NASA issued a warning as it tracked a bus-sized&nbsp;asteroid, called 2024 TW2, which is set to make a close approach to&nbsp;Earth&nbsp;on October 7.&nbsp;

The space rock, which is almost 21 feet, is moving at a frightening speed of 60,968 km/h.&nbsp;

The asteroid's proximity to the Earth has been an issue of concern, however, NASA has assured that it will not pose any immediate danger to the planet.

According to NASA, asteroid 2024 TW2 will fly by Earth on October 7 at a distance of 288,000 kilometres, which is a little less than the average distance between the Moon and the Earth.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-issues-sudden-alert-as-two-massive-asteroids-race-towards-earth-on-collision-path-764109">NASA issues sudden alert as two massive asteroids race towards Earth, on collision path</a>

Even though it is flying at a close distance, the asteroid does not fall into the criteria of "Potentially Hazardous Asteroid" (PHA).

<h2>Here's why this asteroid is not a threat to Earth</h2>

Asteroids like 2024 TW2 are part of the group of near-Earth objects (NEOs) which is monitored by NASA regularly.&nbsp;

Even though the speed and proximity of an asteroid are huge, its small size has little to no chance of causing any significant damage even if it enters the atmosphere of the Earth.&nbsp;

Such asteroids generally burn up upon entering the atmosphere of the Earth.

<h2>How is NASA tracking asteroids?</h2>

NASA, along with other space agencies, has established a network of telescopes and advanced computing for identifying near-Earth objects (NEOs).

Watch:&nbsp;Scientists Propose Nuclear Solution To Save Earth From Asteroid Armageddon

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/scientists-propose-nuclear-solution-to-save-earth-from-asteroid-armageddon-761817/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Even though many of the NEOs don't come very near to Earth, some of them do come at a scary distance and get tagged as potentially hazardous asteroids that need more attention.&nbsp;

Such asteroids are more than 460 feet (140 metres) in size, and their orbits bring them within a distance of 7.5 million kilometres from Earth. 
 
NASA's Centre for Near-Earth Object Studies (CNEOS) has been monitoring all the NEOs and looking for any potential impact risks.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

NASA issued a warning as it tracked a bus-sized asteroid, called 2024 TW2, which is set to make a close approach to Earth on October 7. The space rock, which is almost 21 feet, is moving at a frightening speed of 60,968 km/h.

NASA issued a warning as it tracked a bus-sized asteroid, called 2024 TW2, which is set to make a close approach to Earth on October 7. The space rock, which is almost 21 feet, is moving at a frightening speed of 60,968 km/h. The asteroid's proximity to the Earth has been an issue of concern, however, NASA has assured that it will not pose any immediate danger to the planet. According to NASA, asteroid 2024 TW2 will fly by Earth on October 7 at a distance of 288,000 kilometres, which is a little less than the average distance between the Moon and the Earth. Also Read: NASA issues sudden alert as two massive asteroids race towards Earth, on collision path Even though it is flying at a close distance, the asteroid does not fall into the criteria of "Potentially Hazardous Asteroid" (PHA). Here's why this asteroid is not a threat to Earth Asteroids like 2024 TW2 are part of the group of near-Earth objects (NEOs) which is monitored by NASA regularly. Even though the speed and proximity of an asteroid are huge, its small size has little to no chance of causing any significant damage even if it enters the atmosphere of the Earth. Such asteroids generally burn up upon entering the atmosphere of the Earth. How is NASA tracking asteroids? NASA, along with other space agencies, has established a network of telescopes and advanced computing for identifying near-Earth objects (NEOs). Watch: Scientists Propose Nuclear Solution To Save Earth From Asteroid Armageddon Even though many of the NEOs don't come very near to Earth, some of them do come at a scary distance and get tagged as potentially hazardous asteroids that need more attention. Such asteroids are more than 460 feet (140 metres) in size, and their orbits bring them within a distance of 7.5 million kilometres from Earth. NASA's Centre for Near-Earth Object Studies (CNEOS) has been monitoring all the NEOs and looking for any potential impact risks. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA warns against huge asteroid dangerously flying towards Earth at 60,968 km/h

The European Space Agency (ESA) is gearing up to launch its Hera spacecraft, a key mission aimed at revisiting the asteroid that was part of NASA's successful redirection test. Hera will study the asteroid in detail, providing crucial data on the impact of NASA's test and further enhancing our understanding of planetary defense. The mission marks a collaborative effort to protect Earth from potential asteroid threats and offers valuable insights into how we can redirect space objects in the future.

What Is ESA's Hera Mission, Set To Revisit Asteroid After NASA's Redirection Test?

NASA has been on high alert as two massive asteroids - 2024 SD3&nbsp;and&nbsp;2024 SR4 - are set to pass by Earth on October 3. The asteroids are being tracked by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL).

<h2>Here's what we know about these asteroids</h2>

<h3>Asteroid&nbsp;2024 SD3</h3>

Asteroid&nbsp;2024 SD3 is 68 feet&nbsp;in width and is around the size of a small aeroplane. It will make a close flyby Earth at a distance of nearly 1,490,000 kilometres.&nbsp;

The asteroid is racing at a speed of 65,629 km/h, which is a good opportunity for NASA’s asteroid tracking teams to study space rock.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/ceres-largest-object-in-asteroid-belt-shows-signs-of-life-near-ertunet-crater-762152">Ceres, largest object in asteroid belt, shows signs of habitability near Ertunet Crater</a>

It falls under the category of "potentially hazardous" because of its velocity and size but will maintain a safe distance from Earth.&nbsp;

<h3>Asteroid 2024 SR4</h3>

Asteroid 2024 SR4 is a little smaller in size and measures 51 feet. It will make its closest approach to Earth on the same day and will fly at a distance of 1,670,000 kilometres. Hence, there is no threat of proximity.

The asteroid is travelling at a speed of 41,835 km/h and is being monitored by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

<h2>How is NASA tracking asteroids?</h2>

NASA, along with other space agencies, has established a network of telescopes and advanced computing for identifying near-Earth objects (NEOs).&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Europe Launches Hera Mission Set To Unveil The Secrets Of Dimorphos Asteroid

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/europe-launches-hera-mission-set-to-unveil-the-secrets-of-dimorphos-asteroid-763447/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Even though many of the NEOs don't come very near to Earth, some of them do come at a scary distance and get tagged as potentially hazardous asteroids which need more attention.&nbsp;

Such asteroids are more than 460 feet (140 metres) in size and their orbits bring them within a distance of 7.5 million kilometres from Earth.&nbsp;

NASA's Centre for Near-Earth Object Studies (CNEOS) has been monitoring all the NEOs and looking for any potential impact risks.

(With inputs from agencies)

NASA has been on high alert as two massive asteroids - 2024 SD3 and 2024 SR4 - are set to pass by Earth on October 3. The asteroids are being tracked by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL).

NASA has been on high alert as two massive asteroids - 2024 SD3 and 2024 SR4 - are set to pass by Earth on October 3. The asteroids are being tracked by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). Here's what we know about these asteroids Asteroid 2024 SD3 Asteroid 2024 SD3 is 68 feet in width and is around the size of a small aeroplane. It will make a close flyby Earth at a distance of nearly 1,490,000 kilometres. The asteroid is racing at a speed of 65,629 km/h, which is a good opportunity for NASA’s asteroid tracking teams to study space rock. Also Read: Ceres, largest object in asteroid belt, shows signs of habitability near Ertunet Crater It falls under the category of "potentially hazardous" because of its velocity and size but will maintain a safe distance from Earth. Asteroid 2024 SR4 Asteroid 2024 SR4 is a little smaller in size and measures 51 feet. It will make its closest approach to Earth on the same day and will fly at a distance of 1,670,000 kilometres. Hence, there is no threat of proximity. The asteroid is travelling at a speed of 41,835 km/h and is being monitored by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. How is NASA tracking asteroids? NASA, along with other space agencies, has established a network of telescopes and advanced computing for identifying near-Earth objects (NEOs). Watch: Europe Launches Hera Mission Set To Unveil The Secrets Of Dimorphos Asteroid Even though many of the NEOs don't come very near to Earth, some of them do come at a scary distance and get tagged as potentially hazardous asteroids which need more attention. Such asteroids are more than 460 feet (140 metres) in size and their orbits bring them within a distance of 7.5 million kilometres from Earth. NASA's Centre for Near-Earth Object Studies (CNEOS) has been monitoring all the NEOs and looking for any potential impact risks. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA issues sudden alert as two massive asteroids race towards Earth, on collision path

Europe is circling back to Dimorphos—the asteroid that NASA had pushed off course. Europe's space agency is launching the HERA mission on October 7 to explore the asteroid up close.

Europe Returns to Asteroid Dimorphos

Europe Launches Hera Mission To Study Dimorphos After NASA Impact

Europe Launches Hera Mission Set To Unveil The Secrets Of Dimorphos Asteroid

SpaceX launched a two-person crew to the International Space Station, beginning a mission to bring home two NASA astronauts stranded in orbit after traveling aboard Boeing Co.'s Starliner spacecraft.

SpaceX Capsule Reaches ISS To Rescue Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore | World News

Scientists at NASA have been battling a "highest-level risk" at the International Space Station which has been leaking for five years with no solution to the problem found yet.

In a new report, NASA's space officials - who have been given the responsibility of managing the International Space Station - have expressed their concern regarding a small Russian part of the station which is a tunnel connecting a larger module to a docking port and is leaking.

<h2>All about the leakage at ISS</h2>

The US and Russian officials have been aware of the condition of this small PrK module - which is present between the Progress spacecraft airlock and the&nbsp;Zvezda module - and has been facing a leakage since September 2019.

In the new report, which was published by NASA's inspector general, new details were provided regarding the severity of the problem in the space agency.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spacex-to-launch-mission-crew-9-to-bring-stranded-starliner-astronauts-home-762832">SpaceX launches mission Crew-9 to bring stranded Starliner astronauts home</a>

In February, NASA had observed that the leak rate had increased from less than 1 pound of atmosphere a day to 2.4 pounds a day and in April, the rate reached 3.7 pounds a day.&nbsp;

The cause of the leak has not been identified by either Russian or US officials even after years of investigation.&nbsp;

"Although the root cause of the leak remains unknown, both agencies have narrowed their focus to internal and external welds," stated the report, which was signed by Deputy Inspector General George A. Scott.

<h2>Here's how NASA officials plan to handle the leakage</h2>

NASA officials have planned to mitigate the risk by keeping the hatch - which is present on the&nbsp;Zvezda module - closed.

However, if the leakage worsens, they may consider permanently closing the hatch.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;NASA astronaut stuck in space reports ‘strange noises’ coming from Starliner capsule

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nasa-astronaut-stuck-in-space-reports-strange-noises-coming-from-starliner-capsule-755353/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

However, Ars Technica reported in June that leakage has reached the highest level of concern.

"In May and June 2024, ISS Program and Roscosmos officials met to discuss heightened concerns with the increased leak rate," stated the report of the inspector general.&nbsp;

"The ISS Program subsequently elevated the Service Module Transfer Tunnel leak risk to the highest level of risk in its risk management system. According to NASA, Roscosmos is confident they will be able to monitor and close the hatch to the Service Module prior to the leak rate reaching an untenable level. However, NASA and Roscosmos have not reached an agreement on the point at which the leak rate is untenable," it added.

(With inputs from agencies)

Scientists at NASA have been battling a "highest-level risk" at the International Space Station which has been leaking for five years with no solution to the problem found yet.

Scientists at NASA have been battling a "highest-level risk" at the International Space Station which has been leaking for five years with no solution to the problem found yet. In a new report, NASA's space officials - who have been given the responsibility of managing the International Space Station - have expressed their concern regarding a small Russian part of the station which is a tunnel connecting a larger module to a docking port and is leaking. All about the leakage at ISS The US and Russian officials have been aware of the condition of this small PrK module - which is present between the Progress spacecraft airlock and the Zvezda module - and has been facing a leakage since September 2019. In the new report, which was published by NASA's inspector general, new details were provided regarding the severity of the problem in the space agency. Also Read: SpaceX launches mission Crew-9 to bring stranded Starliner astronauts home In February, NASA had observed that the leak rate had increased from less than 1 pound of atmosphere a day to 2.4 pounds a day and in April, the rate reached 3.7 pounds a day. The cause of the leak has not been identified by either Russian or US officials even after years of investigation. "Although the root cause of the leak remains unknown, both agencies have narrowed their focus to internal and external welds," stated the report, which was signed by Deputy Inspector General George A. Scott. Here's how NASA officials plan to handle the leakage NASA officials have planned to mitigate the risk by keeping the hatch - which is present on the Zvezda module - closed. However, if the leakage worsens, they may consider permanently closing the hatch. Watch: NASA astronaut stuck in space reports ‘strange noises’ coming from Starliner capsule However, Ars Technica reported in June that leakage has reached the highest level of concern. "In May and June 2024, ISS Program and Roscosmos officials met to discuss heightened concerns with the increased leak rate," stated the report of the inspector general. "The ISS Program subsequently elevated the Service Module Transfer Tunnel leak risk to the highest level of risk in its risk management system. According to NASA, Roscosmos is confident they will be able to monitor and close the hatch to the Service Module prior to the leak rate reaching an untenable level. However, NASA and Roscosmos have not reached an agreement on the point at which the leak rate is untenable," it added. (With inputs from agencies)

The International Space Station has been leaking for five years. NASA calls it 'highest-level risk'

NASA engineers have revealed that a portion of the International Space Station is leaking. According to the space agency's inspector general, there are leaks in a tunnel connecting the station's Russian segment to a docking port. The problem is that no one knows what's causing the leaks.&nbsp;

"On-going cracks and air leaks in the Service Module Transfer Tunnel are a top safety risk," the report reads.&nbsp;

In June, the crack was moved to NASA's highest level of concern in its "risk matrix," Ars Technica reported.

NASA and Russian space agency, Roscosmos, are working together to figure out the issue.

"And NASA and Roscosmos are collaborating to investigate and mitigate the cracks and leaks, determine the root cause, and monitor the Station for new leaks."

"Although the root cause of the leak remains unknown, both agencies have narrowed their focus to internal and external welds," the report reads.

As per an Ars Technica report, NASA "identified an increase in the leak to its highest level to date" in April. The lead increased to a whopping 3.7 pounds of atmosphere a day, as compared to under one&nbsp;pound in February.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/much-awaited-star-explosion-is-finally-here-how-to-watch-it-and-where-to-look-762377">Much-awaited star explosion is finally here. How to watch it and where to look</a>

Right now, NASA plans on retiring the space station in 2030. However, it is important to keep things perfect until that happens. But that doesn't seem to be the case as the report cites problems faced to fix the issue, whenever it is identified.&nbsp;

The report cites "supply chain issues" plaguing NASA's contractors that could create hurdles in sustaining operations at the space station until it finally goes out of service.

If the engineers are unable to identify the problem and fix it, NASA and Roscosmos might have to permanently close the hatch to the affected tunnel. This would cut off access to one of the station's four docking ports.

However, this might be a point of clash between NASA and Roscosmos as they do not have "agreement on the point at which the leak rate is untenable."

Notably, SpaceX will help NASA deorbit the station and crash it into the Pacific Ocean in 2030.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

NASA engineers have revealed that a portion of the International Space Station is leaking. According to the space agency's inspector general, there are leaks in a tunnel connecting the station's Russian segment to a docking port.

NASA engineers have revealed that a portion of the International Space Station is leaking. According to the space agency's inspector general, there are leaks in a tunnel connecting the station's Russian segment to a docking port. The problem is that no one knows what's causing the leaks. "On-going cracks and air leaks in the Service Module Transfer Tunnel are a top safety risk," the report reads. In June, the crack was moved to NASA's highest level of concern in its "risk matrix," Ars Technica reported. NASA and Russian space agency, Roscosmos, are working together to figure out the issue. "And NASA and Roscosmos are collaborating to investigate and mitigate the cracks and leaks, determine the root cause, and monitor the Station for new leaks." "Although the root cause of the leak remains unknown, both agencies have narrowed their focus to internal and external welds," the report reads. As per an Ars Technica report, NASA "identified an increase in the leak to its highest level to date" in April. The lead increased to a whopping 3.7 pounds of atmosphere a day, as compared to under one pound in February. Also Read: Much-awaited star explosion is finally here. How to watch it and where to look Right now, NASA plans on retiring the space station in 2030. However, it is important to keep things perfect until that happens. But that doesn't seem to be the case as the report cites problems faced to fix the issue, whenever it is identified. The report cites "supply chain issues" plaguing NASA's contractors that could create hurdles in sustaining operations at the space station until it finally goes out of service. If the engineers are unable to identify the problem and fix it, NASA and Roscosmos might have to permanently close the hatch to the affected tunnel. This would cut off access to one of the station's four docking ports. However, this might be a point of clash between NASA and Roscosmos as they do not have "agreement on the point at which the leak rate is untenable." Notably, SpaceX will help NASA deorbit the station and crash it into the Pacific Ocean in 2030.

NASA and Roscosmos butt heads over growing leakage in space station. 'Have not reached...'

An asteroid that flew past Earth recently was not one but two pieces of rocks melded with one another. It resembled a snowman, with a head and a body, and was pretty big. It was classified as a potentially hazardous object.&nbsp;

The asteroid, named 2024 ON, flew past Earth at a speed of 19,842 mph (31,933 kph) on September 17. It was different from the other asteroids that regularly approach Earth. At 1150 feet (350 metres) in length, about the size of a skyscraper, it could have caused destruction if it had hit&nbsp;Earth.&nbsp;

However, it zoomed past safely at a distance of 620,000 miles (1 million kilometres), which is over 2.5 times the average distance between the moon and Earth.

The asteroid looked like a peanut, with a visible dip in the middle.&nbsp;Scientists say that years ago, the two asteroids came extremely close to each other. So much so that they became gravitationally bound. Ultimately, they became one.&nbsp;

The distinction between the two was made by the distinct neck present, with one lobe roughly 50 per cent bigger than the other.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/ceres-largest-object-in-asteroid-belt-shows-signs-of-life-near-ertunet-crater-762152">Ceres, largest object in asteroid belt, shows signs of life near Ertunet Crater</a>

The asteroid also likely has large boulders on its surface. "Bright radar spots on the asteroid's surface likely indicate large boulders," the statement says.

"This asteroid is classified as potentially hazardous, but it does not pose a hazard to Earth for the foreseeable future," NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory said in a statement.&nbsp;

Scientists used the Goldstone Solar System Radar in California to measure the asteroid and experts have now reduced "the uncertainties in the asteroid's distance from Earth and in its future motion for many decades."

Such two-lobed asteroids are called "contact binaries", and astronomers say that at least 14 per cent of all near-Earth asteroids that are bigger than 660 feet belong to this group.&nbsp;

Selam, the little moonlet with asteroid Dinkinesh, is one of the most famous contact binary asteroids. It sits between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter and was discovered by the Lucy spacecraft earlier this year. It is the first contact-binary satellite found to be orbiting an asteroid.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

An asteroid that flew past Earth recently was not one but two pieces of rocks melded with one another. It resembled a snowman, with a head and a body, and was pretty big.

An asteroid that flew past Earth recently was not one but two pieces of rocks melded with one another. It resembled a snowman, with a head and a body, and was pretty big. It was classified as a potentially hazardous object. The asteroid, named 2024 ON, flew past Earth at a speed of 19,842 mph (31,933 kph) on September 17. It was different from the other asteroids that regularly approach Earth. At 1150 feet (350 metres) in length, about the size of a skyscraper, it could have caused destruction if it had hit Earth. However, it zoomed past safely at a distance of 620,000 miles (1 million kilometres), which is over 2.5 times the average distance between the moon and Earth. The asteroid looked like a peanut, with a visible dip in the middle. Scientists say that years ago, the two asteroids came extremely close to each other. So much so that they became gravitationally bound. Ultimately, they became one. The distinction between the two was made by the distinct neck present, with one lobe roughly 50 per cent bigger than the other. Also Read: Ceres, largest object in asteroid belt, shows signs of life near Ertunet Crater The asteroid also likely has large boulders on its surface. "Bright radar spots on the asteroid's surface likely indicate large boulders," the statement says. "This asteroid is classified as potentially hazardous, but it does not pose a hazard to Earth for the foreseeable future," NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory said in a statement. Scientists used the Goldstone Solar System Radar in California to measure the asteroid and experts have now reduced "the uncertainties in the asteroid's distance from Earth and in its future motion for many decades." Such two-lobed asteroids are called "contact binaries", and astronomers say that at least 14 per cent of all near-Earth asteroids that are bigger than 660 feet belong to this group. Selam, the little moonlet with asteroid Dinkinesh, is one of the most famous contact binary asteroids. It sits between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter and was discovered by the Lucy spacecraft earlier this year. It is the first contact-binary satellite found to be orbiting an asteroid.

Two rocks fused into one to form peanut-like asteroid that flew past Earth

The Sahara Desert is undergoing a rare transformation after receiving heavy rainfall. The satellite images&nbsp;show&nbsp;how unusual weather conditions and heavy rainfall are turning the arid yellow regions into green patches.

By the end of September, some parts of the Sahara Desert would have&nbsp;received five times the average rainfall it gets during the month. Some areas of North Africa have been experiencing too much precipitation because of which its usually arid landscape is getting flooded, reported&nbsp;Live Science.

The region does receive rainfall, however, the amount&nbsp;of it is generally a few inches of rain every year, as per the NASA Earth Observatory.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/central-japan-hit-by-massive-rains-floods-several-casualities-feared-760992">Central Japan hit by massive rains, floods; several casualties feared</a>

But on September 7 and 8, the region faced an extratropical cyclone - which is a type of storm that has not been categorised as a tropical cyclone and has left behind a huge quantity of runoff water.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
An extratropical cyclone over the Sahara Desert drenched parts of Morocco and Algeria – bringing up to a year’s worth of rain to some areas. 🌧️ <a href="https://twitter.com/NASA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nasa</a>’s Terra satellite captured floodwaters and some Saharan lakes, usually dry, filled with water. <a href="https://t.co/cuS1c73RoA">https://t.co/cuS1c73RoA</a> <a href="https://t.co/m8Ga8G0FgO">pic.twitter.com/m8Ga8G0FgO</a>
— NASA Earth (@NASAEarth) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASAEarth/status/1836071502384394313?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 17, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

NASA's Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) captured the heavy rain in the Sahara Desert.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
These images, captured by <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VIIRS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VIIRS</a> onboard the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NOAA21?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NOAA21</a> satellite on Aug. 30 and Sept. 9, 2024, use enhanced color to highlight rain accumulation in the Sahara Desert. 
 
Clouds are shown in light cyan, while water is dark blue to indicate moisture content. 
 
Credit: <a href="https://twitter.com/NOAA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NOAA</a>/<a href="https://twitter.com/CIRA_CSU?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CIRA_CSU</a> <a href="https://t.co/SkFsuUPfJb">pic.twitter.com/SkFsuUPfJb</a>
— Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS) (@JPSSProgram) <a href="https://twitter.com/JPSSProgram/status/1834581577336066148?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 13, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

This is an instrument aboard two satellites which can capture the imagery of the entire surface of Earth every one to two days.

While comparing the satellite images, an increase in water in the region was observed after the thunderstorms. Different shades of blue were seen depending on the depth of the water and vegetation appeared green.

NASA Earth Observatory further reported that water was filled in one of the normally dry lakes in the Sahara Desert as per the satellite images.&nbsp;

<h2>Why is the Sahara Desert receiving heavy rainfall?</h2>

According to some scientists, the heavy rainfall in the Sahara Desert has been triggered by the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ).

Watch:&nbsp;Heavy rains triggered floods in central Japan

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/heavy-rains-triggered-floods-in-central-japan-760985/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The air from the Northern and Southern hemispheres meet in the ITCZ which is a belt close to the equator and can carry storms. This ITCZ has shifted towards the northern Sahara this year and triggered rainfall as per the scientists.

Meanwhile, other experts have said that the water in the North Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea has turned warmer than usual which may have caused the rainfall, reported the outlet and added that it is possible for Sahara to continue receiving more rainfall in the future.

According to NASA's report, more than 38,000 incidents of extreme rainfall have happened over the Sahara, since the time weather records have been&nbsp;maintained. Nearly 30 per cent of that rainfall was received during the summers and some were associated with&nbsp;extratropical cyclones.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Sahara Desert is undergoing a rare transformation after receiving heavy rainfall. The satellite images show how unusual weather conditions and heavy rainfall are turning the arid yellow regions into green patches.

The Sahara Desert is undergoing a rare transformation after receiving heavy rainfall. The satellite images show how unusual weather conditions and heavy rainfall are turning the arid yellow regions into green patches. By the end of September, some parts of the Sahara Desert would have received five times the average rainfall it gets during the month. Some areas of North Africa have been experiencing too much precipitation because of which its usually arid landscape is getting flooded, reported Live Science. The region does receive rainfall, however, the amount of it is generally a few inches of rain every year, as per the NASA Earth Observatory. Also Read: Central Japan hit by massive rains, floods; several casualties feared But on September 7 and 8, the region faced an extratropical cyclone - which is a type of storm that has not been categorised as a tropical cyclone and has left behind a huge quantity of runoff water. An extratropical cyclone over the Sahara Desert drenched parts of Morocco and Algeria – bringing up to a year’s worth of rain to some areas. 🌧️ @nasa’s Terra satellite captured floodwaters and some Saharan lakes, usually dry, filled with water. https://t.co/cuS1c73RoA pic.twitter.com/m8Ga8G0FgO — NASA Earth (@NASAEarth) September 17, 2024 × NASA's Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) captured the heavy rain in the Sahara Desert. These images, captured by #VIIRS onboard the #NOAA21 satellite on Aug. 30 and Sept. 9, 2024, use enhanced color to highlight rain accumulation in the Sahara Desert. Clouds are shown in light cyan, while water is dark blue to indicate moisture content. Credit: @NOAA/@CIRA_CSU pic.twitter.com/SkFsuUPfJb — Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS) (@JPSSProgram) September 13, 2024 × This is an instrument aboard two satellites which can capture the imagery of the entire surface of Earth every one to two days. While comparing the satellite images, an increase in water in the region was observed after the thunderstorms. Different shades of blue were seen depending on the depth of the water and vegetation appeared green. NASA Earth Observatory further reported that water was filled in one of the normally dry lakes in the Sahara Desert as per the satellite images. Why is the Sahara Desert receiving heavy rainfall? According to some scientists, the heavy rainfall in the Sahara Desert has been triggered by the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ). Watch: Heavy rains triggered floods in central Japan The air from the Northern and Southern hemispheres meet in the ITCZ which is a belt close to the equator and can carry storms. This ITCZ has shifted towards the northern Sahara this year and triggered rainfall as per the scientists. Meanwhile, other experts have said that the water in the North Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea has turned warmer than usual which may have caused the rainfall, reported the outlet and added that it is possible for Sahara to continue receiving more rainfall in the future. According to NASA's report, more than 38,000 incidents of extreme rainfall have happened over the Sahara, since the time weather records have been maintained. Nearly 30 per cent of that rainfall was received during the summers and some were associated with extratropical cyclones. (With inputs from agencies)

Sahara Desert is turning from arid yellow to lush green. NASA captures this rare transformation

Two galaxies with two black holes each caught in the act of merging by NASA. The event has been observed in two dwarf galaxies by NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory. Scientists say merge will provide insight into the formation of galaxies in the early universe. Extraordinary images of two dwarf galaxies, Mirabilis and Elstir & Vinteuil captured. Discovery will help us understand how galaxies like our Milky Way formed. Watch to know more!

Two black holes caught merging, event to provide insight into galaxy formation | WION originals

NASA and SpaceX are preparing for Crew-9 Rescue Mission launched to the International Space Station which will bring back stranded astronauts Sunita Williams and Buch Wilmore to Earth next year in February. As the space agencies prepare for the launch on September 26th with two other astronauts, an unexpected threat looms on the horizon.

Cyclone Threatens Return Of Sunita Williams & Butch Willmore

Top 8 Stunning Images of Distant Galaxies by Hubble Space Telescope

NASA found the 'most lunar-like' place on Earth to prepare the crew for the first journey to the moon after more than half a century as part of the Artemis II.

The country chosen for this task was Iceland which has rugged terrain similar to the lunar surface.

NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch, along with Canadian Space Agency (CSA) astronaut Jeremy Hansen and backup crew members NASA astronaut Andre Douglas and CSA astronaut Jenni Gibbons hiked across the country.&nbsp;

"Apollo astronauts said Iceland was one of the most lunar-like training locations that they went to in their training," said Cindy Evans, Artemis geology training lead at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, in a statement.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-just-recreated-spiders-seen-on-mars-in-a-lab-on-earth-758451">NASA just recreated 'spiders' seen on Mars in a lab on Earth</a>

"It has lunar-like planetary processes—in this case, volcanism. It has the landscape; it looks like the Moon. And it has the scale of features astronauts will both be observing and exploring on the Moon," he added.&nbsp;

<h2>How has Iceland become the 'most lunar-like' place for NASA?</h2>

According to NASA, the landscape of Iceland is filled with lava fields, volcanic craters, and barren, rocky terrain which has a resemblance with the lunar surface.&nbsp;

Special rocks like breccias and basalts, which are found on the lunar surface, are also present in Iceland because of the intense volcanic activity of the country.&nbsp;

Iceland's geology helps astronauts practice working in terrains similar to those on the moon and get trained in techniques used for identifying, collecting, and documenting rocks and soil samples with the help of specially designed tools.

The astronaut crew also worked on their navigation skills and spent time living and working together like they would in space.

"The tools we used during the Apollo missions haven't changed that much for what we're planning for the Artemis missions," said Trevor Graff, exploration geologist and the hardware and testing lead on the Artemis science team at NASA Johnson, in the statement.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;NASA to return Boeing Starliner astronauts on Spacex Crew Dragon&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nasa-to-return-boeing-starliner-astronauts-on-spacex-crew-dragon-gravitas-753526/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"Traditionally, a geologist goes out with just standard tool sets of things like rock hammers and scoops or shovels to sample the world around them, both on the surface and subsurface," he added.&nbsp;

Humans will go back to the lunar surface for the first time after 1972 as part of Artemis III.

As part of the mission, the astronauts will land near the lunar South Pole and will spend nearly a week conducting scientific research on the lunar surface.&nbsp;

According to NASA, the mission will launch "no earlier than Sept. 2026."

"There's really transformational science that we can learn by getting boots back on the Moon, getting samples back, and being able to do field geology with trained astronauts on the surface," said Angela Garcia, who is an exploration geologist and an Artemis II science officer at NASA Johnson.

(With inputs from agencies)

NASA found the 'most lunar-like' place on Earth to prepare the crew for the first journey to the moon after more than half a century as part of the Artemis II. The country chosen for this task was Iceland which has rugged terrain similar to the lunar surface.

NASA found the 'most lunar-like' place on Earth to prepare the crew for the first journey to the moon after more than half a century as part of the Artemis II. The country chosen for this task was Iceland which has rugged terrain similar to the lunar surface. NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch, along with Canadian Space Agency (CSA) astronaut Jeremy Hansen and backup crew members NASA astronaut Andre Douglas and CSA astronaut Jenni Gibbons hiked across the country. "Apollo astronauts said Iceland was one of the most lunar-like training locations that they went to in their training," said Cindy Evans, Artemis geology training lead at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, in a statement. Also Read: NASA just recreated 'spiders' seen on Mars in a lab on Earth "It has lunar-like planetary processes—in this case, volcanism. It has the landscape; it looks like the Moon. And it has the scale of features astronauts will both be observing and exploring on the Moon," he added. How has Iceland become the 'most lunar-like' place for NASA? According to NASA, the landscape of Iceland is filled with lava fields, volcanic craters, and barren, rocky terrain which has a resemblance with the lunar surface. Special rocks like breccias and basalts, which are found on the lunar surface, are also present in Iceland because of the intense volcanic activity of the country. Iceland's geology helps astronauts practice working in terrains similar to those on the moon and get trained in techniques used for identifying, collecting, and documenting rocks and soil samples with the help of specially designed tools. The astronaut crew also worked on their navigation skills and spent time living and working together like they would in space. "The tools we used during the Apollo missions haven't changed that much for what we're planning for the Artemis missions," said Trevor Graff, exploration geologist and the hardware and testing lead on the Artemis science team at NASA Johnson, in the statement. Watch: NASA to return Boeing Starliner astronauts on Spacex Crew Dragon "Traditionally, a geologist goes out with just standard tool sets of things like rock hammers and scoops or shovels to sample the world around them, both on the surface and subsurface," he added. Humans will go back to the lunar surface for the first time after 1972 as part of Artemis III. As part of the mission, the astronauts will land near the lunar South Pole and will spend nearly a week conducting scientific research on the lunar surface. According to NASA, the mission will launch "no earlier than Sept. 2026." "There's really transformational science that we can learn by getting boots back on the Moon, getting samples back, and being able to do field geology with trained astronauts on the surface," said Angela Garcia, who is an exploration geologist and an Artemis II science officer at NASA Johnson. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA finalises 'most lunar-like' place on Earth to train crew for Artemis II. It was...

NASA has issued a warning as a 510-foot asteroid, named 2013 FW13, is hurtling towards Earth at a speed of 35,000 mph and is set to make a close passage by our planet.

The asteroid will be at a distance of 2 million miles from the planet on Wednesday (Sep&nbsp;18), as per NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

The astronomers in Hawaii first discovered this asteroid, which is 4.6 billion years old, in March 2013 and it will make its next&nbsp;close approach&nbsp;on March 27 when it will be 16 million miles away from Earth.

According to NASA, the asteroid which is larger than 492 feet and comes within 4.6 million miles of Earth has been termed a “potentially hazardous object".&nbsp;

Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/asteroid-nearly-1500-feet-in-size-moving-towards-earth-at-26-times-the-speed-of-sound-758280">&nbsp;Asteroid nearly 1,500 feet in size moving towards Earth at 26 times the speed of sound</a>

Hence, NASA has been monitoring the asteroid's potential danger although the agency does not expect this space rock to pose any threat to Earth.&nbsp;

According to NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, asteroid 2013 FW13 will pass by Earth at 2:30 a.m. EDT on Wednesday (Sep 18).&nbsp;

<h2>How does NASA keep an eye on any potential hazards to Earth?</h2>

The way Asteroid 2013 FW13 is moving towards Earth also reflects the importance of keeping a tab on space to detect any potential hazards.&nbsp; 
NASA’s Planetary Defence Coordination Office (PDCO) has been tracking such cosmic objects and ensuring that Earth remains safe.&nbsp;

The high speed at which the asteroid is travelling shows the solar system's dynamic nature.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;SpaceX launches 'all civilian' Polaris mission: A new frontier in private space exploration

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/spacex-launches-all-civilian-polaris-mission-a-new-frontier-in-private-space-exploration-757593/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Asteroids keep moving across space constantly and are influenced by the planets' gravitation pull.&nbsp;

The scientists can predict future trajectories by understanding their movements. It also helps in assessing potential risks.

(With inputs from agencies)

NASA has issued a warning as a 510-foot asteroid, named 2013 FW13, is hurtling towards Earth at a speed of 35,000 mph and is set to make a close passage by our planet.

NASA has issued a warning as a 510-foot asteroid, named 2013 FW13, is hurtling towards Earth at a speed of 35,000 mph and is set to make a close passage by our planet. The asteroid will be at a distance of 2 million miles from the planet on Wednesday (Sep 18), as per NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. The astronomers in Hawaii first discovered this asteroid, which is 4.6 billion years old, in March 2013 and it will make its next close approach on March 27 when it will be 16 million miles away from Earth. According to NASA, the asteroid which is larger than 492 feet and comes within 4.6 million miles of Earth has been termed a “potentially hazardous object". Also Read: Asteroid nearly 1,500 feet in size moving towards Earth at 26 times the speed of sound Hence, NASA has been monitoring the asteroid's potential danger although the agency does not expect this space rock to pose any threat to Earth. According to NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, asteroid 2013 FW13 will pass by Earth at 2:30 a.m. EDT on Wednesday (Sep 18). How does NASA keep an eye on any potential hazards to Earth? The way Asteroid 2013 FW13 is moving towards Earth also reflects the importance of keeping a tab on space to detect any potential hazards. NASA’s Planetary Defence Coordination Office (PDCO) has been tracking such cosmic objects and ensuring that Earth remains safe. The high speed at which the asteroid is travelling shows the solar system's dynamic nature. Watch: SpaceX launches 'all civilian' Polaris mission: A new frontier in private space exploration Asteroids keep moving across space constantly and are influenced by the planets' gravitation pull. The scientists can predict future trajectories by understanding their movements. It also helps in assessing potential risks. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA alerts as 'potentially hazardous' 510-foot asteroid zooms towards Earth at 35,000 mph

Voyager 1 spacecraft is phoning home once again while remaining pointed at Earth, thanks to a clever trick carried out by NASA scientists. It is flying through interstellar space at the moment after being launched in 1977. It developed thruster issues due to which it was unable to stay pointed at Earth when calling home.

So to continue to remain connected with Earth, it needed to switch to a different thruster set. However, it was tricky since Voyager 1 is 47 years old and any sudden changes could damage the spacecraft.

So NASA had to think out of the box.&nbsp;

"All the decisions we will have to make going forward are going to require a lot more analysis and caution than they once did," Suzanne Dodd, Voyager's project manager at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory that manages the mission, said in a statement on Tuesday (Sep&nbsp;10).

The fuel tubes for their thrusters have been prone to clogging for more than 20 years. The Voyager has three thruster branches, two attitude branches designed for orientation, and one trajectory correction branch made for pathway changes in space.

In 2002, the first attitude propulsion branch started to clog. So it switched to the second branch, NASA officials said in the statement. However, the second branch began also started showing signs of clogging in 2018, so Voyager 1's orientation manoeuvres switched to the trajectory correction branch. &nbsp;

Now the problem being faced was even this branch started to clog up, much worse than the attitude branches. This JPL decides to go back to the attitude propulsion system. However, this time the challenge was bigger as the spacecraft has a lot less power than in 2002.&nbsp;

Currently, Voyager 1 is running only on essential systems, and some of its heaters have been turned off. This meant that due to diminished radiant heat, &nbsp;Voyager 1's dormant attitude propulsion thruster branch was quite cold and risked damage if turned on.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/mega-collision-with-another-galaxy-9-billion-years-ago-created-milky-way-black-hole-758056">Mega collision with another galaxy 9 billion years ago created Milky Way black hole</a>

So, JPL engineers had an idea - switch on one of the heaters for an hour. It worked and one of the attitude thruster branches successfully reoriented Voyager 1 towards Earth on August 27 for the first time in six years.

In June, a data transmission problem that had been affecting the spacecraft for months was also fixed.

<h2>Voyager 1 and Voyager 2</h2>

Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 were sent to space more than 47 years ago to study the distant solar system. They flew by by four largest outer solar system planets by 1989 and are now in interstellar space, where the sun's gravity or particles cannot reach. They left the solar system in the early 2010s.

Voyager 1 spacecraft is phoning home once again while remaining pointed at Earth, thanks to a clever trick carried out by NASA scientists. It is flying through interstellar space at the moment after being launched in 1977.

Voyager 1 spacecraft is phoning home once again while remaining pointed at Earth, thanks to a clever trick carried out by NASA scientists. It is flying through interstellar space at the moment after being launched in 1977. It developed thruster issues due to which it was unable to stay pointed at Earth when calling home. So to continue to remain connected with Earth, it needed to switch to a different thruster set. However, it was tricky since Voyager 1 is 47 years old and any sudden changes could damage the spacecraft. So NASA had to think out of the box. "All the decisions we will have to make going forward are going to require a lot more analysis and caution than they once did," Suzanne Dodd, Voyager's project manager at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory that manages the mission, said in a statement on Tuesday (Sep 10). The fuel tubes for their thrusters have been prone to clogging for more than 20 years. The Voyager has three thruster branches, two attitude branches designed for orientation, and one trajectory correction branch made for pathway changes in space. In 2002, the first attitude propulsion branch started to clog. So it switched to the second branch, NASA officials said in the statement. However, the second branch began also started showing signs of clogging in 2018, so Voyager 1's orientation manoeuvres switched to the trajectory correction branch. Now the problem being faced was even this branch started to clog up, much worse than the attitude branches. This JPL decides to go back to the attitude propulsion system. However, this time the challenge was bigger as the spacecraft has a lot less power than in 2002. Currently, Voyager 1 is running only on essential systems, and some of its heaters have been turned off. This meant that due to diminished radiant heat, Voyager 1's dormant attitude propulsion thruster branch was quite cold and risked damage if turned on. Also Read: Mega collision with another galaxy 9 billion years ago created Milky Way black hole So, JPL engineers had an idea - switch on one of the heaters for an hour. It worked and one of the attitude thruster branches successfully reoriented Voyager 1 towards Earth on August 27 for the first time in six years. In June, a data transmission problem that had been affecting the spacecraft for months was also fixed. Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 were sent to space more than 47 years ago to study the distant solar system. They flew by by four largest outer solar system planets by 1989 and are now in interstellar space, where the sun's gravity or particles cannot reach. They left the solar system in the early 2010s.

NASA fixes another problem on Voyager 1 as it moves through interstellar space

On 11 September 2001, while the world watched the horror of the terrorist attacks in the United States, Frank Culbertson, the Expedition 3 Commander astronaut, had a unique perspective from space. He was aboard the International Space Station (ISS), the only American on the crew.&nbsp;

That day, a series of terrorist attacks took place in the United States that shocked the entire world. Nineteen hijackers seized control of four commercial aeroplanes, and two of them were flown into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Centre in New York City, causing both to collapse within hours.&nbsp;

<h2>American Astronaut Frank Culbertson&nbsp;</h2>

Frank Culbertson was orbiting over New York City, and he documented the scene from his camera. He captured the images of smoke rising from the World Trade Centre following the devastating attacks. He was not only shocked&nbsp;but also witnessed history from a place very few could imagine.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/former-peruvian-president-alberto-fujimori-dies-aged-86-leaves-behind-a-divisive-legacy-757939">Former Peruvian president Alberto Fujimori dies aged 86</a>

<h2>NASA released Culbertson’s letter&nbsp;</h2>

After 23 years of the attacks, NASA released a letter written by Frank Culbertson, dated September 12, 2001. He wrote, "Well, obviously the world changed today. What I say or do is very minor compared to the significance of what happened to our country today when it was attacked by.... by whom? Terrorists are all we know, I guess. Hard to know at whom to direct our anger and fear..."&nbsp;His letter briefly explained his experience of seeing his country under one of the biggest attacks of all time that killed more than 3,000 people. He wrote, "It's difficult to describe how it feels to be the only American completely off the planet at a time such as this. The feeling that I should be there with all of you, dealing with this, helping in some way, is overwhelming.”&nbsp;

Also Read|<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-calls-for-full-accountability-after-israeli-military-kills-american-activist-in-west-bank-758009">Biden calls for 'full accountability' after IDF kills American activist</a>|

While they were orbiting over New York, he captured video of the smoke, which he described as having an ‘odd bloom’ at its base. Later, he learned that the pilot of the plane that hit the Pentagon was his friend, Captain Charles Burlingame.

Twenty-three&nbsp;years later, a memorial exists where the twin towers once stood, to honour and remember those who lost their lives in&nbsp;the heartwrenching attacks. Frank Culbertson’s photograph and letter serve as the lasting record of the dark day of American History.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

On 11 September 2001, while the world watched the horror of the terrorist attacks in the United States, Frank Culbertson, the Expedition 3 Commander astronaut, had a unique perspective from space.

On 11 September 2001, while the world watched the horror of the terrorist attacks in the United States, Frank Culbertson, the Expedition 3 Commander astronaut, had a unique perspective from space. He was aboard the International Space Station (ISS), the only American on the crew. That day, a series of terrorist attacks took place in the United States that shocked the entire world. Nineteen hijackers seized control of four commercial aeroplanes, and two of them were flown into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Centre in New York City, causing both to collapse within hours. American Astronaut Frank Culbertson Frank Culbertson was orbiting over New York City, and he documented the scene from his camera. He captured the images of smoke rising from the World Trade Centre following the devastating attacks. He was not only shocked but also witnessed history from a place very few could imagine. Also Read | Former Peruvian president Alberto Fujimori dies aged 86 NASA released Culbertson’s letter After 23 years of the attacks, NASA released a letter written by Frank Culbertson, dated September 12, 2001. He wrote, "Well, obviously the world changed today. What I say or do is very minor compared to the significance of what happened to our country today when it was attacked by.... by whom? Terrorists are all we know, I guess. Hard to know at whom to direct our anger and fear..." His letter briefly explained his experience of seeing his country under one of the biggest attacks of all time that killed more than 3,000 people. He wrote, "It's difficult to describe how it feels to be the only American completely off the planet at a time such as this. The feeling that I should be there with all of you, dealing with this, helping in some way, is overwhelming.” Also Read|Biden calls for 'full accountability' after IDF kills American activist| While they were orbiting over New York, he captured video of the smoke, which he described as having an ‘odd bloom’ at its base. Later, he learned that the pilot of the plane that hit the Pentagon was his friend, Captain Charles Burlingame. Twenty-three years later, a memorial exists where the twin towers once stood, to honour and remember those who lost their lives in the heartwrenching attacks. Frank Culbertson’s photograph and letter serve as the lasting record of the dark day of American History. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA shares haunting image of 9/11 attacks captured from space

Ex-NASA scientist Aisha Bowe spoke to WION's Shivan Chanana on aspirations of youth. She said that "today's youth have immense pressure to make career choices". Aisha Bowe is a former NASA rocket scientist, entrepreneur, and soon-to-be astronaut. She is the founder and CEO of STEMBoard— recognized as one of the fastest-growing companies in America.

'Pressure on youth can be overwhelming', says Aisha Bowe Ex-NASA rocket scientist

Ex-NASA scientist Ashley Bowe spoke to WION's Shivan Chanana on aspirations of youth. She said that "today's youth have immense pressure to make career choices". Watch in!

'Pressure on youth can be overwhelming', says Ashley Bowe Ex-NASA scientist

WION's Shivan Chanana spoke to Aisha Bowe a former NASA scientist and founder of STEMBoard a space tech company. As she prepares to head into space, Bowe shares her aspirations as an astronaut. Watch in for more details!

Aisha Bowe speaks about her journey of becoming an astronaut | WION Exclusive Interview

NASA is on alert as a huge asteroid 2024 ON is racing towards Earth at a very high speed and will make its close flyby on September 15.

The asteroid, which has a diameter of 720 feet, is larger than two cricket pitches and is expected to pass by a safe distance of around 620,000 miles, which is roughly 2.6 times the distance between Earth and the Moon.

Astronomers have been significantly interested in this space rock because of its high velocity of 25,000 mph.

The asteroid 2024 ON was first identified by NASA’s Near-Earth Object Observations Programme and has been closely monitored because of its massive size and rapid speed.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/these-six-doomsday-asteroids-will-crash-into-earth-someday-scientists-warn-756853">These six doomsday asteroids will crash into Earth someday. Scientists warn...</a>

The Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) which is in Pasadena, California, has been instrumental in tracking the asteroid and using advanced radar and optical telescopes.&nbsp;

The astronomers are assessing the size, shape, and composition of the asteroid for any potential risks and to look into possible mitigation strategies.

Despite the formidable speed and size of the asteroid, there are very low chances of it colliding with Earth.&nbsp;

NASA’s Planetary Defence Coordination Office (PDCO) emphasised that there is a need for ongoing vigilance and preparedness is important in dealing with near-Earth objects.&nbsp;

Scientists have been gathering data as the date of a close encounter with 2024 ON approaches and advancing their understanding of the universe.&nbsp;

<h2>How does NASA keep an eye on any potential hazards to Earth?</h2>

The way asteroid 2024 ON is moving towards Earth also reflects the importance of keeping a tab on space to detect any potential hazards.&nbsp;

NASA’s Planetary Defence Coordination Office (PDCO) has been tracking such cosmic objects and ensuring that Earth remains safe.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;China's plan: Nuclear warheads for asteroid defence

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/chinas-plan-nuclear-warheads-for-asteroid-defence-754141/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The high speed at which the asteroid is travelling shows the solar system's dynamic nature.&nbsp;

Asteroids keep moving across space constantly and are influenced by the planets' gravitation pull.&nbsp;

The scientists can predict future trajectories by understanding their movements. It also helps in assessing potential risks.

(With inputs from agencies)

NASA is on alert as a huge asteroid 2024 ON is racing towards Earth at a very high speed and will make its close flyby on September 15. The asteroid, which has a diameter of 720 feet, is larger than two cricket pitches and is expected to pass by a safe distance of around 620,000 miles, which is roughly 2.

NASA is on alert as a huge asteroid 2024 ON is racing towards Earth at a very high speed and will make its close flyby on September 15. The asteroid, which has a diameter of 720 feet, is larger than two cricket pitches and is expected to pass by a safe distance of around 620,000 miles, which is roughly 2.6 times the distance between Earth and the Moon. Astronomers have been significantly interested in this space rock because of its high velocity of 25,000 mph. The asteroid 2024 ON was first identified by NASA’s Near-Earth Object Observations Programme and has been closely monitored because of its massive size and rapid speed. Also Read: These six doomsday asteroids will crash into Earth someday. Scientists warn... The Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) which is in Pasadena, California, has been instrumental in tracking the asteroid and using advanced radar and optical telescopes. The astronomers are assessing the size, shape, and composition of the asteroid for any potential risks and to look into possible mitigation strategies. Despite the formidable speed and size of the asteroid, there are very low chances of it colliding with Earth. NASA’s Planetary Defence Coordination Office (PDCO) emphasised that there is a need for ongoing vigilance and preparedness is important in dealing with near-Earth objects. Scientists have been gathering data as the date of a close encounter with 2024 ON approaches and advancing their understanding of the universe. How does NASA keep an eye on any potential hazards to Earth? The way asteroid 2024 ON is moving towards Earth also reflects the importance of keeping a tab on space to detect any potential hazards. NASA’s Planetary Defence Coordination Office (PDCO) has been tracking such cosmic objects and ensuring that Earth remains safe. Watch: China's plan: Nuclear warheads for asteroid defence The high speed at which the asteroid is travelling shows the solar system's dynamic nature. Asteroids keep moving across space constantly and are influenced by the planets' gravitation pull. The scientists can predict future trajectories by understanding their movements. It also helps in assessing potential risks. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA on alert as massive 720-foot asteroid hurtles towards Earth at scary speed

NASA admitted there was “tension” during meetings with Boeing executives about how to bring home two astronauts stranded on the International Space Station, but denied reports of shouting matches.

NASA-Boeing tensions: Boeing Starliner to return sans astronaut

The record-breaking warming in the Antarctic stratosphere in the month of July disrupted the polar vortex and affected global weather patterns.&nbsp;

This event was a little different from the frequent warmings of the Arctic and is likely to have impacted the weather phenomena and ozone levels in the Southern Hemisphere.

The warming started in the stratosphere, nearly 30 kilometres above the continent’s icy surface, in July 2024.

In the month of July, the temperatures in the stratosphere above Antarctica remain around minus 80 degrees&nbsp;Celsius&nbsp;(minus 112 degrees&nbsp;Fahrenheit).&nbsp;

The scientists recorded 15°C temperature in the middle of the stratosphere on July 7, which set the record of the warmest July temperatures seen in the stratosphere in the Antarctic region.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/continental-crash-35-million-years-ago-likely-created-an-invisible-barrier-on-earth-756056">Continental crash 35 million years ago likely created an invisible barrier on Earth</a>

On July 22, the temperature decreased only to rise to 17°C (31°F) on August 5.

<h2>Here's how stratospheric warming impacted the polar vortex</h2>

NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Centre's atmospheric scientists, Lawrence Coy and Paul Newman, were surprised to find this sudden stratospheric warming.

Coy and Newman worked on data assimilation and looked into the models&nbsp;of Earth’s atmosphere created for NASA’s Global Modeling and Assimilation Office (GMAO).&nbsp;

“The July event was the earliest stratospheric warming ever observed in GMAO’s entire 44-year record,” said Coy.

The scientists said that the westerly winds, which were present in this layer of the atmosphere, loop across the South Pole in winter and form what is called as the&nbsp;polar vortex.&nbsp;

However, this symmetric circumpolar flow was disrupted, which led to a weakening of the winds and the flow to alter its shape.

The polar vortex, instead of circulating the South Pole, turned elongated and the winds weakened, which caused considerable stratospheric warming over Antarctica.

Watch:&nbsp;Iceberg remains north of South Orkney islands

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/iceberg-remains-north-of-south-orkney-islands-747979/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The researchers have been investigating what was the origin of disturbances which led to the disruption of the stratosphere.&nbsp;

“Variations in sea surface temperatures and sea ice can perturb these large-scale weather systems in the troposphere that propagate upwards,” said Newman. “But the attribution of why these systems develop is really difficult to do," he added.

Scientists observed that the sudden warming events in the stratosphere were connected to higher concentrations of ozone over Antarctica.&nbsp;

They observed that the change of circulation led to stratospheric warming events in which ozone is drawn from other latitudes toward the polar region.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The record-breaking warming in the Antarctic stratosphere in the month of July disrupted the polar vortex and affected global weather patterns. This event was a little different from the frequent warmings of the Arctic and is likely to have impacted the weather phenomena and ozone levels in the Southern Hemisphere.

The record-breaking warming in the Antarctic stratosphere in the month of July disrupted the polar vortex and affected global weather patterns. This event was a little different from the frequent warmings of the Arctic and is likely to have impacted the weather phenomena and ozone levels in the Southern Hemisphere. The warming started in the stratosphere, nearly 30 kilometres above the continent’s icy surface, in July 2024. In the month of July, the temperatures in the stratosphere above Antarctica remain around minus 80 degrees Celsius (minus 112 degrees Fahrenheit). The scientists recorded 15°C temperature in the middle of the stratosphere on July 7, which set the record of the warmest July temperatures seen in the stratosphere in the Antarctic region. Also Read: Continental crash 35 million years ago likely created an invisible barrier on Earth On July 22, the temperature decreased only to rise to 17°C (31°F) on August 5. Here's how stratospheric warming impacted the polar vortex NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Centre's atmospheric scientists, Lawrence Coy and Paul Newman, were surprised to find this sudden stratospheric warming. Coy and Newman worked on data assimilation and looked into the models of Earth’s atmosphere created for NASA’s Global Modeling and Assimilation Office (GMAO). “The July event was the earliest stratospheric warming ever observed in GMAO’s entire 44-year record,” said Coy. The scientists said that the westerly winds, which were present in this layer of the atmosphere, loop across the South Pole in winter and form what is called as the polar vortex. However, this symmetric circumpolar flow was disrupted, which led to a weakening of the winds and the flow to alter its shape. The polar vortex, instead of circulating the South Pole, turned elongated and the winds weakened, which caused considerable stratospheric warming over Antarctica. Watch: Iceberg remains north of South Orkney islands The researchers have been investigating what was the origin of disturbances which led to the disruption of the stratosphere. “Variations in sea surface temperatures and sea ice can perturb these large-scale weather systems in the troposphere that propagate upwards,” said Newman. “But the attribution of why these systems develop is really difficult to do," he added. Scientists observed that the sudden warming events in the stratosphere were connected to higher concentrations of ozone over Antarctica. They observed that the change of circulation led to stratospheric warming events in which ozone is drawn from other latitudes toward the polar region. (With inputs from agencies)

The polar vortex over Antarctica has elongated. NASA scientists explain why

NASA’s manager for the Commercial Crew program, Steve Stich was up-front about Boeing's and US space agency's differences in opinions about the rescue plan for Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams. After several discussions, the aerospace company and the government body concluded that it was not safe for the astronauts to be aboard the faulty starliner during its journey to Earth.&nbsp;

The Boeing spacecraft is set to embark on the interstellar ride back to Earth without the crew on 5 September and is expected to reach Earth on 7 September. Meanwhile, Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore were asked to wait at the International Space Station For the SpaceX Crew-9 mission to rescue them in February 2025. The original mission was completely discarded because of the Starliner's defective state due to helium leaks and thruster malfunctions. The astronaut duo was supposed to complete their to-and-fro journey from ISS to Earth on Starliner, but the safety of the astronauts is being prioritised, and the situation is currently not in Boeing’s favour.&nbsp;

Also Read|<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/georgia-high-school-shooting-14-year-old-shooter-had-been-on-fbis-radar-for-over-a-year-755964">Georgia shooting: 14-year-old shooter was on FBI's radar for over a year</a>|

NASA’s Steve Stich on Wednesday confirmed in a teleconference that the discussion leading up to the final decision in favour of SpaceX for the rescue mission led to &nbsp;“some tension in the room.” He said, “I would say, anytime you’re in a meeting of this magnitude, where there's this kind of decision, there is some tension in the room.”&nbsp;

Stitch also highlighted that Boeing believed in the model created by them that tried to predict thruster degradation for the rest of the flight. The final decision was based on the ability of the starliner thrusters to bring the astronauts back. Dana Weigel, the ISS program manager of NASA, agreed that Boeing reassured the agency of their belief in the spacecraft. However, she also mentioned that the MNC was not in the same position as them.&nbsp;

<h2>NASA made the final decision</h2>

Weigel said, "Boeing is not in a position, and it would be unfair of them to ask, to weigh into a risk versus risk trade for this scenario that NASA was weighing, which was bringing them home in the Starliner crewed or coming up with an alternate plan,” and ultimately the ball was in NASA’s court.&nbsp;

(with inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

NASA’s manager for the Commercial Crew program, Steve Stich was up-front about Boeing's and US space agency's differences in opinions about the rescue plan for Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams.

NASA’s manager for the Commercial Crew program, Steve Stich was up-front about Boeing's and US space agency's differences in opinions about the rescue plan for Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams. After several discussions, the aerospace company and the government body concluded that it was not safe for the astronauts to be aboard the faulty starliner during its journey to Earth. The Boeing spacecraft is set to embark on the interstellar ride back to Earth without the crew on 5 September and is expected to reach Earth on 7 September. Meanwhile, Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore were asked to wait at the International Space Station For the SpaceX Crew-9 mission to rescue them in February 2025. The original mission was completely discarded because of the Starliner's defective state due to helium leaks and thruster malfunctions. The astronaut duo was supposed to complete their to-and-fro journey from ISS to Earth on Starliner, but the safety of the astronauts is being prioritised, and the situation is currently not in Boeing’s favour. Also Read|Georgia shooting: 14-year-old shooter was on FBI's radar for over a year| NASA’s Steve Stich on Wednesday confirmed in a teleconference that the discussion leading up to the final decision in favour of SpaceX for the rescue mission led to “some tension in the room.” He said, “I would say, anytime you’re in a meeting of this magnitude, where there's this kind of decision, there is some tension in the room.” Stitch also highlighted that Boeing believed in the model created by them that tried to predict thruster degradation for the rest of the flight. The final decision was based on the ability of the starliner thrusters to bring the astronauts back. Dana Weigel, the ISS program manager of NASA, agreed that Boeing reassured the agency of their belief in the spacecraft. However, she also mentioned that the MNC was not in the same position as them. NASA made the final decision Weigel said, "Boeing is not in a position, and it would be unfair of them to ask, to weigh into a risk versus risk trade for this scenario that NASA was weighing, which was bringing them home in the Starliner crewed or coming up with an alternate plan,” and ultimately the ball was in NASA’s court. (with inputs from agencies)

Steve Stich admits “tensions in room” over Sunita William’s rescue plan

NASA admits 'tension' during meetings with Boeing executives

A dwarf galaxy, which is called the Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC) and is roughly 210,000 light-years from Earth, is present outside the Milky Way Galaxy.&nbsp;

The galaxy, which measures nearly 18,900 light-years in diameter, is filled with around 3 billion stars, along with the SMC and the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC).&nbsp;

It is orbiting the Milky Way as a satellite galaxy and scientists are especially interested in these satellites because they tell about star formation and the process in which the galaxies evolve through mergers.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/there-is-an-electric-field-on-earth-apart-from-gravity-and-magnetic-fields-nasa-confirms-754341">There is an electric field on Earth, apart from gravity and magnetic fields, NASA confirms</a>

The Milky Way is also expected to merge with these two galaxies someday.&nbsp;

The SMC's other beautiful feature is the star cluster known as NGC 346 which is at the centre of the brightest star-forming region in the SMC, which is the hydrogen-rich nebula called N66.

<h2>NASA captures sparkling star cluster with Hubble telescope</h2>

NASA recently shared a breathtaking image of this star cluster which was captured by the venerable&nbsp;Hubble Space Telescope and had ultraviolet hues filled in it.

The images were captured because of the sharp resolution of the Hubble telescope which helped scientists capture sensitive ultraviolet observations.&nbsp;

<img alt="image" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="85d362e8-3ef6-4905-a3ba-ea9ab036191e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/ngc346-uv-flat-newv-finalok1%20%281%29.jpg" />

This region has one of the most intricately detailed star-forming clusters because of the interaction of the dozens of hot, young, blue stars with the dust and gas.&nbsp;

Even though NGC 346 has been captured by&nbsp;the Hubble telescope in the past&nbsp;and was also captured by the&nbsp;James Webb Space Telescope the images appeared to be a combination of visible and infrared light in which the gas and dust structure around the nebula was seen.&nbsp;

The latest image of the star cluster has a combination of ultraviolet and some visible light data collected from Hubble's&nbsp;Advanced Camera for Surveys&nbsp;(ACS) and&nbsp;Wide Field Camera 3&nbsp;(WFC3).

These observations are being made by scientists to understand more about star formation and how the interstellar medium (ISM) of low-metallicity galaxies is being shaped.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A dwarf galaxy, which is called the Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC) and is roughly 210,000 light-years from Earth, is present outside the Milky Way Galaxy. The galaxy, which measures nearly 18,900 light-years in diameter, is filled with around 3 billion stars, along with the SMC and the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC).

A dwarf galaxy, which is called the Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC) and is roughly 210,000 light-years from Earth, is present outside the Milky Way Galaxy. The galaxy, which measures nearly 18,900 light-years in diameter, is filled with around 3 billion stars, along with the SMC and the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC). It is orbiting the Milky Way as a satellite galaxy and scientists are especially interested in these satellites because they tell about star formation and the process in which the galaxies evolve through mergers. Also Read: There is an electric field on Earth, apart from gravity and magnetic fields, NASA confirms The Milky Way is also expected to merge with these two galaxies someday. The SMC's other beautiful feature is the star cluster known as NGC 346 which is at the centre of the brightest star-forming region in the SMC, which is the hydrogen-rich nebula called N66. NASA captures sparkling star cluster with Hubble telescope NASA recently shared a breathtaking image of this star cluster which was captured by the venerable Hubble Space Telescope and had ultraviolet hues filled in it. The images were captured because of the sharp resolution of the Hubble telescope which helped scientists capture sensitive ultraviolet observations. This region has one of the most intricately detailed star-forming clusters because of the interaction of the dozens of hot, young, blue stars with the dust and gas. Even though NGC 346 has been captured by the Hubble telescope in the past and was also captured by the James Webb Space Telescope the images appeared to be a combination of visible and infrared light in which the gas and dust structure around the nebula was seen. The latest image of the star cluster has a combination of ultraviolet and some visible light data collected from Hubble's Advanced Camera for Surveys (ACS) and Wide Field Camera 3 (WFC3). These observations are being made by scientists to understand more about star formation and how the interstellar medium (ISM) of low-metallicity galaxies is being shaped. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA captures breathtaking image of shining ultraviolet star cluster. Check it out!

A NASA astronaut at the International Space Station (ISS) reported hearing a "strange noise" coming from the Boeing Starliner spacecraft just days before it is set to leave the station and return to Earth on autopilot.

NASA astronaut stuck in space reports ‘strange noises’ coming from Starliner capsule

A massive 140-foot-wide asteroid, which is called 2007 RX8, is set to make its closest approach to Earth on September 2.&nbsp;

The asteroid, which is travelling at a shooting speed of 25,142 km/h, is an Apollo asteroid and will fly past Earth at a speed which will be almost equal to the launch of a rocket.

On September 2, this massive asteroid will be at its closest distance to our planet at 10:23 UTC.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-issues-sudden-alert-as-massive-house-sized-asteroid-hurtles-towards-earth-at-scary-speed-754220">NASA issues sudden alert as massive house-sized asteroid hurtles towards Earth at scary speed</a>

Apollo asteroids are a kind of near-Earth object with orbits which can cross the path of the Earth around the Sun.&nbsp;

These asteroids, which have been named after the Apollo group, have the kind of trajectories which bring them close to Earth. However, the Apollo asteroids need to be carefully monitored to ensure there are no potential risks.

<h2>What will happen if asteroid 2007 RX8 hits Earth?</h2>

If an asteroid like 2007 RX8 hits the Earth, the results will be massive based on the size of the asteroid.&nbsp;

If there is a large impact, it can cause significant damage, which includes environmental disturbances and explosions.&nbsp;

However, asteroid 2007 RX8 will pass by Earth without being in any danger because its current trajectory is not intersecting with the orbit of the Earth.&nbsp;

During its closest approach, the asteroid 2007 RX8 will be within 7 million kilometres of Earth.&nbsp;

<h2>How is NASA tracking asteroids?</h2>

NASA, along with other space agencies, has established a network of telescopes and advanced computing for identifying near-Earth objects (NEOs).&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;China plans nukes against asteroids

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-plans-nukes-against-asteroids-754309/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Even though many of the NEOs don't come very close to Earth, some of them do come at a scary distance and get tagged as potentially hazardous asteroids which need more attention.&nbsp;

Such asteroids are more than 460 feet (140 metres) in size and their orbits bring them within a distance of 7.5 million kilometres from Earth.

NASA's Centre for Near-Earth Object Studies (CNEOS) has been monitoring all the NEOs and looking for any potential impact risks.

(With inputs from agencies)

A massive 140-foot-wide asteroid, which is called 2007 RX8, is set to make its closest approach to Earth on September 2. The asteroid, which is travelling at a shooting speed of 25,142 km/h, is an Apollo asteroid and will fly past Earth at a speed which will be almost equal to the launch of a rocket.

A massive 140-foot-wide asteroid, which is called 2007 RX8, is set to make its closest approach to Earth on September 2. The asteroid, which is travelling at a shooting speed of 25,142 km/h, is an Apollo asteroid and will fly past Earth at a speed which will be almost equal to the launch of a rocket. On September 2, this massive asteroid will be at its closest distance to our planet at 10:23 UTC. Also Read: NASA issues sudden alert as massive house-sized asteroid hurtles towards Earth at scary speed Apollo asteroids are a kind of near-Earth object with orbits which can cross the path of the Earth around the Sun. These asteroids, which have been named after the Apollo group, have the kind of trajectories which bring them close to Earth. However, the Apollo asteroids need to be carefully monitored to ensure there are no potential risks. What will happen if asteroid 2007 RX8 hits Earth? If an asteroid like 2007 RX8 hits the Earth, the results will be massive based on the size of the asteroid. If there is a large impact, it can cause significant damage, which includes environmental disturbances and explosions. However, asteroid 2007 RX8 will pass by Earth without being in any danger because its current trajectory is not intersecting with the orbit of the Earth. During its closest approach, the asteroid 2007 RX8 will be within 7 million kilometres of Earth. How is NASA tracking asteroids? NASA, along with other space agencies, has established a network of telescopes and advanced computing for identifying near-Earth objects (NEOs). Watch: China plans nukes against asteroids Even though many of the NEOs don't come very close to Earth, some of them do come at a scary distance and get tagged as potentially hazardous asteroids which need more attention. Such asteroids are more than 460 feet (140 metres) in size and their orbits bring them within a distance of 7.5 million kilometres from Earth. NASA's Centre for Near-Earth Object Studies (CNEOS) has been monitoring all the NEOs and looking for any potential impact risks. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA is on alert as 140-foot giant asteroid zooms towards Earth. Is it threatening our planet?

It has been always known that there are gravity and magnetic fields present on planet Earth.&nbsp;

However, an international team of scientists, with the help of a NASA suborbital rocket, was able to measure a planet-wide electric field successfully, which has been found to be as fundamental to planet Earth as are magnetic and gravity fields.&nbsp;

The ambipolar&nbsp;electric field was first hypothesized more than 60 years ago by scientists based on how the atmosphere&nbsp;of our planet can escape above the North and South Poles of the Earth.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/earth-rotated-dramatically-slowly-when-life-exploded-and-vanished-on-planet-study-753989">Earth rotated 'dramatically slowly' when life exploded and vanished on planet: Study</a>

NASA's Endurance mission rocket's measurements have now confirmed that the ambipolar field exists and its strength was also quantified, which revealed the field's role in pushing atmospheric escape and giving shape to the ionosphere, which is a layer of the upper atmosphere.

<h2>Earth's electric field pushes particles out of atmosphere: Study</h2>

Scientists have tried to understand the evolution and complex movements of the atmosphere of our planet because it gives clues regarding the history of Earth and also gives insight into the mysteries of different planets and helps them understand which of them has the potential of becoming hospitable to life.

The experts have already published a research paper on this topic in the journal&nbsp;Nature.

The spacecraft, which has been flying over the poles of Earth since the late 1960s, detected a stream of particles that was spotted flowing from our atmosphere into space.&nbsp;

The outflow was predicted by the theorists, which they called the "polar wind" as the researchers tried to understand its causes.

In this polar wind, a lot of particles were cold and had no signs of getting heated but were still travelling at&nbsp;supersonic speeds.

Watch:&nbsp;Earth slows down by 1.33 milliseconds

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/earth-slows-down-by-133-milliseconds-741345/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"Something had to be drawing these particles out of the atmosphere," said Glyn Collinson, who is the lead author of the paper and principal investigator of Endurance at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland.

The scientists suspected that a yet-to-be-discovered electric field may have caused this polar wind.

The hypothesized electric field, which was generated at the subatomic scale, was predicted to be very weak since effects were felt only across hundreds of miles.&nbsp;

In 2016, Collinson and his team invented a new instrument, which was then used to measure the ambipolar field of Earth.

"Any planet with an atmosphere should have an ambipolar field. Now that we've finally measured it, we can begin learning how it's shaped our planet as well as others over time," Collinson said.

(With inputs from agencies)

It has been always known that there are gravity and magnetic fields present on planet Earth. However, an international team of scientists, with the help of a NASA suborbital rocket, was able to measure a planet-wide electric field successfully, which has been found to be as fundamental to planet Earth as are magnetic and gravity fields.

It has been always known that there are gravity and magnetic fields present on planet Earth. However, an international team of scientists, with the help of a NASA suborbital rocket, was able to measure a planet-wide electric field successfully, which has been found to be as fundamental to planet Earth as are magnetic and gravity fields. The ambipolar electric field was first hypothesized more than 60 years ago by scientists based on how the atmosphere of our planet can escape above the North and South Poles of the Earth. Also Read: Earth rotated 'dramatically slowly' when life exploded and vanished on planet: Study NASA's Endurance mission rocket's measurements have now confirmed that the ambipolar field exists and its strength was also quantified, which revealed the field's role in pushing atmospheric escape and giving shape to the ionosphere, which is a layer of the upper atmosphere. Earth's electric field pushes particles out of atmosphere: Study Scientists have tried to understand the evolution and complex movements of the atmosphere of our planet because it gives clues regarding the history of Earth and also gives insight into the mysteries of different planets and helps them understand which of them has the potential of becoming hospitable to life. The experts have already published a research paper on this topic in the journal Nature. The spacecraft, which has been flying over the poles of Earth since the late 1960s, detected a stream of particles that was spotted flowing from our atmosphere into space. The outflow was predicted by the theorists, which they called the "polar wind" as the researchers tried to understand its causes. In this polar wind, a lot of particles were cold and had no signs of getting heated but were still travelling at supersonic speeds. Watch: Earth slows down by 1.33 milliseconds "Something had to be drawing these particles out of the atmosphere," said Glyn Collinson, who is the lead author of the paper and principal investigator of Endurance at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. The scientists suspected that a yet-to-be-discovered electric field may have caused this polar wind. The hypothesized electric field, which was generated at the subatomic scale, was predicted to be very weak since effects were felt only across hundreds of miles. In 2016, Collinson and his team invented a new instrument, which was then used to measure the ambipolar field of Earth. "Any planet with an atmosphere should have an ambipolar field. Now that we've finally measured it, we can begin learning how it's shaped our planet as well as others over time," Collinson said. (With inputs from agencies)

There is an electric field on Earth, apart from gravity and magnetic fields, NASA confirms

NASA regularly monitors asteroids that are moving towards Earth. Now, the space agency has started working on an infrared telescope that will keep an eye on these rocks from space. NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory is creating the asteroid-hunting spacecraft called NEO Surveyor (Near-Earth Object Surveyor), which will hunt for asteroids and comets that might pose a danger to our planet.&nbsp;

It is the first space telescope that has been designed specifically for planetary defence purposes. The launch has been planned for the end of 2027 and will be placed a million miles away at the L1 Lagrange point - a point between Earth and the Sun.

Once here, it will block sunlight to let the mission find and track near-Earth objects that might be coming from the direction of the Sun.

The telescope will especially be useful to track asteroids called Earth Trojans, which are hard to spot from the ground or the orbit.&nbsp;

The detectors of the telescope can observe two bands of infrared light that the human eye cannot see. Asteroids that are not visible otherwise glow brightly in infrared because of the Sun. This technology will, therefore, help locate dark asteroids and comets which don’t reflect a lot of visible light.&nbsp;

<h2>Aim of NEO spacecraft</h2>

“NEO Surveyor is optimised to help us to do one specific thing: enable humanity to find the most hazardous asteroids and comets far enough in advance so we can do something about them,” Amy Mainzer, survey director for NEO Surveyor and a professor at the University of California, Los Angeles, said.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/comet-expected-to-die-near-the-sun-might-survive-the-trip-visit-earth-in-october-754227">Comet expected to die near the sun might survive the trip, visit Earth in October</a>

She added that the aim is to have a spacecraft that can find objects "with the greatest chance of hitting Earth. In the process, we will learn a lot about their origins and evolution.”

The only instrument on the spacecraft will be this high-end telescope. It has a blocky aluminium body and is the size of a washer-and-dryer set. It will rely on curved mirrors that will focus light onto its infrared detectors and minimise optical aberrations.

With the NEO Surveyor, NASA aims to move forward towards reaching the goal set by the US Congress. Under this, the space agency needs to find and characterise at least 90 per cent of the near-Earth objects which are more than 460 feet (140 metres) in size and likely to come within 30 million miles (48 million kilometres) of our planet’s orbit.&nbsp;

Notably, if such objects hit Earth, significant damage can happen.&nbsp;

NASA regularly monitors asteroids that are moving towards Earth. Now, the space agency has started working on an infrared telescope that will keep an eye on these rocks from space.

NASA regularly monitors asteroids that are moving towards Earth. Now, the space agency has started working on an infrared telescope that will keep an eye on these rocks from space. NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory is creating the asteroid-hunting spacecraft called NEO Surveyor (Near-Earth Object Surveyor), which will hunt for asteroids and comets that might pose a danger to our planet. It is the first space telescope that has been designed specifically for planetary defence purposes. The launch has been planned for the end of 2027 and will be placed a million miles away at the L1 Lagrange point - a point between Earth and the Sun. Once here, it will block sunlight to let the mission find and track near-Earth objects that might be coming from the direction of the Sun. The telescope will especially be useful to track asteroids called Earth Trojans, which are hard to spot from the ground or the orbit. The detectors of the telescope can observe two bands of infrared light that the human eye cannot see. Asteroids that are not visible otherwise glow brightly in infrared because of the Sun. This technology will, therefore, help locate dark asteroids and comets which don’t reflect a lot of visible light. Aim of NEO spacecraft “NEO Surveyor is optimised to help us to do one specific thing: enable humanity to find the most hazardous asteroids and comets far enough in advance so we can do something about them,” Amy Mainzer, survey director for NEO Surveyor and a professor at the University of California, Los Angeles, said. Also Read: Comet expected to die near the sun might survive the trip, visit Earth in October She added that the aim is to have a spacecraft that can find objects "with the greatest chance of hitting Earth. In the process, we will learn a lot about their origins and evolution.” The only instrument on the spacecraft will be this high-end telescope. It has a blocky aluminium body and is the size of a washer-and-dryer set. It will rely on curved mirrors that will focus light onto its infrared detectors and minimise optical aberrations. With the NEO Surveyor, NASA aims to move forward towards reaching the goal set by the US Congress. Under this, the space agency needs to find and characterise at least 90 per cent of the near-Earth objects which are more than 460 feet (140 metres) in size and likely to come within 30 million miles (48 million kilometres) of our planet’s orbit. Notably, if such objects hit Earth, significant damage can happen.

THIS asteroid-hunting spacecraft can find Trojans and other invisible hazardous objects

nasa

Nasa, News on Nasa, stories on Nasa, articles on Nasa, Nasa stories at Wion, Nasa news, Nasa latest news