<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidSoMZ9UQcWRRB" /><meta charset="utf-8" /></p>

<p>Jupiter, the largest planet in our solar system, has been a topic of fascination among astronomers for decades. A whopping 95 Jupiter moons have been&nbsp;officially discovered and recognised to date. These moons have generated an equal amount of interest, especially lo, the one that sees intense volcanic activity.</p>

<p>Juno, the NASA spacecraft orbiting Jupiter,&nbsp;has captured some extremely close images of Jupiter's tortured moon, Io, the most volcanic world in our solar system. These images are unlike anything you have ever seen and might even give you the shivers.</p>

<p>Juno, on December 30, was just some 930 miles (1.500 kilometres) away from Jupiter's volcanic moon. Juno has moved progressively closer to Io over the last year. In space terms, this distance is quite close, only three times farther than the Hubble telescope orbits Earth.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">On Dec. 30, our <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JunoMission?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JunoMission</a> made its closest-ever approach to Jupiter’s moon Io, soaring about 930 miles (1,500 km) above the solar system’s most volcanic world.<br />
<br />
Juno captured Io’s molten surface and will return for another look in February: <a href="https://t.co/UnZpyaFMsC">https://t.co/UnZpyaFMsC</a> <a href="https://t.co/NO4iGndmZ0">pic.twitter.com/NO4iGndmZ0</a></p>
— NASA (@NASA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASA/status/1742310312571760843?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 2, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Juno survived the extreme radiation around the gas giant to make the near pass and captured impressive images of volcanoes on Jupiter's volcano-blanketed moon. Such high levels of radiation could damage the spacecraft's instruments. For example, a radiation surge during an Io flyby caused the loss of some pictures in 2022.</p>

<p>In 2016, NASA's Alas arrived around Jupiter and endured after following a 1,740-million-mile journey.</p>

<p>Professional and amateur image processors working for NASA or related space research programmes have processed the images sent by NASA's Juno, removing the noise and distortion. Over the two decades, these images are the closest views of Io captured.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>About NASA's Juno</strong></h2>

<p>Juno has performed 56 flybys of Jupiter, documenting close encounters with three of its four largest moons. Juno's principal investigator, Scott Bolton of the Southwest Research Institute in San Antonio, Texas, said, "By combining data from this flyby with our previous observations, the Juno science team is studying how Io's volcanoes vary."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/perihelion-day-2024-when-earth-is-closest-to-the-sun-all-you-need-to-know-about-astronomical-event-675924">Perihelion Day 2024: When Earth is closest to the Sun | All you need to know about astronomical event</a></p>

<p>Using Juno, researchers will study Io's volcanoes, including their eruption frequencies, brightness, temperatures, and changes in the shape of the lava flow. They will also use the spacecraft to study how Io's activity connects to the flow of charged particles in Jupiter's magnetosphere.&nbsp;</p>
<img alt="Montage of all 5 images of Io taken by NASA Juno 's JunoCAM instrument during the PJ49 encounter on December 30." data-align="center" data-caption="Montage of all 5 images of Io taken by NASA Juno 's JunoCAM instrument during the PJ49 encounter on December 30." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4ec455bd-c1bc-4e18-9586-ebf611fbeb06" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Jupiter%27s%20Io%20%282%29.png" />
<p>Juno will make another close flyby on February 3.</p>

<p>Juno is a part of NASA's New Frontiers Program, managed at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, for the agency's Science Mission Directorate in Washington. Researchers at NASA will also use Juno to find the source of Io's massive volcanic activity. They will also study the significance of tidal forces from Jupiter, which relentlessly squeeze the tortured moon.</p>

<p>NASA's spacecraft has been watching Io's volcanic activities from distances ranging from about 6,830 miles (11,000 kilometres) to over 62,100 miles (100,000 kilometres). Juo gave the first glimpse of the moon's north and south poles. It has also made close flybys of Jupiter's icy moons, Ganymede and Europa.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Jupiter, the largest planet in our solar system, has been a topic of fascination among astronomers for decades. A whopping 95 Jupiter moons have been officially discovered and recognised to date.

Jupiter, the largest planet in our solar system, has been a topic of fascination among astronomers for decades. A whopping 95 Jupiter moons have been officially discovered and recognised to date. These moons have generated an equal amount of interest, especially lo, the one that sees intense volcanic activity. Juno, the NASA spacecraft orbiting Jupiter, has captured some extremely close images of Jupiter's tortured moon, Io, the most volcanic world in our solar system. These images are unlike anything you have ever seen and might even give you the shivers. Juno, on December 30, was just some 930 miles (1.500 kilometres) away from Jupiter's volcanic moon. Juno has moved progressively closer to Io over the last year. In space terms, this distance is quite close, only three times farther than the Hubble telescope orbits Earth. On Dec. 30, our #JunoMission made its closest-ever approach to Jupiter’s moon Io, soaring about 930 miles (1,500 km) above the solar system’s most volcanic world. Juno captured Io’s molten surface and will return for another look in February: https://t.co/UnZpyaFMsC pic.twitter.com/NO4iGndmZ0 — NASA (@NASA) January 2, 2024 × Juno survived the extreme radiation around the gas giant to make the near pass and captured impressive images of volcanoes on Jupiter's volcano-blanketed moon. Such high levels of radiation could damage the spacecraft's instruments. For example, a radiation surge during an Io flyby caused the loss of some pictures in 2022. In 2016, NASA's Alas arrived around Jupiter and endured after following a 1,740-million-mile journey. Professional and amateur image processors working for NASA or related space research programmes have processed the images sent by NASA's Juno, removing the noise and distortion. Over the two decades, these images are the closest views of Io captured. About NASA's Juno Juno has performed 56 flybys of Jupiter, documenting close encounters with three of its four largest moons. Juno's principal investigator, Scott Bolton of the Southwest Research Institute in San Antonio, Texas, said, "By combining data from this flyby with our previous observations, the Juno science team is studying how Io's volcanoes vary." ALSO READ | Perihelion Day 2024: When Earth is closest to the Sun | All you need to know about astronomical event Using Juno, researchers will study Io's volcanoes, including their eruption frequencies, brightness, temperatures, and changes in the shape of the lava flow. They will also use the spacecraft to study how Io's activity connects to the flow of charged particles in Jupiter's magnetosphere. Juno will make another close flyby on February 3. Juno is a part of NASA's New Frontiers Program, managed at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, for the agency's Science Mission Directorate in Washington. Researchers at NASA will also use Juno to find the source of Io's massive volcanic activity. They will also study the significance of tidal forces from Jupiter, which relentlessly squeeze the tortured moon. NASA's spacecraft has been watching Io's volcanic activities from distances ranging from about 6,830 miles (11,000 kilometres) to over 62,100 miles (100,000 kilometres). Juo gave the first glimpse of the moon's north and south poles. It has also made close flybys of Jupiter's icy moons, Ganymede and Europa. (With inputs from agencies)

These closest-ever photos of Jupiter's moon blasting lava will give you cold shivers

Rewind 2023: NASA's James Webb telescope clicked some really good images

NASA's Parker Solar Probe is set to race past the sun at a godly speed of 195 km/s, or 435,000 mph on December 24, 2024.

NASA’s Parker Solar Probe plans to ‘touch the Sun’ in 2024

<p>As the world eagerly anticipates the dawn of 2024, NASA is setting the stage for a year filled with groundbreaking missions, lunar explorations, and a giant leap toward Mars. The space agency's motto for the year, "Onward and Upward," is capturing the essence of its ambitious agenda.</p>

<p>In a captivating video released on its website, NASA outlined a spectacular lineup of missions that promise to push the boundaries of space exploration.</p>

<p>“Landing science on the Moon, demonstrating quiet supersonic aircraft, and launching two new Earth climate satellites, plus a mission to Europa, one of Jupiter’s icy moons, are just a few of the milestones we have planned for 2024,” NASA declared in a statement.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IGuHErKAiHs?si=l6r2P9REJqrQpw38" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>The Artemis lunar rover, named VIPER (Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover), is set to touch down on the Moon's South Pole in late 2024. This mobile robot will embark on a 100-day mission into the Moon's extreme environment in search of ice and potential resources and provide crucial details for future human space exploration.</p>

<p>The Artemis mission, a key component of NASA's 2024 agenda, will mark historic milestones by landing the first woman and the first person of colour on the Moon.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-overeating-during-christmas-dont-go-for-quick-fix-weight-loss-jabs-warn-experts-674856">Overeating during Christmas? Don't go for quick-fix weight loss jabs, warn experts</a></p>

<p>These missions will make use of innovative technologies to explore more lunar surfaces than ever before, with an overarching goal of establishing the first long-term human presence on the Moon. The knowledge gained from these endeavours will serve as a springboard for the next monumental achievement: sending astronauts to Mars.</p>

<p>To achieve these ambitious goals, NASA will have the expertise of Axiom Space, which will provide spacesuits for moonwalkers during the Artemis III mission.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/watch-nasas-curiosity-rover-records-dawn-to-dusk-video-on-mars-674781">NASA's Curiosity rover records 'dawn to dusk' video on Mars</a></p>

<p>This collaboration will underscore the importance of cutting-edge technology in ensuring the success of lunar explorations.</p>

<p>Moreover, NASA's Boeing Crew Flight Test (CFT) mission to the International Space Station (ISS) is set to take centre stage in 2024. Two astronaut test pilots will participate in this mission, living and working off the Earth for about a week. This mission will be a critical step in NASA's continuous efforts to expand human presence beyond our planet.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


As the world eagerly anticipates the dawn of 2024, NASA is setting the stage for a year filled with groundbreaking missions, lunar explorations, and a giant leap toward Mars.

As the world eagerly anticipates the dawn of 2024, NASA is setting the stage for a year filled with groundbreaking missions, lunar explorations, and a giant leap toward Mars. The space agency's motto for the year, "Onward and Upward," is capturing the essence of its ambitious agenda. In a captivating video released on its website, NASA outlined a spectacular lineup of missions that promise to push the boundaries of space exploration. “Landing science on the Moon, demonstrating quiet supersonic aircraft, and launching two new Earth climate satellites, plus a mission to Europa, one of Jupiter’s icy moons, are just a few of the milestones we have planned for 2024,” NASA declared in a statement. × The Artemis lunar rover, named VIPER (Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover), is set to touch down on the Moon's South Pole in late 2024. This mobile robot will embark on a 100-day mission into the Moon's extreme environment in search of ice and potential resources and provide crucial details for future human space exploration. The Artemis mission, a key component of NASA's 2024 agenda, will mark historic milestones by landing the first woman and the first person of colour on the Moon. Also Read | Overeating during Christmas? Don't go for quick-fix weight loss jabs, warn experts These missions will make use of innovative technologies to explore more lunar surfaces than ever before, with an overarching goal of establishing the first long-term human presence on the Moon. The knowledge gained from these endeavours will serve as a springboard for the next monumental achievement: sending astronauts to Mars. To achieve these ambitious goals, NASA will have the expertise of Axiom Space, which will provide spacesuits for moonwalkers during the Artemis III mission. Also Read | NASA's Curiosity rover records 'dawn to dusk' video on Mars This collaboration will underscore the importance of cutting-edge technology in ensuring the success of lunar explorations. Moreover, NASA's Boeing Crew Flight Test (CFT) mission to the International Space Station (ISS) is set to take centre stage in 2024. Two astronaut test pilots will participate in this mission, living and working off the Earth for about a week. This mission will be a critical step in NASA's continuous efforts to expand human presence beyond our planet. (With inputs from agencies)

WATCH | Moon landings, giant leap on Mars, and more... NASA reveals its 2024 plans

<p lang="en-US">NASA's Parker Solar Probe is set to race past the sun at a godly speed of 195 km/s, or 435,000 mph on December 24, 2024.</p>

<p lang="en-US">Till now, no human-made object has got so close to the surface of the Sun. The probe will be just 6.1 million km, or 3.8 million miles away from the star's boiling surface.</p>

<p lang="en-US">Speaking to BBC News, Parker project scientist Dr Nour Raouafi said, “We are basically almost landing on a star.”</p>

<p lang="en-US">"This will be a monumental achievement for all humanity. This is equivalent to the Moon landing of 1969," said the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory scientist, while speaking to BBC News.</p>

<p lang="en-US"><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/sun-releases-strong-x-class-solar-flare-most-powerful-since-2017-669820">Sun releases strongest X-class solar flare since 2017, radio blackout reported over Americas</a></p>

<p lang="en-US">The probe will get its speed from the immense gravitational pull which it feels as it will move towards the Sun. It will be similar to flying from New York to London in just 30 seconds.</p>

<h2 lang="en-US"><strong>Parker Solar Probe and its unearthly challenges</strong></h2>

<p lang="en-US">The Parker Solar Probe of the US Space Agency is one of the most audacious missions to be ever launched. The probe was launched in 2018 and its goal is to make repeated and closer passes of the Sun.</p>

<p lang="en-US">The kind of challenges the probe will face in this mission will be huge. At perihelion, which is the point in the orbit of the probe when it is closest to the star, the temperature on the spacecraft's front will probably reach 1,400ºC.</p>

<p lang="en-US">The strategy of Parker is to get in and out quickly while taking measurements of the solar environment using a suite of instruments which are deployed from behind a thick heat shield.</p>

<p lang="en-US"><strong>Watch:&nbsp;New evidence suggests size of the Sun could be smaller, says report</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/new-evidence-suggests-size-of-the-sun-could-be-smaller-says-report-world-news-wion-656872/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p lang="en-US">The researchers have been hoping that they will get a breakthrough in their knowledge of a few key solar processes. Speaking about the mission, Dr Raouafi said, "This takes on a new dimension, especially now that we're thinking of sending women and men back to the Moon and even setting up a permanent presence on the lunar surface.”</p>

<p lang="en-US">Meanwhile, lead scientist on Parker Dr Nicky Fox, while speaking to BBC News said, "We don't know what we'll find, but we'll be looking for waves in the solar wind associated with the heating. I suspect we'll sense lots of different types of waves which would point to a mix of processes that people have been arguing over for years."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


NASA's Parker Solar Probe is set to race past the sun at a godly speed of 195 km/s, or 435,000 mph on December 24, 2024. Till now, no human-made object has got so close to the surface of the Sun.

NASA's Parker Solar Probe is set to race past the sun at a godly speed of 195 km/s, or 435,000 mph on December 24, 2024. Till now, no human-made object has got so close to the surface of the Sun. The probe will be just 6.1 million km, or 3.8 million miles away from the star's boiling surface. Speaking to BBC News, Parker project scientist Dr Nour Raouafi said, “We are basically almost landing on a star.” "This will be a monumental achievement for all humanity. This is equivalent to the Moon landing of 1969," said the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory scientist, while speaking to BBC News. Also read: Sun releases strongest X-class solar flare since 2017, radio blackout reported over Americas The probe will get its speed from the immense gravitational pull which it feels as it will move towards the Sun. It will be similar to flying from New York to London in just 30 seconds. Parker Solar Probe and its unearthly challenges The Parker Solar Probe of the US Space Agency is one of the most audacious missions to be ever launched. The probe was launched in 2018 and its goal is to make repeated and closer passes of the Sun. The kind of challenges the probe will face in this mission will be huge. At perihelion, which is the point in the orbit of the probe when it is closest to the star, the temperature on the spacecraft's front will probably reach 1,400ºC. The strategy of Parker is to get in and out quickly while taking measurements of the solar environment using a suite of instruments which are deployed from behind a thick heat shield. Watch: New evidence suggests size of the Sun could be smaller, says report The researchers have been hoping that they will get a breakthrough in their knowledge of a few key solar processes. Speaking about the mission, Dr Raouafi said, "This takes on a new dimension, especially now that we're thinking of sending women and men back to the Moon and even setting up a permanent presence on the lunar surface.” Meanwhile, lead scientist on Parker Dr Nicky Fox, while speaking to BBC News said, "We don't know what we'll find, but we'll be looking for waves in the solar wind associated with the heating. I suspect we'll sense lots of different types of waves which would point to a mix of processes that people have been arguing over for years." (With inputs from agencies)

<p>A roadmap was laid out by NASA for addressing major aspects in the development of a robotic system which can explore icy moons with water oceans and are able to crack their thick, icy shells and explore subsurface seas in the hunt for life.<br />
<br />
The space agency recently revealed results from a NASA-sponsored workshop, which was held in February, in which scientists and engineers had collected to hold a discussion around possible "cryobot" mission concepts.<br />
<br />
Scientists have been aiming to crack through the icy exteriors of moons present in the solar system, like Saturn's moon Enceladus or Jupiter's moon Europa, and drop a probe within that which can analyse the underlying liquid ocean.<br />
<br />
The cryobot concept which scientists are trying to explore is similar to drilling into a world and involves the use of a cylindrical device which has been dispatched at the surface of an icy ocean world. The device is expected to melt the ice and slip down slowly as water flows around it and refreezes.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-begins-mission-to-detect-god-of-chaos-asteroid-before-it-hits-earths-orbit-673950">Asteroid Apophis to flyby Earth in first of its kind encounter in recorded history</a></p>

<p>These probes, which use&nbsp;"thermal drilling" technique, have been commonly employed for investigating glaciers and ice caps which are present on Earth. However, the icy shells present in Europa and Enceladus are colder and thicker and the behavioural patterns of these places are far less predictable.<br />
<br />
The focus of researchers has been parlaying current terrestrial thermal drilling operations into extraterrestrial environments through cryobots and NASA's Scientific Exploration Subsurface Access Mechanism for Europa (SESAME) and Concepts for Ocean Worlds Life Detection Technology (COLDTech) programmes.<br />
<br />
Through time, humans have learned much about the ice-capped ocean worlds and hence, the workshop organised at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) gave the scientists the chance to get involved in these projects to reconvene and ensure that these developments include&nbsp;robot mission architecture.</p>

<h2><strong>Finding traces of life in water bodies</strong></h2>

<p>It is known that life is dependent on many important molecules, compounds, and elements and most importantly water. Now, the discovery made by scientists that water overflowed on the arid landscape of Mars offers the inarguably exciting opportunity to discover remains of ancient life.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;NASA streams an ultra-high-definition video of a cat back to Earth from deep space</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nasa-streams-an-ultra-high-definition-video-of-a-cat-back-to-earth-from-deep-space-671832/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>However, ocean moons like Europa and Enceladus provide a chance for discovering worlds which are currently habitable and may be actually hosting living things in their waters. Even though they are likely to be microbial, if found it will be revolutionary.<br />
<br />
As per NASA, the Caltech workshop has helped in the identification of four key aspects which will help in creating the roadmap for the alien-water-world-exploring robot's development. Those aspects are communication, mobility, thermal capability and power.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A roadmap was laid out by NASA for addressing major aspects in the development of a robotic system which can explore icy moons with water oceans and are able to crack their thick, icy shells and explore subsurface seas in the hunt for life.

A roadmap was laid out by NASA for addressing major aspects in the development of a robotic system which can explore icy moons with water oceans and are able to crack their thick, icy shells and explore subsurface seas in the hunt for life. The space agency recently revealed results from a NASA-sponsored workshop, which was held in February, in which scientists and engineers had collected to hold a discussion around possible "cryobot" mission concepts. Scientists have been aiming to crack through the icy exteriors of moons present in the solar system, like Saturn's moon Enceladus or Jupiter's moon Europa, and drop a probe within that which can analyse the underlying liquid ocean. The cryobot concept which scientists are trying to explore is similar to drilling into a world and involves the use of a cylindrical device which has been dispatched at the surface of an icy ocean world. The device is expected to melt the ice and slip down slowly as water flows around it and refreezes. Also read: Asteroid Apophis to flyby Earth in first of its kind encounter in recorded history These probes, which use "thermal drilling" technique, have been commonly employed for investigating glaciers and ice caps which are present on Earth. However, the icy shells present in Europa and Enceladus are colder and thicker and the behavioural patterns of these places are far less predictable. The focus of researchers has been parlaying current terrestrial thermal drilling operations into extraterrestrial environments through cryobots and NASA's Scientific Exploration Subsurface Access Mechanism for Europa (SESAME) and Concepts for Ocean Worlds Life Detection Technology (COLDTech) programmes. Through time, humans have learned much about the ice-capped ocean worlds and hence, the workshop organised at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) gave the scientists the chance to get involved in these projects to reconvene and ensure that these developments include robot mission architecture. Finding traces of life in water bodies It is known that life is dependent on many important molecules, compounds, and elements and most importantly water. Now, the discovery made by scientists that water overflowed on the arid landscape of Mars offers the inarguably exciting opportunity to discover remains of ancient life. Watch: NASA streams an ultra-high-definition video of a cat back to Earth from deep space However, ocean moons like Europa and Enceladus provide a chance for discovering worlds which are currently habitable and may be actually hosting living things in their waters. Even though they are likely to be microbial, if found it will be revolutionary. As per NASA, the Caltech workshop has helped in the identification of four key aspects which will help in creating the roadmap for the alien-water-world-exploring robot's development. Those aspects are communication, mobility, thermal capability and power. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA moving forward with plans to get robots to drill into icy moons of other planets

<p>NASA relaunched a mission to study&nbsp;the “God of Chaos” asteroid as it started coming closer to the orbit of Earth.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A spacecraft, which had recently returned from deep space, was returned by NASA to carry out three studies.&nbsp;</p>

<p>NASA’s spacecraft OSIRIS-REx - which has been named the OSIRIS-APEX - was sent off to study the extremely close flyby of asteroid Apophis&nbsp;in 2029, the like&nbsp;of which “hasn’t happened since the dawn of recorded history,” announced NASA.</p>

<p>The spacecraft came back to Earth in September after it collected samples from space rock Bennu for seven years.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Apophis, also called the “God of Chaos”, is likely to fly close to Earth on April 13, 2029, and will be only 20,000 miles away, which is closer in comparison to a few manmade satellites and will be visible in the Eastern Hemisphere.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-says-an-asteroid-has-come-near-earth-check-details-673517">NASA says an asteroid has come near Earth, check details</a></p>

<p>The space rock, which measures nearly 370 yards across, approaches the Earth every 7,500 years.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The gravity of Earth will affect the space rock as it comes close to the orbit and OSIRIS-APEX will understand the aftermath to see “how its surface changes,” as per Amy Simon, the mission’s project scientist.</p>

<h2><strong>Earth to alter length of day on asteroid</strong></h2>

<p>The Earth’s effects are likely to change the length of the asteroid's day, which at present is around 30.6 hours per day. It can also lead to landslides and quakes on the "God of Chaos".</p>

<p>"We know that tidal forces and the accumulation of rubble pile material are foundational processes that could play a role in planet formation,” said Dani Mendoza DellaGiustina, principal investigator for OSIRIS-APEX at the University of Arizona in Tucson, in a statement.</p>

<p>"They could inform how we got from debris in the early solar system to full-blown planets," DellaGiustina added. On April 13, 2029, the spacecraft will meet the S-type asteroid, but will not land on its surface, and will “operate in proximity” to it for the next 18 months.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;WION Rewind India's moments of glory: India creates Lunar history with Chandrayaan-3</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-rewind-indias-moments-of-glory-india-creates-lunar-history-with-chandrayaan-3-672955/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>NASA said that the spacecraft would not only look to observe the surface changes but would also map the surface and analyse the chemical makeup of the rock.</p>

<p>The spacecraft will also go within 16 feet of the surface of the rock so that its thrusters can be fired downwards to see what has stirred it up and provide scientists with a “peek at the material that lies below.”</p>

<p>Even though the rock is still five years away from coming close to the Earth, scientists will keep tracking it as it reaches its first of six close passes with the sun.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


NASA relaunched a mission to study the “God of Chaos” asteroid as it started coming closer to the orbit of Earth. A spacecraft, which had recently returned from deep space, was returned by NASA to carry out three studies.

NASA relaunched a mission to study the “God of Chaos” asteroid as it started coming closer to the orbit of Earth. A spacecraft, which had recently returned from deep space, was returned by NASA to carry out three studies. NASA’s spacecraft OSIRIS-REx - which has been named the OSIRIS-APEX - was sent off to study the extremely close flyby of asteroid Apophis in 2029, the like of which “hasn’t happened since the dawn of recorded history,” announced NASA. The spacecraft came back to Earth in September after it collected samples from space rock Bennu for seven years. Apophis, also called the “God of Chaos”, is likely to fly close to Earth on April 13, 2029, and will be only 20,000 miles away, which is closer in comparison to a few manmade satellites and will be visible in the Eastern Hemisphere. Also read: NASA says an asteroid has come near Earth, check details The space rock, which measures nearly 370 yards across, approaches the Earth every 7,500 years. The gravity of Earth will affect the space rock as it comes close to the orbit and OSIRIS-APEX will understand the aftermath to see “how its surface changes,” as per Amy Simon, the mission’s project scientist. Earth to alter length of day on asteroid The Earth’s effects are likely to change the length of the asteroid's day, which at present is around 30.6 hours per day. It can also lead to landslides and quakes on the "God of Chaos". "We know that tidal forces and the accumulation of rubble pile material are foundational processes that could play a role in planet formation,” said Dani Mendoza DellaGiustina, principal investigator for OSIRIS-APEX at the University of Arizona in Tucson, in a statement. "They could inform how we got from debris in the early solar system to full-blown planets," DellaGiustina added. On April 13, 2029, the spacecraft will meet the S-type asteroid, but will not land on its surface, and will “operate in proximity” to it for the next 18 months. Watch: WION Rewind India's moments of glory: India creates Lunar history with Chandrayaan-3 NASA said that the spacecraft would not only look to observe the surface changes but would also map the surface and analyse the chemical makeup of the rock. The spacecraft will also go within 16 feet of the surface of the rock so that its thrusters can be fired downwards to see what has stirred it up and provide scientists with a “peek at the material that lies below.” Even though the rock is still five years away from coming close to the Earth, scientists will keep tracking it as it reaches its first of six close passes with the sun. (With inputs from agencies)

Asteroid Apophis to flyby Earth in first of its kind encounter in recorded history

<p>The year 2023 saw some pretty 'out there' moments that at first glance seem like something right out of a sci-fi book. From the space rock being dropped to our planet Earth, to a dangerous journey underwater that took a tragic turn, here are some moments from the departing year that belong in the science fiction aisle of a library.</p>

<h2><strong>Titan Submersible Implosion&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>On June 18th, Titan, a submersible carrying five passengers, embarked on a fascinating expedition to view the wreck of Titanic, a ship known for its tragic end. However, merely 1 hour and 45 minutes into the dive, the submersible lost contact with its mother ship, the 'Polar Prince'.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Four days after it went missing, a remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROV) discovered debris containing parts of Titan. It was found merely 500 metres (1,640.42 feet) from the bow of the Titanic.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-lets-rewind-2023-to-medical-breakthroughs-that-gave-world-hope-668897">Explained | Let's 'Rewind 2023' to medical breakthroughs that gave the world hope</a></strong></p>

<p>The Coast Guard announcing the discovery of debris said that it indicated the Titan's implosion and the instantaneous loss of all onboard — Stockton Rush, the founder and CEO of OceanGate; Hamish Harding, a British airline executive; Paul-Henri Nargeolet, a renowned French scientist and Titanic expert; and Shahzada and Suleman Dawood, a father-son duo.</p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/07/03/364126-new-wion-58.png?imwidth=3840" /></p>

<h2><strong>Alien Mummies in Mexico</strong></h2>

<p>On September 13, journalist and UFO enthusiast Jaime Maussan presented the specimens at a Mexico congressional event on UFOs or FANIs in Spanish.</p>

<p>At the time, Maussan said that the bodies believed to have been found near the mysterious ancient Nazca lines in Peru were not related to life on Earth.</p>

<p>As expected, the scientific community had its doubts. However, in November, at a Congressional hearing in Mexico, researchers declared that the previously displayed three-fingered Peruvian mummies were authentic. However, they cautiously steered away from certifying the remains' extraterrestrial origins.</p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/11/08/391965-new-wion-2023-11-08t162956628.jpg?imwidth=3840" /></p>

<h2><strong>NASA's First-Ever Report on UFOs</strong></h2>

<p>September was truly a month of extraterrestrials. Apart from the Peruvian mummies that month, NASA also unveiled a report on UFOs (Unidentified Flying Objects), or UAPs (Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena).</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/web-stories/trending/8-aigenerated-images-that-went-viral-in-2023-1702466372303" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/web-stories/trending/8-aigenerated-images-that-went-viral-in-2023-1702466372303&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwis1e6UibKDAxVZTmwGHV1_D9AQFnoECAcQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw2O8NmctanKgzpaYTcgG0pX" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/web-stories/trending/8-aigenerated-images-that-went-viral-in-2023-1702466372303" target="_blank">Rewind 2023: 8 AI-Generated Images That Went Viral This Year</a></strong></p>

<p>In its report, the US space agency said that it did not find any evidence that the recently reported a spate of UFOs were of extraterrestrial origin. However, Bill Nelson, Administrator of NASA, said that the finding does not mean that the space agency is denying the possibility of life existing elsewhere in the universe.</p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/05/17/352229-new-wion-77.png?imwidth=3840" /></p>

<h2><strong>A Special Delivery From Space</strong></h2>

<p>In October, NASA successfully brought to the Earth the largest soil sample scooped from the surface of an asteroid called Bennu. The materials, dating back around 4.5 billion years, were collected by NASA's OSIRIS-REx probe in 2020. Finally, this year, the precious samples travelled some 67,000 miles (107,826.05 kilometres) to touch down on Earth.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"That was the moment I knew we made it home... For me, the real science is just beginning," said the Osiris-Rex mission's principal investigator Dante Lauretta at the time.</p>

<p>The celestial specimen can potentially hold answers to questions like how Earth became habitable and much more as&nbsp;asteroid samples, are composed of the 'original materials of the solar system' and are considered relics of the early solar system.&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/09/24/381732-untitled-design-2023-09-24t210010052.png?imwidth=3840" /></p>

<h2><strong>Crashing Into The Moon</strong></h2>

<p>You've heard of car crashes, but 2023 was the year of a space crash. In August, Russia's first moon mission in 47 years failed, with the Luna-25 spacecraft spinning out of control and crashing into the moon.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The spacecraft sought to land on the Moon's South Pole, and collect geological samples from the lunar surface. This was seen as a precursor to the eventual human colony on the moon.</p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/09/01/376706-copy-of-untitled-4.png?imwidth=3840" /></p>

<h2><strong>Dark Side of the Moon&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Soon after Russia failed, India succeeded in landing on the South Pole or the dark side of the moon. On August 23, the Chandrayaan-3 mission, with its lander Vikram and rover Pragyan, made the historic achievement, making India the first country to touch down on the unexplored side of the Earth's lunar satellite. Not just that, India also etched its name in history as only the fourth nation to touch the lunar surface.&nbsp;<br />
<img alt="Chandrayaan 3" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7765fb88-73fa-4349-a58f-24daee16d22d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/New%20wion%20%2878%29.jpg" /></p>

<h2><strong>Mysterious Object Haunts Australia Beach</strong></h2>

<p>In July, a large mysterious object was found on a remote West Australian beach. Initially, it was thought to be rocket debris from India's moon mission, Chandrayaan-3. However, India denied any links to the object and the origins of this object still remain unknown. It was eventually moved to a secret location.</p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/07/19/368161-new-wion40.png?imwidth=3840" /></p>

<h2><strong>Life on Mars?</strong></h2>

<p>In October, NASA announced that it had found evidence that points towards the existence of life on Mars… once upon a time. Examining data collected by NASA's Mars Curiosity Rover, a team of researchers deduced that the planet in ancient times had a huge network of rivers flowing with life-giving water.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We're finding evidence that Mars was likely a planet of rivers," said the research's lead author, Benjamin Cardenas, a geoscientist at Penn State University. The findings were published in Geophysical Research Letters.</p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/10/26/389117-new-wion-13.jpg?imwidth=3840" /></p>


The year 2023 saw some pretty 'out there' moments that at first glance seem like something right out of a sci-fi book. From the space rock being dropped to our planet Earth, to a dangerous journey underwater that took a tragic turn, here are some moments from the departing year that belong in the science fiction aisle of a library.

The year 2023 saw some pretty 'out there' moments that at first glance seem like something right out of a sci-fi book. From the space rock being dropped to our planet Earth, to a dangerous journey underwater that took a tragic turn, here are some moments from the departing year that belong in the science fiction aisle of a library. Titan Submersible Implosion On June 18th, Titan, a submersible carrying five passengers, embarked on a fascinating expedition to view the wreck of Titanic, a ship known for its tragic end. However, merely 1 hour and 45 minutes into the dive, the submersible lost contact with its mother ship, the 'Polar Prince'. Four days after it went missing, a remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROV) discovered debris containing parts of Titan. It was found merely 500 metres (1,640.42 feet) from the bow of the Titanic. Also read | Explained | Let's 'Rewind 2023' to medical breakthroughs that gave the world hope The Coast Guard announcing the discovery of debris said that it indicated the Titan's implosion and the instantaneous loss of all onboard — Stockton Rush, the founder and CEO of OceanGate; Hamish Harding, a British airline executive; Paul-Henri Nargeolet, a renowned French scientist and Titanic expert; and Shahzada and Suleman Dawood, a father-son duo. Alien Mummies in Mexico On September 13, journalist and UFO enthusiast Jaime Maussan presented the specimens at a Mexico congressional event on UFOs or FANIs in Spanish. At the time, Maussan said that the bodies believed to have been found near the mysterious ancient Nazca lines in Peru were not related to life on Earth. As expected, the scientific community had its doubts. However, in November, at a Congressional hearing in Mexico, researchers declared that the previously displayed three-fingered Peruvian mummies were authentic. However, they cautiously steered away from certifying the remains' extraterrestrial origins. NASA's First-Ever Report on UFOs September was truly a month of extraterrestrials. Apart from the Peruvian mummies that month, NASA also unveiled a report on UFOs (Unidentified Flying Objects), or UAPs (Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena). Also read | Rewind 2023: 8 AI-Generated Images That Went Viral This Year In its report, the US space agency said that it did not find any evidence that the recently reported a spate of UFOs were of extraterrestrial origin. However, Bill Nelson, Administrator of NASA, said that the finding does not mean that the space agency is denying the possibility of life existing elsewhere in the universe. A Special Delivery From Space In October, NASA successfully brought to the Earth the largest soil sample scooped from the surface of an asteroid called Bennu. The materials, dating back around 4.5 billion years, were collected by NASA's OSIRIS-REx probe in 2020. Finally, this year, the precious samples travelled some 67,000 miles (107,826.05 kilometres) to touch down on Earth. "That was the moment I knew we made it home... For me, the real science is just beginning," said the Osiris-Rex mission's principal investigator Dante Lauretta at the time. The celestial specimen can potentially hold answers to questions like how Earth became habitable and much more as asteroid samples, are composed of the 'original materials of the solar system' and are considered relics of the early solar system. Crashing Into The Moon You've heard of car crashes, but 2023 was the year of a space crash. In August, Russia's first moon mission in 47 years failed, with the Luna-25 spacecraft spinning out of control and crashing into the moon. The spacecraft sought to land on the Moon's South Pole, and collect geological samples from the lunar surface. This was seen as a precursor to the eventual human colony on the moon. Dark Side of the Moon Soon after Russia failed, India succeeded in landing on the South Pole or the dark side of the moon. On August 23, the Chandrayaan-3 mission, with its lander Vikram and rover Pragyan, made the historic achievement, making India the first country to touch down on the unexplored side of the Earth's lunar satellite. Not just that, India also etched its name in history as only the fourth nation to touch the lunar surface. Mysterious Object Haunts Australia Beach In July, a large mysterious object was found on a remote West Australian beach. Initially, it was thought to be rocket debris from India's moon mission, Chandrayaan-3. However, India denied any links to the object and the origins of this object still remain unknown. It was eventually moved to a secret location. Life on Mars? In October, NASA announced that it had found evidence that points towards the existence of life on Mars… once upon a time. Examining data collected by NASA's Mars Curiosity Rover, a team of researchers deduced that the planet in ancient times had a huge network of rivers flowing with life-giving water. "We're finding evidence that Mars was likely a planet of rivers," said the research's lead author, Benjamin Cardenas, a geoscientist at Penn State University. The findings were published in Geophysical Research Letters.

Rewind 2023: Moments this year that seemed straight out of science fiction

<p>As the world celebrated Christmas, the European Space Agency (ESA) shared a stunning image following "Santa's path" through the cosmos.</p>

<p>Sadly, the image, which was captured by the James Webb Space Telescope, is just the European Space Agency&nbsp;jumping onto the Christmas bandwagon. However, that doesn't discount the glorious, ethereal beauty of the picture.</p>

<p>"On 25 December 2021, an Ariane 5 rocket followed Santa Claus and launched @esawebb into space. Today, Webb brings what looks like the path left by Santa's sleigh," writes ESA.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-says-an-asteroid-has-come-near-earth-check-details-673517">NASA says an asteroid has come near Earth, check details</a></strong></p>

<p>The image which has quite predictably garnered significant attention on social media is actually of the Herbig-Haro objects. In merely 13 hours, the stunning image got more than 12,780 likes, with the numbers rolling up every minute. &nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What are Herbig Haro objects?</strong></h2>

<p>As per the ESA, "Herbig-Haro objects are luminous regions surrounding newborn stars (known as protostars), and are formed when stellar winds or jets of gas spewing from these newborn stars form shockwaves colliding with nearby gas and dust at high speeds."</p>

<p>"HH 797, which dominates the lower half of this image, is located close to the young open star cluster IC 348, which is located near the eastern edge of the Perseus dark cloud complex. The bright infrared objects in the upper portion of the image are thought to host two further protostars," it adds.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/japans-moon-sniper-enters-lunar-orbit-on-christmas-sets-stage-for-landing-on-jan-20-next-year-673453">Japan's 'Moon Sniper' enters lunar orbit on Christmas, sets stage for landing on Jan 20 next year</a></strong></p>

<p>Furthermore, the space agency details that using ground-based observations, "researchers have previously found that for cold molecular gas associated with HH 797, most of the red-shifted gas (moving away from us) is found to the south (bottom right), while the blue-shifted gas (moving towards us) is to the north (bottom left)."</p>

<p>Awestruck by the glorious display of stars, netizens left comments like "What a magnificence", and "magical", while others pointed out that it looked like a snake or a spaghetti monster.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


As the world celebrated Christmas, the European Space Agency (ESA) shared a stunning image following "Santa's path" through the cosmos. Sadly, the image, which was captured by the James Webb Space Telescope, is just the European Space Agency jumping onto the Christmas bandwagon.

As the world celebrated Christmas, the European Space Agency (ESA) shared a stunning image following "Santa's path" through the cosmos. Sadly, the image, which was captured by the James Webb Space Telescope, is just the European Space Agency jumping onto the Christmas bandwagon. However, that doesn't discount the glorious, ethereal beauty of the picture. "On 25 December 2021, an Ariane 5 rocket followed Santa Claus and launched @esawebb into space. Today, Webb brings what looks like the path left by Santa's sleigh," writes ESA. Also read | NASA says an asteroid has come near Earth, check details The image which has quite predictably garnered significant attention on social media is actually of the Herbig-Haro objects. In merely 13 hours, the stunning image got more than 12,780 likes, with the numbers rolling up every minute. What are Herbig Haro objects? As per the ESA, "Herbig-Haro objects are luminous regions surrounding newborn stars (known as protostars), and are formed when stellar winds or jets of gas spewing from these newborn stars form shockwaves colliding with nearby gas and dust at high speeds." "HH 797, which dominates the lower half of this image, is located close to the young open star cluster IC 348, which is located near the eastern edge of the Perseus dark cloud complex. The bright infrared objects in the upper portion of the image are thought to host two further protostars," it adds. Also read | Japan's 'Moon Sniper' enters lunar orbit on Christmas, sets stage for landing on Jan 20 next year Furthermore, the space agency details that using ground-based observations, "researchers have previously found that for cold molecular gas associated with HH 797, most of the red-shifted gas (moving away from us) is found to the south (bottom right), while the blue-shifted gas (moving towards us) is to the north (bottom left)." Awestruck by the glorious display of stars, netizens left comments like "What a magnificence", and "magical", while others pointed out that it looked like a snake or a spaghetti monster. (With inputs from agencies)

ESA's Christmas gift: James Webb Telescope captures stunning image of 'Santa's Path'

<p>If asteroids made a whooshing sound every time one passed by our home planet, we'll have a highway-like&nbsp;scene in our immediate space neighbourhood. Asteroids are passing through inner solar system all the time, at least, more frequently than we can casually imagine. We can of course, be more than happy for the asteroids to whoosh past Earth and not slam directly into it. This is why space agencies across the world, NASA and more, have their lenses trained at asteroids in the Earth's vicinity.</p>

<p>So the latest one under the scanner is Asteroid 2020 KT4. This asteroid belongs to the Apollo group of asteroids. These are Near-Earth Asteroids. The asteroid has come in Earth's vicinity right in the holiday season. It is hurtling through space at a huge speed of 25,000 kilometres per hour. This makes it faster than even Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBM).</p>

<p><strong>Watch | NASA to take international astronauts to Lunar Space</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nasa-to-take-international-astronauts-to-lunar-space-672715/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>NASA says that this is not the first time Asteroid 2020 KT4 has come near Earth. It first said hello on October 4, 1906. At that time, it made a fly-by at a distance of about 72 million kilometres from Earth. After his travel past Earth in the Christmas season, it will again come close to Earth on July 8, 2024.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/how-safe-is-nuking-earh-bound-asteroid-scientists-create-simulation-to-answer-672511">How safe is nuking earth-bound asteroid? Scientists create simulation to answer</a></strong></p>

<p>The asteroid is the size of a big aircraft, it is about 250 feet wide.</p>

<h2><strong>Is there danger to us?</strong></h2>

<p>The asteroid has not been classified as Potentially Hazardous Object. It does not pose a threat to Earth.</p>

<p>We may normally dismiss asteroids as mere space rocks but they may have performed greater function. Scientists think that ingredients required for life on Earth were actually 'delivered' to Earth by asteroids and even comets.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasas-hubble-telescope-captures-mysterious-spokes-on-rings-of-saturn-672959">NASA's Hubble telescope captures mysterious spokes on rings of Saturn</a></strong></p>

<p>But the mode of 'delivery' of anything via asteroids may have involved direct collissions. Considering this, its probably good for us that such a delivery service has stopped, at least till now.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


If asteroids made a whooshing sound every time one passed by our home planet, we'll have a highway-like scene in our immediate space neighbourhood. Asteroids are passing through inner solar system all the time, at least, more frequently than we can casually imagine.

If asteroids made a whooshing sound every time one passed by our home planet, we'll have a highway-like scene in our immediate space neighbourhood. Asteroids are passing through inner solar system all the time, at least, more frequently than we can casually imagine. We can of course, be more than happy for the asteroids to whoosh past Earth and not slam directly into it. This is why space agencies across the world, NASA and more, have their lenses trained at asteroids in the Earth's vicinity. So the latest one under the scanner is Asteroid 2020 KT4. This asteroid belongs to the Apollo group of asteroids. These are Near-Earth Asteroids. The asteroid has come in Earth's vicinity right in the holiday season. It is hurtling through space at a huge speed of 25,000 kilometres per hour. This makes it faster than even Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBM). Watch | NASA to take international astronauts to Lunar Space × NASA says that this is not the first time Asteroid 2020 KT4 has come near Earth. It first said hello on October 4, 1906. At that time, it made a fly-by at a distance of about 72 million kilometres from Earth. After his travel past Earth in the Christmas season, it will again come close to Earth on July 8, 2024. Also Read | How safe is nuking earth-bound asteroid? Scientists create simulation to answer The asteroid is the size of a big aircraft, it is about 250 feet wide. Is there danger to us? The asteroid has not been classified as Potentially Hazardous Object. It does not pose a threat to Earth. We may normally dismiss asteroids as mere space rocks but they may have performed greater function. Scientists think that ingredients required for life on Earth were actually 'delivered' to Earth by asteroids and even comets. Also Read | NASA's Hubble telescope captures mysterious spokes on rings of Saturn But the mode of 'delivery' of anything via asteroids may have involved direct collissions. Considering this, its probably good for us that such a delivery service has stopped, at least till now. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA says an asteroid has come near Earth, check details

<p>Mars and everything around it have remained a topic of fascination for humanity since antiquity. The red planet, the hue of which is visible even with the naked eye has been a god, a planet of aliens, a planet of invaders and whatnot. Scientific study over decades has led to the conclusion that Mars indeed had water on its surface millions of years ago and possibly life. But conclusive proof of the latter is still to be found. But scientists are sure that Mars was a watery world once upon a time.</p>

<p>Perseverance, NASA's rover that's roaming on the Martian surface carrying out important observations, recently found evidence of gushing water.</p>

<p>NASA released a photo earlier this month. The image, captured by Prserverance's Mastcam-Z camera, shows a curious collection of rocks and pebbles strewn around in Mars' Jezero Crater.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | NASA to take international astronauts to Lunar Space</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nasa-to-take-international-astronauts-to-lunar-space-672715/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>The exact location? 'Castell Henllys' in the Jezero Crater. NASA has said that the rocks and pebbles visible in the photo were brought in by 'strong flood waters billions of years ago'.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasas-hubble-telescope-captures-mysterious-spokes-on-rings-of-saturn-672959">NASA's Hubble telescope captures mysterious spokes on rings of Saturn</a></strong></p>

<p>Among the important objectives of the Perseverance mission are those that deal with Astrobiology, which involves conclusive evidence of life on another planet.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/how-safe-is-nuking-earh-bound-asteroid-scientists-create-simulation-to-answer-672511">How safe is nuking earth-bound asteroid? Scientists create simulation to answer</a></strong></p>

<p>The 'life' may not always be the antenna-bearing aliens we've come to know through popular media but even conclusive proof of micro-organisms, or their fossils on Mars will be a groundbreaking discovery.</p>

<h2><strong>Why do we always search for water on other planets?</strong></h2>

<p>The answer is around us on our own planet. After the lifeless phase Earth endured in the very early years of its formation, life started in water in the form of microorganisms which then led to the formation of complex aquatic organisms. Scientists believe that animals and plants on land developed afterwards.</p>

<p>It is then almost a given that if a planet has water, there are greater chances of it developing life forms. Other than Mars, one of the favourite candidates for search for life is Europa, the satellite of Jupiter. Europa is a frozen world and scientists believe that there is a vast liquid ocean below the thick ice cover which may harbour life.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Mars and everything around it have remained a topic of fascination for humanity since antiquity. The red planet, the hue of which is visible even with the naked eye has been a god, a planet of aliens, a planet of invaders and whatnot.

Mars and everything around it have remained a topic of fascination for humanity since antiquity. The red planet, the hue of which is visible even with the naked eye has been a god, a planet of aliens, a planet of invaders and whatnot. Scientific study over decades has led to the conclusion that Mars indeed had water on its surface millions of years ago and possibly life. But conclusive proof of the latter is still to be found. But scientists are sure that Mars was a watery world once upon a time. Perseverance, NASA's rover that's roaming on the Martian surface carrying out important observations, recently found evidence of gushing water. NASA released a photo earlier this month. The image, captured by Prserverance's Mastcam-Z camera, shows a curious collection of rocks and pebbles strewn around in Mars' Jezero Crater. Watch | NASA to take international astronauts to Lunar Space × The exact location? 'Castell Henllys' in the Jezero Crater. NASA has said that the rocks and pebbles visible in the photo were brought in by 'strong flood waters billions of years ago'. Also Read | NASA's Hubble telescope captures mysterious spokes on rings of Saturn Among the important objectives of the Perseverance mission are those that deal with Astrobiology, which involves conclusive evidence of life on another planet. Also Read | How safe is nuking earth-bound asteroid? Scientists create simulation to answer The 'life' may not always be the antenna-bearing aliens we've come to know through popular media but even conclusive proof of micro-organisms, or their fossils on Mars will be a groundbreaking discovery. Why do we always search for water on other planets? The answer is around us on our own planet. After the lifeless phase Earth endured in the very early years of its formation, life started in water in the form of microorganisms which then led to the formation of complex aquatic organisms. Scientists believe that animals and plants on land developed afterwards. It is then almost a given that if a planet has water, there are greater chances of it developing life forms. Other than Mars, one of the favourite candidates for search for life is Europa, the satellite of Jupiter. Europa is a frozen world and scientists believe that there is a vast liquid ocean below the thick ice cover which may harbour life. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA's Perseverance rover finds evidence of flowing water on Mars

<p>NASA's Hubble Space Telescope captured a stunning image of Saturn which had an analogue-esque glow and slightly grainy appearance.<br />
<br />
The image was captured by the Hubble Space Telescope on October 22, 2023, which exposed a very interesting detail of the planet.<br />
<br />
When the image of the thick white inner band on the rings of Saturn was looked at carefully, shadowy appearances were seen which looked like dirty fingerprints.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-finds-energy-source-and-molecule-at-saturns-moon-enceladus-670221">NASA finds energy source and molecule at Saturn's moon Enceladus</a></p>

<p>These were said to be mysterious ring spokes around Saturn, nearly the size of Earth, which appeared to rotate along with the rings. However, scientists still need to discover what they are.</p>

<h2><strong>Spokes appear only in two or three rotations</strong></h2>

<p>The spokes remain visible only in two or three rotations around the planet after which they disappear. This means that capturing them has been a difficult task historically.<br />
<br />
Scientists had first spotted them in 1981 by Voyager 2 and it was again seen numerous times in the Cassini mission, which was orbiting around the planet from 2004 to 2017.<br />
<br />
Currently, Hubble has been observing this unusual feature under the Outer Planets Atmospheres Legacy (OPAL) programme which keeps on monitoring the weather on the gas giants of the solar system.<br />
<br />
"The leading theory is that spokes are tied to Saturn's powerful magnetic field, with some sort of solar interaction with the magnetic field that gives you the spokes," said OPAL program lead scientist Amy Simon of NASA's Goddard Space Flight Centre, in a statement.<br />
<br />
In the past images captured by the Hubble telescope, the spokes appeared seasonally and each season lasted for nearly seven years on Saturn.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Discovery of six-planet solar system amazes astronomers&nbsp;</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/discovery-of-six-planet-solar-system-amazes-astronomers-wion-664631/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>"We are heading towards Saturn equinox, when we'd expect maximum spoke activity, with higher frequency and darker spokes appearing over the next few years," Simon said.<br />
<br />
This is because the tilt of Saturn at the equinox orients the planet as well as its rings in a way that solar winds are able to collide with the magnetic field of the planet more forcefully, which results in more pronounced spokes.<br />
<br />
Scientists have been hoping that continued observation of Saturn and its rings by the Hubble telescope will help in understanding the mystery of the spokes.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


NASA's Hubble Space Telescope captured a stunning image of Saturn which had an analogue-esque glow and slightly grainy appearance. The image was captured by the Hubble Space Telescope on October 22, 2023, which exposed a very interesting detail of the planet.

NASA's Hubble Space Telescope captured a stunning image of Saturn which had an analogue-esque glow and slightly grainy appearance. The image was captured by the Hubble Space Telescope on October 22, 2023, which exposed a very interesting detail of the planet. When the image of the thick white inner band on the rings of Saturn was looked at carefully, shadowy appearances were seen which looked like dirty fingerprints. Also read: NASA finds energy source and molecule at Saturn's moon Enceladus These were said to be mysterious ring spokes around Saturn, nearly the size of Earth, which appeared to rotate along with the rings. However, scientists still need to discover what they are. Spokes appear only in two or three rotations The spokes remain visible only in two or three rotations around the planet after which they disappear. This means that capturing them has been a difficult task historically. Scientists had first spotted them in 1981 by Voyager 2 and it was again seen numerous times in the Cassini mission, which was orbiting around the planet from 2004 to 2017. Currently, Hubble has been observing this unusual feature under the Outer Planets Atmospheres Legacy (OPAL) programme which keeps on monitoring the weather on the gas giants of the solar system. "The leading theory is that spokes are tied to Saturn's powerful magnetic field, with some sort of solar interaction with the magnetic field that gives you the spokes," said OPAL program lead scientist Amy Simon of NASA's Goddard Space Flight Centre, in a statement. In the past images captured by the Hubble telescope, the spokes appeared seasonally and each season lasted for nearly seven years on Saturn. Watch: Discovery of six-planet solar system amazes astronomers "We are heading towards Saturn equinox, when we'd expect maximum spoke activity, with higher frequency and darker spokes appearing over the next few years," Simon said. This is because the tilt of Saturn at the equinox orients the planet as well as its rings in a way that solar winds are able to collide with the magnetic field of the planet more forcefully, which results in more pronounced spokes. Scientists have been hoping that continued observation of Saturn and its rings by the Hubble telescope will help in understanding the mystery of the spokes. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA's Hubble telescope captures mysterious spokes on rings of Saturn

International astronauts will be landing on the surface of the Moon as part of NASA's Artemis program. Vice President Kamala Harris announced this at the National Space Council meeting in Washington.

NASA to take international astronauts to Lunar Space

An international astronaut will be landing on the surface of the Moon as part of NASA's Artemis program. Vice President Kamala Harris announced this at the National Space Council meeting in Washington.

NASA's Artemis mission to take an international astronaut to Lunar Space

<p>NASA&nbsp;may look like a space agency that just keeps its lenses pointed at the sky to click pictures of distant galaxies. But the agency keeps on testing and developing new engines and space vehicles. And it&nbsp;successfully tested a 3D-printed engine&nbsp;on Wednesday (Dec 20). The innovation system of propulsion is called the Rotating Detonation Rocket Engine (RDRE).</p>

<p>'In fall 2023' as NASA put it, the RDRE was tested at the agency's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. The engine successfully completed a 251-second 'hot fire test,' said NASA. The engine generated more than 5800 pounds of thrust.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | NASA streams an ultra-high-definition video of a cat back to Earth from deep space</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nasa-streams-an-ultra-high-definition-video-of-a-cat-back-to-earth-from-deep-space-671832/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Such a sustained rocket burn is similar to one required for touchdown of a lander or even for a deep-space burn which would send a rocket say, from the Moon to Mars, according to Thomas Teasley, Marshall combustion devices engineer as quoted by NASA. Teasley is head of RDRE test effort at the center.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>A 'huge leap'</strong></h2>

<p>“The RDRE enables a huge leap in design efficiency,” he said. “It demonstrates we are closer to making lightweight propulsion systems that will allow us to send more mass and payload further into deep space, a critical component to NASA’s Moon to Mars vision.”</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/hubbles-spectacular-capture-shows-distant-spiral-galaxy-with-forbidden-light-671530">Celestial masterpiece: Forbidden light of distant spiral galaxy captured by Hubble</a></strong></p>

<p>The first hot fire test of the RDRE was carried out at the center in summer of 2022. For this, NASA teamed up with In Space LLC and Purdue University. In this test produced more than 4000 pounds of thrust for almost a minute.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/its-beginning-to-look-a-lot-like-cosmos-nasa-releases-breathtaking-image-of-a-cosmic-christmas-tree-671532">Cosmic Christmas tree stuns ahead of holidays in new image shared by NASA</a></strong></p>

<p>Teasly said that theh primary aim of the latest test was to gain better understanding about how to scale the combustor for different thrust classes, 'supporting engine systems of all types and maximizing the variety of missions it could serve.' These missions could include use of machinery from landers to upper stage engines to supersonic retropropulsion.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


NASA may look like a space agency that just keeps its lenses pointed at the sky to click pictures of distant galaxies. But the agency keeps on testing and developing new engines and space vehicles.

NASA may look like a space agency that just keeps its lenses pointed at the sky to click pictures of distant galaxies. But the agency keeps on testing and developing new engines and space vehicles. And it successfully tested a 3D-printed engine on Wednesday (Dec 20). The innovation system of propulsion is called the Rotating Detonation Rocket Engine (RDRE). 'In fall 2023' as NASA put it, the RDRE was tested at the agency's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. The engine successfully completed a 251-second 'hot fire test,' said NASA. The engine generated more than 5800 pounds of thrust. Watch | NASA streams an ultra-high-definition video of a cat back to Earth from deep space × Such a sustained rocket burn is similar to one required for touchdown of a lander or even for a deep-space burn which would send a rocket say, from the Moon to Mars, according to Thomas Teasley, Marshall combustion devices engineer as quoted by NASA. Teasley is head of RDRE test effort at the center. A 'huge leap' “The RDRE enables a huge leap in design efficiency,” he said. “It demonstrates we are closer to making lightweight propulsion systems that will allow us to send more mass and payload further into deep space, a critical component to NASA’s Moon to Mars vision.” Also Read | Celestial masterpiece: Forbidden light of distant spiral galaxy captured by Hubble The first hot fire test of the RDRE was carried out at the center in summer of 2022. For this, NASA teamed up with In Space LLC and Purdue University. In this test produced more than 4000 pounds of thrust for almost a minute. Also Read | Cosmic Christmas tree stuns ahead of holidays in new image shared by NASA Teasly said that theh primary aim of the latest test was to gain better understanding about how to scale the combustor for different thrust classes, 'supporting engine systems of all types and maximizing the variety of missions it could serve.' These missions could include use of machinery from landers to upper stage engines to supersonic retropropulsion. (With inputs from agencies)

'Huge Leap': NASA successfully tests 3D-printed rocket engine

<p>Japan's Jaxaspace agency is preparing to conduct groundbreaking tests using its Hayabusa2 spacecraft to showcase its ability to intercept and redirect fast-moving asteroids on a potential collision course with Earth.</p>

<p>Launched in 2014, Hayabusa2 made history with its dual touchdowns on the asteroid 1999 JU3, also known as Ryugu, situated an impressive 300 million km away from Earth in 2018.</p>

<h2><strong>In-depth analysis of Ryugu</strong></h2>

<p>Hayabusa2 spent approximately 18 months meticulously studying Ryugu, employing innovative techniques such as firing pellets onto the asteroid's surface and collecting samples ejected from its depths.</p>

<p>The collected samples were securely transported to Earth in a capsule, landing in the Australian Outback in 2020. Scientists continue their rigorous examination of these samples to unravel the asteroid's composition mysteries. Currently, the spacecraft is on an extended mission, scheduled until 2026, with its destination being the asteroid 2001 CC21, positioned over 12 million km away from Earth.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/christmas-constellation-nasa-hubble-telescope-clicks-galaxy-that-appears-in-festive-mood-672132">Also read |&nbsp;Christmas constellation? NASA's Hubble Telescope clicks galaxy that appears in festive mood</a></p>

<p>Jaxa's future plans for Hayabusa2 involve two significant flyby missions. In 2026, the spacecraft is set to rendezvous with the asteroid 2001 CC21, with both entities hurtling towards each other at an astounding speed of 5 km/s (18,000 km/h).</p>

<p>Following this, in 2031, Hayabusa2 is slated for a close encounter with the small, rapidly spinning asteroid 1998 KY26, whose size is comparable to that of a small school bus and whose orbit intersects with Earth's.</p>

<p>Jaxa acknowledges the distinctive challenges posed by asteroids like 1998 KY26, characterized by their "small and fast" attributes. The rapid rotation of such asteroids creates a unique physical environment near the surface, where centrifugal force surpasses gravitational pull. Jaxa aims to study this phenomenon as asteroids of this size collide with Earth every 100 to 1,000 years, potentially causing significant damage.</p>

<p>The upcoming flyby missions present a considerable challenge as Hayabusa2, initially designed for asteroid rendezvous, must now adapt to observing asteroids at high relative speeds from a distance.</p>

<p>Jaxa sees these missions as an opportunity to showcase technology akin to what would be required to collide a spacecraft into an asteroid, potentially altering its orbit. This technological feat aligns with Jaxa's broader objective of contributing to planetary defense efforts against potential asteroid threats.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;NASA streams an ultra-high-definition video of a cat back to Earth from deep space</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nasa-streams-an-ultra-high-definition-video-of-a-cat-back-to-earth-from-deep-space-671832/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>Building on NASA's success with the Dart mission, which demonstrated the kinetic impact method's potential to alter an asteroid's trajectory, Jaxa's upcoming tests add a new layer to the ongoing planetary defense experiments. In addition to kinetic impact, scientists worldwide are exploring alternative methods, including the deployment of nuclear devices on asteroids, to divert them away from potential collision courses with Earth.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Japan's Jaxaspace agency is preparing to conduct groundbreaking tests using its Hayabusa2 spacecraft to showcase its ability to intercept and redirect fast-moving asteroids on a potential collision course with Earth.

Japan's Jaxaspace agency is preparing to conduct groundbreaking tests using its Hayabusa2 spacecraft to showcase its ability to intercept and redirect fast-moving asteroids on a potential collision course with Earth. Launched in 2014, Hayabusa2 made history with its dual touchdowns on the asteroid 1999 JU3, also known as Ryugu, situated an impressive 300 million km away from Earth in 2018. In-depth analysis of Ryugu Hayabusa2 spent approximately 18 months meticulously studying Ryugu, employing innovative techniques such as firing pellets onto the asteroid's surface and collecting samples ejected from its depths. The collected samples were securely transported to Earth in a capsule, landing in the Australian Outback in 2020. Scientists continue their rigorous examination of these samples to unravel the asteroid's composition mysteries. Currently, the spacecraft is on an extended mission, scheduled until 2026, with its destination being the asteroid 2001 CC21, positioned over 12 million km away from Earth. Also read | Christmas constellation? NASA's Hubble Telescope clicks galaxy that appears in festive mood Jaxa's future plans for Hayabusa2 involve two significant flyby missions. In 2026, the spacecraft is set to rendezvous with the asteroid 2001 CC21, with both entities hurtling towards each other at an astounding speed of 5 km/s (18,000 km/h). Following this, in 2031, Hayabusa2 is slated for a close encounter with the small, rapidly spinning asteroid 1998 KY26, whose size is comparable to that of a small school bus and whose orbit intersects with Earth's. Jaxa acknowledges the distinctive challenges posed by asteroids like 1998 KY26, characterized by their "small and fast" attributes. The rapid rotation of such asteroids creates a unique physical environment near the surface, where centrifugal force surpasses gravitational pull. Jaxa aims to study this phenomenon as asteroids of this size collide with Earth every 100 to 1,000 years, potentially causing significant damage. The upcoming flyby missions present a considerable challenge as Hayabusa2, initially designed for asteroid rendezvous, must now adapt to observing asteroids at high relative speeds from a distance. Jaxa sees these missions as an opportunity to showcase technology akin to what would be required to collide a spacecraft into an asteroid, potentially altering its orbit. This technological feat aligns with Jaxa's broader objective of contributing to planetary defense efforts against potential asteroid threats. Also watch | NASA streams an ultra-high-definition video of a cat back to Earth from deep space Building on NASA's success with the Dart mission, which demonstrated the kinetic impact method's potential to alter an asteroid's trajectory, Jaxa's upcoming tests add a new layer to the ongoing planetary defense experiments. In addition to kinetic impact, scientists worldwide are exploring alternative methods, including the deployment of nuclear devices on asteroids, to divert them away from potential collision courses with Earth. (With inputs from agencies)

Japan's Jaxaspace agency tests spacecraft to deflect potential earth-colliding asteroid

<p>Christmas is just a few&nbsp;days away and the colour red has already started making its presence felt everywhere. The merry-making will soon start and NASA's Hubble Space Telescope couldn't have chosen a better time to click a galaxy that looks like a&nbsp;part of a Christmas tree adorned with red-coloured decorations.</p>

<p>If you are tempted to name this&nbsp;galaxy something along the lines of 'Christmas constellation', then wait a bit (though it can be a good name). The galaxy has been designated as UGC 8091. The image has been taken by NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA).</p>

<p>It is a dwarf galaxy that contains 1 billion stars. The image shows red and blue coloured stars with two predominantly visible red blobs.</p>

<p>One billion stars may sound a lot, but our Milky Way Galaxy has about 100 times more stars.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | NASA streams an ultra-high-definition video of a cat back to Earth from deep space</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nasa-streams-an-ultra-high-definition-video-of-a-cat-back-to-earth-from-deep-space-671832/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>UGC 8091 is 7 million light-years away from us in the constellation Virgo. We may imagine galaxies to always have the beautiful spiral form like our Milky Way Galaxy. However, only mature galaxies can normally look like this.</p>

<p>Dwarf galaxies, like UGC 8091, are yet mature. This means that they are still in process of merging with other galaxies and fully unveil their cosmic tapestry. When Milky Way Galaxy was maturing, it merged with other galaxies as well before taking the spectacular form that it has today.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/its-beginning-to-look-a-lot-like-cosmos-nasa-releases-breathtaking-image-of-a-cosmic-christmas-tree-671532">Cosmic Christmas tree stuns ahead of holidays in new image shared by NASA</a></strong></p>

<p>And the tale does not end here. Milky Way Galaxy will merge will Andromeda Galaxy billions of years from now. This would make it lose its spiral form and two galaxies will merge to form a third mega galaxy which will not be a spiral one.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/hubbles-spectacular-capture-shows-distant-spiral-galaxy-with-forbidden-light-671530">Celestial masterpiece: Forbidden light of distant spiral galaxy captured by Hubble</a></strong></p>

<p>UGC 8091 is on a similar journey but a little behind the Milky Way Galaxy. We can only make predictive guesses as to what path UGC 8091 will take. It may take millions of years for it to change its form. But for now, its sitting pretty in the night sky, unravelling its splendid colours for telescopes as powerful as Hubble.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Christmas is just a few days away and the colour red has already started making its presence felt everywhere. The merry-making will soon start and NASA's Hubble Space Telescope couldn't have chosen a better time to click a galaxy that looks like a part of a Christmas tree adorned with red-coloured decorations.

Christmas is just a few days away and the colour red has already started making its presence felt everywhere. The merry-making will soon start and NASA's Hubble Space Telescope couldn't have chosen a better time to click a galaxy that looks like a part of a Christmas tree adorned with red-coloured decorations. If you are tempted to name this galaxy something along the lines of 'Christmas constellation', then wait a bit (though it can be a good name). The galaxy has been designated as UGC 8091. The image has been taken by NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA). It is a dwarf galaxy that contains 1 billion stars. The image shows red and blue coloured stars with two predominantly visible red blobs. One billion stars may sound a lot, but our Milky Way Galaxy has about 100 times more stars. Watch | NASA streams an ultra-high-definition video of a cat back to Earth from deep space × UGC 8091 is 7 million light-years away from us in the constellation Virgo. We may imagine galaxies to always have the beautiful spiral form like our Milky Way Galaxy. However, only mature galaxies can normally look like this. Dwarf galaxies, like UGC 8091, are yet mature. This means that they are still in process of merging with other galaxies and fully unveil their cosmic tapestry. When Milky Way Galaxy was maturing, it merged with other galaxies as well before taking the spectacular form that it has today. Also Read | Cosmic Christmas tree stuns ahead of holidays in new image shared by NASA And the tale does not end here. Milky Way Galaxy will merge will Andromeda Galaxy billions of years from now. This would make it lose its spiral form and two galaxies will merge to form a third mega galaxy which will not be a spiral one. Also Read | Celestial masterpiece: Forbidden light of distant spiral galaxy captured by Hubble UGC 8091 is on a similar journey but a little behind the Milky Way Galaxy. We can only make predictive guesses as to what path UGC 8091 will take. It may take millions of years for it to change its form. But for now, its sitting pretty in the night sky, unravelling its splendid colours for telescopes as powerful as Hubble. (With inputs from agencies)

Christmas constellation? NASA's Hubble Telescope clicks galaxy that appears in festive mood

<p>China's enigmatic reusable space plane, Shenlong aka the "Divine Dragon", has added another layer of mystery just four days into its third mission.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Amateur observers worldwide have been diligently tracking the spacecraft since its launch. They have now revealed that the Chinese spacecraft allegedly released six unidentified objects into Earth's orbit. What for? Here's all you need to know.</p>

<h2><strong>What are these 'Mysterious wingmen'?</strong></h2>

<p>As per amateur, spacecraft trackers that have been tracking these mystery objects — designated OBJECT A, B, C, D, E, and F — are emitting emissions.</p>

<p>Scott Tilley, an amateur astronomer known for his satellite tracking expertise, has been closely monitoring these objects.</p>

<p>On X, Tilley referred to the objects as "mysterious wingmen".&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-madhya-pradesh-familys-kuldevta-turns-out-to-be-dinosaur-egg-671119">India: Madhya Pradesh family's sacred totem 'kuldevta' turns out to be dinosaur egg</a></strong></p>

<p>Speaking to Space.com, he&nbsp;said: "OBJECT A's or nearby emission is reminiscent of earlier Chinese space plane 'wingman' emissions in the sense the signal is modulated with a limited amount of data."</p>

<p>"There is speculation that the emission from OBJECT A may be from an object close to it, but this is speculation, not based on any evidence I'm aware of."</p>

<p>"It should be noted that unlike emissions early in the Chinese space plane missions 1 and 2, these emissions are very intermittent and do not stay on long," he said.</p>

<p>"It's taken days of observations, tracking pass after pass with dish antennas, to come up with this data."</p>

<p>As per Space.com, Tilley and fellow trackers are confident that the emissions originate from the objects or proximity.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/us-two-months-in-nasa-is-still-trying-to-open-its-sample-container-from-asteroid-bennu-670880">Two months on, NASA is still struggling to open sample container from asteroid Bennu</a></strong></p>

<p>They've based this observation on the objects' expected paths, the absence of other known objects during data collection, and the unique modulation that, as per Tilley, has "only been seen from previous Chinese space plane missions using [a frequency of] 2280MHz."</p>

<p>"In summary, this iteration of the Chinese space plane mission launched into a similar orbit as the last two, but operationally it is exhibiting different radio behaviour than before. The additional observations of the emissions from OBJECT D and E is new, but could also have been missed on earlier missions if they too were intermittent," said Tilley.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Something we should watch for is close encounters between OBJECT A and Objects D and E. D and E are in fairly elliptical orbits, while A is in a near-circular orbit. In the next couple of days there will be close approaches between these objects at perigee," he added.</p>

<h2><strong>China's mysterious packages in space</strong></h2>

<p>China's space plane, as per the report, exhibited similar behaviour in its prior missions — launched in September 2020 and August 2022, releasing unknown objects into orbit.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier, speculation ranged from service modules to small satellites for monitoring the space plane.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


China's enigmatic reusable space plane, Shenlong aka the "Divine Dragon", has added another layer of mystery just four days into its third mission. Amateur observers worldwide have been diligently tracking the spacecraft since its launch.

China's enigmatic reusable space plane, Shenlong aka the "Divine Dragon", has added another layer of mystery just four days into its third mission. Amateur observers worldwide have been diligently tracking the spacecraft since its launch. They have now revealed that the Chinese spacecraft allegedly released six unidentified objects into Earth's orbit. What for? Here's all you need to know. What are these 'Mysterious wingmen'? As per amateur, spacecraft trackers that have been tracking these mystery objects — designated OBJECT A, B, C, D, E, and F — are emitting emissions. Scott Tilley, an amateur astronomer known for his satellite tracking expertise, has been closely monitoring these objects. On X, Tilley referred to the objects as "mysterious wingmen". Also read | India: Madhya Pradesh family's sacred totem 'kuldevta' turns out to be dinosaur egg Speaking to Space.com, he said: "OBJECT A's or nearby emission is reminiscent of earlier Chinese space plane 'wingman' emissions in the sense the signal is modulated with a limited amount of data." "There is speculation that the emission from OBJECT A may be from an object close to it, but this is speculation, not based on any evidence I'm aware of." "It should be noted that unlike emissions early in the Chinese space plane missions 1 and 2, these emissions are very intermittent and do not stay on long," he said. "It's taken days of observations, tracking pass after pass with dish antennas, to come up with this data." As per Space.com, Tilley and fellow trackers are confident that the emissions originate from the objects or proximity. Also read | Two months on, NASA is still struggling to open sample container from asteroid Bennu They've based this observation on the objects' expected paths, the absence of other known objects during data collection, and the unique modulation that, as per Tilley, has "only been seen from previous Chinese space plane missions using [a frequency of] 2280MHz." "In summary, this iteration of the Chinese space plane mission launched into a similar orbit as the last two, but operationally it is exhibiting different radio behaviour than before. The additional observations of the emissions from OBJECT D and E is new, but could also have been missed on earlier missions if they too were intermittent," said Tilley. "Something we should watch for is close encounters between OBJECT A and Objects D and E. D and E are in fairly elliptical orbits, while A is in a near-circular orbit. In the next couple of days there will be close approaches between these objects at perigee," he added. China's mysterious packages in space China's space plane, as per the report, exhibited similar behaviour in its prior missions — launched in September 2020 and August 2022, releasing unknown objects into orbit. Earlier, speculation ranged from service modules to small satellites for monitoring the space plane. (With inputs from agencies)

Chinese space plane deployed 6 mysterious 'wingmen' in Earth's orbit: Reports

NASA streamed an ultra-high-definition video of a cat back to Earth from deep space. The 15-second video shows Taters the cat chasing a laser beam. Watch this video for all details.

NASA streams an ultra-high-definition video of a cat back to Earth from deep space

<p>As Christmas approaches, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has released an image of a space Christmas tree.</p>

<p>The image is of NGC 2264, a cluster of young stars, which is also known as the "Christmas Tree Cluster".</p>

<h2><strong>A cosmic tree</strong></h2>

<p>Released just days before Christmas, the new composite image resembles a Christmas tree, but this is a result of "choices of colour and rotation."</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/hubbles-spectacular-capture-shows-distant-spiral-galaxy-with-forbidden-light-671530">Hubble's spectacular capture shows distant spiral galaxy with 'forbidden' light</a></strong></p>

<p>"It's beginning to look a lot like cosmos," wrote NASA on X, formerly Twitter.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">It's beginning to look a lot like cosmos. 🎶<br />
<br />
Our <a href="https://twitter.com/chandraxray?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ChandraXray</a> Observatory recently spotted the blue-and-white lights that decorate the "Christmas Tree Cluster," a swarm of stars and gas some 2,500 light-years from Earth: <a href="https://t.co/VT2WaLgp77">https://t.co/VT2WaLgp77</a> <a href="https://t.co/HrnrmxRyd7">pic.twitter.com/HrnrmxRyd7</a></p>
— NASA (@NASA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASA/status/1737176016622125352?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 19, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>There's also an even more festive, Christmas-ey, blinking light version of the image. In it, blinking blue and white lights as per the space agency are "young stars that give off X-rays detected by NASA's Chandra X-ray".</p>

<p><img alt="Blinking lights version " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8a452696-7fea-4eab-9088-e466f552a7dd" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/New%20wion.gif" /></p>

<p><em><sup><strong>(Image credit: NASA)</strong></sup></em></p>

<p>In the cosmic images, the green colour of the "pine needles" corresponds to gas in the nebula. This was the result of optical data from the National Science Foundation's WIYN 0.9-meter telescope on Kitt Peak. While the twinkling foreground and background stars in white are from infrared data from the Two Micron All Sky Survey.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/watch-nasa-sends-high-definition-cat-video-from-spaceship-to-earth-covers-31mn-km-671444">Watch: NASA sends high-definition cat video from spaceship to Earth via laser, covering 31mn km</a></strong></p>

<p>"This image has been rotated clockwise by about 160 degrees from the astronomer’s standard of North pointing upward, so that it appears like the top of the tree is toward the top of the image," adds NASA.</p>

<h2><strong>NGC 2264</strong></h2>

<p>The cluster of young stars, NGC 2264, as per NASA, has stars aged between one and five million years, and it is our planet's cosmic neighbour — located in our Milky Way galaxy, just about 2,500 light years away from Earth.</p>

<p>NGC 2264's stars, as per the space agency, vary in size. Some are smaller than our star: the Sun, others are larger. Their sizes range from less than a tenth the mass of the Sun to some as big as seven times the solar mass.</p>


As Christmas approaches, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has released an image of a space Christmas tree. The image is of NGC 2264, a cluster of young stars, which is also known as the "Christmas Tree Cluster".

As Christmas approaches, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has released an image of a space Christmas tree. The image is of NGC 2264, a cluster of young stars, which is also known as the "Christmas Tree Cluster". A cosmic tree Released just days before Christmas, the new composite image resembles a Christmas tree, but this is a result of "choices of colour and rotation." Also read | Hubble's spectacular capture shows distant spiral galaxy with 'forbidden' light "It's beginning to look a lot like cosmos," wrote NASA on X, formerly Twitter. It's beginning to look a lot like cosmos. 🎶 Our @ChandraXray Observatory recently spotted the blue-and-white lights that decorate the "Christmas Tree Cluster," a swarm of stars and gas some 2,500 light-years from Earth: https://t.co/VT2WaLgp77 pic.twitter.com/HrnrmxRyd7 — NASA (@NASA) December 19, 2023 × There's also an even more festive, Christmas-ey, blinking light version of the image. In it, blinking blue and white lights as per the space agency are "young stars that give off X-rays detected by NASA's Chandra X-ray". (Image credit: NASA) In the cosmic images, the green colour of the "pine needles" corresponds to gas in the nebula. This was the result of optical data from the National Science Foundation's WIYN 0.9-meter telescope on Kitt Peak. While the twinkling foreground and background stars in white are from infrared data from the Two Micron All Sky Survey. Also read | Watch: NASA sends high-definition cat video from spaceship to Earth via laser, covering 31mn km "This image has been rotated clockwise by about 160 degrees from the astronomer’s standard of North pointing upward, so that it appears like the top of the tree is toward the top of the image," adds NASA. NGC 2264 The cluster of young stars, NGC 2264, as per NASA, has stars aged between one and five million years, and it is our planet's cosmic neighbour — located in our Milky Way galaxy, just about 2,500 light years away from Earth. NGC 2264's stars, as per the space agency, vary in size. Some are smaller than our star: the Sun, others are larger. Their sizes range from less than a tenth the mass of the Sun to some as big as seven times the solar mass.

Cosmic Christmas tree stuns ahead of holidays in new image shared by NASA

<p>NASA on Monday (Nov 18) said that they made use of a state-of-the-art laser communication system&nbsp;to send a high-definition cat video from a spaceship to the Earth, covering a distance of 31 million kilometres.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 15-second video features an orange tabby named Taters. This is the video which has been streamed from deep space and this shows that it is possible to transmit the higher-data-rate communications which is required for supporting complex missions like sending humans to Mars.</p>

<p>The video was sent to Earth by using a laser transceiver which was available on the Psyche probe. The probe has been moving in the main asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter to explore a mysterious metal-rich object. &nbsp;</p>

<p>When the video was sent, the spaceship was 80 times the distance between the Moon and the Earth.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/watch-nasa-releases-footage-of-tomatoes-lost-in-space-for-eight-months-670397">NASA releases footage of tomatoes lost in space for eight months</a></p>

<p>The Hale Telescope kept at Caltech's Palomar Observatory in San Diego County received the encoded near-infrared signal which was then sent to NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Southern California.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">We just streamed the first ultra-HD video brought to you via laser from deep space. And it’s a video of Taters, a tabby cat.<br />
<br />
This test will pave the way for high-data-rate communications in support of the next giant leap: sending humans to Mars. <a href="https://t.co/tf2hWxaHWO">https://t.co/tf2hWxaHWO</a> <a href="https://t.co/c1FwybYsxA">pic.twitter.com/c1FwybYsxA</a></p>
— NASA (@NASA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASA/status/1736900843813605759?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 19, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>The tech demo's project manager at JPL Bill Klipstein said, "One of the goals is to demonstrate the ability to transmit broadband video across millions of miles. Nothing on Psyche generates video data, so we usually send packets of randomly generated test data."</p>

<p>"But to make this significant event more memorable, we decided to work with designers at JPL to create a fun video, which captures the essence of the demo as part of the Psyche mission," he added.</p>

<p>Traditionally, space missions have relied on radio waves for sending and receiving data, however, working with lasers is likely to increase the data rate by 10 to 100 times.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Video sent in 101 seconds&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>It took 101 seconds to send the ultra-HD video to Earth at the maximum bit rate of 267 megabits per second in the system, which is faster than home broadband connections.</p>

<p>Project's receiver electronics lead at JPL Ryan Rogalin said, "In fact, after receiving the video at Palomar, it was sent to JPL over the internet, and that connection was slower than the signal coming from deep space."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;NASA uses laser technology to send the first-ever cat footage from deep space</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nasa-uses-laser-technology-to-send-the-first-ever-cat-footage-from-deep-space-671270/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>Explaining why they streamed a cat video, JPL said that there is a historic connection. When the interest of Americans started growing in television in the 1920s, they broadcasted a statue of Felix the Cat as a test image.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also, cats continue to dominate the number-one position in the world of viral internet videos and meme culture.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


NASA on Monday (Nov 18) said that they made use of a state-of-the-art laser communication system to send a high-definition cat video from a spaceship to the Earth, covering a distance of 31 million kilometres.

NASA on Monday (Nov 18) said that they made use of a state-of-the-art laser communication system to send a high-definition cat video from a spaceship to the Earth, covering a distance of 31 million kilometres. The 15-second video features an orange tabby named Taters. This is the video which has been streamed from deep space and this shows that it is possible to transmit the higher-data-rate communications which is required for supporting complex missions like sending humans to Mars. The video was sent to Earth by using a laser transceiver which was available on the Psyche probe. The probe has been moving in the main asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter to explore a mysterious metal-rich object. When the video was sent, the spaceship was 80 times the distance between the Moon and the Earth. Also read: NASA releases footage of tomatoes lost in space for eight months The Hale Telescope kept at Caltech's Palomar Observatory in San Diego County received the encoded near-infrared signal which was then sent to NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Southern California. We just streamed the first ultra-HD video brought to you via laser from deep space. And it’s a video of Taters, a tabby cat. This test will pave the way for high-data-rate communications in support of the next giant leap: sending humans to Mars. https://t.co/tf2hWxaHWO pic.twitter.com/c1FwybYsxA — NASA (@NASA) December 19, 2023 × The tech demo's project manager at JPL Bill Klipstein said, "One of the goals is to demonstrate the ability to transmit broadband video across millions of miles. Nothing on Psyche generates video data, so we usually send packets of randomly generated test data." "But to make this significant event more memorable, we decided to work with designers at JPL to create a fun video, which captures the essence of the demo as part of the Psyche mission," he added. Traditionally, space missions have relied on radio waves for sending and receiving data, however, working with lasers is likely to increase the data rate by 10 to 100 times. Video sent in 101 seconds It took 101 seconds to send the ultra-HD video to Earth at the maximum bit rate of 267 megabits per second in the system, which is faster than home broadband connections. Project's receiver electronics lead at JPL Ryan Rogalin said, "In fact, after receiving the video at Palomar, it was sent to JPL over the internet, and that connection was slower than the signal coming from deep space." Watch: NASA uses laser technology to send the first-ever cat footage from deep space Explaining why they streamed a cat video, JPL said that there is a historic connection. When the interest of Americans started growing in television in the 1920s, they broadcasted a statue of Felix the Cat as a test image. Also, cats continue to dominate the number-one position in the world of viral internet videos and meme culture. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch: NASA sends high-definition cat video from spaceship to Earth via laser, covering 31mn km

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidWGd15FEV4K2l" /><meta charset="utf-8" /></p>

<p>Space is amazing with numerous things still undiscovered. Recently, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) shared footage of two tomatoes that were lost in space last year after they were harvested on the International Space Station (ISS). "Despite being nearly a year after the initial disappearance of the tomatoes, the fruit was found in a plastic bag dehydrated and slightly squished," NASA officials wrote in an update on Dec 14.</p>

<p>The officials added that other than some discolouration, the tomatoes had no visible microbial or fungal growth. As astronauts are constantly exploring space, an important aspect is how well are they fed.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/watch-nasa-releases-footage-of-tomatoes-lost-in-space-for-eight-months-670397">NASA releases footage of tomatoes lost in space for eight months</a></strong></p>

<p>For years, astronauts have received regular shipments of a wide variety of freeze-dried and prepackaged meals to cover their dietary needs. However, when astronauts venture further into space for months or even years, the vitamins in prepackaged form break down over time, which will affect their health, according to NASA. And in such cases, the provision of fresh fruits and vegetables becomes crucial.</p>

<h3><strong>So how does NASA address this requirement? Here's a look at the space agency's Veggie project.</strong></h3>

<h2><strong>What is Veggie?</strong></h2>

<p>According to NASA's website, the <strong><a href="https://www.nasa.gov/exploration-research-and-technology/growing-plants-in-space/">Vegetable Production System</a></strong>, also known as Veggie, is a space garden residing on the ISS. "Veggie’s purpose is to help NASA study plant growth in microgravity while adding fresh food to the astronauts’ diet and enhancing happiness and well-being on the orbiting laboratory," the space agency said.</p>

<p>The garden made by the project is about the size of a carry-on piece of luggage and typically holds six plants. Each plant grows in a “pillow” filled with a clay-based growth media and fertiliser.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-finds-energy-source-and-molecule-at-saturns-moon-enceladus-670221">NASA finds energy source and molecule at Saturn's moon Enceladus</a></strong></p>

<p>"The pillows are important to help distribute water, nutrients and air in a healthy balance around the roots. Otherwise, the roots would either drown in water or be engulfed by air because of the way fluids in space tend to form bubbles," as per NASA.</p>

<p>Now due to the absence of gravity in space, plants depend on other environmental factors such as light, to orient and guide growth. Inside the space station, LEDs placed above the plants produce a spectrum of light suited for the plants’ growth. "Since plants reflect a lot of green light and use more red and blue wavelengths, the Veggie chamber typically glows magenta pink," the website said.</p>

<h2><strong>How successful has Veggie been?</strong></h2>

<p>NASA said that to date, the Veggie project has grown a variety of plants, including three types of lettuce, Chinese cabbage, mizuna mustard, red Russian kale, and zinnia flowers. Some of these plants were harvested and eaten by the crew members, with the remaining samples returned to Earth to be analysed.</p>

<p>NASA highlighted that one particular concern was harmful microbes growing on the produce. However, no harmful contamination has been detected so far.</p>

<p>The space agency envisions planting more produce in the future, such as tomatoes and peppers. "Foods like berries, certain beans, and other antioxidant-rich foods would have the added benefit of providing some space radiation protection for crew members who eat them," it said.</p>

<p>Just like Veggie, there is another growth chamber on the ISS for plant research. The chamber, called the Advanced Plant Habitat (APH), uses LED lights and a porous clay substrate with controlled-release fertiliser to deliver water, nutrients, and oxygen to the plant roots.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-preps-for-pace-mission-to-study-factors-that-shape-our-climate-669448">NASA preps for PACE mission to study factors that shape our climate</a></strong></p>

<p>But unlike Veggie, it is enclosed and automated with cameras and more than 180 sensors that are in constant interactive contact with a team on the ground at the Kennedy Space Center.</p>

<p>When a harvest is ready for research, the crew aboard the ISS collects samples from the plants and sends them back to Earth to be studied so scientists can better understand how space affected their growth and development.</p>

<h2><strong>Cultivating peppers in space</strong></h2>

<p>NASA further said that its Plant Habitat-04 (PH-04) experiment cultivated Hatch Chile peppers aboard the ISS. As per the experiment, the astronauts would eat some of the peppers and send the rest back to Earth for analysis.</p>

<p>This plant experiment will be one of the most complex to date on the station because of the long germination and growing times, according to the space agency.</p>

<p>The Hatch Chile pepper is considered a mild heat pepper, with a rating of 2,000-4,000 Scoville Heat Units. The rating can vary based on growing methods and environmental conditions.</p>

<p>Now why should peppers be cultivated in space? NASA has said that peppers contain several key nutrients and are an excellent source of vitamin C. The plants are also robust with a good chance of growing successfully in microgravity.</p>

<p>"They are easy to handle in microgravity and are a pick-and-eat crop that does not require cooking or complex processing. The fruit also has low microbial levels, so they are safe for astronauts to consume," NASA added.</p>

<h2><strong>China&nbsp;growing vegetables aboard Tiangong space station</strong></h2>

<p>China is also preparing itself for deep-space exploration by growing vegetables aboard the&nbsp;Tiangong space station.&nbsp;Shenzhou 16 astronauts, mission commander Jing Haipeng and rookies&nbsp;Zhu Yangzhu and Gui Haichao cultivated&nbsp;veggies using two sets of specialised equipment. Four batches of lettuce have already been produced, while under the&nbsp;second operation,&nbsp;cherry tomatoes and green onions are being grown.</p>


Space is amazing with numerous things still undiscovered. Recently, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) shared footage of two tomatoes that were lost in space last year after they were harvested on the International Space Station (ISS).

Space is amazing with numerous things still undiscovered. Recently, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) shared footage of two tomatoes that were lost in space last year after they were harvested on the International Space Station (ISS). "Despite being nearly a year after the initial disappearance of the tomatoes, the fruit was found in a plastic bag dehydrated and slightly squished," NASA officials wrote in an update on Dec 14. The officials added that other than some discolouration, the tomatoes had no visible microbial or fungal growth. As astronauts are constantly exploring space, an important aspect is how well are they fed. Also read: NASA releases footage of tomatoes lost in space for eight months For years, astronauts have received regular shipments of a wide variety of freeze-dried and prepackaged meals to cover their dietary needs. However, when astronauts venture further into space for months or even years, the vitamins in prepackaged form break down over time, which will affect their health, according to NASA. And in such cases, the provision of fresh fruits and vegetables becomes crucial. So how does NASA address this requirement? Here's a look at the space agency's Veggie project. What is Veggie? According to NASA's website, the Vegetable Production System, also known as Veggie, is a space garden residing on the ISS. "Veggie’s purpose is to help NASA study plant growth in microgravity while adding fresh food to the astronauts’ diet and enhancing happiness and well-being on the orbiting laboratory," the space agency said. The garden made by the project is about the size of a carry-on piece of luggage and typically holds six plants. Each plant grows in a “pillow” filled with a clay-based growth media and fertiliser. Also read: NASA finds energy source and molecule at Saturn's moon Enceladus "The pillows are important to help distribute water, nutrients and air in a healthy balance around the roots. Otherwise, the roots would either drown in water or be engulfed by air because of the way fluids in space tend to form bubbles," as per NASA. Now due to the absence of gravity in space, plants depend on other environmental factors such as light, to orient and guide growth. Inside the space station, LEDs placed above the plants produce a spectrum of light suited for the plants’ growth. "Since plants reflect a lot of green light and use more red and blue wavelengths, the Veggie chamber typically glows magenta pink," the website said. How successful has Veggie been? NASA said that to date, the Veggie project has grown a variety of plants, including three types of lettuce, Chinese cabbage, mizuna mustard, red Russian kale, and zinnia flowers. Some of these plants were harvested and eaten by the crew members, with the remaining samples returned to Earth to be analysed. NASA highlighted that one particular concern was harmful microbes growing on the produce. However, no harmful contamination has been detected so far. The space agency envisions planting more produce in the future, such as tomatoes and peppers. "Foods like berries, certain beans, and other antioxidant-rich foods would have the added benefit of providing some space radiation protection for crew members who eat them," it said. Just like Veggie, there is another growth chamber on the ISS for plant research. The chamber, called the Advanced Plant Habitat (APH), uses LED lights and a porous clay substrate with controlled-release fertiliser to deliver water, nutrients, and oxygen to the plant roots. Also read: NASA preps for PACE mission to study factors that shape our climate But unlike Veggie, it is enclosed and automated with cameras and more than 180 sensors that are in constant interactive contact with a team on the ground at the Kennedy Space Center. When a harvest is ready for research, the crew aboard the ISS collects samples from the plants and sends them back to Earth to be studied so scientists can better understand how space affected their growth and development. Cultivating peppers in space NASA further said that its Plant Habitat-04 (PH-04) experiment cultivated Hatch Chile peppers aboard the ISS. As per the experiment, the astronauts would eat some of the peppers and send the rest back to Earth for analysis. This plant experiment will be one of the most complex to date on the station because of the long germination and growing times, according to the space agency. The Hatch Chile pepper is considered a mild heat pepper, with a rating of 2,000-4,000 Scoville Heat Units. The rating can vary based on growing methods and environmental conditions. Now why should peppers be cultivated in space? NASA has said that peppers contain several key nutrients and are an excellent source of vitamin C. The plants are also robust with a good chance of growing successfully in microgravity. "They are easy to handle in microgravity and are a pick-and-eat crop that does not require cooking or complex processing. The fruit also has low microbial levels, so they are safe for astronauts to consume," NASA added. China growing vegetables aboard Tiangong space station China is also preparing itself for deep-space exploration by growing vegetables aboard the Tiangong space station. Shenzhou 16 astronauts, mission commander Jing Haipeng and rookies Zhu Yangzhu and Gui Haichao cultivated veggies using two sets of specialised equipment. Four batches of lettuce have already been produced, while under the second operation, cherry tomatoes and green onions are being grown.

Explained | Growing vegetables in space is a big deal, and the lost tomatoes are proof

<p>NASA, on Monday (Dec 18) released new images of Uranus which showed the seventh planet from the sun in more detail than before. The photos captured by the American space agency’s high-powered James Webb Space Telescope show the planet’s glowing rings, moons, storms, and other atmospheric features including a seasonal polar cap.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Detailed new&nbsp;images</strong></h2>

<p>The latest images of the icy planet show multiple inner and outer rings, nine of its 27 known moons and the planet’s seasonal polar cap. Some of the planet’s small moons were also seen within the rings.</p>

<p><img alt="1" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="179ff048-d207-491e-a7a0-3da7f9d400d8" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/WION%20IMAGES%21%20-%202023-12-19T110406.316.png" /></p>

<h5><em><strong>This image of Uranus from NIRCam (Near-Infrared Camera) on NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope exquisitely captures Uranus’&nbsp;seasonal north polar cap and dim inner and outer rings. (Photo credit:&nbsp;NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI)</strong></em></h5>

<p>These photos build on a two-colour version released earlier this year and add an “additional wavelength coverage for a more detailed look,” NASA said in a statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-captivating-galaxy-photos-win-big-at-top-astronomy-photography-contest-637527">A picture of the Andromeda galaxy wins top spot in astronomy photography contest</a></strong></p>

<p>The high-powered Webb telescope was also able to capture Uranus’ dim inner and outer rings, including the Zeta ring which is the closest to the planet. The Zeta ring is extremely faint and is shown in a reddish brown colour in the recent images, while several other rings were captured in a glowing blue colour.&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="2" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0d08cf1d-f27d-48ed-82e4-8c4afa255308" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/WION%20IMAGES%21%20-%202023-12-19T110449.699.png" /></p>

<h5><strong><em>This wide-field image of Uranus from NIRCam on NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope shows the planet amid a smattering of distant background galaxies. This image also includes 14 of the planet’s 27 moons. (Photo credit:&nbsp;NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI)</em></strong></h5>

<p>“With Webb’s unparalleled infrared resolution and sensitivity, astronomers now see Uranus and its unique features with groundbreaking new clarity. These details, especially of the close-in Zeta ring, will be invaluable to planning any future missions to Uranus,” said NASA in a statement.</p>

<h2><strong>Uranus'&nbsp;seasonal north polar cap</strong></h2>

<p>One of the most striking details in the recent images is the planet’s seasonal north polar cloud cap. Some details of the cap were easier to see in the newer images, including the bright, white, inner cap and the dark lane at the bottom of the polar cap&nbsp;towards the lower latitudes, said the American space agency.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Additionally, several bright storms were also seen near and below the southern border of the polar cap. It is believed that the number of storms, their frequency, and where they appear are affected by a combination of seasonal and meteorological effects.</p>

<p><img alt="3" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="618de54a-e329-491c-9d1c-a150ef98dfd9" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/WION%20IMAGES%21%20-%202023-12-19T110616.612.png" /></p>

<h5><em><strong>This wide-field compass image of Uranus shows&nbsp;some of its 27 moons and a few prominent stars. (Photo credit:&nbsp;NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI)</strong></em></h5>

<p>NASA noted how the “polar cap appears to become more prominent when the planet’s pole begins to point toward the Sun, as it approaches solstice and receives more sunlight.”&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-juno-captures-stunning-images-of-jupiter-as-christmas-star-669884">Juno captures stunning images of 'Christmas Star' Jupiter</a></strong></p>

<p>Uranus reaches its next solstice in 2028 and scientists are eager to observe any possible changes in the structure of these features during this time. The seventh planet from the Sun also serves as a proxy to study thousands of those discovered outside of our solar system, or exoplanets.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“This ‘exoplanet in our backyard’ can help astronomers understand how planets of this size work, what their meteorology is like, and how they formed. This can in turn help us understand our own solar system as a whole by placing it in a larger context,” said NASA in a statement.&nbsp;</p>


NASA, on Monday (Dec 18) released new images of Uranus which showed the seventh planet from the sun in more detail than before. The photos captured by the American space agency’s high-powered James Webb Space Telescope show the planet’s glowing rings, moons, storms, and other atmospheric features including a seasonal polar cap.

NASA, on Monday (Dec 18) released new images of Uranus which showed the seventh planet from the sun in more detail than before. The photos captured by the American space agency’s high-powered James Webb Space Telescope show the planet’s glowing rings, moons, storms, and other atmospheric features including a seasonal polar cap. Detailed new images The latest images of the icy planet show multiple inner and outer rings, nine of its 27 known moons and the planet’s seasonal polar cap. Some of the planet’s small moons were also seen within the rings. This image of Uranus from NIRCam (Near-Infrared Camera) on NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope exquisitely captures Uranus’ seasonal north polar cap and dim inner and outer rings. (Photo credit: NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI) These photos build on a two-colour version released earlier this year and add an “additional wavelength coverage for a more detailed look,” NASA said in a statement. ALSO READ | A picture of the Andromeda galaxy wins top spot in astronomy photography contest The high-powered Webb telescope was also able to capture Uranus’ dim inner and outer rings, including the Zeta ring which is the closest to the planet. The Zeta ring is extremely faint and is shown in a reddish brown colour in the recent images, while several other rings were captured in a glowing blue colour. This wide-field image of Uranus from NIRCam on NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope shows the planet amid a smattering of distant background galaxies. This image also includes 14 of the planet’s 27 moons. (Photo credit: NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI) “With Webb’s unparalleled infrared resolution and sensitivity, astronomers now see Uranus and its unique features with groundbreaking new clarity. These details, especially of the close-in Zeta ring, will be invaluable to planning any future missions to Uranus,” said NASA in a statement. Uranus' seasonal north polar cap One of the most striking details in the recent images is the planet’s seasonal north polar cloud cap. Some details of the cap were easier to see in the newer images, including the bright, white, inner cap and the dark lane at the bottom of the polar cap towards the lower latitudes, said the American space agency. Additionally, several bright storms were also seen near and below the southern border of the polar cap. It is believed that the number of storms, their frequency, and where they appear are affected by a combination of seasonal and meteorological effects. This wide-field compass image of Uranus shows some of its 27 moons and a few prominent stars. (Photo credit: NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI) NASA noted how the “polar cap appears to become more prominent when the planet’s pole begins to point toward the Sun, as it approaches solstice and receives more sunlight.” ALSO READ | Juno captures stunning images of 'Christmas Star' Jupiter Uranus reaches its next solstice in 2028 and scientists are eager to observe any possible changes in the structure of these features during this time. The seventh planet from the Sun also serves as a proxy to study thousands of those discovered outside of our solar system, or exoplanets. “This ‘exoplanet in our backyard’ can help astronomers understand how planets of this size work, what their meteorology is like, and how they formed. This can in turn help us understand our own solar system as a whole by placing it in a larger context,” said NASA in a statement.

Uranus stuns with halo-like rings, moons and this one special feature in new images

<p>NASA's ambitious mission to uncover the mysteries of the solar system has encountered an unforeseen obstacle. Two months after securing a crucial sample from the asteroid Bennu, the space agency faces a perplexing challenge—it is unable to open the canister housing the precious extraterrestrial material.</p>

<h2><strong>A precious payload from Bennu</strong></h2>

<p>On September 24, NASA's OSIRIS-REx spacecraft triumphantly returned to Earth, carrying a special payload—an invaluable canister filled with rocks and dust collected from the surface of asteroid Bennu.</p>

<p>These space rocks are of profound significance, holding potential clues to the solar system's origin and the ability to answer critical questions about Earth's formation.</p>

<p>The Touch-and-Go Sample Acquisition Mechanism (TAGSAM), designed to secure the asteroid sample, has become an unexpected challenge for NASA's scientific and engineering teams. Despite months of preparation and anticipation, NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston encountered a hurdle when attempting to unlock the TAGSAM.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/explained-growing-food-in-space-what-is-nasas-veggie-project-670838">Also read |&nbsp;Explained: As tale of lost tomatoes grips the world, here's understanding how veggies are grown in space</a></p>

<p>NASA officially disclosed the issue on October 20, revealing that two out of the 35 fasteners on the TAGSAM head could not be removed using the current tools approved for use in the OSIRIS-REx glovebox. This marks the first time NASA has encountered such a challenge in retrieving a sample from an asteroid in space, highlighting the intricacies of the TAGSAM mechanics.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;NASA Chief says Aliens exist</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nasa-chief-says-aliens-exist-this-world-636678/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>In response to the unexpected challenge, the NASA team has been diligently working to troubleshoot the problem, adjusting their approach to opening the TAGSAM head. Despite multiple attempts, the resistant fasteners have proven formidable. The constraints of the OSIRIS-REx glovebox, designed to prevent contamination, have further complicated the process, limiting the tools that can be employed to those fitting within the glovebox.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/this-is-what-going-to-gym-looks-like-at-international-space-station-670676">Also read |&nbsp;This is what going to gym looks like on International Space Station</a></p>

<p>Despite these formidable challenges, the NASA has has continued its efforts to&nbsp;access a portion of the sample. It has extracting 70.3 grams of rocks and dust from both the outside and inside of the TAGSAM head so far. Surpassing the initial goal of collecting 60 grams, this partial success has already yielded valuable insights into the composition of the asteroid, providing a silver lining amid the technical challenges faced by the space agency.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


NASA's ambitious mission to uncover the mysteries of the solar system has encountered an unforeseen obstacle. Two months after securing a crucial sample from the asteroid Bennu, the space agency faces a perplexing challenge—it is unable to open the canister housing the precious extraterrestrial material.

NASA's ambitious mission to uncover the mysteries of the solar system has encountered an unforeseen obstacle. Two months after securing a crucial sample from the asteroid Bennu, the space agency faces a perplexing challenge—it is unable to open the canister housing the precious extraterrestrial material. A precious payload from Bennu On September 24, NASA's OSIRIS-REx spacecraft triumphantly returned to Earth, carrying a special payload—an invaluable canister filled with rocks and dust collected from the surface of asteroid Bennu. These space rocks are of profound significance, holding potential clues to the solar system's origin and the ability to answer critical questions about Earth's formation. The Touch-and-Go Sample Acquisition Mechanism (TAGSAM), designed to secure the asteroid sample, has become an unexpected challenge for NASA's scientific and engineering teams. Despite months of preparation and anticipation, NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston encountered a hurdle when attempting to unlock the TAGSAM. Also read | Explained: As tale of lost tomatoes grips the world, here's understanding how veggies are grown in space NASA officially disclosed the issue on October 20, revealing that two out of the 35 fasteners on the TAGSAM head could not be removed using the current tools approved for use in the OSIRIS-REx glovebox. This marks the first time NASA has encountered such a challenge in retrieving a sample from an asteroid in space, highlighting the intricacies of the TAGSAM mechanics. Also watch | NASA Chief says Aliens exist In response to the unexpected challenge, the NASA team has been diligently working to troubleshoot the problem, adjusting their approach to opening the TAGSAM head. Despite multiple attempts, the resistant fasteners have proven formidable. The constraints of the OSIRIS-REx glovebox, designed to prevent contamination, have further complicated the process, limiting the tools that can be employed to those fitting within the glovebox. Also read | This is what going to gym looks like on International Space Station Despite these formidable challenges, the NASA has has continued its efforts to access a portion of the sample. It has extracting 70.3 grams of rocks and dust from both the outside and inside of the TAGSAM head so far. Surpassing the initial goal of collecting 60 grams, this partial success has already yielded valuable insights into the composition of the asteroid, providing a silver lining amid the technical challenges faced by the space agency. (With inputs from agencies)

Two months on, NASA is still struggling to open sample container from asteroid Bennu

<p>NASA shared footage of two tiny tomatoes which were lost in space in 2022 after they were harvested by astronaut Frank Rubio on the International Space Station.<br />
<br />
When the tomatoes were discovered in the six-bedroom complex, it showed scientists how the 17 per cent humidity onboard has been affecting food present in a Ziploc bag. For some time, Rubio had stowed the food inside which had floated away later.<br />
<br />
"Despite being nearly a year after the initial disappearance of the tomatoes, the fruit was found in a plastic bag dehydrated and slightly squished," wrote NASA officials, in an update Thursday (Dec 14). However, they did not disclose the exact location.<br />
<br />
"Other than some discolouration, it had no visible microbial or fungal growth," they added.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gA4kjdf8S6o?si=b2alznlX-pPHlwSr" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Previously, Rubio had spoken about a single lost tomato which NASA has now informed grew as part of the eXposed Root On-Orbit Test System or XROOTS experiment in 2022.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/explained-growing-food-in-space-what-is-nasas-veggie-project-670838">As tale of lost tomatoes grips the world, here's understanding how veggies are grown in space</a></p>

<p>"The experiment uses hydroponic and aeroponic techniques to grow plants without soil or other growth media and could provide suitable solutions for plant systems needed for future space exploration missions," the agency said.<br />
<br />
Although the find was a lighthearted moment for Rubio, who came back from his one-year mission, NASA said that the real reason for growing food on the ISS was to practice techniques which can be used during the exploration of the moon and Mars.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/iss-discovers-tomato-which-remained-lost-in-space-for-eight-months-667098">A tomato lost for 8 months on space station has finally been found, and it is a big deal</a></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>NASA tryst with space-grown veggies</strong></h2>

<p>NASA has been carrying out more than one experiment so as to provide astronauts with fresh food.<br />
<br />
VEG-05 was carrying out a test to produce dwarf tomatoes and other foods, while the Planet Habitat-03 "is one of the first multi-generational plant studies aboard the space station which could help researchers assess whether genetic adaptations in one generation of plants grown in space can transfer to the next”, as stated by NASA.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;All about NASA's PACE mission to study Earth's clouds &amp; oceans</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/all-about-nasas-pace-mission-to-study-earths-clouds-oceans-670081/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>It added that there are intangible benefits in growing space food. "The benefits of growing plants in space don't stop there," said NASA officials, adding, "Astronauts report there are psychological benefits to time spent gardening, increasing their quality of life in space, and boosting their morale.”</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


NASA shared footage of two tiny tomatoes which were lost in space in 2022 after they were harvested by astronaut Frank Rubio on the International Space Station. When the tomatoes were discovered in the six-bedroom complex, it showed scientists how the 17 per cent humidity onboard has been affecting food present in a Ziploc bag.

NASA shared footage of two tiny tomatoes which were lost in space in 2022 after they were harvested by astronaut Frank Rubio on the International Space Station. When the tomatoes were discovered in the six-bedroom complex, it showed scientists how the 17 per cent humidity onboard has been affecting food present in a Ziploc bag. For some time, Rubio had stowed the food inside which had floated away later. "Despite being nearly a year after the initial disappearance of the tomatoes, the fruit was found in a plastic bag dehydrated and slightly squished," wrote NASA officials, in an update Thursday (Dec 14). However, they did not disclose the exact location. "Other than some discolouration, it had no visible microbial or fungal growth," they added. × Previously, Rubio had spoken about a single lost tomato which NASA has now informed grew as part of the eXposed Root On-Orbit Test System or XROOTS experiment in 2022. Also read: As tale of lost tomatoes grips the world, here's understanding how veggies are grown in space "The experiment uses hydroponic and aeroponic techniques to grow plants without soil or other growth media and could provide suitable solutions for plant systems needed for future space exploration missions," the agency said. Although the find was a lighthearted moment for Rubio, who came back from his one-year mission, NASA said that the real reason for growing food on the ISS was to practice techniques which can be used during the exploration of the moon and Mars. Also read: A tomato lost for 8 months on space station has finally been found, and it is a big deal NASA tryst with space-grown veggies NASA has been carrying out more than one experiment so as to provide astronauts with fresh food. VEG-05 was carrying out a test to produce dwarf tomatoes and other foods, while the Planet Habitat-03 "is one of the first multi-generational plant studies aboard the space station which could help researchers assess whether genetic adaptations in one generation of plants grown in space can transfer to the next”, as stated by NASA. Watch: All about NASA's PACE mission to study Earth's clouds & oceans It added that there are intangible benefits in growing space food. "The benefits of growing plants in space don't stop there," said NASA officials, adding, "Astronauts report there are psychological benefits to time spent gardening, increasing their quality of life in space, and boosting their morale.” (With inputs from agencies)

Watch: NASA releases footage of tomatoes lost in space for eight months

<p>In a recent study unveiled at the 2023 American Geophysical Union meeting, researchers studied and explored "hot Jupiters" through NASA's CubeSat mission, the Colorado Ultraviolet Transit Experiment (CUTE).&nbsp;</p>

<p>What sets CUTE apart is that this is really tiny in size, measuring merely 36 centimetres in length, akin to a cereal box, in contrast to the more sizable exoplanet-hunting telescopes which often look like small school buses.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Launched in September 2021, CUTE has directed its ultraviolet capabilities towards studying hot Jupiters in detail. Hot Jupiters are those planets which are in close proximity to their parent stars. The study focused on understanding atmospheric escape phenomena.</p>

<h2><strong>Previous analysis of WASP-189b</strong></h2>

<p>The team, comprising both undergraduate and graduate students, had previously published a comprehensive overview of CUTE in The Astronomical Journal in January 2023.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Subsequently, in August 2023, they reported specific results from CUTE's observations of WASP-189b, an extrasolar planet, in The Astrophysical Journal Letters.&nbsp;</p>

<p>WASP-189b, with an orbital period of 2.7 days, exhibited a staggering atmospheric escape rate of 400 million kilograms per second due to its searing surface temperatures reaching approximately 8,315 degrees Celsius.</p>

<h2><strong>CUTE’s staggering capabilities</strong></h2>

<p>Despite its diminutive size, CUTE, orbiting at an altitude of 525 kilometres above the Earth's surface, showcased remarkable observational capabilities.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The mission's reach extended beyond our solar system, as evidenced by its study of WASP-189b located approximately 325 light-years away.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This underscores CUTE's potential to gain profound insights into the formation and evolution of planets beyond our solar system.</p>

<h2><strong>Seven hot Jupiters identified as of now</strong></h2>

<p>While WASP-189b stands out as a prime example of CUTE's capabilities, the research team has extended its observations to a total of seven hot Jupiters.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;ISRO to take on multiple missions, ISRO to put a space station in orbit by 2028</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/isro-to-take-on-multiple-missions-isro-to-put-a-space-station-in-orbit-by-2028-670180/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Noteworthy among these are MASCARA-4b, located around 557 light-years from Earth, and KELT-9b, approximately 667 light-years away. The team's findings revealed varying degrees of atmospheric escape, from barely any gas escaping in the case of MASCARA-4b to a moderate level in KELT-9b.</p>

<p>“We want to understand how our solar system fits into the family of solar systems in the universe,” said Dr Kevin France, who is the CUTE Principal Investigator, an associate professor in the Department of Astrophysical and Planetary Sciences at CU Boulder, lead author of the overview paper, and co-author on the WASP-189b paper.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/watch-nasa-releases-footage-of-tomatoes-lost-in-space-for-eight-months-670397"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Watch: NASA releases footage of tomatoes lost in space for eight months</strong></a></p>

<p>“That means understanding the big planets, the small planets, the ones that could have life and the ones that definitely don’t—and all of the important physical processes that are operating on these planets.”</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In a recent study unveiled at the 2023 American Geophysical Union meeting, researchers studied and explored "hot Jupiters" through NASA's CubeSat mission, the Colorado Ultraviolet Transit Experiment (CUTE).

In a recent study unveiled at the 2023 American Geophysical Union meeting, researchers studied and explored "hot Jupiters" through NASA's CubeSat mission, the Colorado Ultraviolet Transit Experiment (CUTE). What sets CUTE apart is that this is really tiny in size, measuring merely 36 centimetres in length, akin to a cereal box, in contrast to the more sizable exoplanet-hunting telescopes which often look like small school buses. Launched in September 2021, CUTE has directed its ultraviolet capabilities towards studying hot Jupiters in detail. Hot Jupiters are those planets which are in close proximity to their parent stars. The study focused on understanding atmospheric escape phenomena. Previous analysis of WASP-189b The team, comprising both undergraduate and graduate students, had previously published a comprehensive overview of CUTE in The Astronomical Journal in January 2023. Subsequently, in August 2023, they reported specific results from CUTE's observations of WASP-189b, an extrasolar planet, in The Astrophysical Journal Letters. WASP-189b, with an orbital period of 2.7 days, exhibited a staggering atmospheric escape rate of 400 million kilograms per second due to its searing surface temperatures reaching approximately 8,315 degrees Celsius. CUTE’s staggering capabilities Despite its diminutive size, CUTE, orbiting at an altitude of 525 kilometres above the Earth's surface, showcased remarkable observational capabilities. The mission's reach extended beyond our solar system, as evidenced by its study of WASP-189b located approximately 325 light-years away. This underscores CUTE's potential to gain profound insights into the formation and evolution of planets beyond our solar system. Seven hot Jupiters identified as of now While WASP-189b stands out as a prime example of CUTE's capabilities, the research team has extended its observations to a total of seven hot Jupiters. Watch: ISRO to take on multiple missions, ISRO to put a space station in orbit by 2028 × Noteworthy among these are MASCARA-4b, located around 557 light-years from Earth, and KELT-9b, approximately 667 light-years away. The team's findings revealed varying degrees of atmospheric escape, from barely any gas escaping in the case of MASCARA-4b to a moderate level in KELT-9b. “We want to understand how our solar system fits into the family of solar systems in the universe,” said Dr Kevin France, who is the CUTE Principal Investigator, an associate professor in the Department of Astrophysical and Planetary Sciences at CU Boulder, lead author of the overview paper, and co-author on the WASP-189b paper. Also read: Watch: NASA releases footage of tomatoes lost in space for eight months “That means understanding the big planets, the small planets, the ones that could have life and the ones that definitely don’t—and all of the important physical processes that are operating on these planets.” (With inputs from agencies)

NASA’s tiny telescope discovers seven hot Jupiters millions of light-years away

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidGiTRhoaZuCT8" /><meta charset="utf-8" /></p>

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidGiTRhoaZuCT8" /><meta charset="utf-8" /></p>

<p>The Geminids meteor shower, which is seen in mid-December every year, has lit up the night skies once again. According to a report by Forbes on Friday (Dec 15), the meteor peaked on Thursday night. Even though the peak has now passed, the Geminids will continue through December 24. As per the report, the meteor shower was best seen in the Northern Hemisphere.</p>

<p>Next year, there will be three meteor showers peaking in moonless skies- Quadrantids in early January, Eta Aquariids in May, and Perseids in August, the report added.</p>

<h2><strong>What are Geminids?</strong></h2>

<p>Geminids are a prolific meteor shower caused by 3200 Phaethon, an asteroid that may have broken off from a larger comet. According to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), observations show that the Geminids are denser than meteors belonging to other showers, enabling them to get as low as 29 miles above Earth’s surface before burning up.</p>

<p>They are one of the best and most reliable annual meteor showers.</p>

<p>"The Geminids can be seen by most of the world. Yet, it is best viewed by observers in the Northern Hemisphere. As you enter the Southern Hemisphere and move towards the South Pole, the altitude of the Geminid radiant – the celestial point in the sky where the Geminid meteors appear to originate – gets lower and lower above the horizon," NASA said.</p>

<h2><strong>How fast are Geminids?</strong></h2>

<p>Geminids travel at a speed of 35km/second which is more than 1000 times faster than a cheetah, about 250 times faster than the swiftest car in the world, and over 40 times faster than a speeding bullet.</p>

<p>“Most meteors appear to be colourless or white, however, the Geminids appear with a greenish hue. They’re pretty meteors!” said Bill Cooke, lead for the Meteoroid Environment Office at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


The Geminids meteor shower, which is seen in mid-December every year, has lit up the night skies once again. According to a report by Forbes on Friday (Dec 15), the meteor peaked on Thursday night.

The Geminids meteor shower, which is seen in mid-December every year, has lit up the night skies once again. According to a report by Forbes on Friday (Dec 15), the meteor peaked on Thursday night. Even though the peak has now passed, the Geminids will continue through December 24. As per the report, the meteor shower was best seen in the Northern Hemisphere. Next year, there will be three meteor showers peaking in moonless skies- Quadrantids in early January, Eta Aquariids in May, and Perseids in August, the report added. What are Geminids? Geminids are a prolific meteor shower caused by 3200 Phaethon, an asteroid that may have broken off from a larger comet. According to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), observations show that the Geminids are denser than meteors belonging to other showers, enabling them to get as low as 29 miles above Earth’s surface before burning up. They are one of the best and most reliable annual meteor showers. "The Geminids can be seen by most of the world. Yet, it is best viewed by observers in the Northern Hemisphere. As you enter the Southern Hemisphere and move towards the South Pole, the altitude of the Geminid radiant – the celestial point in the sky where the Geminid meteors appear to originate – gets lower and lower above the horizon," NASA said. How fast are Geminids? Geminids travel at a speed of 35km/second which is more than 1000 times faster than a cheetah, about 250 times faster than the swiftest car in the world, and over 40 times faster than a speeding bullet. “Most meteors appear to be colourless or white, however, the Geminids appear with a greenish hue. They’re pretty meteors!” said Bill Cooke, lead for the Meteoroid Environment Office at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville.

Geminids meteor shower lights up night sky with a greenish hue

<p>NASA has expanded the search for extraterrestrial life by identifying 17 exoplanets with the potential for habitable oceans hidden beneath their icy shells. "Water from these oceans could occasionally erupt through the ice crust as geysers. The science team calculated the amount of geyser activity on these exoplanets, the first time these estimates have been made," NASA said in a statement.</p>

<p>The study, led by Dr. Lynnae Quick of NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, challenged the conventional focus on a star’s "habitable zone" and explored the possibility of subsurface oceans on distant and cold exoplanets.</p>

<p>The research, published in the Astrophysical Journal on October 4, delved into the internal heating mechanisms of these exoplanets, by taking known properties of icy moons in our solar system like Europa and Enceladus, which harbour subsurface oceans due to gravitational forces from their host planets and other moons nearby them.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-delaying-breakfast-and-dinner-increases-chances-of-heart-attack-stroke-study-670212">Delaying breakfast and dinner increases chances of heart attack, stroke: Study</a></p>

<p>"Our analyses predict that these 17 worlds may have ice-covered surfaces but receive enough internal heating from the decay of radioactive elements and tidal forces from their host stars to maintain internal oceans," explained Dr. Quick.</p>

<p>"Thanks to the amount of internal heating they experience, all planets in our study could also exhibit cryovolcanic eruptions in the form of geyser-like plumes."</p>

<p>The team focused on Earth-sized exoplanets with lower density, suggesting significant ice and water content. While their exact compositions remain unknown, estimates of surface temperatures indicated much colder conditions than Earth, implying potential ice coverings.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/iss-astronaut-snaps-photos-of-icebergs-a-reminder-of-climate-change-670133">ISS astronaut snaps photos of icebergs - a reminder of climate change</a></p>

<p>The study also estimated total internal heating by considering tidal forces and radioactive activity. Comparing these figures to Europa's allowed the team to predict ice layer thickness and geyser activity on the exoplanets.</p>

<h2><strong>Surface temperature up to 60 degrees Fahrenheit colder</strong></h2>

<p>Surface temperatures were estimated to be up to 60 degrees Fahrenheit colder than previous assessments. Ice shell thickness varied among the exoplanets, ranging from 190 feet to 24 miles. Geyser activity estimates ranged from 17.6 pounds per second for Kepler 441b to 13.2 million pounds per second for Proxima Centauri b.</p>

<section>
<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/green-transition-fiscal-strain-impact-of-germanys-debt-brake-suspension-670200">Green transition &amp; fiscal strain: Impact of Germany's debt brake suspension</a></strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/green-transition-fiscal-strain-impact-of-germanys-debt-brake-suspension-670200/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>The geyser activity could be seen when exoplanets pass in front of their stars. Water vapour from geysers could block certain colours of starlight, providing evidence of cryovolcanic eruptions. Sporadic detections of water vapour varying over time would suggest geological activity.&nbsp;</p>
</section>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


NASA has expanded the search for extraterrestrial life by identifying 17 exoplanets with the potential for habitable oceans hidden beneath their icy shells. "Water from these oceans could occasionally erupt through the ice crust as geysers.

NASA has expanded the search for extraterrestrial life by identifying 17 exoplanets with the potential for habitable oceans hidden beneath their icy shells. "Water from these oceans could occasionally erupt through the ice crust as geysers. The science team calculated the amount of geyser activity on these exoplanets, the first time these estimates have been made," NASA said in a statement. The study, led by Dr. Lynnae Quick of NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, challenged the conventional focus on a star’s "habitable zone" and explored the possibility of subsurface oceans on distant and cold exoplanets. The research, published in the Astrophysical Journal on October 4, delved into the internal heating mechanisms of these exoplanets, by taking known properties of icy moons in our solar system like Europa and Enceladus, which harbour subsurface oceans due to gravitational forces from their host planets and other moons nearby them. Also Read | Delaying breakfast and dinner increases chances of heart attack, stroke: Study "Our analyses predict that these 17 worlds may have ice-covered surfaces but receive enough internal heating from the decay of radioactive elements and tidal forces from their host stars to maintain internal oceans," explained Dr. Quick. "Thanks to the amount of internal heating they experience, all planets in our study could also exhibit cryovolcanic eruptions in the form of geyser-like plumes." The team focused on Earth-sized exoplanets with lower density, suggesting significant ice and water content. While their exact compositions remain unknown, estimates of surface temperatures indicated much colder conditions than Earth, implying potential ice coverings. Also Read | ISS astronaut snaps photos of icebergs - a reminder of climate change The study also estimated total internal heating by considering tidal forces and radioactive activity. Comparing these figures to Europa's allowed the team to predict ice layer thickness and geyser activity on the exoplanets. Surface temperature up to 60 degrees Fahrenheit colder Surface temperatures were estimated to be up to 60 degrees Fahrenheit colder than previous assessments. Ice shell thickness varied among the exoplanets, ranging from 190 feet to 24 miles. Geyser activity estimates ranged from 17.6 pounds per second for Kepler 441b to 13.2 million pounds per second for Proxima Centauri b. Watch | Green transition & fiscal strain: Impact of Germany's debt brake suspension × The geyser activity could be seen when exoplanets pass in front of their stars. Water vapour from geysers could block certain colours of starlight, providing evidence of cryovolcanic eruptions. Sporadic detections of water vapour varying over time would suggest geological activity. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA identifies 17 exoplanets hosting 'hidden' oceans beneath icy shells, erupting geysers

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidGiTRhoaZuCT8" /><meta charset="utf-8" /></p>

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidGiTRhoaZuCT8" /><meta charset="utf-8" /></p>

<p>The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has made an interesting discovery on Saturday's icy moon Enceladus. A study by NASA on Thursday (Dec 14) showed that the agency found evidence of a key ingredient for life and a supercharged source of energy to fuel it. Scientists have known that the giant plume of ice grains and water vapour spewing from Enceladus is rich in organic compounds.</p>

<p>"Now, scientists analyzing data from NASA’s Cassini mission are taking the evidence for habitability a step further: They’ve found strong confirmation of hydrogen cyanide, a molecule that is key to the origin of life," the <strong><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41550-023-02160-0.epdf?sharing_token=9f1fFhF9x9DTwwV3Z4KYPtRgN0jAjWel9jnR3ZoTv0O62obxNW8k7GDHtvLUshnFEHPyLmkRC9CrS4VWCC4iWzGprsnt-SNu6EBvPgXNhKu_g09avF1rQpc6EgUqbrTYGqv1r68pzsZqFESsPMU6Dvgyq4KlXUNeNP_gtWiJyoM%3D">study said</a></strong>.</p>

<p>Researchers also uncovered evidence that an ocean, which is hiding below the moon's icy outer shell and supplies the plume, holds a powerful source of chemical energy. "Unidentified until now, the energy source is in the form of several organic compounds, some of which, on Earth, serve as fuel for organisms," according to NASA.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-preps-for-pace-mission-to-study-factors-that-shape-our-climate-669448">NASA preps for PACE mission to study factors that shape our climate</a></strong></p>

<p>The study's findings indicate there may be more chemical energy inside Enceladus than previously thought.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The study's lead author Jonah Peter said his&nbsp;work provides further evidence that the moon is a host to "some of the most important molecules for both creating the building blocks of life and for sustaining that life through metabolic reactions."</p>

<p>“Not only does Enceladus seem to meet the basic requirements for habitability, we now have an idea about how complex biomolecules could form there, and what sort of chemical pathways might be involved,” said Peter, a doctoral student at Harvard University who performed much of the research while working at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.</p>

<h2><strong>Previous evidence found in 2017</strong></h2>

<p>In 2017, scientists found evidence at Enceladus&nbsp;that could help sustain life, if present, in its ocean. The combination of carbon dioxide, methane, and hydrogen in the plume was suggestive of methanogenesis, a metabolic process that produces methane, NASA said.</p>

<p>Thursday's study has uncovered evidence for additional chemical sources far more powerful and diverse than the making of methane.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/hello-from-the-other-side-nasas-voyager-1-faces-glitch-in-interstellar-space-cant-call-back-home-669373">'Hello from the other side': NASA's Voyager 1 faces glitch in interstellar space, can't call back home</a></strong></p>

<p>“If methanogenesis is like a small watch battery, in terms of energy, then our results suggest the ocean of Enceladus might offer something more akin to a car battery, capable of providing a large amount of energy to any life that might be present,” said JPL’s Kevin Hand, co-author of the study.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Reliance on statistical analyses</strong></h2>

<p>Unlike earlier research where lab experiments and geochemical modelling were used to replicate the conditions the Cassini mission found at Enceladus, researchers this time relied on detailed statistical analyses.</p>

<p>They examined data collected by Cassini’s ion and neutral mass spectrometer, which studied the gas, ions, and ice grains around Saturn, NASA said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"By quantifying the amount of information contained in the data, the authors were able to tease out subtle differences in how well different chemical compounds explain the Cassini signal," it added.</p>


The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has made an interesting discovery on Saturday's icy moon Enceladus. A study by NASA on Thursday (Dec 14) showed that the agency found evidence of a key ingredient for life and a supercharged source of energy to fuel it.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has made an interesting discovery on Saturday's icy moon Enceladus. A study by NASA on Thursday (Dec 14) showed that the agency found evidence of a key ingredient for life and a supercharged source of energy to fuel it. Scientists have known that the giant plume of ice grains and water vapour spewing from Enceladus is rich in organic compounds. "Now, scientists analyzing data from NASA’s Cassini mission are taking the evidence for habitability a step further: They’ve found strong confirmation of hydrogen cyanide, a molecule that is key to the origin of life," the study said. Researchers also uncovered evidence that an ocean, which is hiding below the moon's icy outer shell and supplies the plume, holds a powerful source of chemical energy. "Unidentified until now, the energy source is in the form of several organic compounds, some of which, on Earth, serve as fuel for organisms," according to NASA. Also read: NASA preps for PACE mission to study factors that shape our climate The study's findings indicate there may be more chemical energy inside Enceladus than previously thought. The study's lead author Jonah Peter said his work provides further evidence that the moon is a host to "some of the most important molecules for both creating the building blocks of life and for sustaining that life through metabolic reactions." “Not only does Enceladus seem to meet the basic requirements for habitability, we now have an idea about how complex biomolecules could form there, and what sort of chemical pathways might be involved,” said Peter, a doctoral student at Harvard University who performed much of the research while working at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Previous evidence found in 2017 In 2017, scientists found evidence at Enceladus that could help sustain life, if present, in its ocean. The combination of carbon dioxide, methane, and hydrogen in the plume was suggestive of methanogenesis, a metabolic process that produces methane, NASA said. Thursday's study has uncovered evidence for additional chemical sources far more powerful and diverse than the making of methane. Also read: 'Hello from the other side': NASA's Voyager 1 faces glitch in interstellar space, can't call back home “If methanogenesis is like a small watch battery, in terms of energy, then our results suggest the ocean of Enceladus might offer something more akin to a car battery, capable of providing a large amount of energy to any life that might be present,” said JPL’s Kevin Hand, co-author of the study. Reliance on statistical analyses Unlike earlier research where lab experiments and geochemical modelling were used to replicate the conditions the Cassini mission found at Enceladus, researchers this time relied on detailed statistical analyses. They examined data collected by Cassini’s ion and neutral mass spectrometer, which studied the gas, ions, and ice grains around Saturn, NASA said. "By quantifying the amount of information contained in the data, the authors were able to tease out subtle differences in how well different chemical compounds explain the Cassini signal," it added.

NASA finds energy source and molecule at Saturn's moon Enceladus

The instruments in Juno spacecraft include a magnetometer, gravity science system, and microwave radiometer, enabling measurements of Jupiter's magnetic fields and atmospheric properties.

In Pics: Juno captures stunning images of 'Christmas Star' Jupiter

<p>Fast radio bursts (FRBs), those enigmatic millisecond-long flashes of radio waves from distant corners of the universe, have become more mysterious than ever.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The discovery of a unique pattern in a newly detected repeating FRB, named FRB 20220912A, has left astronomers intrigued.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>New study</strong></h2>

<p>In a new study, published in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, astronomers have outlined the findings. The research offer valuable clues while introducing fresh puzzles to unravel.</p>

<p>The first FRB was identified in 2007, and since then, numerous such intense events have been spotted emanating from the far reaches of the cosmos. These bursts can unleash as much energy in a thousandth of a second as the sun generates in a year or more. Despite this, the cause behind FRBs remains unknown.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/boxing-glove-claws-breathing-through-legs-newly-found-sea-spider-species-has-some-bizarre-features-669867">Newly found sea spider species breathes through legs, has boxing gloves for claws</a></strong></p>

<p>As per a report in ABC 7 News, the recent discovery was made from observations made using the Allen Telescope Array (ATA) of the California-based SETI Institute, equipped with 42 antennae at the Hat Creek Radio Observatory.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Over a two-month period, the team detected 35 fast radio bursts from a single source.</p>

<p>This study marks the first use of the Allen Telescope Array to observe FRBs, showcasing the potential of new telescopes with unique capabilities in shedding light on the mysteries of FRB science.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>The discovery</strong></h2>

<p>While most FRBs last only a few milliseconds, making them challenging to observe, some have been found to repeat, enabling astronomers to trace their origin back to distant galaxies. FRB 20220912A initially appeared akin to other known repeaters, with each burst transitioning from higher to lower frequencies.</p>

<p>A closer examination unveiled a novel aspect: a distinct drop in the centre frequency of the bursts, resembling a cosmic slide whistle. When the signals were converted into sounds using xylophone notes, it was even more noticeable. The high notes represented the beginning of the bursts, and the low notes depicted the concluding tones.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/jeff-bezos-says-space-colonisation-ultimately-means-to-preserve-the-planet-669969">Bezos wants humans to colonise the solar system, while Musk has his sight set on Mars</a></strong></p>

<p>Despite efforts to identify a pattern in the timings between each burst, similar to some other repeating FRBs, researchers could not detect one for FRB 20220912A, underscoring the unpredictable nature of these celestial events.</p>

<p>Lead study author Dr Sofia Sheikh, a National Science Foundation MPS-Ascend postdoctoral fellow at the SETI Institute, expressed excitement about the findings.</p>

<p>"This work is exciting because it provides both confirmation of known FRB properties and the discovery of some new ones," said Sheikh.&nbsp;Researchers noted that each observation of FRBs yields insights and raises further questions.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Fast radio bursts (FRBs), those enigmatic millisecond-long flashes of radio waves from distant corners of the universe, have become more mysterious than ever. The discovery of a unique pattern in a newly detected repeating FRB, named FRB 20220912A, has left astronomers intrigued.

Fast radio bursts (FRBs), those enigmatic millisecond-long flashes of radio waves from distant corners of the universe, have become more mysterious than ever. The discovery of a unique pattern in a newly detected repeating FRB, named FRB 20220912A, has left astronomers intrigued. New study In a new study, published in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, astronomers have outlined the findings. The research offer valuable clues while introducing fresh puzzles to unravel. The first FRB was identified in 2007, and since then, numerous such intense events have been spotted emanating from the far reaches of the cosmos. These bursts can unleash as much energy in a thousandth of a second as the sun generates in a year or more. Despite this, the cause behind FRBs remains unknown. Also read | Newly found sea spider species breathes through legs, has boxing gloves for claws As per a report in ABC 7 News, the recent discovery was made from observations made using the Allen Telescope Array (ATA) of the California-based SETI Institute, equipped with 42 antennae at the Hat Creek Radio Observatory. Over a two-month period, the team detected 35 fast radio bursts from a single source. This study marks the first use of the Allen Telescope Array to observe FRBs, showcasing the potential of new telescopes with unique capabilities in shedding light on the mysteries of FRB science. The discovery While most FRBs last only a few milliseconds, making them challenging to observe, some have been found to repeat, enabling astronomers to trace their origin back to distant galaxies. FRB 20220912A initially appeared akin to other known repeaters, with each burst transitioning from higher to lower frequencies. A closer examination unveiled a novel aspect: a distinct drop in the centre frequency of the bursts, resembling a cosmic slide whistle. When the signals were converted into sounds using xylophone notes, it was even more noticeable. The high notes represented the beginning of the bursts, and the low notes depicted the concluding tones. Also read | Bezos wants humans to colonise the solar system, while Musk has his sight set on Mars Despite efforts to identify a pattern in the timings between each burst, similar to some other repeating FRBs, researchers could not detect one for FRB 20220912A, underscoring the unpredictable nature of these celestial events. Lead study author Dr Sofia Sheikh, a National Science Foundation MPS-Ascend postdoctoral fellow at the SETI Institute, expressed excitement about the findings. "This work is exciting because it provides both confirmation of known FRB properties and the discovery of some new ones," said Sheikh. Researchers noted that each observation of FRBs yields insights and raises further questions. (With inputs from agencies)

Unlocking secrets of universe: Mysterious fast radio bursts in space gets stranger

nasa

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