen engaged in a rare cosmic event last week when two huge asteroids made a flyby at a very close distance from the planet.

The asteroids, named 2024 MK and 2011 UL21, did not come so close to Earth to pose a hazard to the planet. However, both of them were within range of radar imaging systems.&nbsp;

The two asteroids were tracked by the scientists at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California.&nbsp;

It was found that one of the asteroids had a little moon orbiting it and the astronomers spotted the other only 13 days before it made its&nbsp;closest approach&nbsp;to Earth.&nbsp;

The asteroids passed near the Earth on June 27. They made a flyby at a distance of 4.1 million miles (6.6 million kilometres) which is 17 times the distance between the Earth and the moon.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/asteroids-thrashing-mars-more-than-ever-thought-leaving-craters-on-red-planet-736281">Asteroids thrashing Mars more than ever thought, leaving craters on Red Planet</a>

In 2011, the asteroid 2011 UL21 was discovered by the Catalina Sky Survey in Tucson, Arizona.&nbsp;

“The term ‘Potentially Hazardous Asteroid’ (PHA) is a precise formal definition, referring to minor planets larger than approximately 140 metres [459 feet] that can come within 7.5 million km [4.6 million miles] from the Earth,” said Gianluca Masi, who is an astrophysicist and scientific director of the Virtual Telescope Project, in a&nbsp;statement&nbsp;before the flyby.&nbsp;

“In other words, only the largest asteroids capable of approaching close enough to our planet are flagged as PHAs, which does not mean they are going to hit the Earth, but they nonetheless warrant better monitoring," he added.

<h2>NASA says asteroids belonged to a binary system</h2>

NASA's Deep Space Network’s Goldstone planetary radar was closely watching the asteroids and captured it seven times as it moved at a speed of 25 kilometres (16 miles) per second.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Asteroid 2024 MK passes Earth at 300,000 km

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/asteroid-2024-mk-passes-earth-at-300000-km-736813/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

NASA got the first chance to image the asteroid by using radar and in that they found that the asteroid belonged to a binary system.

“It is thought that about two-thirds of asteroids of this size are binary systems, and their discovery is particularly important because we can use measurements of their relative positions to estimate their mutual orbits, masses, and densities, which provide key information about how they may have formed,” said Lance Benner, who is a principal scientist at JPL who helped lead the observations, in a&nbsp;statement.

(With inputs from agencies)

Earth was seen engaged in a rare cosmic event last week when two huge asteroids made a flyby at a very close distance from the planet. The asteroids, named 2024 MK and 2011 UL21, did not come so close to Earth to pose a hazard to the planet.

Earth was seen engaged in a rare cosmic event last week when two huge asteroids made a flyby at a very close distance from the planet. The asteroids, named 2024 MK and 2011 UL21, did not come so close to Earth to pose a hazard to the planet. However, both of them were within range of radar imaging systems. The two asteroids were tracked by the scientists at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California. It was found that one of the asteroids had a little moon orbiting it and the astronomers spotted the other only 13 days before it made its closest approach to Earth. The asteroids passed near the Earth on June 27. They made a flyby at a distance of 4.1 million miles (6.6 million kilometres) which is 17 times the distance between the Earth and the moon. Also Read: Asteroids thrashing Mars more than ever thought, leaving craters on Red Planet In 2011, the asteroid 2011 UL21 was discovered by the Catalina Sky Survey in Tucson, Arizona. “The term ‘Potentially Hazardous Asteroid’ (PHA) is a precise formal definition, referring to minor planets larger than approximately 140 metres [459 feet] that can come within 7.5 million km [4.6 million miles] from the Earth,” said Gianluca Masi, who is an astrophysicist and scientific director of the Virtual Telescope Project, in a statement before the flyby. “In other words, only the largest asteroids capable of approaching close enough to our planet are flagged as PHAs, which does not mean they are going to hit the Earth, but they nonetheless warrant better monitoring," he added. NASA says asteroids belonged to a binary system NASA's Deep Space Network’s Goldstone planetary radar was closely watching the asteroids and captured it seven times as it moved at a speed of 25 kilometres (16 miles) per second. Watch: Asteroid 2024 MK passes Earth at 300,000 km NASA got the first chance to image the asteroid by using radar and in that they found that the asteroid belonged to a binary system. “It is thought that about two-thirds of asteroids of this size are binary systems, and their discovery is particularly important because we can use measurements of their relative positions to estimate their mutual orbits, masses, and densities, which provide key information about how they may have formed,” said Lance Benner, who is a principal scientist at JPL who helped lead the observations, in a statement. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA spots large asteroid with moon orbiting it, as it makes close flyby Earth

NASA has awarded $2 million in funding to a project that aims to grow habitats on the Moon and Mars using fungi.

The "Mycotecture Off-Planet" project, led by researchers at NASA's Ames Research Center, is exploring the use of fungal mycelia to construct livable structures for future space explorers.

The concept is based on using a lightweight, compact structure containing dormant fungi that can be activated by adding water, allowing them to grow around the framework and form a fully functional habitat.

This approach could be more feasible than transporting heavy building materials from Earth.

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"As NASA prepares to explore farther into the cosmos than ever before, it will require new science and technology that doesn't yet exist," said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson. "NASA's space technology team and the NIAC programme unlock visionary ideas – ideas that make the impossible, possible."

The Mycotecture project has already demonstrated proof-of-concept by developing bricks made from mycelium, yard waste and wood chips.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/antikythera-mechanism-an-ancient-greek-computer-tracked-lunar-calendar-736318">Antikythera mechanism, an ancient Greek 'computer' tracked lunar calendar</a>

These prototypes have been rigorously tested in a planetary simulator and the team has also drafted detailed design plans for a mycelium-based lunar habitat.

Watch | Lancet study claims half of Indian adults are physically unfit

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Beyond just providing a structure, the fungal habitat concept also incorporates other lifeforms, such as cyanobacteria, to create a self-sustaining ecosystem.

The cyanobacteria can use sunlight to produce oxygen and nutrients for the mycelia, while the mycelia provide a sturdy, radiation-shielding home for the astronauts.

"Mycotecture Off Planet exemplifies how concepts can change how we envision future exploration missions," said John Nelson, NIAC Program Executive. "As NASA embarks on the next era of space exploration, NIAC helps the agency lay the necessary groundwork to bring innovative visions to life."

This research could not only benefit future space exploration but also have applications for more sustainable living on Earth.

(With inputs from agencies)

NASA has awarded $2 million in funding to a project that aims to grow habitats on the Moon and Mars using fungi. The "Mycotecture Off-Planet" project, led by researchers at NASA's Ames Research Center, is exploring the use of fungal mycelia to construct livable structures for future space explorers.

NASA has awarded $2 million in funding to a project that aims to grow habitats on the Moon and Mars using fungi. The "Mycotecture Off-Planet" project, led by researchers at NASA's Ames Research Center, is exploring the use of fungal mycelia to construct livable structures for future space explorers. The concept is based on using a lightweight, compact structure containing dormant fungi that can be activated by adding water, allowing them to grow around the framework and form a fully functional habitat. This approach could be more feasible than transporting heavy building materials from Earth. Also Read | Device inspired by Python teeth revolutionises rotator cuff repair surgery "As NASA prepares to explore farther into the cosmos than ever before, it will require new science and technology that doesn't yet exist," said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson. "NASA's space technology team and the NIAC programme unlock visionary ideas – ideas that make the impossible, possible." The Mycotecture project has already demonstrated proof-of-concept by developing bricks made from mycelium, yard waste and wood chips. Also Read | Antikythera mechanism, an ancient Greek 'computer' tracked lunar calendar These prototypes have been rigorously tested in a planetary simulator and the team has also drafted detailed design plans for a mycelium-based lunar habitat. Watch | Lancet study claims half of Indian adults are physically unfit × Beyond just providing a structure, the fungal habitat concept also incorporates other lifeforms, such as cyanobacteria, to create a self-sustaining ecosystem. The cyanobacteria can use sunlight to produce oxygen and nutrients for the mycelia, while the mycelia provide a sturdy, radiation-shielding home for the astronauts. "Mycotecture Off Planet exemplifies how concepts can change how we envision future exploration missions," said John Nelson, NIAC Program Executive. "As NASA embarks on the next era of space exploration, NIAC helps the agency lay the necessary groundwork to bring innovative visions to life." This research could not only benefit future space exploration but also have applications for more sustainable living on Earth. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA backs plan to make homes with fungi on Moon and Mars

In a stunning discovery, scientists&nbsp;have spotted an asteroid which is tagging along with Earth in its annual revolution around the Sun.&nbsp;

The asteroid, which has been dubbed as 2023 FW13, has been termed a “quasi-moon” or “quasi-satellite" by the experts.

The asteroid has been classified as a "quasi-moon" because it has been orbiting the sun in a similar time frame as the Earth. However, the asteroid was also impacted by Earth's gravitational pull.

Asteroid 2023 FW13&nbsp;measures nearly 50 feet (15 meters) in diameter and is located at a distance of nearly nine million miles (14 million kilometres) from the Earth.

The scientists used the&nbsp;Pan-STARRS&nbsp;survey telescope for spotting the 2023 FW13 on March 28, 2023.&nbsp;

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The telescope was kept on the top of Haleakala, which is a dormant volcano on the Hawaiian Island of Maui.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;Canada-France-Hawaii telescope as well as two observatories in Arizona (which are the&nbsp;Kitt Peak National Observatory&nbsp;and&nbsp;Mt. Lemmon SkyCenter) confirmed the asteroid's presence in the Earth’s vicinity.

The asteroid was officially listed by the&nbsp;Minor Planet Center&nbsp;at the International Astronomical Union on April 1. The organisation is responsible for designating new moons, planets as well as other astronomical objects in our solar system.

<h2>How asteroid 2023 FW13 was classified as a 'quasi-moon'?</h2>

The listing of the asteroid came to the attention of journalist and astronomer Adrien Coffinet. He used an orbit simulator to map the path of the asteroid. The orbit simulator was developed by amateur astronomer Tony Dunn.&nbsp;

In the model, 2023 FW13 was seen revolving around the sun at the same time as the Earth does. Since the asteroid circles around our planet hence, Coffinet classified it as a “quasi-moon".

Senior research scientist at the&nbsp;Space Science Institute&nbsp;in Boulder, Colorado Alan Harris emphasised that since the Earth plays an important role in the motion of the asteroid, its classification as a “quasi-satellite” is a little far-fetched.

According to the scientists, 2023 FW13 appears to be the cosmic companion of our planet since at least 100 BCE.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Russian satellite breaks up in space, forces ISS astronauts to shelter

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The asteroid is most likely to follow our planet in its orbit around the sun till around 3,700 CE. “It seems to be the longest quasi-satellite of Earth known to date,” said Coffinet.

The asteroid, even though hovers relatively close to our planet, is unlikely to collide with the Earth.

“The good news is, such an orbit doesn’t result in an impacting trajectory ‘out of the blue,’” said Harris.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In a stunning discovery, scientists have spotted an asteroid which is tagging along with Earth in its annual revolution around the Sun. The asteroid, which has been dubbed as 2023 FW13, has been termed a “quasi-moon” or “quasi-satellite" by the experts.

In a stunning discovery, scientists have spotted an asteroid which is tagging along with Earth in its annual revolution around the Sun. The asteroid, which has been dubbed as 2023 FW13, has been termed a “quasi-moon” or “quasi-satellite" by the experts. The asteroid has been classified as a "quasi-moon" because it has been orbiting the sun in a similar time frame as the Earth. However, the asteroid was also impacted by Earth's gravitational pull. Asteroid 2023 FW13 measures nearly 50 feet (15 meters) in diameter and is located at a distance of nearly nine million miles (14 million kilometres) from the Earth. The scientists used the Pan-STARRS survey telescope for spotting the 2023 FW13 on March 28, 2023. Also Read: Earth’s near miss! Mountain-size asteroid to fly-by at close range; here’s how to watch it live The telescope was kept on the top of Haleakala, which is a dormant volcano on the Hawaiian Island of Maui. The Canada-France-Hawaii telescope as well as two observatories in Arizona (which are the Kitt Peak National Observatory and Mt. Lemmon SkyCenter) confirmed the asteroid's presence in the Earth’s vicinity. The asteroid was officially listed by the Minor Planet Center at the International Astronomical Union on April 1. The organisation is responsible for designating new moons, planets as well as other astronomical objects in our solar system. How asteroid 2023 FW13 was classified as a 'quasi-moon'? The listing of the asteroid came to the attention of journalist and astronomer Adrien Coffinet. He used an orbit simulator to map the path of the asteroid. The orbit simulator was developed by amateur astronomer Tony Dunn. In the model, 2023 FW13 was seen revolving around the sun at the same time as the Earth does. Since the asteroid circles around our planet hence, Coffinet classified it as a “quasi-moon". Senior research scientist at the Space Science Institute in Boulder, Colorado Alan Harris emphasised that since the Earth plays an important role in the motion of the asteroid, its classification as a “quasi-satellite” is a little far-fetched. According to the scientists, 2023 FW13 appears to be the cosmic companion of our planet since at least 100 BCE. Watch: Russian satellite breaks up in space, forces ISS astronauts to shelter The asteroid is most likely to follow our planet in its orbit around the sun till around 3,700 CE. “It seems to be the longest quasi-satellite of Earth known to date,” said Coffinet. The asteroid, even though hovers relatively close to our planet, is unlikely to collide with the Earth. “The good news is, such an orbit doesn’t result in an impacting trajectory ‘out of the blue,’” said Harris. (With inputs from agencies)

Earth gets another 'moon'. This 'quasi-satellite' to lurk around for thousands of years

China is an undisputed space superpower. China wants to land its astronauts on the moon by 2030. However, China's space program threatens its own people and villages. Debris from Chinese rockets fall on villages in Southwest China, spreading toxic, cancer-causing chemicals in populated areas. Chinese space debris comprising large rocket parts have fallen in India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Ivory Coast.. China doesn't share information on where their rocket debris could end up falling.

Gravitas | The danger posed by Chinese space debris

A Chinese probe has returned to Earth carrying the first samples ever taken from the moon's far side. Chinese state television broadcast images Tuesday of the capsule holding the samples, as it floated down under a parachute onto the grassy steppe of Inner Mongolia.

China's CHANG'E- 6 returns to Earth after collecting moon samples

Skywatchers are in for a treat in the upcoming months. A “major lunar standstill” is all set to grace&nbsp;our night skies this year. The celestial event is happening after 18 long years as the last major lunar standstill was seen in 2006.&nbsp;

During this event, the moon will rise and set at its most extreme northerly and southerly positions on the horizon reaching its highest and lowest points in the 18.6-year lunar cycle. This happens because the moon does not follow the same path as the sun. Its rising and setting positions on the horizon change constantly due to the movements of the Earth and the moon.&nbsp;

Earth rotates on an axis tilted by 23.4 degrees with respect to this ecliptic, causing the sun to rise and set within almost 47 degrees — a range it gradually covers over an entire year. The moon's orbit, on the other hand, is tilted by 5.1 degrees relative to the ecliptic, allowing it to rise and set within a 57-degree range in any given month.

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This causes the moon to rise and set at points on the horizon farther north and south than the sun can.

<h2>How a ‘major lunar standstill’ is formed</h2>

A major lunar standstill, also known as lunistice, occurs when the tilts of both Earth and the moon are at their maximum.&nbsp;

During this period, the moon rises and sets at the extremes of its range. It rises at its very highest northeasterly point and sets at its very highest northwesterly point. It also rises at its most southeasterly point and sets at its most southwesterly point at this time.

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Historical sites such as Stonehenge, Callanish and Newgrange appear to be aligned with moonrise and moonset points during a major lunar standstill, indicating the celestial event’s past importance.

<h2>When can we expect a ‘major lunar standstill’?</h2>

This major lunar standstill will be at its most extreme around the equinoxes in September 2024 and March 2025, which will provide its best view.

However, visibility depends on the moon's phase, your location and the weather. Good times to look include when the moon rises and the sun sets, and vice versa, during a full moon.&nbsp;

This phenomenon can be best watched with a pair of stargazing binoculars or a good backyard telescope, but you can also spot the lunar standstill with the naked eye.

(With inputs from agencies)

Skywatchers are in for a treat in the upcoming months. A “major lunar standstill” is all set to grace our night skies this year. The celestial event is happening after 18 long years as the last major lunar standstill was seen in 2006.

Skywatchers are in for a treat in the upcoming months. A “major lunar standstill” is all set to grace our night skies this year. The celestial event is happening after 18 long years as the last major lunar standstill was seen in 2006. During this event, the moon will rise and set at its most extreme northerly and southerly positions on the horizon reaching its highest and lowest points in the 18.6-year lunar cycle. This happens because the moon does not follow the same path as the sun. Its rising and setting positions on the horizon change constantly due to the movements of the Earth and the moon. Earth rotates on an axis tilted by 23.4 degrees with respect to this ecliptic, causing the sun to rise and set within almost 47 degrees — a range it gradually covers over an entire year. The moon's orbit, on the other hand, is tilted by 5.1 degrees relative to the ecliptic, allowing it to rise and set within a 57-degree range in any given month. Also Read | Bursting winds from black holes are likely shaping galaxies: study This causes the moon to rise and set at points on the horizon farther north and south than the sun can. How a ‘major lunar standstill’ is formed A major lunar standstill, also known as lunistice, occurs when the tilts of both Earth and the moon are at their maximum. During this period, the moon rises and sets at the extremes of its range. It rises at its very highest northeasterly point and sets at its very highest northwesterly point. It also rises at its most southeasterly point and sets at its most southwesterly point at this time. Also Read | Scientists say watery planets orbiting dead stars may be hosting alien life Historical sites such as Stonehenge, Callanish and Newgrange appear to be aligned with moonrise and moonset points during a major lunar standstill, indicating the celestial event’s past importance. When can we expect a ‘major lunar standstill’? This major lunar standstill will be at its most extreme around the equinoxes in September 2024 and March 2025, which will provide its best view. However, visibility depends on the moon's phase, your location and the weather. Good times to look include when the moon rises and the sun sets, and vice versa, during a full moon. This phenomenon can be best watched with a pair of stargazing binoculars or a good backyard telescope, but you can also spot the lunar standstill with the naked eye. (With inputs from agencies)

First 'major lunar standstill' in more than 18 years to occur this year. Here's how to see it

China's Chang'e-6 lunar probe has successfully lifted off from Moon. The probe, as per an announcement from China's national space agency on Tuesday (June 4), is on its journey back to Earth after taking off from the far side of the moon, an area permanently hidden from our view.

<h2>Historic achievement</h2>

With this historic feat — launching from the moon's unexplored side — China is on the verge of being the first country to bring back samples from a part of the moon no other country has touched.&nbsp;

The probe, as per a Reuters report, left the moon's surface at 7:38 am local time (2338 GMT), after gathering samples over two days - June 2 and 3.

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According to the China National Space Administration (CNSA), the Chang'e-6 managed to endure high temperatures during its mission on the far side of the moon.

Chang'e-6 "withstood the test of high temperature on the far side of the moon," said the space agency.

<h2>Remarkable mission</h2>

Unlike the previous Chang'e-5 mission, which collected samples from the moon's near side, Chang'e-6 operated under additional technical challenges — the probe had to operate without direct links to Earth.&nbsp;

Instead, it communicated through the Queqiao-2 satellite, launched in April to aid this mission.

Using a drill and a robotic arm, the Chang'e-6 probe collected soil from the moon's surface and just below it, as per reports from Xinhua, the state news agency.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/chinas-secret-spaceplane-ejects-mysterious-object-into-earths-orbit-us-hunts-it-down-726732">China’s secret spaceplane ejects mysterious object into Earth’s orbit. US hunts it down</a>

During its mission, Chang'e-6 also planted China's national flag on the moon's far side for the first time, reported Beijing Daily.

The probe is now orbiting the moon and will soon connect with another spacecraft in orbit, said the CNSA. From there, the moon soil samples will be moved to a return module, and travel back to Earth.&nbsp;

As per reports, the landing is expected to happen in China's Inner Mongolia region around June 25.

(With inputs from agencies)

China's Chang'e-6 lunar probe has successfully lifted off from Moon. The probe, as per an announcement from China's national space agency on Tuesday (June 4), is on its journey back to Earth after taking off from the far side of the moon, an area permanently hidden from our view.

China's Chang'e-6 lunar probe has successfully lifted off from Moon. The probe, as per an announcement from China's national space agency on Tuesday (June 4), is on its journey back to Earth after taking off from the far side of the moon, an area permanently hidden from our view. Historic achievement With this historic feat — launching from the moon's unexplored side — China is on the verge of being the first country to bring back samples from a part of the moon no other country has touched. The probe, as per a Reuters report, left the moon's surface at 7:38 am local time (2338 GMT), after gathering samples over two days - June 2 and 3. Also read | Boeing, NASA target June 5 for Starliner's debut crew flight According to the China National Space Administration (CNSA), the Chang'e-6 managed to endure high temperatures during its mission on the far side of the moon. Chang'e-6 "withstood the test of high temperature on the far side of the moon," said the space agency. Remarkable mission Unlike the previous Chang'e-5 mission, which collected samples from the moon's near side, Chang'e-6 operated under additional technical challenges — the probe had to operate without direct links to Earth. Instead, it communicated through the Queqiao-2 satellite, launched in April to aid this mission. Using a drill and a robotic arm, the Chang'e-6 probe collected soil from the moon's surface and just below it, as per reports from Xinhua, the state news agency. Also read | China’s secret spaceplane ejects mysterious object into Earth’s orbit. US hunts it down During its mission, Chang'e-6 also planted China's national flag on the moon's far side for the first time, reported Beijing Daily. The probe is now orbiting the moon and will soon connect with another spacecraft in orbit, said the CNSA. From there, the moon soil samples will be moved to a return module, and travel back to Earth. As per reports, the landing is expected to happen in China's Inner Mongolia region around June 25. (With inputs from agencies)

China's Chang'e-6 probe makes history, begins return journey to Earth with samples from Moon's dark side

As NASA prepares for a new cosmic journey to the moon which will be launched for the first time in more than 50 years, a new theory emerged that the astronauts might be facing the threat of sandblasts.

As NASA prepares for a new cosmic journey to the moon which will be launched for the first time in more than 50 years, a new theory emerged that the astronauts might be facing the threat of sandblasts. While speaking to the Scientific American, University of Central Florida physicist Phil Metzger said that the latest findings regarding the potential pitfalls of mega-toxic and rapidly moving lunar dust— known as "sandblasts" — meant that astronauts may have required better safety standards for survival. Also Read: Scientists to install nuclear-powered UFO detectors in space to lure aliens to Earth, claims expert The researchers have already known that the equipment could be harmed by rocket sandblasts and lead to substantial erosion. However, while studying how they occurred, they figured out what are the best practices for the equipment and astronaut. The new theory also raised questions regarding whether current protections are even adequate for surviving the blast impact. What are the best ways to stay safe from sandblasts? In a NASA policy, Metzger co-wrote that small lunar landers should not touch down within nearly 1.2 miles of the Apollo landing sites to protect the place from the sandblasts of the crafts. According to a report published in Scientific American, the length cutoff was apparently arbitrary and was decided on the basis of what can be seen by a six-foot-tall person when looking out over the Moon's horizon. Watch: Robot astronaut heading to Chinese space station There were also theories regarding the danger of rocket sandblasts, however to Metzger, the numbers did not appear to be fitting. As per the latest theory, which was published in the journal Icarus, Metzger said that instead of eroding the lunar surface and stirring up dust, the rocket's massive speed leads to the creation of kinetic force which kicks dust-up in a way which is more complicated than earlier believed. According to the theory, the tiny accelerated rocks which are present in Moondust are likely to be moving at speeds which are four to ten times faster than what was earlier believed by the scientists. This further meant that the spacecraft and spacesuits needed to have extra reinforcements. "The amount of damage [lunar dust] might cause to a spacecraft," warned Metzger, adding, "could be an order of magnitude worse than we believed." (With inputs from agencies)

Astronauts beware! Sandblasts on the moon may shred you to pieces

China on Saturday (June 1) landed a spacecraft on the far side of the Moon to collect soil and rock samples that could provide insights into differences between the less-explored region and the better-known near side.

China on Saturday (June 1) landed a spacecraft on the far side of the Moon to collect soil and rock samples that could provide insights into differences between the less-explored region and the better-known near side. According to the China National Space Administration (CSNA), the Chang'e-6 craft touched down at 6.23 am local time in a huge crater known as the South Pole-Aitken Basin. The spacecraft was equipped with an array of tools. The CSNA said that the mission "involves many engineering innovations, high risks and great difficulty." "The payloads carried by the Chang'e-6 lander will work as planned and carry out scientific exploration missions," it added. A landmark mission for China A report by the news agency Reuters on Saturday said that this mission was a landmark mission for China. This mission is China's second on the far side of the moon, a region no other country has reached. The Chang'e-6 probe launched on May 3 on China's Long March 5 rocket from the Wenchang Satellite Launch Center on the southern island of Hainan, reaching the lunar vicinity roughly a week later before tightening its orbit in preparation for a landing. Using a scoop and drill, the lander will aim to collect two kilograms of lunar material and bring it back to Earth, Reuters reported. The samples will be transferred to a rocket booster atop the lander, which will launch back into space, tag up with another spacecraft in lunar orbit, and return, with a landing in China's Inner Mongolia region expected around June 25.

China lands spacecraft on Moon's far side to collect rocks

Pakistani lawmaker Syed Mustafa Kamal, while speaking at the country's Parliament, compared the achievements of India with Karachi's precarious situation, taking New Delhi's successful moon landing mission as one of the examples.

Pakistani lawmaker Syed Mustafa Kamal, while speaking at the country's Parliament, compared the achievements of India with Karachi's precarious situation, taking New Delhi's successful moon landing mission as one of the examples. Muttahida Quami Movement Pakistan's (MQM-P) leader said that on the one hand, India has been successfully landing on the moon and on the other hand Karachi has been making headlines for all the wrong reasons. India Is On The Moon, We're failing Our Kids - Pakistan MP's Statement Goes Viral While Delhi is going to the Moon, Pakistani kids are falling into gutters and dying, Syed Mustafa Kamal told parliament on Wednesday. Highlighting issues of no fresh water in Karachi & issues… pic.twitter.com/iNbxl7kUje — RT_India (@RT_India_news) May 16, 2024 × "Today, the condition in Karachi is that, while the world is going to the moon, children are dying by falling into the gutter in Karachi. On the same screen, there is news that India landed on the moon, and just after two seconds, the news is that a child died in an open gutter in Karachi," said Kamal, in his address to the Parliament on Wednesday (May 15). Also Read: Taliban cancel Pakistan delegation’s Kandahar visit following airstrikes by Islamabad Pakistani MP speaks about Karachi's struggle for freshwater The lawmaker spoke about Karachi facing scarcity of fresh water. Citing a report, he said that around seven million children in Karachi and more than 26 million children in Pakistan are not enrolled in schools. "Karachi is the revenue engine of Pakistan. The two seaports operational in Pakistan since its inception, are both in Karachi. We (Karachi) are the gateway to the entire Pakistan, Central Asia to Afghanistan...For 15 years, Karachi was not given even a bit of fresh water. Even the water that came, the tanker mafia hoarded it and sold it to the people of Karachi," said MP Kamal. Watch: Gravitas | Pakistani-American businessman: 'Hope Pak gets a leader like PM Modi' "We have a total of 48,000 schools, but a new report says that out of that 11,000 are 'ghost schools'. 70 lakh children in Sindh don't go to school and a total of 2,62,00,000 children in the country don't go to school...if we just focus on this, the leaders of the country shouldn't even get proper sleep," the parliamentarian said. Last year in August, India's Chandrayaan-3 lander became the country's first spacecraft to have safely reached the lunar surface. India also emerged as the first nation to land on the South Pole of the moon. Pakistan, meanwhile, has been facing an economic crisis amid increasing debts and high inflation. The country has sought from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) a new loan programme under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF). Currently, a team of the IMF is in Pakistan to discuss the issue. (With inputs from agencies)

'India landed on the moon, while our children die in gutter': Pakistani MP's rant goes viral

MOON: Earth's only natural satellite. Just like Earth, Moon is going to have 'RAILWAY TRACKS' as well. NASA announced its plans to build a robot train on the moon. For it, NASA will be sending its astronauts to the Earth's only natural satellite.

What are NASA's plans to lay down railway tracks on the Moon?

Chinese scientists have found strange volcanoes on the Moon's far side, where the next Chinese mission will land. This discovery is likely to change how we think about lunar volcanoes and help us understand why one side of the Moon looks different from the other.

The Chang’e-6 mission, launched on May 3, aims to collect soil samples from the Apollo basin, situated within the South Pole-Aitken basin, known as the largest impact crater in the solar system.

Recent research published in Earth and Planetary Science Letters by Dr Yuqi Qian and colleagues from the University of Hong Kong (HKU) has uncovered&nbsp;a varied and mysterious history of volcanic activity spanning millions of years.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/people-on-earth-will-soon-be-able-to-calculate-moon-standard-time-heres-how-707126">Also read |&nbsp;Earthlings will soon be able to calculate what time it is on the Moon. Here's how</a>

<h2>What does the analysis suggest?</h2>

Detailed analysis conducted by scientists reveals that volcanic activity in the Apollo basin occurred from the Nectarian to the Eratosthenian period, roughly between 4.05 and 1.79 billion years ago.

This activity was significantly influenced by the thickness of the basin's crust. Dikes beneath the thin crust of the basin reached the surface, forming lava flows, while dikes within the thick crust became trapped, creating basaltic dike intrusions.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-carry-out-breakthrough-investigation-reveal-whats-inside-the-moon-642923">Also read |&nbsp;Scientists carry out breakthrough investigation, reveal what's inside the moon</a>

This finding implies that the variation in crust thickness between the near and far sides of the Moon likely caused the uneven distribution of volcanic activity. Moreover, researchers have identified at least two distinct instances of volcanic eruptions with different chemical compositions in the southern maria plain of the Apollo basin, occurring in the ancient past.

The study's authors stress the importance of the samples collected by Chang’e-6 in gaining a deeper understanding of this diverse volcanic history and its significance for lunar asymmetry.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Chinese scientists have found strange volcanoes on the Moon's far side, where the next Chinese mission will land. This discovery is likely to change how we think about lunar volcanoes and help us understand why one side of the Moon looks different from the other.

Chinese scientists have found strange volcanoes on the Moon's far side, where the next Chinese mission will land. This discovery is likely to change how we think about lunar volcanoes and help us understand why one side of the Moon looks different from the other. The Chang’e-6 mission, launched on May 3, aims to collect soil samples from the Apollo basin, situated within the South Pole-Aitken basin, known as the largest impact crater in the solar system. Recent research published in Earth and Planetary Science Letters by Dr Yuqi Qian and colleagues from the University of Hong Kong (HKU) has uncovered a varied and mysterious history of volcanic activity spanning millions of years. Also read | Earthlings will soon be able to calculate what time it is on the Moon. Here's how What does the analysis suggest? Detailed analysis conducted by scientists reveals that volcanic activity in the Apollo basin occurred from the Nectarian to the Eratosthenian period, roughly between 4.05 and 1.79 billion years ago. This activity was significantly influenced by the thickness of the basin's crust. Dikes beneath the thin crust of the basin reached the surface, forming lava flows, while dikes within the thick crust became trapped, creating basaltic dike intrusions. Also read | Scientists carry out breakthrough investigation, reveal what's inside the moon This finding implies that the variation in crust thickness between the near and far sides of the Moon likely caused the uneven distribution of volcanic activity. Moreover, researchers have identified at least two distinct instances of volcanic eruptions with different chemical compositions in the southern maria plain of the Apollo basin, occurring in the ancient past. The study's authors stress the importance of the samples collected by Chang’e-6 in gaining a deeper understanding of this diverse volcanic history and its significance for lunar asymmetry. (With inputs from agencies)

Mysteries of the moon: Geologists find strange volcanoes on the far side of lunar surface

What will happen to the many languages around the world if humans cease to exist tomorrow? Quite predictably, our languages and their cultural value will also be wiped off the face of this planet. But what about another planet? Maybe we can preserve our linguistic treasures elsewhere in space.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is teaming up with a Japanese lunar exploration company to do just that.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/advances-in-artificial-intelligence-mean-deadbots-can-haunt-users-warn-ai-experts-heres-what-it-means-719542">Advances in artificial intelligence mean 'deadbots' can 'haunt' the living, warn experts. Here's what it means</a>

<h2>Languages, other worlds and the end of humanity</h2>

As per Space.com, Japanese lunar exploration firm ispace is working to put human presence into space and on the moon. In collaboration with UNESCO, the company is planning to send to the lunar surface an important part of humanity: 275 languages and other cultural artefacts.

If you're wondering how this will happen, the answer is 'Memory Disk'.

Similar to the time capsules many of us remember preserving our memories in, the two organisations will send the languages and artefacts to the moon aboard ispace's upcoming Hakuto-R Mission 2.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/have-we-already-lost-the-battle-april-continues-damning-11-month-trend-emerges-as-hottest-since-1940-719261">Have we 'already lost climate battle'?: April continues damning 11-month trend, emerges as hottest since 1940</a>

<h2>Hakuto-R Mission 2</h2>

The upcoming Hakuto-R Mission 2 will send a robotic lander to the surface of the Moon. It will also deliver to Earth's natural satellite a memory disk that seeks to keep humanity alive in case something threatens humanity's existence on our planet.

"UNESCO is committed to preserving the linguistic diversity that represents human cultures from any crisis that threatens their destruction in the future, and preservation on the lunar surface is one means to preserve cultures," says ispace in a release posted on its website.&nbsp;

To fulfil this mission, the memory disk will contain the UNESCO Constitution's Preamble, which expresses "the importance of preserving world unity, linguistic diversity, and cultures". This preamble will be translated into 275 languages.

Hakuto-R Mission 2 is slated to be sent to the Moon sometime in 2024. However, this is only true if the current timelines hold.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

What will happen to the many languages around the world if humans cease to exist tomorrow? Quite predictably, our languages and their cultural value will also be wiped off the face of this planet.

What will happen to the many languages around the world if humans cease to exist tomorrow? Quite predictably, our languages and their cultural value will also be wiped off the face of this planet. But what about another planet? Maybe we can preserve our linguistic treasures elsewhere in space. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is teaming up with a Japanese lunar exploration company to do just that. Also read | Advances in artificial intelligence mean 'deadbots' can 'haunt' the living, warn experts. Here's what it means Languages, other worlds and the end of humanity As per Space.com, Japanese lunar exploration firm ispace is working to put human presence into space and on the moon. In collaboration with UNESCO, the company is planning to send to the lunar surface an important part of humanity: 275 languages and other cultural artefacts. If you're wondering how this will happen, the answer is 'Memory Disk'. Similar to the time capsules many of us remember preserving our memories in, the two organisations will send the languages and artefacts to the moon aboard ispace's upcoming Hakuto-R Mission 2. Also read | Have we 'already lost climate battle'?: April continues damning 11-month trend, emerges as hottest since 1940 Hakuto-R Mission 2 The upcoming Hakuto-R Mission 2 will send a robotic lander to the surface of the Moon. It will also deliver to Earth's natural satellite a memory disk that seeks to keep humanity alive in case something threatens humanity's existence on our planet. "UNESCO is committed to preserving the linguistic diversity that represents human cultures from any crisis that threatens their destruction in the future, and preservation on the lunar surface is one means to preserve cultures," says ispace in a release posted on its website. To fulfil this mission, the memory disk will contain the UNESCO Constitution's Preamble, which expresses "the importance of preserving world unity, linguistic diversity, and cultures". This preamble will be translated into 275 languages. Hakuto-R Mission 2 is slated to be sent to the Moon sometime in 2024. However, this is only true if the current timelines hold. (With inputs from agencies)

What if humanity ends on Earth? Scientists plan to preserve 275 languages on the Moon

China on Friday (May 3) successfully launched its historic mission to collect rocks and soil from the far side of the Moon, becoming the first country to make such an ambitious attempt.&nbsp;

<h2>About the launch of&nbsp;Chang’e-6 probe</h2>

The Long March-5, China’s largest rocket, successfully launched carrying the Chang’e-6 probe, which weighs more than eight metric tonnes, from the Wenchang Space Launch Centre, on the southern island of Hainan, at around 5:27 pm (local time), announced the China National Space Administration (CNSA).&nbsp;

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🎉Congratulations to the successful moon shot launch of Chang’e 6 lunar probe! Looking forward to collecting humankind’s first-ever lunar soil from the far side of the moon! 🌖 Long March 5 Launch video: <a href="https://t.co/Oxx3ZQ1CvC">https://t.co/Oxx3ZQ1CvC</a> <a href="https://t.co/nohTUB6xPc">pic.twitter.com/nohTUB6xPc</a>
— CNSA Watcher (@CNSAWatcher) <a href="https://twitter.com/CNSAWatcher/status/1786330703803920883?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 3, 2024</a></blockquote>
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The launch was attended by scientists, diplomats and space agency officials from France, Italy, Pakistan, and the European Space Agency (ESA), all of which have Moon-studying payloads aboard the rocket.&nbsp;

“It is a bit of a mystery to us how China has been able to develop such an ambitious and successful programme in such a short time,” said Pierre-Yves Meslin, a French researcher working on one of the scientific objectives of the Chang’e-6 mission, as quoted by Reuters.&nbsp;

Notably, no United States-based organisations applied to get a payload spot, said Ge Ping, deputy director of the CNSA’s Lunar Exploration and Space Programme.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/china-set-to-launch-lunar-probe-change-6-with-pakistans-satellite-on-board-717525">China set to launch lunar probe Chang'e-6 with Pakistan's satellite on board</a>

This is because Beijing is banned by American law from any collaboration with the US space agency NASA.&nbsp;

<h2>What is the Chang’e-6&nbsp;mission about?</h2>

Chang’e-6 is tasked with landing in the South Pole-Aitken Basin on the far side of the Moon, which faces away from Earth, to retrieve samples.&nbsp;

The mission’s goal is to collect two kilogrammes of soil and rocks from the landing site and bring them back to Earth for detailed analysis.&nbsp;

“The far side of the moon has a mystique perhaps because we literally can’t see it, we have never seen it apart from with robotic probes or the very few number of humans that have been around the other side,” said Neil Melville-Kenney, a technical officer at ESA working with Chinese researchers on one of the Chang’e-6 payloads, as quoted by Reuters.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/change-6-missions-experimental-satellites-beam-back-eerie-image-of-moon-and-earth-714096">Crater-filled Moon and faint Earth in the background: Chinese satellites beam eerie image from space</a>

The Chinese spacecraft will rely on the relay satellite that has been recently deployed and in its 53-day mission is orbiting the Moon.

Once the probe separates from the rocket it will take around four to five days to reach the Moon and is expected to land on the far side of the lunar surface in June.&nbsp;

The probe – named after the Chinese Moon goddess – will then spend around two days digging up the samples before it makes its journey back to Earth, where it is expected to land in Inner Mongolia.

(With inputs from agencies)

China on Friday (May 3) successfully launched its historic mission to collect rocks and soil from the far side of the Moon, becoming the first country to make such an ambitious attempt.

China on Friday (May 3) successfully launched its historic mission to collect rocks and soil from the far side of the Moon, becoming the first country to make such an ambitious attempt. About the launch of Chang’e-6 probe The Long March-5, China’s largest rocket, successfully launched carrying the Chang’e-6 probe, which weighs more than eight metric tonnes, from the Wenchang Space Launch Centre, on the southern island of Hainan, at around 5:27 pm (local time), announced the China National Space Administration (CNSA). 🎉Congratulations to the successful moon shot launch of Chang’e 6 lunar probe! Looking forward to collecting humankind’s first-ever lunar soil from the far side of the moon! 🌖 Long March 5 Launch video: https://t.co/Oxx3ZQ1CvC pic.twitter.com/nohTUB6xPc — CNSA Watcher (@CNSAWatcher) May 3, 2024 × The launch was attended by scientists, diplomats and space agency officials from France, Italy, Pakistan, and the European Space Agency (ESA), all of which have Moon-studying payloads aboard the rocket. “It is a bit of a mystery to us how China has been able to develop such an ambitious and successful programme in such a short time,” said Pierre-Yves Meslin, a French researcher working on one of the scientific objectives of the Chang’e-6 mission, as quoted by Reuters. Notably, no United States-based organisations applied to get a payload spot, said Ge Ping, deputy director of the CNSA’s Lunar Exploration and Space Programme. Also Read | China set to launch lunar probe Chang'e-6 with Pakistan's satellite on board This is because Beijing is banned by American law from any collaboration with the US space agency NASA. What is the Chang’e-6 mission about? Chang’e-6 is tasked with landing in the South Pole-Aitken Basin on the far side of the Moon, which faces away from Earth, to retrieve samples. The mission’s goal is to collect two kilogrammes of soil and rocks from the landing site and bring them back to Earth for detailed analysis. “The far side of the moon has a mystique perhaps because we literally can’t see it, we have never seen it apart from with robotic probes or the very few number of humans that have been around the other side,” said Neil Melville-Kenney, a technical officer at ESA working with Chinese researchers on one of the Chang’e-6 payloads, as quoted by Reuters. Also Read | Crater-filled Moon and faint Earth in the background: Chinese satellites beam eerie image from space The Chinese spacecraft will rely on the relay satellite that has been recently deployed and in its 53-day mission is orbiting the Moon. Once the probe separates from the rocket it will take around four to five days to reach the Moon and is expected to land on the far side of the lunar surface in June. The probe – named after the Chinese Moon goddess – will then spend around two days digging up the samples before it makes its journey back to Earth, where it is expected to land in Inner Mongolia. (With inputs from agencies)

Chang’e-6: China launches historic mission to collect samples from far side of the Moon

A bus-sized asteroid made its closest approach to Earth on Monday (May 6) and another is set to fly past Earth at a close distance this week. The first asteroid which came near our planet was a 7-metre-long (22-feet) space rock.

A bus-sized asteroid made its closest approach to Earth on Monday (May 6) and another is set to fly past Earth at a close distance this week. The first asteroid which came near our planet was a 7-metre-long (22-feet) space rock. It was named 2024 JF and made its closest approach at 8:04 pm ET tonight (1204 GMT on Tuesday). This asteroid is being followed by another one which is 10 metres long (32 feet) and is named 2024 JR1. It is likely to make its closest approach on Tuesday (May 7). Also Read: Fastest-spinning asteroid recently hit Earth’s atmosphere and crashed in Berlin According to Asteroid Watch, which is a dashboard by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory of near-Earth asteroids and comets, the first space rock was nearly 295,000 miles (475,000 kilometres) away from our planet when it made its closest approach. Asteroid Watch is known to track objects whose orbits bring them at a distance of 4.6 million miles (7.5 million kilometres) from Earth, nearly 20 times the distance to the moon. Asteroids to flyby closer than the Moon The asteroid 2024 JR1 will approach Earth at a closer distance, which will be 184,000 miles (296,000 kilometres). The asteroid was discovered just three days back. While making its closest approach to Earth, the asteroid will be closer than the Moon, which is at a distance of 230,000 miles (370,000 kilometres). Watch: Boeing to send Starliner space capsule with 2 astronauts During its closest approach, the asteroid will be in the constellation Ursa Major, as per The Sky Live. Two days after asteroid 2024 JR1's closest approach, another space rock called 2024 JD will approach Earth from around 172,741 miles (278,000 kilometres). This asteroid was discovered just a week ago. Hence, this asteroid will also come closer than the Moon, however, 2024 JD will pose no danger to Earth. (With inputs from agencies)

Asteroid makes a close call, a bigger one to pass by Earth next. Here's what you must know

Moonwalking humans on lunar surface have long captivated the humanity living on Earth. But at the same time, it's the low gravity of Moon that has been an impediment because of the way the low-gravity environment on lunar surface takes a toll on human body. Muscle atrophy, bone demineralisation are just one of the two effects of living in a low-gravity environment.&nbsp;

But scientists have figured out how human body can survive in low-gravity environment.&nbsp;

A paper published in the Royal Society Open Science suggests a unique low gravity-defying solution for these problems. Its title is "Horizontal running inside circular walls of Moon settlements: a comprehensive countermeasure for low-gravity deconditioning?"

Let's break it down for you. Have you ever seen a Wall of Death?

<img alt="Wall of Death | X/@davidstocko" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9d2ab557-7dc4-4f6f-b9ae-252b866c7681" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/WallOfDeath.png" />

Wall of Death | X/@davidstocko

"Here, we propose a novel solution: lunar inhabitants could engage in running on the inside of vertical circular walls, hence running parallel to the Moon's surface," the authors write.

While our Earth's gravity is too strong for humans to run around the sides of a Wall of Death, on Moon, the weaker gravity makes them practical.

The research found that exercising in a Wall of Death would help individuals maintain muscle mass, bone density, cardiovascular fitness and neural control.&nbsp;

They demonstrated that the process only required 5 to 8 attempts on a simulated environment in Earth to start participants run with no assistance.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/moon-once-literally-turned-itself-inside-out-scientists-wonder-how-709404">Moon once 'literally turned itself inside out'. Scientists wonder 'how'</a>

"We have demonstrated for the first time that humans can safely run horizontally in low gravity conditions inside a cylinder, sized as a terrestrial 'WoD', through a speed-driven, self-generated higher artificial gravity," they explained

The researchers say they are confident that the Wall of Death idea can help lunar astronauts deal with the chronic effects of lunar gravity.

Also watch |&nbsp;China aims to land astronauts on the moon by 2030

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Participants using the WoD created "… a sufficiently high (lateral) self-generated artificial gravity likely capable of maintaining, through a few short, almost 'terrestrial' running laps a day, an acceptable cardio-motor fitness and bone mineral status, useful to locally move and work around, to prepare the long trip to Mars, and to return home in good condition."

(With inputs from agencies)

Moonwalking humans on lunar surface have long captivated the humanity living on Earth. But at the same time, it's the low gravity of Moon that has been an impediment because of the way the low-gravity environment on lunar surface takes a toll on human body.

Moonwalking humans on lunar surface have long captivated the humanity living on Earth. But at the same time, it's the low gravity of Moon that has been an impediment because of the way the low-gravity environment on lunar surface takes a toll on human body. Muscle atrophy, bone demineralisation are just one of the two effects of living in a low-gravity environment. But scientists have figured out how human body can survive in low-gravity environment. A paper published in the Royal Society Open Science suggests a unique low gravity-defying solution for these problems. Its title is "Horizontal running inside circular walls of Moon settlements: a comprehensive countermeasure for low-gravity deconditioning?" Let's break it down for you. Have you ever seen a Wall of Death? Wall of Death | X/@davidstocko "Here, we propose a novel solution: lunar inhabitants could engage in running on the inside of vertical circular walls, hence running parallel to the Moon's surface," the authors write. While our Earth's gravity is too strong for humans to run around the sides of a Wall of Death, on Moon, the weaker gravity makes them practical. The research found that exercising in a Wall of Death would help individuals maintain muscle mass, bone density, cardiovascular fitness and neural control. They demonstrated that the process only required 5 to 8 attempts on a simulated environment in Earth to start participants run with no assistance. Also read | Moon once 'literally turned itself inside out'. Scientists wonder 'how' "We have demonstrated for the first time that humans can safely run horizontally in low gravity conditions inside a cylinder, sized as a terrestrial 'WoD', through a speed-driven, self-generated higher artificial gravity," they explained The researchers say they are confident that the Wall of Death idea can help lunar astronauts deal with the chronic effects of lunar gravity. Also watch | China aims to land astronauts on the moon by 2030 × Participants using the WoD created "… a sufficiently high (lateral) self-generated artificial gravity likely capable of maintaining, through a few short, almost 'terrestrial' running laps a day, an acceptable cardio-motor fitness and bone mineral status, useful to locally move and work around, to prepare the long trip to Mars, and to return home in good condition." (With inputs from agencies)

Scientists discover unique way to defy effects of low gravity on Moon

As humanity looks to establish a long-term presence on the moon, several attempts are being made to explore the Lunar South polar region, which is believed to hold vast reserves of water ice.

As humanity looks to establish a long-term presence on the moon, several attempts are being made to explore the Lunar South polar region, which is believed to hold vast reserves of water ice. Water ice is crucial - for sustaining life and for use as cryogenic rocket fuel (a combination of supercooled liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen). This is why India's Chandrayaan-3 and the American private lander Odysseus landed in the south polar region. Several upcoming missions are also aimed at exploring this mysterious south-polar region, which could offer insights into the origins of the moon. However, the latest international study says that "the extent of water ice in the northern polar region is twice that in the southern polar region". Also read: Scientists have discovered evidence of human activity altering deep subsurface of Earth Conducted by the scientists of Space Applications Centre (SAC), ISRO, in collaboration with researchers at IIT Kanpur, University of Southern California, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, the study reveals evidence for enhanced possibility of water ice occurrence in the polar craters of the Moon. It suggests that the amount of subsurface ice in the first couple of metres is about five to eight times more than the that on the surface at both poles. Therefore, extracting lunar water ice would require considerable drilling, as the ice is likely to be buried beneath the lunar surface. Regarding the possible origin of this lunar water ice, the study shared by ISRO said, "It confirms the hypothesis that the primary source of subsurface water ice in the lunar poles is outgassing (gases coming from deep within the moon) during volcanism in the Imbrian period (3,800 to 3,850 million years ago)". Also read: Scientists forewarn timing of 'triple whammy extinction' that will eradicate all life from Earth As part of this study, the research team used seven instruments comprising radar, laser, optical, neutron spectrometer, ultra-violet spectrometer, and thermal radiometer onboard the NASA Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter to understand the origin and distribution of water ice on the Moon. Accurate knowledge of the distribution and depth of water ice occurrence in the lunar poles can help plan future lunar exploration missions and their lading sites accordingly. ISRO says that the latest international study also supports a previous study of SAC, ISRO pointing out the possibility of the presence of water ice in some of the polar craters, utilising polarimetric radar data from the Chandrayaan-2 Dual-frequency Synthetic Aperture Radar instrument. Based on the success of the Indian Chandrayaan-3 Lunar soft-landing, in-situ exploration and the Japanese Lunar soft-landing mission 'SLIM', the space agencies of both nations are working on a Lunar polar exploration mission (LUPEX), which is aimed at studying the lunar poles. Even the planned series of American Artemis crewed lunar missions and Chinese crewed lunar missions are hoping to make breakthroughs that enable a long-term human presence on the moon. Situated around 4 lakh kilometres away from the earth, as humanity's nearest celestial neighbour, the moon could potentially serve as an outpost in space from where mankind could undertake exploration missions into the further reaches of space.

Moon's north pole could have more water ice than south, says study

In the latest research, scientists have found that the distinctive "tiger stripes" as well as the sliding side-by-side motion of Saturn's moon Enceladus are related to jets of ice crystals which erupt from its icy shell.

In the latest research, scientists have found that the distinctive "tiger stripes" as well as the sliding side-by-side motion of Saturn's moon Enceladus are related to jets of ice crystals which erupt from its icy shell. The new findings will help scientists determine the characteristics of the subsurface ocean present on the icy moon of Saturn and also help determine if Enceladus is favourable to life. The tiger stripes, present on the surface of Enceladus, are filled with four parallel line fractures in the south pole of the moon, which were first observed by NASA's Cassini spacecraft in 2005. Also Read: Water plumes collected from Jupiter’s moon Europa may bear signs of alien life The ice crystals are created in this region due to "cryovolcanism" and are believed to originate from the fractures present in the buried oceans of Enceladus. Because of this, a lot of material gathers over the south pole of the moon. Both the jets which create it and the brightness of this plume seem to differ in a pattern which lines up with the nearly 33-hour orbit of Enceladus around Saturn, which is the second-most massive planet in the solar system. Scientists try to decode tiger stripes Because of this, scientists have theorised that there is an increase in the activity of the jets as the tidal stress impacts the tiger stripes. The theory has, however, failed to explain why there is a peak in jets of Enceladus peak in brightness hours after tidal stresses reach their maximum or why a second smaller peak takes place just after Enceladus makes its closest approach to Saturn. According to the scientists, a new numerical simulation of the tidal stresses on Enceladus and the motion of its tiger stripe fractures helps in identifying a phenomenon which is similar to what has been seen at the San Andreas fault, in correspondence with the jet activity's pattern. Watch: Strongest sign of alien found: The search for life beyond earth Speaking to Space.com, leader of the team behind the simulation and a PhD Candidate at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) Alexander Berne said, "We developed a sophisticated numerical model to simulate tidally-driven strike-slip motion along Enceladus' faults. These models consider the role of friction, which causes the amount of slip on the faults to be sensitive to both compressional and shearing stresses." "The numerical model was able to simulate slip along Enceladus's faults in a manner which matched observed variations in plume brightness as well as spatial variations in surface temperature, suggesting that the jets and plume brightness variations are controlled by strike-slip motion over Enceladus' orbit," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

'Tiger stripes' may be hiding secrets of life on Saturn's moon Enceladus

China will send a robotic spacecraft in coming days on a round trip to the moon's far side in the first of three technically demanding missions that will pave the way for an inaugural Chinese crewed landing and a base on the lunar south pole.

A new space race underway: The far side of moon is China's next target

China plans to land astronauts on the moon before 2030 and add a fourth module to its space station. China and the US are eyeing the same landing sites in the lunar south pole. Watch in for more details!

China aims to land astronauts on the moon by 2030

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