<p>A close call unfolded in low-Earth orbit early Wednesday (Feb 28) as a US&nbsp;NASA spacecraft and a Russian satellite approached dangerously close to each other, narrowly averting a potential collision, NASA said.</p>

<p>Prior to the anticipated close pass, NASA issued a warning, indicating that both the space agency and the US&nbsp;Department of Defense were closely monitoring the trajectory of the Thermosphere Ionosphere Mesosphere Energetics and Dynamics (TIMED) mission spacecraft from NASA and Russia's Cosmos 2221 satellite.</p>

<h2><strong>Closest pass details</strong></h2>

<p>The non-maneuverable spacecraft were projected to reach their closest point at approximately 1:30 am&nbsp;EST at an altitude of around 373 miles (600 km), according to NASA's press release.</p>

<p>NASA later confirmed that the TIMED spacecraft and the Russian satellite successfully navigated past each other in orbit around 1:34 am&nbsp;EST, with the TIMED mission continuing to operate as usual.</p>

<p>Although a collision was not expected, NASA stressed on&nbsp;the significant risk of debris generation had the two spacecraft collided.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/fiery-red-supermassive-black-hole-found-when-universe-was-in-infancy-694718">Also read |&nbsp;Scientists find oldest fiery-red supermassive black hole from universe’s infancy</a></p>

<p>While this encounter marked their closest approach based on current orbit predictions, the two spacecraft are slated to encounter each other again. Nevertheless, they are anticipated to gradually diverge in altitude over time.</p>

<p>NASA and the Department of Defense remain vigilant, continually monitoring the evolving situation to ensure the safety of assets in space.</p>

<p>The TIMED science mission, a core focus of NASA, delves into understanding the sun's impact on Earth's atmosphere. Amidst scientific activities, concerns mount over the proliferation of space debris, posing risks of potential collisions with operational satellites and spacecraft.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;NASA Chief says Aliens exist</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nasa-chief-says-aliens-exist-this-world-636678/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>The escalating presence of space debris, comprising remnants of rockets and defunct satellites, poses a growing threat in low-Earth orbit. Scientists have warned of the potential for catastrophic collisions as space traffic intensifies. In a recent incident in 2022, the International Space Station narrowly evaded debris from a Russian satellite, Cosmos 1408.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A close call unfolded in low-Earth orbit early Wednesday (Feb 28) as a US NASA spacecraft and a Russian satellite approached dangerously close to each other, narrowly averting a potential collision, NASA said.

A close call unfolded in low-Earth orbit early Wednesday (Feb 28) as a US NASA spacecraft and a Russian satellite approached dangerously close to each other, narrowly averting a potential collision, NASA said. Prior to the anticipated close pass, NASA issued a warning, indicating that both the space agency and the US Department of Defense were closely monitoring the trajectory of the Thermosphere Ionosphere Mesosphere Energetics and Dynamics (TIMED) mission spacecraft from NASA and Russia's Cosmos 2221 satellite. Closest pass details The non-maneuverable spacecraft were projected to reach their closest point at approximately 1:30 am EST at an altitude of around 373 miles (600 km), according to NASA's press release. NASA later confirmed that the TIMED spacecraft and the Russian satellite successfully navigated past each other in orbit around 1:34 am EST, with the TIMED mission continuing to operate as usual. Although a collision was not expected, NASA stressed on the significant risk of debris generation had the two spacecraft collided. Also read | Scientists find oldest fiery-red supermassive black hole from universe’s infancy While this encounter marked their closest approach based on current orbit predictions, the two spacecraft are slated to encounter each other again. Nevertheless, they are anticipated to gradually diverge in altitude over time. NASA and the Department of Defense remain vigilant, continually monitoring the evolving situation to ensure the safety of assets in space. The TIMED science mission, a core focus of NASA, delves into understanding the sun's impact on Earth's atmosphere. Amidst scientific activities, concerns mount over the proliferation of space debris, posing risks of potential collisions with operational satellites and spacecraft. Also watch | NASA Chief says Aliens exist The escalating presence of space debris, comprising remnants of rockets and defunct satellites, poses a growing threat in low-Earth orbit. Scientists have warned of the potential for catastrophic collisions as space traffic intensifies. In a recent incident in 2022, the International Space Station narrowly evaded debris from a Russian satellite, Cosmos 1408. (With inputs from agencies)

Close call: US spacecraft and Russian satellite avoid major collision

<p>The universe could bless stargazers with a “once-in-a-lifetime viewing opportunity” of a 3000 light years away star system that will soon be visible to the naked eye from Earth, said NASA. The star system, T Coronae Borealis, also known as T CrB is expected to shine bright in the sky between February and September 2024.</p>

<p>The last time it exploded into a spectacle was back in 1946, and the next time this&nbsp;happens will be after 80 years.&nbsp;So this is indeed a rare event that many people might witness this year.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/odysseus-moon-lander-to-be-put-to-sleep-for-lunar-night-hopes-to-awaken-in-3-weeks-694953">Odysseus: New pics emerge as moon lander to be 'put to sleep' for lunar night</a></p>

<h2><strong>The star system will become visible this year</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>The star system T CrB, normally has a magnitude of +10, which is quite far to see with unaided eyes. But during the Feb-Sep 2024 period, T CrB will jump to magnitude +2, making it quite bright to be seen with the naked eye. As per NASA, the star system will have similar brightness to the North Star, Polaris.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/7300-year-old-underwater-volcano-eruption-emerges-as-largest-in-history-reveals-new-study-694976">7,300-year-old underwater volcano eruption emerges as largest in history, reveals new study</a></p>

<p>Once its brightness peaks, it should be visible to the unaided eye for several days and just over a week with binoculars before it dims again, possibly for another 80 years.</p>

<p>This phenomenon of a distant star system changing its magnitude and becoming visible to the naked eye is called a nova outburst.</p>

<h2><strong>Corona Borealis constellation</strong></h2>

<p>The constellation Corona Borealis is also known as Northern Crown, which is a small, semi-circular arc near Bootes and Hercules. This is the site where the outburst will appear as a “new” bright star, as per NASA.&nbsp;</p>
<img alt="Corona Borealis constellation" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fe60b0fd-1f77-4080-96a0-fc8912f95120" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/FindHercules_NSN896.jpg" />
<p>This recurrent nova is just one of five observed within our galaxy. The phenomenon occurs due to the binary nature of the system T CrB, which consists of a white dwarf and a red giant.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/great-barrier-reef-authority-plans-full-survey-after-observing-extensive-coral-bleaching-694810">Great Barrier Reef authority plans full survey after observing extensive coral bleaching</a></p>

<p>The proximity of these stars enables a fascinating process- as the red giant experiences instability due to rising temperature and pressure; it sheds its outer layers, which are then captured by the white dwarf.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Over time, the accumulated matter on the white dwarf's surface ignites in a runaway thermonuclear reaction, resulting in the spectacular nova visible from Earth.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The universe could bless stargazers with a “once-in-a-lifetime viewing opportunity” of a 3000 light years away star system that will soon be visible to the naked eye from Earth, said NASA.

The universe could bless stargazers with a “once-in-a-lifetime viewing opportunity” of a 3000 light years away star system that will soon be visible to the naked eye from Earth, said NASA. The star system, T Coronae Borealis, also known as T CrB is expected to shine bright in the sky between February and September 2024. The last time it exploded into a spectacle was back in 1946, and the next time this happens will be after 80 years. So this is indeed a rare event that many people might witness this year. Also Read | Odysseus: New pics emerge as moon lander to be 'put to sleep' for lunar night The star system will become visible this year The star system T CrB, normally has a magnitude of +10, which is quite far to see with unaided eyes. But during the Feb-Sep 2024 period, T CrB will jump to magnitude +2, making it quite bright to be seen with the naked eye. As per NASA, the star system will have similar brightness to the North Star, Polaris. Also Read | 7,300-year-old underwater volcano eruption emerges as largest in history, reveals new study Once its brightness peaks, it should be visible to the unaided eye for several days and just over a week with binoculars before it dims again, possibly for another 80 years. This phenomenon of a distant star system changing its magnitude and becoming visible to the naked eye is called a nova outburst. Corona Borealis constellation The constellation Corona Borealis is also known as Northern Crown, which is a small, semi-circular arc near Bootes and Hercules. This is the site where the outburst will appear as a “new” bright star, as per NASA. This recurrent nova is just one of five observed within our galaxy. The phenomenon occurs due to the binary nature of the system T CrB, which consists of a white dwarf and a red giant. Also Read | Great Barrier Reef authority plans full survey after observing extensive coral bleaching The proximity of these stars enables a fascinating process- as the red giant experiences instability due to rising temperature and pressure; it sheds its outer layers, which are then captured by the white dwarf. Over time, the accumulated matter on the white dwarf's surface ignites in a runaway thermonuclear reaction, resulting in the spectacular nova visible from Earth. (With inputs from agencies)

A 'new' star will soon appear in the night sky, only to vanish for 80 years

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidY9Ol7P3OFAzg" /><meta charset="utf-8" /></p>

<p>Unravelling a best-kept secret, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi revealed the names of the four Indian astronauts who will be taking part in the country's 'Gaganyaan' Human spaceflight mission. The astronaut candidates are Indian Air Force test Pilots, who have been specifically shortlisted and trained to undergo the rigours of spaceflight. They are -Group Captain Prashanth Balakrishnan, Group Captain Ajith Krishnan, Group Captain Angad Pratap, Wing Commader Shubhanshu Shukla.<br />
<br />
Having completed 13 months of rigorous training at the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Centre, near Moscow, Russia and various levels of theoretical and physical training in India, the astronauts are all set to undergo training in the US. Earlier, ISRO Chairman Dr. S. Somanath had confirmed to WION that the US leg of training would happen soon at NASA's Johnson Space Center, Texas.</p>

<p>It was 40 years ago, in 1984, that Indian Air Force Pilot Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma became the first Indian to travel to space. He did so as part of the Soviet Interkosmos programme. Gaganyaan is India's own attempt at launching astronauts to space on a largely homegrown mission, with support from US, Russia, France, among others. Of these, Russia and US are the pioneers of human spaceflight, since the Cold War era.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As part of the Russian training at Star City, near Moscow, the Indian astronaut candidates were put through survival training in snow, in deserts, on water. Such a training is necessary to ensure that the crew can survive an emergency landing in any such hostile terrain and keep themselves safe, until help can arrive.&nbsp;</p>

<p>They also experienced micro-gravity (weightlessness) while flying in special aircraft that are meant to induce such a space-like condition. Astronauts have to be able to handle high G-forces that are experienced during spaceflight. People on earth experience a sustained load of 1G Force (which means that a person would experience and feel their actual body weight). However, those who are travelling in rapidly accelerating/decelerating fighter planes or rockets experience multi-fold G Force. WION had earlier reported that Indian astronauts would experience a sustained load of 4G for about 16 minutes, when ascending to space. Effectively, this means that an astronaut who weighs 70kg, would feel like he weighs 280kg.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Fighter pilots are known to handle such high G Force scenarios and encounter almost 9G during their missions and training. Which is why fighter pilots are the preferred candidates for astronaut training. However, in the case of a mid-flight abort of the astronaut-carrying capsule, the Gaganyaan astronauts would experience loads of 12G, for a few seconds.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>US training of Gaganyaan astronauts</strong></h2>

<p>The Indian astronaut candidates completed their Russian training and returned to India in 2021. Since then, they have also undergone several theoretical and practical sessions at ISRO's Human Spaceflight Centre and the Indian Air Force's Institute of Aerospace Medicine. They have also been visiting various ISRO centres, such as ISRO's Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Thiruvananthapuram and Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota.</p>

<p>As a part of the Gaganyaan team, they are also assisting ISRO with the design and development of the crew-carrying capsule. At India's Human Spaceflight Centre in Bengaluru, they have also been undergoing simulator training and physical training.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In June 2023, pathbreaking initiatives towards Indo-US Space Cooperation were announced during the Joint Statement delivered by Prime Minister Modi and President Biden. It included the announcement by NASA to provide advanced training to Indian astronauts at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, with a goal of mounting a joint effort to the International Space Station in 2024.</p>

<p>Dr. S. Somanath had told WION that it is on India's wish list to have an astronaut flying to the International Space Station (ISS), as India's only reference point for Human Spaceflight is that of Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma (Retd), who flew in 1984. That maiden spaceflight by an Indian was on a Soviet-era crew capsule and since then the technologies have changed drastically.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The US Human spaceflight scenario is completely changed and the launches are being carried out by the private firms and it is not being done by the US Government, as was the case earlier. As per the India-US (ISRO-NASA) arrangement, NASA will sponsor a seat in the private launch that will happen to the ISS, our astronaut will undergo training at their facility and will then be sent to the International Space Station," the ISRO Chief had told WION.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As part of the announcement made by President Biden, Indian astronaut candidates would be offered advanced training at NASA's Johnson Space Center, which is also known in the US as the Hub of Human Spaceflight. Established in 1961, this facility in Houston, Texas, started off as the Manned Spacecraft Centre, the home and Mission Control Center for the US Human Spaceflight programme. In 1973, the facility was renamed in honour of the late President and Texas Native Lyndon B Johnson. In more than six decades of operation, the facility has made notable advances in science, technology, engineering and medicine, thereby enabling crewed space exploration.</p>


Unravelling a best-kept secret, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi revealed the names of the four Indian astronauts who will be taking part in the country's 'Gaganyaan' Human spaceflight mission.

Unravelling a best-kept secret, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi revealed the names of the four Indian astronauts who will be taking part in the country's 'Gaganyaan' Human spaceflight mission. The astronaut candidates are Indian Air Force test Pilots, who have been specifically shortlisted and trained to undergo the rigours of spaceflight. They are -Group Captain Prashanth Balakrishnan, Group Captain Ajith Krishnan, Group Captain Angad Pratap, Wing Commader Shubhanshu Shukla. Having completed 13 months of rigorous training at the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Centre, near Moscow, Russia and various levels of theoretical and physical training in India, the astronauts are all set to undergo training in the US. Earlier, ISRO Chairman Dr. S. Somanath had confirmed to WION that the US leg of training would happen soon at NASA's Johnson Space Center, Texas. It was 40 years ago, in 1984, that Indian Air Force Pilot Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma became the first Indian to travel to space. He did so as part of the Soviet Interkosmos programme. Gaganyaan is India's own attempt at launching astronauts to space on a largely homegrown mission, with support from US, Russia, France, among others. Of these, Russia and US are the pioneers of human spaceflight, since the Cold War era. As part of the Russian training at Star City, near Moscow, the Indian astronaut candidates were put through survival training in snow, in deserts, on water. Such a training is necessary to ensure that the crew can survive an emergency landing in any such hostile terrain and keep themselves safe, until help can arrive. They also experienced micro-gravity (weightlessness) while flying in special aircraft that are meant to induce such a space-like condition. Astronauts have to be able to handle high G-forces that are experienced during spaceflight. People on earth experience a sustained load of 1G Force (which means that a person would experience and feel their actual body weight). However, those who are travelling in rapidly accelerating/decelerating fighter planes or rockets experience multi-fold G Force. WION had earlier reported that Indian astronauts would experience a sustained load of 4G for about 16 minutes, when ascending to space. Effectively, this means that an astronaut who weighs 70kg, would feel like he weighs 280kg. Fighter pilots are known to handle such high G Force scenarios and encounter almost 9G during their missions and training. Which is why fighter pilots are the preferred candidates for astronaut training. However, in the case of a mid-flight abort of the astronaut-carrying capsule, the Gaganyaan astronauts would experience loads of 12G, for a few seconds. US training of Gaganyaan astronauts The Indian astronaut candidates completed their Russian training and returned to India in 2021. Since then, they have also undergone several theoretical and practical sessions at ISRO's Human Spaceflight Centre and the Indian Air Force's Institute of Aerospace Medicine. They have also been visiting various ISRO centres, such as ISRO's Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Thiruvananthapuram and Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota. As a part of the Gaganyaan team, they are also assisting ISRO with the design and development of the crew-carrying capsule. At India's Human Spaceflight Centre in Bengaluru, they have also been undergoing simulator training and physical training. In June 2023, pathbreaking initiatives towards Indo-US Space Cooperation were announced during the Joint Statement delivered by Prime Minister Modi and President Biden. It included the announcement by NASA to provide advanced training to Indian astronauts at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, with a goal of mounting a joint effort to the International Space Station in 2024. Dr. S. Somanath had told WION that it is on India's wish list to have an astronaut flying to the International Space Station (ISS), as India's only reference point for Human Spaceflight is that of Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma (Retd), who flew in 1984. That maiden spaceflight by an Indian was on a Soviet-era crew capsule and since then the technologies have changed drastically. "The US Human spaceflight scenario is completely changed and the launches are being carried out by the private firms and it is not being done by the US Government, as was the case earlier. As per the India-US (ISRO-NASA) arrangement, NASA will sponsor a seat in the private launch that will happen to the ISS, our astronaut will undergo training at their facility and will then be sent to the International Space Station," the ISRO Chief had told WION. As part of the announcement made by President Biden, Indian astronaut candidates would be offered advanced training at NASA's Johnson Space Center, which is also known in the US as the Hub of Human Spaceflight. Established in 1961, this facility in Houston, Texas, started off as the Manned Spacecraft Centre, the home and Mission Control Center for the US Human Spaceflight programme. In 1973, the facility was renamed in honour of the late President and Texas Native Lyndon B Johnson. In more than six decades of operation, the facility has made notable advances in science, technology, engineering and medicine, thereby enabling crewed space exploration.

Best of both worlds - Indian astronauts will benefit from Russian and US training

<p>Odysseus, the toppled US Spacecraft at the end of its fifth day (Tuesday, Feb 28) on the lunar surface, was still operational, reported Texas-based Intuitive Machines (IM). However, as per their estimates, the spacecraft was in its final hours before it was expected to go dark.</p>

<h2><strong>Day five update</strong></h2>

<p>Intuitive Machines in an update posted on Tuesday said that Flight Controllers from its control centre in Houston remained in contact with the lander which has "efficiently sent payload science data and imagery in furtherance of the company's mission objectives."</p>

<p>"Flight controllers are working on final determination of battery life on the lander, which may continue up to an additional 10-20 hours," it added.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/ill-fated-odysseus-lander-sends-grainy-images-from-moon-hours-before-going-dark-694156">Ill-fated Odysseus lander sends grainy images from Moon hours before going dark</a></strong></p>

<p>Posting pictures captured by Odysseus on X, it said: "The images included here are the closest observations of any spaceflight mission to the south pole region of the Moon."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Flight Controllers continue to communicate with Odysseus. This morning, Odysseus efficiently sent payload science data and imagery in furtherance of the Company’s mission objectives. Flight controllers are working on final determination of battery life on the lander, which may… <a href="https://t.co/EbZ1NNOrvO">pic.twitter.com/EbZ1NNOrvO</a></p>
— Intuitive Machines (@Int_Machines) <a href="https://twitter.com/Int_Machines/status/1762490074048958522?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 27, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>"Odysseus is quite the photographer, capturing this image approximately 30 meters above the lunar surface, while his main engine throttled down more than 24,000 mph. Another day of exploration on the south pole region of the Moon," it added.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Odysseus moon landing: Historic mission reaches lunar surface</strong></p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/odysseus-moon-landing-historic-mission-reaches-lunar-surface-692967/embed" width="560"></iframe></p>

<h2><strong>Toppled over craft</strong></h2>

<p>Odysseus reached the Moon last Thursday (Feb 22) after an 11th-hour navigational glitch and white-knuckle descent that ended with it landing in a sideways or sharply tilted position. This toppled position has impeded the spacecraft's communications and solar-charging capability.</p>

<p>On Friday, Intuitive Machines said that two of the spacecraft's communication antennae were pointed the wrong way and thus were knocked out of commission. Likewise, Odysseus' solar panels were facing the wrong direction, thereby limiting the vehicle's ability to recharge its batteries.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/us-spaceship-odysseus-may-have-tipped-over-on-moon-surface-likely-fractured-landing-equipment-693303">US spaceship Odysseus may have 'tipped over' on Moon surface, likely 'fractured' landing equipment</a></strong></p>

<p>As per the company, the navigational issues were due to human error.</p>

<p>The mission, which was intended to operate on the lunar surface for about seven to 10 days, is expected to go dark soon. On Tuesday morning, IM said that it expects to lose contact with Odysseus, however, as per the latest update, it may continue to operate for "up to an additional 10-20 hours."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Odysseus, the toppled US Spacecraft at the end of its fifth day (Tuesday, Feb 28) on the lunar surface, was still operational, reported Texas-based Intuitive Machines (IM).

Odysseus, the toppled US Spacecraft at the end of its fifth day (Tuesday, Feb 28) on the lunar surface, was still operational, reported Texas-based Intuitive Machines (IM). However, as per their estimates, the spacecraft was in its final hours before it was expected to go dark. Day five update Intuitive Machines in an update posted on Tuesday said that Flight Controllers from its control centre in Houston remained in contact with the lander which has "efficiently sent payload science data and imagery in furtherance of the company's mission objectives." "Flight controllers are working on final determination of battery life on the lander, which may continue up to an additional 10-20 hours," it added. Also read | Ill-fated Odysseus lander sends grainy images from Moon hours before going dark Posting pictures captured by Odysseus on X, it said: "The images included here are the closest observations of any spaceflight mission to the south pole region of the Moon." Flight Controllers continue to communicate with Odysseus. This morning, Odysseus efficiently sent payload science data and imagery in furtherance of the Company’s mission objectives. Flight controllers are working on final determination of battery life on the lander, which may… pic.twitter.com/EbZ1NNOrvO — Intuitive Machines (@Int_Machines) February 27, 2024 × "Odysseus is quite the photographer, capturing this image approximately 30 meters above the lunar surface, while his main engine throttled down more than 24,000 mph. Another day of exploration on the south pole region of the Moon," it added. Watch: Odysseus moon landing: Historic mission reaches lunar surface Toppled over craft Odysseus reached the Moon last Thursday (Feb 22) after an 11th-hour navigational glitch and white-knuckle descent that ended with it landing in a sideways or sharply tilted position. This toppled position has impeded the spacecraft's communications and solar-charging capability. On Friday, Intuitive Machines said that two of the spacecraft's communication antennae were pointed the wrong way and thus were knocked out of commission. Likewise, Odysseus' solar panels were facing the wrong direction, thereby limiting the vehicle's ability to recharge its batteries. Watch | US spaceship Odysseus may have 'tipped over' on Moon surface, likely 'fractured' landing equipment As per the company, the navigational issues were due to human error. The mission, which was intended to operate on the lunar surface for about seven to 10 days, is expected to go dark soon. On Tuesday morning, IM said that it expects to lose contact with Odysseus, however, as per the latest update, it may continue to operate for "up to an additional 10-20 hours." (With inputs from agencies)

'Quite the photographer': US lunar spacecraft Odysseus shares new pictures

<p>NASA's Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) spacecraft that was deliberately crashed into an asteroid may have&nbsp;reshaped the celestial body by its impact from a squat orb into a flat-topped oval, like an M&amp;M candy., scientists have discovered.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Investigation into the spacecraft's collision with the asteroid&nbsp;named Dimorphos, published in <em>Nature Astronomy</em>,&nbsp;has found that DART's impact was so severe that instead of a&nbsp;normal, bowl-shaped crater, something resembling a dent was formed on the widened surface.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Simulations run by the scientists showed that between 0.5 per cent and one per cent of&nbsp;Dimorphos' mass was ejected due to DART's impact, while eight per cent of its mass was redistributed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The material properties and structure of Dimorphos as derived in this study suggests the small moon likely formed through rotational mass shedding and re-accumulation from Didymos," said&nbsp;Sabina Raducan, a scientist at the University of Bern who led the study.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The study corroborates what&nbsp;the European Space Agency, James Webb and Hubble said after DART successfully crashed into Dimorphos.</p>

<p>&nbsp;At the time,&nbsp;an image taken by James Webb's Near-Infrared Camera (NIRCam) four hours after impact showed&nbsp;"plumes of material appearing as wisps streaming away from the centre of where the impact took place".&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nasas-dart-mission-the-worlds-first-planetary-defence-520044" target="_blank"><strong>WATCH | NASA's Dart mission: The world's first planetary defence</strong></a></p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" data-gtm-yt-inspected-18="true" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nasas-dart-mission-the-worlds-first-planetary-defence-520044/embed" width="560"></iframe></p>

<h2><strong>DART changes Dimorphos' orbit&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>After the successful impact, NASA released a&nbsp;series of satellite-acquired images, and radar images amongst other indicators to show that the harmless asteroid, millions of miles away from&nbsp;Earth was slotted away from its original orbit.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Analysis of data obtained over the past two weeks by NASA’s Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) investigation team shows the spacecraft's kinetic impact with its target asteroid, Dimorphos, successfully altered the asteroid’s orbit," said the premier space agency in a statement.</p>

<p>The $325 million DART spacecraft was the first attempt to move any natural object in space. It was&nbsp;launched in November 2021 and developed by the Applied Physics Laboratory at Johns Hopkins University.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/asteroid-struck-by-nasa-probe-leaves-a-10000-km-trail-in-its-wake-522817"><strong>Read more:&nbsp;Asteroid struck by NASA spacecraft leaves a 10,000 km trail in its wake</strong></a></p>

<p>The primary aim of DART was to test planetary defence methods in case a civilisation-threatening object hurtled towards the planet. The tech employed by DART may have been primitive but it has provided a base for the scientists to further their research to prepare and stave off rogue space bodies.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


NASA's Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) spacecraft that was deliberately crashed into an asteroid may have reshaped the celestial body by its impact from a squat orb into a flat-topped oval, like an M&M candy.

NASA's Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) spacecraft that was deliberately crashed into an asteroid may have reshaped the celestial body by its impact from a squat orb into a flat-topped oval, like an M&M candy., scientists have discovered. Investigation into the spacecraft's collision with the asteroid named Dimorphos, published in Nature Astronomy, has found that DART's impact was so severe that instead of a normal, bowl-shaped crater, something resembling a dent was formed on the widened surface. Simulations run by the scientists showed that between 0.5 per cent and one per cent of Dimorphos' mass was ejected due to DART's impact, while eight per cent of its mass was redistributed. "The material properties and structure of Dimorphos as derived in this study suggests the small moon likely formed through rotational mass shedding and re-accumulation from Didymos," said Sabina Raducan, a scientist at the University of Bern who led the study. The study corroborates what the European Space Agency, James Webb and Hubble said after DART successfully crashed into Dimorphos. At the time, an image taken by James Webb's Near-Infrared Camera (NIRCam) four hours after impact showed "plumes of material appearing as wisps streaming away from the centre of where the impact took place". WATCH | NASA's Dart mission: The world's first planetary defence DART changes Dimorphos' orbit After the successful impact, NASA released a series of satellite-acquired images, and radar images amongst other indicators to show that the harmless asteroid, millions of miles away from Earth was slotted away from its original orbit. "Analysis of data obtained over the past two weeks by NASA’s Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) investigation team shows the spacecraft's kinetic impact with its target asteroid, Dimorphos, successfully altered the asteroid’s orbit," said the premier space agency in a statement. The $325 million DART spacecraft was the first attempt to move any natural object in space. It was launched in November 2021 and developed by the Applied Physics Laboratory at Johns Hopkins University. Read more: Asteroid struck by NASA spacecraft leaves a 10,000 km trail in its wake The primary aim of DART was to test planetary defence methods in case a civilisation-threatening object hurtled towards the planet. The tech employed by DART may have been primitive but it has provided a base for the scientists to further their research to prepare and stave off rogue space bodies. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA's DART mission altered shape of asteroid it crashed into, scientists reveal

<p>Asteroids are fun to study and look at and so on... only till they don't collide with Earth. In case they do, we have plans ready to prevent total annihilation of human civilization as we know it. But these plans aren't fool-proof. So studies continue to enhance our knowledge of asteroids and how to tackle a nasty one who may one day cross our path.</p>

<p>An interesting phenomenon in this regard has been observed, that of an asteroid 'healing' itself after impact.</p>

<p>NASA rammed its DART probe ( Double Asteroid Redirection Test) into the asteroid Dimorphos in September 2022. The shape of the tiny asteroid changed considerably after the impact.</p>

<p>The mission was carried out as a test of our abilities to change the trajectory of an asteroid by ramming a spacecraft into it. This may come handy in a future mission in which we would ram such an object into an incoming asteroid, averting its collission with Earth and preventing end of humanity.</p>

<p>After the DART mission, a subsequent mission will be sent to observe Dimorphos. It is likely that the mission will find a 'healed' pile of rocks instead of an impact crater as it was left by DART.</p>

<p>A study led by planetary scientist Sabina Raducan from University of Bern made a simulation of the collision between DART probe and Dimorphos. They tried to replicate result of the actual collision. The results were consistent with what was actually obtained during the acrtual collision.</p>

<p>According to the simulation, it is predicted by the scientists that DART collision didn't create an impact crater that lasted for a long time. But the material which forms the asteroid 'healed' (or bounced back) after some time period.</p>

<p>This confirms what scientists think, Dimorphos is made of loose material of lesser density.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The European Space Agency (ESA) is launching the Hera Mission later this year to study Dimorphos and Didymos, another asteroid around which Dimorphos revolves. This is likely to shed more light on these two space rocks.</p>

<p>The current study has been published in Nature Astronomy.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Asteroids are fun to study and look at and so on... only till they don't collide with Earth. In case they do, we have plans ready to prevent total annihilation of human civilization as we know it.

Asteroids are fun to study and look at and so on... only till they don't collide with Earth. In case they do, we have plans ready to prevent total annihilation of human civilization as we know it. But these plans aren't fool-proof. So studies continue to enhance our knowledge of asteroids and how to tackle a nasty one who may one day cross our path. An interesting phenomenon in this regard has been observed, that of an asteroid 'healing' itself after impact. NASA rammed its DART probe ( Double Asteroid Redirection Test) into the asteroid Dimorphos in September 2022. The shape of the tiny asteroid changed considerably after the impact. The mission was carried out as a test of our abilities to change the trajectory of an asteroid by ramming a spacecraft into it. This may come handy in a future mission in which we would ram such an object into an incoming asteroid, averting its collission with Earth and preventing end of humanity. After the DART mission, a subsequent mission will be sent to observe Dimorphos. It is likely that the mission will find a 'healed' pile of rocks instead of an impact crater as it was left by DART. A study led by planetary scientist Sabina Raducan from University of Bern made a simulation of the collision between DART probe and Dimorphos. They tried to replicate result of the actual collision. The results were consistent with what was actually obtained during the acrtual collision. According to the simulation, it is predicted by the scientists that DART collision didn't create an impact crater that lasted for a long time. But the material which forms the asteroid 'healed' (or bounced back) after some time period. This confirms what scientists think, Dimorphos is made of loose material of lesser density. The European Space Agency (ESA) is launching the Hera Mission later this year to study Dimorphos and Didymos, another asteroid around which Dimorphos revolves. This is likely to shed more light on these two space rocks. The current study has been published in Nature Astronomy. (With inputs from agencies)

DART mission asteroid 'healed' after space probe's impact: Study

In 2022, when NASA's $325 million spacecraft crashed into an asteroid named Dimorphos at 14,000 miles per hour, cheers and applause erupted back on Earth. A new study using simulations suggests the impact in 2022 transformed the space rock into an M&M-like flat-top oval.

NASA's dart mission may have altered the shape of asteroid it crashed into | Trending on WION

<p>Climate change is no longer something that'll happen in the future. It has very much arrived and the effects are for everyone to see. Data from NASA has now revealed that there was an uptick in absorption of solar radiation by Earth in the year 2023. This is a crucial observation as how and how much solar radiation Earth absorbs has an ultimate effect on climate.</p>

<p>NASA's Clouds and the Earth's Radiant Energy System (CERES) Energy Balanced and Filled (EBAF) Edition 4.2 has reported major fluctuations in Earth's absorption of solar radiation in 2023. There was an uptick in the months of February, March and December.</p>

<p>As the year started, there was a sharp increase in absorption of solar radiation. It peaked at 3.9 watts per square metre in the month of February and further rose to 6.2 watts per square metre in March.</p>

<p>There is a major contrast when these figures are compared with those for the corresponding months in the year 2000. This points at an upward trend in absorption.</p>

<p>NASA's CERES indicated that in December 2023, the pattern of high solar radiation absorption continued.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | World needs "Trillions" of dollars to tackle climate change: COP28 President Jaber</strong></p>

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<p>The mean absorption levels have shifted as well. They were higher in 2023 than they were at the start of the century.</p>

<p>This has implications on energy balance on the Earth and may lead to changes in climate, sea level and temperature.</p>

<p>In addition to spikes in the year 2023, the data also shows upticks during the years 2011, 2017, 2022.</p>

<p>Although it is well established that there is an upward trend, the most recent years have shown an especially pronounced upward tick. The year 2023 represented a year with an especially high mean absorbed solar radiation change.</p>

<p>This is likely to have profound effect on Earth's climate and measures to mitigate may be necessary.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Climate change is no longer something that'll happen in the future. It has very much arrived and the effects are for everyone to see. Data from NASA has now revealed that there was an uptick in absorption of solar radiation by Earth in the year 2023.

Climate change is no longer something that'll happen in the future. It has very much arrived and the effects are for everyone to see. Data from NASA has now revealed that there was an uptick in absorption of solar radiation by Earth in the year 2023. This is a crucial observation as how and how much solar radiation Earth absorbs has an ultimate effect on climate. NASA's Clouds and the Earth's Radiant Energy System (CERES) Energy Balanced and Filled (EBAF) Edition 4.2 has reported major fluctuations in Earth's absorption of solar radiation in 2023. There was an uptick in the months of February, March and December. As the year started, there was a sharp increase in absorption of solar radiation. It peaked at 3.9 watts per square metre in the month of February and further rose to 6.2 watts per square metre in March. There is a major contrast when these figures are compared with those for the corresponding months in the year 2000. This points at an upward trend in absorption. NASA's CERES indicated that in December 2023, the pattern of high solar radiation absorption continued. Watch | World needs "Trillions" of dollars to tackle climate change: COP28 President Jaber × The mean absorption levels have shifted as well. They were higher in 2023 than they were at the start of the century. This has implications on energy balance on the Earth and may lead to changes in climate, sea level and temperature. In addition to spikes in the year 2023, the data also shows upticks during the years 2011, 2017, 2022. Although it is well established that there is an upward trend, the most recent years have shown an especially pronounced upward tick. The year 2023 represented a year with an especially high mean absorbed solar radiation change. This is likely to have profound effect on Earth's climate and measures to mitigate may be necessary. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA data reveals Earth is increasingly absorbing more solar radiation

<p>&nbsp;Hubble has done it again! In times when James Webb Space Telescope appears to be hogging all the limelight, trusty ol' Hubble Space Telescope is quietly but consistently doing its work and sending us brilliant pics to marvel at. This time, it has clicked an image that shows a region in space 'teeming with' star-formation activity.</p>

<p>This region, known as IRAS 16562-3959 is not too far away and is within the Milky Way Galaxy. It is 5900 lightyears away from us and is located in the constellation Scorpius.</p>

<p>This image has been clicked by Hubble's Wide Field Camera 3. The camera has been able to capture the colour, beauty and nuance of the celestial body by using four separate filters.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | NASA seeking volunteers to simulate a mission to Mars. Here's how to apply</strong></p>

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<p>At the centre of the image, there are signs that IRAS 16562-3959 possibly has a massive star. It is estimated that this star is about 30 times the mass of the Sun. The star is still in the process of forming. The clouds around this part of the image appear dark because of the presence of light-obscuring dust that blocks the near-infrared wavelengths of light that the Hubble was observing.</p>

<p>But we're in luck because the near-infrared light is leaking out from the upper left and lower right. Here, a powerful jet from the protostar (star in its nascent stage) blew the dust away. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/glitches-from-dead-star-could-reveal-origin-of-mysterious-deep-space-signals-study-692374">'Glitches' from dead star could reveal origin of mysterious deep space signals: Study</a></strong></p>

<p>"Multi-wavelength images like this incredible Hubble scene help us gain a better understanding of how the most massive, brightest stars in our galaxy form," says NASA on its website.</p>

<p>Hubble Space Telescope, though ageing, still packs a good punch. Over the past few decades, the Hubble Space Telescope has contributed to many significant and even groundbreaking discoveries. Observations made by Hubble have led to improved estimates of the rate of the universe's expansion. This has greatly helped our understanding of the cosmos.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Hubble has done it again! In times when James Webb Space Telescope appears to be hogging all the limelight, trusty ol' Hubble Space Telescope is quietly but consistently doing its work and sending us brilliant pics to marvel at.

Hubble has done it again! In times when James Webb Space Telescope appears to be hogging all the limelight, trusty ol' Hubble Space Telescope is quietly but consistently doing its work and sending us brilliant pics to marvel at. This time, it has clicked an image that shows a region in space 'teeming with' star-formation activity. This region, known as IRAS 16562-3959 is not too far away and is within the Milky Way Galaxy. It is 5900 lightyears away from us and is located in the constellation Scorpius. This image has been clicked by Hubble's Wide Field Camera 3. The camera has been able to capture the colour, beauty and nuance of the celestial body by using four separate filters. Watch | NASA seeking volunteers to simulate a mission to Mars. Here's how to apply × At the centre of the image, there are signs that IRAS 16562-3959 possibly has a massive star. It is estimated that this star is about 30 times the mass of the Sun. The star is still in the process of forming. The clouds around this part of the image appear dark because of the presence of light-obscuring dust that blocks the near-infrared wavelengths of light that the Hubble was observing. But we're in luck because the near-infrared light is leaking out from the upper left and lower right. Here, a powerful jet from the protostar (star in its nascent stage) blew the dust away. Also Read | 'Glitches' from dead star could reveal origin of mysterious deep space signals: Study "Multi-wavelength images like this incredible Hubble scene help us gain a better understanding of how the most massive, brightest stars in our galaxy form," says NASA on its website. Hubble Space Telescope, though ageing, still packs a good punch. Over the past few decades, the Hubble Space Telescope has contributed to many significant and even groundbreaking discoveries. Observations made by Hubble have led to improved estimates of the rate of the universe's expansion. This has greatly helped our understanding of the cosmos. (With inputs from agencies)

Hubble Space Telescope spots a massive star-forming region in the Milky Way

<p>So NASA sends rockets in space and clicks nice pictures. Yes, we know. But the space agency has a robust social media presence and even if a post is sort of a repeat, the way it is presented sparks a renewed interest about that particular celestial body. On Thursday (Feb 22), NASA threw a riddle at its followers on Instagram.</p>

<p>"We’ve got another Hubble puzzle for you to solve. What do you think this image is? Comment your guess before time runs out!...," says NASA in its post. The actual post is not a usual image but one that is revealed gradually in tiles that resemble pieces of a puzzle.</p>

<p>The black spots give way to a splendid, yet intriguing picture that resembles a cat's eye. And indeed this nebula is called Cat's Eye Nebula.</p>

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<p>The Cat's Eye Nebula is also designated as 'NGC 6543'. It is a planetary nebula that's in the northern constellation called Draco. This particular image was taken by Hubble Space Telescope, the predecessor of James Webb Space Telescope (JWST).</p>

<p>It is often tricky to find distance between Earth and such nebulae as the latter are just mass of gas and dust. But after years of careful observation through the lenses of Hubble, scientists have concluded that the Cat's Eye Nebula is 3,300 lightyears away from us.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | NASA seeking volunteers to simulate a mission to Mars. Here's how to apply</strong></p>

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<p>The Cat's Eye Nebula was formed when a star caused mass ejections in intervals of 1,500 years. This led to formation of 'dust shells'. Such a process forms an onion skin-like structure as it is visible in case of the Cat's Eye Nebula.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/james-webb-space-telescope-spots-evidence-for-neutron-star-from-supernova-remnant-692998">James Webb Space Telescope spots evidence of neutron star from supernova remnant</a></strong></p>

<p>Scientists are still intrigued by the unique structure of the Cat's Eye Nebula. It has been postulated before that the mass ejections from the dying star may have been the result of a process in that star similar to 'magnetic flip' in the Sun.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


So NASA sends rockets in space and clicks nice pictures. Yes, we know. But the space agency has a robust social media presence and even if a post is sort of a repeat, the way it is presented sparks a renewed interest about that particular celestial body.

So NASA sends rockets in space and clicks nice pictures. Yes, we know. But the space agency has a robust social media presence and even if a post is sort of a repeat, the way it is presented sparks a renewed interest about that particular celestial body. On Thursday (Feb 22), NASA threw a riddle at its followers on Instagram. "We’ve got another Hubble puzzle for you to solve. What do you think this image is? Comment your guess before time runs out!...," says NASA in its post. The actual post is not a usual image but one that is revealed gradually in tiles that resemble pieces of a puzzle. The black spots give way to a splendid, yet intriguing picture that resembles a cat's eye. And indeed this nebula is called Cat's Eye Nebula. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Hubble Space Telescope (@nasahubble) × The Cat's Eye Nebula is also designated as 'NGC 6543'. It is a planetary nebula that's in the northern constellation called Draco. This particular image was taken by Hubble Space Telescope, the predecessor of James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). It is often tricky to find distance between Earth and such nebulae as the latter are just mass of gas and dust. But after years of careful observation through the lenses of Hubble, scientists have concluded that the Cat's Eye Nebula is 3,300 lightyears away from us. Watch | NASA seeking volunteers to simulate a mission to Mars. Here's how to apply × The Cat's Eye Nebula was formed when a star caused mass ejections in intervals of 1,500 years. This led to formation of 'dust shells'. Such a process forms an onion skin-like structure as it is visible in case of the Cat's Eye Nebula. Also Read | James Webb Space Telescope spots evidence of neutron star from supernova remnant Scientists are still intrigued by the unique structure of the Cat's Eye Nebula. It has been postulated before that the mass ejections from the dying star may have been the result of a process in that star similar to 'magnetic flip' in the Sun. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA posts intriguing image of 'cat's eye' in the sky

<p>The increasing sea levels are not only threatening the United States East Coast but are also actually sinking some of the major cities of the country like New York and Baltimore, according to NASA images.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A NASA-funded team of scientists, working at Virginia Tech's Earth Observation and Innovation Lab found that the geographical problem is "happening rapidly enough to threaten infrastructure, farmland, and wetlands that tens of millions of people along the coast rely upon".&nbsp;</p>

<p>The scientists studied satellite data and GPS sensors to understand the motion of the coast and discovered that infrastructure in major cities like Norfolk, Baltimore,&nbsp;New York and Virginia, is built on land which has considerably sunken between 2007 and 2020.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The land sank by an average of 1 to 2 millimetres every year. Some counties in Delaware, Maryland, South Carolina and Georgia also witnessed the sinking of the land at twice or thrice the speed.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-say-tectonic-plate-tearing-apart-under-pacific-ocean-from-japan-to-new-zealand-688973">Scientists say tectonic plate tearing apart under Pacific Ocean from Japan to New Zealand</a></p>

<p>The land in marshes sank by more than 3 millimetres every year, as per the scientists. The forests have also suffered displacement because of the intrusion of saltwater and the subsiding land.</p>

<p>However, wildlife is not the only thing which has been affected. Nearly 897,000 structures, which include highways and airports, are present on the land which is subsiding.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The findings, which followed another study carried out by the Virginia Tech lab, were published in PNAS Nexus.</p>

<h2><strong>Mid-Atlantic region sinking further: NASA images</strong></h2>

<p>The maps were created by NASA using data collected by satellites from the US, Japan and Europe.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the images, the Mid-Atlantic region was seen sinking more, caused by the Laurentide ice sheet, which started retreating 12,000 years ago and led to the sinking of the region downwards.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Universe's brightest and hungriest black hole</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/universes-brightest-and-hungriest-black-hole-692383/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>Geophysicist at Virginia Tech Leonard Ohenhen, while speaking to Newsweek, said, "In this research, we analyzed satellite radar data to assess how land subsidence increases the vulnerability of communities, properties and infrastructure to coastal hazards. Our major findings show that between 2,000 to 74,000 square kilometres of land area, which is home to 1.2 to 14 million people and 476,000 to 6.3 million properties, are sinking at a rate of 1 to 2 millimetres per year."</p>

<p>"This sinking land affects more than half of the infrastructure in several major cities, putting them at an increased risk of flooding and other coastal hazards," he added.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The increasing sea levels are not only threatening the United States East Coast but are also actually sinking some of the major cities of the country like New York and Baltimore, according to NASA images.

The increasing sea levels are not only threatening the United States East Coast but are also actually sinking some of the major cities of the country like New York and Baltimore, according to NASA images. A NASA-funded team of scientists, working at Virginia Tech's Earth Observation and Innovation Lab found that the geographical problem is "happening rapidly enough to threaten infrastructure, farmland, and wetlands that tens of millions of people along the coast rely upon". The scientists studied satellite data and GPS sensors to understand the motion of the coast and discovered that infrastructure in major cities like Norfolk, Baltimore, New York and Virginia, is built on land which has considerably sunken between 2007 and 2020. The land sank by an average of 1 to 2 millimetres every year. Some counties in Delaware, Maryland, South Carolina and Georgia also witnessed the sinking of the land at twice or thrice the speed. Also Read: Scientists say tectonic plate tearing apart under Pacific Ocean from Japan to New Zealand The land in marshes sank by more than 3 millimetres every year, as per the scientists. The forests have also suffered displacement because of the intrusion of saltwater and the subsiding land. However, wildlife is not the only thing which has been affected. Nearly 897,000 structures, which include highways and airports, are present on the land which is subsiding. The findings, which followed another study carried out by the Virginia Tech lab, were published in PNAS Nexus. Mid-Atlantic region sinking further: NASA images The maps were created by NASA using data collected by satellites from the US, Japan and Europe. In the images, the Mid-Atlantic region was seen sinking more, caused by the Laurentide ice sheet, which started retreating 12,000 years ago and led to the sinking of the region downwards. Watch: Universe's brightest and hungriest black hole Geophysicist at Virginia Tech Leonard Ohenhen, while speaking to Newsweek, said, "In this research, we analyzed satellite radar data to assess how land subsidence increases the vulnerability of communities, properties and infrastructure to coastal hazards. Our major findings show that between 2,000 to 74,000 square kilometres of land area, which is home to 1.2 to 14 million people and 476,000 to 6.3 million properties, are sinking at a rate of 1 to 2 millimetres per year." "This sinking land affects more than half of the infrastructure in several major cities, putting them at an increased risk of flooding and other coastal hazards," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Major cities of United States are sinking, warns NASA

<p><strong>Intuitive Machines lunar lander live streaming Online:&nbsp;</strong>US-based private company Intuitive Machines is all set to touchdown on the Moon on Thursday evening with its lunar spacecraft. The Houston company launched the spacecraft bound for the Moon&nbsp;on February 15. It aims to achieve a soft landing on the lunar surface.&nbsp;</p>

<p>If the mission successfully achieves a soft landing on the Moon on February 22, Intuitive Machines will become the first-ever private firm to do so, opening similar avenues for other players in the field.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This will also be the first&nbsp;US&nbsp;landing on the lunar surface since the&nbsp;Apollo 17&nbsp;mission that achieved the distinction&nbsp;in 1972.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/mystery-genetic-material-in-butterflies-moths-has-not-changed-for-over-250-mn-years-692522">Mystery? Genetic material in butterflies, moths has not changed for over 250 mn years!</a></p>

<p>The IM-1 mission was launched with a robotic lunar lander aboard the Odysseus spacecraft last week. The engine of Odysseus' spacecraft was fired for six minutes and 48 seconds before it was slowed down to be pulled by the moon’s gravity into a circular orbit 57 miles above the surface.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Odysseus passes over the near side of the Moon following lunar orbit insertion on 21FEB2024. The lander continues to be in excellent health in lunar orbit.<br />
(21FEB2024 1608 CST) <a href="https://t.co/UX4kgkv5EW">pic.twitter.com/UX4kgkv5EW</a></p>
— Intuitive Machines (@Int_Machines) <a href="https://twitter.com/Int_Machines/status/1760426223073734704?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 21, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Odysseus, which is about the size of a British telephone booth, launched atop a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, carrying 12 payloads toward the moon. Half of them are NASA science instruments, which the agency put on board via its Commercial Lunar Payload Services program (CLPS).</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/dead-european-satellite-finally-tumbles-to-earth-after-spending-30-years-in-space-692500">Dead European satellite finally tumbles to Earth after spending 30 years in space</a></p>

<p>With Thursday evening’s completion of the IM-1 mission, it will become the first American mission to arrive on the Moon since Apollo 17 in 1972.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Here’s how you can watch the landing live:</p>

<h2><strong>When and where to watch the live landing of&nbsp;Odysseus?(Moon Landing live streaming)</strong></h2>

<p>Odysseus is expected to land on the lunar surface at 5:30 pm Eastern Time (4:00 am IST Friday) on Thursday. The landing time was changed by Intuitive Machines on Wednesday afternoon, moving it up by 19 minutes. The live landing of the spacecraft can be seen on the official YouTube channel of NASA.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The landing is expected to begin at 4:00 pm ET (2:30 am IST Friday) on Thursday.&nbsp;</p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CvdgoX-3WOM?si=uxQHUDdAyMDFfeRw" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>

<h3><strong>Odysseus, gearing up to land on moon, beams image of lunar crater</strong></h3>

<p>On its way to the landing site, Odysseus teased&nbsp;a new image, an image of the Bel’kovich crater in the Moon’s northern equatorial highlands. The image was captured by Odysseus’ Terrain Relative Navigation camera.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Odysseus’ Terrain Relative Navigation camera captured this image of the Bel’kovich K crater in the Moon’s northern equatorial highlands.<br />
<br />
It is an approximate 50 km diameter crater with mountains in the center, made when the crater was formed.<br />
(21FEB2024 1750 CST) <a href="https://t.co/0egu0NOrKP">pic.twitter.com/0egu0NOrKP</a></p>
— Intuitive Machines (@Int_Machines) <a href="https://twitter.com/Int_Machines/status/1760452044454842575?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 21, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>The crater is approximately 50 km in diameter with mountains in the centre, made when the crater was formed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier, the spacecraft&nbsp;captured some mesmerising images of the moon and of the Earth.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Goodnight, Moon.<br />
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Odysseus captured this image approximately 100,000km from the Moon using its Terrain Relative Navigation camera. <a href="https://t.co/wC1L9CKjdN">pic.twitter.com/wC1L9CKjdN</a></p>
— Intuitive Machines (@Int_Machines) <a href="https://twitter.com/Int_Machines/status/1760182646833893449?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 21, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Intuitive Machines successfully transmitted its first IM-1 mission images to Earth on February 16, 2024. The images were captured shortly after separation from <a href="https://twitter.com/SpaceX?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SpaceX</a>'s second stage on Intuitive Machines’ first journey to the Moon under <a href="https://twitter.com/NASA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NASA</a>'s CLPS initiative. <a href="https://t.co/9LccL6q5tF">pic.twitter.com/9LccL6q5tF</a></p>
— Intuitive Machines (@Int_Machines) <a href="https://twitter.com/Int_Machines/status/1758899202174685589?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 17, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h3><strong>Location of Odysseus’ landing</strong></h3>

<p>Just like India’s Chandrayaan-3 mission, Odysseus aims to land at a spot in the South Polar Region, a flat plain outside the Malapert A crater. Malapert A is a satellite crater of the larger Malapert crater, which is named after Charles Malapert, a 17th-century Belgian astronomer.</p>

<p>The landing site is about 185 miles from the moon’s south pole.</p>

<p>With the IM-1 mission, the Intuitive Machine is designed to carry several of NASA's&nbsp;payloads in future that may hopefully support human missions on the moon in the coming years.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Intuitive Machines lunar lander live streaming Online: US-based private company Intuitive Machines is all set to touchdown on the Moon on Thursday evening with its lunar spacecraft.

Intuitive Machines lunar lander live streaming Online: US-based private company Intuitive Machines is all set to touchdown on the Moon on Thursday evening with its lunar spacecraft. The Houston company launched the spacecraft bound for the Moon on February 15. It aims to achieve a soft landing on the lunar surface. If the mission successfully achieves a soft landing on the Moon on February 22, Intuitive Machines will become the first-ever private firm to do so, opening similar avenues for other players in the field. This will also be the first US landing on the lunar surface since the Apollo 17 mission that achieved the distinction in 1972. Also Read | Mystery? Genetic material in butterflies, moths has not changed for over 250 mn years! The IM-1 mission was launched with a robotic lunar lander aboard the Odysseus spacecraft last week. The engine of Odysseus' spacecraft was fired for six minutes and 48 seconds before it was slowed down to be pulled by the moon’s gravity into a circular orbit 57 miles above the surface. Odysseus passes over the near side of the Moon following lunar orbit insertion on 21FEB2024. The lander continues to be in excellent health in lunar orbit. (21FEB2024 1608 CST) pic.twitter.com/UX4kgkv5EW — Intuitive Machines (@Int_Machines) February 21, 2024 × Odysseus, which is about the size of a British telephone booth, launched atop a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, carrying 12 payloads toward the moon. Half of them are NASA science instruments, which the agency put on board via its Commercial Lunar Payload Services program (CLPS). Also Read | Dead European satellite finally tumbles to Earth after spending 30 years in space With Thursday evening’s completion of the IM-1 mission, it will become the first American mission to arrive on the Moon since Apollo 17 in 1972. Here’s how you can watch the landing live: When and where to watch the live landing of Odysseus?(Moon Landing live streaming) Odysseus is expected to land on the lunar surface at 5:30 pm Eastern Time (4:00 am IST Friday) on Thursday. The landing time was changed by Intuitive Machines on Wednesday afternoon, moving it up by 19 minutes. The live landing of the spacecraft can be seen on the official YouTube channel of NASA. The landing is expected to begin at 4:00 pm ET (2:30 am IST Friday) on Thursday. Odysseus, gearing up to land on moon, beams image of lunar crater On its way to the landing site, Odysseus teased a new image, an image of the Bel’kovich crater in the Moon’s northern equatorial highlands. The image was captured by Odysseus’ Terrain Relative Navigation camera. Odysseus’ Terrain Relative Navigation camera captured this image of the Bel’kovich K crater in the Moon’s northern equatorial highlands. It is an approximate 50 km diameter crater with mountains in the center, made when the crater was formed. (21FEB2024 1750 CST) pic.twitter.com/0egu0NOrKP — Intuitive Machines (@Int_Machines) February 21, 2024 × The crater is approximately 50 km in diameter with mountains in the centre, made when the crater was formed. Earlier, the spacecraft captured some mesmerising images of the moon and of the Earth. Goodnight, Moon. Odysseus captured this image approximately 100,000km from the Moon using its Terrain Relative Navigation camera. pic.twitter.com/wC1L9CKjdN — Intuitive Machines (@Int_Machines) February 21, 2024 × Intuitive Machines successfully transmitted its first IM-1 mission images to Earth on February 16, 2024. The images were captured shortly after separation from @SpaceX's second stage on Intuitive Machines’ first journey to the Moon under @NASA's CLPS initiative. pic.twitter.com/9LccL6q5tF — Intuitive Machines (@Int_Machines) February 17, 2024 × Location of Odysseus’ landing Just like India’s Chandrayaan-3 mission, Odysseus aims to land at a spot in the South Polar Region, a flat plain outside the Malapert A crater. Malapert A is a satellite crater of the larger Malapert crater, which is named after Charles Malapert, a 17th-century Belgian astronomer. The landing site is about 185 miles from the moon’s south pole. With the IM-1 mission, the Intuitive Machine is designed to carry several of NASA's payloads in future that may hopefully support human missions on the moon in the coming years. (With inputs from agencies)

Odysseus: Private mission to moon beams pic of Bel’kovich K crater. How to watch landing live

<p>New Horizons spacecraft made new and stunning observations which suggest that the Kuiper Belt might stretch much farther out than scientists previously thought.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Kuiper Belt is the vast, distant outer zone of our solar system populated by hundreds of thousands of icy, rocky planetary building blocks.&nbsp;</p>

<p>New Horizons by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) was the first spacecraft to explore Pluto up close, flying by the dwarf planet and its moons on July 14, 2015.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/explained-where-is-point-nemo-on-earth-the-graveyard-for-satellites-and-spaceships-692298">Explained: Point Nemo on Earth, the graveyard for satellites and spaceships</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>It made stunning observations when in 2019 it flew past its second major science target, Arrokoth (2014 MU69), which is the most distant object ever explored up close.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The New Horizons Venetia Burney Student Dust Counter (SDC) instrument sped through the outer edges of the Kuiper Belt, almost 60 times farther from the Sun than Earth.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A report by NASA mentioned that the instrument is detecting higher-than-expected levels of particles where dust ought to be thinning out.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The results were published in the February 1 issue of the Astrophysical Journal Letters.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/enormously-hungry-black-hole-that-eats-370-suns-a-year-discovered-by-scientists-691853">Enormously 'hungry' black hole that eats 370 Suns a year is likely the brightest object in universe</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>The readings defy scientific models that the Kuiper Belt objects (KBOs) population and density of dust should start to decline a billion miles inside that distance.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It suggests that the outer edge of the main Kuiper Belt could extend billions of miles farther than current estimation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As quoted by Nasa.gov, Alex Doner, the lead author of the paper and a physics graduate student at the University of Colorado Boulder who serves as SDC lead, said: "New Horizons is making the first direct measurements of interplanetary dust far beyond Neptune and Pluto, so every observation could lead to a discovery." &nbsp;</p>

<p>"The idea that we might have detected an extended Kuiper Belt — with a whole new population of objects colliding and producing more dust – offers another clue in solving the mysteries of the solar system's most distant regions," he added.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


New Horizons spacecraft made new and stunning observations which suggest that the Kuiper Belt might stretch much farther out than scientists previously thought. The Kuiper Belt is the vast, distant outer zone of our solar system populated by hundreds of thousands of icy, rocky planetary building blocks.

New Horizons spacecraft made new and stunning observations which suggest that the Kuiper Belt might stretch much farther out than scientists previously thought. The Kuiper Belt is the vast, distant outer zone of our solar system populated by hundreds of thousands of icy, rocky planetary building blocks. New Horizons by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) was the first spacecraft to explore Pluto up close, flying by the dwarf planet and its moons on July 14, 2015. Also read: Explained: Point Nemo on Earth, the graveyard for satellites and spaceships It made stunning observations when in 2019 it flew past its second major science target, Arrokoth (2014 MU69), which is the most distant object ever explored up close. The New Horizons Venetia Burney Student Dust Counter (SDC) instrument sped through the outer edges of the Kuiper Belt, almost 60 times farther from the Sun than Earth. A report by NASA mentioned that the instrument is detecting higher-than-expected levels of particles where dust ought to be thinning out. The results were published in the February 1 issue of the Astrophysical Journal Letters. Also read: Enormously 'hungry' black hole that eats 370 Suns a year is likely the brightest object in universe The readings defy scientific models that the Kuiper Belt objects (KBOs) population and density of dust should start to decline a billion miles inside that distance. It suggests that the outer edge of the main Kuiper Belt could extend billions of miles farther than current estimation. As quoted by Nasa.gov, Alex Doner, the lead author of the paper and a physics graduate student at the University of Colorado Boulder who serves as SDC lead, said: "New Horizons is making the first direct measurements of interplanetary dust far beyond Neptune and Pluto, so every observation could lead to a discovery." "The idea that we might have detected an extended Kuiper Belt — with a whole new population of objects colliding and producing more dust – offers another clue in solving the mysteries of the solar system's most distant regions," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

New Horizons observations suggest solar system might stretch farther out than we thought

NASA's Mars mission is just getting thrilling. NASA is seeking volunteers to participate in a one-year Mars surface simulation mission. It will help the space agency to develop plans for human exploration of the Red Planet.

NASA seeking volunteers to simulate a mission to Mars. Here's how to apply

<p>NASA’s X-ray telescopes recently observed “glitches” in a highly magnetic neutron star, or magnetar near the heart of the Milky Way. These glitches were so powerful that they accelerated the star’s spin speed and also helped slow down the neutron star (almost a dead star), which can be game-changing in understanding what goes inside a star.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Understanding what goes on within a magnetar may finally unveil how these strange bodies launch as Fast Radio Bursts (FRBs), say scientists.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/blast-of-radio-waves-travelling-eight-billion-years-to-reach-earth-hints-at-signs-of-alien-life-scientists-692338">Radio waves that took 8 billion years to reach Earth hint at signs of alien life: Expert</a></p>

<p>FRBs are enigmatic bursts of light that can momentarily surpass the brightness of an entire galaxy. While scientists acknowledge the existence of these intense pulses, the exact reason behind their occurrence remains unknown.</p>

<p>Tracing and identifying the source of FRBs has posed a significant challenge due to their momentary nature. Until recently, all traced FRBs were found to originate from beyond our galaxy, complicating efforts to determine their origins.</p>

<h2><strong>Recent observations might help in understanding the origin of FRBs</strong></h2>

<p>In the recent discovery, the research team focused on studying SGR 1935+2154 (SGR 1935), which is considered the most active magnetar in our galaxy in the past decade.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Located approximately 30,000 light-years away from Earth, SGR 1935 was examined using both the Neutron Star Interior Composition Explorer (NICER) instrument aboard the International Space Station and the Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array (NuSTAR) space telescope.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/can-adhd-traits-actually-have-evolutionary-benefits-new-study-reveals-groundbreaking-data-692367">Can ADHD traits actually have evolutionary benefits? New study reveals groundbreaking data</a></p>

<p>Utilising these instruments, the team identified two significant glitches associated with the magnetar, occurring approximately nine hours apart.</p>

<p>To put things into context, the interior of a magnetar is so dense that a teaspoon of its material would weigh about a billion tons on Earth!&nbsp;</p>

<p>Right in the middle of the two glitches, SGR 1935 emitted an FRB. Following both instances of increased rotation speed, the neutron star somehow returned to its usual rotation rate, prompting the team to find an explanation for it.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/has-anaconda-been-dethroned-as-largest-snake-check-deets-692364">Has anaconda been dethroned as largest snake? Check deets</a></p>

<p>The research team suggests that the magnetar SGR 1935 returning to its normal speed is due to a brief but powerful wind originating from the star's magnetosphere. This wind carries away angular momentum, rapidly decelerating the star's rotation.</p>

<p>They propose that the same mechanism responsible for this wind also enhances the magnetar's X-ray emissions, potentially creating the magnetic conditions necessary for generating FRBs.</p>

<p>The groundbreaking study was published in the February 14 issue of the journal Nature.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Despite the valuable insights gained from recent observations on FRBs, there are still many unanswered questions. The complex interactions leading to the creation of FRBs remain a subject of intense research.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


NASA’s X-ray telescopes recently observed “glitches” in a highly magnetic neutron star, or magnetar near the heart of the Milky Way. These glitches were so powerful that they accelerated the star’s spin speed and also helped slow down the neutron star (almost a dead star), which can be game-changing in understanding what goes inside a star.

NASA’s X-ray telescopes recently observed “glitches” in a highly magnetic neutron star, or magnetar near the heart of the Milky Way. These glitches were so powerful that they accelerated the star’s spin speed and also helped slow down the neutron star (almost a dead star), which can be game-changing in understanding what goes inside a star. Understanding what goes on within a magnetar may finally unveil how these strange bodies launch as Fast Radio Bursts (FRBs), say scientists. Also Read | Radio waves that took 8 billion years to reach Earth hint at signs of alien life: Expert FRBs are enigmatic bursts of light that can momentarily surpass the brightness of an entire galaxy. While scientists acknowledge the existence of these intense pulses, the exact reason behind their occurrence remains unknown. Tracing and identifying the source of FRBs has posed a significant challenge due to their momentary nature. Until recently, all traced FRBs were found to originate from beyond our galaxy, complicating efforts to determine their origins. Recent observations might help in understanding the origin of FRBs In the recent discovery, the research team focused on studying SGR 1935+2154 (SGR 1935), which is considered the most active magnetar in our galaxy in the past decade. Located approximately 30,000 light-years away from Earth, SGR 1935 was examined using both the Neutron Star Interior Composition Explorer (NICER) instrument aboard the International Space Station and the Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array (NuSTAR) space telescope. Also Read | Can ADHD traits actually have evolutionary benefits? New study reveals groundbreaking data Utilising these instruments, the team identified two significant glitches associated with the magnetar, occurring approximately nine hours apart. To put things into context, the interior of a magnetar is so dense that a teaspoon of its material would weigh about a billion tons on Earth! Right in the middle of the two glitches, SGR 1935 emitted an FRB. Following both instances of increased rotation speed, the neutron star somehow returned to its usual rotation rate, prompting the team to find an explanation for it. Also Read | Has anaconda been dethroned as largest snake? Check deets The research team suggests that the magnetar SGR 1935 returning to its normal speed is due to a brief but powerful wind originating from the star's magnetosphere. This wind carries away angular momentum, rapidly decelerating the star's rotation. They propose that the same mechanism responsible for this wind also enhances the magnetar's X-ray emissions, potentially creating the magnetic conditions necessary for generating FRBs. The groundbreaking study was published in the February 14 issue of the journal Nature. Despite the valuable insights gained from recent observations on FRBs, there are still many unanswered questions. The complex interactions leading to the creation of FRBs remain a subject of intense research. (With inputs from agencies)

'Glitches' from dead star could reveal origin of mysterious deep space signals: Study

<p>The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has already told the world that the International Space Station (ISS), the largest space station ever built, will plunge into the Pacific Ocean in early 2031.&nbsp;</p>

<p>ISS is a large space station which has been assembled and maintained in low Earth orbit. It is a collaboration of five space agencies: NASA, Roscosmos, JAXA, ESA, CSA, and their contractors. But where exactly will it crash?&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What is Point Nemo?</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Ever wondered what the crashing of satellites on Earth looks like? What will happen if the satellites or other space junk fall on civilisation? It would be deadly, hence, the scientists finalised a place that would safely serve the purpose of a space cemetery.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The place is known as Point Nemo.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The US-based space agency has already said that the ISS would crash into Point Nemo, which is the graveyard for satellites and spaceships. It is formally known as the South Pacific Ocean(ic) Uninhabited Area.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It is located in the southern Pacific Ocean east of New Zealand. All those spacecraft that have reached the end of their life or purpose are routinely crashed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Point Nemo is the oceanic pole of inaccessibility. It is so far away from any land on Earth that the closest people to it are often on board the ISS. It is approximately 2,688 kilometres from the nearest shore.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/enormously-hungry-black-hole-that-eats-370-suns-a-year-discovered-by-scientists-691853">Enormously 'hungry' black hole that eats 370 Suns a year is likely the brightest object in universe</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>The closest land in one direction,&nbsp;Ducie Island, an atoll in the Pitcairn Islands, is officially the closest place to it. Even that particular landmass is uninhabited, so a person would have to travel a little further to find any people in case one would head north.&nbsp;</p>

<p>If one would head south, the person will arrive at Maher Island in Antarctica, or head northeast to Motu Nui Island, another deserted island near Easter Island.&nbsp;</p>

<p>People often assume that Point Nemo's name is based on the film Finding Nemo, but that's not the case. It has been named after the famous submarine sailor from Jules Verne's Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea - Captain Nemo. The name Nemo is derived from a Latin term that means 'no man'.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Hrvoje Lukatela, a Croatian survey engineer, named the region in 1992. He also recalculated the exact coordinates using Google Maps data to compare them to his original findings. The exact coordinates of this remote oceanic location are said to be at 48°52.6'S 123°23.6'W.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/japan-launches-debris-removal-spacecraft-to-tackle-space-junk-691743">Japan launches debris removal spacecraft to tackle space junk</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<h2><strong>The spacecraft cemetery</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Well, it's understandable why Point Nemo is the most suitable place to crash a satellite in a controlled manner because plunging satellites from a great height won't potentially hurt anyone.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a report published in 2018, Stijn Lemmens, who is a space debris expert at the European Space Agency in Darmstadt, Germany, said: "Its most attractive feature for controlled re-entries is that nobody is living there."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Coincidentally, it is also biologically not very diverse. So it gets used as a dumping ground — 'space graveyard' would be a more polite term—mainly for cargo spacecraft," he told AFP.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Some 250 to 300 spacecraft—which have mostly burned up as they carved a path through Earth's atmosphere—have been laid to rest there.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Russia's MIR space lab, which weighed 120 tonnes, was by far the largest object descending from above to splash down at Point Nemo. It happened in 2001.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It also means that there might even be some interesting space junk beneath the ocean, but can we visit and see it? The answer is no, because the sea is quite deep down there, around 13,000 feet or two and a half miles.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Are there any environmental implications?</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Concerns have been raised about the environmental impact posed by the spaceship cemetery. Experts have often said that it might put marine species in the South Pacific Ocean Uninhabited Region in danger.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, scientists are trying to tackle the issue by opting for environmentally friendly components while designing the spacecraft.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In recent years, scientists have said that most spacecraft in future will be designed for demise using materials that melt at lower temperatures, making them significantly less likely to survive re-entry and land on Earth's surface. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Gravitas: Russia's new secret weapon for space war&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>For example, NASA and the ESA are moving from titanium to aluminium fuel tanks. But still, there are chances that something might go wrong.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Something similar happened with China's Tiangong-1. It was China's first manned prototype space lab and started orbiting Earth in&nbsp;2011. It was officially declared defunct in&nbsp;March 2016 after the&nbsp;ground engineers lost communications. A&nbsp;few months later some satellite trackers said that the Chinese space agency was no longer in control of the space lab.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It then started its descent towards a fiery end and reentered the Earth's atmosphere at approximately 00:16 UTC on April 2, 2018, over the South Pacific Ocean at 24.5°S 151.1°W.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to Chinese state news agency Xinhua, the station mostly burnt up upon re-entry. There are no reports of anyone being hurt, but a fisherman from the nearby island of Maupiti is believed to have witnessed the event.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has already told the world that the International Space Station (ISS), the largest space station ever built, will plunge into the Pacific Ocean in early 2031.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has already told the world that the International Space Station (ISS), the largest space station ever built, will plunge into the Pacific Ocean in early 2031. ISS is a large space station which has been assembled and maintained in low Earth orbit. It is a collaboration of five space agencies: NASA, Roscosmos, JAXA, ESA, CSA, and their contractors. But where exactly will it crash? What is Point Nemo? Ever wondered what the crashing of satellites on Earth looks like? What will happen if the satellites or other space junk fall on civilisation? It would be deadly, hence, the scientists finalised a place that would safely serve the purpose of a space cemetery. The place is known as Point Nemo. The US-based space agency has already said that the ISS would crash into Point Nemo, which is the graveyard for satellites and spaceships. It is formally known as the South Pacific Ocean(ic) Uninhabited Area. It is located in the southern Pacific Ocean east of New Zealand. All those spacecraft that have reached the end of their life or purpose are routinely crashed. Point Nemo is the oceanic pole of inaccessibility. It is so far away from any land on Earth that the closest people to it are often on board the ISS. It is approximately 2,688 kilometres from the nearest shore. Also read: Enormously 'hungry' black hole that eats 370 Suns a year is likely the brightest object in universe The closest land in one direction, Ducie Island, an atoll in the Pitcairn Islands, is officially the closest place to it. Even that particular landmass is uninhabited, so a person would have to travel a little further to find any people in case one would head north. If one would head south, the person will arrive at Maher Island in Antarctica, or head northeast to Motu Nui Island, another deserted island near Easter Island. People often assume that Point Nemo's name is based on the film Finding Nemo, but that's not the case. It has been named after the famous submarine sailor from Jules Verne's Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea - Captain Nemo. The name Nemo is derived from a Latin term that means 'no man'. The Hrvoje Lukatela, a Croatian survey engineer, named the region in 1992. He also recalculated the exact coordinates using Google Maps data to compare them to his original findings. The exact coordinates of this remote oceanic location are said to be at 48°52.6'S 123°23.6'W. Also read: Japan launches debris removal spacecraft to tackle space junk The spacecraft cemetery Well, it's understandable why Point Nemo is the most suitable place to crash a satellite in a controlled manner because plunging satellites from a great height won't potentially hurt anyone. In a report published in 2018, Stijn Lemmens, who is a space debris expert at the European Space Agency in Darmstadt, Germany, said: "Its most attractive feature for controlled re-entries is that nobody is living there." "Coincidentally, it is also biologically not very diverse. So it gets used as a dumping ground — 'space graveyard' would be a more polite term—mainly for cargo spacecraft," he told AFP. Some 250 to 300 spacecraft—which have mostly burned up as they carved a path through Earth's atmosphere—have been laid to rest there. Russia's MIR space lab, which weighed 120 tonnes, was by far the largest object descending from above to splash down at Point Nemo. It happened in 2001. It also means that there might even be some interesting space junk beneath the ocean, but can we visit and see it? The answer is no, because the sea is quite deep down there, around 13,000 feet or two and a half miles. Are there any environmental implications? Concerns have been raised about the environmental impact posed by the spaceship cemetery. Experts have often said that it might put marine species in the South Pacific Ocean Uninhabited Region in danger. However, scientists are trying to tackle the issue by opting for environmentally friendly components while designing the spacecraft. In recent years, scientists have said that most spacecraft in future will be designed for demise using materials that melt at lower temperatures, making them significantly less likely to survive re-entry and land on Earth's surface. Watch: Gravitas: Russia's new secret weapon for space war × For example, NASA and the ESA are moving from titanium to aluminium fuel tanks. But still, there are chances that something might go wrong. Something similar happened with China's Tiangong-1. It was China's first manned prototype space lab and started orbiting Earth in 2011. It was officially declared defunct in March 2016 after the ground engineers lost communications. A few months later some satellite trackers said that the Chinese space agency was no longer in control of the space lab. It then started its descent towards a fiery end and reentered the Earth's atmosphere at approximately 00:16 UTC on April 2, 2018, over the South Pacific Ocean at 24.5°S 151.1°W. According to Chinese state news agency Xinhua, the station mostly burnt up upon re-entry. There are no reports of anyone being hurt, but a fisherman from the nearby island of Maupiti is believed to have witnessed the event. (With inputs from agencies)

Explained: Point Nemo on Earth, the graveyard for satellites and spaceships

<p>Mars, a barren planet, is known for its harsh environment where the existence of life is nothing short of difficult, and living there won't be easy. Now, NASA is seeking applicants to do just that, in a simulation setting.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Life on Mars</strong></h2>

<p>The upcoming one-year simulation is part of the American space agency's Mars surface mission, part of the CHAPEA (Crew Health and Performance Exploration Analog) programme. This mission is the second of three planned ground-based missions and is set to begin in the spring of 2025.</p>

<p>Four volunteers will be required to live and work inside a 1,700-square-foot, 3D-printed habitat at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/esa-releases-pics-of-dead-satellite-tumbling-to-earth-can-it-fall-on-someones-head-all-you-need-to-know-691984">ESA shares pics of dead satellite tumbling towards Earth; can it fall on someone’s head? All you need to know</a></strong></p>

<p>The habitat, called Mars Dune Alpha, will replicate the challenges of a Mars mission, including limited resources, equipment failures, communication delays, and environmental stressors.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Volunteers will be given a living quarters, workspace, a medical station, lounge areas and a galley and food growing stations. They will be required to conduct simulated spacewalks, work with robots, habitat maintenance, exercise, and crop growth. Furthermore, they will be subjected to typical challenges, "including resource limitations, equipment failures, communication delays, and other environmental stressors."</p>

<h2><strong>Who can apply?</strong></h2>

<p>As per the NASA website, the space agency is looking for healthy, motivated US citizens or permanent residents who are non-smokers. The applicants must be between the ages of 30-55, and proficient in English.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/researchers-decode-years-of-research-to-find-the-optimal-temperature-for-life-heres-all-you-need-to-know-692028">Researchers decode years of research to find the optimal temperature for life. Here's all you need to know</a></strong></p>

<p>"Applicants should have a strong desire for unique, rewarding adventures and interest in contributing to NASA’s work to prepare for the first human journey to Mars," states NASA. They must also meet standard NASA criteria for astronaut candidates.</p>

<p>The deadline for applying for this unique opportunity is April 2nd.</p>

<p>Participants will be compensated for the mission, however, no details have been provided.</p>

<p>The CHAPEA missions are aimed at providing valuable scientific data to validate systems and develop solutions for future Mars missions. NASA is using research from the ongoing simulated missions to inform crew health and performance support during actual Mars expeditions.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Mars, a barren planet, is known for its harsh environment where the existence of life is nothing short of difficult, and living there won't be easy. Now, NASA is seeking applicants to do just that, in a simulation setting.

Mars, a barren planet, is known for its harsh environment where the existence of life is nothing short of difficult, and living there won't be easy. Now, NASA is seeking applicants to do just that, in a simulation setting. Life on Mars The upcoming one-year simulation is part of the American space agency's Mars surface mission, part of the CHAPEA (Crew Health and Performance Exploration Analog) programme. This mission is the second of three planned ground-based missions and is set to begin in the spring of 2025. Four volunteers will be required to live and work inside a 1,700-square-foot, 3D-printed habitat at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. Also read | ESA shares pics of dead satellite tumbling towards Earth; can it fall on someone’s head? All you need to know The habitat, called Mars Dune Alpha, will replicate the challenges of a Mars mission, including limited resources, equipment failures, communication delays, and environmental stressors. Volunteers will be given a living quarters, workspace, a medical station, lounge areas and a galley and food growing stations. They will be required to conduct simulated spacewalks, work with robots, habitat maintenance, exercise, and crop growth. Furthermore, they will be subjected to typical challenges, "including resource limitations, equipment failures, communication delays, and other environmental stressors." Who can apply? As per the NASA website, the space agency is looking for healthy, motivated US citizens or permanent residents who are non-smokers. The applicants must be between the ages of 30-55, and proficient in English. Also read | Researchers decode years of research to find the optimal temperature for life. Here's all you need to know "Applicants should have a strong desire for unique, rewarding adventures and interest in contributing to NASA’s work to prepare for the first human journey to Mars," states NASA. They must also meet standard NASA criteria for astronaut candidates. The deadline for applying for this unique opportunity is April 2nd. Participants will be compensated for the mission, however, no details have been provided. The CHAPEA missions are aimed at providing valuable scientific data to validate systems and develop solutions for future Mars missions. NASA is using research from the ongoing simulated missions to inform crew health and performance support during actual Mars expeditions. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Martians wanted’: NASA is looking for volunteers to live in a Mars simulator for a year

<p>The European Space Agency (ESA) on Monday (Feb 19) released images of a dead satellite as it tumbles down to Earth in what could potentially be a fiery spectacle.</p>

<p>The dead satellite was part of ESA's scientific Earth-monitoring mission called ERS-2. It was launched on April 21, 1995, and after a 16-year career, it retired in 2011.</p>

<p>During the time it was active, the ERS-2 collected data on polar ice, changing land surfaces, sea-level rise, warming oceans and atmospheric chemistry. Additionally, the satellite was also pressed into service during natural disasters in remote regions.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/doomed-european-satellite-to-crash-on-earth-in-six-days-but-nobody-knows-where-690567">European satellite to crash into Earth in six days. The exact place is eerily a mystery</a></strong></p>

<p>The dead satellite weighs approximately 5,057 pounds (2,293.82 kg) and is expected to start disintegrating at about 50 miles (80.47 kilometres) above the ground. While most of it will burn up completely in the Earth's atmosphere, the ESA estimates that the "largest fragment of the satellite that could reach the ground is 115 pounds"&nbsp;or around 52 kg.</p>

<p>Check out the pictures of the "tumbling descent" here:</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">ERS-2 spotted! 📸🛰️<br />
<br />
The ESA satellite is on a tumbling descent that will lead to its atmospheric reentry and break up this week.<br />
<br />
These images of ERS-2 were captured by <a href="https://twitter.com/heospace?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@heospace</a> for <a href="https://twitter.com/spacegovuk?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@spacegovuk</a> using cameras on board other satellites.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ERS2reentry?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ERS2reentry</a> <a href="https://t.co/GTuubP6apJ">pic.twitter.com/GTuubP6apJ</a></p>
— ESA Operations (@esaoperations) <a href="https://twitter.com/esaoperations/status/1759518956891557949?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 19, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>These images were captured by cameras on board other satellites by Australian company HEO on behalf of the UK Space Agency.</p>

<h2><strong>When will the dead satellite crash onto Earth?</strong></h2>

<p>As per estimates by the ESA's Space Debris Office, the ERS-2 satellite will make its re-entry around 19:24 UTC (Coordinated Universal Time, earlier called Greenwich Mean Time or GMT) on Wednesday (Feb&nbsp;21).</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/japan-launches-debris-removal-spacecraft-to-tackle-space-junk-691743">Japan launches debris removal spacecraft to tackle space junk</a></strong></p>

<p>However, it must be noted that the prediction is uncertain by +/- 9.91 hours. This unpredictability, as per the space agency, is primarily due to the "influence of unpredictable solar activity, which affects the density of Earth’s atmosphere and therefore the drag experienced by the satellite."</p>

<h2><strong>Can the dead satellite crash on someone?</strong></h2>

<p>The European Space Agency estimates put the probability of the dead satellite crashing on someone's head at one in a billion.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The odds of a piece of satellite falling on someone’s head is estimated at one in a billion."</p>

<p>It says that given that approximately 71 per cent of the Earth's surface is covered with water, the odds are that "the satellite will make a big splash somewhere."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The European Space Agency (ESA) on Monday (Feb 19) released images of a dead satellite as it tumbles down to Earth in what could potentially be a fiery spectacle.

The European Space Agency (ESA) on Monday (Feb 19) released images of a dead satellite as it tumbles down to Earth in what could potentially be a fiery spectacle. The dead satellite was part of ESA's scientific Earth-monitoring mission called ERS-2. It was launched on April 21, 1995, and after a 16-year career, it retired in 2011. During the time it was active, the ERS-2 collected data on polar ice, changing land surfaces, sea-level rise, warming oceans and atmospheric chemistry. Additionally, the satellite was also pressed into service during natural disasters in remote regions. Also read | European satellite to crash into Earth in six days. The exact place is eerily a mystery The dead satellite weighs approximately 5,057 pounds (2,293.82 kg) and is expected to start disintegrating at about 50 miles (80.47 kilometres) above the ground. While most of it will burn up completely in the Earth's atmosphere, the ESA estimates that the "largest fragment of the satellite that could reach the ground is 115 pounds" or around 52 kg. Check out the pictures of the "tumbling descent" here: ERS-2 spotted! 📸🛰️ The ESA satellite is on a tumbling descent that will lead to its atmospheric reentry and break up this week. These images of ERS-2 were captured by @heospace for @spacegovuk using cameras on board other satellites.#ERS2reentry pic.twitter.com/GTuubP6apJ — ESA Operations (@esaoperations) February 19, 2024 × These images were captured by cameras on board other satellites by Australian company HEO on behalf of the UK Space Agency. When will the dead satellite crash onto Earth? As per estimates by the ESA's Space Debris Office, the ERS-2 satellite will make its re-entry around 19:24 UTC (Coordinated Universal Time, earlier called Greenwich Mean Time or GMT) on Wednesday (Feb 21). Also read | Japan launches debris removal spacecraft to tackle space junk However, it must be noted that the prediction is uncertain by +/- 9.91 hours. This unpredictability, as per the space agency, is primarily due to the "influence of unpredictable solar activity, which affects the density of Earth’s atmosphere and therefore the drag experienced by the satellite." Can the dead satellite crash on someone? The European Space Agency estimates put the probability of the dead satellite crashing on someone's head at one in a billion. "The odds of a piece of satellite falling on someone’s head is estimated at one in a billion." It says that given that approximately 71 per cent of the Earth's surface is covered with water, the odds are that "the satellite will make a big splash somewhere." (With inputs from agencies)

ESA shares pics of dead satellite tumbling towards Earth; can it fall on someone’s head? All you need to know

NASA is on the lookout for a second batch of volunteers to participate in its year-long simulated Mars mission called Crew Health and Performance Exploration Analog (CHAPEA).

NASA seeks volunteers for simulated Mars mission

NASA and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) are considering launching the LignoSat probe - the world's first wooden satellite into space, in an attempt to make spaceflight operations sustainable. Watch to know more!

Japan & NASA to launch world's first wooden satellite

<p>NASA's OSIRIS-REx spacecraft successfully brought back 4.29 ounces (121.6 grammes) of material from asteroid Bennu upon its return to Earth on 24 September 2023. This remarkable achievement not only marks the largest asteroid sample ever collected in space but also surpasses the mission's initial requirement by over double, NASA revealed on Saturday.</p>

<p>The team aimed to acquire a minimum of 60 grams of material to fulfil the mission's scientific objectives, a goal that was surpassed even before the Touch-and-Go Sample Acquisition Mechanism (TAGSAM) head was fully opened.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/dead-stars-glitches-may-indicate-source-of-rapid-radio-bursts-691066">Dead stars 'glitches' may indicate source of rapid radio bursts</a></p>

<p>By October 2023, curation processors from NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, part of the Astromaterials Research and Exploration Science (ARES) division, successfully retrieved small rocks and dust from both the interior of the large canister housing the TAGSAM head and from within the TAGSAM head itself via its mylar flap, wrote NASA on its blog.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Double the sample, double the fun.<br />
<br />
The OSIRIS-REx spacecraft delivered 4.29 ounces (121.6 grams) of material from asteroid Bennu! That's the largest asteroid sample ever collected in space and over twice the mission’s requirement. Learn more: <a href="https://t.co/83rOaTDwhq">https://t.co/83rOaTDwhq</a> <a href="https://t.co/0iYolEXFEb">pic.twitter.com/0iYolEXFEb</a></p>
— NASA Ames (@NASAAmes) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASAAmes/status/1758269456755704205?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 15, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>The black, carbon-rich samples from Bennu, which are the first ever collected by NASA, are stored at a special curation lab at Houston’s Johnson Space Center.</p>

<p>Last September, Osiris-Rex brought back the samples, completing the retrieval three years after gathering them from the asteroid. The haul for the $1 billion mission could have been larger; however, rocks obstructed the container's lid during the grab, causing some samples to float away.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-successfully-launches-new-h3-rocket-following-setback-last-year-691091">Japan successfully launches new H3 rocket following setback last year</a></p>

<p>The spacecraft is now on its way to another asteroid, but that will involve only a flyby with no stop for samples.</p>

<h2><strong>NASA’s OSIRIS Rex Mission</strong></h2>

<p>NASA's OSIRIS-REx (Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, Security, Regolith Explorer) mission is a robotic spacecraft mission designed to study and return a sample of the asteroid Bennu to Earth. Launched in September 2016, OSIRIS-REx arrived at Bennu in December 2018.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The mission's objectives include understanding the origins of the solar system, studying the composition of near-Earth asteroids like Bennu, and assessing the potential resources they may offer.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/human-bodies-shaped-by-ancient-viruses-millions-of-years-ago-study-691185">Human bodies shaped by ancient viruses millions of years ago: study</a></p>

<p>After successfully collecting the sample in October 2020, OSIRIS-REx began its return journey to Earth, ultimately delivering the sample in September 2023. The analysis of this sample is expected to provide valuable insights into the early solar system and the formation of planets, including Earth.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


NASA's OSIRIS-REx spacecraft successfully brought back 4.29 ounces (121.6 grammes) of material from asteroid Bennu upon its return to Earth on 24 September 2023.

NASA's OSIRIS-REx spacecraft successfully brought back 4.29 ounces (121.6 grammes) of material from asteroid Bennu upon its return to Earth on 24 September 2023. This remarkable achievement not only marks the largest asteroid sample ever collected in space but also surpasses the mission's initial requirement by over double, NASA revealed on Saturday. The team aimed to acquire a minimum of 60 grams of material to fulfil the mission's scientific objectives, a goal that was surpassed even before the Touch-and-Go Sample Acquisition Mechanism (TAGSAM) head was fully opened. Also Read | Dead stars 'glitches' may indicate source of rapid radio bursts By October 2023, curation processors from NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, part of the Astromaterials Research and Exploration Science (ARES) division, successfully retrieved small rocks and dust from both the interior of the large canister housing the TAGSAM head and from within the TAGSAM head itself via its mylar flap, wrote NASA on its blog. Double the sample, double the fun. The OSIRIS-REx spacecraft delivered 4.29 ounces (121.6 grams) of material from asteroid Bennu! That's the largest asteroid sample ever collected in space and over twice the mission’s requirement. Learn more: https://t.co/83rOaTDwhq pic.twitter.com/0iYolEXFEb — NASA Ames (@NASAAmes) February 15, 2024 × The black, carbon-rich samples from Bennu, which are the first ever collected by NASA, are stored at a special curation lab at Houston’s Johnson Space Center. Last September, Osiris-Rex brought back the samples, completing the retrieval three years after gathering them from the asteroid. The haul for the $1 billion mission could have been larger; however, rocks obstructed the container's lid during the grab, causing some samples to float away. Also Read | Japan successfully launches new H3 rocket following setback last year The spacecraft is now on its way to another asteroid, but that will involve only a flyby with no stop for samples. NASA’s OSIRIS Rex Mission NASA's OSIRIS-REx (Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, Security, Regolith Explorer) mission is a robotic spacecraft mission designed to study and return a sample of the asteroid Bennu to Earth. Launched in September 2016, OSIRIS-REx arrived at Bennu in December 2018. The mission's objectives include understanding the origins of the solar system, studying the composition of near-Earth asteroids like Bennu, and assessing the potential resources they may offer. Also Read | Human bodies shaped by ancient viruses millions of years ago: study After successfully collecting the sample in October 2020, OSIRIS-REx began its return journey to Earth, ultimately delivering the sample in September 2023. The analysis of this sample is expected to provide valuable insights into the early solar system and the formation of planets, including Earth. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Double the sample, double the fun’: NASA got double the amount of asteroid Bennu sample

<p>The icy moons in space, which were once potential sites for life, might not be able to host living beings&nbsp;like on Earth, a recent study by NASA suggests.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Titan, the largest moon of Saturn, is frequently considered a potential contender for hosting life. This celestial body stands out as the sole location in the Solar System, besides Earth, where surface liquids are confirmed to exist, comprising rivers, lakes, and seas.</p>

<p>The rivers, lakes, and seas on Titan are filled with liquid hydrocarbons, mostly methane. Scientists were particularly interested in a huge ocean hidden beneath Titan's icy surface. This ocean is believed to be over 12 times bigger than Earth's oceans and lies about 55 to 80 kilometres (35 to 50 miles) beneath the ground.</p>

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<h2><strong>Why Titan could not be the next Earth?</strong></h2>

<p>"Titan’s rivers, lakes and seas of liquid methane and ethane might serve as a habitable environment on the moon’s surface, though any life there would likely be very different from Earth’s life," NASA explains.</p>

<p>Having liquid water below the surface is good for life, but you also need organics. Scientists earlier believed that these essential ingredients could be brought to the ocean beneath Titan's surface. There, they could mix together, get heated up, and possibly start life when space objects hit the surface.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/a-man-walking-his-dog-finds-a-70-million-year-old-bone-from-a-near-complete-dinosaur-fossil-690731">A man found a bone while walking his dog. What he discovered next was 'pre-historic'</a></p>

<p>The theory was that the surface, which is full of organics, would mix with the ocean underneath when objects hit it and melt patches of ice. As it's heavier than the ice around it, this mixture would sink down into the ocean below.</p>

<p>However, a study by the University of Western Ontario tried to figure out how many comets hit Titan each year and how much organics they brought&nbsp;to the ocean below. Sadly, the team discovered that only about 7,500 kilograms (16,500 pounds) of glycine, the simplest amino acid, would be delivered to the ocean. That's about the weight of an adult elephant.</p>

<p>"One elephant per year of glycine into an ocean 12 times the volume of Earth's oceans is not sufficient to sustain life," astrobiologist Catherine Neish said in a press release.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/taste-of-your-favourite-tea-may-be-dependent-on-specific-microbes-690728">Taste of your favourite tea may be dependent on specific microbes</a></p>

<p>"In the past, people often assumed that water equals life, but they neglected the fact that life needs other elements, in particular carbon."</p>

<p>"This work shows that it is very hard to transfer the carbon on Titan's surface to its subsurface ocean –basically, it's hard to have both the water and carbon needed for life in the same place," Neish added.</p>

<p>However, there's still a possibility of life&nbsp;if there are more organics on the surface than we thought. And&nbsp;if organics could come from the core, or other processes could bring organics from the surface to the ocean below.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The icy moons in space, which were once potential sites for life, might not be able to host living beings like on Earth, a recent study by NASA suggests. Titan, the largest moon of Saturn, is frequently considered a potential contender for hosting life.

The icy moons in space, which were once potential sites for life, might not be able to host living beings like on Earth, a recent study by NASA suggests. Titan, the largest moon of Saturn, is frequently considered a potential contender for hosting life. This celestial body stands out as the sole location in the Solar System, besides Earth, where surface liquids are confirmed to exist, comprising rivers, lakes, and seas. The rivers, lakes, and seas on Titan are filled with liquid hydrocarbons, mostly methane. Scientists were particularly interested in a huge ocean hidden beneath Titan's icy surface. This ocean is believed to be over 12 times bigger than Earth's oceans and lies about 55 to 80 kilometres (35 to 50 miles) beneath the ground. Also Read | 'Future is wild': Netizens react to OpenAI's newly launched Sora that creates HD videos from written text Why Titan could not be the next Earth? "Titan’s rivers, lakes and seas of liquid methane and ethane might serve as a habitable environment on the moon’s surface, though any life there would likely be very different from Earth’s life," NASA explains. Having liquid water below the surface is good for life, but you also need organics. Scientists earlier believed that these essential ingredients could be brought to the ocean beneath Titan's surface. There, they could mix together, get heated up, and possibly start life when space objects hit the surface. Also Read | A man found a bone while walking his dog. What he discovered next was 'pre-historic' The theory was that the surface, which is full of organics, would mix with the ocean underneath when objects hit it and melt patches of ice. As it's heavier than the ice around it, this mixture would sink down into the ocean below. However, a study by the University of Western Ontario tried to figure out how many comets hit Titan each year and how much organics they brought to the ocean below. Sadly, the team discovered that only about 7,500 kilograms (16,500 pounds) of glycine, the simplest amino acid, would be delivered to the ocean. That's about the weight of an adult elephant. "One elephant per year of glycine into an ocean 12 times the volume of Earth's oceans is not sufficient to sustain life," astrobiologist Catherine Neish said in a press release. Also Read | Taste of your favourite tea may be dependent on specific microbes "In the past, people often assumed that water equals life, but they neglected the fact that life needs other elements, in particular carbon." "This work shows that it is very hard to transfer the carbon on Titan's surface to its subsurface ocean –basically, it's hard to have both the water and carbon needed for life in the same place," Neish added. However, there's still a possibility of life if there are more organics on the surface than we thought. And if organics could come from the core, or other processes could bring organics from the surface to the ocean below. (With inputs from agencies)

Solar system's icy moons like Titan may not host life, NASA study suggests

<p>We all have heard that eclipses (solar and lunar) are a rare sight that the universe offers in this cosmic world. But this year’s solar eclipse will not just be something you see, but also something that you will experience on many levels.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The April 8 solar eclipse will be more than just a visual event as it will have multi-sensory effects, including sound. This is the reason why NASA is asking people in the US to listen during the total eclipse on April 8 this year.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/the-largest-iceberg-a23a-enters-its-rotational-phase-while-drifting-towards-warmer-waters-690580">Largest iceberg A23a enters its 'rotational phase' while drifting towards warmer waters</a></p>

<p>"We want to show that eclipses can be studied in a multi-sensory manner, through sound and feeling and other forms of observation," said Kelsey Perrett, Communications Coordinator with the NASA-funded Eclipse Soundscapes Project.</p>

<h2><strong>How people can help in understanding eclipses better?</strong></h2>

<p>NASA is aiming to collect more diverse data on solar eclipses for its Eclipse Soundspaces Project, for which it wants millions of people to listen, observe and record anything that they think might be peculiar. The result will be, as scientists hope, a better understanding of how an eclipse affects different ecosystems.</p>

<p>Data collectors recruited for the project will also use a low-cost recording device called AudioMoth to capture the sounds of animals, birds and insects—especially crickets.</p>

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<p>One mystery that researchers want to solve is whether nocturnal and diurnal animals act any differently or become more or less vocal during a solar eclipse.</p>

<p>“The more audio data and observations we have, the better we can answer these questions,” said Perrett.</p>

<p>“Contributions from participatory scientists will allow us to drill down into specific ecosystems and determine how the eclipse may have impacted each of them.”</p>

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<p>However, individuals participating in this project do not need a technical background or significant financial resources to participate.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Anyone, including those who are blind or have low vision, can join as "Data Collectors" using an AudioMoth or as “Observers by recording their multisensory observations and submitting them to the project website following the eclipse."</p>

<p>“The intention of this project is to make the total solar eclipse an engaging and enjoyable experience for everyone,” said Dr. Henry “Trae” Winter, co-lead of the Eclipse Soundscapes Project. “We are excited to invite the public to participate in this opportunity to perform real and meaningful scientific research as equal participants," he added.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


We all have heard that eclipses (solar and lunar) are a rare sight that the universe offers in this cosmic world. But this year’s solar eclipse will not just be something you see, but also something that you will experience on many levels.

We all have heard that eclipses (solar and lunar) are a rare sight that the universe offers in this cosmic world. But this year’s solar eclipse will not just be something you see, but also something that you will experience on many levels. The April 8 solar eclipse will be more than just a visual event as it will have multi-sensory effects, including sound. This is the reason why NASA is asking people in the US to listen during the total eclipse on April 8 this year. Also Read | Largest iceberg A23a enters its 'rotational phase' while drifting towards warmer waters "We want to show that eclipses can be studied in a multi-sensory manner, through sound and feeling and other forms of observation," said Kelsey Perrett, Communications Coordinator with the NASA-funded Eclipse Soundscapes Project. How people can help in understanding eclipses better? NASA is aiming to collect more diverse data on solar eclipses for its Eclipse Soundspaces Project, for which it wants millions of people to listen, observe and record anything that they think might be peculiar. The result will be, as scientists hope, a better understanding of how an eclipse affects different ecosystems. Data collectors recruited for the project will also use a low-cost recording device called AudioMoth to capture the sounds of animals, birds and insects—especially crickets. Also Read | Earth is round, but Jupiter was once most likely flat: Scientists One mystery that researchers want to solve is whether nocturnal and diurnal animals act any differently or become more or less vocal during a solar eclipse. “The more audio data and observations we have, the better we can answer these questions,” said Perrett. “Contributions from participatory scientists will allow us to drill down into specific ecosystems and determine how the eclipse may have impacted each of them.” Also Read | 'Take charge': Companies using feminist messages to push useless health products onto women, finds study However, individuals participating in this project do not need a technical background or significant financial resources to participate. Anyone, including those who are blind or have low vision, can join as "Data Collectors" using an AudioMoth or as “Observers by recording their multisensory observations and submitting them to the project website following the eclipse." “The intention of this project is to make the total solar eclipse an engaging and enjoyable experience for everyone,” said Dr. Henry “Trae” Winter, co-lead of the Eclipse Soundscapes Project. “We are excited to invite the public to participate in this opportunity to perform real and meaningful scientific research as equal participants," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Why is NASA urging people to listen during solar eclipse on April 8 and report back?

<p>Surgeons, for the first time ever, successfully remotely controlled a small robot aboard the International Space Station (ISS)&nbsp;for surgery in orbit.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>First-ever surgery in orbit</strong></h2>

<p>Done over the weekend, this surgery, as per an AFP report, was done on rubber bands and not a living organism. Deemed a "huge success" by participants, the experiment as per the news agency represents a significant advancement in space surgery technology. This could be crucial for treating medical emergencies during long-term manned missions, such as those to Mars.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/new-research-suggests-your-chihuahua-or-other-toy-breed-dog-may-have-shark-teeth-heres-what-it-means-690314">New research suggests your Chihuahua or other toy breed dog may have 'shark teeth'. Here's what it means</a></strong></p>

<p>It also has the potential to help pave the way for developing remote-control surgery techniques on Earth, especially for isolated and/or remote areas.</p>

<h2><strong>How did surgeons perform space surgery?</strong></h2>

<p>Surgeons used a robot, named spaceMIRA. It has been developed by Virtual Incision (VIC) and the University of Nebraska.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The robot was reportedly launched to the ISS at the end of January aboard a SpaceX rocket. Curiously, it was stored in a compact box only the size of a microwave oven.&nbsp;</p>

<p>NASA astronaut Loral O'Hara, who has been on the ISS since last September, installed the robot last Thursday.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>The experiment itself was conducted from Virtual Incision's headquarters in Lincoln, Nebraska, and it involved six surgeons who remotely operated upon the robot for around two hours.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Equipped with a camera and two arms, the robot performed standard surgical techniques. In a statement, Virtual Incision said: "The experiment tested standard surgical techniques like grasping, manipulating and cutting tissue. The simulated tissue is made up of rubber bands."</p>

<p>A significant challenge the surgeons faced during the experiment was the time lag of about 0.85 seconds between the operation centre on Earth and the ISS. Despite this, the experiment was deemed a success.</p>

<p>Virtual Incision said that "the experiment was deemed a huge success by all surgeons and researchers, and there were little to no hiccups." It added that this will "change the future of surgery."</p>

<p>NASA, which provided financial support for the project, highlighted the increasing need for emergency care, "including surgical procedures from simple stitching of lacerations to more complex activities," during longer space missions.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Surgeons, for the first time ever, successfully remotely controlled a small robot aboard the International Space Station (ISS) for surgery in orbit. First-ever surgery in orbit Done over the weekend, this surgery, as per an AFP report, was done on rubber bands and not a living organism.

Surgeons, for the first time ever, successfully remotely controlled a small robot aboard the International Space Station (ISS) for surgery in orbit. First-ever surgery in orbit Done over the weekend, this surgery, as per an AFP report, was done on rubber bands and not a living organism. Deemed a "huge success" by participants, the experiment as per the news agency represents a significant advancement in space surgery technology. This could be crucial for treating medical emergencies during long-term manned missions, such as those to Mars. Also read | New research suggests your Chihuahua or other toy breed dog may have 'shark teeth'. Here's what it means It also has the potential to help pave the way for developing remote-control surgery techniques on Earth, especially for isolated and/or remote areas. How did surgeons perform space surgery? Surgeons used a robot, named spaceMIRA. It has been developed by Virtual Incision (VIC) and the University of Nebraska. The robot was reportedly launched to the ISS at the end of January aboard a SpaceX rocket. Curiously, it was stored in a compact box only the size of a microwave oven. NASA astronaut Loral O'Hara, who has been on the ISS since last September, installed the robot last Thursday. Also read | 'Take charge': Companies using feminist messages to push 'useless' health products onto women, finds study The experiment itself was conducted from Virtual Incision's headquarters in Lincoln, Nebraska, and it involved six surgeons who remotely operated upon the robot for around two hours. Equipped with a camera and two arms, the robot performed standard surgical techniques. In a statement, Virtual Incision said: "The experiment tested standard surgical techniques like grasping, manipulating and cutting tissue. The simulated tissue is made up of rubber bands." A significant challenge the surgeons faced during the experiment was the time lag of about 0.85 seconds between the operation centre on Earth and the ISS. Despite this, the experiment was deemed a success. Virtual Incision said that "the experiment was deemed a huge success by all surgeons and researchers, and there were little to no hiccups." It added that this will "change the future of surgery." NASA, which provided financial support for the project, highlighted the increasing need for emergency care, "including surgical procedures from simple stitching of lacerations to more complex activities," during longer space missions. (With inputs from agencies)

'Future of surgery': Surgeons successfully perform remote-controlled opreration on ISS

A moon lander took off from the Florida base early on Thursday its mission is to achieve the first US lunar touchdown after almost five decades Odysseus lifted off at the top two-stage Falcon 9 rocket from NASA's Kennedy Space Center.

SpaceX launches commercial lander to the moon

<p>A private US firm has passed a crucial milestone test for creating advanced spacesuits to be used outside the International Space Station (ISS). American space agency National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) said the new design promises a good fit and better functionality for operations in microgravity.</p>

<p>NASA had selected Collins Aerospace to do the job of creating the new design that would replace the currently used spacesuit. For last two decades, the astronauts have been using an extravehicular mobility unit to assemble and maintain the ISS.</p>

<p>The new spacesuits are expected to further advance astronauts’ spacewalking outside the ISS, which will remain operational at least till 2030.</p>

<h2><strong>Why new spacesuits are required?</strong></h2>

<p>The new spacesuits would be advanced as well as more efficient than the current ones. They would be durable and require less maintenance.</p>

<p>The test was conducted in an artificially created microgravity environment aboard an aircraft. During the brief period of weightlessness, the astronaut performed several roller-coaster-like manoeuvres, demonstrating the features and practicality of the new suits.</p>

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<p>This helped the researchers to assess the viability of the suits without needing to go into space.</p>

<h2><strong>What next?</strong></h2>

<p>Collins Aerospace has said it will continue testing the new ‘next-gen’ spacesuit in a space-like environment.</p>

<p>The next-gen suit would also be tested at NASA’s Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory – a 40-foot deep pool at the Johnson Space Center in Houston which simulates a microgravity environment for astronaut spacewalk training.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;All about NASA's PACE mission to study Earth's clouds &amp; oceans</strong></p>

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<p>Notably, this is one of two suits being developed by NASA with hopes to support station maintenance and operations.</p>

<p>“With a new spacesuit, we can address some of the current obsolescence issues with the EMU and take advantage of all the new technologies that are available to us now that weren’t available 50 years ago, such as improved mobility and technological innovations in life support systems,” NASA had said last year.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A private US firm has passed a crucial milestone test for creating advanced spacesuits to be used outside the International Space Station (ISS). American space agency National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) said the new design promises a good fit and better functionality for operations in microgravity.

A private US firm has passed a crucial milestone test for creating advanced spacesuits to be used outside the International Space Station (ISS). American space agency National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) said the new design promises a good fit and better functionality for operations in microgravity. NASA had selected Collins Aerospace to do the job of creating the new design that would replace the currently used spacesuit. For last two decades, the astronauts have been using an extravehicular mobility unit to assemble and maintain the ISS. The new spacesuits are expected to further advance astronauts’ spacewalking outside the ISS, which will remain operational at least till 2030. Why new spacesuits are required? The new spacesuits would be advanced as well as more efficient than the current ones. They would be durable and require less maintenance. The test was conducted in an artificially created microgravity environment aboard an aircraft. During the brief period of weightlessness, the astronaut performed several roller-coaster-like manoeuvres, demonstrating the features and practicality of the new suits. Also read: NASA launches airborne assault to combat pollution in Asia This helped the researchers to assess the viability of the suits without needing to go into space. What next? Collins Aerospace has said it will continue testing the new ‘next-gen’ spacesuit in a space-like environment. The next-gen suit would also be tested at NASA’s Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory – a 40-foot deep pool at the Johnson Space Center in Houston which simulates a microgravity environment for astronaut spacewalk training. Watch: All about NASA's PACE mission to study Earth's clouds & oceans × Notably, this is one of two suits being developed by NASA with hopes to support station maintenance and operations. “With a new spacesuit, we can address some of the current obsolescence issues with the EMU and take advantage of all the new technologies that are available to us now that weren’t available 50 years ago, such as improved mobility and technological innovations in life support systems,” NASA had said last year. (With inputs from agencies)

US: First next-gen spacesuit passes crucial NASA test, will be used by astronauts outside space station

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<p>The excitement of Super Bowl LVIII managed to&nbsp;reach even outer space. Sharing a post on X on Saturday (Feb 10), the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) uploaded a video of two astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) tossing a football in zero gravity, gearing up for the showdown between&nbsp;Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers in Las Vegas on Sunday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kansas City Chiefs won their third Super Bowl with a 25-22 overtime win against the San Francisco 49ers.</p>

<p>"Getting some reps in before Super Bowl Sunday," NASA said. The astronauts in the video are Jasmin Moghbeli and Loral O'Hara- the crew of the Expedition 70 mission. The video shows Moghbeli tossing the football at a camera. Surrounded by laptops, cables, and other equipment, Moghbeli and O'Hara can be seen laughing as the football bounces off something off-screen and comes back.</p>

<h3><strong>Here's a look at the video:</strong></h3>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Getting some reps in before <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SuperBowl?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SuperBowl</a> Sunday 🏈 <a href="https://t.co/ATM6hJXW8a">pic.twitter.com/ATM6hJXW8a</a></p>
— NASA's Johnson Space Center (@NASA_Johnson) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASA_Johnson/status/1756330881118044208?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 10, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>CSA robot signals touchdown</strong></h2>

<p>The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) also joined the celebrations for Superbowl Sunday. Sharing a post on X on Friday, the CSA posted a video of its Dextre robot wearing a t-shirt of a football referee. In the animated video, Dextre, the ISS' Canadian robotic helper, could be seen signalling a touchdown.</p>

<p>"A new referee has a fantastic view from space! Dextre, the Space_Station Canadian robotic helper, wishes you a great Super Bowl LVIII this Sunday!" the CSA said.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">A new referee has a fantastic view from space! 🏈 Dextre, the <a href="https://twitter.com/Space_Station?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Space_Station</a> Canadian robotic helper, wishes you a great Super Bowl LVIII this Sunday! <a href="https://twitter.com/NFL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NFL</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SBLVIII?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SBLVIII</a> <a href="https://t.co/JGBgjTwDsy">pic.twitter.com/JGBgjTwDsy</a></p>
— Canadian Space Agency (@csa_asc) <a href="https://twitter.com/csa_asc/status/1755967905286459582?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 9, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>The Super Bowl LVIII was in overtime after the Kansas City Chiefs kicked a field goal late in the game to tie with the San Francisco 49ers. The Chiefs won against the 49ers in what many deemed a rematch championship game. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes, head coach Andy Reid and the rest of the Chiefs became the first repeat champions in two decades.&nbsp;</p>


The excitement of Super Bowl LVIII managed to reach even outer space. Sharing a post on X on Saturday (Feb 10), the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) uploaded a video of two astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) tossing a football in zero gravity, gearing up for the showdown between Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers in Las Vegas on Sunday.

The excitement of Super Bowl LVIII managed to reach even outer space. Sharing a post on X on Saturday (Feb 10), the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) uploaded a video of two astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) tossing a football in zero gravity, gearing up for the showdown between Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers in Las Vegas on Sunday. Kansas City Chiefs won their third Super Bowl with a 25-22 overtime win against the San Francisco 49ers. "Getting some reps in before Super Bowl Sunday," NASA said. The astronauts in the video are Jasmin Moghbeli and Loral O'Hara- the crew of the Expedition 70 mission. The video shows Moghbeli tossing the football at a camera. Surrounded by laptops, cables, and other equipment, Moghbeli and O'Hara can be seen laughing as the football bounces off something off-screen and comes back. Here's a look at the video: Getting some reps in before #SuperBowl Sunday 🏈 pic.twitter.com/ATM6hJXW8a — NASA's Johnson Space Center (@NASA_Johnson) February 10, 2024 × CSA robot signals touchdown The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) also joined the celebrations for Superbowl Sunday. Sharing a post on X on Friday, the CSA posted a video of its Dextre robot wearing a t-shirt of a football referee. In the animated video, Dextre, the ISS' Canadian robotic helper, could be seen signalling a touchdown. "A new referee has a fantastic view from space! Dextre, the Space_Station Canadian robotic helper, wishes you a great Super Bowl LVIII this Sunday!" the CSA said. A new referee has a fantastic view from space! 🏈 Dextre, the @Space_Station Canadian robotic helper, wishes you a great Super Bowl LVIII this Sunday! @NFL #SBLVIII pic.twitter.com/JGBgjTwDsy — Canadian Space Agency (@csa_asc) February 9, 2024 × The Super Bowl LVIII was in overtime after the Kansas City Chiefs kicked a field goal late in the game to tie with the San Francisco 49ers. The Chiefs won against the 49ers in what many deemed a rematch championship game. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes, head coach Andy Reid and the rest of the Chiefs became the first repeat champions in two decades.

Super Bowl craze in space: ISS astronauts toss football in zero gravity. Watch

SpaceX's new private lunar lander is aiming for the moon. As part of NASA’s CLPS (Commercial Lunar Payload Services) initiative and Artemis campaign. SpaceX is targeting for a Falcon 9 launch of Intuitive Machines’ first lunar lander to the Moon’s surface.

All about NASA and SpaceX’s private lunar lander mission

<p>The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) on Saturday (Feb 10) shared a stunning three-dimensional view of the Orion Nebula, which is one of the brightest nebulae, to mark the occasion of Chinese New Year, a festival that celebrates the beginning of a new year on the traditional lunisolar Chinese calendar.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Orion Nebula is visible to the naked eye in the night sky with an apparent magnitude of 4.0 and the 3-D view was created using data from the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) mission, which is a joint programme between NASA and the German Aerospace Center (DLR). SOFIA is a telescope capable of making observations from onboard an aeroplane.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the media posted by NASA, the Orion Nebula appears to be in the shape of a dragon. The nebula has a blue centre, with red wispy fragments on the outer detail.⁣ &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-reveal-heat-can-behave-like-sound-in-superfluid-689191">Scientists reveal heat can behave like sound in superfluid</a></strong></p>

<p>The current year, that is 2024 is the year of dragon, also known as Loong. It is the fifth of the 12-year cycle of animals which appear in the Chinese zodiac related to the Chinese calendar.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In an Instagram post, NASA wrote, "Welcome to the year of the Dragon. In this three-dimensional view of the Orion Nebula – Earth's closest star-formation nursery – was created using data from the SOFIA mission."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Here's is the 3-D view:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-launches-airborne-assault-to-combat-pollution-in-asia-689045">NASA launches airborne assault to combat pollution in Asia</a></strong></p>

<p>NASA said that the 3-D view reveals the detailed structure of the nebula, including a "bubble" that has been blown clear of gas and dust by a powerful stellar wind.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The US-based space agency said that massive stars can regulate star formation around them, and the SOFIA mission helped astronomers better understand this effect.⁣</p>

<p>According to NASA, SOFIA was a mission of discovery, revealing "unseen – and sometimes unseeable – parts of our universe".&nbsp;</p>

<p>While science flights have ended, SOFIA's data from a total of 732 nights observing over the course of the mission are publicly available for scientists to study and conduct further research in the future," NASA added.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) on Saturday (Feb 10) shared a stunning three-dimensional view of the Orion Nebula, which is one of the brightest nebulae, to mark the occasion of Chinese New Year, a festival that celebrates the beginning of a new year on the traditional lunisolar Chinese calendar.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) on Saturday (Feb 10) shared a stunning three-dimensional view of the Orion Nebula, which is one of the brightest nebulae, to mark the occasion of Chinese New Year, a festival that celebrates the beginning of a new year on the traditional lunisolar Chinese calendar. Orion Nebula is visible to the naked eye in the night sky with an apparent magnitude of 4.0 and the 3-D view was created using data from the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) mission, which is a joint programme between NASA and the German Aerospace Center (DLR). SOFIA is a telescope capable of making observations from onboard an aeroplane. In the media posted by NASA, the Orion Nebula appears to be in the shape of a dragon. The nebula has a blue centre, with red wispy fragments on the outer detail.⁣ Also read: Scientists reveal heat can behave like sound in superfluid The current year, that is 2024 is the year of dragon, also known as Loong. It is the fifth of the 12-year cycle of animals which appear in the Chinese zodiac related to the Chinese calendar. In an Instagram post, NASA wrote, "Welcome to the year of the Dragon. In this three-dimensional view of the Orion Nebula – Earth's closest star-formation nursery – was created using data from the SOFIA mission." Here's is the 3-D view: View this post on Instagram A post shared by NASA (@nasa) × Also read: NASA launches airborne assault to combat pollution in Asia NASA said that the 3-D view reveals the detailed structure of the nebula, including a "bubble" that has been blown clear of gas and dust by a powerful stellar wind. The US-based space agency said that massive stars can regulate star formation around them, and the SOFIA mission helped astronomers better understand this effect.⁣ According to NASA, SOFIA was a mission of discovery, revealing "unseen – and sometimes unseeable – parts of our universe". While science flights have ended, SOFIA's data from a total of 732 nights observing over the course of the mission are publicly available for scientists to study and conduct further research in the future," NASA added. (With inputs from agencies)

WATCH: NASA shares stunning 3D view of Orion Nebula to mark Chinese New Year

<p>NASA has initiated a series of extended flights across Asia with its colossal flying laboratory, the DC-8. In a mission aimed at enhancing models crucial for forecasting and combating air pollution, the US space agency aims to make strides in identifying pollution sources and behaviors, potentially leading to more precise public warning systems.</p>

<p>Air pollution is responsible for millions of deaths annually, making accurate identification and forecasting all the more significant.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/delhis-air-emergency-needs-a-call-for-sustained-action-beyond-temporary-fixes-658338">Delhi's air emergency needs a call for sustained action beyond temporary fixes</a></strong></p>

<p>Commencing this week in the Philippines, NASA's DC-8 is conducting flights lasting up to eight hours, hovering as close as 15 meters (50 feet) from the ground to collect air particles for detailed analysis.</p>

<p>Barry Lefer of NASA said in an official statement, "We can provide direct measurements of how much pollution is coming from different sources. And that's one of the primary inputs to the air quality forecasting models."</p>

<h2><strong>What does it mean?</strong></h2>

<p>While current air quality forecasting relies on ground stations and satellites, both methods have limitations in observing pollutant dispersion. NASA's airborne measurements aim to bridge this gap, refining satellite data interpretation and enhancing the accuracy of predictive models.</p>

<h2><strong>What is the airborne assault of air pollution like?</strong></h2>

<p>Equipped with an array of sensitive instruments, NASA's flying laboratory has executed figure-eight patterns over densely populated areas of the Philippines, including the capital region. Accompanied by a smaller NASA Gulfstream jet creating three-dimensional pollutant maps, the aircraft will extend research flights to South Korea, Malaysia, and Thailand in the following weeks.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;What causes air pollution? | New Delhi AQI dystopia</strong></p>

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<p>The project, named ASIA-AQ, represents a collaboration between NASA and regional governments in an area grappling with some of the highest air pollution-related death rates globally.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Results from the study are expected to be made public within a year, providing potentially valuable insights into the complex dynamics of air pollution in the region.</p>


NASA has initiated a series of extended flights across Asia with its colossal flying laboratory, the DC-8. In a mission aimed at enhancing models crucial for forecasting and combating air pollution, the US space agency aims to make strides in identifying pollution sources and behaviors, potentially leading to more precise public warning systems.

NASA has initiated a series of extended flights across Asia with its colossal flying laboratory, the DC-8. In a mission aimed at enhancing models crucial for forecasting and combating air pollution, the US space agency aims to make strides in identifying pollution sources and behaviors, potentially leading to more precise public warning systems. Air pollution is responsible for millions of deaths annually, making accurate identification and forecasting all the more significant. Also read | Delhi's air emergency needs a call for sustained action beyond temporary fixes Commencing this week in the Philippines, NASA's DC-8 is conducting flights lasting up to eight hours, hovering as close as 15 meters (50 feet) from the ground to collect air particles for detailed analysis. Barry Lefer of NASA said in an official statement, "We can provide direct measurements of how much pollution is coming from different sources. And that's one of the primary inputs to the air quality forecasting models." What does it mean? While current air quality forecasting relies on ground stations and satellites, both methods have limitations in observing pollutant dispersion. NASA's airborne measurements aim to bridge this gap, refining satellite data interpretation and enhancing the accuracy of predictive models. What is the airborne assault of air pollution like? Equipped with an array of sensitive instruments, NASA's flying laboratory has executed figure-eight patterns over densely populated areas of the Philippines, including the capital region. Accompanied by a smaller NASA Gulfstream jet creating three-dimensional pollutant maps, the aircraft will extend research flights to South Korea, Malaysia, and Thailand in the following weeks. Also watch | What causes air pollution? | New Delhi AQI dystopia × The project, named ASIA-AQ, represents a collaboration between NASA and regional governments in an area grappling with some of the highest air pollution-related death rates globally. Results from the study are expected to be made public within a year, providing potentially valuable insights into the complex dynamics of air pollution in the region.

NASA launches airborne assault to combat pollution in Asia

<p>US space agency NASA wants to put a nuclear reactor on the Moon, and the project just completed its initial phase involving creating the design of the fission reactor. ‘Power’ is the top priority of the upcoming Artemis programme of NASA, where the space agency is devising ways to provide upcoming lunar bases with non-stop electricity.</p>

<h2><strong>The first phase</strong></h2>

<p>The first phase of the project started in 2022 and involved three major companies—Lockheed Martin in Bethesda, MD, Westinghouse of Cranberry, PA, and IX of Houston, TX—to submit designs of the reactors.</p>

<p>The design was supposed to accommodate power conversion, heat rejection, and power management and distribution.</p>

<p>NASA wants to create a nuclear reactor that can function for at least a decade without any human interference. The design, if successful on the Moon, would also be used for powering similar bases on Mars in the coming decades.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;NASA launches new climate mission to study ocean</strong></p>

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<p>"A demonstration of a nuclear power source on the Moon is required to show that it is a safe, clean, reliable option," said Trudy Kortes, programme director, Technology Demonstration Missions within NASA's Space Technology Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington.</p>

<h2><strong>Nuclear power vs solar power</strong></h2>

<p>Surviving and thriving on the lunar surface includes overcoming several key challenges, and one of the foremost challenges is securing a sustainable power source. While solar energy is a reliable option, the extended periods of darkness during the lunar night render it ineffective for continuous power generation.</p>

<p>To address this problem, fission reactors can be taken as a pragmatic solution. These nuclear reactors can be strategically positioned in areas where sunlight is scarce or absent, such as regions experiencing prolonged shadows or craters. Remarkably, these locations often coincide with the presence of ice reservoirs, providing an additional resource for sustaining life and facilitating exploration.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-jsarwt="1" data-usg="AOvVaw1_5D5jpb9LxMAu6sI71LaH" data-ved="2ahUKEwiW5O2e86CEAxUwTWwGHYkEApYQxfQBKAB6BAgMEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/science/moons-serene-facade-is-hiding-a-turbulent-reality-reveals-nasa-funded-research-687981" jsname="YKoRaf">Moon`s serene facade is hiding a turbulent reality, reveals NASA-funded research</a></strong></p>

<p>Unlike solar power, which is subject to the day-night cycle, nuclear reactors offer the advantage of continuous operation regardless of sunlight availability. This uninterrupted power supply is invaluable, particularly during the extended duration of the lunar night, which spans approximately 14 Earth days. Thus, integrating fission reactors into lunar infrastructure becomes imperative for ensuring the success and longevity of human endeavours on the Moon.</p>

<p>"The lunar night is challenging from a technical perspective, so having a source of power such as this nuclear reactor, which operates independent of the Sun, is an enabling option for long-term exploration and science efforts on the Moon," said Kortes.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


US space agency NASA wants to put a nuclear reactor on the Moon, and the project just completed its initial phase involving creating the design of the fission reactor.

US space agency NASA wants to put a nuclear reactor on the Moon, and the project just completed its initial phase involving creating the design of the fission reactor. ‘Power’ is the top priority of the upcoming Artemis programme of NASA, where the space agency is devising ways to provide upcoming lunar bases with non-stop electricity. The first phase The first phase of the project started in 2022 and involved three major companies—Lockheed Martin in Bethesda, MD, Westinghouse of Cranberry, PA, and IX of Houston, TX—to submit designs of the reactors. The design was supposed to accommodate power conversion, heat rejection, and power management and distribution. NASA wants to create a nuclear reactor that can function for at least a decade without any human interference. The design, if successful on the Moon, would also be used for powering similar bases on Mars in the coming decades. Watch: NASA launches new climate mission to study ocean × "A demonstration of a nuclear power source on the Moon is required to show that it is a safe, clean, reliable option," said Trudy Kortes, programme director, Technology Demonstration Missions within NASA's Space Technology Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington. Nuclear power vs solar power Surviving and thriving on the lunar surface includes overcoming several key challenges, and one of the foremost challenges is securing a sustainable power source. While solar energy is a reliable option, the extended periods of darkness during the lunar night render it ineffective for continuous power generation. To address this problem, fission reactors can be taken as a pragmatic solution. These nuclear reactors can be strategically positioned in areas where sunlight is scarce or absent, such as regions experiencing prolonged shadows or craters. Remarkably, these locations often coincide with the presence of ice reservoirs, providing an additional resource for sustaining life and facilitating exploration. Also read: Moon`s serene facade is hiding a turbulent reality, reveals NASA-funded research Unlike solar power, which is subject to the day-night cycle, nuclear reactors offer the advantage of continuous operation regardless of sunlight availability. This uninterrupted power supply is invaluable, particularly during the extended duration of the lunar night, which spans approximately 14 Earth days. Thus, integrating fission reactors into lunar infrastructure becomes imperative for ensuring the success and longevity of human endeavours on the Moon. "The lunar night is challenging from a technical perspective, so having a source of power such as this nuclear reactor, which operates independent of the Sun, is an enabling option for long-term exploration and science efforts on the Moon," said Kortes. (With inputs from agencies)

Here is why NASA wants to put nuclear reactor on Moon and ditch solar energy

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