<p>Mars exploration by humans using cutting-edge landers and rovers has led to the piling up of junk in space, a new map has revealed. There were two Soviet missions to the Red Planet in 1971 - Mars 2 and Mars 3. While Mars 2's orbiter successfully entered Mars orbit on November 27, 1971, its lander crashed during its descent. From that day till now,&nbsp;humans have been leaving their mark on Mars in the pursuit of scientific knowledge.</p>

<p>In the latest episode, Mars helicopter Ingenuity also suffered a setback as it was rendered incapable of flight.&nbsp;This incident has also contributed an additional 1.8 kilogrammes to the mounting pile of human-made debris on Mars.</p>

<p>The junk lying around Mars is massive, with more than seven tonnes of debris littering the Martian landscape. It includes all the discarded parachutes, and chunks of tyres, among others. Notably, amidst this debris, ongoing missions led by NASA's Curiosity and Perseverance rovers,&nbsp;and China's Zhurong rover, are working to get signs of past or present life on the red planet.</p>

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<p>It is worth noting that operational rovers are not classified as space junk.</p>

<p>Dr. James Blake from the University of Warwick’s physics reportedly said, "It’s common for space missions to discard debris and rovers/helicopters sometimes come across debris fields while exploring."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"With current technology, there’s still an unfortunate balance that needs to be struck between scientific discovery and the impact of missions on the natural environment of these remote worlds," he said adding,&nbsp;"It’s important that future missions are designed with sustainability in mind to ensure that the human footprint is minimised."&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What missions led to increased space junk on Mars?&nbsp;</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>The junk is the result of many unfortunate missions that ended prematurely or malfunctioned. It includes the Mars 6 lander and Britain's Beagle 2, which miraculously resurfaced in 2015 on Mars after years of being missing in action.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/hazardous-asteroid-6-times-wider-than-qutub-minars-height-to-fly-past-earth-on-feb-2-686104">‘Hazardous asteroid’ 6 times wider than Qutub Minar’s height to fly past Earth on Feb 2</a></p>

<p>The journey of Mars exploration has witnessed both successes and setbacks. Spirit and Opportunity rovers, which exceeded their initial 90-day missions, provided groundbreaking insights into Mars' wetter past and its potential to sustain microbial life. Missions like NASA's ambitious Polar Lander were lost in 1999.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Mars exploration by humans using cutting-edge landers and rovers has led to the piling up of junk in space, a new map has revealed. There were two Soviet missions to the Red Planet in 1971 - Mars 2 and Mars 3.

Mars exploration by humans using cutting-edge landers and rovers has led to the piling up of junk in space, a new map has revealed. There were two Soviet missions to the Red Planet in 1971 - Mars 2 and Mars 3. While Mars 2's orbiter successfully entered Mars orbit on November 27, 1971, its lander crashed during its descent. From that day till now, humans have been leaving their mark on Mars in the pursuit of scientific knowledge. In the latest episode, Mars helicopter Ingenuity also suffered a setback as it was rendered incapable of flight. This incident has also contributed an additional 1.8 kilogrammes to the mounting pile of human-made debris on Mars. The junk lying around Mars is massive, with more than seven tonnes of debris littering the Martian landscape. It includes all the discarded parachutes, and chunks of tyres, among others. Notably, amidst this debris, ongoing missions led by NASA's Curiosity and Perseverance rovers, and China's Zhurong rover, are working to get signs of past or present life on the red planet. Also Read | Massive clue found solving why 80 pc of autoimmune patients are women It is worth noting that operational rovers are not classified as space junk. Dr. James Blake from the University of Warwick’s physics reportedly said, "It’s common for space missions to discard debris and rovers/helicopters sometimes come across debris fields while exploring." "With current technology, there’s still an unfortunate balance that needs to be struck between scientific discovery and the impact of missions on the natural environment of these remote worlds," he said adding, "It’s important that future missions are designed with sustainability in mind to ensure that the human footprint is minimised." What missions led to increased space junk on Mars? The junk is the result of many unfortunate missions that ended prematurely or malfunctioned. It includes the Mars 6 lander and Britain's Beagle 2, which miraculously resurfaced in 2015 on Mars after years of being missing in action. Also Read | ‘Hazardous asteroid’ 6 times wider than Qutub Minar’s height to fly past Earth on Feb 2 The journey of Mars exploration has witnessed both successes and setbacks. Spirit and Opportunity rovers, which exceeded their initial 90-day missions, provided groundbreaking insights into Mars' wetter past and its potential to sustain microbial life. Missions like NASA's ambitious Polar Lander were lost in 1999. (With inputs from agencies)

Humans have already dumped 7 tonnes of junk on Mars, map reveals

<p>NASA made a mad discovery of a rare system of six hyperactive exoplanets, with a seventh “misbehaving” infant star. This system of planets with a star is quite similar to our solar system, which raises curiosity to explore more of this region, said scientists.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This system of exoplanets is orbiting a relatively close dwarf star in the Milky Way called TOI-1136, which is 270 light years away from Earth. There are a huge number of such exoplanet systems in this region that inspired scientists to study deeper.</p>

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<p>"Because few star systems have as many planets as this one does, it's getting close in size to our solar system," Tara Fetherolf, team member and a visiting professor of astrophysics at the University of California, said in a statement. "It's both similar enough and different enough that we can learn a lot."</p>

<h2><strong>Discovery of young exoplanet system with infant star could help in understanding solar system better</strong></h2>

<p>The initial study of the TOI-1136 planetary system was done by NASA using its Transitioning Survey Satellite (TESS) in 2019. Fetherolf and team found masses of planets in the region with their orbits and even some trace of their atmospheres.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The planets in the system were designated names between TOI-1136 b to TOI-1136 g, and termed as "sub-Neptune" planets. The smallest of the six confirmed planets has a width twice that of Earth, while some of its sibling planets are as large as four times the size of our planet.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>Later it was found that TOI-1136 exoplanets are so close to their parent star that they only take 88 Earth days to complete one orbit. This was a major discovery because 88 days is the orbital period of Mercury, which is the closest planet to the Sun, meaning that all these planets may be closer to their star than that tiny planet is to the Sun.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"They're weird planets to us because we don't have anything exactly like them in our solar system," Rae Holcomb, team member and a physics Ph.D. candidate at the University of California, said in a separate statement. "But the more we study other planet systems, it seems like they may be the most common type of planet in the galaxy."</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-stumble-upon-90000-year-old-human-footprints-on-moroccan-beach-heres-what-it-indicates-686219">Scientists stumble upon 90,000-year-old human footprints on Moroccan beach. Here's what it indicates</a></p>

<p>This system of TOI-1136 is quite young, much younger than our solar system, which makes TOI-1136 a toddler in comparison to our home system. This could be of immense importance for astronomers and scientists to learn more about the formation of the solar system, which is a hot topic, said Fetherolf.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Any time we find a multi-planet system it gives us more information to inform our theories about how systems come to be and how our system got here."</p>

<p>The hyperactivity of these much younger exoplanets and a star will be a problem for scientists as it will make high-precision measurements difficult, as they are still juvenile stars.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


NASA made a mad discovery of a rare system of six hyperactive exoplanets, with a seventh “misbehaving” infant star. This system of planets with a star is quite similar to our solar system, which raises curiosity to explore more of this region, said scientists.

NASA made a mad discovery of a rare system of six hyperactive exoplanets, with a seventh “misbehaving” infant star. This system of planets with a star is quite similar to our solar system, which raises curiosity to explore more of this region, said scientists. This system of exoplanets is orbiting a relatively close dwarf star in the Milky Way called TOI-1136, which is 270 light years away from Earth. There are a huge number of such exoplanet systems in this region that inspired scientists to study deeper. Also Read | Humans have already dumped 7 tonnes of junk on Mars, map reveals "Because few star systems have as many planets as this one does, it's getting close in size to our solar system," Tara Fetherolf, team member and a visiting professor of astrophysics at the University of California, said in a statement. "It's both similar enough and different enough that we can learn a lot." Discovery of young exoplanet system with infant star could help in understanding solar system better The initial study of the TOI-1136 planetary system was done by NASA using its Transitioning Survey Satellite (TESS) in 2019. Fetherolf and team found masses of planets in the region with their orbits and even some trace of their atmospheres. The planets in the system were designated names between TOI-1136 b to TOI-1136 g, and termed as "sub-Neptune" planets. The smallest of the six confirmed planets has a width twice that of Earth, while some of its sibling planets are as large as four times the size of our planet. Also Read | Japan's moon lander clicks final image before going dormant once again Later it was found that TOI-1136 exoplanets are so close to their parent star that they only take 88 Earth days to complete one orbit. This was a major discovery because 88 days is the orbital period of Mercury, which is the closest planet to the Sun, meaning that all these planets may be closer to their star than that tiny planet is to the Sun. "They're weird planets to us because we don't have anything exactly like them in our solar system," Rae Holcomb, team member and a physics Ph.D. candidate at the University of California, said in a separate statement. "But the more we study other planet systems, it seems like they may be the most common type of planet in the galaxy." Also Read | Scientists stumble upon 90,000-year-old human footprints on Moroccan beach. Here's what it indicates This system of TOI-1136 is quite young, much younger than our solar system, which makes TOI-1136 a toddler in comparison to our home system. This could be of immense importance for astronomers and scientists to learn more about the formation of the solar system, which is a hot topic, said Fetherolf. "Any time we find a multi-planet system it gives us more information to inform our theories about how systems come to be and how our system got here." The hyperactivity of these much younger exoplanets and a star will be a problem for scientists as it will make high-precision measurements difficult, as they are still juvenile stars. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA spots a system of six 'sub-Neptunes' with hyperactive 'toddler' star

A new study led by NASA scientists has revealed that the Moon is shrinking in size. It has shrunk over 150 feet in its circumference over the past few hundred million years. Molly Gambhir reports.

Gravitas | New Study reveals why the Moon is shrinking

<p>NASA’s Lucy spacecraft, known for visiting asteroids is set to get fired up in space on January 31 for its next trip to explore Trojan asteroids. Lucy earlier performed a flyby around asteroid Dinky and discovered its twin, and is now getting ready for its new voyage to unexplored cosmic spaces.</p>

<p>Lucy is slated to visit two main belt asteroids as well as six Jupiter Trojans - asteroids that share Jupiter’s orbit around the Sun. Its firing-off on Wednesday will be the first time since its launch in August 2021.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>The firing of Lucy’s main engines will see the spacecraft burn through around half of its onboard fuel, as per NASA. This will be followed by a second and much larger manoeuvre, which is slated for Saturday (Feb 3).</p>

<h2><strong>NASA’s Lucy to fire off for its future voyages</strong></h2>

<p>Lucy will be fired off during two operations to change its velocity for further lined-up missions. The aim is to change its velocity by around 2,000 miles per hour (3,217 kilometres per hour).</p>

<p>The spacecraft had changed its manoeuvres earlier as well, but they were not as significant as the upcoming two manoeuvres.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Over the next week, Lucy will complete two deep space maneuvers to change the spacecraft’s velocity by about 2,000 mph! In Dec., Lucy will use the Earth's gravity for a 2nd time to slingshot through the main asteroid belt &amp; continue on its journey. <a href="https://t.co/Zs9B0lFn8X">https://t.co/Zs9B0lFn8X</a> <a href="https://t.co/8W3S8tJuna">pic.twitter.com/8W3S8tJuna</a></p>
— NASA Goddard (@NASAGoddard) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASAGoddard/status/1752455690415677819?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 30, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Following these manoeuvres, the next major milestone for Lucy will be a flyby of Earth in December 2024, at which time the spacecraft will get a second gravity assist from our planet that will hopefully slingshot it onto a new trajectory. Lucy will come as close as 230 miles (370 kilometres) to the Earth during this flyby.</p>

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<p>The sequence of manoeuvres planned for 2024 will alter the spacecraft's trajectory away from its present solar orbit, which closely traverses the primary asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. This adjustment helped it encounter the tiny asteroid Dinkinesh, or 'Dinky', on 1 November 2023. Notably, Lucy's exploration revealed that Dinky is, in fact, a binary asteroid system, effectively a double asteroid.</p>

<p>After this, Lucy’s other mission will be to track around Jupiter Trojans. These Trojans are arranged in two loose groups, with one slightly ahead of the gas giant, the Greek camp, and another behind it, the Trojan camp.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/do-moons-exist-outside-our-solar-systems-researchers-argue-on-discovery-of-exomoons-685419">Do moons exist outside our solar systems? Researchers argue on discovery of exomoons</a></p>

<p>Lucy will visit the Greek camp of Trojan asteroids first, setting its sights on the asteroid Eurybates and its satellite or 'moonlet' Queta in August 2027, as per NASA.</p>

<p>After this, the spacecraft will fly past another four Trojan asteroids and three more moonlets, eventually making a final visit to Earth in 2031 before the Lucy mission draws to a close in 2033.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


NASA’s Lucy spacecraft, known for visiting asteroids is set to get fired up in space on January 31 for its next trip to explore Trojan asteroids. Lucy earlier performed a flyby around asteroid Dinky and discovered its twin, and is now getting ready for its new voyage to unexplored cosmic spaces.

NASA’s Lucy spacecraft, known for visiting asteroids is set to get fired up in space on January 31 for its next trip to explore Trojan asteroids. Lucy earlier performed a flyby around asteroid Dinky and discovered its twin, and is now getting ready for its new voyage to unexplored cosmic spaces. Lucy is slated to visit two main belt asteroids as well as six Jupiter Trojans - asteroids that share Jupiter’s orbit around the Sun. Its firing-off on Wednesday will be the first time since its launch in August 2021. Also Read | A bacteria-murdering virus may come in handy to kill superbugs The firing of Lucy’s main engines will see the spacecraft burn through around half of its onboard fuel, as per NASA. This will be followed by a second and much larger manoeuvre, which is slated for Saturday (Feb 3). NASA’s Lucy to fire off for its future voyages Lucy will be fired off during two operations to change its velocity for further lined-up missions. The aim is to change its velocity by around 2,000 miles per hour (3,217 kilometres per hour). The spacecraft had changed its manoeuvres earlier as well, but they were not as significant as the upcoming two manoeuvres. Over the next week, Lucy will complete two deep space maneuvers to change the spacecraft’s velocity by about 2,000 mph! In Dec., Lucy will use the Earth's gravity for a 2nd time to slingshot through the main asteroid belt & continue on its journey. https://t.co/Zs9B0lFn8X pic.twitter.com/8W3S8tJuna — NASA Goddard (@NASAGoddard) January 30, 2024 × Following these manoeuvres, the next major milestone for Lucy will be a flyby of Earth in December 2024, at which time the spacecraft will get a second gravity assist from our planet that will hopefully slingshot it onto a new trajectory. Lucy will come as close as 230 miles (370 kilometres) to the Earth during this flyby. Also Read | Scientists create AI-powered robot that reads braille at breakneck speed The sequence of manoeuvres planned for 2024 will alter the spacecraft's trajectory away from its present solar orbit, which closely traverses the primary asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. This adjustment helped it encounter the tiny asteroid Dinkinesh, or 'Dinky', on 1 November 2023. Notably, Lucy's exploration revealed that Dinky is, in fact, a binary asteroid system, effectively a double asteroid. After this, Lucy’s other mission will be to track around Jupiter Trojans. These Trojans are arranged in two loose groups, with one slightly ahead of the gas giant, the Greek camp, and another behind it, the Trojan camp. Also Read | Do moons exist outside our solar systems? Researchers argue on discovery of exomoons Lucy will visit the Greek camp of Trojan asteroids first, setting its sights on the asteroid Eurybates and its satellite or 'moonlet' Queta in August 2027, as per NASA. After this, the spacecraft will fly past another four Trojan asteroids and three more moonlets, eventually making a final visit to Earth in 2031 before the Lucy mission draws to a close in 2033. (With inputs from agencies)

Fired up! NASA’s Lucy spacecraft starts main engines in space for the first time since its launch

NASA has finally unlocked the asteroid canister. The canister contains precious dust samples from the asteroid Bennu. The canister landed in the Utah desert in September 2023.

NASA finally unlocks a canister containing precious dust samples from the asteroid Bennu

<p>This week, Earth is in for a celestial spectacle as it braces for&nbsp;close encounters with not one or two, but five asteroids.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per NASA's Asteroid Watch dashboard, leading this stellar cast is the colossal Asteroid 2008 OS7, a celestial behemoth rivalling the dimensions of a Fifa-accredited football stadium, measuring a staggering 890 feet (0.27 kilometres) across.</p>

<p>Discovered by NASA in 2008, this cosmic giant is poised to zoom past our planet on February 2. The cosmic pas de deux, as per NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), will happen at a distance of 1.77 million miles—a cosmic closeness that, while safe, manages to stir the curiosity of avid skygazers.</p>

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<h2><strong>Other asteroids gracing Earth's skies</strong></h2>

<p>2008 OS7 is not the sole luminary in this cosmic parade. Four celestial companions, varying in size from a house to a building, are also set to make&nbsp;stellar flybys.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Sunday (Jan 28th) Asteroid 2024 AU4, a 260-feet-wide celestial object the size of a big building, zoomed past Earth at a secure distance of 3.92 million miles.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Tuesday (Jan 30th) will witness the arrival of 2007 EG, an asteroid akin in size to an aeroplane — 130 feet (0.04 km), making its celestial approach at 3.8 million miles.</p>

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<p>Thursday (Feb 1st) marks the entrance of two more cosmic voyagers: Asteroid 2024 BY, a house-sized wanderer — 62 feet (0.02 km), pirouetting at 1.57 million miles, and Asteroid 2003 BM4, a celestial aviator of aeroplane dimensions — 120 feet (0.04 km), traversing at 2.06 million miles.</p>

<p>NASA's Asteroid Watch dashboard tracks asteroids and comets that will make relatively close approaches to Earth. "The dashboard displays the next five Earth approaches to within 4.6 million miles (7.5 million kilometres or 19.5 times the distance to the moon); an object larger than about 150 meters that can approach the Earth to within this distance is termed a potentially hazardous object," states the JPL website.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


This week, Earth is in for a celestial spectacle as it braces for close encounters with not one or two, but five asteroids. As per NASA's Asteroid Watch dashboard, leading this stellar cast is the colossal Asteroid 2008 OS7, a celestial behemoth rivalling the dimensions of a Fifa-accredited football stadium, measuring a staggering 890 feet (0.

This week, Earth is in for a celestial spectacle as it braces for close encounters with not one or two, but five asteroids. As per NASA's Asteroid Watch dashboard, leading this stellar cast is the colossal Asteroid 2008 OS7, a celestial behemoth rivalling the dimensions of a Fifa-accredited football stadium, measuring a staggering 890 feet (0.27 kilometres) across. Discovered by NASA in 2008, this cosmic giant is poised to zoom past our planet on February 2. The cosmic pas de deux, as per NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), will happen at a distance of 1.77 million miles—a cosmic closeness that, while safe, manages to stir the curiosity of avid skygazers. Also read | Lunar resilience: Japan's SLIM bounces back, captures images of 'toy poodle' rock on Moon's surface Other asteroids gracing Earth's skies 2008 OS7 is not the sole luminary in this cosmic parade. Four celestial companions, varying in size from a house to a building, are also set to make stellar flybys. On Sunday (Jan 28th) Asteroid 2024 AU4, a 260-feet-wide celestial object the size of a big building, zoomed past Earth at a secure distance of 3.92 million miles. Tuesday (Jan 30th) will witness the arrival of 2007 EG, an asteroid akin in size to an aeroplane — 130 feet (0.04 km), making its celestial approach at 3.8 million miles. Also read | Fragments of asteroid that crashed into Earth with little warning have been found Thursday (Feb 1st) marks the entrance of two more cosmic voyagers: Asteroid 2024 BY, a house-sized wanderer — 62 feet (0.02 km), pirouetting at 1.57 million miles, and Asteroid 2003 BM4, a celestial aviator of aeroplane dimensions — 120 feet (0.04 km), traversing at 2.06 million miles. NASA's Asteroid Watch dashboard tracks asteroids and comets that will make relatively close approaches to Earth. "The dashboard displays the next five Earth approaches to within 4.6 million miles (7.5 million kilometres or 19.5 times the distance to the moon); an object larger than about 150 meters that can approach the Earth to within this distance is termed a potentially hazardous object," states the JPL website. (With inputs from agencies)

Celestial parade: Earth braces for close encounters with five colossal asteroids this week

Tesla is planning to build new electric vehicles. There is a new mobile game that is empowering girls in India. The week gone by was buzzing with a lot of exciting tech developments. And we bring you the most interesting ones in our tech wrap.

North Korea's AI development raises concerns

This new plane can revolutionise air travel. It can make it possible for you to travel the world in half the time. Here's more.

New aircraft can travel faster than speed of sound

<p>After over three years, NASA’s Ingenuity Mars helicopter mission which&nbsp;made history by being the first powered flight on another world, has ended, said the American space agency&nbsp;on Thursday (Jan 25).&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ingenuity, which had surpassed expectations time and time again since its lift-off for the red planet on April 19, 2021, sustained mission-ending damage.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What happened?</strong></h2>

<p>In a statement, NASA said that the aircraft made an “emergency landing” during its previous flight and that Ingenuity’s team had planned for the helicopter to make a “short vertical flight” on January 18 to pinpoint its location.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As planned, the helicopter achieved a maximum altitude of 40 feet, but while landing, when it was around three feet off the ground, Ingenuity lost contact with the rover.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The following day when the imagery and data returned to NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California, it was found that “one or more of its rotor blades” were damaged.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Therefore, while the helicopter remained “upright and in communication with ground controllers,” it was “no longer capable of flight,” said the American space agency.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-loses-but-regains-contact-with-ingenuity-helicopter-on-mars-682066">NASA regains contact with Ingenuity helicopter on Mars after unexpected outage</a></strong></p>

<p>Ingenuity’s team is still investigating the cause of the communications dropout and the helicopter’s orientation at the time of touchdown.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The historic journey of Ingenuity, the first aircraft on another planet, has come to end,” said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson&nbsp;in a statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He added, “Through missions like Ingenuity, NASA is paving the way for future flight in our solar system and smarter, safer human exploration to Mars and beyond.”</p>

<h2><strong>‘Exceeded expectations’</strong></h2>

<p>Ingenuity reached Mars in February 2021, and during its time there, it&nbsp;exceeded expectations time and time again. The helicopter performed 72 flights, flying more than 14 times farther than planned, 33 times longer than expected, operated from 48 different airfields, and logged in more than two hours of flight time.</p>

<p>Over the years, Ingenuity was upgraded with the ability to autonomously choose landing sites on the red planet’s treacherous terrain. It also dealt with a dead sensor, cleaned itself after dust storms, performed three emergency landings, and even made it through the frigid Martian winter.</p>

<p>“That remarkable helicopter flew higher and farther than we ever imagined and helped NASA do what we do best – make the impossible, possible,” said Nelson.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>Ingenuity initially began as a short technology demonstration to show flight was possible in the ultra-thin Martian atmosphere. However, it went on to become Perseverance rover’s trusty sidekick, by previewing areas of the red planet that might be of interest.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“It’s humbling Ingenuity not only carries onboard a swatch from the original Wright Flyer, but also this helicopter followed in its footsteps and proved flight is possible on another world,” said Ingenuity’s project manager, Teddy Tzanetos of NASA JPL.</p>

<p>He added, “History’s first Mars helicopter will leave behind an indelible mark on the future of space exploration and will inspire fleets of aircraft on Mars – and other worlds – for decades to come.”</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


After over three years, NASA’s Ingenuity Mars helicopter mission which made history by being the first powered flight on another world, has ended, said the American space agency on Thursday (Jan 25).

After over three years, NASA’s Ingenuity Mars helicopter mission which made history by being the first powered flight on another world, has ended, said the American space agency on Thursday (Jan 25). Ingenuity, which had surpassed expectations time and time again since its lift-off for the red planet on April 19, 2021, sustained mission-ending damage. What happened? In a statement, NASA said that the aircraft made an “emergency landing” during its previous flight and that Ingenuity’s team had planned for the helicopter to make a “short vertical flight” on January 18 to pinpoint its location. As planned, the helicopter achieved a maximum altitude of 40 feet, but while landing, when it was around three feet off the ground, Ingenuity lost contact with the rover. The following day when the imagery and data returned to NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California, it was found that “one or more of its rotor blades” were damaged. Therefore, while the helicopter remained “upright and in communication with ground controllers,” it was “no longer capable of flight,” said the American space agency. ALSO READ | NASA regains contact with Ingenuity helicopter on Mars after unexpected outage Ingenuity’s team is still investigating the cause of the communications dropout and the helicopter’s orientation at the time of touchdown. “The historic journey of Ingenuity, the first aircraft on another planet, has come to end,” said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson in a statement. He added, “Through missions like Ingenuity, NASA is paving the way for future flight in our solar system and smarter, safer human exploration to Mars and beyond.” ‘Exceeded expectations’ Ingenuity reached Mars in February 2021, and during its time there, it exceeded expectations time and time again. The helicopter performed 72 flights, flying more than 14 times farther than planned, 33 times longer than expected, operated from 48 different airfields, and logged in more than two hours of flight time. Over the years, Ingenuity was upgraded with the ability to autonomously choose landing sites on the red planet’s treacherous terrain. It also dealt with a dead sensor, cleaned itself after dust storms, performed three emergency landings, and even made it through the frigid Martian winter. “That remarkable helicopter flew higher and farther than we ever imagined and helped NASA do what we do best – make the impossible, possible,” said Nelson. ALSO READ | Japan's Moon sniper switched off, space agency says data transmission completed Ingenuity initially began as a short technology demonstration to show flight was possible in the ultra-thin Martian atmosphere. However, it went on to become Perseverance rover’s trusty sidekick, by previewing areas of the red planet that might be of interest. “It’s humbling Ingenuity not only carries onboard a swatch from the original Wright Flyer, but also this helicopter followed in its footsteps and proved flight is possible on another world,” said Ingenuity’s project manager, Teddy Tzanetos of NASA JPL. He added, “History’s first Mars helicopter will leave behind an indelible mark on the future of space exploration and will inspire fleets of aircraft on Mars – and other worlds – for decades to come.” (With inputs from agencies)

NASA’s historic Ingenuity helicopter mission on Mars ends: Here’s what happened

<p>Water, the all-dissolving 'universal solvent' is almost a sure hint of life, or at least for theories about it. no matter where it is found in the cosmos. So for a civilisation like&nbsp;ours, eager to find alien life, the presence of water, or even water vapour anywhere in space, is a signal for more probing. Astronomers have found an exoplanet, twice the size of Earth with water vapour in its atmosphere. The astronomers used Hubble Space Telescope, the trusty ol' piece of high technology still doing its job perfectly even when James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is the hot thing right now.</p>

<p>The planet has been designated GJ 9827d. The exoplanet is 97 light-years away from Earth and revolves around a star designated as GJ 9827. The planet revolves around the red dwarf star once in every 6.2 days. So in other words, a 'year' on the planet is shorter than a week, by our Earthly reference points.</p>

<p>"This would be the first time that we can directly show through an atmospheric detection, that these planets with water-rich atmospheres can actually exist around other stars," said team member Björn Benneke from Trottier Institute for Research on Exoplanets at Université de Montréal.</p>

<p>"This is an important step toward determining the prevalence and diversity of atmospheres on rocky planets."</p>

<p>Benneke was quoted by NASA.</p>

<p>The planet itself was discovered in 2017, but the detection of water in atmosphere is a new discovery.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Why is NASA pushing back Moon mission timelines?</strong></p>

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<p>"Water on a planet this small is a landmark discovery," added co-principal investigator Laura Kreidberg from Max Planck Institute for Astronomy in Heidelberg, as quoted by NASA.</p>

<p>&nbsp;"It pushes closer than ever to characterizing truly Earth-like worlds."</p>

<p>However, it is too early to tell if the water is present in a 'puffy hydrogen-rich atmosphere' or the planet itself has an abundance of water.</p>

<p>"Our observing program, led by principal investigator Ian Crossfield of Kansas University in Lawrence, Kansas, was designed specifically with the goal to not only detect the molecules in the planet's atmosphere, but to actually look specifically for water vapor. Either result would be exciting, whether water vapor is dominant or just a tiny species in a hydrogen-dominant atmosphere," said the science paper's lead author, Pierre-Alexis Roy form Trottier Institute.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasas-historic-ingenuity-helicopter-mission-on-mars-ends-heres-what-happened-683753">NASA’s historic Ingenuity helicopter mission on Mars ends: Here’s what happened</a></strong></p>

<p>"Until now, we had not been able to directly detect the atmosphere of such a small planet. And we're slowly getting in this regime now," added Benneke. "At some point, as we study smaller planets, there must be a transition where there's no more hydrogen on these small worlds, and they have atmospheres more like Venus (which is dominated by carbon dioxide)."</p>

<h2><strong>So is there life on the planet?</strong></h2>

<p>It tough to determine right now because it is a Venus-like planet with high surface temperature (800 degrees Fahrenheit).</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/japans-successful-moon-landing-was-upside-down-quite-literally-683782">Japan's successful Moon landing was 'upside down', quite literally</a></strong></p>

<p>But it's perhaps ok to say that 'Life finds a way' and where there's water, there is (or will be) life.</p>

<p>Probably a soothing thought for those pondering the distressing question of 'Are we alone in the Universe?'</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Water, the all-dissolving 'universal solvent' is almost a sure hint of life, or at least for theories about it. no matter where it is found in the cosmos. So for a civilisation like ours, eager to find alien life, the presence of water, or even water vapour anywhere in space, is a signal for more probing.

Water, the all-dissolving 'universal solvent' is almost a sure hint of life, or at least for theories about it. no matter where it is found in the cosmos. So for a civilisation like ours, eager to find alien life, the presence of water, or even water vapour anywhere in space, is a signal for more probing. Astronomers have found an exoplanet, twice the size of Earth with water vapour in its atmosphere. The astronomers used Hubble Space Telescope, the trusty ol' piece of high technology still doing its job perfectly even when James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is the hot thing right now. The planet has been designated GJ 9827d. The exoplanet is 97 light-years away from Earth and revolves around a star designated as GJ 9827. The planet revolves around the red dwarf star once in every 6.2 days. So in other words, a 'year' on the planet is shorter than a week, by our Earthly reference points. "This would be the first time that we can directly show through an atmospheric detection, that these planets with water-rich atmospheres can actually exist around other stars," said team member Björn Benneke from Trottier Institute for Research on Exoplanets at Université de Montréal. "This is an important step toward determining the prevalence and diversity of atmospheres on rocky planets." Benneke was quoted by NASA. The planet itself was discovered in 2017, but the detection of water in atmosphere is a new discovery. Watch | Why is NASA pushing back Moon mission timelines? × "Water on a planet this small is a landmark discovery," added co-principal investigator Laura Kreidberg from Max Planck Institute for Astronomy in Heidelberg, as quoted by NASA. "It pushes closer than ever to characterizing truly Earth-like worlds." However, it is too early to tell if the water is present in a 'puffy hydrogen-rich atmosphere' or the planet itself has an abundance of water. "Our observing program, led by principal investigator Ian Crossfield of Kansas University in Lawrence, Kansas, was designed specifically with the goal to not only detect the molecules in the planet's atmosphere, but to actually look specifically for water vapor. Either result would be exciting, whether water vapor is dominant or just a tiny species in a hydrogen-dominant atmosphere," said the science paper's lead author, Pierre-Alexis Roy form Trottier Institute. Also Read | NASA’s historic Ingenuity helicopter mission on Mars ends: Here’s what happened "Until now, we had not been able to directly detect the atmosphere of such a small planet. And we're slowly getting in this regime now," added Benneke. "At some point, as we study smaller planets, there must be a transition where there's no more hydrogen on these small worlds, and they have atmospheres more like Venus (which is dominated by carbon dioxide)." So is there life on the planet? It tough to determine right now because it is a Venus-like planet with high surface temperature (800 degrees Fahrenheit). Also Read | Japan's successful Moon landing was 'upside down', quite literally But it's perhaps ok to say that 'Life finds a way' and where there's water, there is (or will be) life. Probably a soothing thought for those pondering the distressing question of 'Are we alone in the Universe?' (With inputs from agencies)

NASA's Hubble Telescope finds water vapour in distant planet's atmosphere

<p>The world is still in the throes of winter and it's only natural that we ascribe meaning to celestial structures as we warm our...hands to fend off the chill. And National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) leaves no lens unturned as it clicks pictures of wonders in space.</p>

<p>And now, the US space agency has captured image of a "snowman" which is about 6000 light-years away from Earth. The image has been captured by NASA's Hubble Space Telescope, the trusty ol' piece of tech that was humanity's most advansed eye in the sky before James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) took over. Hubble telescope is still working fine and sending us nice pics of celestial objects.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Why is NASA pushing back Moon mission timelines?</strong></p>

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<p>It has posted the image of "space snowman" on its official Instagram handle.</p>

<p>In its post, NASA has said that the 'snowman' is actually a diffusion nebula. The diffused clouds of gas are charged to the extent that they are glowing. The energy for this 'charging' has been provided by nearby massive stars. The 'snowman' is visible in the upper part of the image.</p>

<p>"Three bright, blue-white stars at upper left mark the beginning of a bright and dusty reddish-brown, orange, and white swathe of glowing gas and dust, with its upper portions loosely resembling a snowman with a scarf and top hat. The rest of the image is dark and full of sparkling stars, many with diffraction spikes," says NASA in its Instagram post.</p>

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<p>Like any other NASA image, this has wowed people on the social media. At the time of publishing of this article, the image has been liked by more than 60 thousand people.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/stellar-show-nasas-james-webb-telescope-captures-birth-of-new-suns-far-away-from-earth-683450">Stellar show! NASA's James Webb Telescope captures birth of new suns far away from Earth</a></strong></p>

<p>"The Snowman Nebula is truly a whimsical celestial masterpiece" an Instagram user has written.</p>

<p>Other star-struck user exclaims with just "awesome!"</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The world is still in the throes of winter and it's only natural that we ascribe meaning to celestial structures as we warm our...hands to fend off the chill. And National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) leaves no lens unturned as it clicks pictures of wonders in space.

The world is still in the throes of winter and it's only natural that we ascribe meaning to celestial structures as we warm our...hands to fend off the chill. And National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) leaves no lens unturned as it clicks pictures of wonders in space. And now, the US space agency has captured image of a "snowman" which is about 6000 light-years away from Earth. The image has been captured by NASA's Hubble Space Telescope, the trusty ol' piece of tech that was humanity's most advansed eye in the sky before James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) took over. Hubble telescope is still working fine and sending us nice pics of celestial objects. Watch | Why is NASA pushing back Moon mission timelines? × It has posted the image of "space snowman" on its official Instagram handle. In its post, NASA has said that the 'snowman' is actually a diffusion nebula. The diffused clouds of gas are charged to the extent that they are glowing. The energy for this 'charging' has been provided by nearby massive stars. The 'snowman' is visible in the upper part of the image. "Three bright, blue-white stars at upper left mark the beginning of a bright and dusty reddish-brown, orange, and white swathe of glowing gas and dust, with its upper portions loosely resembling a snowman with a scarf and top hat. The rest of the image is dark and full of sparkling stars, many with diffraction spikes," says NASA in its Instagram post. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Hubble Space Telescope (@nasahubble) × Like any other NASA image, this has wowed people on the social media. At the time of publishing of this article, the image has been liked by more than 60 thousand people. Also Read | Stellar show! NASA's James Webb Telescope captures birth of new suns far away from Earth "The Snowman Nebula is truly a whimsical celestial masterpiece" an Instagram user has written. Other star-struck user exclaims with just "awesome!" (With inputs from agencies)

'Snowman' in space: NASA's Hubble Space Telescope clicks the beautiful celestial structure

<p>NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has captured the image of a stunning nebula far away from our Milky Way galaxy. The nebula, named N79, is 1630 light years away from our galaxy and is actively forming thousands of stars that remain virtually an unexplored territory by astronomers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The interstellar cosmic space with yellow, orange and blue ribbons of light looks hypnotic and majestic.</p>

<p>Take a close look.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">It’s always darkest before the dawn.<br />
<br />
This image from the Webb telescope shows N79, a massive star-forming region. At mid-infrared wavelengths, Webb reveals glowing gas and dust deep within the clouds, as well as embedded baby stars: <a href="https://t.co/U3MQwO2kvK">https://t.co/U3MQwO2kvK</a> <a href="https://t.co/eAU7L08i2A">pic.twitter.com/eAU7L08i2A</a></p>
— NASA Webb Telescope (@NASAWebb) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASAWebb/status/1749814253413109918?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 23, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>N79 is said to be the younger sibling of the Tarantula Nebula, which was recently sighted by the JWST. Tarantula lies about 161,000 light years away from Earth. As per scientists, the N79 has been forming stars at twice the rate of the Tarantula Nebula which is officially named 30 Doradus.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Exploring ‘starburst’ patterns in young stellar bodies</strong></h2>

<p>The image of the new nebula captured by the JWST primarily focuses on three giant complexes of cold atomic gas called molecular clouds. Astronomers call this as N79 South or S1.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Inside the S1, the “starburst” pattern around the bright heart of N79 stands out, as seen in the image. This effect is created by diffraction spikes caused by the 18 pieces of JWST’s primary mirror as they collect light. These mirrors are arranged in a hexagonal pattern like a honeycomb, meaning there are six main diffraction spikes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/major-breakthrough-worlds-first-successful-ivf-could-help-save-nearly-extinct-rhino-species-683311">Major breakthrough: World’s first successful IVF could help save nearly extinct rhino species</a></p>

<p>These spikes arise when JWST studies particularly bright and compact objects that have light emerging from a concentrated location. So when the $10 billion telescope looks at galaxies at once, even the smaller ones appear to come out of more diffused and spread out, giving the illusion that a diffraction pattern is absent.</p>

<p>JWST captured the N79 image using its Mid-InfraRed Instrument (MIRI), which captured the infrared light coming from the starburst as well. MIRI allows astronomers to look deep into the star-forming region.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This is why, with of help of MIRI, JWST is also able to see young stellar bodies that are still hidden in their natal womb of gas and dust. These are called ‘proto-stars’, which haven’t gathered material to fuse hydrogen to helium in their cores, which is the process of making a star.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/an-unprecedented-pinpoint-landing-japan-says-its-moon-landing-was-within-100-metres-of-target-683429">An 'unprecedented' pinpoint landing: Japan says its Moon landing was within 100 metres of target</a></p>

<p>An infant star that has just started this hydrogen-to-helium process can be seen as the brightest point in the midst of orange clouds of gas and dust in the JWST N97 image.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Studying regions of intense star birth like N79 with the JWST allows scientists to learn about the composition of star-birthing clouds of gas and dust in the early universe when star formation was at its most intense.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has captured the image of a stunning nebula far away from our Milky Way galaxy. The nebula, named N79, is 1630 light years away from our galaxy and is actively forming thousands of stars that remain virtually an unexplored territory by astronomers.

NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has captured the image of a stunning nebula far away from our Milky Way galaxy. The nebula, named N79, is 1630 light years away from our galaxy and is actively forming thousands of stars that remain virtually an unexplored territory by astronomers. The interstellar cosmic space with yellow, orange and blue ribbons of light looks hypnotic and majestic. Take a close look. It’s always darkest before the dawn. This image from the Webb telescope shows N79, a massive star-forming region. At mid-infrared wavelengths, Webb reveals glowing gas and dust deep within the clouds, as well as embedded baby stars: https://t.co/U3MQwO2kvK pic.twitter.com/eAU7L08i2A — NASA Webb Telescope (@NASAWebb) January 23, 2024 × N79 is said to be the younger sibling of the Tarantula Nebula, which was recently sighted by the JWST. Tarantula lies about 161,000 light years away from Earth. As per scientists, the N79 has been forming stars at twice the rate of the Tarantula Nebula which is officially named 30 Doradus. Exploring ‘starburst’ patterns in young stellar bodies The image of the new nebula captured by the JWST primarily focuses on three giant complexes of cold atomic gas called molecular clouds. Astronomers call this as N79 South or S1. Inside the S1, the “starburst” pattern around the bright heart of N79 stands out, as seen in the image. This effect is created by diffraction spikes caused by the 18 pieces of JWST’s primary mirror as they collect light. These mirrors are arranged in a hexagonal pattern like a honeycomb, meaning there are six main diffraction spikes. Also Read | Major breakthrough: World’s first successful IVF could help save nearly extinct rhino species These spikes arise when JWST studies particularly bright and compact objects that have light emerging from a concentrated location. So when the $10 billion telescope looks at galaxies at once, even the smaller ones appear to come out of more diffused and spread out, giving the illusion that a diffraction pattern is absent. JWST captured the N79 image using its Mid-InfraRed Instrument (MIRI), which captured the infrared light coming from the starburst as well. MIRI allows astronomers to look deep into the star-forming region. This is why, with of help of MIRI, JWST is also able to see young stellar bodies that are still hidden in their natal womb of gas and dust. These are called ‘proto-stars’, which haven’t gathered material to fuse hydrogen to helium in their cores, which is the process of making a star. Also Read | An 'unprecedented' pinpoint landing: Japan says its Moon landing was within 100 metres of target An infant star that has just started this hydrogen-to-helium process can be seen as the brightest point in the midst of orange clouds of gas and dust in the JWST N97 image. Studying regions of intense star birth like N79 with the JWST allows scientists to learn about the composition of star-birthing clouds of gas and dust in the early universe when star formation was at its most intense. (With inputs from agencies)

Stellar show! NASA's James Webb Telescope captures birth of new suns far away from Earth

NASA Chief Bill Nelson has said that he personally believes that aliens do exist. This comes after a self-proclaimed UFO researcher presented 'alien bodies' before the Mexican Parliament. Were the bodies really extra-terrestrial? Listen in to Vikram Chandra.

NASA Chief says Aliens exist | This World

<p>Not that NASA's James Webb Space Telescope wasn't getting the enthusiastic applause from the scientific community and space fans in general, but humanity's more powerful eye in the sky has received a much deserved nod from the United States Postal Service. The USPS has chosen two iconic images taken by the James Webb Space Telescope and has released two new priority mail stamps. The new stamps were issued on Monday (November 22)</p>

<p>James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) mission is led by NASA with support from ESA (European Space Agency) and CSA (Canadian Space Agency)</p>

<p>“NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope is the perfect intersection of science, engineering, and art as it reveals the greatest secrets of our cosmos through the beautiful images it captures,” said Nicola Fox, associate administrator, Science Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington. “With these stamps, people across the country can have their own snapshot of Webb’s captivating images – and the incredible science they represent – at their fingertips, and know that they, too, are part of this ground-breaking new era in astronomy.”</p>

<p>Fox was quoted by NASA on its website.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | NASA's James Webb space telescope's latest images, captures new views of Universe</strong></p>

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<p>The first of the two stamps is a Priority Mail Express stamp. It features image taken by Webb's NIRCam (Near-Infrared Camera). The image shows "Cosmic Cliffs" from the Carina Nebula.</p>

<p><img alt="NASA Cosmic Cliff stamp" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="91ab0d27-86df-4625-aa25-a2326ff3c909" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/cosmic%20cliffs.png" /></p>

<p><em>(Image: NASA)</em></p>

<p>The Nebula is about 7600 light-years away from us. Nebulas are where stars are born, and the JWST has been able to capture the stellar nursery relly well uncovering hidden stars which were previously hidden from sight.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/this-company-deliberately-blew-up-its-own-space-station-structure-watch-and-know-why-682843">This company deliberately blew up its own space station structure. WATCH and know why</a></strong></p>

<p>The second stamp is a Priority Mail Express stamp which features image of "Pillars of Creation" taken by Webb's MIRI (Mid-Infrared Instrument). This celestial structure was first made famous by NASA's Hubble Space Telescope.</p>

<p><img alt="Pillars of Creation" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7b72727d-7353-4107-8ebf-8870a3fde722" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/NASA%20James%20Webb%20stamps_0.jpg" /></p>

<p>(Image: NASA)</p>

<p>In this image, pillars of gas and dust are visible. In the middle of all this gas and dust are newly forming stars which may take thousands of years to form fully. The 'Pillars of Creation' structure is in Eagle Nebula which s 6500 light-years away.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Not that NASA's James Webb Space Telescope wasn't getting the enthusiastic applause from the scientific community and space fans in general, but humanity's more powerful eye in the sky has received a much deserved nod from the United States Postal Service.

Not that NASA's James Webb Space Telescope wasn't getting the enthusiastic applause from the scientific community and space fans in general, but humanity's more powerful eye in the sky has received a much deserved nod from the United States Postal Service. The USPS has chosen two iconic images taken by the James Webb Space Telescope and has released two new priority mail stamps. The new stamps were issued on Monday (November 22) James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) mission is led by NASA with support from ESA (European Space Agency) and CSA (Canadian Space Agency) “NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope is the perfect intersection of science, engineering, and art as it reveals the greatest secrets of our cosmos through the beautiful images it captures,” said Nicola Fox, associate administrator, Science Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington. “With these stamps, people across the country can have their own snapshot of Webb’s captivating images – and the incredible science they represent – at their fingertips, and know that they, too, are part of this ground-breaking new era in astronomy.” Fox was quoted by NASA on its website. Watch | NASA's James Webb space telescope's latest images, captures new views of Universe × The first of the two stamps is a Priority Mail Express stamp. It features image taken by Webb's NIRCam (Near-Infrared Camera). The image shows "Cosmic Cliffs" from the Carina Nebula. (Image: NASA) The Nebula is about 7600 light-years away from us. Nebulas are where stars are born, and the JWST has been able to capture the stellar nursery relly well uncovering hidden stars which were previously hidden from sight. Also Read | This company deliberately blew up its own space station structure. WATCH and know why The second stamp is a Priority Mail Express stamp which features image of "Pillars of Creation" taken by Webb's MIRI (Mid-Infrared Instrument). This celestial structure was first made famous by NASA's Hubble Space Telescope. (Image: NASA) In this image, pillars of gas and dust are visible. In the middle of all this gas and dust are newly forming stars which may take thousands of years to form fully. The 'Pillars of Creation' structure is in Eagle Nebula which s 6500 light-years away. (With inputs from agencies)

US Postal Service issues stamps with iconic James Webb images

<p>NASA has captured images of the ancient volcanic fissures in Iceland that cracked open, spewing red-hot lava and posing a significant threat to towns, particularly Grindavik, where evacuations took place.</p>

<p>The most recent eruption on January 14 intensified fears as it engulfed homes shortly after villagers had been safely relocated.</p>

<p>The region has been on high alert since December due to a series of eruptions, leaving Grindavik in a precarious position.</p>

<p>However, the Icelandic Met Office has warned&nbsp;that the peril is far from over, with ongoing risks of fault movements, unpredictable lava flows, and the sudden emergence of new fissures.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/watch-asteroid-turns-into-fireball-before-crashing-into-earth-in-germany-682483">Also read |&nbsp;Asteroid crashes into Earth over Germany just hours after being discovered</a></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">In mid-Jan. 2024, volcanic activity in southwestern Iceland released lava near the town of Grindavík.<br />
<br />
This map of thermal signatures from <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Landsat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Landsat</a> 9 reveals heat emanating from Earth’s surface, highlighting the location and extent of the new fissures. <a href="https://t.co/pb6BOFSILW">https://t.co/pb6BOFSILW</a> <a href="https://t.co/JiL1Cvh3yO">pic.twitter.com/JiL1Cvh3yO</a></p>
— NASA Earth (@NASAEarth) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASAEarth/status/1749499599859966211?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>NASA's thermal insight into the volcanic unrest</strong></h2>

<p>NASA's Landsat 9 satellite captured the unfolding crisis by using&nbsp;a thermal infrared sensor. A recently released map depicts the substantial heat emanating from the fractured land surface near Grindavik. The image vividly shows&nbsp;the massive fissures filled with intensely hot lava.</p>

<p>Despite recent evacuations, Grindavik remains susceptible to additional fault movements and unpredictable lava flows. The NASA data, collected on January 16, reveals ground deformation of up to 1.4 metres&nbsp;(4.6 feet) beneath Grindavik due to magma movement. Experts caution that the area may experience cyclical bursts of volcanic activity, underscoring the persistent dangers.</p>

<p>Last month, the eruption in the Svartsengi volcanic system heightened tensions. Beginning on December 18, it prompted the evacuation of Grindavik's 4,000 residents and the closure of the popular tourist destination, the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/massive-solar-flares-generating-geomagnetic-storms-could-trigger-auroras-on-tuesday-in-us-682726">Also read |&nbsp;Massive solar flares to trigger beautiful auroras in these parts of US</a></p>

<h2><strong>Iceland's unique geological position</strong></h2>

<p>Positioned between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates, Iceland faces heightened seismic and volcanic activity. As these two colossal plates move in opposite directions, the country remains a dynamic hotspot for geological phenomena, adding to the ongoing challenges posed by natural forces.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


NASA has captured images of the ancient volcanic fissures in Iceland that cracked open, spewing red-hot lava and posing a significant threat to towns, particularly Grindavik, where evacuations took place.

NASA has captured images of the ancient volcanic fissures in Iceland that cracked open, spewing red-hot lava and posing a significant threat to towns, particularly Grindavik, where evacuations took place. The most recent eruption on January 14 intensified fears as it engulfed homes shortly after villagers had been safely relocated. The region has been on high alert since December due to a series of eruptions, leaving Grindavik in a precarious position. However, the Icelandic Met Office has warned that the peril is far from over, with ongoing risks of fault movements, unpredictable lava flows, and the sudden emergence of new fissures. Also read | Asteroid crashes into Earth over Germany just hours after being discovered In mid-Jan. 2024, volcanic activity in southwestern Iceland released lava near the town of Grindavík. This map of thermal signatures from #Landsat 9 reveals heat emanating from Earth’s surface, highlighting the location and extent of the new fissures. https://t.co/pb6BOFSILW pic.twitter.com/JiL1Cvh3yO — NASA Earth (@NASAEarth) January 22, 2024 × NASA's thermal insight into the volcanic unrest NASA's Landsat 9 satellite captured the unfolding crisis by using a thermal infrared sensor. A recently released map depicts the substantial heat emanating from the fractured land surface near Grindavik. The image vividly shows the massive fissures filled with intensely hot lava. Despite recent evacuations, Grindavik remains susceptible to additional fault movements and unpredictable lava flows. The NASA data, collected on January 16, reveals ground deformation of up to 1.4 metres (4.6 feet) beneath Grindavik due to magma movement. Experts caution that the area may experience cyclical bursts of volcanic activity, underscoring the persistent dangers. Last month, the eruption in the Svartsengi volcanic system heightened tensions. Beginning on December 18, it prompted the evacuation of Grindavik's 4,000 residents and the closure of the popular tourist destination, the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa. Also read | Massive solar flares to trigger beautiful auroras in these parts of US Iceland's unique geological position Positioned between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates, Iceland faces heightened seismic and volcanic activity. As these two colossal plates move in opposite directions, the country remains a dynamic hotspot for geological phenomena, adding to the ongoing challenges posed by natural forces. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Hazard remains high’: NASA captures images of new lava-emitting fissures in Iceland

NASA is set to delay its next few missions to the Moon as technical hurdles mount with the various spacecraft it intends to use to get there. Watch this video for all details.

Why is NASA pushing back Moon mission timelines?

<p>Sierra Space, a leading aerospace company, has made headlines by intentionally destroying its first full-scale prototype of a space station module in preparation for upcoming space missions, potentially slated for 2030 and beyond.</p>

<p>The testing, conducted at NASA's Marshall Space Center in Alabama, involved explosive trials, with all previous tests involving smaller scale models.</p>

<p>Sierra Space disclosed that it intentionally destroyed a full-scale prototype of its space station module through explosive tests at NASA's Marshall Space Center.</p>

<p><strong>Watch the video here:</strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The full-scale UBP test unit reached 77 psi before it burst, which well exceeds (+27%) <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NASA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NASA</a>’s recommended level of 60.8 psi (maximum operating pressure of 15.2 psi multiplied by a safety factor of four).<br />
<br />
Full video: <a href="https://t.co/5XumopCb0H">https://t.co/5XumopCb0H</a><a href="https://twitter.com/NASA_Marshall?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NASA_Marshall</a> <a href="https://t.co/WO4YyPUA05">pic.twitter.com/WO4YyPUA05</a></p>
— Sierra Space (@SierraSpaceCo) <a href="https://twitter.com/SierraSpaceCo/status/1749429668820721879?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>The company shared a video on X showcasing the test, with the prototype reaching 77 psi before bursting, surpassing NASA's recommended level of 60.8 psi by 27 per cent.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/breakthrough-chinese-scientists-invent-new-porous-ceramic-that-can-be-used-in-making-hypersonic-aircraft-682833">Also read |&nbsp;Breakthrough: Chinese scientists invent new porous ceramic that can be used in making hypersonic aircraft</a></p>

<h2><strong>Inflatable module design and orbital reef project</strong></h2>

<p>Sierra Space's inflatable module design incorporates soft goods technology from ILC Dover, using&nbsp;Vectran straps. This innovative design will be deployed on the Orbital Reef space station, a collaborative project between Sierra Space and Blue Origin.</p>

<p>The Orbital Reef initiative is one of several concepts funded by NASA to succeed the aging International Space Station (ISS), which is expected to be retired around 2030.</p>

<p>Sierra Space emphasises that the dimensions of its modules are nearly equivalent to that of an average family home. Measuring three stories tall (20.5 feet or 6.2 metres) with a diameter of 27 feet (8.3 metres), Sierra Space uses&nbsp;cubic feet as a unit of measurement due to the microgravity environment, allowing for optimal use of space within the module.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Storm Isha hits travel and power services across UK</strong></p>

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<p>One of the notable features of Sierra Space's expandable space station module technology is its scalability and flexibility. The design accommodates various launch vehicle fairing sizes, making it adaptable to both existing and planned launch vehicles.</p>

<p>Sierra Space's successful testing of the full-scale space station module prototype marks a significant step forward in the development of innovative aerospace solutions.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Sierra Space, a leading aerospace company, has made headlines by intentionally destroying its first full-scale prototype of a space station module in preparation for upcoming space missions, potentially slated for 2030 and beyond.

Sierra Space, a leading aerospace company, has made headlines by intentionally destroying its first full-scale prototype of a space station module in preparation for upcoming space missions, potentially slated for 2030 and beyond. The testing, conducted at NASA's Marshall Space Center in Alabama, involved explosive trials, with all previous tests involving smaller scale models. Sierra Space disclosed that it intentionally destroyed a full-scale prototype of its space station module through explosive tests at NASA's Marshall Space Center. Watch the video here: The full-scale UBP test unit reached 77 psi before it burst, which well exceeds (+27%) #NASA’s recommended level of 60.8 psi (maximum operating pressure of 15.2 psi multiplied by a safety factor of four). Full video: https://t.co/5XumopCb0H@NASA_Marshall pic.twitter.com/WO4YyPUA05 — Sierra Space (@SierraSpaceCo) January 22, 2024 × The company shared a video on X showcasing the test, with the prototype reaching 77 psi before bursting, surpassing NASA's recommended level of 60.8 psi by 27 per cent. Also read | Breakthrough: Chinese scientists invent new porous ceramic that can be used in making hypersonic aircraft Inflatable module design and orbital reef project Sierra Space's inflatable module design incorporates soft goods technology from ILC Dover, using Vectran straps. This innovative design will be deployed on the Orbital Reef space station, a collaborative project between Sierra Space and Blue Origin. The Orbital Reef initiative is one of several concepts funded by NASA to succeed the aging International Space Station (ISS), which is expected to be retired around 2030. Sierra Space emphasises that the dimensions of its modules are nearly equivalent to that of an average family home. Measuring three stories tall (20.5 feet or 6.2 metres) with a diameter of 27 feet (8.3 metres), Sierra Space uses cubic feet as a unit of measurement due to the microgravity environment, allowing for optimal use of space within the module. Also watch | Storm Isha hits travel and power services across UK One of the notable features of Sierra Space's expandable space station module technology is its scalability and flexibility. The design accommodates various launch vehicle fairing sizes, making it adaptable to both existing and planned launch vehicles. Sierra Space's successful testing of the full-scale space station module prototype marks a significant step forward in the development of innovative aerospace solutions. (With inputs from agencies)

This company deliberately blew up its own space station structure. WATCH and know why

A privately built moon lander launched Monday morning to make the first U.S. soft lunar landing in more than 50 years failed to enter its correct orientation in space, suffering what its owners termed an "anomaly" that calls the mission's fate into question.

US: First Lunar mission in 50 years faces technical difficulties

NASA's James Webb celebrates two years of stunning observations. A look at NASA' James Webb space telescope's latest images. Watch the video to know more!

NASA's James Webb space telescope's latest images, captures new views of Universe

<p>A laser instrument aboard NASA's robotic spacecraft orbiting the Moon has successfully 'pinged' India's Chandrayaan-3 mission's Vikram lander, marking a breakthrough in precise location tracking technology, the US space agency confirmed.</p>

<p>"At 3 p.m. EST on Dec. 12, 2023, NASA’s LRO (Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter) pointed its laser altimeter instrument toward Vikram. The lander was 62 miles, or 100 kilometers, away from LRO, near Manzinus crater in the Moon’s South Pole region, when LRO transmitted laser pulses toward it," NASA said in a statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The moment of triumph for NASA scientists was when the orbiter registered light bouncing back from a small NASA retroreflector on Vikram lander.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It must be noted that&nbsp;the locations of Earth-orbiting satellites are observed by sending laser pulses and measuring the time the light takes to bounce back.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This novel method of pinpointing targets on the lunar surface by sending laser pulses "from a moving spacecraft to a stationary one" to know the precise location has various applications,&nbsp;as per NASA scientists.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“We’ve showed that we can locate our retroreflector on the surface from the Moon’s orbit,” said Xiaoli Sun, who spearheaded the team at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. This team developed the Vikram retroreflector in collaboration with NASA and ISRO.</p>

<p>“The next step is to improve the technique so that it can become routine for missions that want to use these retroreflectors in the future,"&nbsp;Sun added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/a-black-hole-in-the-centre-of-a-bright-globular-cluster-may-be-emitting-mysterious-radio-signals-682680">A black hole in the centre of a bright globular cluster may be emitting mysterious radio signals</a></p>

<p>The Laser Retroreflector Array (LRA) on Chandrayaan-3's lander, a two-inch-wide device with eight quartz-corner-cube prisms, is expected to serve as a fiducial point for precise location references on the Moon.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/ax-3-mission-all-european-astronaut-crew-successfully-reaches-iss-682547">Ax-3 Mission: All-European astronaut crew successfully reaches ISS</a></p>

<p>Retroreflectors, known for their durability and simplicity, have been utilised for various scientific and exploratory purposes since the Apollo era. NASA's retroreflector has already contributed to revealing the Moon's gradual movement away from Earth at a rate of 3.8 centimetres per year.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Why is NASA pushing back Moon mission timelines?</strong></p>

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<p>NASA said that in&nbsp;the future, these retroreflectors "could guide Artemis astronauts to the surface in the dark, for example, or mark the locations of spacecraft already on the surface, helping astronauts or uncrewed spacecraft land next to them."&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


A laser instrument aboard NASA's robotic spacecraft orbiting the Moon has successfully 'pinged' India's Chandrayaan-3 mission's Vikram lander, marking a breakthrough in precise location tracking technology, the US space agency confirmed.

A laser instrument aboard NASA's robotic spacecraft orbiting the Moon has successfully 'pinged' India's Chandrayaan-3 mission's Vikram lander, marking a breakthrough in precise location tracking technology, the US space agency confirmed. "At 3 p.m. EST on Dec. 12, 2023, NASA’s LRO (Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter) pointed its laser altimeter instrument toward Vikram. The lander was 62 miles, or 100 kilometers, away from LRO, near Manzinus crater in the Moon’s South Pole region, when LRO transmitted laser pulses toward it," NASA said in a statement. The moment of triumph for NASA scientists was when the orbiter registered light bouncing back from a small NASA retroreflector on Vikram lander. It must be noted that the locations of Earth-orbiting satellites are observed by sending laser pulses and measuring the time the light takes to bounce back. This novel method of pinpointing targets on the lunar surface by sending laser pulses "from a moving spacecraft to a stationary one" to know the precise location has various applications, as per NASA scientists. “We’ve showed that we can locate our retroreflector on the surface from the Moon’s orbit,” said Xiaoli Sun, who spearheaded the team at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. This team developed the Vikram retroreflector in collaboration with NASA and ISRO. “The next step is to improve the technique so that it can become routine for missions that want to use these retroreflectors in the future," Sun added. Also Read | A black hole in the centre of a bright globular cluster may be emitting mysterious radio signals The Laser Retroreflector Array (LRA) on Chandrayaan-3's lander, a two-inch-wide device with eight quartz-corner-cube prisms, is expected to serve as a fiducial point for precise location references on the Moon. Also Read | Ax-3 Mission: All-European astronaut crew successfully reaches ISS Retroreflectors, known for their durability and simplicity, have been utilised for various scientific and exploratory purposes since the Apollo era. NASA's retroreflector has already contributed to revealing the Moon's gradual movement away from Earth at a rate of 3.8 centimetres per year. Watch | Why is NASA pushing back Moon mission timelines? × NASA said that in the future, these retroreflectors "could guide Artemis astronauts to the surface in the dark, for example, or mark the locations of spacecraft already on the surface, helping astronauts or uncrewed spacecraft land next to them." (With inputs from agencies)

NASA’s spacecraft ‘pings’ Chandrayaan-3 Vikram, method to help in precise location tracking technology

The x-59 supersonic aircraft is here. It is also known by the name "son of Concorde". It was rolled out by NASA and Lockheed Martin last week. So, what are the features of this new aircraft? Is it the future of aviation? Will it change commercial air travel?

Gravitas: Nasa unveils new Supersonic plane x-59 | Is it the era of Supersonic travel?

<p>The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is all set to send a surgical robot and a 3D metal printer to the International Space Station (ISS) as part of Northrop Grumman’s 20th commercial resupply services mission. The Cygnus cargo spacecraft, scheduled for launch on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in late January, will carry out scientific investigations that include testing a 3D metal printer, semiconductor manufacturing, and thermal protection systems for Earth reentry.</p>

<p>Speaking over 3D metal printing in space, Rob Postema of European Space Agency (ESA) stated, “This investigation provides us with an initial understanding of how such a printer behaves in space.”</p>

<p>The study is aimed to uncover differences in printing in space compared to Earth and explore the range of shapes achievable. The insights gained could revolutionise long-duration space missions, enabling on-the-go creation of equipment parts, thereby reducing the need for extensive pre-planning and saving resources for future lunar and Martian exploration.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-loses-but-regains-contact-with-ingenuity-helicopter-on-mars-682066">NASA regains contact with Ingenuity helicopter on Mars after unexpected outage</a></p>

<p>“A 3D printer can create many shapes, and we plan to print specimens, first to understand how printing in space may differ from printing on Earth and second to see what types of shapes we can print with this technology. In addition, this activity helps show how crew members can work safely and efficiently with printing metal parts in space,”&nbsp;Postema added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Airbus Defence and Space SAS, under contract with ESA, is spearheading this investigation, NASA said.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Surgical procedures beyond Earth</h2>

<p>While, the Robotic Surgery Tech Demo will evaluate the performance of a remotely controlled robot capable of conducting surgical procedures in space.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-unveil-secrets-of-imagination-memory-formation-with-artificial-intelligence-682056">Scientists unveil secrets of imagination, memory formation with Artificial Intelligence</a></p>

<p>Virtual Incision Corporation in collaboration with the University of Nebraska is leading the investigation where the small robot will use two "hands" to mimic surgical actions, with the goal of assessing the impact of microgravity and time delays between space and ground on surgical procedures.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | NASA unveils X-59 plane to test supersonic flight over US cities</strong></p>

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<p>"Results from this investigation could support the development of robotic systems to perform these procedures,” NASA said.&nbsp;With longer space missions on the horizon, the need for surgical capabilities in space becomes crucial.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is all set to send a surgical robot and a 3D metal printer to the International Space Station (ISS) as part of Northrop Grumman’s 20th commercial resupply services mission.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is all set to send a surgical robot and a 3D metal printer to the International Space Station (ISS) as part of Northrop Grumman’s 20th commercial resupply services mission. The Cygnus cargo spacecraft, scheduled for launch on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in late January, will carry out scientific investigations that include testing a 3D metal printer, semiconductor manufacturing, and thermal protection systems for Earth reentry. Speaking over 3D metal printing in space, Rob Postema of European Space Agency (ESA) stated, “This investigation provides us with an initial understanding of how such a printer behaves in space.” The study is aimed to uncover differences in printing in space compared to Earth and explore the range of shapes achievable. The insights gained could revolutionise long-duration space missions, enabling on-the-go creation of equipment parts, thereby reducing the need for extensive pre-planning and saving resources for future lunar and Martian exploration. Also Read | NASA regains contact with Ingenuity helicopter on Mars after unexpected outage “A 3D printer can create many shapes, and we plan to print specimens, first to understand how printing in space may differ from printing on Earth and second to see what types of shapes we can print with this technology. In addition, this activity helps show how crew members can work safely and efficiently with printing metal parts in space,” Postema added. Airbus Defence and Space SAS, under contract with ESA, is spearheading this investigation, NASA said. Surgical procedures beyond Earth While, the Robotic Surgery Tech Demo will evaluate the performance of a remotely controlled robot capable of conducting surgical procedures in space. Also Read | Scientists unveil secrets of imagination, memory formation with Artificial Intelligence Virtual Incision Corporation in collaboration with the University of Nebraska is leading the investigation where the small robot will use two "hands" to mimic surgical actions, with the goal of assessing the impact of microgravity and time delays between space and ground on surgical procedures. Watch | NASA unveils X-59 plane to test supersonic flight over US cities × "Results from this investigation could support the development of robotic systems to perform these procedures,” NASA said. With longer space missions on the horizon, the need for surgical capabilities in space becomes crucial. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA gears up to send surgical robot, 3D metal printing to space station

<p>On January 20, Axiom Mission 3 (Ax-3) achieved a significant milestone by successfully docking at the International Space Station (ISS). This feat follows the launch of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket on January 18, carrying a cohort of European astronauts, including Turkey's first space traveller and three representatives from the European Space Agency (ESA), from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.</p>

<p>The collaborative efforts of NASA, Axiom Space, and SpaceX are currently in full swing as integrated operations are underway. This phase initiates during the spacecraft's approach to the ISS. NASA retains mission responsibility throughout integrated operations, encompassing the crew's stay aboard the orbiting laboratory, where they engage in scientific, educational, and commercial activities. The mission concludes upon Dragon's departure from the space station's vicinity.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/watch-asteroid-turns-into-fireball-before-crashing-into-earth-in-germany-682483">Also read |&nbsp;Asteroid turns into fireball before crashing into Earth in Germany</a></p>

<h2><strong>Private crew mission: Axiom Space Mission 3</strong></h2>

<p>Axiom Space Mission 3 marks the third private crew mission to visit the ISS, ushering in a new era of space exploration.</p>

<p>The crew, composed entirely of private crew, is set to spend approximately 14 days aboard the ISS, undertaking up to 30 experiments. Their endeavours align with the ongoing activities of the seven astronauts already present on the space station.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;China Spy Balloon: Latest balloon sightings come after Taiwan Presidential polls</strong></p>

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<p>Josef Aschbacher, Director General of the European Space Agency (ESA), expressed optimism for the future, stating, "This year will look much better." This positive outlook was shared during an annual press briefing, where the ESA disclosed a groundbreaking budget of €7.8 billion—the largest allocation ever dedicated to European space exploration.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


On January 20, Axiom Mission 3 (Ax-3) achieved a significant milestone by successfully docking at the International Space Station (ISS). This feat follows the launch of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket on January 18, carrying a cohort of European astronauts, including Turkey's first space traveller and three representatives from the European Space Agency (ESA), from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

On January 20, Axiom Mission 3 (Ax-3) achieved a significant milestone by successfully docking at the International Space Station (ISS). This feat follows the launch of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket on January 18, carrying a cohort of European astronauts, including Turkey's first space traveller and three representatives from the European Space Agency (ESA), from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The collaborative efforts of NASA, Axiom Space, and SpaceX are currently in full swing as integrated operations are underway. This phase initiates during the spacecraft's approach to the ISS. NASA retains mission responsibility throughout integrated operations, encompassing the crew's stay aboard the orbiting laboratory, where they engage in scientific, educational, and commercial activities. The mission concludes upon Dragon's departure from the space station's vicinity. Also read | Asteroid turns into fireball before crashing into Earth in Germany Private crew mission: Axiom Space Mission 3 Axiom Space Mission 3 marks the third private crew mission to visit the ISS, ushering in a new era of space exploration. The crew, composed entirely of private crew, is set to spend approximately 14 days aboard the ISS, undertaking up to 30 experiments. Their endeavours align with the ongoing activities of the seven astronauts already present on the space station. Also watch | China Spy Balloon: Latest balloon sightings come after Taiwan Presidential polls Josef Aschbacher, Director General of the European Space Agency (ESA), expressed optimism for the future, stating, "This year will look much better." This positive outlook was shared during an annual press briefing, where the ESA disclosed a groundbreaking budget of €7.8 billion—the largest allocation ever dedicated to European space exploration. (With inputs from agencies)

Ax-3 Mission: All-European astronaut crew successfully reaches ISS

<p>Humanity skipped a beat when National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) informed about loss of&nbsp;contact with Ingenuity, the helicopter which carried-out the first-ever on-surface flight on another planet. It was thought that the helicopter, which has far exceeded its initial mission brief, had finally taken its last breath in the (thin) Martian atmosphere.</p>

<p>But NASA has re-established contact with the tiny flying machine on the red planet.</p>

<p>"Good news today," wrote NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) on X (formerly Twitter). In the post, NASA JPL said that it commanded the Perseverance rover to "perform long-duration listening sessions for Ingenuity's signal."</p>

<p>"The team is reviewing the new data to better understand the unexpected comms dropout during Flight 72," it added.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Good news today: We've reestablished contact with the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MarsHelicopter?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MarsHelicopter</a> after instructing <a href="https://twitter.com/NASAPersevere?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NASAPersevere</a> to perform long-duration listening sessions for Ingenuity’s signal.<br />
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The team is reviewing the new data to better understand the unexpected comms dropout during Flight 72. <a href="https://t.co/KvCVwhZ5Rk">https://t.co/KvCVwhZ5Rk</a></p>
— NASA JPL (@NASAJPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASAJPL/status/1748883252604236281?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Communications with Ingenuity were suddenly lost when NASA was carrying out a test flight on Thursday (January 18). It was Ingenuity's 72nd lift-off from Mars.</p>

<p>Previously, NASA said that Ingenuity had climbed up to 40 feet from the Martian surface during its 72nd flight.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | NASA unveils X-59 plane to test supersonic flight over US cities</strong></p>

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<p>The flight was a "quick pop-up vertical flight to check out the helicopter's systems, following an unplanned early landing during its previous flight."</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-pings-isro-on-the-moon-681846">NASA’s orbiter ‘pings’ ISRO’s Chandrayaan-3 on the Moon</a></strong></p>

<p>But as the helicopter was descending, NASA said that the Perseverance rover was temporarily "out of line-of-sight with Ingenuity, but the team could consider driving closer for a visual inspection."</p>

<h2><strong>Will Ingenuity fly again?</strong></h2>

<p>NASA hasn't confirmed anything yet and has said that it will have to assess data and look at the overall situation before it can say for sure.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/mysterious-object-found-40000-light-years-away-could-be-the-lightest-black-hole-ever-or-heaviest-neutron-star-681472">Lightest black hole or heaviest neutron star? This object 40,000 light years away could be either</a></strong></p>

<p>Ingenuity weighs just over four pounds and has amazed scientists with its longevity.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Humanity skipped a beat when National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) informed about loss of contact with Ingenuity, the helicopter which carried-out the first-ever on-surface flight on another planet.

Humanity skipped a beat when National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) informed about loss of contact with Ingenuity, the helicopter which carried-out the first-ever on-surface flight on another planet. It was thought that the helicopter, which has far exceeded its initial mission brief, had finally taken its last breath in the (thin) Martian atmosphere. But NASA has re-established contact with the tiny flying machine on the red planet. "Good news today," wrote NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) on X (formerly Twitter). In the post, NASA JPL said that it commanded the Perseverance rover to "perform long-duration listening sessions for Ingenuity's signal." "The team is reviewing the new data to better understand the unexpected comms dropout during Flight 72," it added. Good news today: We've reestablished contact with the #MarsHelicopter after instructing @NASAPersevere to perform long-duration listening sessions for Ingenuity’s signal. The team is reviewing the new data to better understand the unexpected comms dropout during Flight 72. https://t.co/KvCVwhZ5Rk — NASA JPL (@NASAJPL) January 21, 2024 × Communications with Ingenuity were suddenly lost when NASA was carrying out a test flight on Thursday (January 18). It was Ingenuity's 72nd lift-off from Mars. Previously, NASA said that Ingenuity had climbed up to 40 feet from the Martian surface during its 72nd flight. Watch | NASA unveils X-59 plane to test supersonic flight over US cities × The flight was a "quick pop-up vertical flight to check out the helicopter's systems, following an unplanned early landing during its previous flight." Also Read | NASA’s orbiter ‘pings’ ISRO’s Chandrayaan-3 on the Moon But as the helicopter was descending, NASA said that the Perseverance rover was temporarily "out of line-of-sight with Ingenuity, but the team could consider driving closer for a visual inspection." Will Ingenuity fly again? NASA hasn't confirmed anything yet and has said that it will have to assess data and look at the overall situation before it can say for sure. Also Read | Lightest black hole or heaviest neutron star? This object 40,000 light years away could be either Ingenuity weighs just over four pounds and has amazed scientists with its longevity. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA regains contact with Ingenuity helicopter on Mars after unexpected outage

<p>This may sound very romantic had the entire affair not involved cutting edge science jargon. But the development is notable indeed. USA's National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) have collaborated on many a space-related scientific endeavours and the latest is another one in the long list.</p>

<p>Right now, NASA has an orbiter revolving around the Moon while the ISRO has an orbiter as well as a lander on the surface of the Moon. The 'Vikram' lander had a successful soft landing near Moon's south pole, putting India in the elite club of a handful of countries.</p>

<p>ISRO and NASA both, made announcement about the latest experiment.</p>

<p>"For the first time at the Moon, a laser beam was transmitted and reflected between an orbiting NASA spacecraft and an Oreo-sized device on ISRO’s (Indian Space Research Organisation) Vikram lander on the lunar surface. The successful experiment opens the door to a new style of precisely locating targets on the Moon’s surface," said NASA in its statement.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Japan's 'Moon Sniper' achieves historic lunar landing</strong></p>

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<p>India's rover has a Laser Retroreflector Array (LRA) fitted on it. The LRA is the exact thing NASA is referring to as 'Oreo-sized device' in its statement. The device was made by NASA and was fitted on Vikram lander as part of the international collaboration.</p>

<p>"NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) achieved a laser range measurement using the LRA by successfully detecting signals reflected by it on December 12, 2023. The ranging utilized the Lunar Orbiter Laser Altimeter (LOLA) on the LRO. The observation occurred during lunar night time, with the LRO ascending to the east of Chandrayaan-3," ISRO said.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/japan-moon-sniper-spacecraft-touches-down-on-lunar-surface-681656">Japan's 'Moon Sniper' successfully lands on lunar surface, but solar cells not generating power</a></strong></p>

<p>Several LRAs have been deployed on the Moon since exploration of Earth's only natural satellite began decades ago. But what makes the LRA on board Vikram special is, it is the only one near the Moon's south pole.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/turkeys-first-astronaut-launched-on-flight-to-international-space-station-681841">Turkey's first astronaut launched on flight to International Space Station</a></strong></p>

<p>"NASA’s LRA on Chandrayaan-3’s Vikram lander will continue to serve as a long-term geodetic station and a location marker on the lunar surface, benefitting current and future lunar missions. These measurements, apart from helping in precise determination of spacecraft’s orbital position, will help refine the lunar geodetic frame, revealing insights into the Moon's dynamics, internal structure, and gravitational anomalies." said ISRO in its statement.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


This may sound very romantic had the entire affair not involved cutting edge science jargon. But the development is notable indeed. USA's National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) have collaborated on many a space-related scientific endeavours and the latest is another one in the long list.

This may sound very romantic had the entire affair not involved cutting edge science jargon. But the development is notable indeed. USA's National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) have collaborated on many a space-related scientific endeavours and the latest is another one in the long list. Right now, NASA has an orbiter revolving around the Moon while the ISRO has an orbiter as well as a lander on the surface of the Moon. The 'Vikram' lander had a successful soft landing near Moon's south pole, putting India in the elite club of a handful of countries. ISRO and NASA both, made announcement about the latest experiment. "For the first time at the Moon, a laser beam was transmitted and reflected between an orbiting NASA spacecraft and an Oreo-sized device on ISRO’s (Indian Space Research Organisation) Vikram lander on the lunar surface. The successful experiment opens the door to a new style of precisely locating targets on the Moon’s surface," said NASA in its statement. Watch | Japan's 'Moon Sniper' achieves historic lunar landing × India's rover has a Laser Retroreflector Array (LRA) fitted on it. The LRA is the exact thing NASA is referring to as 'Oreo-sized device' in its statement. The device was made by NASA and was fitted on Vikram lander as part of the international collaboration. "NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) achieved a laser range measurement using the LRA by successfully detecting signals reflected by it on December 12, 2023. The ranging utilized the Lunar Orbiter Laser Altimeter (LOLA) on the LRO. The observation occurred during lunar night time, with the LRO ascending to the east of Chandrayaan-3," ISRO said. Also Read | Japan's 'Moon Sniper' successfully lands on lunar surface, but solar cells not generating power Several LRAs have been deployed on the Moon since exploration of Earth's only natural satellite began decades ago. But what makes the LRA on board Vikram special is, it is the only one near the Moon's south pole. Also Read | Turkey's first astronaut launched on flight to International Space Station "NASA’s LRA on Chandrayaan-3’s Vikram lander will continue to serve as a long-term geodetic station and a location marker on the lunar surface, benefitting current and future lunar missions. These measurements, apart from helping in precise determination of spacecraft’s orbital position, will help refine the lunar geodetic frame, revealing insights into the Moon's dynamics, internal structure, and gravitational anomalies." said ISRO in its statement. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA’s orbiter ‘pings’ ISRO’s Chandrayaan-3 on the Moon 

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<p>Turkey's first astronaut Alper Gezeravci and three other astronauts representing Europe were launched on a flight to the International Space Station (ISS) on Thursday (Jan 18). According to a report by the news agency Reuters on Friday, a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule carrying the Axiom quartet lifted off atop a Falcon 9 rocket from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida.</p>

<p>Crew Dragon was expected to reach the International Space Station (ISS) early on Saturday morning and dock with the outpost orbiting some 400 kilometres above Earth and currently occupied by seven regular crew members.</p>

<p>Responding to congratulations from mission control, flight commander Michael López-Alegría radioed back from the Crew Dragon, "As I was saying, it's a team sport. Thank you, guys."</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/astrobotic-loses-contact-with-peregrine-lunar-lander-681453">Astrobotic's Peregrine lander burns up after failing Moon mission</a></strong></p>

<p>This mission, called&nbsp;Ax-3,&nbsp;was arranged by Texas-based startup Axiom Space. It was the third such flight organised by Axiom over the past two years as the company builds on its business of putting astronauts sponsored by foreign governments and private enterprises into Earth's orbit.</p>

<h2><strong>Who is Alper Gezeravci?</strong></h2>

<p>Gezeravci, 44, is a Turkish Air Force veteran and holds the rank of a colonel. Turkey was poised to enter the exclusive but expanding club of ISS-guest countries by sending Gezeravci on his nation's debut human spaceflight as an Ax-3 mission specialist.</p>

<p>His three other colleagues aboard the flight are Italian Air Force Colonel Walter Villadei, 49, Ax-3's designated pilot; Swedish aviator Marcus Wandt, 43, another mission specialist; and López-Alegría, 65, a retired NASA astronaut and dual citizen of Spain and the United States.</p>

<p><img alt="File photo." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="38e14646-53f2-4b3c-88b5-b7d47e7304b6" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design_29.png" /></p>

<p><em><strong>Photo:&nbsp;Walter Villadei of Italy, Mission Specialist Alper Gezeravci of Turkey, and ESA (European&nbsp;Space&nbsp;Agency) project astronaut Marcus Wandt of Sweden in Cape Canaveral</strong></em></p>

<p>The crew will conduct&nbsp;over 30 scientific experiments, many of them focused on the effects of spaceflight on human health and disease, Reuters reported.</p>

<p>If all goes smoothly, the four astronauts will be welcomed aboard ISS on Saturday by the seven members of the station's current regular crew - two Americans from NASA, one astronaut each from Japan and Denmark, and three Russian cosmonauts.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Turkey's first astronaut Alper Gezeravci and three other astronauts representing Europe were launched on a flight to the International Space Station (ISS) on Thursday (Jan 18).

Turkey's first astronaut Alper Gezeravci and three other astronauts representing Europe were launched on a flight to the International Space Station (ISS) on Thursday (Jan 18). According to a report by the news agency Reuters on Friday, a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule carrying the Axiom quartet lifted off atop a Falcon 9 rocket from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida. Crew Dragon was expected to reach the International Space Station (ISS) early on Saturday morning and dock with the outpost orbiting some 400 kilometres above Earth and currently occupied by seven regular crew members. Responding to congratulations from mission control, flight commander Michael López-Alegría radioed back from the Crew Dragon, "As I was saying, it's a team sport. Thank you, guys." Also read: Astrobotic's Peregrine lander burns up after failing Moon mission This mission, called Ax-3, was arranged by Texas-based startup Axiom Space. It was the third such flight organised by Axiom over the past two years as the company builds on its business of putting astronauts sponsored by foreign governments and private enterprises into Earth's orbit. Who is Alper Gezeravci? Gezeravci, 44, is a Turkish Air Force veteran and holds the rank of a colonel. Turkey was poised to enter the exclusive but expanding club of ISS-guest countries by sending Gezeravci on his nation's debut human spaceflight as an Ax-3 mission specialist. His three other colleagues aboard the flight are Italian Air Force Colonel Walter Villadei, 49, Ax-3's designated pilot; Swedish aviator Marcus Wandt, 43, another mission specialist; and López-Alegría, 65, a retired NASA astronaut and dual citizen of Spain and the United States. Photo: Walter Villadei of Italy, Mission Specialist Alper Gezeravci of Turkey, and ESA (European Space Agency) project astronaut Marcus Wandt of Sweden in Cape Canaveral The crew will conduct over 30 scientific experiments, many of them focused on the effects of spaceflight on human health and disease, Reuters reported. If all goes smoothly, the four astronauts will be welcomed aboard ISS on Saturday by the seven members of the station's current regular crew - two Americans from NASA, one astronaut each from Japan and Denmark, and three Russian cosmonauts. (With inputs from agencies)

Turkey’s first astronaut launched on flight to International Space Station

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<p>Pittsburgh-based&nbsp;Astrobotic Technology's lunar lander&nbsp;Peregrine burnt up as it re-entered Earth. Peregrine was expected to conclude its journey at around 4 pm ET on Thursday as it smashed into Earth's atmosphere over a remote area of the South Pacific Ocean, CNN reported on Friday (Jan 19)</p>

<p>Astrobotic Technology announced early in the day that it lost contact with the Peregrine lunar lander on Thursday afternoon. In a post on X, Astrobotic said, "As expected, Astrobotic lost telemetry with the Peregrine lander at around 3.50 pm EST. While this indicates the vehicle completed its controlled re-entry over open water in the South Pacific at 4.04 pm EST, we await independent confirmation from government entities."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The company further said that it would address a press conference later on Friday where it will provide a post-flight update. In a subsequent post on X, Astrobotic shared a video of the Peregrine filming a video of Earth after its successful separation from the ULA's Vulcan rocket.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/peregrine-landers-journey-to-end-in-collision-with-earth-681312">Peregrine lander's journey to end in collision with Earth</a></strong></p>

<p>"Counterclockwise from top left centre is the DHL MoonBox, Astroscale's Pocari Sweat Lunar Dream Time Capsule, &amp; Peregrine landing leg. Background: our big blue marble, Earth!" it said.</p>

<h2><strong>Peregrine would fail to make soft landing on Moon</strong></h2>

<p>The Peregrine lander was launched successfully on Jan 8 from Cape Canaveral, Florida, but suffered a propulsion system issue en route to the Moon.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">(2/2)Peregrine captured this video moments after successful separation from <a href="https://twitter.com/ulalaunch?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ulalaunch</a> Vulcan rocket. Counterclockwise from top left center is the DHL MoonBox, Astroscale's Pocari Sweat Lunar Dream Time Capsule, &amp; Peregrine landing leg. Background: our big blue marble, Earth! <a href="https://t.co/1y4OsosNDp">pic.twitter.com/1y4OsosNDp</a></p>
— Astrobotic (@astrobotic) <a href="https://twitter.com/astrobotic/status/1748149981263892664?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 19, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>A day after the launch, Astrobotic announced that Peregrine would fail to make a soft landing on the Moon after springing a propellant leak in the first few hours of its journey in space.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch:&nbsp;Why is NASA pushing back Moon mission timelines?</strong></p>

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<p>On Friday, the lander was recorded firing its thrusters on its way to re-entry above Australia. It carried seven NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) instruments that were meant to inspect the lunar surface.</p>

<h2><strong>A space race to Moon</strong></h2>

<p>As part of its Artemis mission, the United States has been planning to put astronauts back on the Moon in late 2026, while China has been planning to do the same by 2030. Before humans arrive (on the Moon), both the space powers are planning to first send several smaller robotic missions to examine the moon's surface, a report by the news agency Reuters said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Last week, NASA Chief Bill Nelson said that China had a very aggressive plan (over the Moon mission). "I think they would like to land before us because that might give them some PR coup. But the fact is, I don't think they will," Nelson said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Pittsburgh-based Astrobotic Technology's lunar lander Peregrine burnt up as it re-entered Earth. Peregrine was expected to conclude its journey at around 4 pm ET on Thursday as it smashed into Earth's atmosphere over a remote area of the South Pacific Ocean, CNN reported on Friday (Jan 19) Astrobotic Technology announced early in the day that it lost contact with the Peregrine lunar lander on Thursday afternoon.

Pittsburgh-based Astrobotic Technology's lunar lander Peregrine burnt up as it re-entered Earth. Peregrine was expected to conclude its journey at around 4 pm ET on Thursday as it smashed into Earth's atmosphere over a remote area of the South Pacific Ocean, CNN reported on Friday (Jan 19) Astrobotic Technology announced early in the day that it lost contact with the Peregrine lunar lander on Thursday afternoon. In a post on X, Astrobotic said, "As expected, Astrobotic lost telemetry with the Peregrine lander at around 3.50 pm EST. While this indicates the vehicle completed its controlled re-entry over open water in the South Pacific at 4.04 pm EST, we await independent confirmation from government entities." The company further said that it would address a press conference later on Friday where it will provide a post-flight update. In a subsequent post on X, Astrobotic shared a video of the Peregrine filming a video of Earth after its successful separation from the ULA's Vulcan rocket. Also read: Peregrine lander's journey to end in collision with Earth "Counterclockwise from top left centre is the DHL MoonBox, Astroscale's Pocari Sweat Lunar Dream Time Capsule, & Peregrine landing leg. Background: our big blue marble, Earth!" it said. Peregrine would fail to make soft landing on Moon The Peregrine lander was launched successfully on Jan 8 from Cape Canaveral, Florida, but suffered a propulsion system issue en route to the Moon. (2/2)Peregrine captured this video moments after successful separation from @ulalaunch Vulcan rocket. Counterclockwise from top left center is the DHL MoonBox, Astroscale's Pocari Sweat Lunar Dream Time Capsule, & Peregrine landing leg. Background: our big blue marble, Earth! pic.twitter.com/1y4OsosNDp — Astrobotic (@astrobotic) January 19, 2024 × A day after the launch, Astrobotic announced that Peregrine would fail to make a soft landing on the Moon after springing a propellant leak in the first few hours of its journey in space. Also watch: Why is NASA pushing back Moon mission timelines? × On Friday, the lander was recorded firing its thrusters on its way to re-entry above Australia. It carried seven NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) instruments that were meant to inspect the lunar surface. A space race to Moon As part of its Artemis mission, the United States has been planning to put astronauts back on the Moon in late 2026, while China has been planning to do the same by 2030. Before humans arrive (on the Moon), both the space powers are planning to first send several smaller robotic missions to examine the moon's surface, a report by the news agency Reuters said. Last week, NASA Chief Bill Nelson said that China had a very aggressive plan (over the Moon mission). "I think they would like to land before us because that might give them some PR coup. But the fact is, I don't think they will," Nelson said. (With inputs from agencies)

US: Astrobotic's Peregrine lander burns up after failing Moon mission

According to report published by Space Capital, Space Startup funding witnessed a jump in 2023 Q4. Watch to know more!

Space startups investments surpass $17.9 billion in 2023, says Report

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<p>A rock resembling the logo from Star Trek was discovered by NASA's Curiosity rover on Mars.&nbsp;</p>

<p>NASA's long-running Curiosity captured the image of a Mars rock that looks similar to the iconic delta-shaped Starfleet emblem that officers wear on their uniforms in the sci-fi series. While it is illogical to say that a Starfleet landing party walked near Curiosity's roving grounds, Star Trek fans are thrilled to see the symbol on the Red Planet's surface.&nbsp;</p>

<p>An amateur astronomer, Stuart Atkinson, spotted the Star Trek symbol and joked about it on X. He wrote, "I bet the Star Trek fans on the @MarsCuriosity team smiled like Cheshire Cats when they saw this new image appear on their screens." To this, an X user replied, "This must be their head office in mars.."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/chinese-researchers-clone-rhesus-monkey-with-new-technique-different-from-what-used-in-dolly-the-sheep-680806" target="_blank">Rhesus monkey cloned using new technique different from what was used for Dolly the sheep</a></p>

<p>NASA's Curiosity rover has been on Mars since 2012 and continues to capture and investigate the life there. Currently, it is climbing a mountain nicknamed Mount Sharp (Aeolis Mons) as part of a mission to analyse the layers entrenched in it to know how water flowed on Mars several years ago.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In September 2023, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory officials said, "Different layers of Mount Sharp represent different eras of Martian history. As Curiosity ascends, scientists learn more about how the landscape changed over time." The statement added that the rover was in a sulphate-packed zone, which might be "the highest elevation layer it will ever visit."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/chinese-startup-develops-coin-sized-nuclear-battery-that-can-last-up-to-50-years-without-charging-680562">Chinese startup develops coin-sized nuclear battery that can last up to ‘50 years without charging’</a></p>

<p>According to the mission's blog, the rover captured the image of the Starfleet symbol when it was about to do "contact science on a flat block of dark-toned bedrock." The blog stated that one of its goals is to study the "composition and texture of the dark bands we've been observing from orbit" using various instruments.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After the Curiosity rover's success at the Gale Crater, NASA sent a follow-up rover mission, named Perseverance, to the Jezero Crater on Mars in 2020. Perseverance aims to hunt for evidence of ancient life on the Red Planet.&nbsp;</p>

<p>NASA also aims to launch another mission to bring the caches of rocks collected by Perseverance. However, funding and technology have pushed the expected return date to 2031.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A rock resembling the logo from Star Trek was discovered by NASA's Curiosity rover on Mars. NASA's long-running Curiosity captured the image of a Mars rock that looks similar to the iconic delta-shaped Starfleet emblem that officers wear on their uniforms in the sci-fi series.

A rock resembling the logo from Star Trek was discovered by NASA's Curiosity rover on Mars. NASA's long-running Curiosity captured the image of a Mars rock that looks similar to the iconic delta-shaped Starfleet emblem that officers wear on their uniforms in the sci-fi series. While it is illogical to say that a Starfleet landing party walked near Curiosity's roving grounds, Star Trek fans are thrilled to see the symbol on the Red Planet's surface. An amateur astronomer, Stuart Atkinson, spotted the Star Trek symbol and joked about it on X. He wrote, "I bet the Star Trek fans on the @MarsCuriosity team smiled like Cheshire Cats when they saw this new image appear on their screens." To this, an X user replied, "This must be their head office in mars.." ALSO READ | Rhesus monkey cloned using new technique different from what was used for Dolly the sheep NASA's Curiosity rover has been on Mars since 2012 and continues to capture and investigate the life there. Currently, it is climbing a mountain nicknamed Mount Sharp (Aeolis Mons) as part of a mission to analyse the layers entrenched in it to know how water flowed on Mars several years ago. In September 2023, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory officials said, "Different layers of Mount Sharp represent different eras of Martian history. As Curiosity ascends, scientists learn more about how the landscape changed over time." The statement added that the rover was in a sulphate-packed zone, which might be "the highest elevation layer it will ever visit." ALSO READ | Chinese startup develops coin-sized nuclear battery that can last up to ‘50 years without charging’ According to the mission's blog, the rover captured the image of the Starfleet symbol when it was about to do "contact science on a flat block of dark-toned bedrock." The blog stated that one of its goals is to study the "composition and texture of the dark bands we've been observing from orbit" using various instruments. After the Curiosity rover's success at the Gale Crater, NASA sent a follow-up rover mission, named Perseverance, to the Jezero Crater on Mars in 2020. Perseverance aims to hunt for evidence of ancient life on the Red Planet. NASA also aims to launch another mission to bring the caches of rocks collected by Perseverance. However, funding and technology have pushed the expected return date to 2031. (With inputs from agencies)

Mars rock resembling iconic Star Trek symbol snapped by NASA’s Curiosity rover

<p>Almost two decades after the launch of NASA’s Stardust, the sample collected from the mission reveals some astonishingly new facts that no one expected. The minuscule sample collected from a known comet through the 1999 mission hides centuries of data in it, new findings suggest in the journal Geochemistry.</p>

<p>NASA’s Stardust mission was launched in 1999 to collect material from a comet called Wild 2. It was believed that the intriguing comet was formed beyond Neptune, which is currently said to be orbiting the Sun between Mars and Jupiter.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/tibet-may-be-splitting-apart-due-to-colossal-tectonic-collision-underneath-himalayas-680676">Tibet may be splitting apart due to colossal tectonic collision underneath Himalayas</a></p>

<p>For years, scientists intricately analysed the first samples brought from&nbsp;Wild 2 to understand the origin of the comet. But to everyone’s surprise, the icy object’s interior came out to be a blueprint of the universe.</p>

<h2><strong>Minuscule cosmic sample that contains ages of history</strong></h2>

<p>When Stardust brought back a comet sample to Earth, many scientists opined that its rocky inside material might be made up of the primordial dust that built the solar system. This was one of the reasons why the mission was named ‘stardust’.</p>

<p>But the actual samples told a different story- Wild 2 contained a potpourri of dust that formed from different events early in the solar system's history.</p>

<p>The research was published by Ryan Ogliore, an associate professor of physics in Arts &amp; Sciences at Washington University in St. Louis who has been studying the Stardust samples for several years.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/a-joint-cicada-explosion-is-happening-after-221-years-and-wont-occur-again-for-over-400-years-680695">Big Bug Bang: US to see 'double cicada explosion' that won't happen for next 400 years</a></p>

<p>For Ogliore, the discovery that Wild 2 contained a record of "local" events was exciting.</p>

<p>"The comet was a witness to the events that shaped the solar system into what we see today," he said.</p>

<p>The comet, being kept in cold storage for nearly its entire lifetime, protected it from any alteration from heat and water.</p>

<p>"Comet Wild 2 contains things we've never seen in meteorites, like unusual carbon-iron assemblages, and the precursors to igneous spherules that make up the most common type of meteorite," Ogliore said. "And all of these objects have been exquisitely preserved within Wild 2."</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/chinese-researchers-clone-rhesus-monkey-with-new-technique-different-from-what-used-in-dolly-the-sheep-680806">Chinese researchers clone rhesus monkey with new technique, different from what used in Dolly the sheep</a></p>

<p>The discovery was made after interrogating the comet samples for nearly two decades. The amount of sample was so minuscule, less than one milligram (a grain of sand), that it required high precision to extract data from it.</p>

<p>Every part of that miniature sample has a different story&nbsp;and it was a time-consuming process to analyse the extracted parts as well, says Ogliore.</p>

<p>Most of the Wild 2 particles are still unstudied and certainly hold many more surprises.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs&nbsp;from agencies)</em></p>


Almost two decades after the launch of NASA’s Stardust, the sample collected from the mission reveals some astonishingly new facts that no one expected. The minuscule sample collected from a known comet through the 1999 mission hides centuries of data in it, new findings suggest in the journal Geochemistry.

Almost two decades after the launch of NASA’s Stardust, the sample collected from the mission reveals some astonishingly new facts that no one expected. The minuscule sample collected from a known comet through the 1999 mission hides centuries of data in it, new findings suggest in the journal Geochemistry. NASA’s Stardust mission was launched in 1999 to collect material from a comet called Wild 2. It was believed that the intriguing comet was formed beyond Neptune, which is currently said to be orbiting the Sun between Mars and Jupiter. Also Read | Tibet may be splitting apart due to colossal tectonic collision underneath Himalayas For years, scientists intricately analysed the first samples brought from Wild 2 to understand the origin of the comet. But to everyone’s surprise, the icy object’s interior came out to be a blueprint of the universe. Minuscule cosmic sample that contains ages of history When Stardust brought back a comet sample to Earth, many scientists opined that its rocky inside material might be made up of the primordial dust that built the solar system. This was one of the reasons why the mission was named ‘stardust’. But the actual samples told a different story- Wild 2 contained a potpourri of dust that formed from different events early in the solar system's history. The research was published by Ryan Ogliore, an associate professor of physics in Arts & Sciences at Washington University in St. Louis who has been studying the Stardust samples for several years. Also Read | Big Bug Bang: US to see 'double cicada explosion' that won't happen for next 400 years For Ogliore, the discovery that Wild 2 contained a record of "local" events was exciting. "The comet was a witness to the events that shaped the solar system into what we see today," he said. The comet, being kept in cold storage for nearly its entire lifetime, protected it from any alteration from heat and water. "Comet Wild 2 contains things we've never seen in meteorites, like unusual carbon-iron assemblages, and the precursors to igneous spherules that make up the most common type of meteorite," Ogliore said. "And all of these objects have been exquisitely preserved within Wild 2." Also Read | Chinese researchers clone rhesus monkey with new technique, different from what used in Dolly the sheep The discovery was made after interrogating the comet samples for nearly two decades. The amount of sample was so minuscule, less than one milligram (a grain of sand), that it required high precision to extract data from it. Every part of that miniature sample has a different story and it was a time-consuming process to analyse the extracted parts as well, says Ogliore. Most of the Wild 2 particles are still unstudied and certainly hold many more surprises. (With inputs from agencies)

Astonishing! Sample from Wild 2 comet is a blueprint of the universe

<p>The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and European Space Agency (ESA) announced that the Hubble Space Telescope released an image of a "monster merger" of two galaxies.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The image features Arp 122, which is a peculiar galaxy that in fact comprises two galaxies – NGC 6040, the tilted, warped spiral galaxy and LEDA 59642, the round, face-on spiral.&nbsp;</p>

<p>What's interesting is that NASA has said that both galaxies are in the midst of a collision — similar to the Andromeda–Milky Way prediction, which is said to occur in about 4.5 billion years.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/astronauts-reveal-what-space-smells-like-and-its-stinkier-than-youd-expect-679866">Astronauts reveal what space smells like, and it’s stinkier than you’d expect</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>This prediction is expected between the two largest galaxies in the Local Group—the Milky Way, which contains the Solar System and Earth, and the Andromeda Galaxy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, the galactic collisions and mergers are a slow process and would take hundreds of millions of years to unfold.&nbsp;</p>

<p>NASA's report mentioned that the dramatic cosmic encounter is located roughly 570 million light-years from Earth, which is a very safe distance.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It added that at the lower-left corner is the elliptical galaxy NGC 6041, which is a central member of the galaxy cluster that Arp 122 resides in, but otherwise not participating in the merger.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/south-aegean-volcanic-arc-was-far-more-dangerous-and-explosive-suggests-new-evidence-680464">An eruption over 520,000 years ago shows South Aegean Volcanic Arc was far more dangerous</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>The announcement read: "Galaxies are composed of stars and their solar systems, dust, gas, and invisible dark matter. In galactic collisions, therefore, these constituent components may experience enormous changes in the gravitational forces acting on them."&nbsp;</p>

<p>It added, "In time, this completely changes the structure of the two (or more) colliding galaxies, and sometimes ultimately results in a single, merged galaxy. That may well be what results from the collision pictured in this image."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Galaxies formed by mergers are considered to have a regular or elliptical structure, as the merging process disturbs more complicated structures. NASA said in its post: "It would be fascinating to know what Arp 122 will look like once this collision is complete… but that will not happen for a long, long time."&nbsp;</p>


The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and European Space Agency (ESA) announced that the Hubble Space Telescope released an image of a "monster merger" of two galaxies.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and European Space Agency (ESA) announced that the Hubble Space Telescope released an image of a "monster merger" of two galaxies. The image features Arp 122, which is a peculiar galaxy that in fact comprises two galaxies – NGC 6040, the tilted, warped spiral galaxy and LEDA 59642, the round, face-on spiral. What's interesting is that NASA has said that both galaxies are in the midst of a collision — similar to the Andromeda–Milky Way prediction, which is said to occur in about 4.5 billion years. Also read: Astronauts reveal what space smells like, and it’s stinkier than you’d expect This prediction is expected between the two largest galaxies in the Local Group—the Milky Way, which contains the Solar System and Earth, and the Andromeda Galaxy. Notably, the galactic collisions and mergers are a slow process and would take hundreds of millions of years to unfold. NASA's report mentioned that the dramatic cosmic encounter is located roughly 570 million light-years from Earth, which is a very safe distance. It added that at the lower-left corner is the elliptical galaxy NGC 6041, which is a central member of the galaxy cluster that Arp 122 resides in, but otherwise not participating in the merger. Also read: An eruption over 520,000 years ago shows South Aegean Volcanic Arc was far more dangerous The announcement read: "Galaxies are composed of stars and their solar systems, dust, gas, and invisible dark matter. In galactic collisions, therefore, these constituent components may experience enormous changes in the gravitational forces acting on them." It added, "In time, this completely changes the structure of the two (or more) colliding galaxies, and sometimes ultimately results in a single, merged galaxy. That may well be what results from the collision pictured in this image." Galaxies formed by mergers are considered to have a regular or elliptical structure, as the merging process disturbs more complicated structures. NASA said in its post: "It would be fascinating to know what Arp 122 will look like once this collision is complete… but that will not happen for a long, long time."

Hubble captures ‘monster merger’ of two galaxies. Is this the future of Milky Way?

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