NASA’s government shutdown is raising questions about how space missions like Voyager-1 continue. Scientists and engineers are still operating the decades-old probe, but federal funding pauses could affect salaries, research, and critical mission updates.

Are NASA scientists working for free? Voyager-1 operations hit by US government shutdown

Freezing NASA’s web presence affects global collaborators, students, researchers, and space enthusiasts. Public access to mission data, educational materials, and science news is cut off, at least temporarily.

End of space news? NASA’s website shuts down, no updates until govt funds space agency

Beneath its frozen surface lies a vast subsurface ocean, possibly containing more water than all of Earth’s oceans combined. Recent research suggests it holds the essential chemical ingredients and energy sources that could support life. 

Could humans survive on Europa? NASA reveals shocking facts about Jupiter’s icy moon

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has already given humanity the deepest look into the cosmos. But imagine if it discovered something even more extraordinary alien megastructures. 

What if NASA's James Webb Telescope discover signs of alien megastructures?

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is designed to look deep into the universe, spotting the faintest galaxies and studying exoplanets. But here’s a wild thought: what if it could detect alien civilisations, not through signals or spaceships, but through pollution in their atmospheres?

What if NASA's James Webb Telescope could detect alien civilisations through pollution in atmospheres?

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is rewriting our understanding of the cosmos. But the big question remains: could it capture the first-ever image of an Earth-like planet — one with blue oceans, clouds, and a breathable atmosphere?

Could NASA's James Webb Telescope capture the first-ever photo of another Earth with oceans?

For decades, astronomers have speculated about a mysterious ninth planet, often called “Planet X” or “Planet Nine” lurking in the far reaches of our solar system. Could the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) finally solve the mystery?

Could NASA's James Webb Telescope confirm the existence of a hidden “Planet X”?

A single error in those opening hours could have brought the mission to an abrupt end, closing the door on humanity’s only close encounters with Uranus and Neptune.

'Hidden hazards of NASA's Voyager 2 launch': How one error could have ended the mission forever!

Voyager 2’s flyby of Uranus in January 1986 revealed that the planet’s magnetic field was unlike anything seen before.

What were Voyager 2’s greatest discoveries about our Solar System?

Triton’s orbit added another layer of surprise. Unlike most large moons, it circles Neptune in a retrograde direction, opposite to the planet’s rotation. 

What did Voyager 2 discover on Neptune’s moon Triton and why did it shock scientists?

It is a message of both science and hope, a statement that humanity once existed and sought to be known.

Did you know Voyager 2 carries a time capsule with Earth’s sounds, music and messages bound for the stars?

This historic photograph became the last visual record from Voyager 2, taken before its cameras were permanently switched off to save the probe’s dwindling power.

What did Voyager 2 capture in its last image before its cameras fell silent?

Stargazers and scientists alike are turning their eyes to the skies this week as asteroid 2025 QY4 makes its approach towards Earth. The rock, measuring nearly 180 feet in diameter, has been classified as part of the Aten group of asteroids, which are known for crossing Earth’s orbital path. According to NASA’s Centre for Near-Earth Object Studies (CNEOS), the asteroid is travelling at a remarkable speed of 39,205 miles per hour. Although its trajectory brings it close in astronomical terms, experts emphasise there is no danger of impact.&nbsp;<h2>Distance of approach</h2>&nbsp;NASA has confirmed that 2025 QY4 will make its closest approach on August 29, 2025, on Friday, at approximately 11:26 AM IST. At its nearest, the asteroid will pass Earth at a distance of 2.81 million miles, or about 4.51 million kilometres. While this might seem vast, it is considered relatively close when viewed against the scale of space. The agency designates any object larger than 85 metres that comes within 7.4 million kilometres of Earth as ‘potentially hazardous.’ Despite being above that size threshold, QY4’s flyby distance places it outside the hazardous category.&nbsp;<h2>Why scientists track such flybys</h2><h2>&nbsp;</h2>The monitoring of near-Earth asteroids remains a critical part of planetary defence. Even small shifts in an asteroid’s orbit, caused by gravitational influences or solar radiation, can alter their future trajectories. This is why agencies including NASA, ESA, JAXA and ISRO keep such objects under close observation. ISRO chief S. Somanath has also highlighted India’s plans to contribute to asteroid studies, with particular attention to larger rocks such as Apophis, expected to pass close to Earth in 2029. Tracking QY4 adds to the growing body of data on asteroid behaviour, composition, and movement, which can inform both research and future mitigation strategies.&nbsp;<h2>A reminder from space</h2>&nbsp;Although asteroid 2025 QY4 poses no threat, its passage serves as a reminder of the dynamic nature of the cosmos. These events underline the need for global collaboration in space science and planetary protection. The flyby of QY4 is not merely a moment of astronomical curiosity; it is a demonstration of how swiftly conditions in our skies can change, and why vigilance is necessary.&nbsp;

The agency designates any object larger than 85 metres that comes within 7.4 million kilometres of Earth as ‘potentially hazardous.’

Stargazers and scientists alike are turning their eyes to the skies this week as asteroid 2025 QY4 makes its approach towards Earth. The rock, measuring nearly 180 feet in diameter, has been classified as part of the Aten group of asteroids, which are known for crossing Earth’s orbital path. According to NASA’s Centre for Near-Earth Object Studies (CNEOS), the asteroid is travelling at a remarkable speed of 39,205 miles per hour. Although its trajectory brings it close in astronomical terms, experts emphasise there is no danger of impact. Distance of approach NASA has confirmed that 2025 QY4 will make its closest approach on August 29, 2025, on Friday, at approximately 11:26 AM IST. At its nearest, the asteroid will pass Earth at a distance of 2.81 million miles, or about 4.51 million kilometres. While this might seem vast, it is considered relatively close when viewed against the scale of space. The agency designates any object larger than 85 metres that comes within 7.4 million kilometres of Earth as ‘potentially hazardous.’ Despite being above that size threshold, QY4’s flyby distance places it outside the hazardous category. Why scientists track such flybys The monitoring of near-Earth asteroids remains a critical part of planetary defence. Even small shifts in an asteroid’s orbit, caused by gravitational influences or solar radiation, can alter their future trajectories. This is why agencies including NASA, ESA, JAXA and ISRO keep such objects under close observation. ISRO chief S. Somanath has also highlighted India’s plans to contribute to asteroid studies, with particular attention to larger rocks such as Apophis, expected to pass close to Earth in 2029. Tracking QY4 adds to the growing body of data on asteroid behaviour, composition, and movement, which can inform both research and future mitigation strategies. A reminder from space Although asteroid 2025 QY4 poses no threat, its passage serves as a reminder of the dynamic nature of the cosmos. These events underline the need for global collaboration in space science and planetary protection. The flyby of QY4 is not merely a moment of astronomical curiosity; it is a demonstration of how swiftly conditions in our skies can change, and why vigilance is necessary.

The agency designates any object larger than 85 metres that comes within 7.4 million kilometres of Earth as ‘potentially hazardous.’

NASA confirms 180-foot asteroid racing at 39,205 mph to fly past Earth on this date..

NASA satellites have detected a mysterious blue-green glow off Australia’s southern coast. The radiant glimmer in the ocean stumped the world at first, but it is only a phytoplankton bloom in the Great Australian Bight and Tasman Sea. What has astonished everyone is that this bioluminescent spectacle is so strong that it can be seen from space. Phytoplankton are marine organisms that are vital for the ocean ecosystems. The observation was first made by NASA’s PACE spacecraft, which saw the glow between mainland Australia and Tasmania. Scientists used the advanced Ocean Color Instrument to document the turquoise glow in the ocean, Sustainability Times reported. But this was not the only time it was seen from space. The Suomi NPP previously noted the bioluminescence in 2023, followed by the Aqua satellites in 2024. Repeated occurrences of this marine phenomenon helped scientists notice the pattern it follows and how it changes according to seasons. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/ghostly-silence-from-blue-whales-an-ominous-sign-for-the-world-scientists-warn-1753863195541">Ghostly silence from blue whales is an ominous sign for the world</a>&nbsp;The phytoplankton in the sea has high concentrations of chlorophyll a, leading to the turquoise glow. It is essential for photosynthesis and as this enables these tiny organisms to thrive in the ocean’s photic zone. As marine life decays in the ocean, it releases nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus, which are absorbed by phytoplankton with the help of sunlight. The reason why this bloom is visible from space is that it goes approximately to a depth of 500 feet and is spread along the shelf break, according to Oceanographer Jochen Kaempf from Flinders University. Besides the green filaments, there are blue hues present, probably from sediment disturbance in shallower areas. It is also possible that different phytoplankton species are present in the ocean.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/alien-world-discovered-thriving-in-total-darkness-31000-feet-below-the-ocean-1754035524455">Between Japan and Alaska, a dark alien world at 31,000 feet has stunned scientists. Here's why</a><h2>Importance of Phytoplankton</h2>The region where this bioluminescence was seen witnesses turbulent currents and is a crucial maritime route that leads to Port Phillip Bay. Phytoplankton glow is not a new phenomenon. It has been observed in several marine systems across the world. But today, advanced satellite imagery helps take a better look at it and understand the dynamics of marine life and the world's oceans. Besides, the technology offers an insight into the oceanographic dynamics of this region. Phytoplankton blooms are proof that several complex processes occur in the oceans. &nbsp;

NASA saw a bright glow in the seas near Australia from space and was intrigued by what caused it. It was bioluminescence caused by phytoplankton spread over a large area and deep in the ocean. 

NASA satellites have detected a mysterious blue-green glow off Australia’s southern coast. The radiant glimmer in the ocean stumped the world at first, but it is only a phytoplankton bloom in the Great Australian Bight and Tasman Sea. What has astonished everyone is that this bioluminescent spectacle is so strong that it can be seen from space. Phytoplankton are marine organisms that are vital for the ocean ecosystems. The observation was first made by NASA’s PACE spacecraft, which saw the glow between mainland Australia and Tasmania. Scientists used the advanced Ocean Color Instrument to document the turquoise glow in the ocean, Sustainability Times reported. But this was not the only time it was seen from space. The Suomi NPP previously noted the bioluminescence in 2023, followed by the Aqua satellites in 2024. Repeated occurrences of this marine phenomenon helped scientists notice the pattern it follows and how it changes according to seasons. Also Read: Ghostly silence from blue whales is an ominous sign for the world The phytoplankton in the sea has high concentrations of chlorophyll a, leading to the turquoise glow. It is essential for photosynthesis and as this enables these tiny organisms to thrive in the ocean’s photic zone. As marine life decays in the ocean, it releases nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus, which are absorbed by phytoplankton with the help of sunlight. The reason why this bloom is visible from space is that it goes approximately to a depth of 500 feet and is spread along the shelf break, according to Oceanographer Jochen Kaempf from Flinders University. Besides the green filaments, there are blue hues present, probably from sediment disturbance in shallower areas. It is also possible that different phytoplankton species are present in the ocean. Also Read: Between Japan and Alaska, a dark alien world at 31,000 feet has stunned scientists. Here's why Importance of Phytoplankton The region where this bioluminescence was seen witnesses turbulent currents and is a crucial maritime route that leads to Port Phillip Bay. Phytoplankton glow is not a new phenomenon. It has been observed in several marine systems across the world. But today, advanced satellite imagery helps take a better look at it and understand the dynamics of marine life and the world's oceans. Besides, the technology offers an insight into the oceanographic dynamics of this region. Phytoplankton blooms are proof that several complex processes occur in the oceans.

NASA saw a bright glow in the seas near Australia from space and was intrigued by what caused it. It was bioluminescence caused by phytoplankton spread over a large area and deep in the ocean.&nbsp;

NASA captured mysterious glow off Australia from space. It turned out to be...

Newspapers quickly seized on the 'flying disc' description, spreading headlines across the country. Yet the next day, military officials insisted the wreckage was a downed weather balloon carrying radar sensors, displaying photographs of metallic foil and wooden struts

The Roswell incident: Did a UFO really crash in 1947 and spark the greatest cover-up in history?

This innovation is being developed as part of NASA’s Artemis programme, which aims to return humans to the Moon and lay the groundwork for future missions to Mars.

NASA teams with Google to build an AI medical assistant for astronauts on moon and Mars missions

A black hole shadow is the dark silhouette created when light from behind a black hole is swallowed by its immense gravity, leaving only a glowing ring of superheated matter around the event horizon.

Einstein Ring vs Black Hole: How can you tell the difference?

Despite being invisible, black holes betray their presence through their powerful effects on nearby stars and gas.

‘4 million times the Sun’s mass’: 5 facts about the closest supermassive black hole to Earth

When it comes to the mysteries of the cosmos, two concepts often spark curiosity and confusion, black holes and wormholes. While they’re sometimes mentioned together in science fiction, these space phenomena are fundamentally different in nature, purpose, and reality. 

Black Holes vs Wormholes: What’s the difference between these two cosmic objects?

In 1974, Stephen Hawking shook the scientific world with a revolutionary idea: black holes aren’t eternal. Instead, they slowly lose mass over time through a process now famously known as Hawking Radiation.

What Stephen Hawking’s 'Black Hole Evaporation Theory' really means for universe?

For decades, scientists have speculated whether black holes could be more than just cosmic traps. Could they be portals to other dimensions?

Do black holes really lead to other dimensions?

This updated mission is scheduled for a 2038 launch, targeting evidence of alien life beyond Earth by sampling material ejected from the moon’s cryovolcanic eruptions.

NASA's Orbilander mission will search for alien life on Saturn's moon 'Enceladus'

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has announced the launch of its 100th mission from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota in January 2025.
According to Chairman S Somanath, ISRO will use its Geosynchronous Launch Vehicle (GSLV) to launch the second-generation navigation satellite NVS-02.&nbsp;
This milestone follows the successful launch of PSLV-C60 mission on December 30, 2024.
It deployed two spacecraft for the Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) into a circular orbit around the Earth.&nbsp;
<h2>Previous Launches&nbsp;</h2>
The PSLV-C60 launch, initially scheduled for 9:58 PM, was delayed to 10:00 PM to ensure optimal separation from other satellites in orbit.&nbsp;
Earlier in May, the GSLV-F12 successfully deployed the NVS-01 satellite, marking the first of the second-generation satellites designed for the Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC) system.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-tech/nasa-introduces-new-mars-helicopter-design-following-ingenuitys-success-8580942">NASA introduces new Mars helicopter design following Ingenuity's success</a>
<h2>NVS-02</h2>
NVS-02 will be the ninth satellite in the navigation with Indian constellation. The launch will have two kinds of payloads: navigational and ranging, just like its predecessor, NVS-01.
The navigational payload will transmit signals to Earth.&nbsp;
It transmits signals by using three spectrum bands: L1, L5, and S.
It includes a Rubidium atomic clock to ensure precise timing. These clocks measure one second by counting the oscillations of rubidium-87 atoms and are accurate enough to maintain time within a one-second deviation over 100 million years. &nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/isro-successfully-launches-pslv-spadex-all-you-need-to-know-about-the-key-space-docking-mission-8579030">ISRO successfully launches PSLV SpaDex: All you need to know about the space&nbsp;docking&nbsp;mission</a>
The ranging payload features a transponder that enables navigation satellites to send time-stamped signals to ground-based receivers.
These signals are processed by end-users to determine their exact position, speed and time.
This system ensures continuous and reliable service regardless of Earth's weather conditions.
(With inputs from agencies)
&nbsp;

Science & Tech: The mission will utilise the Geosynchronous Launch Vehicle or GSLV, to deploy the navigation satellite NVS-02, enhancing India's navigation capabilities.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has announced the launch of its 100th mission from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota in January 2025. According to Chairman S Somanath, ISRO will use its Geosynchronous Launch Vehicle (GSLV) to launch the second-generation navigation satellite NVS-02. This milestone follows the successful launch of PSLV-C60 mission on December 30, 2024. It deployed two spacecraft for the Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) into a circular orbit around the Earth. Previous Launches The PSLV-C60 launch, initially scheduled for 9:58 PM, was delayed to 10:00 PM to ensure optimal separation from other satellites in orbit. Earlier in May, the GSLV-F12 successfully deployed the NVS-01 satellite, marking the first of the second-generation satellites designed for the Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC) system. Also read: NASA introduces new Mars helicopter design following Ingenuity's success NVS-02 NVS-02 will be the ninth satellite in the navigation with Indian constellation. The launch will have two kinds of payloads: navigational and ranging, just like its predecessor, NVS-01. The navigational payload will transmit signals to Earth. It transmits signals by using three spectrum bands: L1, L5, and S. It includes a Rubidium atomic clock to ensure precise timing. These clocks measure one second by counting the oscillations of rubidium-87 atoms and are accurate enough to maintain time within a one-second deviation over 100 million years. Also read: ISRO successfully launches PSLV SpaDex: All you need to know about the space docking mission The ranging payload features a transponder that enables navigation satellites to send time-stamped signals to ground-based receivers. These signals are processed by end-users to determine their exact position, speed and time. This system ensures continuous and reliable service regardless of Earth's weather conditions. (With inputs from agencies)

ISRO to launch 100th mission on-board GSLV in January

China is set to debut new rockets with advanced capabilities in 2025, including new variants of its Long March series and commercial launch vehicles. These new projects aim to support China&rsquo;s growing space ambitions that include space station cargo missions, mega-constellation satellite projects and commercial contracts.
<h2>New Long March Rockets</h2>
The Long March 8A is expected to launch on January 19. It has been developed by China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (CALT).
It features a more powerful second-stage rocket and a larger payload, increasing its capacity to a 700-kilometre sun-synchronous orbit (SSO) from 5,000 to 7,000 kgs.
The Long March 12A, a reusable variant of the expendable Long March 12, is also under development. It may incorporate methane-liquid oxygen engines and is scheduled for a vertical takeoff and landing (VTVL) test in January 2025.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sunita-williams-witnesses-16-new-year-sunrises-science-explains-how-8582786">Sunita Williams witnesses 16 New Year sunrises. Science explains how</a>
<h2>Commercial Rockets</h2>
Several Chinese private companies are preparing new rockets to compete in the space sector. They include:
<ul>
<li>Zhuque-3: Landspace plans the first orbital launch of this rocket, with payload capacities ranging from 12,500 to 21,000 kilograms depending on recovery options.</li>
<li>Tianlong-3: Space Pioneer aims to launch this rocket, benchmarked against SpaceX&rsquo;s Falcon 9, following an earlier testing mishap.</li>
<li>Pallas-1 and Ceres-2: Galactic Energy is developing these rockets, designed for reusability and increased payload capacities.</li>
<li>Nebula-1: Deep Blue Aerospace plans to launch and recover this two-stage rocket with 3D-printed engines.</li>
<li>Kinetica-2: CAS Space is preparing this reusable kerosene-liquid oxygen rocket to support low-cost space station cargo services.</li>
<li>Hyperbola-3: iSpace is transitioning to kerolox rocket after setbacks with its Hyperbola-1.</li>
</ul>
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-tech/nasa-introduces-new-mars-helicopter-design-following-ingenuitys-success-8580942">NASA introduces new Mars helicopter design following Ingenuity's success</a>
<h2>Implications</h2>
These new rocket projects aim to enhance China&rsquo;s presence in space, increase launch rates, and lower costs.
While the Chinese domestic space market is competitive, these developments are expected to support national space projects and potentially attract international payloads leading to higher revenue from the space sector.
(With inputs from agencies)

Science & tech: China's space sector is preparing for significant advancements by focusing on the development of reusable rockets to enhance launch efficiency.

China is set to debut new rockets with advanced capabilities in 2025, including new variants of its Long March series and commercial launch vehicles. These new projects aim to support China’s growing space ambitions that include space station cargo missions, mega-constellation satellite projects and commercial contracts. New Long March Rockets The Long March 8A is expected to launch on January 19. It has been developed by China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (CALT). It features a more powerful second-stage rocket and a larger payload, increasing its capacity to a 700-kilometre sun-synchronous orbit (SSO) from 5,000 to 7,000 kgs. The Long March 12A, a reusable variant of the expendable Long March 12, is also under development. It may incorporate methane-liquid oxygen engines and is scheduled for a vertical takeoff and landing (VTVL) test in January 2025. Also read: Sunita Williams witnesses 16 New Year sunrises. Science explains how Commercial Rockets Several Chinese private companies are preparing new rockets to compete in the space sector. They include: Zhuque-3: Landspace plans the first orbital launch of this rocket, with payload capacities ranging from 12,500 to 21,000 kilograms depending on recovery options. Tianlong-3: Space Pioneer aims to launch this rocket, benchmarked against SpaceX’s Falcon 9, following an earlier testing mishap. Pallas-1 and Ceres-2: Galactic Energy is developing these rockets, designed for reusability and increased payload capacities. Nebula-1: Deep Blue Aerospace plans to launch and recover this two-stage rocket with 3D-printed engines. Kinetica-2: CAS Space is preparing this reusable kerosene-liquid oxygen rocket to support low-cost space station cargo services. Hyperbola-3: iSpace is transitioning to kerolox rocket after setbacks with its Hyperbola-1. Also read: NASA introduces new Mars helicopter design following Ingenuity's success Implications These new rocket projects aim to enhance China’s presence in space, increase launch rates, and lower costs. While the Chinese domestic space market is competitive, these developments are expected to support national space projects and potentially attract international payloads leading to higher revenue from the space sector. (With inputs from agencies)

China to introduce advanced Long March and commercial rockets in 2025

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Are NASA scientists working for free? Voyager-1 operations hit by US government shutdown

NASA’s website shuts down, no updates until Trump funds the space agency

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Did you know Voyager 2 is taking a time capsule of Earth into deep space?

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What Stephen Hawking’s 'Black Hole Evaporation Theory' really means for universe

Do black holes really lead to other dimensions?

NASA's Orbilander mission will search for alien life on Saturn's moon 'Enceladus'

ISRO to launch 100th mission on-board GSLV in January

China to introduce advanced Long March and commercial rockets in 2025