<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>

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<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 />
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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>

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<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 />
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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>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/future-is-wild-netizens-react-to-openais-newly-launched-sora-that-creates-hd-videos-from-written-texts-690823">'Future is wild': Netizens react to OpenAI's newly launched Sora that creates HD videos from written text</a></p>

<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>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/earth-is-round-but-jupiter-was-once-most-likely-flat-scientists-690573">Earth is round, but Jupiter was once most likely flat: Scientists</a></p>

<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>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/take-charge-companies-using-feminist-messages-to-push-useless-health-products-onto-women-finds-study-690564">'Take charge': Companies using feminist messages to push useless health products onto women, finds study</a></p>

<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>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/take-charge-companies-using-feminist-messages-to-push-useless-health-products-onto-women-finds-study-690564">'Take charge': Companies using feminist messages to push 'useless' health products onto women, finds study</a></strong></p>

<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

Nasa's Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, ocean Ecosystem (Pace) mission soared into orbit aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from the Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida on Thursday.

NASA launches new climate mission to study ocean, atmosphere

SpaceX launches nasa's pace satellite to study earth's oceans, air and climate.

NASA launches new climate mission to study ocean

<p>New NASA-funded research has uncovered a surprising reality behind the serene facade of the moon. It turns out that the beautiful celestial object in our night skies is not as calm as it seems! Research suggests that it may actually be hiding some turbulence right at its core, that is causing it to shrink.</p>

<h2><strong>Wrinkles on the moon</strong></h2>

<p>As per The Guardian, as the moon's core cools down, it is actually shrinking. This is causing its surface to shrivel and form what scientists call thrust faults—basically, giant ripples across its surface.</p>

<p>These thrust faults aren't just harmless wrinkles; they can actually lead to moonquakes and landslides that last for hours.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/aliens-made-the-meteor-that-hit-earth-10-years-ago-scientist-claims-687718">Aliens made the 'meteor' that hit Earth 10 years ago, scientist claims</a></strong></p>

<p>In the new research published in the Planetary Science Journal, lead researcher Tom Watters from the Smithsonian Institution explains: "Our modelling suggests that shallow moonquakes capable of producing strong ground shaking in the south polar region are possible from slip events on existing faults or the formation of new thrust faults," he said.</p>

<p>The researchers took a close look at the moon's South Pole, an area believed to have places with water ice hidden in the shadows. This region is super important and is set to be explored by NASA's Artemis III mission in 2026.</p>

<p>Using cameras aboard the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, researchers spotted lots of "relatively small, young thrust faults widely distributed in the lunar crust, and seismic devices left on the moon's surface by astronauts decades ago".</p>

<p>They compared these findings with seismic data and found that they matched.</p>

<h2><strong>Why is this significant?</strong></h2>

<p>You may be asking why does this even matter. Well, it is not great news for astronauts or robots exploring the moon. These can actually be very dangerous as humans continue to explore Earth's natural satellite.</p>

<p>In a statement published by NASA, Watters said that "The global distribution of young thrust faults, their potential to be active, and the potential to form new thrust faults from ongoing global contraction should be considered when planning the location and stability of permanent outposts on the Moon".</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/rocks-found-in-antarctica-suggest-an-asteroid-may-have-exploded-over-the-continent-25-million-years-ago-687777">An asteroid exploded over Antarctica 2.5 million years ago, rocky evidence suggests</a></strong></p>

<p>Speaking with CNN, he clarified that he was not trying to "alarm anyone" or "discourage exploration" of the moon. He said taht he just wants to warn future astronauts that the moon is more dynamic than it looks.&nbsp;"The moon is not this benign place where nothing is happening," he remarked.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


New NASA-funded research has uncovered a surprising reality behind the serene facade of the moon. It turns out that the beautiful celestial object in our night skies is not as calm as it seems!

New NASA-funded research has uncovered a surprising reality behind the serene facade of the moon. It turns out that the beautiful celestial object in our night skies is not as calm as it seems! Research suggests that it may actually be hiding some turbulence right at its core, that is causing it to shrink. Wrinkles on the moon As per The Guardian, as the moon's core cools down, it is actually shrinking. This is causing its surface to shrivel and form what scientists call thrust faults—basically, giant ripples across its surface. These thrust faults aren't just harmless wrinkles; they can actually lead to moonquakes and landslides that last for hours. Also read | Aliens made the 'meteor' that hit Earth 10 years ago, scientist claims In the new research published in the Planetary Science Journal, lead researcher Tom Watters from the Smithsonian Institution explains: "Our modelling suggests that shallow moonquakes capable of producing strong ground shaking in the south polar region are possible from slip events on existing faults or the formation of new thrust faults," he said. The researchers took a close look at the moon's South Pole, an area believed to have places with water ice hidden in the shadows. This region is super important and is set to be explored by NASA's Artemis III mission in 2026. Using cameras aboard the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, researchers spotted lots of "relatively small, young thrust faults widely distributed in the lunar crust, and seismic devices left on the moon's surface by astronauts decades ago". They compared these findings with seismic data and found that they matched. Why is this significant? You may be asking why does this even matter. Well, it is not great news for astronauts or robots exploring the moon. These can actually be very dangerous as humans continue to explore Earth's natural satellite. In a statement published by NASA, Watters said that "The global distribution of young thrust faults, their potential to be active, and the potential to form new thrust faults from ongoing global contraction should be considered when planning the location and stability of permanent outposts on the Moon". Also read | An asteroid exploded over Antarctica 2.5 million years ago, rocky evidence suggests Speaking with CNN, he clarified that he was not trying to "alarm anyone" or "discourage exploration" of the moon. He said taht he just wants to warn future astronauts that the moon is more dynamic than it looks. "The moon is not this benign place where nothing is happening," he remarked. (With inputs from agencies)

Moon's serene facade is hiding a turbulent reality, reveals NASA-funded research

<p>NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), operated by Caltech, has announced significant layoffs, affecting 8 per cent of its workforce, alongside additional contractor reductions.&nbsp;This decision comes due to funding uncertainties amidst the absence of a 2024 budget from Congress for the Mars mission, casting a shadow over one of NASA's most ambitious projects. With this NASA's quest to find&nbsp;out about any potential Martian life is now facing a substantial setback as congressional budget gridlock throws a wrench into its plans.</p>

<p>JPL Director Laurie Leshin conveyed the gravity of the situation in a sombre memo on Tuesday (Feb 6), acknowledging the lack of fiscal clarity and its consequential impact on the mission.</p>

<p>“Today I’m writing to share some difficult news," she wrote while adding, “While we still do not have an FY24 appropriation or the final word from Congress on our Mars Sample Return (MSR) budget allocation, we are now in a position where we must take further significant action to reduce our spending, which will result in layoffs of JPL employees and an additional release of contractors."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The layoffs will impact 530 people, in addition to another 40 contractors.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Despite prior directives from NASA regarding budget allocations, dwindling resources and ongoing budget constraints necessitated these drastic measures.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/moons-serene-facade-is-hiding-a-turbulent-reality-reveals-nasa-funded-research-687981">Moon's serene facade is hiding a turbulent reality, reveals NASA-funded research</a></p>

<p>The Mars Sample Return mission is hailed for its potential to unearth evidence of ancient Martian life. But now it has encountered these financial hurdles.</p>

<p>While the Perseverance rover successfully collected soil samples, the challenge of transporting them back to Earth looms large. With an estimated cost of billions, the mission faces scrutiny over its feasibility amidst constrained budgets.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/space-industry-bodies-from-india-and-australia-ink-pact-to-further-cooperation-687886">Space industry bodies from India and Australia ink pact to further cooperation</a></p>

<p>According to the NASA Independent Review Board, the sample return would cost between $8 billion and $11 billion.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-putin-tightens-grip-on-internet-access-how-russians-are-evading-kremlins-eyes-688009">Putin Tightens Grip on Internet Access | How Russians Are Evading Kremlin's Eyes</a></strong></p>

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<p>The announcement of layoffs drew sharp criticism from Rep. Judy Chu, who condemned the move as "premature".</p>

<p>“I’m extremely disappointed with the impending JPL layoffs announced today, and my thoughts are with the workers who will be impacted and their families,” Chu said. “These cuts will devastate workers and Southern California in the short-term, and they hurt the long-term viability of not just our Mars Exploration Program but also many years of scientific discovery to come.”</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), operated by Caltech, has announced significant layoffs, affecting 8 per cent of its workforce, alongside additional contractor reductions.

NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), operated by Caltech, has announced significant layoffs, affecting 8 per cent of its workforce, alongside additional contractor reductions. This decision comes due to funding uncertainties amidst the absence of a 2024 budget from Congress for the Mars mission, casting a shadow over one of NASA's most ambitious projects. With this NASA's quest to find out about any potential Martian life is now facing a substantial setback as congressional budget gridlock throws a wrench into its plans. JPL Director Laurie Leshin conveyed the gravity of the situation in a sombre memo on Tuesday (Feb 6), acknowledging the lack of fiscal clarity and its consequential impact on the mission. “Today I’m writing to share some difficult news," she wrote while adding, “While we still do not have an FY24 appropriation or the final word from Congress on our Mars Sample Return (MSR) budget allocation, we are now in a position where we must take further significant action to reduce our spending, which will result in layoffs of JPL employees and an additional release of contractors." The layoffs will impact 530 people, in addition to another 40 contractors. Despite prior directives from NASA regarding budget allocations, dwindling resources and ongoing budget constraints necessitated these drastic measures. Also Read | Moon's serene facade is hiding a turbulent reality, reveals NASA-funded research The Mars Sample Return mission is hailed for its potential to unearth evidence of ancient Martian life. But now it has encountered these financial hurdles. While the Perseverance rover successfully collected soil samples, the challenge of transporting them back to Earth looms large. With an estimated cost of billions, the mission faces scrutiny over its feasibility amidst constrained budgets. Also Read | Space industry bodies from India and Australia ink pact to further cooperation According to the NASA Independent Review Board, the sample return would cost between $8 billion and $11 billion. Watch | Putin Tightens Grip on Internet Access | How Russians Are Evading Kremlin's Eyes × The announcement of layoffs drew sharp criticism from Rep. Judy Chu, who condemned the move as "premature". “I’m extremely disappointed with the impending JPL layoffs announced today, and my thoughts are with the workers who will be impacted and their families,” Chu said. “These cuts will devastate workers and Southern California in the short-term, and they hurt the long-term viability of not just our Mars Exploration Program but also many years of scientific discovery to come.” (With inputs from agencies)

US Congressional budget stalemate forces NASA layoffs, Mars sample return mission in peril

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<p>The National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) PACE (Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, ocean Ecosystem) mission was successfully launched on Thursday (Feb 8). A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying the PACE spacecraft blasted off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station’s Space Launch Complex 40. In a post on X, NASA said, "Today we put the PACE in space! The newest NASA Earth-observing satellite launched on Feb 8 at 1.33 am ET."</p>

<p>"Separation confirmed—PACE is now flying free from its SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. We’ll be keeping PACE with the NASA Earth spacecraft throughout its mission as it studies our ocean and clouds," NASA said in a separate post.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What is PACE?</strong></h2>

<p>According to NASA, PACE will study ocean health, air quality, and the effects of a changing climate for the benefit of humanity. "The satellite’s hyperspectral ocean colour instrument will allow researchers to measure oceans and other waterbodies across a spectrum of ultraviolet, visible, and near-infrared light," NASA said <strong><a href="https://www.nasa.gov/news-release/nasa-launches-new-climate-mission-to-study-ocean-atmosphere/?linkId=314466587">in a statement</a></strong>.</p>

<p>"This will enable scientists to track the distribution of phytoplankton and – for the first time from space – identify which communities of these organisms are present on daily, global scales. Scientists and coastal resource managers can use the data to help forecast the health of fisheries, track harmful algal blooms, and identify changes in the marine environment," it added.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/moons-serene-facade-is-hiding-a-turbulent-reality-reveals-nasa-funded-research-687981">Moon's serene facade is hiding a turbulent reality, reveals NASA-funded research</a></strong></p>

<p>The PACE spacecraft carries two polarimeter instruments, Hyper-Angular Rainbow Polarimeter #2 and Spectro-polarimeter for planetary exploration. These instruments will detect "how sunlight interacts with particles in the atmosphere, giving researchers new information on atmospheric aerosols and cloud properties, as well as air quality at local, regional, and global scales," the statement said.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Separation confirmed—PACE is now flying free from its <a href="https://twitter.com/SpaceX?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SpaceX</a> Falcon 9 rocket.<br />
<br />
We’ll be <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KeepingPACE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KeepingPACE</a> with the <a href="https://twitter.com/NASAEarth?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NASAEarth</a> spacecraft throughout its mission as it studies our ocean and clouds. <a href="https://t.co/dhPgQSuPCM">pic.twitter.com/dhPgQSuPCM</a></p>
— NASA (@NASA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASA/status/1755484438408962355?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 8, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Karen St. Germain, director of the Earth Science Division, Science Mission Directorate&nbsp;at NASA, said that the mission will profoundly advance knowledge of the ocean's role in the climate cycle.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"As an open-source science mission with early adopters ready to use its research and data, PACE will accelerate our understanding of the Earth system and help NASA deliver actionable science, data, and practical applications to help our coastal communities and industries address rapidly evolving challenges," Germain added.</p>

<h2><strong>'PACE will help us learn like never before'</strong></h2>

<p>Reacting to the mission's successful launch, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson said that PACE "will help us learn, like never before, how particles in our atmosphere and our oceans can identify key factors impacting global warming."</p>

<p>The mission is being managed by NASA Goddard, which also built and tested the spacecraft and the ocean colour instrument.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Missions like this are supporting the Biden-Harris Administration’s climate agenda and helping us answer urgent questions about our changing climate,” Nelson added.</p>


The National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) PACE (Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, ocean Ecosystem) mission was successfully launched on Thursday (Feb 8).

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) PACE (Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, ocean Ecosystem) mission was successfully launched on Thursday (Feb 8). A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying the PACE spacecraft blasted off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station’s Space Launch Complex 40. In a post on X, NASA said, "Today we put the PACE in space! The newest NASA Earth-observing satellite launched on Feb 8 at 1.33 am ET." "Separation confirmed—PACE is now flying free from its SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. We’ll be keeping PACE with the NASA Earth spacecraft throughout its mission as it studies our ocean and clouds," NASA said in a separate post. What is PACE? According to NASA, PACE will study ocean health, air quality, and the effects of a changing climate for the benefit of humanity. "The satellite’s hyperspectral ocean colour instrument will allow researchers to measure oceans and other waterbodies across a spectrum of ultraviolet, visible, and near-infrared light," NASA said in a statement. "This will enable scientists to track the distribution of phytoplankton and – for the first time from space – identify which communities of these organisms are present on daily, global scales. Scientists and coastal resource managers can use the data to help forecast the health of fisheries, track harmful algal blooms, and identify changes in the marine environment," it added. Also read | Moon's serene facade is hiding a turbulent reality, reveals NASA-funded research The PACE spacecraft carries two polarimeter instruments, Hyper-Angular Rainbow Polarimeter #2 and Spectro-polarimeter for planetary exploration. These instruments will detect "how sunlight interacts with particles in the atmosphere, giving researchers new information on atmospheric aerosols and cloud properties, as well as air quality at local, regional, and global scales," the statement said. Separation confirmed—PACE is now flying free from its @SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. We’ll be #KeepingPACE with the @NASAEarth spacecraft throughout its mission as it studies our ocean and clouds. pic.twitter.com/dhPgQSuPCM — NASA (@NASA) February 8, 2024 × Karen St. Germain, director of the Earth Science Division, Science Mission Directorate at NASA, said that the mission will profoundly advance knowledge of the ocean's role in the climate cycle. "As an open-source science mission with early adopters ready to use its research and data, PACE will accelerate our understanding of the Earth system and help NASA deliver actionable science, data, and practical applications to help our coastal communities and industries address rapidly evolving challenges," Germain added. 'PACE will help us learn like never before' Reacting to the mission's successful launch, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson said that PACE "will help us learn, like never before, how particles in our atmosphere and our oceans can identify key factors impacting global warming." The mission is being managed by NASA Goddard, which also built and tested the spacecraft and the ocean colour instrument. “Missions like this are supporting the Biden-Harris Administration’s climate agenda and helping us answer urgent questions about our changing climate,” Nelson added.

NASA's PACE mission launched into space. What is it about?

<p>NASA's OSIRIS-REx mission, acronymically named Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification and Security — Regolith Explorer, culminated in the successful retrieval of specimens from asteroid Bennu. These extraterrestrial samples, captured over a seven-year mission, hold the potential to unravel the mysteries of our solar system's origins.</p>

<p>After a seven-year voyage, the OSIRIS-REx sample canister touched down on September 24, 2023, in a remote area of Utah. This marked the beginning of a meticulous analysis of the cosmic treasure trove brought back from Bennu, believed to contain remnants dating back 4.5 billion years.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/aliens-made-the-meteor-that-hit-earth-10-years-ago-scientist-claims-687718">Also read |&nbsp;Aliens made the 'meteor' that hit Earth 10 years ago, scientist claims</a></p>

<h2><strong>Insights from Bennu's specimens</strong></h2>

<p>The Bennu samples, primarily composed of water-rich minerals and various elements like carbon and nitrogen, represent an unparalleled opportunity for scientific investigation. Researchers anticipate that these materials will shed light on the formation processes of celestial bodies within our solar system, including Earth.</p>

<p>Early analyses have unveiled distinctive features of Bennu's composition, including a phosphate crust unseen in meteorites. Moreover, isotopic studies have revealed that Bennu's material differs significantly from known meteorite samples, suggesting a unique origin.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/asteroid-that-fell-in-germany-is-extremely-rare-as-old-as-solar-system-scientists-687684">Also read |&nbsp;Asteroid that fell in Germany ‘extremely rare’, as old as solar system: Scientists</a></p>

<p>The presence of phosphates in Bennu's material hints at the possibility that the asteroid may have originated from an ancient ocean world. This speculation underscores the potential role of asteroids in the delivery of essential ingredients for life to terrestrial planets like Earth.</p>

<p>Teams of scientists, equipped with cutting-edge analytical tools, are engaged in a comprehensive examination of the Bennu specimens. From optical and electron microscopes to advanced instruments like the nanoSIMS, researchers are poised to uncover new insights into the asteroid's history and composition.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


NASA's OSIRIS-REx mission, acronymically named Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification and Security — Regolith Explorer, culminated in the successful retrieval of specimens from asteroid Bennu.

NASA's OSIRIS-REx mission, acronymically named Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification and Security — Regolith Explorer, culminated in the successful retrieval of specimens from asteroid Bennu. These extraterrestrial samples, captured over a seven-year mission, hold the potential to unravel the mysteries of our solar system's origins. After a seven-year voyage, the OSIRIS-REx sample canister touched down on September 24, 2023, in a remote area of Utah. This marked the beginning of a meticulous analysis of the cosmic treasure trove brought back from Bennu, believed to contain remnants dating back 4.5 billion years. Also read | Aliens made the 'meteor' that hit Earth 10 years ago, scientist claims Insights from Bennu's specimens The Bennu samples, primarily composed of water-rich minerals and various elements like carbon and nitrogen, represent an unparalleled opportunity for scientific investigation. Researchers anticipate that these materials will shed light on the formation processes of celestial bodies within our solar system, including Earth. Early analyses have unveiled distinctive features of Bennu's composition, including a phosphate crust unseen in meteorites. Moreover, isotopic studies have revealed that Bennu's material differs significantly from known meteorite samples, suggesting a unique origin. Also read | Asteroid that fell in Germany ‘extremely rare’, as old as solar system: Scientists The presence of phosphates in Bennu's material hints at the possibility that the asteroid may have originated from an ancient ocean world. This speculation underscores the potential role of asteroids in the delivery of essential ingredients for life to terrestrial planets like Earth. Teams of scientists, equipped with cutting-edge analytical tools, are engaged in a comprehensive examination of the Bennu specimens. From optical and electron microscopes to advanced instruments like the nanoSIMS, researchers are poised to uncover new insights into the asteroid's history and composition. (With inputs from agencies)

First look of asteroid Bennu samples hints it could be remnant of ancient ocean world

<p>US Space Agency NASA recently unveiled a breathtaking photograph featuring both the Moon and Earth in a single frame, captured from the International Space Station (ISS). In the shared image, the Moon appears in a crescent phase, while Earth shines below with delicate wisps of white clouds enveloping its blue surface.</p>

<p>NASA provided insight into the lunar phase, stating,&nbsp;"Our Moon is in its waning crescent phase, where most of the sunlight is illuminating its far side - the side we can't directly see from Earth. The waning crescent is the last phase before the lunar cycle repeats with a "new moon" phase, where it is completely obscured from Earth's perspective."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Detailing the view from the ISS, NASA elaborated, "Moon appears partially lit in the upper middle portion of the image. The Earth appears blue with faint white clouds in the atmosphere, stretching from the bottom left to the top right of the image. Black space surrounds the Moon."</p>

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<p>Reacting to the post, one user wrote, "Omg, magnificent! In addition, I love the philosophical captions of posts from NASA!"<br />
<br />
"I really want to board ISS once in my lifetime," another user wrote.&nbsp;NASA often shares pictures like these, including the cosmic wonders of distant galaxies.&nbsp;</p>

<p>NASA earlier also shared another striking image captured from the International Space Station, showcasing Earth's airglow casting an outline along the planet's horizon, with the Moon hovering above.</p>

<p>This stunning photo was taken on November 14, 2023, from an altitude of 260 miles (418 km) above the midwestern United States and provided a unique perspective of our planet's nocturnal beauty.</p>

<p>NASA wrote, "A view of Earth from the space station during orbital night. The Moon is above the earth nearly centered above the surface. An airglow outlines the atmosphere above the Earth's surface in a yellow shade. Lights from cities dot Earth's surface - among them, a concentration of lights near the horizon identifies the city of Chicago, while the concentration of lights closer to the bottom left identifies Denver."</p>

<p>Airglow is a natural phenomenon in Earth's atmosphere that manifests as a faint emission of light in the night sky. It occurs when atoms and molecules in the upper atmosphere, typically at altitudes of about 80 to 100 kilometres (50 to 62 miles) above the Earth's surface, become excited by sunlight during the day and then release this energy as light at night.</p>

<p>Airglow is distinct from auroras, which occur at higher latitudes and are caused by energetic particles from the Sun interacting with Earth's magnetic field. While auroras are more dramatic and visible, airglow is generally much fainter and can be observed worldwide, even in areas far from the polar regions where auroras are typically seen.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


US Space Agency NASA recently unveiled a breathtaking photograph featuring both the Moon and Earth in a single frame, captured from the International Space Station (ISS).

US Space Agency NASA recently unveiled a breathtaking photograph featuring both the Moon and Earth in a single frame, captured from the International Space Station (ISS). In the shared image, the Moon appears in a crescent phase, while Earth shines below with delicate wisps of white clouds enveloping its blue surface. NASA provided insight into the lunar phase, stating, "Our Moon is in its waning crescent phase, where most of the sunlight is illuminating its far side - the side we can't directly see from Earth. The waning crescent is the last phase before the lunar cycle repeats with a "new moon" phase, where it is completely obscured from Earth's perspective." Detailing the view from the ISS, NASA elaborated, "Moon appears partially lit in the upper middle portion of the image. The Earth appears blue with faint white clouds in the atmosphere, stretching from the bottom left to the top right of the image. Black space surrounds the Moon." View this post on Instagram A post shared by NASA (@nasa) × Reacting to the post, one user wrote, "Omg, magnificent! In addition, I love the philosophical captions of posts from NASA!" "I really want to board ISS once in my lifetime," another user wrote. NASA often shares pictures like these, including the cosmic wonders of distant galaxies. NASA earlier also shared another striking image captured from the International Space Station, showcasing Earth's airglow casting an outline along the planet's horizon, with the Moon hovering above. This stunning photo was taken on November 14, 2023, from an altitude of 260 miles (418 km) above the midwestern United States and provided a unique perspective of our planet's nocturnal beauty. NASA wrote, "A view of Earth from the space station during orbital night. The Moon is above the earth nearly centered above the surface. An airglow outlines the atmosphere above the Earth's surface in a yellow shade. Lights from cities dot Earth's surface - among them, a concentration of lights near the horizon identifies the city of Chicago, while the concentration of lights closer to the bottom left identifies Denver." Airglow is a natural phenomenon in Earth's atmosphere that manifests as a faint emission of light in the night sky. It occurs when atoms and molecules in the upper atmosphere, typically at altitudes of about 80 to 100 kilometres (50 to 62 miles) above the Earth's surface, become excited by sunlight during the day and then release this energy as light at night. Airglow is distinct from auroras, which occur at higher latitudes and are caused by energetic particles from the Sun interacting with Earth's magnetic field. While auroras are more dramatic and visible, airglow is generally much fainter and can be observed worldwide, even in areas far from the polar regions where auroras are typically seen. (With inputs from agencies)

Space marvel! NASA's incredible shot of Moon, Earth in one frame leaves internet awestruck

<p>The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) postponed the launch of its PACE (Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, ocean Ecosystem) mission on Tuesday (February 6). The launch, a collaboration between NASA and Elon Musk-led SpaceX is now going to take place at 12:03 PM (IST) on February 7. The postponement was due to unfavourable weather conditions on Tuesday.</p>

<p>When launched, the satellite will be placed in a Sun-synchronous orbit. When any object is placed in Sun-synchronous orbit it is synced to a constant position relative to the Sun.</p>

<p>This would further mean that it will cross Earth's equator at same local time for each orbit.</p>

<p>The unique placement of the satellite will ensure that the Sun will be almost behind PACE when it observed Earth</p>

<p>The launch is slated to take place from the USA's Spaceport at Cape Canaveral in Florida. The launch will take place when the region will be in the dark side of the Earth. Because of this, the satellite will be over Indian subcontinent when it crosses equator for the first time on the side of the Earth illuminated by sunlight.</p>

<p><strong>Check out | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ai-trippy-art-and-moremuseums-that-showcase-the-future-and-arent-stuck-in-the-past-598062">AI, trippy art and more...Museums that showcase the future and aren't stuck in the past</a></strong></p>

<p>"PACE's data will help us better understand how the ocean and atmosphere exchange carbon dioxide. In addition, it will reveal how aerosols might fuel phytoplankton growth in the surface ocean. Novel uses of PACE data will benefit our economy and society. For example, it will help identify the extent and duration of harmful algal blooms. PACE will extend and expand NASA's long-term observations of our living planet. By doing so, it will take Earth's pulse in new ways for decades to come," says NASA on its website.</p>

<p><strong>In pics | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-archaeologists-find-2000-year-old-painting-of-pizza-in-ancient-roman-ruins-of-pompeii-609421">Archaeologists find 2,000-year-old painting of 'pizza' in ancient Roman ruins of Pompeii</a></strong></p>

<p>"A SpaceX Falcon 9, whose first stage booster will have been used 3 previous times. SpaceX plans to recover the first stage as part of the process of PACE's launch," said NASA</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) postponed the launch of its PACE (Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, ocean Ecosystem) mission on Tuesday (February 6).

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) postponed the launch of its PACE (Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, ocean Ecosystem) mission on Tuesday (February 6). The launch, a collaboration between NASA and Elon Musk-led SpaceX is now going to take place at 12:03 PM (IST) on February 7. The postponement was due to unfavourable weather conditions on Tuesday. When launched, the satellite will be placed in a Sun-synchronous orbit. When any object is placed in Sun-synchronous orbit it is synced to a constant position relative to the Sun. This would further mean that it will cross Earth's equator at same local time for each orbit. The unique placement of the satellite will ensure that the Sun will be almost behind PACE when it observed Earth The launch is slated to take place from the USA's Spaceport at Cape Canaveral in Florida. The launch will take place when the region will be in the dark side of the Earth. Because of this, the satellite will be over Indian subcontinent when it crosses equator for the first time on the side of the Earth illuminated by sunlight. Check out | AI, trippy art and more...Museums that showcase the future and aren't stuck in the past "PACE's data will help us better understand how the ocean and atmosphere exchange carbon dioxide. In addition, it will reveal how aerosols might fuel phytoplankton growth in the surface ocean. Novel uses of PACE data will benefit our economy and society. For example, it will help identify the extent and duration of harmful algal blooms. PACE will extend and expand NASA's long-term observations of our living planet. By doing so, it will take Earth's pulse in new ways for decades to come," says NASA on its website. In pics | Archaeologists find 2,000-year-old painting of 'pizza' in ancient Roman ruins of Pompeii "A SpaceX Falcon 9, whose first stage booster will have been used 3 previous times. SpaceX plans to recover the first stage as part of the process of PACE's launch," said NASA (With inputs from agencies)

NASA postpones PACE mission launch due to unfavourable weather

<p>NASA, in a sheer delight for space enthusiasts, shared a striking close-up image of Jupiter's moon Io, courtesy of the Juno spacecraft. NASA, while sharing the image wrote in its caption,&nbsp;"On Saturday, Feb. 3, our @NASASolarSystem Juno spacecraft made its final close flyby of Jupiter's moon Io. Similar to the previous flyby on Dec. 30, 2023, this second pass was at a distance of about 930 miles (1,500 kilometres) - or the distance from New York to Orlando, Florida."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Jupiter's moon Io is one of the four largest moons of the planet, known as the Galilean moons. It was discovered by the Italian astronomer Galileo Galilei in 1610. lo is the innermost of these four moons and is the fourth largest moon in the solar system. It's a fascinating celestial body for several reasons.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the image, Io could be seen against the vast backdrop of space. Half-illuminated by sunlight from the right, its night side softly aglow from Jupiter's reflected light, Io presented a mesmerising sight.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/inheritance-of-attraction-study-claims-children-of-attractive-parents-earn-more-687432">Inheritance of attraction? 'Hot parents' study claims children of attractive people earn more</a></p>

<p>Io is the most volcanically active body in the solar system. Its surface is covered with sulfur and sulfur dioxide, and its intense volcanic activity is a result of tidal heating caused by the gravitational forces exerted by Jupiter and its other large moons, Europa and Ganymede.</p>

<p>"Io is caught in a tug-of-war between Jupiter’s powerful gravity and the smaller pull from two neighboring moons, churning its insides and creating eruptions and lakes of lava that cover its surface. The twin flybys are designed to provide new insight into how Io’s volcanic engine works and whether a global magma ocean exists under Io’s rocky, mountainous surface terrain," NASA added in the image caption.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>The moon displayed hues of orange, brown, and yellow. It is adorned with circular volcanic calderas, lava flows, and jagged mountains creating dramatic shadows across its surface in the beautiful picture.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nasa-isro-joint-satellite-nisar-to-be-launched-in-first-half-of-2024-687486">NASA-ISRO joint satellite 'NISAR' to be launched in first half of 2024</a></strong></p>

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<p>Earlier, NASA's Juno mission made a notable discovery regarding mineral salts and organic compounds present on Ganymede, Jupiter's largest moon. The&nbsp;data was collected using the Jovian InfraRed Auroral Mapper (JIRAM) spectrometer during a close pass by Ganymede.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


NASA, in a sheer delight for space enthusiasts, shared a striking close-up image of Jupiter's moon Io, courtesy of the Juno spacecraft. NASA, while sharing the image wrote in its caption, "On Saturday, Feb.

NASA, in a sheer delight for space enthusiasts, shared a striking close-up image of Jupiter's moon Io, courtesy of the Juno spacecraft. NASA, while sharing the image wrote in its caption, "On Saturday, Feb. 3, our @NASASolarSystem Juno spacecraft made its final close flyby of Jupiter's moon Io. Similar to the previous flyby on Dec. 30, 2023, this second pass was at a distance of about 930 miles (1,500 kilometres) - or the distance from New York to Orlando, Florida." Jupiter's moon Io is one of the four largest moons of the planet, known as the Galilean moons. It was discovered by the Italian astronomer Galileo Galilei in 1610. lo is the innermost of these four moons and is the fourth largest moon in the solar system. It's a fascinating celestial body for several reasons. In the image, Io could be seen against the vast backdrop of space. Half-illuminated by sunlight from the right, its night side softly aglow from Jupiter's reflected light, Io presented a mesmerising sight. Also Read | Inheritance of attraction? 'Hot parents' study claims children of attractive people earn more Io is the most volcanically active body in the solar system. Its surface is covered with sulfur and sulfur dioxide, and its intense volcanic activity is a result of tidal heating caused by the gravitational forces exerted by Jupiter and its other large moons, Europa and Ganymede. "Io is caught in a tug-of-war between Jupiter’s powerful gravity and the smaller pull from two neighboring moons, churning its insides and creating eruptions and lakes of lava that cover its surface. The twin flybys are designed to provide new insight into how Io’s volcanic engine works and whether a global magma ocean exists under Io’s rocky, mountainous surface terrain," NASA added in the image caption. Also Read | AI helps read 2,000-year-old Roman scroll from Pompeii charred by Mount Vesuvius volcano The moon displayed hues of orange, brown, and yellow. It is adorned with circular volcanic calderas, lava flows, and jagged mountains creating dramatic shadows across its surface in the beautiful picture. Watch | NASA-ISRO joint satellite 'NISAR' to be launched in first half of 2024 × Earlier, NASA's Juno mission made a notable discovery regarding mineral salts and organic compounds present on Ganymede, Jupiter's largest moon. The data was collected using the Jovian InfraRed Auroral Mapper (JIRAM) spectrometer during a close pass by Ganymede. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA’s Juno spacecraft delivers stunning close-up picture of Jupiter’s moon Io

Since March 2023, ISRO and NASA scientists are putting together their first ever jointly developed satellite that will study the Earth in detail known as the NASA ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar. The NISAR (NASA ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar) satellite is gearing up for launch in a few months. NASA's programme executive of NISAR mission speaks to WION. Watch to know more!

NASA-ISRO joint satellite 'NISAR' to be launched in first half of 2024

<p>As Earth continues to extinguish its limited years and resources, scientists have been trying to find a habitable place for humanity to flourish and not get extinct if the blue planet becomes inhabitable.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Now, in a remarkable finding, NASA has said it has discovered a "super-Earth” which has potential conditions and temperature for sustaining life.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The newly discovered exoplanet, which is 137 light years away from Earth, has been orbiting within a "habitable zone," as per NASA.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per the astronomers, the exoplanet&nbsp;dubbed TOI-715b is around one and half times the Earth’s width and has been orbiting a small, reddish star.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In its press release, NASA said the same system can also host another Earth-sized planet, which, if confirmed, "would become the smallest habitable-zone planet discovered by TESS [the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite] so far.”&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/james-webb-detects-exoplanets-orbiting-dead-stars-this-hints-after-suns-death-our-solar-system-will-686767">James Webb detects exoplanets orbiting dead stars. This hints after Sun's death our solar system will...</a></p>

<p>Because of the distance of the super-Earth from its parent star, it carries the possibility of becoming a conservative "habitable zone" and can attain the right temperature for the formation of liquid water on its surface which is important for sustaining life, as per the space agency and also added that "several other factors would have to line up, of course."</p>

<p>NASA stated that as per the conservative measurements of the habitable zone, "a narrower and potentially more robust definition than the broader 'optimistic' habitable zone", places the newly discovered planet in a "prime position" from its parent star.</p>

<p>The smaller Earth-sized planet is also likely to be placed in a conservative habitable zone.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>A year on 'super-Earth' is equal to 19 Earth Days: NASA&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The agency stated that due to the short distance between the super-Earth and its parent star, which is a red dwarf that is smaller and cooler in comparison to our Earth's sun, a "year" for the exoplanet is equal to 19 Earth days.</p>

<p>The tighter orbits hint at the fact that the "planets can be more easily detected and more frequently observed," said NASA.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Gravitas | New Study reveals why the Moon is shrinking</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-new-study-reveals-why-the-moon-is-shrinking-686119/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>The James Webb Space Telescope has not only detected exoplanets but has also "explored the composition of their atmospheres, which could offer clues to the possible presence of life," said NASA.</p>

<p>University of Birmingham's Georgina Dransfield is headed by the discovery and research of the super-Earth and it was published in the "Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society" journal in January.</p>

<p>The discovery marks another step forward in the mission of astronomers to understand what kind of atmospheric conditions are required to sustain life and also explore the exoplanets' characteristics beyond our solar system, said NASA.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


As Earth continues to extinguish its limited years and resources, scientists have been trying to find a habitable place for humanity to flourish and not get extinct if the blue planet becomes inhabitable.

As Earth continues to extinguish its limited years and resources, scientists have been trying to find a habitable place for humanity to flourish and not get extinct if the blue planet becomes inhabitable. Now, in a remarkable finding, NASA has said it has discovered a "super-Earth” which has potential conditions and temperature for sustaining life. The newly discovered exoplanet, which is 137 light years away from Earth, has been orbiting within a "habitable zone," as per NASA. As per the astronomers, the exoplanet dubbed TOI-715b is around one and half times the Earth’s width and has been orbiting a small, reddish star. In its press release, NASA said the same system can also host another Earth-sized planet, which, if confirmed, "would become the smallest habitable-zone planet discovered by TESS [the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite] so far.” Also read: James Webb detects exoplanets orbiting dead stars. This hints after Sun's death our solar system will... Because of the distance of the super-Earth from its parent star, it carries the possibility of becoming a conservative "habitable zone" and can attain the right temperature for the formation of liquid water on its surface which is important for sustaining life, as per the space agency and also added that "several other factors would have to line up, of course." NASA stated that as per the conservative measurements of the habitable zone, "a narrower and potentially more robust definition than the broader 'optimistic' habitable zone", places the newly discovered planet in a "prime position" from its parent star. The smaller Earth-sized planet is also likely to be placed in a conservative habitable zone. A year on 'super-Earth' is equal to 19 Earth Days: NASA The agency stated that due to the short distance between the super-Earth and its parent star, which is a red dwarf that is smaller and cooler in comparison to our Earth's sun, a "year" for the exoplanet is equal to 19 Earth days. The tighter orbits hint at the fact that the "planets can be more easily detected and more frequently observed," said NASA. Watch: Gravitas | New Study reveals why the Moon is shrinking The James Webb Space Telescope has not only detected exoplanets but has also "explored the composition of their atmospheres, which could offer clues to the possible presence of life," said NASA. University of Birmingham's Georgina Dransfield is headed by the discovery and research of the super-Earth and it was published in the "Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society" journal in January. The discovery marks another step forward in the mission of astronomers to understand what kind of atmospheric conditions are required to sustain life and also explore the exoplanets' characteristics beyond our solar system, said NASA. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA discovers ‘super-Earth’ with habitable zone. This planet 137 light years away assures…

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