Showing gratitude from an altitude! On Thursday, NASA shared a video of astronauts celebrating Thanksgiving in space aboard the International Space Station (ISS). The astronauts, part of Expedition 70, organised a Thanksgiving dinner and sent their wishes to everyone from 200 to 250 miles above the Earth.&nbsp;

"We will be celebrating Thanksgiving together in space, but our thoughts are with our families at home and everyone else on Earth celebrating Thanksgiving," Commander Andreas Mogensen said in a video shared by NASA. "We'd like to take this opportunity to share this message on Thanksgiving from space with you."

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This year marks the 50th anniversary of Thanksgiving in space. Watch the whole video here.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HappyThanksgiving?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HappyThanksgiving</a> from the <a href="https://twitter.com/Space_Station?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Space_Station</a>! 
 
Hear from Expedition 70 crewmembers to learn more about what Thanksgiving means to them—and some of the foods they plan to enjoy while in orbit. <a href="https://t.co/nSwX2zZWab">pic.twitter.com/nSwX2zZWab</a>
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<h2>What was on NASA’s Thanksgiving menu this year?</h2>

To make the Thanksgiving dinner more special, a package of holiday food was shipped to the ISS by the SpaceX CRS-29 Dragon resupply service mission, which took off from Kennedy Space Center, Florida on Nov 9. It reached the ISS on Nov 11.&nbsp;

The festive treats were shipped in foil and plastic packaging which are generally refrigerated or dehydrated. The ISS crew prepares these meals by simply adding water and heating in a suitcase-sized food warmer.&nbsp;

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For those who are thinking this is meagre, well, this is much better than what Yuri Gagarin used to eat in space. During his trip to space in 1961, he used to eat edible paste off tubes to feed himself. Since then, a lot of developments have taken place in the type of food astronauts eat in space.&nbsp;

This year, NASA’s Thanksgiving menu included turkey, quail, seafood, pumpkin spice cappuccino, rice cake and mochi.&nbsp;

<h2>First Thanksgiving in space</h2>

This was not the first time that NASA has organised a Thanksgiving feast for its astronauts up in space. It was celebrated in 1973 by the crew of Skylab 4. Astronauts Gerald P. Carr, Edward G. Gibson, and William R. Pogue celebrated Thanksgiving in space on 22 Nov 1973.&nbsp;

On that day, their seventh of an 84-day mission, Gibson and Pogue completed a 6-hour and 33-minute spacewalk, while Carr remained in the Multiple Docking Adaptor with no access to food. All three made up for missing lunch by consuming two meals at dinner time, although neither included special items for Thanksgiving.

(With inputs from agencies)

Showing gratitude from an altitude! On Thursday, NASA shared a video of astronauts celebrating Thanksgiving in space aboard the International Space Station (ISS).

Showing gratitude from an altitude! On Thursday, NASA shared a video of astronauts celebrating Thanksgiving in space aboard the International Space Station (ISS). The astronauts, part of Expedition 70, organised a Thanksgiving dinner and sent their wishes to everyone from 200 to 250 miles above the Earth. "We will be celebrating Thanksgiving together in space, but our thoughts are with our families at home and everyone else on Earth celebrating Thanksgiving," Commander Andreas Mogensen said in a video shared by NASA. "We'd like to take this opportunity to share this message on Thanksgiving from space with you." Also Read | Scientists unravel why skin conditions like eczema lead to itching. New research says... This year marks the 50th anniversary of Thanksgiving in space. Watch the whole video here. #HappyThanksgiving from the @Space_Station! Hear from Expedition 70 crewmembers to learn more about what Thanksgiving means to them—and some of the foods they plan to enjoy while in orbit. pic.twitter.com/nSwX2zZWab — NASA's Johnson Space Center (@NASA_Johnson) November 22, 2023 × What was on NASA’s Thanksgiving menu this year? To make the Thanksgiving dinner more special, a package of holiday food was shipped to the ISS by the SpaceX CRS-29 Dragon resupply service mission, which took off from Kennedy Space Center, Florida on Nov 9. It reached the ISS on Nov 11. The festive treats were shipped in foil and plastic packaging which are generally refrigerated or dehydrated. The ISS crew prepares these meals by simply adding water and heating in a suitcase-sized food warmer. Also Read | 'Devil Comet' heading towards Earth loses its iconic horns and turns green after explosion For those who are thinking this is meagre, well, this is much better than what Yuri Gagarin used to eat in space. During his trip to space in 1961, he used to eat edible paste off tubes to feed himself. Since then, a lot of developments have taken place in the type of food astronauts eat in space. This year, NASA’s Thanksgiving menu included turkey, quail, seafood, pumpkin spice cappuccino, rice cake and mochi. First Thanksgiving in space This was not the first time that NASA has organised a Thanksgiving feast for its astronauts up in space. It was celebrated in 1973 by the crew of Skylab 4. Astronauts Gerald P. Carr, Edward G. Gibson, and William R. Pogue celebrated Thanksgiving in space on 22 Nov 1973. On that day, their seventh of an 84-day mission, Gibson and Pogue completed a 6-hour and 33-minute spacewalk, while Carr remained in the Multiple Docking Adaptor with no access to food. All three made up for missing lunch by consuming two meals at dinner time, although neither included special items for Thanksgiving. (With inputs from agencies)

Quail, turkey, seafood & more: 50th Thanksgiving on space station was a grand affair

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has carried out many Apollo missions to explore the Moon. The missions also returned with 382 kilogrammes of lunar rocks, core samples, pebbles, sand, and dust from the lunar surface between 1969 and 1972. The samples have provided scientists with valuable insight into the universe.&nbsp;

The latest analysis on the Moon, published in the "Communications Earth &amp; Environment" journal on November 15, has for the first time revealed the presence of hydrogen and the findings suggest that future astronauts could someday use water available right on the Moon for life support and rocket fuel.&nbsp;

Researchers with the US Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) announced last week that they discovered hydrogen in lunar soil sample 79221. The sample was given to the researchers by NASA for a research study. The observed hydrogen is assumed to have been created by the Moon's constant showers of solar wind and perhaps comet strikes.&nbsp;

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In a press release published on NRL News on November 21, the lead author Katherine Burgess, who is a geologist at NRL, said: "Hydrogen has the potential to be a resource that can be used directly on the lunar surface when there are more regular or permanent installations there."&nbsp;

"Locating resources and understanding how to collect them prior to getting to the moon is going to be incredibly valuable for space exploration," Burgess added.&nbsp;

The research team, which is led by experts from NRL's Materials Science and Technology Division, is still studying lunar surface and asteroidal samples to learn more about how surfaces interact with the space environment, a process known as space weathering.&nbsp;

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In previous studies on Apollo samples, researchers have verified the presence of solar wind helium in lunar soil grains.&nbsp;

Dr Burgess further said, "This is the first time scientists have demonstrated the detection of hydrogen-bearing species within vesicles in lunar samples."&nbsp;

"Previously, the same team at NRL used state-of-the-art techniques such as scanning transmission electron microscopy and electron energy loss spectroscopy to detect helium in lunar samples, and other researchers have found water in other planetary samples, but this is the first publication to show hydrogen in-situ in lunar samples," she added.&nbsp;

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has carried out many Apollo missions to explore the Moon. The missions also returned with 382 kilogrammes of lunar rocks, core samples, pebbles, sand, and dust from the lunar surface between 1969 and 1972.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has carried out many Apollo missions to explore the Moon. The missions also returned with 382 kilogrammes of lunar rocks, core samples, pebbles, sand, and dust from the lunar surface between 1969 and 1972. The samples have provided scientists with valuable insight into the universe. The latest analysis on the Moon, published in the "Communications Earth & Environment" journal on November 15, has for the first time revealed the presence of hydrogen and the findings suggest that future astronauts could someday use water available right on the Moon for life support and rocket fuel. Researchers with the US Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) announced last week that they discovered hydrogen in lunar soil sample 79221. The sample was given to the researchers by NASA for a research study. The observed hydrogen is assumed to have been created by the Moon's constant showers of solar wind and perhaps comet strikes. Also read: E. coli creates memories and passes them on to future generations, study finds In a press release published on NRL News on November 21, the lead author Katherine Burgess, who is a geologist at NRL, said: "Hydrogen has the potential to be a resource that can be used directly on the lunar surface when there are more regular or permanent installations there." "Locating resources and understanding how to collect them prior to getting to the moon is going to be incredibly valuable for space exploration," Burgess added. The research team, which is led by experts from NRL's Materials Science and Technology Division, is still studying lunar surface and asteroidal samples to learn more about how surfaces interact with the space environment, a process known as space weathering. Also read: Deformable Mirrors in space may help find alien life in universe In previous studies on Apollo samples, researchers have verified the presence of solar wind helium in lunar soil grains. Dr Burgess further said, "This is the first time scientists have demonstrated the detection of hydrogen-bearing species within vesicles in lunar samples." "Previously, the same team at NRL used state-of-the-art techniques such as scanning transmission electron microscopy and electron energy loss spectroscopy to detect helium in lunar samples, and other researchers have found water in other planetary samples, but this is the first publication to show hydrogen in-situ in lunar samples," she added.

Scientists detect hydrogen in lunar samples. It indicates availability of water on Moon surface

NASA has slowed down its own Mars sample mission amid uncertainty about its budget for next year. The US space agency's move has been criticised by both parties in the US, calling it “short-sighted and misguided”. They are also claiming that NASA's “rash” decision will cost jobs in California.

NASA’s Mars Sample Return (MSR) mission is a proposed mission to collect rock and dust from the Martian soil, as collected by the Perseverance rover. The mission was proposed to start in 2026, with NASA collecting all the data back to Earth by 2033.&nbsp;

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But the programme’s estimated budget has skyrocketed and it’s uncertain whether Congress will approve&nbsp;a full-year budget. Due to this, the space agency slowed down the programme in early November.

<h2>Why are US lawmakers criticising NASA?</h2>

US lawmakers are of the opinion that NASA should reverse its decision to proactively cut funding to the programme and wait for a proper solution.

Six California lawmakers wrote a letter to NASA Administrator Bill Nelson, urging it to take back the decision on the issue as it will cut hundreds of jobs and a decade of science will be lost.

“This short-sighted and misguided decision by NASA will cost hundreds of jobs and a decade of lost science, and it flies in the face of congressional authority,” the lawmakers wrote in the letter, shared by POLITICO.

“We are mystified by NASA’s rash decision to suggest at this stage of the appropriations process that any cuts would be necessary.”

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The letter was led by California Rep. Adam Schiff and Sen. Alex Padilla, both Democrats and signed by Democrats Rep. Judy Chu and Sen. Laphonza Butler. Reps. Mike Garcia and Young Kim, both Republicans, also signed on.

California is home to NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, which sends robots to Mars. NASA’s decision to deliberately slow down the MSR mission will affect the jobs in the state. A large number of people will lose their jobs at NASA and the country will lose the “talented workforce to the private sector, which will then be impossible to reassemble”, the letter reads.

<h2>A quest to counter China&nbsp;</h2>

One argument that California lawmakers presented was that NASA’s scientific endeavours and achievements are the country’s collective quest to counter China. China is also actively pursuing similar mission to gather more information about the red planet.

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The estimated price tag for NASA’s Mars Sample Return effort has steeply risen from $4 billion to as much as $11 billion because the programme was set with an “unrealistic budget and schedule expectations from the beginning,” according to the independent review released by the space agency in September.

(With inputs from agencies)

NASA has slowed down its own Mars sample mission amid uncertainty about its budget for next year. The US space agency's move has been criticised by both parties in the US, calling it “short-sighted and misguided”.

NASA has slowed down its own Mars sample mission amid uncertainty about its budget for next year. The US space agency's move has been criticised by both parties in the US, calling it “short-sighted and misguided”. They are also claiming that NASA's “rash” decision will cost jobs in California. NASA’s Mars Sample Return (MSR) mission is a proposed mission to collect rock and dust from the Martian soil, as collected by the Perseverance rover. The mission was proposed to start in 2026, with NASA collecting all the data back to Earth by 2033. Also Read | Mummies of children, about 1000-year-old, unearthed in Peru But the programme’s estimated budget has skyrocketed and it’s uncertain whether Congress will approve a full-year budget. Due to this, the space agency slowed down the programme in early November. Why are US lawmakers criticising NASA? US lawmakers are of the opinion that NASA should reverse its decision to proactively cut funding to the programme and wait for a proper solution. Six California lawmakers wrote a letter to NASA Administrator Bill Nelson, urging it to take back the decision on the issue as it will cut hundreds of jobs and a decade of science will be lost. “This short-sighted and misguided decision by NASA will cost hundreds of jobs and a decade of lost science, and it flies in the face of congressional authority,” the lawmakers wrote in the letter, shared by POLITICO. “We are mystified by NASA’s rash decision to suggest at this stage of the appropriations process that any cuts would be necessary.” Also Read | Triple star discovery, studies likely to transform astronomers' understanding of stellar evolution The letter was led by California Rep. Adam Schiff and Sen. Alex Padilla, both Democrats and signed by Democrats Rep. Judy Chu and Sen. Laphonza Butler. Reps. Mike Garcia and Young Kim, both Republicans, also signed on. California is home to NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, which sends robots to Mars. NASA’s decision to deliberately slow down the MSR mission will affect the jobs in the state. A large number of people will lose their jobs at NASA and the country will lose the “talented workforce to the private sector, which will then be impossible to reassemble”, the letter reads. A quest to counter China One argument that California lawmakers presented was that NASA’s scientific endeavours and achievements are the country’s collective quest to counter China. China is also actively pursuing similar mission to gather more information about the red planet. Also Read | How did Mahabharata's Abhimanyu learn to fight in mother's womb? Recent research may answer The estimated price tag for NASA’s Mars Sample Return effort has steeply risen from $4 billion to as much as $11 billion because the programme was set with an “unrealistic budget and schedule expectations from the beginning,” according to the independent review released by the space agency in September. (With inputs from agencies)

California lawmakers urge NASA to reverse funding cuts to its Mars Sample Return mission

Adding to the list of symptoms of “space sickness”, scientists have now claimed that male astronauts returning from outer space missions might have to deal with erectile dysfunction problems.

According to a study published in The FASEB Journal, the risk of erectile dysfunction is not only present when astronauts are in space, but it might also continue for a long period even after they come back to Earth.

Among the reasons cited by the study is that astronauts while in space are exposed to high levels of galactic cosmic rays (GCR)—energetic particles that bombard Earth—as well as weightlessness, which in turn affects their sexual health.

In their study, the NASA-funded researchers on Wednesday (Nov 22) warned of a “new health risk to consider with deep space exploration”.

“While the negative impacts of galactic cosmic radiation were long-lasting, functional improvements induced by acutely targeting the redox and nitric oxide pathways in the tissues suggest that the erectile dysfunction may be treatable,” said Dr Justin La Favor, an expert in neurovascular dysfunction at Florida State University and a senior author on the study.

<h2>'Astronauts should be monitored closely'</h2>

In light of more manned missions to space being planned in the coming years, La Favor said that the sexual health of astronauts should be monitored closely upon their return from deep space missions in the future.

"Current space vehicles provide negligible protection against GCR, so there are not effective ways to protect astronauts from GCR exposure on trips to deep-space," La Favor told&nbsp;Newsweek.

"It is possible that the effects of GCR exposure could be mitigated therapeutically, but more research will be needed to establish efficacy, even in the rodent models. Our study only investigated the effects after long-term recovery. I would speculate that the effects of the galactic cosmic radiation would be more pronounced shortly after exposure, although that will need to be a topic of future investigation."

<h2>'It can be prevented'</h2>

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The study noted that the effects of galactic cosmic radiation, believed to cause erectile dysfunction, can be countered with treatment of different antioxidants.

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&nbsp;"While the negative impacts of galactic cosmic radiation were long-lasting, functional improvements induced by acutely targeting the redox and nitric oxide pathways in the tissues suggest that the erectile dysfunction may be treatable," she said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Adding to the list of symptoms of “space sickness”, scientists have now claimed that male astronauts returning from outer space missions might have to deal with erectile dysfunction problems.

Adding to the list of symptoms of “space sickness”, scientists have now claimed that male astronauts returning from outer space missions might have to deal with erectile dysfunction problems. According to a study published in The FASEB Journal, the risk of erectile dysfunction is not only present when astronauts are in space, but it might also continue for a long period even after they come back to Earth. Among the reasons cited by the study is that astronauts while in space are exposed to high levels of galactic cosmic rays (GCR)—energetic particles that bombard Earth—as well as weightlessness, which in turn affects their sexual health. In their study, the NASA-funded researchers on Wednesday (Nov 22) warned of a “new health risk to consider with deep space exploration”. “While the negative impacts of galactic cosmic radiation were long-lasting, functional improvements induced by acutely targeting the redox and nitric oxide pathways in the tissues suggest that the erectile dysfunction may be treatable,” said Dr Justin La Favor, an expert in neurovascular dysfunction at Florida State University and a senior author on the study. 'Astronauts should be monitored closely' In light of more manned missions to space being planned in the coming years, La Favor said that the sexual health of astronauts should be monitored closely upon their return from deep space missions in the future. "Current space vehicles provide negligible protection against GCR, so there are not effective ways to protect astronauts from GCR exposure on trips to deep-space," La Favor told Newsweek. "It is possible that the effects of GCR exposure could be mitigated therapeutically, but more research will be needed to establish efficacy, even in the rodent models. Our study only investigated the effects after long-term recovery. I would speculate that the effects of the galactic cosmic radiation would be more pronounced shortly after exposure, although that will need to be a topic of future investigation." 'It can be prevented' Also read | Video: Plane crashes into Texas shopping centre parking lot, setting several vehicles ablaze The study noted that the effects of galactic cosmic radiation, believed to cause erectile dysfunction, can be countered with treatment of different antioxidants. Also read | Ozone hole probably getting larger instead of healing as previously claimed, study says "While the negative impacts of galactic cosmic radiation were long-lasting, functional improvements induced by acutely targeting the redox and nitric oxide pathways in the tissues suggest that the erectile dysfunction may be treatable," she said. (With inputs from agencies)

Space missions can increase risk of erectile dysfunction in male astronauts, says study

NASA's Earth Surface Mineral Dust Source Investigation (EMIT) instrument, which was launched last year in July and stationed on the International Space Station (ISS), has spotted greenhouse gas emission sources, especially methane. NASA said that the instrument has shown an ability to detect more than just surface minerals.&nbsp;

The US-based space agency said that data from the EMIT instrument is being used to identify point-source emissions of greenhouse gases with a precision that has shocked even its inventors.&nbsp;

A new study published in Science Advances on November 17 stated that the detection of methane was not part of EMIT's main goal, but the imaging spectrometer's designers believed it could do it.&nbsp;

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The study stated that the detection of methane was not part of EMIT's core goal, although the imaging spectrometer's designers expected it to have the capability.

The study, titled, "Attribution of individual methane and carbon dioxide emission sources using EMIT observations from space", said that with over 750 emissions sources found since August 2022, the instrument has excelled.

Some observations are minor, some are in remote regions, and some are persistent over time.&nbsp;

Andrew Thorpe, who is a research technologist on the EMIT science team at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California and the paper's lead author, said: It has exceeded our expectations. We were a little cautious at first about what we could do with the instrument."&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Floods wreak havoc in Horn of Africa&nbsp;

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<h2>Greenhouse gases&nbsp;</h2>

After analysing the results, NASA said in its report that operators of landfills, agricultural sites, oil and gas operations, and other methane producers can address methane emissions if they know where they are coming from.&nbsp;

It added that tracking human-caused methane emissions is critical to minimising climate change because it provides a relatively low-cost, quick way to lower greenhouse gases.&nbsp;

Notably, greenhouse gas is any gas that can absorb infrared radiation emitted from Earth's surface and reradiate it back to Earth's surface, thus contributing to the greenhouse effect.&nbsp;

Carbon dioxide, methane, and water vapour are the most important greenhouse gases. Methane remains in the atmosphere for roughly a decade, but during that period, it traps up to 80 times more heat than carbon dioxide, which remains for aeons.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

NASA's Earth Surface Mineral Dust Source Investigation (EMIT) instrument, which was launched last year in July and stationed on the International Space Station (ISS), has spotted greenhouse gas emission sources, especially methane.

NASA's Earth Surface Mineral Dust Source Investigation (EMIT) instrument, which was launched last year in July and stationed on the International Space Station (ISS), has spotted greenhouse gas emission sources, especially methane. NASA said that the instrument has shown an ability to detect more than just surface minerals. The US-based space agency said that data from the EMIT instrument is being used to identify point-source emissions of greenhouse gases with a precision that has shocked even its inventors. A new study published in Science Advances on November 17 stated that the detection of methane was not part of EMIT's main goal, but the imaging spectrometer's designers believed it could do it. Also read: Ozone hole probably getting larger instead of healing as previously claimed, study says The study stated that the detection of methane was not part of EMIT's core goal, although the imaging spectrometer's designers expected it to have the capability. The study, titled, "Attribution of individual methane and carbon dioxide emission sources using EMIT observations from space", said that with over 750 emissions sources found since August 2022, the instrument has excelled. Some observations are minor, some are in remote regions, and some are persistent over time. Andrew Thorpe, who is a research technologist on the EMIT science team at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California and the paper's lead author, said: It has exceeded our expectations. We were a little cautious at first about what we could do with the instrument." Watch: Floods wreak havoc in Horn of Africa × Also read: Deep sea mining might stress out the jellyfish and starve them to death Greenhouse gases After analysing the results, NASA said in its report that operators of landfills, agricultural sites, oil and gas operations, and other methane producers can address methane emissions if they know where they are coming from. It added that tracking human-caused methane emissions is critical to minimising climate change because it provides a relatively low-cost, quick way to lower greenhouse gases. Notably, greenhouse gas is any gas that can absorb infrared radiation emitted from Earth's surface and reradiate it back to Earth's surface, thus contributing to the greenhouse effect. Carbon dioxide, methane, and water vapour are the most important greenhouse gases. Methane remains in the atmosphere for roughly a decade, but during that period, it traps up to 80 times more heat than carbon dioxide, which remains for aeons. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA instrument aboard ISS excels at spotting greenhouse gas emission sources

A ‘lost asteroid’ has a slight possibility of impacting Earth in 2024, NASA has warned. The asteroid named 2007 FT3 is floating through space and there is a tiny chance that it might&nbsp;strike Earth&nbsp;next year.&nbsp;

This is not the first time that NASA has found an asteroid approaching Earth, and this will also not be the last. There are currently over 32,000 known near-Earth asteroids (NEAs) and more than 120 known short-period near-Earth comets (NECs). Each of these space elements has the ability to cause some form of destruction to Earth if not averted successfully.&nbsp;

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Most of these known asteroids are tracked by NASA’s Center for Near Earth Object Studies (CNEOS). The space agency’s branch has&nbsp;estimated that the asteroid could potentially strike the planet as soon as October 2024.&nbsp;

<h2>2007 FT3: ‘Lost asteroid’ might find its way to Earth&nbsp;</h2>

In 2007, scientists spotted an object floating through space, which they named 2007 FT3. The object was revealed to&nbsp;be an asteroid but soon lost its flight path and scientists lost track of it. The asteroid had a short observation arc of only 1.2 days, after which it was not recovered despite&nbsp;targeted observations made by the scientists. The scary part is that&nbsp;it has not been seen since 2007.

NASA scientists estimate&nbsp;that this&nbsp;asteroid has probably now found its way back to Earth. They further say that there is a possibility that 2007 FT3 will hit Earth next year. But how high is the possibility? Well, NASA has quantified it.&nbsp;

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NASA suggests that 2007 FT3 has a probability of 0.0000087 per cent or 1 in 11.5 million chance of striking Earth in October 2024. There is another possibility of it striking Earth in March 2024 with the probability standing at 0.0000096 per cent, or 1 in 10 million. In both cases, the asteroid has the potential to release the energy equivalent to the detonation of 2.6 billion tons of TNT.&nbsp;

<h2>How dangerous it could be?</h2>

As per NASA’s estimates, in both cases, the amount of energy released from the collision of an asteroid and Earth can cause a considerable amount of regional destruction. However, the destruction would be weak enough to cause any global damage.

The space agency says that it will most probably strike the Earth on 5 Oct 2024.&nbsp;

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There are other asteroids as well that are approaching Earth that can potentially cause such devastation.&nbsp;

One object, known as 29075 (1950 DA), is the second riskiest rock on NASA's list. Discovered in 1950, scientists lost track of it for 50 years before finding its path once again. It has a 0.0029 per cent, or 1 in 34,500 chance of hitting Earth on March 16, 2880, a time way, way into the future.

(With inputs from agencies)

A ‘lost asteroid’ has a slight possibility of impacting Earth in 2024, NASA has warned. The asteroid named 2007 FT3 is floating through space and there is a tiny chance that it might strike Earth next year.

A ‘lost asteroid’ has a slight possibility of impacting Earth in 2024, NASA has warned. The asteroid named 2007 FT3 is floating through space and there is a tiny chance that it might strike Earth next year. This is not the first time that NASA has found an asteroid approaching Earth, and this will also not be the last. There are currently over 32,000 known near-Earth asteroids (NEAs) and more than 120 known short-period near-Earth comets (NECs). Each of these space elements has the ability to cause some form of destruction to Earth if not averted successfully. Also Read | NASA posts beautiful picture of Earth's 'airglow' Most of these known asteroids are tracked by NASA’s Center for Near Earth Object Studies (CNEOS). The space agency’s branch has estimated that the asteroid could potentially strike the planet as soon as October 2024. 2007 FT3: ‘Lost asteroid’ might find its way to Earth In 2007, scientists spotted an object floating through space, which they named 2007 FT3. The object was revealed to be an asteroid but soon lost its flight path and scientists lost track of it. The asteroid had a short observation arc of only 1.2 days, after which it was not recovered despite targeted observations made by the scientists. The scary part is that it has not been seen since 2007. NASA scientists estimate that this asteroid has probably now found its way back to Earth. They further say that there is a possibility that 2007 FT3 will hit Earth next year. But how high is the possibility? Well, NASA has quantified it. Also Read | Scientists decode millennia-old mystery as to why red wine causes headaches NASA suggests that 2007 FT3 has a probability of 0.0000087 per cent or 1 in 11.5 million chance of striking Earth in October 2024. There is another possibility of it striking Earth in March 2024 with the probability standing at 0.0000096 per cent, or 1 in 10 million. In both cases, the asteroid has the potential to release the energy equivalent to the detonation of 2.6 billion tons of TNT. How dangerous it could be? As per NASA’s estimates, in both cases, the amount of energy released from the collision of an asteroid and Earth can cause a considerable amount of regional destruction. However, the destruction would be weak enough to cause any global damage. The space agency says that it will most probably strike the Earth on 5 Oct 2024. Also Read | Sex ritual of this bat isn't quite how mammals copulate, a video recorded in Netherlands shows There are other asteroids as well that are approaching Earth that can potentially cause such devastation. One object, known as 29075 (1950 DA), is the second riskiest rock on NASA's list. Discovered in 1950, scientists lost track of it for 50 years before finding its path once again. It has a 0.0029 per cent, or 1 in 34,500 chance of hitting Earth on March 16, 2880, a time way, way into the future. (With inputs from agencies)

Asteroid thought to be lost in space might pose threat to Earth in 2024, NASA estimates show

James Webb Space Telescope has taken the latest picture of the dense centre of our galaxy showing stunning and unprecedented details. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in its report published on Monday (Nov 20) said that the star-forming region, named Sagittarius C (Sgr C), is about 300 light-years from the Milky Way's central supermassive black hole, Sagittarius A*. Notably, Sagittarius A* is the supermassive black hole at the Galactic Center of the Milky Way.&nbsp;

As quoted by NASA, the observation team's principal investigator Samuel Crowe, who is an undergraduate student at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, said: "There's never been any infrared data on this region with the level of resolution and sensitivity we get with Webb, so we are seeing lots of features here for the first time."&nbsp;

Crowe further added that "Webb reveals an incredible amount of detail, allowing us to study star formation in this sort of environment in a way that wasn't possible previously".&nbsp;

Professor Jonathan Tan, who is one of Crowe's advisors at the University of Virginia, said: "The galactic center is the most extreme environment in our Milky Way galaxy, where current theories of star formation can be put to their most rigorous test."&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasas-deep-space-optical-comm-achieves-first-light-as-it-sends-and-receives-data-661088">NASA probe aboard Psyche mission sends message from nearly 10 million miles away in space</a>&nbsp;

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Pictured: An estimated 500,000 stars. 
 
This is the heart of the Milky Way galaxy. <a href="https://twitter.com/NASAWebb?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NASAWebb</a> has revealed never-before-seen features in a star-forming region called Sagittarius C: <a href="https://t.co/ljZyx7qV2y">https://t.co/ljZyx7qV2y</a> <a href="https://t.co/WgBH45qUyQ">pic.twitter.com/WgBH45qUyQ</a>
— NASA (@NASA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASA/status/1726652548508192785?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 20, 2023</a></blockquote>
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🌟 Sagittarius C is a star-forming region just 25000 light-years from Earth – near enough for astronomers to study individual stars with Webb and learn how they form. <a href="https://t.co/mNPUwVOwEA">pic.twitter.com/mNPUwVOwEA</a>
— ESA Webb Telescope (@ESA_Webb) <a href="https://twitter.com/ESA_Webb/status/1726617000426737854?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 20, 2023</a></blockquote>
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The star-forming region called Sagittarius C is located about 300 light-years from the Milky Way’s supermassive black hole. An estimated 500,000 stars are forming in this region, providing insights on the origin of the universe. <a href="https://twitter.com/NASA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NASA</a> <a href="https://t.co/VvKgezdalt">pic.twitter.com/VvKgezdalt</a>
— James Drake (@jamesjpdrake) <a href="https://twitter.com/jamesjpdrake/status/1726917995442704704?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 21, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-scientists-say-this-lost-asteroid-could-strike-earth-in-2024-661079">Deep Impact? A 'lost asteroid' could strike Earth in 2024, NASA estimates show</a>&nbsp;

NASA's report stated that in the estimated 500,000 stars in the image is a cluster of protostars, which are still forming and gaining mass. The process produced outflows that glow in the midst of an infrared-dark cloud.&nbsp;

NASA said that "at the heart of this young cluster is a previously known, massive protostar over 30 times the mass of our Sun".&nbsp;

"The cloud the protostars are emerging from is so dense that the light from stars behind it cannot reach Webb, making it appear less crowded when in fact it is one of the most densely packed areas of the image," said NASA.&nbsp;

James Webb Space Telescope has taken the latest picture of the dense centre of our galaxy showing stunning and unprecedented details. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in its report published on Monday (Nov 20) said that the star-forming region, named Sagittarius C (Sgr C), is about 300 light-years from the Milky Way's central supermassive black hole, Sagittarius A*.

James Webb Space Telescope has taken the latest picture of the dense centre of our galaxy showing stunning and unprecedented details. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in its report published on Monday (Nov 20) said that the star-forming region, named Sagittarius C (Sgr C), is about 300 light-years from the Milky Way's central supermassive black hole, Sagittarius A*. Notably, Sagittarius A* is the supermassive black hole at the Galactic Center of the Milky Way. As quoted by NASA, the observation team's principal investigator Samuel Crowe, who is an undergraduate student at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, said: "There's never been any infrared data on this region with the level of resolution and sensitivity we get with Webb, so we are seeing lots of features here for the first time." Crowe further added that "Webb reveals an incredible amount of detail, allowing us to study star formation in this sort of environment in a way that wasn't possible previously". Professor Jonathan Tan, who is one of Crowe's advisors at the University of Virginia, said: "The galactic center is the most extreme environment in our Milky Way galaxy, where current theories of star formation can be put to their most rigorous test." Also read: NASA probe aboard Psyche mission sends message from nearly 10 million miles away in space Pictured: An estimated 500,000 stars. This is the heart of the Milky Way galaxy. @NASAWebb has revealed never-before-seen features in a star-forming region called Sagittarius C: https://t.co/ljZyx7qV2y pic.twitter.com/WgBH45qUyQ — NASA (@NASA) November 20, 2023 × 🌟 Sagittarius C is a star-forming region just 25000 light-years from Earth – near enough for astronomers to study individual stars with Webb and learn how they form. pic.twitter.com/mNPUwVOwEA — ESA Webb Telescope (@ESA_Webb) November 20, 2023 × The star-forming region called Sagittarius C is located about 300 light-years from the Milky Way’s supermassive black hole. An estimated 500,000 stars are forming in this region, providing insights on the origin of the universe. @NASA pic.twitter.com/VvKgezdalt — James Drake (@jamesjpdrake) November 21, 2023 × Also read: Deep Impact? A 'lost asteroid' could strike Earth in 2024, NASA estimates show NASA's report stated that in the estimated 500,000 stars in the image is a cluster of protostars, which are still forming and gaining mass. The process produced outflows that glow in the midst of an infrared-dark cloud. NASA said that "at the heart of this young cluster is a previously known, massive protostar over 30 times the mass of our Sun". "The cloud the protostars are emerging from is so dense that the light from stars behind it cannot reach Webb, making it appear less crowded when in fact it is one of the most densely packed areas of the image," said NASA.

NASA's James Webb Space Telescope shows heart of Milky Way in unprecedented details

Trust NASA to send stunning pictures of the cosmos our way. There are tonnes of images that are simply wow and the trickle doesn't appear to slow down as the space agency points its lenses towards the space and brings&nbsp;us images from even distant corners.

Among the latest ones that have mesmerised the people&nbsp;is an image of the only planet we call home. And it's just not any pic. This image captures Earth's 'airglow' with the moon shining just above. The image was captured just last week, on November 14 from the ISS (International Space Station).

NASA has posted the image from its Instagram handle.

"A view of Earth from the space station during orbital night. The Moon is above earth nearly centered above the surface. An airglow outlines the atmosphere above the Earth's surface in a yellow shade. Lights from cities dot Earth's surface – among them, a concentration of lights near the horizon identifies the city of Chicago, while the concentration of lights closer to the bottom left identifies Denver," wrote NASA.

The agency explains what exactly is an 'airglow' -&nbsp;Atoms and molecules in the upper atmosphere get energised due to sunlight, and as they shed their excess energy, it leads to an airglow.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/cosmic-vine-scientists-discover-enormous-cosmic-structure-hosting-20-galaxies-660417">‘Cosmic Vine’: Scientists discover enormous structure hosting 20 galaxies</a>

So are airglow and auroras the same? Not quite.

Auroras are formed when charged particles emitted by the Sun interact with Earth's magnetic field.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/a-mysterious-phenomenon-is-changing-the-earths-core-heres-how-660689">A mysterious phenomenon is changing the Earth's core. Here's how</a>

"Studying airflow gives us a peek into the upper atmosphere's temperature, density, and composition, but it also helps us trace how particles move through the region itself. Vast, high-altitude winds sweep through the ionosphere, pushing its contents around the globe — and airglow's subtle dance follows their lead, highlighting global patterns," says NASA.

The image has got more than 700,000 likes and Instagram users have expressed their opinions (ALL positive) in the comments below the post.

Trust NASA to send stunning pictures of the cosmos our way. There are tonnes of images that are simply wow and the trickle doesn't appear to slow down as the space agency points its lenses towards the space and brings us images from even distant corners.

Trust NASA to send stunning pictures of the cosmos our way. There are tonnes of images that are simply wow and the trickle doesn't appear to slow down as the space agency points its lenses towards the space and brings us images from even distant corners. Among the latest ones that have mesmerised the people is an image of the only planet we call home. And it's just not any pic. This image captures Earth's 'airglow' with the moon shining just above. The image was captured just last week, on November 14 from the ISS (International Space Station). NASA has posted the image from its Instagram handle. "A view of Earth from the space station during orbital night. The Moon is above earth nearly centered above the surface. An airglow outlines the atmosphere above the Earth's surface in a yellow shade. Lights from cities dot Earth's surface – among them, a concentration of lights near the horizon identifies the city of Chicago, while the concentration of lights closer to the bottom left identifies Denver," wrote NASA. The agency explains what exactly is an 'airglow' - Atoms and molecules in the upper atmosphere get energised due to sunlight, and as they shed their excess energy, it leads to an airglow. Also Read | ‘Cosmic Vine’: Scientists discover enormous structure hosting 20 galaxies So are airglow and auroras the same? Not quite. Auroras are formed when charged particles emitted by the Sun interact with Earth's magnetic field. Also Read | A mysterious phenomenon is changing the Earth's core. Here's how "Studying airflow gives us a peek into the upper atmosphere's temperature, density, and composition, but it also helps us trace how particles move through the region itself. Vast, high-altitude winds sweep through the ionosphere, pushing its contents around the globe — and airglow's subtle dance follows their lead, highlighting global patterns," says NASA. The image has got more than 700,000 likes and Instagram users have expressed their opinions (ALL positive) in the comments below the post.

NASA posts beautiful picture of Earth's 'airglow'

A tool bag that was accidentally slipped by NASA astronauts from the International Space Station (ISS), will be flying over Britain on Tuesday (Nov 21) and be visible from the ground.

The tool bag is orbiting the Earth around five minutes ahead of the ISS, and it has already been spotted by astronauts both onboard the space station and on the ground.

The bag is surprisingly bright and can be spotted with the naked eye in a clear sky. However, amateurs can also use binoculars or a telescope for a clear view.

<h2>What time will the tool bag be visible?</h2>

Britons in the south are expected to have a clear view of the tool bag on Tuesday evening. The best time to spot the bag would be between 5.30 pm and 5.41 pm.

Astronomers from the Virtual Telescope Project first spotted the object from the ground last week.

Watch:&nbsp;Gaganyaan: India's first mission to send astronauts to space

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Gianluca Masi, the project founder, posted an image, adding: &nbsp;“The object looks like a sharp dot of light in the centre, as the telescope tracked it.”&nbsp;

<h2>How did the bag end up there?</h2>

On November 2, when NASA astronauts Jasmin Moghbeli and Loral O’Hara were conducting repairs on the International Space Station’s (ISS) solar panels, they accidentally let a tool bag slip away.

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Last seen by <a href="https://twitter.com/Astro_Satoshi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Astro_Satoshi</a> while floating over Mount Fuji 🗻 the 'Orbital Police' can confirm that the lost EVA gear is being tracked 🫡 <a href="https://t.co/wz4MITmAfM">https://t.co/wz4MITmAfM</a> <a href="https://t.co/eksfu9fPFw">pic.twitter.com/eksfu9fPFw</a>
— Dr Meganne Christian (@astro_meganne) <a href="https://twitter.com/astro_meganne/status/1721297966999236802?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 5, 2023</a></blockquote>
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The tool bag is expected to orbit around Earth for a few months, during which it will continue to descend until 70 miles or 113 kilometres.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/web-stories/science/8-weird-things-astronauts-have-left-on-the-moon-1691144540606">Also read:&nbsp;8 Weird Things Astronauts Have Left On The Moon</a>

After reaching there, it will start to disintegrate in Earth’s atmosphere.

Notably, it was not the first time that astronauts dropped a repair kit accidentally into the Earth’s orbit.

On November 18, 2008, astronauts lost a similar repair kit during an operation outside the ISS.

(With inputs from agencies)

A tool bag that was accidentally slipped by NASA astronauts from the International Space Station (ISS), will be flying over Britain on Tuesday (Nov 21) and be visible from the ground.

A tool bag that was accidentally slipped by NASA astronauts from the International Space Station (ISS), will be flying over Britain on Tuesday (Nov 21) and be visible from the ground. The tool bag is orbiting the Earth around five minutes ahead of the ISS, and it has already been spotted by astronauts both onboard the space station and on the ground. The bag is surprisingly bright and can be spotted with the naked eye in a clear sky. However, amateurs can also use binoculars or a telescope for a clear view. What time will the tool bag be visible? Britons in the south are expected to have a clear view of the tool bag on Tuesday evening. The best time to spot the bag would be between 5.30 pm and 5.41 pm. Astronomers from the Virtual Telescope Project first spotted the object from the ground last week. Watch: Gaganyaan: India's first mission to send astronauts to space × Gianluca Masi, the project founder, posted an image, adding: “The object looks like a sharp dot of light in the centre, as the telescope tracked it.” How did the bag end up there? On November 2, when NASA astronauts Jasmin Moghbeli and Loral O’Hara were conducting repairs on the International Space Station’s (ISS) solar panels, they accidentally let a tool bag slip away. Last seen by @Astro_Satoshi while floating over Mount Fuji 🗻 the 'Orbital Police' can confirm that the lost EVA gear is being tracked 🫡 https://t.co/wz4MITmAfM pic.twitter.com/eksfu9fPFw — Dr Meganne Christian (@astro_meganne) November 5, 2023 × The tool bag is expected to orbit around Earth for a few months, during which it will continue to descend until 70 miles or 113 kilometres. Also read: 8 Weird Things Astronauts Have Left On The Moon After reaching there, it will start to disintegrate in Earth’s atmosphere. Notably, it was not the first time that astronauts dropped a repair kit accidentally into the Earth’s orbit. On November 18, 2008, astronauts lost a similar repair kit during an operation outside the ISS. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA’s lost tool bag orbiting Earth can be spotted with naked eyes on Tuesday

In another stepping stone for the Indian Space Research Organisation, it will now be collaborating with its US counterpart NASA to map the world every 12 days in the first-ever satellite developed by the two in collaboration named NISAR.

ISRO to launch NISAR in 2024

A NASA experiment called Deep Space Optical Communications (DSOC) has marked a key milestone in achieving "first light," successfully transmitting and receiving data&nbsp;to and from far beyond the Moon using a near-infrared laser.

The experiment, which is seeking to revolutionise spacecraft communication, is part of the recently launched Psyche spacecraft.

A near-infrared laser encoded with test data was sent from a distance of nearly 10 million miles&nbsp;to the Hale Telescope at Caltech’s Palomar Observatory in San Diego County, California.

The distance even surpassed the Moon-Earth distance by about 40 times. This marked&nbsp;the farthest-ever demonstration of optical communications.

The experiment utilised a cutting-edge laser transceiver aboard the Psyche spacecraft to send and receive signals. This groundbreaking achievement signified a leap forward in high-bandwidth data transmission, crucial for future space missions.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/at-global-average-temperature-of-2-degrees-earth-likely-to-see-disastrous-40-feet-of-sea-level-rise-659748">At global average temperature of 2 degrees, Earth likely to see disastrous 40 feet of sea level rise</a>

The successful "first light" moment occurred on November&nbsp;14, as the laser transceiver locked onto a powerful uplink laser beacon transmitted from the Optical Communications Telescope Laboratory at JPL’s Table Mountain Facility.

The collaborative effort between the transceiver and ground stations, along with automated systems, fine-tuned the laser's pointing back to Palomar.

<h2>Future missions</h2>

Trudy Kortes, director of Technology Demonstrations at NASA Headquarters, highlighted the importance of achieving "first light" as a critical milestone.&nbsp;

“Achieving first light is one of many critical DSOC milestones in the coming months, paving the way toward higher-data-rate communications capable of sending scientific information, high-definition imagery, and streaming video in support of humanity’s next giant leap: sending humans to Mars,” said Kortes said.&nbsp;

The experiment is not transmitting Psyche mission data and DSOC&nbsp;operations do not intervene with the data of the spacecraft.

<h5>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-president-joe-biden-says-stable-china-ties-will-benefit-the-world-659699">US President Joe Biden says, 'stable China ties will benefit the world'</a></h5>

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The Psyche spacecraft is undergoing checkouts, testing propulsion systems, and instruments for studying the asteroid Psyche upon its arrival in 2028.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A NASA experiment called Deep Space Optical Communications (DSOC) has marked a key milestone in achieving "first light," successfully transmitting and receiving data to and from far beyond the Moon using a near-infrared laser.

A NASA experiment called Deep Space Optical Communications (DSOC) has marked a key milestone in achieving "first light," successfully transmitting and receiving data to and from far beyond the Moon using a near-infrared laser. The experiment, which is seeking to revolutionise spacecraft communication, is part of the recently launched Psyche spacecraft. A near-infrared laser encoded with test data was sent from a distance of nearly 10 million miles to the Hale Telescope at Caltech’s Palomar Observatory in San Diego County, California. The distance even surpassed the Moon-Earth distance by about 40 times. This marked the farthest-ever demonstration of optical communications. The experiment utilised a cutting-edge laser transceiver aboard the Psyche spacecraft to send and receive signals. This groundbreaking achievement signified a leap forward in high-bandwidth data transmission, crucial for future space missions. Also Read | At global average temperature of 2 degrees, Earth likely to see disastrous 40 feet of sea level rise The successful "first light" moment occurred on November 14, as the laser transceiver locked onto a powerful uplink laser beacon transmitted from the Optical Communications Telescope Laboratory at JPL’s Table Mountain Facility. The collaborative effort between the transceiver and ground stations, along with automated systems, fine-tuned the laser's pointing back to Palomar. Future missions Trudy Kortes, director of Technology Demonstrations at NASA Headquarters, highlighted the importance of achieving "first light" as a critical milestone. “Achieving first light is one of many critical DSOC milestones in the coming months, paving the way toward higher-data-rate communications capable of sending scientific information, high-definition imagery, and streaming video in support of humanity’s next giant leap: sending humans to Mars,” said Kortes said. The experiment is not transmitting Psyche mission data and DSOC operations do not intervene with the data of the spacecraft. Watch | US President Joe Biden says, 'stable China ties will benefit the world' × The Psyche spacecraft is undergoing checkouts, testing propulsion systems, and instruments for studying the asteroid Psyche upon its arrival in 2028. (With inputs from agencies)

In a first, NASA experiment transmits data via laser to and from far beyond Moon

In an exclusive interview with WION's Moohita Kaur Garg, Harvard Professor and UFO expert Avi Loeb provides a unique perspective on why hasn't humanity heard the figurative knocking on its celestial doors. He answers the age-old question: Have aliens been among us all along?

Are Peruvian Alien Mummies Real or a Clever Hoax? Expert Weighs In!

Stars, galaxies, and their celestial names are above humans and our inherent bigotry...or are they?&nbsp;

A group of scientists has called for the renaming of galaxies named after a 16th-century explorer, who they say left behind a "violent colonialist legacy".&nbsp;

They say that science is for everyone and that astrological objects should not be named after someone with the stain of slavery on their legacy.

<h2>All in the name?</h2>

The Large and Small Magellanic Clouds, dwarf galaxies in the Milky Way, are named after 16th-century Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan.

Visible to the naked eye from the Southern Hemisphere, these galaxies, as per claims, were "discovered" by Magellan and his crew between 1519 and 1522. They apparently discovered them during their first circumnavigation of the world.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-pooh-pooh-claims-that-extinct-ancient-human-homo-naledi-buried-its-dead-658437">Scientists pooh-pooh claims that extinct ancient human 'Homo naledi' buried its dead</a>

However, a group of astronomers from the United States say that this narrative is false that the galaxies were known to indigenous people for years, and that they had "names and legends for these systems that predate Magellan by thousands of years".

<h2>Why not Magellan's name?</h2>

Writing in the American Physical Society journal, Mia de los Reyes, an assistant professor of astronomy at Amherst College, Massachusetts, said: "The beauty of these starry objects is clouded by their names."

It's not just the names of these galaxies they want changed. The twin Magellan telescopes in Chile may also need a name change.

Describing Magellan as "a coloniser, a slaver and a murderer," Reyes writes: "I and a coalition of astronomers are calling for the scientific community to rename these galaxies, as well as other astronomical objects, institutions, and facilities that bear his name."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/trouble-in-space-soaring-costs-of-nasas-mars-sample-return-mission-risks-other-projects-657819">Trouble in space: Soaring costs of NASA's Mars Sample Return Mission risk other significant projects</a>

"I and many other astronomers believe that astronomical objects and facilities should not be named after Magellan, or after anyone else with a violent colonialist legacy," she adds.

However, not everyone likes the idea.&nbsp;

A conservative MP for Harrow East, Bob Blackman, as per The Telegraph, has labelled the calls to rename these galaxies as "absolute nonsense".

He says that given that so many historical figures had their feet in the slave trade, we may not "have many left" that don't hurt someone's sensibilities.

"We can all look back on various different people's involvement in the slave trade, but the reality is that if you’re going to start renaming everything that involved everyone from the slave trade, you won’t have many left."

(With inputs from agencies)

Stars, galaxies, and their celestial names are above humans and our inherent bigotry...or are they? A group of scientists has called for the renaming of galaxies named after a 16th-century explorer, who they say left behind a "violent colonialist legacy".

Stars, galaxies, and their celestial names are above humans and our inherent bigotry...or are they? A group of scientists has called for the renaming of galaxies named after a 16th-century explorer, who they say left behind a "violent colonialist legacy". They say that science is for everyone and that astrological objects should not be named after someone with the stain of slavery on their legacy. All in the name? The Large and Small Magellanic Clouds, dwarf galaxies in the Milky Way, are named after 16th-century Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan. Visible to the naked eye from the Southern Hemisphere, these galaxies, as per claims, were "discovered" by Magellan and his crew between 1519 and 1522. They apparently discovered them during their first circumnavigation of the world. Also read | Scientists pooh-pooh claims that extinct ancient human 'Homo naledi' buried its dead However, a group of astronomers from the United States say that this narrative is false that the galaxies were known to indigenous people for years, and that they had "names and legends for these systems that predate Magellan by thousands of years". Why not Magellan's name? Writing in the American Physical Society journal, Mia de los Reyes, an assistant professor of astronomy at Amherst College, Massachusetts, said: "The beauty of these starry objects is clouded by their names." It's not just the names of these galaxies they want changed. The twin Magellan telescopes in Chile may also need a name change. Describing Magellan as "a coloniser, a slaver and a murderer," Reyes writes: "I and a coalition of astronomers are calling for the scientific community to rename these galaxies, as well as other astronomical objects, institutions, and facilities that bear his name." Also read | Trouble in space: Soaring costs of NASA's Mars Sample Return Mission risk other significant projects "I and many other astronomers believe that astronomical objects and facilities should not be named after Magellan, or after anyone else with a violent colonialist legacy," she adds. However, not everyone likes the idea. A conservative MP for Harrow East, Bob Blackman, as per The Telegraph, has labelled the calls to rename these galaxies as "absolute nonsense". He says that given that so many historical figures had their feet in the slave trade, we may not "have many left" that don't hurt someone's sensibilities. "We can all look back on various different people's involvement in the slave trade, but the reality is that if you’re going to start renaming everything that involved everyone from the slave trade, you won’t have many left." (With inputs from agencies)

Scientists call to rename Magellan galaxies alleging their namesake had a violent legacy

A new study has revealed strange details about an exoplanet which apparently hosts sandy clouds high in its atmosphere.&nbsp;The observations about the sand clouds, and consequently sand rains, were made from images of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST).

The observations shared by National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) were detailed in a peer-reviewed paper published in Nature on Wednesday (Nov 15). &nbsp;

The JWST images have been analysed carefully by a team of European astronomers to study the atmospheric composition of a nearby "fluffy" exoplanet, called WASP-107b.&nbsp;

As per the study, the team of researchers have found water vapour, sulfur dioxide and even silicate sand clouds residing within the exoplanet's atmosphere.&nbsp;

Also&nbsp;read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/a-space-explosion-was-so-powerful-that-it-shook-earths-upper-atmosphere-when-struck-it-658980">A 1-in-10,000-year radiation burst was so powerful that it shook Earth's upper atmosphere</a>&nbsp;

The discovery of WASP-107b was announced in 2017 and NASA has previously said that it is a Neptune-like exoplanet that orbits a K-type star.&nbsp;

It is roughly 200 light years from Earth. According to astronomers, it is one of the lowest-density planets, and sometimes it is compared to a comet.&nbsp;

As per the previous observation, it was discovered that the mass of WASP-107b is 30.5 Earths, and it takes 5.7 days to complete one orbit of its star. NASA has said that it is 0.055 AU from its star.&nbsp;

The latest observations have helped the researchers to have a better understanding of the chemistry of distant planets.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/explained-isro-nasa-satellite-nisar-gets-a-feel-of-space-in-bengaluru-658925">ISRO-NASA satellite 'NISAR' gets a feel of space in Bengaluru</a>&nbsp;

<h2>What does it mean by the presence of sand?&nbsp;</h2>

The study noted that astronomers were bewildered after the initial discovery of sulfur dioxide because WASP-107b's host star emits a relatively small fraction of high-energy light photons as the exoplanet is smaller and cooler.&nbsp;

Also, photons can penetrate deep into WASP-107b's atmosphere, which is possible because of the planet's low density. It leads to chemical reactions that create sulfur dioxide.&nbsp;

Besides sulfur dioxide, astronomers have also noted the presence of high-altitude clouds composed of fine silicate particles, which are nothing but fine-grained sand.&nbsp;

As quoted by Space.com, lead author Leen Decin of Katholieke Universiteit Leuven in Belgium, said in a press release, "JWST is revolutionising exoplanet characterisation, providing unprecedented insights at remarkable speed."&nbsp;

"The discovery of clouds of sand, water, and sulfur dioxide on this fluffy exoplanet … is a pivotal milestone. It reshapes our understanding of planetary formation and evolution, shedding new light on our own solar system," he added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A new study has revealed strange details about an exoplanet which apparently hosts sandy clouds high in its atmosphere. The observations about the sand clouds, and consequently sand rains, were made from images of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST).

A new study has revealed strange details about an exoplanet which apparently hosts sandy clouds high in its atmosphere. The observations about the sand clouds, and consequently sand rains, were made from images of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). The observations shared by National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) were detailed in a peer-reviewed paper published in Nature on Wednesday (Nov 15). The JWST images have been analysed carefully by a team of European astronomers to study the atmospheric composition of a nearby "fluffy" exoplanet, called WASP-107b. As per the study, the team of researchers have found water vapour, sulfur dioxide and even silicate sand clouds residing within the exoplanet's atmosphere. Also read: A 1-in-10,000-year radiation burst was so powerful that it shook Earth's upper atmosphere The discovery of WASP-107b was announced in 2017 and NASA has previously said that it is a Neptune-like exoplanet that orbits a K-type star. It is roughly 200 light years from Earth. According to astronomers, it is one of the lowest-density planets, and sometimes it is compared to a comet. As per the previous observation, it was discovered that the mass of WASP-107b is 30.5 Earths, and it takes 5.7 days to complete one orbit of its star. NASA has said that it is 0.055 AU from its star. The latest observations have helped the researchers to have a better understanding of the chemistry of distant planets. Also read: ISRO-NASA satellite 'NISAR' gets a feel of space in Bengaluru What does it mean by the presence of sand? The study noted that astronomers were bewildered after the initial discovery of sulfur dioxide because WASP-107b's host star emits a relatively small fraction of high-energy light photons as the exoplanet is smaller and cooler. Also, photons can penetrate deep into WASP-107b's atmosphere, which is possible because of the planet's low density. It leads to chemical reactions that create sulfur dioxide. Besides sulfur dioxide, astronomers have also noted the presence of high-altitude clouds composed of fine silicate particles, which are nothing but fine-grained sand. As quoted by Space.com, lead author Leen Decin of Katholieke Universiteit Leuven in Belgium, said in a press release, "JWST is revolutionising exoplanet characterisation, providing unprecedented insights at remarkable speed." "The discovery of clouds of sand, water, and sulfur dioxide on this fluffy exoplanet … is a pivotal milestone. It reshapes our understanding of planetary formation and evolution, shedding new light on our own solar system," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA's telescope observes planet where sand rains, like water on Earth

A recent study utilising data from NASA's retired Kepler Space Telescope has provided insights into the enigma of disappearing atmospheres and shrinking sizes of certain exoplanets. Researchers believe they may have identified a potential explanation for the "missing" planets falling between the size range of super-Earths and sub-Neptunes.

Exoplanets exist outside our solar system and exhibit diverse sizes, ranging from rocky planets to gas giants. In between, there are rocky super-Earths and sub-Neptunes. But there also exists a noticeable void, a "size gap."

NASA's&nbsp;Jet Propulsion Laboratory said that there is a "conspicuous absence" or a “size gap” of planets that are 1.5 to 2 times Earth's size. This has left scientists puzzled.&nbsp;

However, the lead&nbsp;author of the new study in The Astronomical Journal and Caltech/IPAC research scientist Jessie Christiansen said that “scientists have now confirmed the detection of over 5,000 exoplanets, but there are fewer planets than expected with a diameter between 1.5 and 2 times that of Earth."&nbsp;

“Exoplanet scientists have enough data now to say that this gap is not a fluke. There’s something going on that impedes planets from reaching and/or staying at this size," Christiansen added.&nbsp;

Scientists have dedicated efforts to unravel the mysteries surrounding this absence and gain a deeper understanding of the planetary system.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/italy-bans-lab-grown-frankenstein-meat-citing-health-concerns-and-need-to-safeguard-livestock-industry-659640">Italy bans lab-grown 'frankenstein' meat citing health concerns and need to safeguard livestock industry</a>

<h2>So what is behind the shrinking of exoplanets?&nbsp;</h2>

The study proposed that some sub-Neptunes lose their atmospheres, causing them to shrink. The leading explanations for this atmospheric loss are core-powered mass loss and photoevaporation. The researchers have uncovered new evidence supporting the theory of core-powered mass loss as a potential mechanism behind the shrinking of these planets.&nbsp;

Core-powered mass loss involves radiation from a planet's hot core gradually pushing its atmosphere away over time, eventually shrinking it. In contrast, photoevaporation occurs when a planet's atmosphere is eroded by the intense radiation from its host star.

The study suggested that core-powered mass loss occurs later in a planet's life, around 1 billion years, while photoevaporation is more likely to happen within the first 100 million years.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/rbi-bulletin-highlights-inflation-challenge-despite-boost-in-consumption-659632">RBI bulletin highlights inflation challenge despite boost in consumption</a>

<h2>Observations of star clusters</h2>

The researchers focused on star clusters Praesepe and Hyades, aged between 600 million and 800 million years.

By analysing these clusters, the team concluded in&nbsp;their findings that core-powered mass loss is a more plausible reasoning for these "missing" exoplanets.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-says-artist-was-spreading-misinformation-about-military-659688">Russia says artist was spreading misinformation about military</a>

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While the study provides valuable insights, the researchers said that the understanding of photoevaporation and core-powered mass loss is an evolving field.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A recent study utilising data from NASA's retired Kepler Space Telescope has provided insights into the enigma of disappearing atmospheres and shrinking sizes of certain exoplanets.

A recent study utilising data from NASA's retired Kepler Space Telescope has provided insights into the enigma of disappearing atmospheres and shrinking sizes of certain exoplanets. Researchers believe they may have identified a potential explanation for the "missing" planets falling between the size range of super-Earths and sub-Neptunes. Exoplanets exist outside our solar system and exhibit diverse sizes, ranging from rocky planets to gas giants. In between, there are rocky super-Earths and sub-Neptunes. But there also exists a noticeable void, a "size gap." NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory said that there is a "conspicuous absence" or a “size gap” of planets that are 1.5 to 2 times Earth's size. This has left scientists puzzled. However, the lead author of the new study in The Astronomical Journal and Caltech/IPAC research scientist Jessie Christiansen said that “scientists have now confirmed the detection of over 5,000 exoplanets, but there are fewer planets than expected with a diameter between 1.5 and 2 times that of Earth." “Exoplanet scientists have enough data now to say that this gap is not a fluke. There’s something going on that impedes planets from reaching and/or staying at this size," Christiansen added. Scientists have dedicated efforts to unravel the mysteries surrounding this absence and gain a deeper understanding of the planetary system. Also Read | Italy bans lab-grown 'frankenstein' meat citing health concerns and need to safeguard livestock industry So what is behind the shrinking of exoplanets? The study proposed that some sub-Neptunes lose their atmospheres, causing them to shrink. The leading explanations for this atmospheric loss are core-powered mass loss and photoevaporation. The researchers have uncovered new evidence supporting the theory of core-powered mass loss as a potential mechanism behind the shrinking of these planets. Core-powered mass loss involves radiation from a planet's hot core gradually pushing its atmosphere away over time, eventually shrinking it. In contrast, photoevaporation occurs when a planet's atmosphere is eroded by the intense radiation from its host star. The study suggested that core-powered mass loss occurs later in a planet's life, around 1 billion years, while photoevaporation is more likely to happen within the first 100 million years. Also Read | RBI bulletin highlights inflation challenge despite boost in consumption Observations of star clusters The researchers focused on star clusters Praesepe and Hyades, aged between 600 million and 800 million years. By analysing these clusters, the team concluded in their findings that core-powered mass loss is a more plausible reasoning for these "missing" exoplanets. Watch | Russia says artist was spreading misinformation about military × While the study provides valuable insights, the researchers said that the understanding of photoevaporation and core-powered mass loss is an evolving field. (With inputs from agencies)

Is mystery of shrinking exoplanets solved? Data from NASA reveals new details

Devil Comet with horns, the colossal, cryovolcanic comet three times the size of Mount Everest, has once again experienced an explosive event as it makes its way towards our planet Earth.

<h2>Devil Comet with horns</h2>

The colossal comet got the name after two devil-like horns were observed during its previous outbursts. However, this time astronomers did not spot signs of a dark lane in the comet's coma — a hazy cloud which surrounds its nucleus.

It is also known as 12P/Pons-Brooks and just a couple of days back (on Tuesday), it exploded for the fourth time.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/astronomers-baffled-by-mysterious-space-explosions-called-tasmanian-devil-659479">Dead star called 'Tasmanian devil' releasing signs of life months after explosion</a>

As per an Earth.com report, experts say this might've been its biggest outburst yet. Daily Mail reports that this caused the comet to abruptly brighten more than 100 times, to shine as bright as the Elliptical Galaxy located some 600 million light-years from Earth.

Described as a 'cold volcano', the space rock is about 18 miles in diameter. It is called a cold volcano because it violently ejects ice and gas.&nbsp;

<h2>Previous explosions of Devil Comet</h2>

The last outburst of the so-called Devil Comet happened only two weeks back.

As per Elliot Herman, who has been tracking the comet, "Comet 12P appears to be manifesting more frequent outbursts, a new outburst only two weeks from the prior outburst is now apparent."&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/in-a-first-scientists-detect-eerie-green-glow-in-night-sky-of-mars-659465">In a first, scientists detect eerie green glow in night sky of Mars</a>

"This new outburst is the fourth since the July outburst began the show. Gaps due to cloudy nights."

Its previous outbursts were observed on July 20, and October 5th and the last one happened on November 1st.

The comet will reach its closest point in its orbit of Earth in June 2024. However, it is not a danger to the planet. As estimates say, it will pass by at a safe distance.

Following this, the devil&nbsp;comet with horns will not return for decades, until the year 2095.

Devil Comet with horns, the colossal, cryovolcanic comet three times the size of Mount Everest, has once again experienced an explosive event as it makes its way towards our planet Earth.

Devil Comet with horns, the colossal, cryovolcanic comet three times the size of Mount Everest, has once again experienced an explosive event as it makes its way towards our planet Earth. Devil Comet with horns The colossal comet got the name after two devil-like horns were observed during its previous outbursts. However, this time astronomers did not spot signs of a dark lane in the comet's coma — a hazy cloud which surrounds its nucleus. It is also known as 12P/Pons-Brooks and just a couple of days back (on Tuesday), it exploded for the fourth time. Also read | Dead star called 'Tasmanian devil' releasing signs of life months after explosion As per an Earth.com report, experts say this might've been its biggest outburst yet. Daily Mail reports that this caused the comet to abruptly brighten more than 100 times, to shine as bright as the Elliptical Galaxy located some 600 million light-years from Earth. Described as a 'cold volcano', the space rock is about 18 miles in diameter. It is called a cold volcano because it violently ejects ice and gas. Previous explosions of Devil Comet The last outburst of the so-called Devil Comet happened only two weeks back. As per Elliot Herman, who has been tracking the comet, "Comet 12P appears to be manifesting more frequent outbursts, a new outburst only two weeks from the prior outburst is now apparent." Also read | In a first, scientists detect eerie green glow in night sky of Mars "This new outburst is the fourth since the July outburst began the show. Gaps due to cloudy nights." Its previous outbursts were observed on July 20, and October 5th and the last one happened on November 1st. The comet will reach its closest point in its orbit of Earth in June 2024. However, it is not a danger to the planet. As estimates say, it will pass by at a safe distance. Following this, the devil comet with horns will not return for decades, until the year 2095.

Devil Comet with horns, hurtling towards Earth, has exploded a fourth time

For someone outside the scientific community, the data collected from NASA telescopes can get super-complicated and hard to comprehend when seen on images. But what if the data is used for creating original music that can be played by musicians?&nbsp;

Giving out the details of a new phase of the “sonification” project, NASA said that since 2020 the project at its Chandra X-ray Center has "translated the digital data taken by telescopes into notes and sounds."&nbsp;

The project is enchanting and with its help, anyone can "experience the data through the sense of hearing instead of seeing it as images, a more common way to present astronomical data."&nbsp;

However, a new stride has been made in the project and an earlier unchartered territory has been explored.&nbsp;

A team in collaboration with composer Sophie Kastner has converted the data into music that can now be played by musicians. “It’s like writing a fictional story that is largely based on real facts,” said composer Sophie Kastner and added, “We are taking the data from space that has been translated into sound and putting a new and human twist on it."&nbsp;

<h2>What is the data related?&nbsp;</h2>

This is a pilot programme and the data which is converted into playable music is taken from a small region at the centre of our Milky Way galaxy. This is the region where a supermassive black hole is present.&nbsp;The intriguing region is spread in about 400 light-years.

The telescopes that have delved deep into this region are&nbsp;NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory, Hubble Space Telescope, and retired Spitzer Space Telescope.

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Chandra visualisation and emerging technology scientist Kimberly Arcand said,&nbsp;"We’ve been working with these data, taken in X-ray, visible, and infrared light, for years."

“Translating these data into sound was a big step, and now with Sophie we are again trying something completely new for us,"&nbsp;Arcand added.&nbsp;

<h2>How is the music created?&nbsp;</h2>

With the help of various kinds of algorithms, the computer first helps in mapping the data to sounds that humans can understand.&nbsp;While working on this project, Kastner zoomed in on small sections of the data image.

She created "spotlights on certain parts of the image that are easily overlooked when the full sonification is played."&nbsp;

“In some ways, this is just another way for humans to interact with the night sky just as they have throughout recorded history,” says Arcand adding, “We are using different tools but the concept of being inspired by the heavens to make art remains the same.”

(With inputs from agencies)

For someone outside the scientific community, the data collected from NASA telescopes can get super-complicated and hard to comprehend when seen on images. But what if the data is used for creating original music that can be played by musicians?

For someone outside the scientific community, the data collected from NASA telescopes can get super-complicated and hard to comprehend when seen on images. But what if the data is used for creating original music that can be played by musicians? Giving out the details of a new phase of the “sonification” project, NASA said that since 2020 the project at its Chandra X-ray Center has "translated the digital data taken by telescopes into notes and sounds." The project is enchanting and with its help, anyone can "experience the data through the sense of hearing instead of seeing it as images, a more common way to present astronomical data." However, a new stride has been made in the project and an earlier unchartered territory has been explored. A team in collaboration with composer Sophie Kastner has converted the data into music that can now be played by musicians. “It’s like writing a fictional story that is largely based on real facts,” said composer Sophie Kastner and added, “We are taking the data from space that has been translated into sound and putting a new and human twist on it." What is the data related? This is a pilot programme and the data which is converted into playable music is taken from a small region at the centre of our Milky Way galaxy. This is the region where a supermassive black hole is present. The intriguing region is spread in about 400 light-years. The telescopes that have delved deep into this region are NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory, Hubble Space Telescope, and retired Spitzer Space Telescope. × Chandra visualisation and emerging technology scientist Kimberly Arcand said, "We’ve been working with these data, taken in X-ray, visible, and infrared light, for years." “Translating these data into sound was a big step, and now with Sophie we are again trying something completely new for us," Arcand added. How is the music created? With the help of various kinds of algorithms, the computer first helps in mapping the data to sounds that humans can understand. While working on this project, Kastner zoomed in on small sections of the data image. She created "spotlights on certain parts of the image that are easily overlooked when the full sonification is played." “In some ways, this is just another way for humans to interact with the night sky just as they have throughout recorded history,” says Arcand adding, “We are using different tools but the concept of being inspired by the heavens to make art remains the same.” (With inputs from agencies)

'Like writing a fictional story': NASA's telescopic data from Milky Way played by musicians  | WATCH

NASA is calling out the ones who wish to send their names&nbsp;to deep space beyond Mars.

The American space agency in a unique move is giving a chance to all the space enthusiasts to add their name to its Europa clipper.

The names will be added to a microchip that will ride aboard the spacecraft as it explores Jupiter’s moon Europa.

The spacecraft will make the 1.8 billion-mile journey to explore the ringed planet's moon.

The campaign, which is dubbed “Message in a Bottle” by NASA is only six weeks away as it closes at 11:59 pm EST, Dec 31, 2023.

As per the space agency's official website, since the beginning of the campaign, nearly 700,000 names have been submitted.

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Time is running out to send your name to deep space aboard <a href="https://twitter.com/EuropaClipper?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EuropaClipper</a>! ⏰ 
 
Submit your name by Dec. 31 to be engraved on a chip that will travel 1.8 billion mi (2.6 billion km) to explore one of Jupiter’s moons, Europa. Learn more: <a href="https://t.co/n4TrYrzNC3">https://t.co/n4TrYrzNC3</a> <a href="https://t.co/2XS6ZRnm9k">pic.twitter.com/2XS6ZRnm9k</a>
— NASA (@NASA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASA/status/1724177610349973682?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 13, 2023</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

After all the names are gathered, the technicians at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California will engrave them onto a dime-size silicon microchip using an electron beam.

Each line of text will be smaller than 1/1000th the width of a human hair, which is 75 nanometers.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-solve-puzzle-of-origin-of-life-says-bouncing-comets-may-carry-seed-of-life-658866">Scientists solve puzzle of origin of life, says 'bouncing' comets may carry 'seed of life'</a>

<h2>'Message in a bottle'</h2>

The microchip, which will be attached to a metal plate, will be engraved with the original poem “In Praise of Mystery,” penned by US Poet Laureate Ada Limón to celebrate the mission.&nbsp;

The poem and the names will ride on the exterior of the spacecraft and will be like a message in a bottle as they make about 50 close flybys of the ocean world.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/dazzling-discovery-scientists-spot-aurora-like-emission-in-suns-atmosphere-658888">Dazzling discovery: Scientists spot aurora-like emission in Sun's atmosphere</a>

"The mission will log a half-billion miles (800 million kilometres) during these orbits as the spacecraft’s payload of science instruments gathers data on Europa’s subsurface ocean, icy crust, and atmosphere to determine if the moon could support life," said NASA's official website.

After the assembly of Europa Clipper is completed at JPL, the orbiter will be shipped to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida in preparation for its October 2024 launch.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

NASA is calling out the ones who wish to send their names to deep space beyond Mars. The American space agency in a unique move is giving a chance to all the space enthusiasts to add their name to its Europa clipper.

NASA is calling out the ones who wish to send their names to deep space beyond Mars. The American space agency in a unique move is giving a chance to all the space enthusiasts to add their name to its Europa clipper. The names will be added to a microchip that will ride aboard the spacecraft as it explores Jupiter’s moon Europa. The spacecraft will make the 1.8 billion-mile journey to explore the ringed planet's moon. The campaign, which is dubbed “Message in a Bottle” by NASA is only six weeks away as it closes at 11:59 pm EST, Dec 31, 2023. As per the space agency's official website, since the beginning of the campaign, nearly 700,000 names have been submitted. Time is running out to send your name to deep space aboard @EuropaClipper! ⏰ Submit your name by Dec. 31 to be engraved on a chip that will travel 1.8 billion mi (2.6 billion km) to explore one of Jupiter’s moons, Europa. Learn more: https://t.co/n4TrYrzNC3 pic.twitter.com/2XS6ZRnm9k — NASA (@NASA) November 13, 2023 × After all the names are gathered, the technicians at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California will engrave them onto a dime-size silicon microchip using an electron beam. Each line of text will be smaller than 1/1000th the width of a human hair, which is 75 nanometers. Also read: Scientists solve puzzle of origin of life, says 'bouncing' comets may carry 'seed of life' 'Message in a bottle' The microchip, which will be attached to a metal plate, will be engraved with the original poem “In Praise of Mystery,” penned by US Poet Laureate Ada Limón to celebrate the mission. The poem and the names will ride on the exterior of the spacecraft and will be like a message in a bottle as they make about 50 close flybys of the ocean world. Also read: Dazzling discovery: Scientists spot aurora-like emission in Sun's atmosphere "The mission will log a half-billion miles (800 million kilometres) during these orbits as the spacecraft’s payload of science instruments gathers data on Europa’s subsurface ocean, icy crust, and atmosphere to determine if the moon could support life," said NASA's official website. After the assembly of Europa Clipper is completed at JPL, the orbiter will be shipped to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida in preparation for its October 2024 launch. (With inputs from agencies)

Space enthusiasts can now send their names to Jupiter's moon Europa

Residents within an 80-kilometre&nbsp;radius of Beltrami County, Minnesota, reported witnessing a bright flash and hearing a "sonic boom" in the sky on Monday night (Nov 13).

To uncover this mysterious episode, NASA astronomers and local astrophysics professors are collaborating. Footage from an airport captured a "horizontal" object streaking across the sky, leading experts to believe it was not a typical meteorite.

<h2>What do NASA scientists suspect it to be?</h2>

NASA examined airport footage displaying a distinctive object's trajectory as the sonic boom resonated.

A meteorite specialist estimated the object's size as that of a refrigerator, entering the atmosphere at speeds ranging from 48,000 -&nbsp;2,09,300&nbsp;kilometres&nbsp;per hour.

Despite initial concerns, Beltrami County Emergency Management dismissed it as a meteorite due to its proximity to Earth.

Watch the video here:

Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify photos or videos shared on social media.

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Minnesota residents across a 50-mile radius reported seeing a bright flash and a thunderous 'sonic boom' in the sky over Beltrami County Monday night. <a href="https://t.co/0U1GNx1JFT">pic.twitter.com/0U1GNx1JFT</a>
— Shadow of Ezra (@ShadowofEzra) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShadowofEzra/status/1724907295585485139?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 15, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Local physicist Juan Cabanilla expressed scepticism to the DailyMail about the event being a standard meteorite, considering the timing of the explosion.

Security videos from private residences and Bemidji Regional Airport showed a bright flash, a white line through the airport, and a loud bang.

The airport video, analysed by NASA and an astronomer, raised doubts about the object's meteorite nature.

Beltrami County Emergency Management considered a possible transformer explosion but found no evidence.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/a-space-explosion-was-so-powerful-that-it-shook-earths-upper-atmosphere-when-struck-it-658980">Also read |&nbsp;A 1-in-10,000-year radiation burst was so powerful that it shook Earth's upper atmosphere</a>

Reviewing additional airport footage, the director noticed insects flying around during the incident. While exploring terrestrial explanations, the airport's "fast white line" was reconsidered as likely being an insect landing on a pole.

Despite reports of a UFO, Beltrami County Emergency Management, consulting with NASA, dismissed&nbsp;the incident as unlikely to be a flying saucer.

Multiple videos and a "full-sky camera" revealed no signs of a meteor, strengthening the argument for a terrestrial event. While the mystery persists, residents and experts remain intrigued by the unusual celestial occurrence.

(With inputs from agencies)

 
&nbsp;

Residents within an 80-kilometre radius of Beltrami County, Minnesota, reported witnessing a bright flash and hearing a "sonic boom" in the sky on Monday night (Nov 13).

Residents within an 80-kilometre radius of Beltrami County, Minnesota, reported witnessing a bright flash and hearing a "sonic boom" in the sky on Monday night (Nov 13). To uncover this mysterious episode, NASA astronomers and local astrophysics professors are collaborating. Footage from an airport captured a "horizontal" object streaking across the sky, leading experts to believe it was not a typical meteorite. What do NASA scientists suspect it to be? NASA examined airport footage displaying a distinctive object's trajectory as the sonic boom resonated. A meteorite specialist estimated the object's size as that of a refrigerator, entering the atmosphere at speeds ranging from 48,000 - 2,09,300 kilometres per hour. Despite initial concerns, Beltrami County Emergency Management dismissed it as a meteorite due to its proximity to Earth. Watch the video here: Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify photos or videos shared on social media. Minnesota residents across a 50-mile radius reported seeing a bright flash and a thunderous 'sonic boom' in the sky over Beltrami County Monday night. pic.twitter.com/0U1GNx1JFT — Shadow of Ezra (@ShadowofEzra) November 15, 2023 × Local physicist Juan Cabanilla expressed scepticism to the DailyMail about the event being a standard meteorite, considering the timing of the explosion. Security videos from private residences and Bemidji Regional Airport showed a bright flash, a white line through the airport, and a loud bang. The airport video, analysed by NASA and an astronomer, raised doubts about the object's meteorite nature. Beltrami County Emergency Management considered a possible transformer explosion but found no evidence. Also read | A 1-in-10,000-year radiation burst was so powerful that it shook Earth's upper atmosphere Reviewing additional airport footage, the director noticed insects flying around during the incident. While exploring terrestrial explanations, the airport's "fast white line" was reconsidered as likely being an insect landing on a pole. Despite reports of a UFO, Beltrami County Emergency Management, consulting with NASA, dismissed the incident as unlikely to be a flying saucer. Multiple videos and a "full-sky camera" revealed no signs of a meteor, strengthening the argument for a terrestrial event. While the mystery persists, residents and experts remain intrigued by the unusual celestial occurrence. (With inputs from agencies)

Experts say sonic boom & flash in Minnesota were not from a meteorite. Was it a UFO?

NASA has recently shared a captivating image of the universe, offering an unprecedented level of detail. This image was created by combining data from two powerful space telescopes: the James Webb Space Telescope and the Hubble Space Telescope.

The featured image showcases a distant pair of colliding galaxy clusters. What makes this visualisation remarkable is that it combines infrared data from the James Webb Space Telescope with visible light observations collected by the Hubble Space Telescope. This combination spans a vast range of light wavelengths, resulting in a picture that seems to sparkle with colours.

These particular galaxy clusters, known by the technical designation MACS0416, are situated about 4.3 billion light years away from Earth. Scientists studying these clusters anticipate that they will eventually merge to form an even larger cluster.

Interestingly, the scientists involved in this extensive study have informally dubbed this bundle of celestial objects the "Christmas Tree Galaxy Cluster." This nickname is derived from the distinctive and polychromatic appearance of the clusters in the image.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/astronomers-want-to-give-space-a-socially-conscious-makeover-push-for-renaming-magellan-galaxies-658473">Also read:&nbsp;Astronomers want to give space a socially conscious makeover, push for renaming Magellan galaxies</a>

"We're calling MACS0416 the Christmas Tree Galaxy Cluster, both because it's so colourful and because of these flickering lights we find within it. We can see transients everywhere," Haojing Yan, an astronomer and professor at the University of Missouri, who was the lead author of one paper reviewing the results of the joint galactic study by Webb and Hubble, said in a statement.

The announcement from NASA includes several images of the Christmas Tree Galaxy Cluster. One of these images provides a magnified view of a background galaxy, featuring a star nicknamed "Mothra."

Watch:&nbsp;Cosmic journey: Space balloons &amp; space station visit part of the tour

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Scientists estimate that Mothra existed approximately 3 billion years after the big bang, roughly 11 billion years ago. To put this into perspective, our solar system's sun formed around 4.6 billion years ago, around the same time as Earth.

These galaxy clusters, captured in the new images, are part of a series of super-deep views of the universe initiated by NASA's Frontier Fields program, which began in 2014 with the Hubble Space Telescope.

(With inputs from agencies)

NASA has recently shared a captivating image of the universe, offering an unprecedented level of detail. This image was created by combining data from two powerful space telescopes: the James Webb Space Telescope and the Hubble Space Telescope.

NASA has recently shared a captivating image of the universe, offering an unprecedented level of detail. This image was created by combining data from two powerful space telescopes: the James Webb Space Telescope and the Hubble Space Telescope. The featured image showcases a distant pair of colliding galaxy clusters. What makes this visualisation remarkable is that it combines infrared data from the James Webb Space Telescope with visible light observations collected by the Hubble Space Telescope. This combination spans a vast range of light wavelengths, resulting in a picture that seems to sparkle with colours. These particular galaxy clusters, known by the technical designation MACS0416, are situated about 4.3 billion light years away from Earth. Scientists studying these clusters anticipate that they will eventually merge to form an even larger cluster. Interestingly, the scientists involved in this extensive study have informally dubbed this bundle of celestial objects the "Christmas Tree Galaxy Cluster." This nickname is derived from the distinctive and polychromatic appearance of the clusters in the image. Also read: Astronomers want to give space a socially conscious makeover, push for renaming Magellan galaxies "We're calling MACS0416 the Christmas Tree Galaxy Cluster, both because it's so colourful and because of these flickering lights we find within it. We can see transients everywhere," Haojing Yan, an astronomer and professor at the University of Missouri, who was the lead author of one paper reviewing the results of the joint galactic study by Webb and Hubble, said in a statement. The announcement from NASA includes several images of the Christmas Tree Galaxy Cluster. One of these images provides a magnified view of a background galaxy, featuring a star nicknamed "Mothra." Watch: Cosmic journey: Space balloons & space station visit part of the tour × Scientists estimate that Mothra existed approximately 3 billion years after the big bang, roughly 11 billion years ago. To put this into perspective, our solar system's sun formed around 4.6 billion years ago, around the same time as Earth. These galaxy clusters, captured in the new images, are part of a series of super-deep views of the universe initiated by NASA's Frontier Fields program, which began in 2014 with the Hubble Space Telescope. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA combines data from two telescopes, releases stunning image of cosmic ‘Christmas Tree’

Elon Musk's SpaceX on Saturday (Nov 11) launched its Transporter-9 mission, a 'rideshare' flight that carried 90 payloads.&nbsp;

With this, SpaceX delivered over 1,000 tonnes into the orbit, which&nbsp;Musk&nbsp;says is a new 'world record'.

<h2>Musk claims world record</h2>

A few hours after the space flight took off from California, Elon Musk took to X, formerly Twitter, to announce that with this "Falcon has delivered over 1000 tonnes to orbit this year, a world record".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/trouble-in-space-soaring-costs-of-nasas-mars-sample-return-mission-risks-other-projects-657819">Trouble in space: Soaring costs of NASA's Mars Sample Return Mission risk other significant projects</a>

In another post, Musk claimed that SpaceX's delivery could only be followed by the Soviet Union at its "peak" and in modern times can be compared to China — which he said has only undertaken one fourth of the payload.

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This is significantly more than any country has launched with their entire rocket fleet in a year. Second is peak Soviet Union at ~500 tons. 
 
For a present day comparison, the rest of the world has delivered ~250 tons to orbit so far this year, mostly by China.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1723425755739082961?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 11, 2023</a></blockquote>
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"This is significantly more than any country has launched with their entire rocket fleet in a year. Second is peak Soviet Union at ~500 tonnes."

"For a present day comparison, the rest of the world has delivered ~250 tonnes to orbit so far this year, mostly by China."

<h2>The space 'rideshare'</h2>

The Transporter-9 was launched by SpaceX's Falcon-9 rocket from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California at 10:49 am local time (1:49 pm EST; 1849 GMT) on November 11.

As per SpaceX mission details, this was "the 12th launch and landing of this Falcon 9 stage booster."

The 90 payloads included CubeSats, MicroSats, and orbital transfer vehicles, which, according to the mission description, will deploy more spacecraft at a later stage.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/curiosity-remains-strong-nasa-curiosity-rover-clocks-4000-days-in-mars-punishingly-cold-environment-656736">'Curiosity remains strong': Curiosity rover clocks 4,000 days in Mars' 'punishingly cold environment'</a>

"During this mission, 90 payloads were expected to deploy from Falcon 9 across 89 deployments, and 86 deployments have been confirmed," added the mission description on the SpaceX website.

Transporter 9, as per space.com, is SpaceX's 82nd orbital mission this year. This year, the rocket maker has broken its own previous record of 61 launches — in 2022. While the mission's 90 payloads are for sure hefty, Elon Musk's company holds the record of sending 143 satellites to orbit — with its Transporter-1 mission in January 2021.

(With inputs from agencies)

Elon Musk's SpaceX on Saturday (Nov 11) launched its Transporter-9 mission, a 'rideshare' flight that carried 90 payloads. With this, SpaceX delivered over 1,000 tonnes into the orbit, which Musk says is a new 'world record'.

Elon Musk's SpaceX on Saturday (Nov 11) launched its Transporter-9 mission, a 'rideshare' flight that carried 90 payloads. With this, SpaceX delivered over 1,000 tonnes into the orbit, which Musk says is a new 'world record'. Musk claims world record A few hours after the space flight took off from California, Elon Musk took to X, formerly Twitter, to announce that with this "Falcon has delivered over 1000 tonnes to orbit this year, a world record". Also read | Trouble in space: Soaring costs of NASA's Mars Sample Return Mission risk other significant projects In another post, Musk claimed that SpaceX's delivery could only be followed by the Soviet Union at its "peak" and in modern times can be compared to China — which he said has only undertaken one fourth of the payload. This is significantly more than any country has launched with their entire rocket fleet in a year. Second is peak Soviet Union at ~500 tons. For a present day comparison, the rest of the world has delivered ~250 tons to orbit so far this year, mostly by China. — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 11, 2023 × "This is significantly more than any country has launched with their entire rocket fleet in a year. Second is peak Soviet Union at ~500 tonnes." "For a present day comparison, the rest of the world has delivered ~250 tonnes to orbit so far this year, mostly by China." The space 'rideshare' The Transporter-9 was launched by SpaceX's Falcon-9 rocket from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California at 10:49 am local time (1:49 pm EST; 1849 GMT) on November 11. As per SpaceX mission details, this was "the 12th launch and landing of this Falcon 9 stage booster." The 90 payloads included CubeSats, MicroSats, and orbital transfer vehicles, which, according to the mission description, will deploy more spacecraft at a later stage. Also read | 'Curiosity remains strong': Curiosity rover clocks 4,000 days in Mars' 'punishingly cold environment' "During this mission, 90 payloads were expected to deploy from Falcon 9 across 89 deployments, and 86 deployments have been confirmed," added the mission description on the SpaceX website. Transporter 9, as per space.com, is SpaceX's 82nd orbital mission this year. This year, the rocket maker has broken its own previous record of 61 launches — in 2022. While the mission's 90 payloads are for sure hefty, Elon Musk's company holds the record of sending 143 satellites to orbit — with its Transporter-1 mission in January 2021. (With inputs from agencies)

Elon Musk claims 'world record' for SpaceX delivering over 1,000 tonnes to orbit in 2023

NASA's ambitious Mars Sample Return mission, which is one of the most complex space endeavours, is in jeopardy.

As per a report in The Guardian, the space mission faces soaring costs that threaten a budget crisis for the space agency.

<h2>What is the Mars Sample Return mission?</h2>

The Mars Sample Return mission aims to collect rock samples from Mars using unmanned probes and robot rovers, which will be sent back to Earth for analysis to search for signs of life. The mission involves the first-ever space launch from another planet and the first-ever rendezvous in orbit around another planet.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/curiosity-remains-strong-nasa-curiosity-rover-clocks-4000-days-in-mars-punishingly-cold-environment-656736">'Curiosity remains strong': Curiosity rover clocks 4,000 days in Mars' 'punishingly cold environment'</a>

It relies on the robot rover Perseverance, which is already on Mars collecting rock samples. These samples will be stored in titanium tubes and, in a few years, a lander will be sent to Mars to collect the tubes and place them in orbit around Mars.&nbsp;

An Earth return orbiter, built by the European Space Agency, will then ferry the samples back to Earth.

<h2>The soaring costs</h2>

An independent review panel, set up by NASA, found that the mission's budget expectations were "unrealistic". It warned that the mission, whose cost&nbsp;was originally estimated at $4.4 billion, is likely to rise to $8-11 billion.&nbsp;

This, it said, could put other NASA missions at risk of cancellation.

"There is currently no credible, congruent technical, nor properly margined schedule, cost and technical baselines that can be accomplished with the likely available funding," said the panel's report. &nbsp;

It concluded that there is "near zero probability" of NASA's plan succeeding on its current budget.

The rising costs have already led to the postponement of other NASA-funded projects, including the Veritas mission to study Venus and the Geospace Dynamics Constellation mission to study the upper atmosphere.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mexican-congress-deems-three-fingered-mummies-real-but-refrains-from-confirming-alien-origins-656555">Mexican congress deems three-fingered mummies 'real,' but refrains from confirming alien origins</a>

"You are cutting the artery, the lifeblood of our science," said plasma physicist Allison Jaynes of Iowa University while talking to the journal Science.

Scientists and experts express concerns about the impact on NASA's overall scientific endeavours.

"All of NASA science is taking a hit because of the Mars Sample Return burden," she added.

<h2>What is causing this increase in cost?</h2>

Challenges, including underestimating the size of the spacecraft needed to take samples off Mars, complexities in preventing contamination, and supply shortages, have contributed to the cost escalation, reports The Guardian.&nbsp;

Furthermore, the mission also failed to take into consideration the steps that would need to be undertaken to prevent Earth bacteria and viruses from contaminating soil samples from Mars. It didn't account for Martian lifeforms infecting our planet.&nbsp;

While some leading scientists have called for the mission's cancellation, others emphasise its transformative potential. Despite the budget crisis, supporters argue that the mission's scientific significance warrants its continuation.

(With inputs from agencies)

NASA's ambitious Mars Sample Return mission, which is one of the most complex space endeavours, is in jeopardy. As per a report in The Guardian, the space mission faces soaring costs that threaten a budget crisis for the space agency.

NASA's ambitious Mars Sample Return mission, which is one of the most complex space endeavours, is in jeopardy. As per a report in The Guardian, the space mission faces soaring costs that threaten a budget crisis for the space agency. What is the Mars Sample Return mission? The Mars Sample Return mission aims to collect rock samples from Mars using unmanned probes and robot rovers, which will be sent back to Earth for analysis to search for signs of life. The mission involves the first-ever space launch from another planet and the first-ever rendezvous in orbit around another planet. Also read | 'Curiosity remains strong': Curiosity rover clocks 4,000 days in Mars' 'punishingly cold environment' It relies on the robot rover Perseverance, which is already on Mars collecting rock samples. These samples will be stored in titanium tubes and, in a few years, a lander will be sent to Mars to collect the tubes and place them in orbit around Mars. An Earth return orbiter, built by the European Space Agency, will then ferry the samples back to Earth. The soaring costs An independent review panel, set up by NASA, found that the mission's budget expectations were "unrealistic". It warned that the mission, whose cost was originally estimated at $4.4 billion, is likely to rise to $8-11 billion. This, it said, could put other NASA missions at risk of cancellation. "There is currently no credible, congruent technical, nor properly margined schedule, cost and technical baselines that can be accomplished with the likely available funding," said the panel's report. It concluded that there is "near zero probability" of NASA's plan succeeding on its current budget. The rising costs have already led to the postponement of other NASA-funded projects, including the Veritas mission to study Venus and the Geospace Dynamics Constellation mission to study the upper atmosphere. Also read | Mexican congress deems three-fingered mummies 'real,' but refrains from confirming alien origins "You are cutting the artery, the lifeblood of our science," said plasma physicist Allison Jaynes of Iowa University while talking to the journal Science. Scientists and experts express concerns about the impact on NASA's overall scientific endeavours. "All of NASA science is taking a hit because of the Mars Sample Return burden," she added. What is causing this increase in cost? Challenges, including underestimating the size of the spacecraft needed to take samples off Mars, complexities in preventing contamination, and supply shortages, have contributed to the cost escalation, reports The Guardian. Furthermore, the mission also failed to take into consideration the steps that would need to be undertaken to prevent Earth bacteria and viruses from contaminating soil samples from Mars. It didn't account for Martian lifeforms infecting our planet. While some leading scientists have called for the mission's cancellation, others emphasise its transformative potential. Despite the budget crisis, supporters argue that the mission's scientific significance warrants its continuation. (With inputs from agencies)

Trouble in space: Soaring costs of NASA's Mars Sample Return Mission risk other significant projects

Billionaire Elon Musk must be a happy man right now. That's because a fellow billionaire, Ron Baron, is bullish on SpaceX's future prospects. In an interview with a U.S. News network, Baron said that Elon Musk's SpaceX will be worth about 500 billion by 2030.

SpaceX to be worth $500 bn by 2030?

An asteroid, as big as an aeroplane, is hurtling towards Earth at a breakneck speed of 34,727 kilometres per hour and NASA's Center for Near-Earth Object Studies (CNEOS) is tracking this space rock. 
 
The asteroid is set to make its closest approach to Earth on November 9 when it passes at a distance of 2.4 million kilometres from the surface of the Earth.

<h2>Is the asteroid hazardous for Earth?</h2>

As per NASA, the asteroid's size is not big enough to be marked as a Potentially Hazardous Object. A celestial object which is at least 492 feet wide and passes at a distance less than 7.5 million kilometres from Earth is considered a Potentially Hazardous Object. 
 
However, Asteroid 2023 VC is only 91 feet wide which makes it as big as an aeroplane. But, even an aeroplane-sized asteroid can have a potential impact on Earth.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/alien-worlds-nasas-telescope-hunts-down-8-super-earths-to-solve-cosmic-puzzle-656913">Alien worlds: NASA's telescope hunts down 8 'super-Earths' to solve cosmic puzzle</a>

The asteroid is part of the Apollo group of Near-Earth Asteroids, which are a type of Earth-crossing space rocks and have semi-major axes which are larger in comparison to that of Earth. The asteroids, which belong to this group, have been named after the humongous 1862 Apollo asteroid, which was found in the 1930s by German astronomer Karl Reinmuth. 
 
This will be the first-ever close approach of Asteroid 2023 VC towards our planet in history. According to data collected by NASA, the asteroid is not likely to pass across any planet in the near future.

<h2>NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory tracks asteroid's orbit</h2>

The asteroid's orbit is being tracked by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory and its characteristics are being studied by them as part of their near-Earth object programme. 
 
Similar to other asteroids, Asteroid 2023 VC has also been formed through a process&nbsp;called “accretion”.

WATCH |&nbsp;Cosmic journey: Space balloons &amp; space station visit part of the tour

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The process involves&nbsp;dust specks and tiny particles colliding with each other and sticking together because of gravity in a protoplanetary disc and eventually taking the form of larger bodies like asteroids. 
 
Near-Earth objects (NEOs) like Asteroid 2023 VC are closely monitored by NASA and other space agencies to ensure they do not threaten our planet. 
 
NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory and Centre for Near-Earth Object Studies (CNEOs) use different methods to detect and monitor such objects, like using the Sentry system, comparing different images, funding related projects and conducting telescopic search efforts. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

An asteroid, as big as an aeroplane, is hurtling towards Earth at a breakneck speed of 34,727 kilometres per hour and NASA's Center for Near-Earth Object Studies (CNEOS) is tracking this space rock.

An asteroid, as big as an aeroplane, is hurtling towards Earth at a breakneck speed of 34,727 kilometres per hour and NASA's Center for Near-Earth Object Studies (CNEOS) is tracking this space rock. The asteroid is set to make its closest approach to Earth on November 9 when it passes at a distance of 2.4 million kilometres from the surface of the Earth. Is the asteroid hazardous for Earth? As per NASA, the asteroid's size is not big enough to be marked as a Potentially Hazardous Object. A celestial object which is at least 492 feet wide and passes at a distance less than 7.5 million kilometres from Earth is considered a Potentially Hazardous Object. However, Asteroid 2023 VC is only 91 feet wide which makes it as big as an aeroplane. But, even an aeroplane-sized asteroid can have a potential impact on Earth. ALSO READ | Alien worlds: NASA's telescope hunts down 8 'super-Earths' to solve cosmic puzzle The asteroid is part of the Apollo group of Near-Earth Asteroids, which are a type of Earth-crossing space rocks and have semi-major axes which are larger in comparison to that of Earth. The asteroids, which belong to this group, have been named after the humongous 1862 Apollo asteroid, which was found in the 1930s by German astronomer Karl Reinmuth. This will be the first-ever close approach of Asteroid 2023 VC towards our planet in history. According to data collected by NASA, the asteroid is not likely to pass across any planet in the near future. NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory tracks asteroid's orbit The asteroid's orbit is being tracked by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory and its characteristics are being studied by them as part of their near-Earth object programme. Similar to other asteroids, Asteroid 2023 VC has also been formed through a process called “accretion”. WATCH | Cosmic journey: Space balloons & space station visit part of the tour The process involves dust specks and tiny particles colliding with each other and sticking together because of gravity in a protoplanetary disc and eventually taking the form of larger bodies like asteroids. Near-Earth objects (NEOs) like Asteroid 2023 VC are closely monitored by NASA and other space agencies to ensure they do not threaten our planet. NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory and Centre for Near-Earth Object Studies (CNEOs) use different methods to detect and monitor such objects, like using the Sentry system, comparing different images, funding related projects and conducting telescopic search efforts. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA tracks an aeroplane-sized asteroid hurtling towards Earth

Frank Borman, the astronaut who commanded Apollo 8's historic flight, died at 95 on Tuesday in Billings, Montana. On Thursday, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson stated, "Today, we remember one of NASA's best.

Frank Borman, the astronaut who commanded Apollo 8's historic flight, died at 95 on Tuesday in Billings, Montana. On Thursday, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson stated, "Today, we remember one of NASA's best. Astronaut Frank Borman was a true American hero. His lifelong love for aviation and exploration was only surpassed by his love for his wife, Susan." Here's everything you need to know about Frank Borman. Frank Borman's Early Life & Education Frank Borman was born in Gary, Indiana, in 1928 but grew up in Tucson, Arizona. He earned a bachelor of science degree in 1950 from the US Military Academy at West Point. After graduation, Borman worked as a US Air Force fighter pilot and instructor at West Point. In 1956, he moved to Pasadena, California, to earn a master of science degree in aeronautical engineering from the California Institute of Technology. Borman was one of the nine pilots selected by NASA for the astronaut programme in 1962. Frank Borman Career Frank Borman is best known for his contribution to the Apollo 8 mission at NASA. He and his crew, James Lovell and William Anders, were on the first Apollo mission to fly to the Moon. ALSO READ | NASA tracks an aeroplane-sized asteroid hurtling towards Earth In December 1968, the Apollo 8 trio spent three days travelling to the Moon. They entered the lunar orbit on Christmas Eve and headed home on December 27 after circling the Moon ten times. They transmitted television pictures back to the Earth. After three years, Borman and Lovell made the Gemini 7 endurance flight in which they remained in space for 330 hours 35 minutes. In his book, Countdown: An Autobiography, Borman wrote Apollo 8 was supposed to orbit Earth. He also wrote about how the Earth looked from afar. He received the Congressional Space Medal of Honor from President Jimmy Carter. In 1970, Borman resigned from NASA and joined Eastern Air Lines. He was the CEO of Eastern Air Lines from 1975 to 1986. Borman was also on the board of the laser company Patlex from 1988 to 1996. Two years later, he started a cattle ranch in Bighorn, Montana. Frank Borman Family In 1950, Frank married his high school sweetheart, Susan Bugbee, who passed away in 2021. He is survived by his two sons, Fred and Edwin, and their families. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Who was Frank Borman? Astronaut who commanded first crewed flight around Moon

A major breakthrough was made by scientists in NASA, with the help of the James Webb Space Telescope, as they found out how planets came into existence. 
 
The telescope observed the water vapour in protoplanetary disks, after which it confirmed a physical process which included the drifting of ice-coated solids from the disk's outer regions into the rocky planet zone. 
 
For years, scientific theories have stated that the icy pebbles, which were formed in the protoplanetary disks' cold, outer regions were the fundamental element in the formation of the planet. This is&nbsp;the same area from where the comets came into existence in our solar system. 
 
These theories necessitated the drifting of pebbles inward towards the star because of friction in the gaseous disk, which will help in providing both water and solids to planets. 
 
As per this theory, icy pebbles are likely to release large amounts of cold water vapour when entering into the warmer region within the “snowline”. This was what James Webb&nbsp;observed.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/life-on-venus-astronomers-detect-oxygen-in-dayside-atmosphere-of-planet-656694">Life on Venus? Astronomers detect oxygen in dayside atmosphere of planet</a>

“Webb finally revealed the connection between water vapour in the inner disk and the drift of icy pebbles from the outer disk,” stated principal investigator Andrea Banzatti of Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas, as quoted by NASA. He added, “This finding opens up exciting prospects for studying rocky planet formation with Webb!” 
 
“In the past, we had this very static picture of planet formation, almost like there were these isolated zones that planets formed out of,” team member Colette Salyk of Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, New York explained. 
 
“Now we actually have evidence that these zones can interact with each other. It’s also something that is proposed to have happened in our solar system,” he stated in a press release.

<h2>Solving the mystery of planets</h2>

When the data from observations first came in, the research team was left puzzled by the results. 
 
“For two months, we were stuck on these preliminary results that were telling us that the compact disks had colder water, and the large disks had hotter water overall. This made no sense, because we had selected a sample of stars with very similar temperatures,” stated Banzatti.

WATCH |&nbsp;Remains of an ancient planet lie deep within earth

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Banzatti said that when the data was overlaid by him from the compact disks onto the data collected from the large disks, the answer emerged clearly.

There was extra cool water inside the snowline in the compact disks, which is 10 times closer than the orbit of Neptune. 
 
“Now we finally see unambiguously that it is the colder water that has an excess,” stated Banzatti, adding, “This is unprecedented and entirely due to Webb’s higher resolving power!”

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

A major breakthrough was made by scientists in NASA, with the help of the James Webb Space Telescope, as they found out how planets came into existence. The telescope observed the water vapour in protoplanetary disks, after which it confirmed a physical process which included the drifting of ice-coated solids from the disk's outer regions into the rocky planet zone.

A major breakthrough was made by scientists in NASA, with the help of the James Webb Space Telescope, as they found out how planets came into existence. The telescope observed the water vapour in protoplanetary disks, after which it confirmed a physical process which included the drifting of ice-coated solids from the disk's outer regions into the rocky planet zone. For years, scientific theories have stated that the icy pebbles, which were formed in the protoplanetary disks' cold, outer regions were the fundamental element in the formation of the planet. This is the same area from where the comets came into existence in our solar system. These theories necessitated the drifting of pebbles inward towards the star because of friction in the gaseous disk, which will help in providing both water and solids to planets. As per this theory, icy pebbles are likely to release large amounts of cold water vapour when entering into the warmer region within the “snowline”. This was what James Webb observed. ALSO READ | Life on Venus? Astronomers detect oxygen in dayside atmosphere of planet “Webb finally revealed the connection between water vapour in the inner disk and the drift of icy pebbles from the outer disk,” stated principal investigator Andrea Banzatti of Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas, as quoted by NASA. He added, “This finding opens up exciting prospects for studying rocky planet formation with Webb!” “In the past, we had this very static picture of planet formation, almost like there were these isolated zones that planets formed out of,” team member Colette Salyk of Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, New York explained. “Now we actually have evidence that these zones can interact with each other. It’s also something that is proposed to have happened in our solar system,” he stated in a press release. Solving the mystery of planets When the data from observations first came in, the research team was left puzzled by the results. “For two months, we were stuck on these preliminary results that were telling us that the compact disks had colder water, and the large disks had hotter water overall. This made no sense, because we had selected a sample of stars with very similar temperatures,” stated Banzatti. WATCH | Remains of an ancient planet lie deep within earth Banzatti said that when the data was overlaid by him from the compact disks onto the data collected from the large disks, the answer emerged clearly. There was extra cool water inside the snowline in the compact disks, which is 10 times closer than the orbit of Neptune. “Now we finally see unambiguously that it is the colder water that has an excess,” stated Banzatti, adding, “This is unprecedented and entirely due to Webb’s higher resolving power!” (With inputs from agencies)

James Webb telescope helps NASA scientists discover how planets were formed

NASA's Curiosity Rover has clocked a historic milestone by spending 4,000 Martian days exploring the red planet.

The car-sized rover reached Mars on 6 August 2012, and has been on the barren planet ever since, "busy conducting exciting science".

<h2>'Staying strong'</h2>

Celebrating the 11-year-long journey, NASA on its website wrote: "The mission team is making sure the robotic scientist, now in its fourth extended mission, is staying strong, despite wear and tear from its 11-year journey."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/where-exactly-on-mars-should-humans-go-nasa-scientists-release-a-map-653058">Where exactly on Mars should humans go? NASA scientists release a map</a>

The rover, which at the time of its launch was the largest and the most advanced rover ever sent to Mars, aimed to determine if the alien planet was ever able to support microbial life.

<h2>Curiosity Rover's achievements</h2>

The rover's samples have helped scientists establish that the planet in ancient times had a huge network of rivers flowing with life-giving water.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-curiosity-rover-finds-evidence-mars-was-once-a-planet-of-rivers-651444">Life on Mars? Curiosity rover discovers that it was once a 'planet of rivers'</a>

Just last month, this exciting find was published by researchers in the journal 'Geophysical Research Letters'.

"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, at the time.

Slowly ascending the 3-mile-tall (5-kilometer-tall) Mount Sharp, Curiosity has helped us know a lot about Mars. Mount Sharp, the tall geological structure, as per NASA, is composed of many layers that formed during different parts of Martian history.

Recently, the resilient rover collected a sample from its target, nicknamed 'Sequoia'. This sample will help "reveal more about how the climate and habitability of Mars evolved as this region became enriched in sulfates – minerals that likely formed in salty water that was evaporating as Mars first began drying up billions of years ago".

Eventually, the planet's water disappeared. Ashwin Vasavada, Curiosity’s project scientist at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California, said: "The types of sulfate and carbonate minerals that Curiosity’s instruments have identified in the last year help us understand what Mars was like so long ago. We've been anticipating these results for decades, and now Sequoia will tell us even more."

"Curiosity remains strong," says NASA.

During its 4,000-plus day or 11-year-long journey, the rover has driven almost 20 miles (32 kilometres) through Mars' "punishingly cold environment bathed in dust and radiation".&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

NASA's Curiosity Rover has clocked a historic milestone by spending 4,000 Martian days exploring the red planet. The car-sized rover reached Mars on 6 August 2012, and has been on the barren planet ever since, "busy conducting exciting science".

NASA's Curiosity Rover has clocked a historic milestone by spending 4,000 Martian days exploring the red planet. The car-sized rover reached Mars on 6 August 2012, and has been on the barren planet ever since, "busy conducting exciting science". 'Staying strong' Celebrating the 11-year-long journey, NASA on its website wrote: "The mission team is making sure the robotic scientist, now in its fourth extended mission, is staying strong, despite wear and tear from its 11-year journey." Also read | Where exactly on Mars should humans go? NASA scientists release a map The rover, which at the time of its launch was the largest and the most advanced rover ever sent to Mars, aimed to determine if the alien planet was ever able to support microbial life. Curiosity Rover's achievements The rover's samples have helped scientists establish that the planet in ancient times had a huge network of rivers flowing with life-giving water. Also read | Life on Mars? Curiosity rover discovers that it was once a 'planet of rivers' Just last month, this exciting find was published by researchers in the journal 'Geophysical Research Letters'. "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, at the time. Slowly ascending the 3-mile-tall (5-kilometer-tall) Mount Sharp, Curiosity has helped us know a lot about Mars. Mount Sharp, the tall geological structure, as per NASA, is composed of many layers that formed during different parts of Martian history. Recently, the resilient rover collected a sample from its target, nicknamed 'Sequoia'. This sample will help "reveal more about how the climate and habitability of Mars evolved as this region became enriched in sulfates – minerals that likely formed in salty water that was evaporating as Mars first began drying up billions of years ago". Eventually, the planet's water disappeared. Ashwin Vasavada, Curiosity’s project scientist at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California, said: "The types of sulfate and carbonate minerals that Curiosity’s instruments have identified in the last year help us understand what Mars was like so long ago. We've been anticipating these results for decades, and now Sequoia will tell us even more." "Curiosity remains strong," says NASA. During its 4,000-plus day or 11-year-long journey, the rover has driven almost 20 miles (32 kilometres) through Mars' "punishingly cold environment bathed in dust and radiation". (With inputs from agencies)

'Curiosity remains strong': Curiosity rover clocks 4,000 days in Mars' 'punishingly cold environment'

The air pollution level in India's capital city New Delhi continues to be 'severely bad' category as the authorities adopt emergency measures like shutting down schools and imposing traffic curbs. 
 
The worsening air quality has been a result of many factors, with stubble burning in neighbouring states and harmful emissions from vehicles being the chief contributors. 
 
The Worldview satellite of NASA was able to capture the toxic smog hovering in the northern parts of India on November 7. However, in the image captured, smog was seen enveloping areas from Pakistan to the Bay of Bengal.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/how-delhis-artificial-rain-plan-is-a-potential-solution-to-pollution-crisis-656631">How Delhi's artificial rain plan is a potential solution to pollution crisis</a>

In the satellite data, the smog was seen coupled with a sharp increase in smoke rising from farm fires in North India.

<h2>New Delhi remains the worst hit by air pollution</h2>

As per the data collected by NASA, there has been a sharp rise in the number of farm fires since October 29.

On October 29, the state saw a 740 per cent increase in farm fires, with&nbsp;1,068 incidents recorded, the highest record of stubble burning in one day in the current harvesting season. 
 
As the air quality index (AQI) went as high as 500 in some areas of the capital city. New Delhi remained on the top of the most polluted cities index from the last six days. 
 
The government invoked Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), a set of anti-pollution guidelines, and a ban has been placed on construction activities and diesel trucks in the national capital.

WATCH |&nbsp;India: Odd-even policy in Delhi from Nov 13 to Nov 20

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The governments of Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Punjab have been asked by the Supreme Court to urgently speak with the Centre on how the farm fires should be stopped. 
 
The court stated that it would not allow this issue to turn into a political battle, emphasising that the choking air quality is leading to the "murder of people's health". 
 
The Delhi government led by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has been planning to create artificial rain in the capital on November 20-21, which is likely to provide relief to residents from the pollution. 
 
A meeting was held by Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai and Finance Minister Atishi with a team from IIT Kanpur which had stated that a spell of artificial rain is likely to help resolve this air emergency.

(With inputs from agencies)

The air pollution level in India's capital city New Delhi continues to be 'severely bad' category as the authorities adopt emergency measures like shutting down schools and imposing traffic curbs.

The air pollution level in India's capital city New Delhi continues to be 'severely bad' category as the authorities adopt emergency measures like shutting down schools and imposing traffic curbs. The worsening air quality has been a result of many factors, with stubble burning in neighbouring states and harmful emissions from vehicles being the chief contributors. The Worldview satellite of NASA was able to capture the toxic smog hovering in the northern parts of India on November 7. However, in the image captured, smog was seen enveloping areas from Pakistan to the Bay of Bengal. ALSO READ | How Delhi's artificial rain plan is a potential solution to pollution crisis In the satellite data, the smog was seen coupled with a sharp increase in smoke rising from farm fires in North India. New Delhi remains the worst hit by air pollution As per the data collected by NASA, there has been a sharp rise in the number of farm fires since October 29. On October 29, the state saw a 740 per cent increase in farm fires, with 1,068 incidents recorded, the highest record of stubble burning in one day in the current harvesting season. As the air quality index (AQI) went as high as 500 in some areas of the capital city. New Delhi remained on the top of the most polluted cities index from the last six days. The government invoked Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), a set of anti-pollution guidelines, and a ban has been placed on construction activities and diesel trucks in the national capital. WATCH | India: Odd-even policy in Delhi from Nov 13 to Nov 20 The governments of Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Punjab have been asked by the Supreme Court to urgently speak with the Centre on how the farm fires should be stopped. The court stated that it would not allow this issue to turn into a political battle, emphasising that the choking air quality is leading to the "murder of people's health". The Delhi government led by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has been planning to create artificial rain in the capital on November 20-21, which is likely to provide relief to residents from the pollution. A meeting was held by Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai and Finance Minister Atishi with a team from IIT Kanpur which had stated that a spell of artificial rain is likely to help resolve this air emergency. (With inputs from agencies)

India: NASA's satellite images show smog not only in Delhi but from Punjab to Bay of Bengal

The Kepler space telescope has been able to identify the majority of the exoplanets, which is more than 5,500 in total. 
 
However, NASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) has been adding more alien worlds to the ever-increasing planetary catalogue of the cosmos. 
 
With the help of statistical methods to look through large quantities of data of TESS, a group of scientists, headed by University of New South Wales' Ph.D. student Priyashkumar Mistry, discovered eight new exoplanets. 
 
As per NASA, each one of these newly-discovered planets is a "super-Earth", which is a type of exoplanet that is bigger than Earth but smaller compared to Neptune.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-to-delve-deep-into-mysterious-signals-from-hell-like-exoplanet-using-james-webb-telescope-649138">This 'hell-like' exoplanet has been sending mysterious signals. JWST will now help find out why</a>

Nearly 400 exoplanets have been confirmed by TESS to date, and 6,977 planets await confirmation. The nearby stars are observed by the satellite, and the dips and fluctuations in their brightness are noted. 
 
If such dips are spotted, they indicate that something crossed between Earth and the star, which can be a new exoplanet. 
 
"If this orbital motion ever comes between us and the star we will observe a dip in the brightness of that observed star. This is what we call a transit," said Mistry, while speaking to Space.com. 
 
The Validation of Transiting Exoplanets using Statistical Tools (VaTEST) project was used by Mistry and his team for identifying anomalies, which helped in detecting the presence of exoplanets in the data of TESS.

<h2>Importance of statistical tools</h2>

Only the transiting exoplanets do not cause such dips, it can also be a result of a star orbiting another star (binary system) which may have generated a transit-like signal. 
 
Mistry stated that the transit method only helps in getting the radius of an orbiting body. Generally, a method called radial velocity (RV) is used to understand the mass of a transiting object.

WATCH |&nbsp;European Space Agency released first images taken by Euclid's telescope

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/european-space-agency-released-first-images-taken-by-euclids-telescope-656604/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

It can take a lot of time to detect the RV signal as astronomers keep on observing just one star, especially if the exoplanet has a long orbital period. 
 
However, Mistry and his team were provided by VaTEST with another means to confirm if these transiting events were a result of orbiting exoplanets. 
 
"The tool takes in the transit data and some inputs such as transit depth, period, TESS identifier, etc. Then based on that it starts fitting different models on the data and performs some probability calculations. And then finally it calculates False Positive Probability (FPP), if it turns out to be &lt; 1% then we can validate that transit signal as a planetary transit," Mistry stated.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

The Kepler space telescope has been able to identify the majority of the exoplanets, which is more than 5,500 in total. However, NASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) has been adding more alien worlds to the ever-increasing planetary catalogue of the cosmos.

The Kepler space telescope has been able to identify the majority of the exoplanets, which is more than 5,500 in total. However, NASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) has been adding more alien worlds to the ever-increasing planetary catalogue of the cosmos. With the help of statistical methods to look through large quantities of data of TESS, a group of scientists, headed by University of New South Wales' Ph.D. student Priyashkumar Mistry, discovered eight new exoplanets. As per NASA, each one of these newly-discovered planets is a "super-Earth", which is a type of exoplanet that is bigger than Earth but smaller compared to Neptune. ALSO READ | This 'hell-like' exoplanet has been sending mysterious signals. JWST will now help find out why Nearly 400 exoplanets have been confirmed by TESS to date, and 6,977 planets await confirmation. The nearby stars are observed by the satellite, and the dips and fluctuations in their brightness are noted. If such dips are spotted, they indicate that something crossed between Earth and the star, which can be a new exoplanet. "If this orbital motion ever comes between us and the star we will observe a dip in the brightness of that observed star. This is what we call a transit," said Mistry, while speaking to Space.com. The Validation of Transiting Exoplanets using Statistical Tools (VaTEST) project was used by Mistry and his team for identifying anomalies, which helped in detecting the presence of exoplanets in the data of TESS. Importance of statistical tools Only the transiting exoplanets do not cause such dips, it can also be a result of a star orbiting another star (binary system) which may have generated a transit-like signal. Mistry stated that the transit method only helps in getting the radius of an orbiting body. Generally, a method called radial velocity (RV) is used to understand the mass of a transiting object. WATCH | European Space Agency released first images taken by Euclid's telescope It can take a lot of time to detect the RV signal as astronomers keep on observing just one star, especially if the exoplanet has a long orbital period. However, Mistry and his team were provided by VaTEST with another means to confirm if these transiting events were a result of orbiting exoplanets. "The tool takes in the transit data and some inputs such as transit depth, period, TESS identifier, etc. Then based on that it starts fitting different models on the data and performs some probability calculations. And then finally it calculates False Positive Probability (FPP), if it turns out to be < 1% then we can validate that transit signal as a planetary transit," Mistry stated. (With inputs from agencies)

Alien worlds: NASA's telescope hunts down 8 'super-Earths' to solve cosmic puzzle

NASA's Lucy mission has discovered a remarkable binary asteroid system in the first downlinked images. Initially, the two lobes of the contact binary appeared aligned during the closest approach, but additional images showed&nbsp;the system's true nature.

Earlier, the spacecraft beamed back images showing that Dinkinesh or Dinky had a satellite, its very own moon around it. Now some astounding information about this moon has come to light. This satellite orbiting Dinkinesh is not one but two conjoined space rocks, that is&nbsp;two smaller objects in contact with one another.

This means that the entire system comprises not one, or two rocks, but is actually made up of three space rocks.&nbsp;

"It is puzzling, to say the least," Hal Levison, principal investigator for Lucy, said in a statement. "I would have never expected a system that looks like this. In particular, I don't understand why the two components of the satellite have similar sizes. This is going to be fun for the scientific community to figure out."

While contact binaries are not uncommon in the solar system, observing them up close is infrequent. What makes this discovery particularly unique is that one asteroid orbits another. Dinkinesh had shown peculiar brightness variations, hinting at the presence of a satellite.

“Contact binaries seem to be fairly common in the solar system,” said John Spencer, Lucy deputy project scientist, of the Boulder, Colorado, branch of the San-Antonio-based Southwest Research Institute.

“We haven’t seen many up-close, and we’ve never seen one orbiting another asteroid. We’d been puzzling over odd variations in Dinkinesh’s brightness that we saw on approach, which gave us a hint that Dinkinesh might have a moon of some sort, but we never suspected anything so bizarre!,” he added.&nbsp;

Lucy's primary objective is to explore Jupiter's Trojan asteroids, with the encounter with a small, main belt asteroid like Dinkinesh added in early 2023.

This served as a test of the spacecraft's tracking and imaging system during high-speed flybys.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/stargazers-beware-saturns-rings-will-vanish-soon-heres-when-656374">Also read |&nbsp;Stargazers beware! Saturn's rings will vanish soon. Here's when</a>

<h2>Scientific community faces a puzzle</h2>

The binary asteroid system's characteristics have always confused scientists, especially the similarity in size between the two components of the satellite.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-discover-oldest-black-hole-dating-back-470-million-years-after-big-bang-656068">Also read |&nbsp;Oldest black hole was formed 470 million years after Big Bang, and it has just been found</a>

The Lucy mission is currently processing additional data from the encounter. Dinkinesh and its satellite are just the first of 11 asteroids that Lucy will explore during its 12-year journey.

(With inputs from agents)

&nbsp;

NASA's Lucy mission has discovered a remarkable binary asteroid system in the first downlinked images. Initially, the two lobes of the contact binary appeared aligned during the closest approach, but additional images showed the system's true nature.

NASA's Lucy mission has discovered a remarkable binary asteroid system in the first downlinked images. Initially, the two lobes of the contact binary appeared aligned during the closest approach, but additional images showed the system's true nature. Earlier, the spacecraft beamed back images showing that Dinkinesh or Dinky had a satellite, its very own moon around it. Now some astounding information about this moon has come to light. This satellite orbiting Dinkinesh is not one but two conjoined space rocks, that is two smaller objects in contact with one another. This means that the entire system comprises not one, or two rocks, but is actually made up of three space rocks. "It is puzzling, to say the least," Hal Levison, principal investigator for Lucy, said in a statement. "I would have never expected a system that looks like this. In particular, I don't understand why the two components of the satellite have similar sizes. This is going to be fun for the scientific community to figure out." While contact binaries are not uncommon in the solar system, observing them up close is infrequent. What makes this discovery particularly unique is that one asteroid orbits another. Dinkinesh had shown peculiar brightness variations, hinting at the presence of a satellite. “Contact binaries seem to be fairly common in the solar system,” said John Spencer, Lucy deputy project scientist, of the Boulder, Colorado, branch of the San-Antonio-based Southwest Research Institute. “We haven’t seen many up-close, and we’ve never seen one orbiting another asteroid. We’d been puzzling over odd variations in Dinkinesh’s brightness that we saw on approach, which gave us a hint that Dinkinesh might have a moon of some sort, but we never suspected anything so bizarre!,” he added. Lucy's primary objective is to explore Jupiter's Trojan asteroids, with the encounter with a small, main belt asteroid like Dinkinesh added in early 2023. This served as a test of the spacecraft's tracking and imaging system during high-speed flybys. Also read | Stargazers beware! Saturn's rings will vanish soon. Here's when Scientific community faces a puzzle The binary asteroid system's characteristics have always confused scientists, especially the similarity in size between the two components of the satellite. Also read | Oldest black hole was formed 470 million years after Big Bang, and it has just been found The Lucy mission is currently processing additional data from the encounter. Dinkinesh and its satellite are just the first of 11 asteroids that Lucy will explore during its 12-year journey. (With inputs from agents)

Asteroid Dinky's moon continues to shock scientists as latest images make startling revelation

Saturn, the giant planet known for its rings, will soon lose its crowning glory. As per NASA, the gas planet's famous interstellar hoops will soon disappear — thankfully they are not going out of existence, we just won't be able to see them any more.

<h2>Why are Saturn's rings disappearing?</h2>

Saturn's rings will vanish from our planet's view because of its tilting within its axis of orbit. Basically, the planet, as it makes its way around the sun once more, will tilt and the face we are used to — the one with the famous rings, will go out of view.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/explained-nasa-to-send-nuclear-powered-dragonfly-to-saturns-moon-titan-heres-all-you-need-to-know-651572">Explained: NASA to send 'nuclear-powered' Dragonfly to Saturn's moon Titan. Here's all you need to know</a>

Saturn makes the journey around the sun in about 30 Earth years. Throughout this journey, based on the planet's tilt, its rings are more or less visible, according to NASA.

"For nearly half of Saturn's orbit, the sun shines on the south side of the rings. For the other half, it shines on the north side," notes a NASA transcript as quoted by USA Today.

<h2>When will Saturn's rings disappear?</h2>

Stargazers should try to enjoy the view while they can. As per NASA estimates, the rings will disappear in about 18 months, around March 2025.&nbsp;

Currently, Saturn's tilt is angled downwards at nine degrees and in 2024, this will decrease to a barely visible 3.7 degrees. Finally, in March 2025, it will hit zero degrees, which as per Earth.com will be akin to seeing "a sheet of paper edge-on when it’s positioned at the far end of a soccer field."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-curiosity-rover-finds-evidence-mars-was-once-a-planet-of-rivers-651444">Life on Mars? Curiosity rover discovers that it was once a 'planet of rivers'</a>

However, we need not worry, the rings will return soon. By 2032, Saturn's angle of tilt will once again be 27 degrees, which will offer the optimal view of its rings.

<h2>Do Saturn's rings vanish often?</h2>

They go out of view every few years, but experts estimate that they may eventually disappear out of existence. However, this won't happen in our lifetimes, or in our children's. It will actually take a few hundred million years.&nbsp;

Saturn has seven distinct rings, that are made up of ice, rocky debris and dust. As per NASA, it is believed that these are the remains of comets, asteroids and moons that were pulled apart by the planet's powerful gravitational pull. These celestial hoops extend some 70,000 to 140,000 kilometres — the equivalent of the width of 30 Earths. Yet, in most places they are very thin — only 90 metres.

(With inputs from agencies)

Saturn, the giant planet known for its rings, will soon lose its crowning glory. As per NASA, the gas planet's famous interstellar hoops will soon disappear — thankfully they are not going out of existence, we just won't be able to see them any more.

Saturn, the giant planet known for its rings, will soon lose its crowning glory. As per NASA, the gas planet's famous interstellar hoops will soon disappear — thankfully they are not going out of existence, we just won't be able to see them any more. Why are Saturn's rings disappearing? Saturn's rings will vanish from our planet's view because of its tilting within its axis of orbit. Basically, the planet, as it makes its way around the sun once more, will tilt and the face we are used to — the one with the famous rings, will go out of view. Also read | Explained: NASA to send 'nuclear-powered' Dragonfly to Saturn's moon Titan. Here's all you need to know Saturn makes the journey around the sun in about 30 Earth years. Throughout this journey, based on the planet's tilt, its rings are more or less visible, according to NASA. "For nearly half of Saturn's orbit, the sun shines on the south side of the rings. For the other half, it shines on the north side," notes a NASA transcript as quoted by USA Today. When will Saturn's rings disappear? Stargazers should try to enjoy the view while they can. As per NASA estimates, the rings will disappear in about 18 months, around March 2025. Currently, Saturn's tilt is angled downwards at nine degrees and in 2024, this will decrease to a barely visible 3.7 degrees. Finally, in March 2025, it will hit zero degrees, which as per Earth.com will be akin to seeing "a sheet of paper edge-on when it’s positioned at the far end of a soccer field." Also read | Life on Mars? Curiosity rover discovers that it was once a 'planet of rivers' However, we need not worry, the rings will return soon. By 2032, Saturn's angle of tilt will once again be 27 degrees, which will offer the optimal view of its rings. Do Saturn's rings vanish often? They go out of view every few years, but experts estimate that they may eventually disappear out of existence. However, this won't happen in our lifetimes, or in our children's. It will actually take a few hundred million years. Saturn has seven distinct rings, that are made up of ice, rocky debris and dust. As per NASA, it is believed that these are the remains of comets, asteroids and moons that were pulled apart by the planet's powerful gravitational pull. These celestial hoops extend some 70,000 to 140,000 kilometres — the equivalent of the width of 30 Earths. Yet, in most places they are very thin — only 90 metres. (With inputs from agencies)

Stargazers beware! Saturn's rings will vanish soon. Here's when

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