NASA's Juno mission has made a significant observation of mineral salts and organic compounds on the surface of Ganymede, Jupiter's largest moon. This data was gathered by the Jovian InfraRed Auroral Mapper (JIRAM) spectrometer during a close flyby of Ganymede. The findings are crucial as these observations will now be able to throw light on Ganymede's origin and its deep-ocean composition.

The results of the observation were published in the journal Nature Astronomy on October 30.

Ganymede is even larger than the planet Mercury. This moon, one among more than 80 moons of the planet Jupiter, has attracted scientific interest due to its vast internal ocean hidden beneath an icy crust.

The observation is a breakthrough for scientists as previous observations from NASA's Galileo spacecraft, the Hubble Space Telescope, and the European Southern Observatory's Very Large Telescope had only hinted at the presence of salts and organic compounds. At the time, the spatial resolution of those observations was insufficient to draw definitive conclusions.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/fda-weighs-risks-and-benefits-of-crispr-therapy-for-sickle-cell-disease-653869">FDA weighs risks and benefits of CRISPR therapy for sickle cell disease</a>

<h2>Juno flies over&nbsp;Jupiter's moon,&nbsp;Ganymede</h2>

On June 7, 2021, the Juno spacecraft flew over Ganymede at an altitude of 650 miles.

The JIRAM instrument captured infrared images and spectra of the moon's surface. JIRAM, built by the Italian Space Agency, was originally designed to study Jupiter's atmosphere but has also been used to explore the surfaces of Jupiter's Galilean moons - Io, Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto.

The JIRAM data collected during the flyby achieved a remarkable spatial resolution for infrared spectroscopy which exceeded 0.62 miles per pixel.

Using this data, Juno scientists identified and analysed unique spectral features of non-water-ice materials, including hydrated sodium chloride, ammonium chloride, sodium bicarbonate, and possibly aliphatic aldehydes.

Federico Tosi, a Juno co-investigator from Italy’s National Institute for Astrophysics in Rome and lead author of the paper in a statement said,&nbsp;“The presence of ammoniated salts suggests that Ganymede may have accumulated materials cold enough to condense ammonia during its formation."

“The carbonate salts could be remnants of carbon dioxide-rich ices," Tosi added.&nbsp;

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<h2>Abundance of salts and organics</h2>

During the June 2021 flyby, JIRAM identified the greatest abundance of salts and organics in the dark and bright terrains at latitudes protected by Ganymede's magnetic field.

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Scott Bolton, Juno’s principal investigator from the Southwest Research Institute in San Antonio said, “This suggests we are seeing the remnants of a deep ocean brine that reached the surface of this frozen world.”

(With inputs from agencies)

NASA's Juno mission has made a significant observation of mineral salts and organic compounds on the surface of Ganymede, Jupiter's largest moon. This data was gathered by the Jovian InfraRed Auroral Mapper (JIRAM) spectrometer during a close flyby of Ganymede.

NASA's Juno mission has made a significant observation of mineral salts and organic compounds on the surface of Ganymede, Jupiter's largest moon. This data was gathered by the Jovian InfraRed Auroral Mapper (JIRAM) spectrometer during a close flyby of Ganymede. The findings are crucial as these observations will now be able to throw light on Ganymede's origin and its deep-ocean composition. The results of the observation were published in the journal Nature Astronomy on October 30. Ganymede is even larger than the planet Mercury. This moon, one among more than 80 moons of the planet Jupiter, has attracted scientific interest due to its vast internal ocean hidden beneath an icy crust. The observation is a breakthrough for scientists as previous observations from NASA's Galileo spacecraft, the Hubble Space Telescope, and the European Southern Observatory's Very Large Telescope had only hinted at the presence of salts and organic compounds. At the time, the spatial resolution of those observations was insufficient to draw definitive conclusions. Also Read | FDA weighs risks and benefits of CRISPR therapy for sickle cell disease Juno flies over Jupiter's moon, Ganymede On June 7, 2021, the Juno spacecraft flew over Ganymede at an altitude of 650 miles. The JIRAM instrument captured infrared images and spectra of the moon's surface. JIRAM, built by the Italian Space Agency, was originally designed to study Jupiter's atmosphere but has also been used to explore the surfaces of Jupiter's Galilean moons - Io, Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto. The JIRAM data collected during the flyby achieved a remarkable spatial resolution for infrared spectroscopy which exceeded 0.62 miles per pixel. Using this data, Juno scientists identified and analysed unique spectral features of non-water-ice materials, including hydrated sodium chloride, ammonium chloride, sodium bicarbonate, and possibly aliphatic aldehydes. Federico Tosi, a Juno co-investigator from Italy’s National Institute for Astrophysics in Rome and lead author of the paper in a statement said, “The presence of ammoniated salts suggests that Ganymede may have accumulated materials cold enough to condense ammonia during its formation." “The carbonate salts could be remnants of carbon dioxide-rich ices," Tosi added. Also Read | Anger is not your enemy all the time, may help you solve problems faster Abundance of salts and organics During the June 2021 flyby, JIRAM identified the greatest abundance of salts and organics in the dark and bright terrains at latitudes protected by Ganymede's magnetic field. Watch | Israel-Palestine war: Hamas plans to release non-Israeli hostages × Scott Bolton, Juno’s principal investigator from the Southwest Research Institute in San Antonio said, “This suggests we are seeing the remnants of a deep ocean brine that reached the surface of this frozen world.” (With inputs from agencies)

NASA's Juno observes mineral salts, organic treasures on Jupiter’s moon Ganymede

NASA's Lucy spacecraft is about to visit its first asteroid, Dinkinesh on November 1. The asteroid is located in the main asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter.&nbsp;

Lucy will pass within 430 kilometres of the small asteroid, Dinkinesh. The asteroid is less than 1 kilometre wide, small enough that it is barely visible from Earth, and will be seen for the first time, thanks to this flyby.

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The tracking system that keeps the asteroid in the cameras' field of view will be tested during the journey. This system is crucial because of the small size of the asteroids&nbsp;and the spacecraft's rapid speed as it passes by.

<h2>Why asteroid Dinkinesh?</h2>

Dinkinesh is located in the main asteroid belt, halfway between Mars and Jupiter's orbits and&nbsp;it is the ideal rock for Lucy to visit while travelling to the Trojans&nbsp;in order to ensure that all of her scientific equipment will be operational for the nine other asteroids it will observe during the primary portion of its mission.

Trojans are asteroids&nbsp;which follow&nbsp;Jupiter’s orbit around the sun and are believed to be the remnants of our solar system's formation.&nbsp;

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<h2>Lucy&nbsp;mission</h2>

The Luci mission was selected by NASA in 2017 from 28 proposals that had to be ready for a 2021 launch. Following her October 2021 launch, Lucy has been travelling into the outer solar system at a speed of roughly 19.4 kilometres per second. The Trojan asteroids, which orbit the sun alongside Jupiter, are its primary research priorities, which helps us to better understand their composition, origins, and the history of our solar system.

<h2>Lucy's Dinkinesh mission</h2>

Lucy's terminal-tracking system will start tracking the target an hour before it gets close to Dinkinesh. The spacecraft will next start gathering information about Dinkinesh using its colour imager and infrared spectrometer, around eight minutes before close approach.&nbsp;

Lucy will start gathering data with its thermal-infrared camera (L'TES) and high-resolution camera (L'LORRI) as soon as it gets near enough to the asteroid. Dinkinesh will be continuously imaged and tracked for about an hour more.&nbsp;

NASA's Lucy spacecraft is about to visit its first asteroid, Dinkinesh on November 1. The asteroid is located in the main asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter.

NASA's Lucy spacecraft is about to visit its first asteroid, Dinkinesh on November 1. The asteroid is located in the main asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. Lucy will pass within 430 kilometres of the small asteroid, Dinkinesh. The asteroid is less than 1 kilometre wide, small enough that it is barely visible from Earth, and will be seen for the first time, thanks to this flyby. Also read: Air pollution ups risk of Parkinson's disease by 56%: Study The tracking system that keeps the asteroid in the cameras' field of view will be tested during the journey. This system is crucial because of the small size of the asteroids and the spacecraft's rapid speed as it passes by. Why asteroid Dinkinesh? Dinkinesh is located in the main asteroid belt, halfway between Mars and Jupiter's orbits and it is the ideal rock for Lucy to visit while travelling to the Trojans in order to ensure that all of her scientific equipment will be operational for the nine other asteroids it will observe during the primary portion of its mission. Trojans are asteroids which follow Jupiter’s orbit around the sun and are believed to be the remnants of our solar system's formation. Also read: Milky Way's black hole is spinning incredibly fast, say scientists Lucy mission The Luci mission was selected by NASA in 2017 from 28 proposals that had to be ready for a 2021 launch. Following her October 2021 launch, Lucy has been travelling into the outer solar system at a speed of roughly 19.4 kilometres per second. The Trojan asteroids, which orbit the sun alongside Jupiter, are its primary research priorities, which helps us to better understand their composition, origins, and the history of our solar system. Lucy's Dinkinesh mission Lucy's terminal-tracking system will start tracking the target an hour before it gets close to Dinkinesh. The spacecraft will next start gathering information about Dinkinesh using its colour imager and infrared spectrometer, around eight minutes before close approach. Lucy will start gathering data with its thermal-infrared camera (L'TES) and high-resolution camera (L'LORRI) as soon as it gets near enough to the asteroid. Dinkinesh will be continuously imaged and tracked for about an hour more.

NASA’s Lucy spacecraft, on a 12-year journey, to encounter its first asteroid on Nov 1

James Webb Space Telescope, an extraordinary space telescope&nbsp;by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) gazed at Crab Nebula, revealing stunning details. The Crab Nebula is a supernova remnant, which is located 6,500 light-years away in the constellation Taurus.&nbsp;

It is reported to be an expanding remnant of a star's supernova explosion. The Japanese and Chinese astronomers recorded this violent event nearly 1,000 years ago in 1054 AD. The Crab Nebula has intrigued scientists for years and still draws attention as scientists aim at understanding the conditions, behaviour, and after-effects of supernovae.&nbsp;

On its website, NASA noted that a team led by Tea Temim at Princeton University is searching for answers about the Crab Nebula's origins using James Webb'ss NIRCam (Near-Infrared Camera) and MIRI (Mid-Infrared Instrument).&nbsp;

As quoted by NASA, Temim explained: "Webb's sensitivity and spatial resolution allow us to accurately determine the composition of the ejected material, particularly the content of iron and nickel, which may reveal what type of explosion produced the Crab Nebula."&nbsp;

NASA also released a side-by-side image of the Crab Nebula as seen by the Hubble Space Telescope and the James Webb to compare the different details.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-launched-mission-to-20000-years-old-supernova-remnant-to-understand-life-cycles-of-stars-652966">NASA launches mission to 20,000-year-old supernova remnant to understand life cycle of stars</a>&nbsp;

<img alt="Crab Nebula" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="09698cb1-1b40-44b2-9da9-a2e60bd58108" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Crab%20Nebula%20%282%29.png" />

Image: Image of Crab Nebula as seen by the Hubble in optical light (left) and James Webb in infrared light (right). Credit: NASA.&nbsp;

The astronomers at the American space agency can now build a more comprehensive understanding of this mysterious supernova remnant by studying the recently collected Webb data. They also consulted the previous observations of the Crab.&nbsp;

In the latest image, the central regions, emission from dust grains (yellow-white and green), have been&nbsp;mapped out by Webb for the first time. The general shape of the Crab Nebula is similar to what Hubble had observed.&nbsp;

"Webb highlights what is known as synchrotron radiation: emission produced from charged particles, like electrons, moving around magnetic field lines at relativistic speeds," NASA said.&nbsp;

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It’s Monday. Feeling crabby? 🦀 
 
6,500 light-years away lies the Crab Nebula, the remains of an exploded star. While it is a well-studied target, Webb’s infrared sensitivity and resolution offer new clues into the makeup and origins of this nebula: <a href="https://t.co/FAu0qUTM86">https://t.co/FAu0qUTM86</a> <a href="https://t.co/deG8wKGTQR">pic.twitter.com/deG8wKGTQR</a>
— NASA Webb Telescope (@NASAWebb) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASAWebb/status/1718993338362401229?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 30, 2023</a></blockquote>
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The pulsar heart of the Crab Nebula can be found by following the wisps that form a bright white dot in the centre and tracing them in a circular pattern resembling ripples.&nbsp;

After that, track the radiation's tiny white ribbons as they extend farther from the core. The nebula is shaped and sculpted by the pulsar's magnetic field, which is indicated by the closely spaced, curved wisps.&nbsp;

The NASA report mentioned that the white material appears to be pinching the nebula's waist as it curves abruptly inward from the filamentary dust cage's edges towards the neutron star's location at the centre, left and right.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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James Webb Space Telescope, an extraordinary space telescope by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) gazed at Crab Nebula, revealing stunning details.

James Webb Space Telescope, an extraordinary space telescope by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) gazed at Crab Nebula, revealing stunning details. The Crab Nebula is a supernova remnant, which is located 6,500 light-years away in the constellation Taurus. It is reported to be an expanding remnant of a star's supernova explosion. The Japanese and Chinese astronomers recorded this violent event nearly 1,000 years ago in 1054 AD. The Crab Nebula has intrigued scientists for years and still draws attention as scientists aim at understanding the conditions, behaviour, and after-effects of supernovae. On its website, NASA noted that a team led by Tea Temim at Princeton University is searching for answers about the Crab Nebula's origins using James Webb'ss NIRCam (Near-Infrared Camera) and MIRI (Mid-Infrared Instrument). As quoted by NASA, Temim explained: "Webb's sensitivity and spatial resolution allow us to accurately determine the composition of the ejected material, particularly the content of iron and nickel, which may reveal what type of explosion produced the Crab Nebula." NASA also released a side-by-side image of the Crab Nebula as seen by the Hubble Space Telescope and the James Webb to compare the different details. Also read: NASA launches mission to 20,000-year-old supernova remnant to understand life cycle of stars Image: Image of Crab Nebula as seen by the Hubble in optical light (left) and James Webb in infrared light (right). Credit: NASA. The astronomers at the American space agency can now build a more comprehensive understanding of this mysterious supernova remnant by studying the recently collected Webb data. They also consulted the previous observations of the Crab. In the latest image, the central regions, emission from dust grains (yellow-white and green), have been mapped out by Webb for the first time. The general shape of the Crab Nebula is similar to what Hubble had observed. "Webb highlights what is known as synchrotron radiation: emission produced from charged particles, like electrons, moving around magnetic field lines at relativistic speeds," NASA said. Also read: Where exactly on Mars should humans go? NASA scientists release a map It’s Monday. Feeling crabby? 🦀 6,500 light-years away lies the Crab Nebula, the remains of an exploded star. While it is a well-studied target, Webb’s infrared sensitivity and resolution offer new clues into the makeup and origins of this nebula: https://t.co/FAu0qUTM86 pic.twitter.com/deG8wKGTQR — NASA Webb Telescope (@NASAWebb) October 30, 2023 × The pulsar heart of the Crab Nebula can be found by following the wisps that form a bright white dot in the centre and tracing them in a circular pattern resembling ripples. After that, track the radiation's tiny white ribbons as they extend farther from the core. The nebula is shaped and sculpted by the pulsar's magnetic field, which is indicated by the closely spaced, curved wisps. The NASA report mentioned that the white material appears to be pinching the nebula's waist as it curves abruptly inward from the filamentary dust cage's edges towards the neutron star's location at the centre, left and right. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Oh, Crab! James Webb reveals never-before-seen details of Crab Nebula

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) once shared a stunning image of a nebula of energy and particles blown by a pulsar left behind after a star exploded. The image blew people away as it looked like a human hand.&nbsp;

Shared by NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory, the caption of the post on Instagram read: "This famous hand-shaped structure is a nebula of energy &amp; particles blown by a pulsar left behind after a star exploded."&nbsp;

"Watch as the blast wave from the explosion moves at nearly 9 million miles (14 million kilometres) per hour in NASA Chandra observations spanning 14 years," it had added.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/oh-crab-james-webb-reveals-never-before-seen-details-of-the-crab-nebula-653251">Oh, Crab! James Webb reveals never-before-seen details of the Crab Nebula</a>&nbsp;

Now, astronomers have used two of NASA's X-ray space telescopes, combining their imaging powers, to unveil the magnetic field "bones" of the hand-shaped structure.&nbsp;

NASA said in its report that the newest X-ray telescope, the Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE), has observed MSH 15-52 for about 17 days.&nbsp;

As quoted by NASA, Roger Romani of Stanford University in California, who led the study, said: "The IXPE data gives us the first map of the magnetic field in the 'hand'. The charged particles producing the X-rays travel along the magnetic field, determining the basic shape of the nebula, like the bones do in a person's hand."&nbsp;

NASA said that according to IXPE, the magnetic field of the X-ray source determines the electric field direction of X-rays, which is called X-ray polarisation.&nbsp;

The degree of polarisation is exceptionally high in many sections of MSH 15-52, surpassing the maximum level predicted by the theoretical study.&nbsp;

That intensity requires a highly consistent and straight magnetic field, which implies that there is little turbulence in those areas of the pulsar wind nebula.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-launched-mission-to-20000-years-old-supernova-remnant-to-understand-life-cycles-of-stars-652966">NASA launches mission to 20,000-year-old supernova remnant to understand life cycle of stars</a>&nbsp;

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If you got it, haunt it. 
 
The "bones" of a ghostly cosmic hand from a pulsar wind nebula have been revealed by our <a href="https://twitter.com/chandraxray?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ChandraXRay</a> and IXPE space telescopes: <a href="https://t.co/umjVBb9Cdd">https://t.co/umjVBb9Cdd</a> <a href="https://t.co/0H4xGbJT4D">pic.twitter.com/0H4xGbJT4D</a>
— NASA (@NASA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASA/status/1719094900312932694?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 30, 2023</a></blockquote>
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"We're all familiar with X-rays as a diagnostic medical tool for humans. Here we're using X-rays in a different way, but they are again revealing information that is otherwise hidden from us," said co-author Josephine Wong, also of Stanford.&nbsp;

As per NASA's report, one interesting feature of MSH 15-52 is a bright X-ray jet directed from the pulsar to the "wrist" at the bottom of the image.&nbsp;

NASA said in its report: "The new IXPE data reveal that the polarization at the start of the jet is low, likely because this is a turbulent region with complex, tangled magnetic fields associated with the generation of high-energy particles."&nbsp;

It added, "By the end of the jet the magnetic field lines appear to straighten and become much more uniform, causing the polarization to become much larger."&nbsp;

As per NASA, these findings suggest that particles move to regions where the magnetic field is uniform along the wrist, fingers, and thumb after receiving an energy boost in complicated turbulence regions close to the pulsar at the base of the palm.&nbsp;

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The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) once shared a stunning image of a nebula of energy and particles blown by a pulsar left behind after a star exploded.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) once shared a stunning image of a nebula of energy and particles blown by a pulsar left behind after a star exploded. The image blew people away as it looked like a human hand. Shared by NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory, the caption of the post on Instagram read: "This famous hand-shaped structure is a nebula of energy & particles blown by a pulsar left behind after a star exploded." "Watch as the blast wave from the explosion moves at nearly 9 million miles (14 million kilometres) per hour in NASA Chandra observations spanning 14 years," it had added. Also read: Oh, Crab! James Webb reveals never-before-seen details of the Crab Nebula Now, astronomers have used two of NASA's X-ray space telescopes, combining their imaging powers, to unveil the magnetic field "bones" of the hand-shaped structure. NASA said in its report that the newest X-ray telescope, the Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE), has observed MSH 15-52 for about 17 days. As quoted by NASA, Roger Romani of Stanford University in California, who led the study, said: "The IXPE data gives us the first map of the magnetic field in the 'hand'. The charged particles producing the X-rays travel along the magnetic field, determining the basic shape of the nebula, like the bones do in a person's hand." NASA said that according to IXPE, the magnetic field of the X-ray source determines the electric field direction of X-rays, which is called X-ray polarisation. The degree of polarisation is exceptionally high in many sections of MSH 15-52, surpassing the maximum level predicted by the theoretical study. That intensity requires a highly consistent and straight magnetic field, which implies that there is little turbulence in those areas of the pulsar wind nebula. Also read: NASA launches mission to 20,000-year-old supernova remnant to understand life cycle of stars If you got it, haunt it. The "bones" of a ghostly cosmic hand from a pulsar wind nebula have been revealed by our @ChandraXRay and IXPE space telescopes: https://t.co/umjVBb9Cdd pic.twitter.com/0H4xGbJT4D — NASA (@NASA) October 30, 2023 × "We're all familiar with X-rays as a diagnostic medical tool for humans. Here we're using X-rays in a different way, but they are again revealing information that is otherwise hidden from us," said co-author Josephine Wong, also of Stanford. As per NASA's report, one interesting feature of MSH 15-52 is a bright X-ray jet directed from the pulsar to the "wrist" at the bottom of the image. NASA said in its report: "The new IXPE data reveal that the polarization at the start of the jet is low, likely because this is a turbulent region with complex, tangled magnetic fields associated with the generation of high-energy particles." It added, "By the end of the jet the magnetic field lines appear to straighten and become much more uniform, causing the polarization to become much larger." As per NASA, these findings suggest that particles move to regions where the magnetic field is uniform along the wrist, fingers, and thumb after receiving an energy boost in complicated turbulence regions close to the pulsar at the base of the palm. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

X-ray of hand-shaped structure in space reveals 'bones of a ghostly cosmic hand'

The American space agency NASA is brainstorming ways to safely retrieve the International Space Station (ISS), a mission that looks trickier than it seems. NASA is taking this matter extremely seriously, because if gone wrong it can be a catastrophe on Earth.&nbsp;

At a briefing on Thursday, the space agency’s Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel (ASAP) called plans to deorbit the station in such a way that it does not cause any human casualties on the ground.&nbsp;

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One such harmless and accurate method that the space agency comes up with is using a “space tug”. Space tug is a spacecraft that is used to transfer spaceborne cargo from one orbit to another. But this method is not at all cost effective and will require Joe Biden’s government to boost up its space budget.&nbsp;

<h2>Retirement plans for ISS</h2>

The International Space Station was constructed in the late 1980s with an intended lifespan of 15 years. But the ISS has already exceeded its time in space and has been in the orbit for the last 24 years.&nbsp;

"The day will inevitably come when the Station is at the end of its life and we may not be able to dictate that day, it is inconceivable to allow the Station to deorbit in an uncontrolled manner," said ASAP Chair Patricia Sanders at the briefing, as quoted by Space Policy Online.

Watch |&nbsp;NASA reveals long-awaited findings of UFO report&nbsp;

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NASA has said that it wants to retire ISS by 2030, but to ensure a safe retirement, precise manoeuvres and calculations will be required to guide the ISS during its descent.&nbsp;

Why is it tricky to deorbit ISS?

The simple answer is ISS’ massive size. Because of its humongous size, it can pose an extreme hazard to populations over a broad area of Earth, if not taken down cautiously.&nbsp;

Deorbiting spacecraft is nothing new for NASA, but it is the hefty size of the ISS that poses a bigger risk and demands greater precision.&nbsp;

NASA plans to use a space tug to deorbit ISS. The space tug will nudge the station into the atmosphere, where it will begin to burn up during re-entry and fall over a remote part of the ocean called Point Nemo.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-launched-mission-to-20000-years-old-supernova-remnant-to-understand-life-cycles-of-stars-652966">NASA launched mission to 20,000 years old supernova remnant to understand life cycles of stars</a>

Challenges

The main challenges in this plan remain precision and budget. To "initiate developing" the tug, NASA said it's allocated around $180 million. But in its actual construction, the cost could shoot up to $1 billion.&nbsp;

To account for those costs, NASA has asked for a budget boost to $27.2 billion for next year, but the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023 signed by President Joe Biden in June means that the space agency will likely suffer budget cuts.

Sanders said if those cuts come through, NASA will have to make "difficult choices," but stressed that the space tug is one of the "few areas that are not discretionary," as per Space Policy Online.

(With inputs from agencies) 
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The American space agency NASA is brainstorming ways to safely retrieve the International Space Station (ISS), a mission that looks trickier than it seems. NASA is taking this matter extremely seriously, because if gone wrong it can be a catastrophe on Earth.

The American space agency NASA is brainstorming ways to safely retrieve the International Space Station (ISS), a mission that looks trickier than it seems. NASA is taking this matter extremely seriously, because if gone wrong it can be a catastrophe on Earth. At a briefing on Thursday, the space agency’s Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel (ASAP) called plans to deorbit the station in such a way that it does not cause any human casualties on the ground. Also Read | Something strange is suppressing growth of the universe, says study One such harmless and accurate method that the space agency comes up with is using a “space tug”. Space tug is a spacecraft that is used to transfer spaceborne cargo from one orbit to another. But this method is not at all cost effective and will require Joe Biden’s government to boost up its space budget. Retirement plans for ISS The International Space Station was constructed in the late 1980s with an intended lifespan of 15 years. But the ISS has already exceeded its time in space and has been in the orbit for the last 24 years. "The day will inevitably come when the Station is at the end of its life and we may not be able to dictate that day, it is inconceivable to allow the Station to deorbit in an uncontrolled manner," said ASAP Chair Patricia Sanders at the briefing, as quoted by Space Policy Online. Watch | NASA reveals long-awaited findings of UFO report × NASA has said that it wants to retire ISS by 2030, but to ensure a safe retirement, precise manoeuvres and calculations will be required to guide the ISS during its descent. Why is it tricky to deorbit ISS? The simple answer is ISS’ massive size. Because of its humongous size, it can pose an extreme hazard to populations over a broad area of Earth, if not taken down cautiously. Deorbiting spacecraft is nothing new for NASA, but it is the hefty size of the ISS that poses a bigger risk and demands greater precision. NASA plans to use a space tug to deorbit ISS. The space tug will nudge the station into the atmosphere, where it will begin to burn up during re-entry and fall over a remote part of the ocean called Point Nemo. Also Read | NASA launched mission to 20,000 years old supernova remnant to understand life cycles of stars Challenges The main challenges in this plan remain precision and budget. To "initiate developing" the tug, NASA said it's allocated around $180 million. But in its actual construction, the cost could shoot up to $1 billion. To account for those costs, NASA has asked for a budget boost to $27.2 billion for next year, but the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023 signed by President Joe Biden in June means that the space agency will likely suffer budget cuts. Sanders said if those cuts come through, NASA will have to make "difficult choices," but stressed that the space tug is one of the "few areas that are not discretionary," as per Space Policy Online. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

International Space Station at risk of falling on Earth, NASA warns

Mars is a fascinating, exotic territory yet to be properly explored by humanity. While we have sent rovers to the red planet, humans are yet to set foot on the alien land.&nbsp;

Planned future missions to find water ice on the planet aim to rectify that. However, a question that remains to be answered is where exactly on the red planet should they land to do this? A recent map might help mission planners answer this question.

<h2>A treasure map to Mars' water ice</h2>

The Subsurface Water Ice Mapping (SWIM), a NASA-funded project, has released its fourth and the more recent map of the prospective locations of subsurface water ice on Mars. This, as per NASA officials, will help mission planners decide where exactly to send the first humans to Mars.

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<h5>The blue areas on this map of Mars are regions where NASA missions have detected subsurface water ice (from the equator to 60 degrees north latitude). Scientists can use the map-part of the Subsurface Water Ice Mapping project to decide where the first astronauts to set foot on the Red Planet should land. (Image source:&nbsp;NASA/JPL-Caltech/Planetary Science&nbsp;Institute)</h5>

For this map, scientists used data from instruments abroad in the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. These instruments — Context Camera (CTX) and High Resolution Imaging Experiment (HIRISE) — provided high resolution imagery of the Martian terrain, reports Science Alert.

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>

<h2>Why is this important?</h2>

To put it simply, "The map could help the agency decide where the first astronauts to the Red Planet should land. The more available water, the less missions will need to bring."

As per a statement on the NASA website, ice buried on Mars will be a vital source for humans on Mars, serving both as drinking water and a key ingredient for rocket fuel.

Furthermore, these prospective locations of buried ice could one day help us know more about the red planet. Astronauts or robots could drill ice cores, that could help uncover "the climate history of Mars and exploring potential habitats (past or present) for microbial life."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasas-perseverance-rover-captures-footage-of-martian-dust-devil-642359">A two-kilometre-tall 'dust devil' has been caught on camera, but not on Earth</a>

While locations with buried ice may be the best locations for landing humans on Mars, scientists don't want astronauts to go to locations that are too chilly. This is because cold will lead to the crew using up "precious energy" to stay warm.

"If you send humans to Mars, you want to get them as close to the equator as you can," said Sydney Do, SWIM's project manager, said in a statement. Hence, as per Sydney, an ideal spot would be a patch that has accessible ice but with as low a latitude as possible. Martian ice maps will help navigate this dilemma and decide on the apt location for human landing.

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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Mars is a fascinating, exotic territory yet to be properly explored by humanity. While we have sent rovers to the red planet, humans are yet to set foot on the alien land.

Mars is a fascinating, exotic territory yet to be properly explored by humanity. While we have sent rovers to the red planet, humans are yet to set foot on the alien land. Planned future missions to find water ice on the planet aim to rectify that. However, a question that remains to be answered is where exactly on the red planet should they land to do this? A recent map might help mission planners answer this question. A treasure map to Mars' water ice The Subsurface Water Ice Mapping (SWIM), a NASA-funded project, has released its fourth and the more recent map of the prospective locations of subsurface water ice on Mars. This, as per NASA officials, will help mission planners decide where exactly to send the first humans to Mars. The blue areas on this map of Mars are regions where NASA missions have detected subsurface water ice (from the equator to 60 degrees north latitude). Scientists can use the map-part of the Subsurface Water Ice Mapping project to decide where the first astronauts to set foot on the Red Planet should land. (Image source: NASA/JPL-Caltech/Planetary Science Institute) For this map, scientists used data from instruments abroad in the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. These instruments — Context Camera (CTX) and High Resolution Imaging Experiment (HIRISE) — provided high resolution imagery of the Martian terrain, reports Science Alert. Also read | Life on Mars? Curiosity rover discovers that it was once a 'planet of rivers' Why is this important? To put it simply, "The map could help the agency decide where the first astronauts to the Red Planet should land. The more available water, the less missions will need to bring." As per a statement on the NASA website, ice buried on Mars will be a vital source for humans on Mars, serving both as drinking water and a key ingredient for rocket fuel. Furthermore, these prospective locations of buried ice could one day help us know more about the red planet. Astronauts or robots could drill ice cores, that could help uncover "the climate history of Mars and exploring potential habitats (past or present) for microbial life." Also read | A two-kilometre-tall 'dust devil' has been caught on camera, but not on Earth While locations with buried ice may be the best locations for landing humans on Mars, scientists don't want astronauts to go to locations that are too chilly. This is because cold will lead to the crew using up "precious energy" to stay warm. "If you send humans to Mars, you want to get them as close to the equator as you can," said Sydney Do, SWIM's project manager, said in a statement. Hence, as per Sydney, an ideal spot would be a patch that has accessible ice but with as low a latitude as possible. Martian ice maps will help navigate this dilemma and decide on the apt location for human landing. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Where exactly on Mars should humans go? NASA scientists release a map

NASA launched a new sounding rocket on Sunday to study a stellar event in the Cygnus Loop, which is a supernova remnant that took place 20,000 years ago. Cygnus is about 2,600 light years away from the Earth. The sounding rocket mission, named the Integral Field Ultraviolet Spectroscope Experiment (INFUSE) was launched from the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico on Oct 29.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-grow-mouse-embryos-in-space-paving-way-for-human-reproduction-research-652656">Scientists grow mouse embryos in space, pave way for human reproduction research</a>

As per astronomers, a massive star, which was perhaps 20 times the size of the sun exploded in a supernova so bright that it was possibly seen from Earth. After this supernova, some matters of the explosion remain suspended in the universe, which is known to astronomers as the Cygnus Loop. The INFUSE mission will study the Cygnus Loop and try to understand the life cycle of stars.&nbsp;

"Supernovae like the one that created the Cygnus Loop have a huge impact on how galaxies form," Brian Fleming of the University of Colorado Boulder, who is the principal investigator for the mission, said in a statement.

<h2>Cygnus Loop: Favourite spot of backyard astronomers and scientists</h2>

The constellation Cygnus (Latin for “swan”) used to appear every few months each year in the northern hemisphere’s night sky. Just above this constellation exists the favourite spot of professional scientists and backyard astronomers alike- the Cygnus Loop or the Veil Nebula.

The Cygnus Loop is the remnant of a star that was once 20 times the size of our Sun. Some 20,000 years ago, that star collapsed under its own gravity and erupted into a supernova. Even from 2,600 light-years away, astronomers estimate the flash of light would have been bright enough to see from Earth during the day.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/people-are-more-likely-to-take-care-of-dogs-than-cats-study-652591">People are more likely to take care of dogs than cats: Study</a>

As per astronomers and scientists, supernovae are part of a great life cycle. They spray heavy metals forged in a star’s core into the clouds of surrounding dust and gas. They are the source of all chemical elements in our universe heavier than iron, including those that make up our own bodies.&nbsp;

<h2>What will INFUSE mission do?</h2>

The INFUSE mission is expected to collect information about the remnant for a few minutes from a height of 150 miles (240 km).

Specifically, the instrument will gather light streaming from the Cygnus Loop in far-ultraviolet wavelengths.&nbsp;

"INFUSE will observe how the supernova dumps energy into the Milky Way by catching light given off just as the blast wave crashes into pockets of cold gas floating around the galaxy," Fleming said in the same statement.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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NASA launched a new sounding rocket on Sunday to study a stellar event in the Cygnus Loop, which is a supernova remnant that took place 20,000 years ago. Cygnus is about 2,600 light years away from the Earth.

NASA launched a new sounding rocket on Sunday to study a stellar event in the Cygnus Loop, which is a supernova remnant that took place 20,000 years ago. Cygnus is about 2,600 light years away from the Earth. The sounding rocket mission, named the Integral Field Ultraviolet Spectroscope Experiment (INFUSE) was launched from the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico on Oct 29. Also Read | Scientists grow mouse embryos in space, pave way for human reproduction research As per astronomers, a massive star, which was perhaps 20 times the size of the sun exploded in a supernova so bright that it was possibly seen from Earth. After this supernova, some matters of the explosion remain suspended in the universe, which is known to astronomers as the Cygnus Loop. The INFUSE mission will study the Cygnus Loop and try to understand the life cycle of stars. "Supernovae like the one that created the Cygnus Loop have a huge impact on how galaxies form," Brian Fleming of the University of Colorado Boulder, who is the principal investigator for the mission, said in a statement. Cygnus Loop: Favourite spot of backyard astronomers and scientists The constellation Cygnus (Latin for “swan”) used to appear every few months each year in the northern hemisphere’s night sky. Just above this constellation exists the favourite spot of professional scientists and backyard astronomers alike- the Cygnus Loop or the Veil Nebula. The Cygnus Loop is the remnant of a star that was once 20 times the size of our Sun. Some 20,000 years ago, that star collapsed under its own gravity and erupted into a supernova. Even from 2,600 light-years away, astronomers estimate the flash of light would have been bright enough to see from Earth during the day. Also Read | People are more likely to take care of dogs than cats: Study As per astronomers and scientists, supernovae are part of a great life cycle. They spray heavy metals forged in a star’s core into the clouds of surrounding dust and gas. They are the source of all chemical elements in our universe heavier than iron, including those that make up our own bodies. What will INFUSE mission do? The INFUSE mission is expected to collect information about the remnant for a few minutes from a height of 150 miles (240 km). Specifically, the instrument will gather light streaming from the Cygnus Loop in far-ultraviolet wavelengths. "INFUSE will observe how the supernova dumps energy into the Milky Way by catching light given off just as the blast wave crashes into pockets of cold gas floating around the galaxy," Fleming said in the same statement. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

NASA launches mission to 20,000-year-old supernova remnant to understand life cycle of stars

Astronomers recently came across tellurium, an element&nbsp;rarer than platinum on Earth, about 1 billion light years away. The observation was done using NASA's powerful James Webb Space Telescope (JWST).&nbsp;

It is believed that the element was created after the violent collision of two neutron stars that were booted out of their galaxy.&nbsp;

The explosion unleashed a burst of gamma rays more than one million times brighter than the Milky Way. Gamma-ray bursts are short emissions of the most energetic form of light. This explosion blasted material into space that formed the rare element tellurium and others known as actinides and lanthanides.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/a-390-million-year-old-murder-mystery-finally-solved-and-the-culprit-still-exists-651774">A 390-million-year-old murder mystery has finally been solved, and the culprit still exists</a>

The findings may contribute to a better understanding of the conditions in which precious chemical elements are created in the universe.

"Just over 150 years since Dmitri Mendeleev wrote down the periodic table of elements, we are now finally in the position to start filling in those last blanks of understanding where everything was made, thanks to Webb," study lead author Andrew Levan of Radboud University in the Netherlands and lead author of the study said in a statement.

Scientists suspect the merging neutron stars may have formerly been big, garden-variety stars that were gravitationally imprisoned in their native galaxy. It seems that one of the stars shot out of its galaxy and landed 120,000 light-years away when it neared the end of its existence and burst into a supernova. The second star followed suit.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/venus-in-its-youth-may-have-earth-like-features-study-651806">Venus in its youth may have had Earth-like features: Study</a>

Scientists suggest that despite being violently expelled from their galaxy, the neutron-star pair remained gravitationally bonded. Many hundred million years later, on March 7 of this year, to be accurate, we witnessed their merging into one body.

"Webb provides a phenomenal boost and may find even heavier elements," said study co-author Ben Gompertz, a professor at the University of Birmingham in the UK. The observatory "has certainly opened the door to do a lot more, and its abilities will be completely transformative for our understanding of the universe."

The violent cosmic merger, known to astronomers as a kilonova, sparked a gamma-ray burst (GRB) witnessed by scientists on March 7 — the second brightest GRB since the search for these phenomena began 50 years ago. NASA's Fermi satellite observatory was the first to see the glow, which lasted a record 200 seconds. In barely two seconds, similar lights from earlier star mergers dispersed

Kilonovae are extremely rare; scientists have witnessed only one other such event in sufficient detail to deduce elements potentially made in the explosion. While supernovae, or exploding stars, produce elements like iron and nickel, heavier elements seem to be best formed by more severe neutron-star collisions.

They are also difficult to observe, but astronomers look for short gamma-ray bursts, which only last about two seconds.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Astronomers recently came across tellurium, an element rarer than platinum on Earth, about 1 billion light years away. The observation was done using NASA's powerful James Webb Space Telescope (JWST).

Astronomers recently came across tellurium, an element rarer than platinum on Earth, about 1 billion light years away. The observation was done using NASA's powerful James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). It is believed that the element was created after the violent collision of two neutron stars that were booted out of their galaxy. The explosion unleashed a burst of gamma rays more than one million times brighter than the Milky Way. Gamma-ray bursts are short emissions of the most energetic form of light. This explosion blasted material into space that formed the rare element tellurium and others known as actinides and lanthanides. Also read: A 390-million-year-old murder mystery has finally been solved, and the culprit still exists The findings may contribute to a better understanding of the conditions in which precious chemical elements are created in the universe. "Just over 150 years since Dmitri Mendeleev wrote down the periodic table of elements, we are now finally in the position to start filling in those last blanks of understanding where everything was made, thanks to Webb," study lead author Andrew Levan of Radboud University in the Netherlands and lead author of the study said in a statement. Scientists suspect the merging neutron stars may have formerly been big, garden-variety stars that were gravitationally imprisoned in their native galaxy. It seems that one of the stars shot out of its galaxy and landed 120,000 light-years away when it neared the end of its existence and burst into a supernova. The second star followed suit. Also read: Venus in its youth may have had Earth-like features: Study Scientists suggest that despite being violently expelled from their galaxy, the neutron-star pair remained gravitationally bonded. Many hundred million years later, on March 7 of this year, to be accurate, we witnessed their merging into one body. "Webb provides a phenomenal boost and may find even heavier elements," said study co-author Ben Gompertz, a professor at the University of Birmingham in the UK. The observatory "has certainly opened the door to do a lot more, and its abilities will be completely transformative for our understanding of the universe." The violent cosmic merger, known to astronomers as a kilonova, sparked a gamma-ray burst (GRB) witnessed by scientists on March 7 — the second brightest GRB since the search for these phenomena began 50 years ago. NASA's Fermi satellite observatory was the first to see the glow, which lasted a record 200 seconds. In barely two seconds, similar lights from earlier star mergers dispersed Kilonovae are extremely rare; scientists have witnessed only one other such event in sufficient detail to deduce elements potentially made in the explosion. While supernovae, or exploding stars, produce elements like iron and nickel, heavier elements seem to be best formed by more severe neutron-star collisions. They are also difficult to observe, but astronomers look for short gamma-ray bursts, which only last about two seconds. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Two neutron stars collided about 1 billion light years away, releasing a rare element

NASA’s Juno mission has captured an image of planet Jupiter that has intrigued everyone. The image was captured on September 7 when NASA’s Juno spacecraft made its 54th close flyby of the planet. The spacecraft took a chilling image of Jupiter’s northern regions called Jet N7.&nbsp;

The eerie image featured huge turbulent clouds and storms resembling a ghost face along the planet’s terminator, which is the line that separates day from night on Jupiter.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/venus-in-its-youth-may-have-earth-like-features-study-651806">Venus in its youth may have had Earth-like features: Study</a>

<h2>Spooky face-like clouds on Jupiter&nbsp;</h2>

The pattern of these clouds as captured by the Juno spacecraft resembles a ghost. People are especially intrigued since&nbsp;Halloween is quite near. Images show what appears to be a face with two eyes, a nose and a mouth. These images are also available to the public for further evaluation, said NASA.&nbsp;
<img alt="Clouds on Jupiter as captured by NASA's Juno " data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2deefbc7-153a-49e8-af2e-a74d0c6d2943" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/PIA25727_modest.jpg" />
The image of these spooky clouds was made by citizen scientist Vladimir Tarasov, as seen from the Juno instrument when it was about 2,400 miles above Jupiter, according to the NASA report.

Scientists said that these clouds on Jupiter led them to pareidolia, which is the effect “that causes observers to perceive faces or other patterns in largely random patterns.”

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/a-390-million-year-old-murder-mystery-finally-solved-and-the-culprit-still-exists-651774">A 390-million-year-old murder mystery has finally been solved, and the culprit still exists</a>

Although intriguing, this is not the first time NASA has captured an image of what appears to be a face on a planet. In 1976, NASA captured its well-known “Face on Mars” photo, which turned out to be just an ordinary mesa.&nbsp;

The photo was taken by NASA’s Viking 1 spacecraft. In the image, the carving of eyes, a nose and a mouth seem to appear on the planet.&nbsp;

<h2>NASA’s Juno mission</h2>

Juno is NASA’s space probe orbiting the planet Jupiter. It was built by Lockheed Martin and is operated by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. The spacecraft was launched from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in August 2011.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/russia-to-put-first-segment-of-its-own-iss-in-orbit-by-2027-says-putin-651763">Russia to put first segment of its own International Space Station in orbit by 2027, says Putin</a>

Juno measures Jupiter’s composition, gravitational field, magnetic field, and polar magnetosphere. It also searches for clues about how the planet was formed, including whether it has a rocky core or not. The extensive mission also looks for the amount of water present within the deep atmosphere, mass distribution, and its deep winds, which can speed up to 620 km/h.&nbsp;

It is the second spacecraft to orbit Jupiter after the nuclear-powered Galileo orbiter, which orbited the planet from 1995 to 2003.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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NASA’s Juno mission has captured an image of planet Jupiter that has intrigued everyone. The image was captured on September 7 when NASA’s Juno spacecraft made its 54th close flyby of the planet.

NASA’s Juno mission has captured an image of planet Jupiter that has intrigued everyone. The image was captured on September 7 when NASA’s Juno spacecraft made its 54th close flyby of the planet. The spacecraft took a chilling image of Jupiter’s northern regions called Jet N7. The eerie image featured huge turbulent clouds and storms resembling a ghost face along the planet’s terminator, which is the line that separates day from night on Jupiter. Also Read | Venus in its youth may have had Earth-like features: Study Spooky face-like clouds on Jupiter The pattern of these clouds as captured by the Juno spacecraft resembles a ghost. People are especially intrigued since Halloween is quite near. Images show what appears to be a face with two eyes, a nose and a mouth. These images are also available to the public for further evaluation, said NASA. The image of these spooky clouds was made by citizen scientist Vladimir Tarasov, as seen from the Juno instrument when it was about 2,400 miles above Jupiter, according to the NASA report. Scientists said that these clouds on Jupiter led them to pareidolia, which is the effect “that causes observers to perceive faces or other patterns in largely random patterns.” Also Read | A 390-million-year-old murder mystery has finally been solved, and the culprit still exists Although intriguing, this is not the first time NASA has captured an image of what appears to be a face on a planet. In 1976, NASA captured its well-known “Face on Mars” photo, which turned out to be just an ordinary mesa. The photo was taken by NASA’s Viking 1 spacecraft. In the image, the carving of eyes, a nose and a mouth seem to appear on the planet. NASA’s Juno mission Juno is NASA’s space probe orbiting the planet Jupiter. It was built by Lockheed Martin and is operated by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. The spacecraft was launched from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in August 2011. Also Read | Russia to put first segment of its own International Space Station in orbit by 2027, says Putin Juno measures Jupiter’s composition, gravitational field, magnetic field, and polar magnetosphere. It also searches for clues about how the planet was formed, including whether it has a rocky core or not. The extensive mission also looks for the amount of water present within the deep atmosphere, mass distribution, and its deep winds, which can speed up to 620 km/h. It is the second spacecraft to orbit Jupiter after the nuclear-powered Galileo orbiter, which orbited the planet from 1995 to 2003. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Spooky face with a frown captured on Jupiter by NASA's Juno spacecraft

NASA is gearing up to launch its most ambitious alien world exploration ever: another ocean world. The US space agency in 2027 will launch its only mission to explore such a world.&nbsp;

Using NASA's Dragonfly rotorcraft lander, the mission will explore Saturn's moon Titan "with its dense atmosphere and low gravity," which as per the space agency is "a great place to fly." Here's all you need to know about the upcoming NASA mission to Luna Saturni, or&nbsp;"moon of Saturn".

<h2>Dragonfly</h2>

NASA's Dragonfly is a nuclear-powered, car-sized drone that is "designed to investigate the complex chemistry that is the precursor to life."

The mission, which is expected to last for nearly three years, will study how organic compounds formed, and if Saturn's moon currently has or ever had life.

It will be equipped with cameras, sensors and samplers that will examine Titan's dense, nitrogen-rich atmosphere, which is known to contain organic material that scientists believe may have come in contact with liquid water beneath its organic-rich, icy surface.

Dragonfly is scheduled to launch around 2027, and it is expected to reach Titan by the mid-2030s.&nbsp;

<h2>Will it be able to bear Titan's unique atmosphere?</h2>

To test Dragonfly, mission engineers have already conducted two test campaigns in NASA Langley’s 14-by-22-foot Subsonic Tunnel, and two in the 16-foot Transonic Dynamics Tunnel (TDT).&nbsp;

As per Ken Hibbard, Dragonfly mission systems engineer at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL), "All of these tests feed into our Dragonfly Titan simulations and performance predictions".

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>

"With Dragonfly, we're turning science fiction into exploration fact," said Hibbard, as per a statement on the NASA website.

He added that "the mission is coming together piece by piece, and we're excited for every next step toward sending this revolutionary rotorcraft across the skies and surface of Titan."

They've been conducting test campaigns at the NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia. Researchers have made attempts to assess the vehicle's aerodynamic performance in harsh, unique conditions anticipating what Dragonfly will have to face during the various stages of the mission.

Recently, in one of its latest tests, the team behind Dragonfly set up a half-scale lander model of the spacecraft. This was used to test the space vehicle's descent once it arrives on Titan and its flight over the surface.

"We tested conditions across the expected flight envelope at a variety of wind speeds, rotor speeds and flight angles to assess the aerodynamic performance of the vehicle," test lead Bernadine Juliano of the APL said in a statement on NASA's website.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-develop-a-vaccine-for-cocaine-heres-how-it-works-651343">Scientists develop a vaccine for cocaine. Here's how it works</a>

"We completed more than 700 total runs, encompassing over 4,000 individual data points. All test objectives were successfully accomplished, and the data will help increase confidence in our simulation models on Earth before extrapolating to Titan conditions," Juliano said.

<h2>Why is NASA sending Dragonfly to Saturn's moon?</h2>

Titan is the only moon in our solar system that has a thick atmosphere, about four times as dense as Earth's. A celestial body's atmosphere is very important. For example, on Earth it protects us from the Sun's radiation. It also helps maintain and circulate heat and distribute gases that nourish and sustain life.

What's more? Titan's atmosphere is similar to Earth's. While our planet's atmosphere has 78 per cent nitrogen, Titan's is mainly made of nitrogen — about 95 per cent, along with five per cent methane. However, a notable difference is that while Earth's atmosphere has 21 per cent oxygen, Saturn's moon has none.

As per NASA, it only takes methane and nitrogen to "unleash a complex web of organic chemistry that makes Titan unique and interesting to scientists."

Given that microorganisms can survive the most extreme environments imaginable, scientists are yet to rule out the existence of exotic life forms that may survive the liquid methane environment.

Additionally, Titan's terrain as we know it is "eerily" similar to our planet Earth's. However, on closer inspection, "every familiar feature has an exotic trait".

The similarities don't end there. As per NASA, Titan is carved by huge flowing rivers and lakes that, instead of water, hold methane.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/researchers-say-a-surprise-layer-of-molten-rock-envelops-marss-liquid-metal-core-651517">Researchers say a surprise layer of molten rock envelops Mars' liquid-metal core</a>

Furthermore, it has rocks that look like ours but are made of water ice that stays frozen because of the celestial body's cold weather.

Previously, using the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA), a radio telescope observatory in Chile, scientists found C3H2, or cyclopropenylidene in Titan's atmosphere. This carbon-based molecule that has never been identified in any other atmosphere. Scientists believe that the find may be a precursor to more complex compounds that could form or feed possible life on Saturn's moon.

All these things point to the probability that Titan may hold fascinating secrets about alien life forms.

(With inputs from agencies)

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NASA is gearing up to launch its most ambitious alien world exploration ever: another ocean world. The US space agency in 2027 will launch its only mission to explore such a world.

NASA is gearing up to launch its most ambitious alien world exploration ever: another ocean world. The US space agency in 2027 will launch its only mission to explore such a world. Using NASA's Dragonfly rotorcraft lander, the mission will explore Saturn's moon Titan "with its dense atmosphere and low gravity," which as per the space agency is "a great place to fly." Here's all you need to know about the upcoming NASA mission to Luna Saturni, or "moon of Saturn". Dragonfly NASA's Dragonfly is a nuclear-powered, car-sized drone that is "designed to investigate the complex chemistry that is the precursor to life." The mission, which is expected to last for nearly three years, will study how organic compounds formed, and if Saturn's moon currently has or ever had life. It will be equipped with cameras, sensors and samplers that will examine Titan's dense, nitrogen-rich atmosphere, which is known to contain organic material that scientists believe may have come in contact with liquid water beneath its organic-rich, icy surface. Dragonfly is scheduled to launch around 2027, and it is expected to reach Titan by the mid-2030s. Will it be able to bear Titan's unique atmosphere? To test Dragonfly, mission engineers have already conducted two test campaigns in NASA Langley’s 14-by-22-foot Subsonic Tunnel, and two in the 16-foot Transonic Dynamics Tunnel (TDT). As per Ken Hibbard, Dragonfly mission systems engineer at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL), "All of these tests feed into our Dragonfly Titan simulations and performance predictions". Also read | Life on Mars? Curiosity rover discovers that it was once a 'planet of rivers' "With Dragonfly, we're turning science fiction into exploration fact," said Hibbard, as per a statement on the NASA website. He added that "the mission is coming together piece by piece, and we're excited for every next step toward sending this revolutionary rotorcraft across the skies and surface of Titan." They've been conducting test campaigns at the NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia. Researchers have made attempts to assess the vehicle's aerodynamic performance in harsh, unique conditions anticipating what Dragonfly will have to face during the various stages of the mission. Recently, in one of its latest tests, the team behind Dragonfly set up a half-scale lander model of the spacecraft. This was used to test the space vehicle's descent once it arrives on Titan and its flight over the surface. "We tested conditions across the expected flight envelope at a variety of wind speeds, rotor speeds and flight angles to assess the aerodynamic performance of the vehicle," test lead Bernadine Juliano of the APL said in a statement on NASA's website. Also read | Scientists develop a vaccine for cocaine. Here's how it works "We completed more than 700 total runs, encompassing over 4,000 individual data points. All test objectives were successfully accomplished, and the data will help increase confidence in our simulation models on Earth before extrapolating to Titan conditions," Juliano said. Why is NASA sending Dragonfly to Saturn's moon? Titan is the only moon in our solar system that has a thick atmosphere, about four times as dense as Earth's. A celestial body's atmosphere is very important. For example, on Earth it protects us from the Sun's radiation. It also helps maintain and circulate heat and distribute gases that nourish and sustain life. What's more? Titan's atmosphere is similar to Earth's. While our planet's atmosphere has 78 per cent nitrogen, Titan's is mainly made of nitrogen — about 95 per cent, along with five per cent methane. However, a notable difference is that while Earth's atmosphere has 21 per cent oxygen, Saturn's moon has none. As per NASA, it only takes methane and nitrogen to "unleash a complex web of organic chemistry that makes Titan unique and interesting to scientists." Given that microorganisms can survive the most extreme environments imaginable, scientists are yet to rule out the existence of exotic life forms that may survive the liquid methane environment. Additionally, Titan's terrain as we know it is "eerily" similar to our planet Earth's. However, on closer inspection, "every familiar feature has an exotic trait". The similarities don't end there. As per NASA, Titan is carved by huge flowing rivers and lakes that, instead of water, hold methane. Also read | Researchers say a surprise layer of molten rock envelops Mars' liquid-metal core Furthermore, it has rocks that look like ours but are made of water ice that stays frozen because of the celestial body's cold weather. Previously, using the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA), a radio telescope observatory in Chile, scientists found C3H2, or cyclopropenylidene in Titan's atmosphere. This carbon-based molecule that has never been identified in any other atmosphere. Scientists believe that the find may be a precursor to more complex compounds that could form or feed possible life on Saturn's moon. All these things point to the probability that Titan may hold fascinating secrets about alien life forms. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Explained: NASA to send 'nuclear-powered' Dragonfly to Saturn's moon Titan. Here's all you need to know

NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) has found more evidence that points towards the existence of life on Mars… once upon a time.&nbsp;

A team of researchers examining data collected by NASA's curiosity has deduced that the planet in ancient times had a huge network of rivers flowing with life-giving water. They have published their findings&nbsp;in Geophysical Research Letters.

<h2>'Planet of rivers'</h2>

"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.

Cardenas and his team reached this conclusion after analysing a combination of images from the Curiosity rover, scans of sedimentary rock beneath the Gulf of Mexico on Earth and several computer simulations.

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Using these, they identified the ancient, eroded remnants of rivers in many Mars craters.

Curiosity rover identified specific landforms called bench-and-nose features; here steep and shallow slopes are called 'benches,' while shortened ridges are called 'noses'.&nbsp;

They form when sedimentary material laid down in channels by rivers is subsequently eroded by prevailing winds. These landforms suggest that rivers were more widespread than thought earlier.&nbsp;

<h2>Why is this important?</h2>

On our planet Earth, rivers are an indispensable source of chemical, nutrient and sediment cycles, all of which are indispensable for life. This fresh discovery provides further proof of ancient rivers and could help in humanity's&nbsp;search for signs of life on the red planet.

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As Cardenas puts it: "Our research indicates that Mars could have had far more rivers than previously believed, which certainly paints a more optimistic view of ancient life on Mars."

"It offers a vision of Mars, where most of the planet once had the right condition for life," he remarked.&nbsp;

<h2>Is the knowledge of Mars rivers new?</h2>

No, it isn't. We have known about Mars' rivers since Mariner 9, the first spacecraft to orbit the red planet, sent back images which were clicked back in 1971. The images showed dried-up river channels and floodplains on Mars's surface.

Mars orbiters and rovers have also identified ridges that were probably formed by sediment in river channels billions of years ago.

Multiple Mars rovers have also found mineralogical evidence, including sulfur-containing compounds like jarosite that form in water.

(With inputs from agencies)

NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) has found more evidence that points towards the existence of life on Mars… once upon a time. A team of researchers examining data collected by NASA's curiosity has deduced that the planet in ancient times had a huge network of rivers flowing with life-giving water.

NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) has found more evidence that points towards the existence of life on Mars… once upon a time. A team of researchers examining data collected by NASA's curiosity has deduced that the planet in ancient times had a huge network of rivers flowing with life-giving water. They have published their findings in Geophysical Research Letters. 'Planet of rivers' "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. Cardenas and his team reached this conclusion after analysing a combination of images from the Curiosity rover, scans of sedimentary rock beneath the Gulf of Mexico on Earth and several computer simulations. Also read | Scientists develop a vaccine for cocaine. Here's how it works Using these, they identified the ancient, eroded remnants of rivers in many Mars craters. Curiosity rover identified specific landforms called bench-and-nose features; here steep and shallow slopes are called 'benches,' while shortened ridges are called 'noses'. They form when sedimentary material laid down in channels by rivers is subsequently eroded by prevailing winds. These landforms suggest that rivers were more widespread than thought earlier. Why is this important? On our planet Earth, rivers are an indispensable source of chemical, nutrient and sediment cycles, all of which are indispensable for life. This fresh discovery provides further proof of ancient rivers and could help in humanity's search for signs of life on the red planet. Also read | A two-kilometre-tall 'dust devil' has been caught on camera, but not on Earth As Cardenas puts it: "Our research indicates that Mars could have had far more rivers than previously believed, which certainly paints a more optimistic view of ancient life on Mars." "It offers a vision of Mars, where most of the planet once had the right condition for life," he remarked. Is the knowledge of Mars rivers new? No, it isn't. We have known about Mars' rivers since Mariner 9, the first spacecraft to orbit the red planet, sent back images which were clicked back in 1971. The images showed dried-up river channels and floodplains on Mars's surface. Mars orbiters and rovers have also identified ridges that were probably formed by sediment in river channels billions of years ago. Multiple Mars rovers have also found mineralogical evidence, including sulfur-containing compounds like jarosite that form in water. (With inputs from agencies)

Life on Mars? Curiosity rover discovers that it was once a 'planet of rivers'

In a step forward for the Artemis II mission, the Orion crew and service modules that are to be used were joined on October 19 at the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the space agency said.

NASA's Artemis II program is the first crewed mission that will take astronauts around the moon. It is planned to be launched in November 2024. The 10-day flight will test NASA's "foundational human deep space exploration capabilities, the SLS rocket, Orion spacecraft" with astronauts. The uncrewed Artemis I became a huge success for NASA in 2022.&nbsp;

The joining of the crew and service modules came after NASA engineers successfully completed the hardware installations and testing over the past several months.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/spacex-seals-deal-with-esa-for-launch-of-satellites-report-650799">SpaceX seals deal with ESA for launch of satellites: Report</a>

Under the ambitious mission, NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch, along with CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut Jeremy Hansen will venture around the Moon and come back to Earth.

With the crew and service modules integrated, NASA said that the team of engineers will now power up the combined crew and service module for the first time.&nbsp;

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"After power on test is complete, Orion will begin altitude chamber testing, which will put the spacecraft through conditions as close as possible to the environment it will experience in the vacuum of deep space," the space agency said.&nbsp;

<h2>NASA’s Artemis II Moon rocket core stage&nbsp;</h2>

Earlier, all four RS-25 engines onto the core stage for NASA’s Artemis II Moon rocket were joined at NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans.

The first engine to NASA’s SLS (Space Launch System) rocket core stage was added on September 11, the second engine on September 15 and the third and fourth engines on September 19 and September 20, respectively.

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"The SLS core stage, at 212 feet, is the backbone of the Moon rocket. Its two huge propellant tanks provide more than 733,000 gallons of super-chilled liquid propellant to the four RS-25 engines, while the stage’s flight computers, avionics, and electrical systems act as the “brains” of the rocket. During Artemis II, the RS-25 engines will together provide more than 2 million pounds of thrust for eight minutes of flight, helping to send the Artemis II crew beyond low-Earth orbit to venture around the Moon," NASA said in a statement.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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In a step forward for the Artemis II mission, the Orion crew and service modules that are to be used were joined on October 19 at the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the space agency said.

In a step forward for the Artemis II mission, the Orion crew and service modules that are to be used were joined on October 19 at the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the space agency said. NASA's Artemis II program is the first crewed mission that will take astronauts around the moon. It is planned to be launched in November 2024. The 10-day flight will test NASA's "foundational human deep space exploration capabilities, the SLS rocket, Orion spacecraft" with astronauts. The uncrewed Artemis I became a huge success for NASA in 2022. The joining of the crew and service modules came after NASA engineers successfully completed the hardware installations and testing over the past several months. Also Read | SpaceX seals deal with ESA for launch of satellites: Report Under the ambitious mission, NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch, along with CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut Jeremy Hansen will venture around the Moon and come back to Earth. With the crew and service modules integrated, NASA said that the team of engineers will now power up the combined crew and service module for the first time. Also Read | Collision between rare stars in Milky Way to end life on Earth, says study "After power on test is complete, Orion will begin altitude chamber testing, which will put the spacecraft through conditions as close as possible to the environment it will experience in the vacuum of deep space," the space agency said. NASA’s Artemis II Moon rocket core stage Earlier, all four RS-25 engines onto the core stage for NASA’s Artemis II Moon rocket were joined at NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans. The first engine to NASA’s SLS (Space Launch System) rocket core stage was added on September 11, the second engine on September 15 and the third and fourth engines on September 19 and September 20, respectively. Watch | China's top diplomat, Wang Yi is US this week × "The SLS core stage, at 212 feet, is the backbone of the Moon rocket. Its two huge propellant tanks provide more than 733,000 gallons of super-chilled liquid propellant to the four RS-25 engines, while the stage’s flight computers, avionics, and electrical systems act as the “brains” of the rocket. During Artemis II, the RS-25 engines will together provide more than 2 million pounds of thrust for eight minutes of flight, helping to send the Artemis II crew beyond low-Earth orbit to venture around the Moon," NASA said in a statement. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Artemis II Orion crew, service modules joined together as NASA's moon mission set to launch next year

NASA is gearing up for humanity's deepest-ever peek into the heart of our Milky Way Galaxy. For this, it will make use of its Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, which will monitor the vast expanse of space for "tell-tale flickers" for secrets that may change our understanding of the world "out there".

<h2>What does Roman Telescope&nbsp;expect to find?</h2>

As per the NASA website, the Roman Space Telescope will monitor "hundreds of millions of stars," looking for "telltale flickers that betray the presence of planets, distant stars, small icy objects that haunt the outskirts of our solar system, isolated black holes, and more."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/artemis-ii-orion-crew-service-modules-joined-together-as-nasas-moon-mission-set-to-launch-next-year-650991">Artemis II Orion crew, service modules joined together as NASA's moon mission set to launch next year</a>

Scientists expect that the telescope will "likely" establish a record for the farthest-known exoplanet. This, they say, may offer us a "glimpse" into unknown galactic neighbourhoods that may be home to worlds different from the 5,500 known to us.

<h2>What is the Roman Telescope?</h2>

Roman Telescope is NASA's long-term monitoring system. As per NASA, it "represents a boon to what scientists call time-domain astronomy" or the study of how the universe changes over time.

The telescope "will join a growing, international fleet of observatories working together to capture these changes as they unfold."&nbsp;

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NASA expects to launch Roman by May 2027.

Its Galactic Bulge Time-Domain Survey will focus on the Milky Way. For this, it will use infrared vision to peer through clouds of dust that can potentially block the view of the crowded central region of our galaxy.&nbsp;

Roman plans to capture this by taking an image every 15 minutes around the clock for about two months. This process will be repeated six times over Roman's five-year primary mission, which will total more than a year of observations.

Scientists will also conduct stellar seismology studies on a million giant stars. This will be done by analysing the brightness changes a star undergoes when sound waves are echoed through its gaseous interior. This will help them learn about the star's structure, age and other properties.

(With inputs from agencies)

NASA is gearing up for humanity's deepest-ever peek into the heart of our Milky Way Galaxy. For this, it will make use of its Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, which will monitor the vast expanse of space for "tell-tale flickers" for secrets that may change our understanding of the world "out there".

NASA is gearing up for humanity's deepest-ever peek into the heart of our Milky Way Galaxy. For this, it will make use of its Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, which will monitor the vast expanse of space for "tell-tale flickers" for secrets that may change our understanding of the world "out there". What does Roman Telescope expect to find? As per the NASA website, the Roman Space Telescope will monitor "hundreds of millions of stars," looking for "telltale flickers that betray the presence of planets, distant stars, small icy objects that haunt the outskirts of our solar system, isolated black holes, and more." Also read | Artemis II Orion crew, service modules joined together as NASA's moon mission set to launch next year Scientists expect that the telescope will "likely" establish a record for the farthest-known exoplanet. This, they say, may offer us a "glimpse" into unknown galactic neighbourhoods that may be home to worlds different from the 5,500 known to us. What is the Roman Telescope? Roman Telescope is NASA's long-term monitoring system. As per NASA, it "represents a boon to what scientists call time-domain astronomy" or the study of how the universe changes over time. The telescope "will join a growing, international fleet of observatories working together to capture these changes as they unfold." Also read | Scientists have created an 'identical twin' universe using the biggest supercomputer NASA expects to launch Roman by May 2027. Its Galactic Bulge Time-Domain Survey will focus on the Milky Way. For this, it will use infrared vision to peer through clouds of dust that can potentially block the view of the crowded central region of our galaxy. Roman plans to capture this by taking an image every 15 minutes around the clock for about two months. This process will be repeated six times over Roman's five-year primary mission, which will total more than a year of observations. Scientists will also conduct stellar seismology studies on a million giant stars. This will be done by analysing the brightness changes a star undergoes when sound waves are echoed through its gaseous interior. This will help them learn about the star's structure, age and other properties. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA readies to launch Roman telescope for humanity's farthest-ever peek into Milky Way galaxy

Following the conclusion of an independent evaluation that the existing Mars Sample Return (MSR) design has a "unrealistic" budget and timeline, NASA has begun to modify its strategy to retrieving samples from Mars.

NASA Mars sample return mission | NASA to work with ESA for bringing Mars samples to Earth

NASA's Johnson Space Center has been struggling to open a canister which kept an asteroid sample safe during its journey through space. A month ago, pristine samples from an asteroid landed on Earth, enclosed within a tight capsule.

NASA's Johnson Space Center has been struggling to open a canister which kept an asteroid sample safe during its journey through space. A month ago, pristine samples from an asteroid landed on Earth, enclosed within a tight capsule. However, the curation team for the OSIRIS-REx mission, the first US mission to collect a sample from asteroid Bennu, has been having trouble opening the TAGSAM (Touch-and-Go Sample Acquisition Mechanism) head. The team has been handling the TAGSAM head carefully using a specialised glovebox under the nitrogen flow to prevent contamination. In a blog post, NASA said, "After multiple attempts at removal, the team discovered that they could not remove two of the 35 fasteners on the TAGSAM head with the current tools approved for use in the OSIRIS-REx glovebox. The team has been developing and implementing new approaches to extract the material inside the head while continuing to keep the sample safe and pristine." ALSO READ | Giant solar storm to hit Earth on Oct 24: Here's how to protect yourself On the initial removal of the aluminium lid on the canister, the mission team found black dust and debris on the avionics deck. On 11 October 2023, NASA revealed the first sample collected from TAGSAM's outer covering. However, it mentioned that the team still hasn't opened the sample canister. So far, the curation team has removed some of the material from inside the canisters using tweezers. "The tools for any proposed solution to extract the remaining material from the head must be able to fit inside the glovebox and not compromise the scientific integrity of the collection, and any procedures must be consistent with the clean room's standards," NASA wrote in its blog post. ALSO READ | Human sperm is breaking one of Newton's laws of motion and the finding may be revolutionary According to NASA, the asteroid samples collected exceed the mission's goal of gathering 60 grams of debris from the asteroid. The space agency has recovered 70.3 grams of rocks and dust. The research team has also found an abundance of carbon and water molecules in the samples. Launched in September 2016, the OSIRIS-REx mission reached asteroid Bennu in December 2018. The spacecraft landed on Bennu and collected a sample from its surface in October 2020. Then, OSIRIS-REx dropped the asteroid sample in the Utah desert on 24 September 2023. Although the mission has hit a temporary block, the initial findings from the asteroid sample look promising. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

A canister containing asteroid samples is giving NASA a hard time. Here's why

We all know that NASA Curiosity rover is carefully trudging the surface of the Red Planet making observations and collecting samples. What good is a sample if it can't be analysed to see if it reveals some fascinating new thing about our neighbouring planet? But for this analysis, the sample must be brought to Earth. And NASA is going for an 'amusement park' approach to get the precious cargo back to Earth.

Enter NASA's 'Mars Sample Return Mission' which it will carry out with the European Space Agency (ESA).

The mission will be launched to bring Martian samples back to Earth. But it will not be as easy as firing a rocket from here and just picking up sample to bring it back home. It will be a multi-step process.&nbsp;

The Mars Sample Return Mission will be historic as it will involve&nbsp;lifting off of a rocket from another planet for the first time in history of our space-faring endeavours!

So here's how things will unfold.

A spacecraft named 'Sample Retrieval Lander' (SRL) will lift off from Earth and travel all the way to Mars. It will make a careful landing on the planet's surface. The SRL will carry with it another rocket named Mars Ascent Vehicle (MAV).&nbsp;

Watch | Scientists surprised by source of largest quake detected on Mars

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After landing on Mars, the Martian samples collected by Curiosity rover will be loaded onto MAV, which will then get ready for a launch.

<h2>So what's the 'amusement park' bit?</h2>

Since we have never carried out a lift-off from the surface of another planet, we do not know 100 per cent what will happen during a lift-off from Mars. But scientists certainly have an idea about the obstacles in this path.

Unlike Earth, Mars does not have a launchpad which provides flat surface for a rocket to lift off. And when a rocket lifts off, it exerts crazy amount of force on the ground beneath it. Launchpads on Earth are designed to withstand this unimaginable force.

But loose Martian soil is unlikely to withstand the giant force and may cave in during the lift-off of a rocket from its surface. The fuel blast may also hurl up rocks which may damage the rocket before it gets a chance to lift off.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/evidence-of-life-on-mars-hiding-in-ancient-mud-lake-research-suggests-so-649647">Evidence of life on Mars hiding in ancient mud lake? Research suggests so</a>

It is because of this the Mars Ascent Vehicle (MAV), after it is loaded with Martian samples, will be 'tossed' up in Martian air by the Sample Retrieval Lander (SRL). When the MAV is in the air and before it crashes back to the ground due to Mars' gravity, it will fire its thrusters and set off for the Martian sky! The manoeuvre is sure to be tricky.

In amusement parks, we have come across attractions that toss us up in the sky and make us question our life choices, even when the safety wires bring you down, albeit almost at the speed of a free-fall.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/will-devil-comet-hurtling-towards-earth-bring-devastation-heres-what-scientists-suggest-649879">Will 'Devil Comet' hurtling towards Earth bring devastation? Here's what scientists suggest</a>

The manoeuvre of the MAV is similar, it's just that it will not come back down towards the surface, but will fire engines and lift-off.

When it reaches the Martian orbit, it will hand over the sample to the Earth Return Orbiter (ERO) which would already be orbiting Mars. The ERO will then hed towards Earth, with the precious samples collected on the surface of the Red Planet.

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We all know that NASA Curiosity rover is carefully trudging the surface of the Red Planet making observations and collecting samples. What good is a sample if it can't be analysed to see if it reveals some fascinating new thing about our neighbouring planet?

We all know that NASA Curiosity rover is carefully trudging the surface of the Red Planet making observations and collecting samples. What good is a sample if it can't be analysed to see if it reveals some fascinating new thing about our neighbouring planet? But for this analysis, the sample must be brought to Earth. And NASA is going for an 'amusement park' approach to get the precious cargo back to Earth. Enter NASA's 'Mars Sample Return Mission' which it will carry out with the European Space Agency (ESA). The mission will be launched to bring Martian samples back to Earth. But it will not be as easy as firing a rocket from here and just picking up sample to bring it back home. It will be a multi-step process. The Mars Sample Return Mission will be historic as it will involve lifting off of a rocket from another planet for the first time in history of our space-faring endeavours! So here's how things will unfold. A spacecraft named 'Sample Retrieval Lander' (SRL) will lift off from Earth and travel all the way to Mars. It will make a careful landing on the planet's surface. The SRL will carry with it another rocket named Mars Ascent Vehicle (MAV). Watch | Scientists surprised by source of largest quake detected on Mars × After landing on Mars, the Martian samples collected by Curiosity rover will be loaded onto MAV, which will then get ready for a launch. So what's the 'amusement park' bit? Since we have never carried out a lift-off from the surface of another planet, we do not know 100 per cent what will happen during a lift-off from Mars. But scientists certainly have an idea about the obstacles in this path. Unlike Earth, Mars does not have a launchpad which provides flat surface for a rocket to lift off. And when a rocket lifts off, it exerts crazy amount of force on the ground beneath it. Launchpads on Earth are designed to withstand this unimaginable force. But loose Martian soil is unlikely to withstand the giant force and may cave in during the lift-off of a rocket from its surface. The fuel blast may also hurl up rocks which may damage the rocket before it gets a chance to lift off. Also Read | Evidence of life on Mars hiding in ancient mud lake? Research suggests so It is because of this the Mars Ascent Vehicle (MAV), after it is loaded with Martian samples, will be 'tossed' up in Martian air by the Sample Retrieval Lander (SRL). When the MAV is in the air and before it crashes back to the ground due to Mars' gravity, it will fire its thrusters and set off for the Martian sky! The manoeuvre is sure to be tricky. In amusement parks, we have come across attractions that toss us up in the sky and make us question our life choices, even when the safety wires bring you down, albeit almost at the speed of a free-fall. Also Read | Will 'Devil Comet' hurtling towards Earth bring devastation? Here's what scientists suggest The manoeuvre of the MAV is similar, it's just that it will not come back down towards the surface, but will fire engines and lift-off. When it reaches the Martian orbit, it will hand over the sample to the Earth Return Orbiter (ERO) which would already be orbiting Mars. The ERO will then hed towards Earth, with the precious samples collected on the surface of the Red Planet. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Rocket from Mars to Earth? NASA's 'amusement park' approach to return red planet samples

SpaceX, the private space exploration company led by Elon Musk, is planning to launch 144 missions in 2024.

SpaceX aims to launch 144 missions next year

NASA's James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), renowned for its deep space discoveries, has recently unveiled captivating imagery from our very own cosmic neighbourhood, offering novel insights into the intricate dynamics of the gas giant, Jupiter.&nbsp;

Stunning snapshots&nbsp;captured by the JWST in 2022, have unexpectedly exposed a colossal high-speed jet stream swirling across the planet's equator at an astounding speed of approximately 320 mph (515 kph) and spanning over 3,000 miles (4,800 kilometres).

<h2>'That totally surprised us'</h2>

Ricardo Hueso, of the University of the Basque Country, the lead author of the study documenting the findings, expressed his astonishment at the discovery.&nbsp;

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>

Joining in the sentiment, Leigh Fletcher from the University of Leicester said, "It’s amazing to me that, after years of tracking Jupiter’s clouds and winds from numerous observatories, we still have more to learn."

The findings have been published in the journal Nature Astronomy.

<h2>Why does a jet stream on Jupiter matter?</h2>

The team explained that the newfound jet stream, exceeding the velocity of a Category 5 hurricane on Earth, promises to provide crucial insights into Jupiter's turbulent atmosphere.&nbsp;

Researchers anticipate that the "crisp" images will help with a comprehensive understanding of the celestial giant's intricate cloud formations and weather patterns.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-unveils-stunning-lunar-shadow-image-from-ring-of-fire-solar-eclipse-649157">NASA unveils stunning lunar shadow image from 'ring of fire' solar eclipse</a>

"We knew the different wavelengths of Webb and Hubble would reveal the three-dimensional structure of storm clouds, but we were also able to use the timing of the data to see how rapidly storms develop," said Michael Wong of the University of California, Berkeley, who led the associated Hubble observations and was a member of the new study.

"Jupiter has a complicated but repeatable pattern of winds and temperatures in its equatorial stratosphere, high above the winds in the clouds and hazes measured at these wavelengths," said Fletcher, adding "If the strength of this new jet is connected to this oscillating stratospheric pattern, we might expect the jet to vary considerably over the next two to four years."

"It'll be really exciting to test this theory in the years to come," he added.

(With inputs from agencies)

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NASA's James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), renowned for its deep space discoveries, has recently unveiled captivating imagery from our very own cosmic neighbourhood, offering novel insights into the intricate dynamics of the gas giant, Jupiter.

NASA's James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), renowned for its deep space discoveries, has recently unveiled captivating imagery from our very own cosmic neighbourhood, offering novel insights into the intricate dynamics of the gas giant, Jupiter. Stunning snapshots captured by the JWST in 2022, have unexpectedly exposed a colossal high-speed jet stream swirling across the planet's equator at an astounding speed of approximately 320 mph (515 kph) and spanning over 3,000 miles (4,800 kilometres). 'That totally surprised us' Ricardo Hueso, of the University of the Basque Country, the lead author of the study documenting the findings, expressed his astonishment at the discovery. Also read | This 'hell-like' exoplanet has been sending mysterious signals. JWST will now help find out why Joining in the sentiment, Leigh Fletcher from the University of Leicester said, "It’s amazing to me that, after years of tracking Jupiter’s clouds and winds from numerous observatories, we still have more to learn." The findings have been published in the journal Nature Astronomy. Why does a jet stream on Jupiter matter? The team explained that the newfound jet stream, exceeding the velocity of a Category 5 hurricane on Earth, promises to provide crucial insights into Jupiter's turbulent atmosphere. Researchers anticipate that the "crisp" images will help with a comprehensive understanding of the celestial giant's intricate cloud formations and weather patterns. Also read | NASA unveils stunning lunar shadow image from 'ring of fire' solar eclipse "We knew the different wavelengths of Webb and Hubble would reveal the three-dimensional structure of storm clouds, but we were also able to use the timing of the data to see how rapidly storms develop," said Michael Wong of the University of California, Berkeley, who led the associated Hubble observations and was a member of the new study. "Jupiter has a complicated but repeatable pattern of winds and temperatures in its equatorial stratosphere, high above the winds in the clouds and hazes measured at these wavelengths," said Fletcher, adding "If the strength of this new jet is connected to this oscillating stratospheric pattern, we might expect the jet to vary considerably over the next two to four years." "It'll be really exciting to test this theory in the years to come," he added. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

James Webb Telescope observes jet stream as fast as 'category 5' storms on Jupiter

NASA has released another fascinating image from last week's 'ring of fire' solar eclipse.

The image which was captured by NASA's Earth Polychromatic Imaging Camera aboard the Deep Space Climate Observatory (DSCOVR) captured the moment the moon aligned with the sun casting a shadow on Earth.

<h2>A lunar shadow</h2>

As the moon was passing in front of the sun during the annular solar eclipse on October 14, it cast a shadow or an umbra on our planet.&nbsp;

DSCOVR, a joint satellite of NASA, NOAA and US Air Force, managed to capture this "out of the world" display from a unique vantage point of about 1.5 million kilometres from the Earth.

Sharing the "EPIC view" on social media platform X, NASA wrote, "An EPIC view of the annular eclipse."

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">Scientists to delve deep into mysterious signals from 'hell-like' exoplanet using James Webb Telescope</a>

"About 1.5 million kilometres from Earth, the shadow, or umbra, from the Moon was seen falling across the southeastern coast of Texas. @nasa's EPIC instrument on the DSCOVR satellite captured this image on Oct. 14."

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An EPIC view of the annular eclipse 😎 
 
About 1.5 million kilometers from Earth, the shadow, or umbra, from the Moon was seen falling across the southeastern coast of Texas. <a href="https://twitter.com/NASA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nasa</a>'s EPIC instrument on the DSCOVR satellite captured this image on Oct. 14. <a href="https://t.co/WPvQbRAFKN">https://t.co/WPvQbRAFKN</a> <a href="https://t.co/QWBJFqRyBl">pic.twitter.com/QWBJFqRyBl</a>
— NASA Earth (@NASAEarth) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASAEarth/status/1714279463234801898?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 17, 2023</a></blockquote>
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DSCOVR, as per the NASA website, is "a space weather station that monitors changes in the solar wind, providing space weather alerts and forecasts for geomagnetic storms that could disrupt power grids, satellites, telecommunications, aviation and GPS."

<h2>The solar eclipse</h2>

Along a narrow pathway from the Oregon coast to Central and South America, skygazers witnessed an annular solar eclipse, where the moon blocked all of the sun except for a thin band, a luminous "ring of fire".

To the rest of us, a partial eclipse was visible, one that looked like the moon taking a nibble out of the sun.

A picture of this phenomenon clicked from space was also shared by NASA. That picture from an extraordinary viewpoint in space was clicked by one of the astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS).&nbsp;

The stunning photo depicts the annular eclipse as viewed from the ISS, approximately 260 miles above Earth. You can check it out here.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-shares-amazing-picture-of-solar-eclipse-clicked-from-space-648675">This picture of annular solar eclipse snapped from 260 miles above Earth is quite riveting</a>

<h2>How annual solar eclipses happen</h2>

Annular solar eclipses happen due to the moon's slightly elliptical orbit, and occur when the moon, sun, and Earth align perfectly, but the moon is positioned farthest from Earth, which then results in the solar disk being blocked, albeit incompletely.

(With inputs from agencies)

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NASA has released another fascinating image from last week's 'ring of fire' solar eclipse. The image which was captured by NASA's Earth Polychromatic Imaging Camera aboard the Deep Space Climate Observatory (DSCOVR) captured the moment the moon aligned with the sun casting a shadow on Earth.

NASA has released another fascinating image from last week's 'ring of fire' solar eclipse. The image which was captured by NASA's Earth Polychromatic Imaging Camera aboard the Deep Space Climate Observatory (DSCOVR) captured the moment the moon aligned with the sun casting a shadow on Earth. A lunar shadow As the moon was passing in front of the sun during the annular solar eclipse on October 14, it cast a shadow or an umbra on our planet. DSCOVR, a joint satellite of NASA, NOAA and US Air Force, managed to capture this "out of the world" display from a unique vantage point of about 1.5 million kilometres from the Earth. Sharing the "EPIC view" on social media platform X, NASA wrote, "An EPIC view of the annular eclipse." Also read | Scientists to delve deep into mysterious signals from 'hell-like' exoplanet using James Webb Telescope "About 1.5 million kilometres from Earth, the shadow, or umbra, from the Moon was seen falling across the southeastern coast of Texas. @nasa's EPIC instrument on the DSCOVR satellite captured this image on Oct. 14." An EPIC view of the annular eclipse 😎 About 1.5 million kilometers from Earth, the shadow, or umbra, from the Moon was seen falling across the southeastern coast of Texas. @nasa's EPIC instrument on the DSCOVR satellite captured this image on Oct. 14. https://t.co/WPvQbRAFKN pic.twitter.com/QWBJFqRyBl — NASA Earth (@NASAEarth) October 17, 2023 × DSCOVR, as per the NASA website, is "a space weather station that monitors changes in the solar wind, providing space weather alerts and forecasts for geomagnetic storms that could disrupt power grids, satellites, telecommunications, aviation and GPS." The solar eclipse Along a narrow pathway from the Oregon coast to Central and South America, skygazers witnessed an annular solar eclipse, where the moon blocked all of the sun except for a thin band, a luminous "ring of fire". To the rest of us, a partial eclipse was visible, one that looked like the moon taking a nibble out of the sun. A picture of this phenomenon clicked from space was also shared by NASA. That picture from an extraordinary viewpoint in space was clicked by one of the astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS). The stunning photo depicts the annular eclipse as viewed from the ISS, approximately 260 miles above Earth. You can check it out here. Also read | This picture of annular solar eclipse snapped from 260 miles above Earth is quite riveting How annual solar eclipses happen Annular solar eclipses happen due to the moon's slightly elliptical orbit, and occur when the moon, sun, and Earth align perfectly, but the moon is positioned farthest from Earth, which then results in the solar disk being blocked, albeit incompletely. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Epic image captures moon's shadow falling on US during the 'ring of fire' solar eclipse

Millions of asteroids are floating in our solar system in the massive asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter, and some of them are so close to our planet, that they are deemed to be "near-Earth asteroids".

Millions of asteroids are floating in our solar system in the massive asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter, and some of them are so close to our planet, that they are deemed to be "near-Earth asteroids". The majority of these orbiting rocks don't attract any attention, but a handful of asteroids and their compositions have recently fascinated astrophysicists around the world. That includes scientists at NASA, who have lately been rushing to obtain asteroid samples. Also read: Scientists to delve deep into mysterious signals from 'hell-like' exoplanet using James Webb Telescope Now in the latest research, a team at the University of Arizona in Tucson while analysing an incredibly dense asteroid named 33 Polyhymnia has made a mystifying discovery. This asteroid is so dense that it may be made of naturally occurring "superheavy elements" beyond those listed in the periodic table, the research suggests. "If asteroids do indeed contain superheavy elements, it would open numerous questions surrounding how these elements were formed and why we have not discovered them outside of asteroids yet," study co-author Johann Rafelski, a physics professor at the University of Arizona, told Live Science. Also read: A radio signal took 8 billion years to reach Earth, but its source is a mystery In a study published in The European Physical Journal Plus in mid-September, researchers deduced that Polyhymnia has a measured density higher than all the elements that exist on Earth. The team identified Polyhymnia as a compact ultradense object (CUDO), indicating that it might contain superheavy components that were previously unknown to humans. In other words, it comprises elements that are not listed in the periodic table. These elements would be stable around an atomic number of 164, which is significantly more dense than osmium, the element with the most protons known to exist naturally. The team's discoveries come as NASA plans to launch unmanned spacecraft to study and potentially return samples from far-off asteroids. The space agency and the University of Arizona, with the help of Queen guitarist Brian May, recently recovered its first-ever asteroid sample that was successfully transported to Earth late last month. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

This near-Earth asteroid possibly contains elements not found in the periodic table

Super-Earth exoplanet, '55 Cancri e', has long been a source of fascination for astronomers since its discovery in 2004.&nbsp;

Located within&nbsp;relative proximity to Earth, this rocky exoplanet has a mass of around eight times our planet's, and it has been emitting mysterious signals, which have intrigued scientists for nearly two decades.&nbsp;

A recent study has now proposed a solution to the mystery of these signals, and it involves the James Webb Space Telescope — the most powerful and most complex telescope ever launched into space.

<h2>Finally, an explanation</h2>

After almost 20 years, scientists may finally have an extraordinary explanation for this celestial phenomenon, reports Live Science.&nbsp;

They speculate that a cyclical interplay of volcanic activity and atmospheric disappearance may be responsible for the planet's peculiar behaviour.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/ancient-whispers-scientists-unveil-hidden-sounds-of-pando-the-worlds-largest-tree-649079">Ancient whispers: Scientists unveil hidden sounds of Pando, the 'world's largest tree'</a>

According to the study, 55 Cancri e, located a mere 40 light-years away from our planet, experiences a tumultuous existence.&nbsp;

55 Cancri e is so close to its parent star that the exoplanet orbits it in a mere 17 hours. As per estimates, the planet is nestled really close to its star — less than two per cent of the distance between Earth and Sun (148.98 million km).&nbsp;

Due to this nearness, it endures scorching temperatures, which on its day side exceed 4,400 degrees Fahrenheit (2,427 degrees Celsius), while its night side remains a fiery 2,060 F (1127 C).

<h2>Mysterious signals</h2>

While the extreme conditions have defied explanations, what is more puzzling — as pointed out in a paper accepted in September to the Astrophysical Journal Letters — are the transit signals Earth receives from the planet during its celestial dance with its parent star.&nbsp;

Sometimes, when 55 Cancri e hides behind its star, no discernible light emanates from the planet, while at other times, a distinct visible light signal becomes apparent. In the infrared spectrum, the planet consistently exhibits a signal, albeit with varying intensity.

<h2>What the new study says</h2>

In the new study, researchers postulate that the planet's proximity to its star triggers a cyclical phenomenon that causes periodic outgassing events.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/eight-billion-years-old-mysterious-signals-from-a-distant-galaxy-detected-on-earth-649130">Eight-billion-years-old mysterious signals from a distant galaxy detected on Earth</a>

Extreme heat from its star causes volcanic eruptions and thermal vent activities, which spew carbon-rich elements into the atmosphere, speculate researchers. Due to the planet's extreme heat, these eventually dissipate, leaving the celestial body barren until the outgassing cycle commences once again.

They hypothesise that the delicate balance between the planet's efforts to generate an atmosphere and the relentless onslaught of radiation and solar wind from its star causes a precarious oscillation. The planet's phases, with and without an atmosphere, could explain the irregular transit signals observed over the years.&nbsp;As this hypothesis awaits testing, the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) presents a promising opportunity to delve deeper into the enigma of 55 Cancri e.

Super-Earth exoplanet, '55 Cancri e', has long been a source of fascination for astronomers since its discovery in 2004. Located within relative proximity to Earth, this rocky exoplanet has a mass of around eight times our planet's, and it has been emitting mysterious signals, which have intrigued scientists for nearly two decades.

Super-Earth exoplanet, '55 Cancri e', has long been a source of fascination for astronomers since its discovery in 2004. Located within relative proximity to Earth, this rocky exoplanet has a mass of around eight times our planet's, and it has been emitting mysterious signals, which have intrigued scientists for nearly two decades. A recent study has now proposed a solution to the mystery of these signals, and it involves the James Webb Space Telescope — the most powerful and most complex telescope ever launched into space. Finally, an explanation After almost 20 years, scientists may finally have an extraordinary explanation for this celestial phenomenon, reports Live Science. They speculate that a cyclical interplay of volcanic activity and atmospheric disappearance may be responsible for the planet's peculiar behaviour. Also read | Ancient whispers: Scientists unveil hidden sounds of Pando, the 'world's largest tree' According to the study, 55 Cancri e, located a mere 40 light-years away from our planet, experiences a tumultuous existence. 55 Cancri e is so close to its parent star that the exoplanet orbits it in a mere 17 hours. As per estimates, the planet is nestled really close to its star — less than two per cent of the distance between Earth and Sun (148.98 million km). Due to this nearness, it endures scorching temperatures, which on its day side exceed 4,400 degrees Fahrenheit (2,427 degrees Celsius), while its night side remains a fiery 2,060 F (1127 C). Mysterious signals While the extreme conditions have defied explanations, what is more puzzling — as pointed out in a paper accepted in September to the Astrophysical Journal Letters — are the transit signals Earth receives from the planet during its celestial dance with its parent star. Sometimes, when 55 Cancri e hides behind its star, no discernible light emanates from the planet, while at other times, a distinct visible light signal becomes apparent. In the infrared spectrum, the planet consistently exhibits a signal, albeit with varying intensity. What the new study says In the new study, researchers postulate that the planet's proximity to its star triggers a cyclical phenomenon that causes periodic outgassing events. Also read | Eight-billion-years-old mysterious signals from a distant galaxy detected on Earth Extreme heat from its star causes volcanic eruptions and thermal vent activities, which spew carbon-rich elements into the atmosphere, speculate researchers. Due to the planet's extreme heat, these eventually dissipate, leaving the celestial body barren until the outgassing cycle commences once again. They hypothesise that the delicate balance between the planet's efforts to generate an atmosphere and the relentless onslaught of radiation and solar wind from its star causes a precarious oscillation. The planet's phases, with and without an atmosphere, could explain the irregular transit signals observed over the years. As this hypothesis awaits testing, the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) presents a promising opportunity to delve deeper into the enigma of 55 Cancri e.

This 'hell-like' exoplanet has been sending mysterious signals. JWST will now help find out why

Last weekend's solar eclipse was a feast for the eyes of many around the globe. But, as it turns out, not all skywatchers who marvelled at the solar eclipse were on this planet. One was up above the Earth.

NASA has released a picture of the October 14&nbsp;solar eclipse, that was clicked by an astronaut from a very unique vantage point.

<h2>The solar eclipse</h2>

Along a narrow pathway from the Oregon coast to Central and South America, skygazers witnessed an annular solar eclipse, where the moon blocked all of the sun except for a thin band, a luminous "ring of fire".

To the rest of us, a partial eclipse was visible, one that looked like the moon taking a nibble out of the sun.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/us-says-over-270-ufo-reports-recorded-were-they-of-foreign-origin-648648">US says over 270 UFO reports recorded. Were they of foreign origin?</a>

This was exactly what was seen by the crew aboard the International Space Station (ISS), and one of the astronauts clicked a celestial picture of it from his extraordinary viewpoint in space.

<h2>Celestial picture</h2>

The picture was captured by NASA astronaut Jasmin Moghbeli, a member of the ISS crew since August.

Moghbeli managed to capture a remarkable photo from the ISS, and it was then shared by NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center.

The stunning photo depicts the annular eclipse as viewed from the ISS, approximately 260 miles above Earth.&nbsp;

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The crew aboard the <a href="https://twitter.com/Space_Station?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Space_Station</a> watched the annular solar eclipse on Oct. 14, from the best seat in the house (260 miles above Earth). As the Moon passed in front of the sun, Expedition 70 Flight Engineer Jasmin Moghbeli captured this photo. 
 
Where did you watch from? 🌑 ☀️ <a href="https://t.co/MM5MopVXYE">pic.twitter.com/MM5MopVXYE</a>
— NASA Marshall (@NASA_Marshall) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASA_Marshall/status/1714313728236154972?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 17, 2023</a></blockquote>
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The tweet highlighted the astronauts' unique vantage point during the celestial event.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/asteroid-alert-apollo-group-space-rock-to-approach-earth-closer-than-the-moon-details-648651">Asteroid alert! Apollo group space rock to approach Earth closer than the Moon | Details</a>

"The crew aboard the @Space_Station watched the annular solar eclipse on Oct. 14, from the best seat in the house (260 miles above Earth). As the moon passed in front of the sun, Expedition 70 Flight Engineer Jasmin Moghbeli captured this photo," said the post, while prompting followers to share their own viewing experiences.

<h2>How annual solar eclipses happen</h2>

Annular solar eclipses happen due to the moon's slightly elliptical orbit, and occur when the moon, sun, and Earth align perfectly, but the moon is positioned farthest from Earth, which then results in the solar disk being blocked, albeit incompletely.

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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Last weekend's solar eclipse was a feast for the eyes of many around the globe. But, as it turns out, not all skywatchers who marvelled at the solar eclipse were on this planet.

Last weekend's solar eclipse was a feast for the eyes of many around the globe. But, as it turns out, not all skywatchers who marvelled at the solar eclipse were on this planet. One was up above the Earth. NASA has released a picture of the October 14 solar eclipse, that was clicked by an astronaut from a very unique vantage point. The solar eclipse Along a narrow pathway from the Oregon coast to Central and South America, skygazers witnessed an annular solar eclipse, where the moon blocked all of the sun except for a thin band, a luminous "ring of fire". To the rest of us, a partial eclipse was visible, one that looked like the moon taking a nibble out of the sun. Also read | US says over 270 UFO reports recorded. Were they of foreign origin? This was exactly what was seen by the crew aboard the International Space Station (ISS), and one of the astronauts clicked a celestial picture of it from his extraordinary viewpoint in space. Celestial picture The picture was captured by NASA astronaut Jasmin Moghbeli, a member of the ISS crew since August. Moghbeli managed to capture a remarkable photo from the ISS, and it was then shared by NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center. The stunning photo depicts the annular eclipse as viewed from the ISS, approximately 260 miles above Earth. The crew aboard the @Space_Station watched the annular solar eclipse on Oct. 14, from the best seat in the house (260 miles above Earth). As the Moon passed in front of the sun, Expedition 70 Flight Engineer Jasmin Moghbeli captured this photo. Where did you watch from? 🌑 ☀️ pic.twitter.com/MM5MopVXYE — NASA Marshall (@NASA_Marshall) October 17, 2023 × The tweet highlighted the astronauts' unique vantage point during the celestial event. Also read | Asteroid alert! Apollo group space rock to approach Earth closer than the Moon | Details "The crew aboard the @Space_Station watched the annular solar eclipse on Oct. 14, from the best seat in the house (260 miles above Earth). As the moon passed in front of the sun, Expedition 70 Flight Engineer Jasmin Moghbeli captured this photo," said the post, while prompting followers to share their own viewing experiences. How annual solar eclipses happen Annular solar eclipses happen due to the moon's slightly elliptical orbit, and occur when the moon, sun, and Earth align perfectly, but the moon is positioned farthest from Earth, which then results in the solar disk being blocked, albeit incompletely. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

This picture of annular solar eclipse snapped from 260 miles above Earth is quite riveting

NASA Psyche Asteroid&nbsp;Mission: The Psyche aircraft launched by NASA last week as the first mission to a metal asteroid is all set to blaze a literal blue trail. The spacecraft was launched towards an asteroid of the name.&nbsp;

This bright wake probe's remarkable propulsive system will switch within the first 100 days of the mission. Hall thruster is the mechanism which will propel the Pysche through space.&nbsp;

This thruster will glow blue as it ionizes xenon, a noble gas that will be used to move the spacecraft forward. The gas is also used in car headlights and plasma televisions. This is the first time such technology will be used and it has only been available for NASA spaceflight since 2015.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/halleys-comet-set-to-unleash-shooting-stars-for-the-first-time-in-37-years-heres-when-to-watch-648249">Halley's Comet set to unleash 'shooting stars' for the first time in 37 years. Here's when to watch</a>

But why do engineers use this technology?

While planning space missions, engineers focus on efficiency which can be achieved through this technology. For this, the engineers turned to electric thrusters. These come in different variants. Scientists use ion and Hall thrusters.&nbsp;

Dan Geobel, NASA's Psyche chief engineer in a blog post said, "There are many different types of electric thrusters, almost as many as there are different makers of cars."&nbsp;

"They can probably be considered the Tesla versions of space propulsion," he added.&nbsp;

Ion thrusters use high electric voltages to make plasma and spew ions into space. NASA's Dawn mission used these ion thrusters to get to dwarf planet Ceres, but the space agency said that they're not the fastest.&nbsp;

On the other hand, the Hall thrusters use a magnetic field to swirl electrons in a circle and produce a beam of ions. They don't get good mileage but the Pysche team picked it because these thrusters allow them to make a smaller and therefore more efficient spacecraft.&nbsp;

The thrusters need power to work which they get from the sun via solar panels and something to ionize.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-finally-know-what-really-caused-the-massive-marsquake-of-2022-648265">Also read |&nbsp;Scientists finally know what really caused the six-hour marsquake of 2022</a>

Now that the mission has been launched, the team will spend the next 100 days checking out all the spacecraft's systems to ensure they're ready for the journey.&nbsp;

If the mission is successful, then the Hall thrusters will likely make an appearance on upcoming space missions, said Steven Scott, the programme manager for the Psyche mission at the company Maxar. As per NASA experts, by August 2029, the spacecraft will begin exploring the asteroid that scientists think – because of its high metal content – may be the partial core of a planetesimal, a building block of an early planet.

(With inputs from agencies)

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NASA Psyche Asteroid Mission: The Psyche aircraft launched by NASA last week as the first mission to a metal asteroid is all set to blaze a literal blue trail. The spacecraft was launched towards an asteroid of the name.

NASA Psyche Asteroid Mission: The Psyche aircraft launched by NASA last week as the first mission to a metal asteroid is all set to blaze a literal blue trail. The spacecraft was launched towards an asteroid of the name. This bright wake probe's remarkable propulsive system will switch within the first 100 days of the mission. Hall thruster is the mechanism which will propel the Pysche through space. This thruster will glow blue as it ionizes xenon, a noble gas that will be used to move the spacecraft forward. The gas is also used in car headlights and plasma televisions. This is the first time such technology will be used and it has only been available for NASA spaceflight since 2015. Also read | Halley's Comet set to unleash 'shooting stars' for the first time in 37 years. Here's when to watch But why do engineers use this technology? While planning space missions, engineers focus on efficiency which can be achieved through this technology. For this, the engineers turned to electric thrusters. These come in different variants. Scientists use ion and Hall thrusters. Dan Geobel, NASA's Psyche chief engineer in a blog post said, "There are many different types of electric thrusters, almost as many as there are different makers of cars." "They can probably be considered the Tesla versions of space propulsion," he added. Ion thrusters use high electric voltages to make plasma and spew ions into space. NASA's Dawn mission used these ion thrusters to get to dwarf planet Ceres, but the space agency said that they're not the fastest. On the other hand, the Hall thrusters use a magnetic field to swirl electrons in a circle and produce a beam of ions. They don't get good mileage but the Pysche team picked it because these thrusters allow them to make a smaller and therefore more efficient spacecraft. The thrusters need power to work which they get from the sun via solar panels and something to ionize. Also read | Scientists finally know what really caused the six-hour marsquake of 2022 Now that the mission has been launched, the team will spend the next 100 days checking out all the spacecraft's systems to ensure they're ready for the journey. If the mission is successful, then the Hall thrusters will likely make an appearance on upcoming space missions, said Steven Scott, the programme manager for the Psyche mission at the company Maxar. As per NASA experts, by August 2029, the spacecraft will begin exploring the asteroid that scientists think – because of its high metal content – may be the partial core of a planetesimal, a building block of an early planet. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Psyche asteroid mission to blaze an unusual blue trail across the solar system

The Sun is the driving force behind all life on earth. From the weather, ocean currents, climate, and seasons, all life depends on the star. What would happen if the star that provides our planet so much life dies?

For the first time, astronomers might have a clue. Here's what will happen.

<h2>A white dwarf</h2>

Scientists have, for the first time, studied a white dwarf - a star just like our sun that has exhausted its hydrogen reserves or nuclear fuel.

Our sun, as per National Geographic, is just an ordinary star; one of about 100 billion in our galaxy, the Milky Way.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/european-space-agency-shares-stunning-visualisation-of-mars-labyrinth-of-night-watch-here-647379">This stunning visualisation of Mars' gigantic 'Labyrinth of Night' will blow your mind</a>

Astronomers studied the stellar remnants that lie at the centre of a cloud of wreckage, gas and dust that astronomers call a planetary nebula.&nbsp;

It is located at around 4,500 light years from Earth, in the open star cluster Messier 37. Astronomers used Gran Telescopio Canarias on the island of La Palma in the Canary Islands to study the cosmic graveyard full of stars, some of them dead.&nbsp;

Studying this white dwarf has provided scientists with vital information on how the once red-hot star died, and also provided insights into how our own solar system could look like in around five billion years.

<h2>From sun to a white dwarf</h2>

A dying sun, as per space.com, runs out of fuel that is intrinsic to its nuclear fusion processes and slowly swells into a red giant. The puffed-out outer layers then swallow inner planets — Earth is an inner planet to the Milky Way's sun.&nbsp;

Then, the star's shell of stellar material spreads out and cools, after which the sun becomes a planetary nebula, and eventually, its core turns into a fading white dwarf.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/humanitys-next-big-catastrophe-could-lie-in-the-sun-predict-scientists-644862">Humanity's next big 'catastrophe' could lie in the Sun, predict scientists</a>

"The more massive a star is, the faster it consumes its nuclear fuel by fusing hydrogen into helium. So its life is shorter, and it evolves into a white dwarf faster," said Klaus Werner, the study team leader and a professor at the University of Tübingen in a statement.

The star they studied as per estimates had a mass equivalent to 2.8 times our Sun. It currently has only about 85 per cent of the mass of Earth's sun left, the rest, about 70 per cent of its original total mass, was lost during its lifetime.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The Sun is the driving force behind all life on earth. From the weather, ocean currents, climate, and seasons, all life depends on the star. What would happen if the star that provides our planet so much life dies?

The Sun is the driving force behind all life on earth. From the weather, ocean currents, climate, and seasons, all life depends on the star. What would happen if the star that provides our planet so much life dies? For the first time, astronomers might have a clue. Here's what will happen. A white dwarf Scientists have, for the first time, studied a white dwarf - a star just like our sun that has exhausted its hydrogen reserves or nuclear fuel. Our sun, as per National Geographic, is just an ordinary star; one of about 100 billion in our galaxy, the Milky Way. Also read | This stunning visualisation of Mars' gigantic 'Labyrinth of Night' will blow your mind Astronomers studied the stellar remnants that lie at the centre of a cloud of wreckage, gas and dust that astronomers call a planetary nebula. It is located at around 4,500 light years from Earth, in the open star cluster Messier 37. Astronomers used Gran Telescopio Canarias on the island of La Palma in the Canary Islands to study the cosmic graveyard full of stars, some of them dead. Studying this white dwarf has provided scientists with vital information on how the once red-hot star died, and also provided insights into how our own solar system could look like in around five billion years. From sun to a white dwarf A dying sun, as per space.com, runs out of fuel that is intrinsic to its nuclear fusion processes and slowly swells into a red giant. The puffed-out outer layers then swallow inner planets — Earth is an inner planet to the Milky Way's sun. Then, the star's shell of stellar material spreads out and cools, after which the sun becomes a planetary nebula, and eventually, its core turns into a fading white dwarf. Also read | Humanity's next big 'catastrophe' could lie in the Sun, predict scientists "The more massive a star is, the faster it consumes its nuclear fuel by fusing hydrogen into helium. So its life is shorter, and it evolves into a white dwarf faster," said Klaus Werner, the study team leader and a professor at the University of Tübingen in a statement. The star they studied as per estimates had a mass equivalent to 2.8 times our Sun. It currently has only about 85 per cent of the mass of Earth's sun left, the rest, about 70 per cent of its original total mass, was lost during its lifetime. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Earth swallowed whole, sun a lifeless white giant; scientists predict what galaxy will look like in 5bn years

NASA on Friday (Oct 13) launched its Psyche spacecraft from the US state of Florida and it is now en route to an asteroid of the same name that is said to be among some of the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/psyche-mission-nasas-mission-to-study-metal-rich-asteroid-to-launch-on-oct-12-all-you-need-to-know-643219"> largest metal-rich&nbsp;asteroids</a> in our solar system.&nbsp;

The Psyche probe is placed&nbsp;inside the cargo bay of a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket. The Psyche mission&nbsp;also marks the first NASA launch on a rocket by Elon Musk’s SpaceX&nbsp;as well as the first interplanetary mission flown by the Falcon Heavy.

<h2>About the launch</h2>

Launched from the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida the spacecraft, roughly the size of a small van, embarked on its 3.6 billion kilometre voyage through space. The Psyche mission lifted off at 10:19 am (local time) and will reach the asteroid in August 2029.

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Feel the noize! Ain't nothin' but a good time. All aboard the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MissionToPsyche?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MissionToPsyche</a>! Next stop: A metal world. 🤘 <a href="https://t.co/fUDbHrXHDC">pic.twitter.com/fUDbHrXHDC</a>
— NASA (@NASA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASA/status/1712836981128909043?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 13, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Less than five minutes after the launch, the cargo-faring panels enclosing the spacecraft inside the nose of the rocket’s upper stage were jettisoned and separated and returned to Earth, said NASA.&nbsp;

An hour or so after the launch, the spacecraft separated from the rocket and the probe itself was released into space while the ground controllers waited for a signal.&nbsp;

Subsequently, the Psyche spacecraft commanded itself into a planned safe mode and established two-way communication at 11:50 am (local time) with NASA’s Deep Space Network complex in Canberra.

“Initial telemetry reports show the spacecraft is in good health,” said the American space agency in a statement.&nbsp;

The mission controllers at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, California also confirmed the detection of the probe’s first radio signals and will spend the next three to four months conducting checks of the spacecraft’s system before sending it off to its deep space journey.&nbsp;

The probe is being propelled by solar-electric ion thrusters and is being used for the first time on an interplanetary mission.

<h2>Why does NASA want to study Psyche?</h2>

As per the data obtained from Earth-based radar and optical telescopes, scientists concluded that the asteroid Psyche could be part of the metal-rich interior of a planetesimal, a building block of a rocky planet that never formed.&nbsp;

The rock might have collided with other large bodies during its early formation and lost its outer rocky shell.&nbsp;

The first asteroid of its kind chosen for the study orbits the Sun three times farther than Earth even at its closest to our planet is located in the outer part of the main asteroid belt between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter.&nbsp;

The probe will study asteroid Psyche, which is said to be rich in iron, nickel, gold and other metals, with a collective hypothetical monetary value placed at $10 quadrillion, for 26 months.&nbsp;

“I am excited to see the treasure trove of science Psyche will unlock as NASA’s first mission to a metal world,” said Nicola Fox at NASA’s headquarters in Washington.

She added, “By studying asteroid Psyche, we hope to better understand our universe and our place in it, especially regarding the mysterious and impossible-to-reach metal core of our own home planet, Earth.” 
 
&nbsp;

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NASA on Friday (Oct 13) launched its Psyche spacecraft from the US state of Florida and it is now en route to an asteroid of the same name that is said to be among some of the largest metal-rich asteroids in our solar system.

NASA on Friday (Oct 13) launched its Psyche spacecraft from the US state of Florida and it is now en route to an asteroid of the same name that is said to be among some of the largest metal-rich asteroids in our solar system. The Psyche probe is placed inside the cargo bay of a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket. The Psyche mission also marks the first NASA launch on a rocket by Elon Musk’s SpaceX as well as the first interplanetary mission flown by the Falcon Heavy. About the launch Launched from the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida the spacecraft, roughly the size of a small van, embarked on its 3.6 billion kilometre voyage through space. The Psyche mission lifted off at 10:19 am (local time) and will reach the asteroid in August 2029. Feel the noize! Ain't nothin' but a good time. All aboard the #MissionToPsyche! Next stop: A metal world. 🤘 pic.twitter.com/fUDbHrXHDC — NASA (@NASA) October 13, 2023 × Less than five minutes after the launch, the cargo-faring panels enclosing the spacecraft inside the nose of the rocket’s upper stage were jettisoned and separated and returned to Earth, said NASA. An hour or so after the launch, the spacecraft separated from the rocket and the probe itself was released into space while the ground controllers waited for a signal. Subsequently, the Psyche spacecraft commanded itself into a planned safe mode and established two-way communication at 11:50 am (local time) with NASA’s Deep Space Network complex in Canberra. “Initial telemetry reports show the spacecraft is in good health,” said the American space agency in a statement. The mission controllers at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, California also confirmed the detection of the probe’s first radio signals and will spend the next three to four months conducting checks of the spacecraft’s system before sending it off to its deep space journey. The probe is being propelled by solar-electric ion thrusters and is being used for the first time on an interplanetary mission. Why does NASA want to study Psyche? As per the data obtained from Earth-based radar and optical telescopes, scientists concluded that the asteroid Psyche could be part of the metal-rich interior of a planetesimal, a building block of a rocky planet that never formed. The rock might have collided with other large bodies during its early formation and lost its outer rocky shell. The first asteroid of its kind chosen for the study orbits the Sun three times farther than Earth even at its closest to our planet is located in the outer part of the main asteroid belt between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter. The probe will study asteroid Psyche, which is said to be rich in iron, nickel, gold and other metals, with a collective hypothetical monetary value placed at $10 quadrillion, for 26 months. “I am excited to see the treasure trove of science Psyche will unlock as NASA’s first mission to a metal world,” said Nicola Fox at NASA’s headquarters in Washington. She added, “By studying asteroid Psyche, we hope to better understand our universe and our place in it, especially regarding the mysterious and impossible-to-reach metal core of our own home planet, Earth.” WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

WATCH | NASA launches Psyche spacecraft to explore metal-rich asteroid

Astronomers have made a groundbreaking discovery, detecting the aftermath of a colossal planetary collision in a distant star system located 3,600 light-years away.

This remarkable moment, involving the violent merging of two massive icy planets, has resulted in the formation of a distinctive doughnut-shaped cloud composed of vaporised rock and water.

<h2>Discovering the cosmic clash</h2>

The findings of this discovery were made possible through the use of NASA spacecraft designed to monitor the skies for asteroids. This celestial collision is more than just a remarkable spectacle; it offers a unique opportunity to witness the birth of a new world in real-time and potentially unravel the mysteries of planet formation, as reported by the New Scientist.

A team of astronomers, brought together by the curiosity of one individual, embarked on this groundbreaking study after observing the peculiar behaviour of a star known as ASASSN-21 qj. This star, situated 3,600 light-years from Earth, exhibited a distinctive pattern, sparking the interest of scientists worldwide.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/over-75-trillion-tonnes-decline-in-antarcticas-ice-shelves-since-1997-half-show-no-sign-of-recovery-646295">&nbsp;Over 7.5 trillion tonnes decline in Antarctica's ice shelves since 1997, half show 'no sign of recovery'</a>

Matthew Kenworthy, a researcher at Leiden University and co-lead of the study, recounted the serendipitous discovery. He stated, "An astronomer on social media pointed out that the star brightened up in the infrared over a thousand days before the optical fading. I knew then this was an unusual event. To be honest, this observation was a complete surprise to me."

The team of astronomers diligently observed ASASSN-21 qj for an extended period, spanning two years, meticulously documenting how its brightness evolved over time. The culmination of their research was published in the journal Nature on October 11.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-find-spinning-supermassive-black-hole-in-distant-galaxy-after-20-years-of-research-645158">A spinning supermassive black hole found in a distant galaxy reinforces one of Einstein's theories</a>

To comprehend the nature of the collision, Live Science reported that the planets involved in ASASSN-21 qj likely coalesced into a single celestial body following the impact. This assertion was substantiated by calculations and computer models. Simon Lock, a researcher at the University of Bristol and co-lead author, elaborated, "Our calculations and computer models indicate the temperature and size of the glowing material, as well as the amount of time the glow has lasted, is consistent with the collision of two ice giant exoplanets."

The team of astronomers continues to closely monitor ASASSN-21 qj and the remnants of the planetary collision. Over the forthcoming years, they anticipate the dispersal of the debris cloud along the orbit of the planets that were annihilated during the cataclysmic event.

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Astronomers have made a groundbreaking discovery, detecting the aftermath of a colossal planetary collision in a distant star system located 3,600 light-years away.

Astronomers have made a groundbreaking discovery, detecting the aftermath of a colossal planetary collision in a distant star system located 3,600 light-years away. This remarkable moment, involving the violent merging of two massive icy planets, has resulted in the formation of a distinctive doughnut-shaped cloud composed of vaporised rock and water. Discovering the cosmic clash The findings of this discovery were made possible through the use of NASA spacecraft designed to monitor the skies for asteroids. This celestial collision is more than just a remarkable spectacle; it offers a unique opportunity to witness the birth of a new world in real-time and potentially unravel the mysteries of planet formation, as reported by the New Scientist. A team of astronomers, brought together by the curiosity of one individual, embarked on this groundbreaking study after observing the peculiar behaviour of a star known as ASASSN-21 qj. This star, situated 3,600 light-years from Earth, exhibited a distinctive pattern, sparking the interest of scientists worldwide. Also read | Over 7.5 trillion tonnes decline in Antarctica's ice shelves since 1997, half show 'no sign of recovery' Matthew Kenworthy, a researcher at Leiden University and co-lead of the study, recounted the serendipitous discovery. He stated, "An astronomer on social media pointed out that the star brightened up in the infrared over a thousand days before the optical fading. I knew then this was an unusual event. To be honest, this observation was a complete surprise to me." The team of astronomers diligently observed ASASSN-21 qj for an extended period, spanning two years, meticulously documenting how its brightness evolved over time. The culmination of their research was published in the journal Nature on October 11. Also read | A spinning supermassive black hole found in a distant galaxy reinforces one of Einstein's theories To comprehend the nature of the collision, Live Science reported that the planets involved in ASASSN-21 qj likely coalesced into a single celestial body following the impact. This assertion was substantiated by calculations and computer models. Simon Lock, a researcher at the University of Bristol and co-lead author, elaborated, "Our calculations and computer models indicate the temperature and size of the glowing material, as well as the amount of time the glow has lasted, is consistent with the collision of two ice giant exoplanets." The team of astronomers continues to closely monitor ASASSN-21 qj and the remnants of the planetary collision. Over the forthcoming years, they anticipate the dispersal of the debris cloud along the orbit of the planets that were annihilated during the cataclysmic event. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Astronomers detect afterglow from collision of two giant planets in remote star system

NASA recently unveiled a sample scooped from the 4.5 billion-year-old asteroid Bennu saying it contains abundant water and carbon.

NASA unveils sample from asteroid Bennu, says it contains ample water & carbon

NASA revealed on Wednesday (Oct 11) that a sample collected from asteroid Bennu contains abundant water and carbon. Both of these are vital materials involved in the formation of Earth. This finding lends more weight to the hypothesis that foundational blocks for life on Earth was seeded from outer space.

The sample scooped&nbsp;from the 4.5-billion-year-old asteroid&nbsp;is the largest soil sample ever to be taken from the surface of an asteroid.

<h2>The big unveiling</h2>

Asteroid sample collected by the OSRIS-REx spacecraft three years ago was unveiled at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston.

This comes just a little more than two weeks after the&nbsp;sample made it to Earth. It parachuted down in the Utah desert.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/explained-nasa-fetches-celestial-cargo-to-earth-heres-why-bennu-asteroid-samples-matter-639472">Explained | NASA sends Bennu asteroid samples to Earth. Here's why the celestial cargo matters</a>

"The first analysis shows samples that contain abundant water in the form of hydrated clay minerals," NASA chief Bill Nelson said in a press event.&nbsp;

"This is the biggest carbon rich asteroid sample ever returned to Earth," he said, with the carbon contained in the form of both minerals and organic molecules.

<h3>Why is this asteroid sample significant?</h3>

This is only the third Asteroid sample, and by far the biggest, to return to Earth for analysis. Earlier, Japan, via its two similar missions, had retrieved the much smaller asteroid samples.

At the time of its landing, the Bennu sample, as per estimates, weighed about 100 to 250 grams (3.5 to 8.8 ounces).

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/us-federal-aviation-administration-proposes-revolutionary-way-to-limit-human-litter-in-earths-orbit-638666">US Federal Aviation Administration proposes revolutionary way to limit human litter in Earth's orbit</a>

Before this, both the capsule and its contents were under examination in a "clean room" at the Utah Test and Training range near the landing site.&nbsp;

Following that, the capsule was transported to the Johnson centre, where its inner canister was opened. This was done so that samples could be parcelled into smaller specimens. These specimens will go to some 200 scientists in 60 laboratories around the world, reports Reuters.

<h2>The Asteroid behind it all</h2>

The celestial samples were collected a year ago from Bennu, a small, carbon-rich asteroid that was discovered in 1999.

Classified as a "near-Earth object", Bennu passes relatively close to the Earth every six years.

The asteroid is made up of a loose collection of rocks and is rich in carbon, which is the building block of life on Earth.

Bennu measures just 500 metres or 1,640 feet in diameter, which means it is tiny compared to the Chicxulub asteroid that some 66 million years ago struck Earth and wiped out the dinosaurs.&nbsp;

Even though Bennu passes by Earth every few years, the odds of an impact are considered remote, but not zero.

Scientists estimate that the asteroid could catastrophically collide with Earth. They estimate that the catastrophe which has a one in 2,700 chance of happening will not take place till the year 2182. This is another reason why understanding Bennu's composition can come in handy.

(With inputs from agencies)

NASA revealed on Wednesday (Oct 11) that a sample collected from asteroid Bennu contains abundant water and carbon. Both of these are vital materials involved in the formation of Earth.

NASA revealed on Wednesday (Oct 11) that a sample collected from asteroid Bennu contains abundant water and carbon. Both of these are vital materials involved in the formation of Earth. This finding lends more weight to the hypothesis that foundational blocks for life on Earth was seeded from outer space. The sample scooped from the 4.5-billion-year-old asteroid is the largest soil sample ever to be taken from the surface of an asteroid. The big unveiling Asteroid sample collected by the OSRIS-REx spacecraft three years ago was unveiled at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. This comes just a little more than two weeks after the sample made it to Earth. It parachuted down in the Utah desert. Also read | Explained | NASA sends Bennu asteroid samples to Earth. Here's why the celestial cargo matters "The first analysis shows samples that contain abundant water in the form of hydrated clay minerals," NASA chief Bill Nelson said in a press event. "This is the biggest carbon rich asteroid sample ever returned to Earth," he said, with the carbon contained in the form of both minerals and organic molecules. Why is this asteroid sample significant? This is only the third Asteroid sample, and by far the biggest, to return to Earth for analysis. Earlier, Japan, via its two similar missions, had retrieved the much smaller asteroid samples. At the time of its landing, the Bennu sample, as per estimates, weighed about 100 to 250 grams (3.5 to 8.8 ounces). Also read | US Federal Aviation Administration proposes revolutionary way to limit human litter in Earth's orbit Before this, both the capsule and its contents were under examination in a "clean room" at the Utah Test and Training range near the landing site. Following that, the capsule was transported to the Johnson centre, where its inner canister was opened. This was done so that samples could be parcelled into smaller specimens. These specimens will go to some 200 scientists in 60 laboratories around the world, reports Reuters. The Asteroid behind it all The celestial samples were collected a year ago from Bennu, a small, carbon-rich asteroid that was discovered in 1999. Classified as a "near-Earth object", Bennu passes relatively close to the Earth every six years. The asteroid is made up of a loose collection of rocks and is rich in carbon, which is the building block of life on Earth. Bennu measures just 500 metres or 1,640 feet in diameter, which means it is tiny compared to the Chicxulub asteroid that some 66 million years ago struck Earth and wiped out the dinosaurs. Even though Bennu passes by Earth every few years, the odds of an impact are considered remote, but not zero. Scientists estimate that the asteroid could catastrophically collide with Earth. They estimate that the catastrophe which has a one in 2,700 chance of happening will not take place till the year 2182. This is another reason why understanding Bennu's composition can come in handy. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA unveils sample from asteroid Bennu, says it contains abundant water and carbon

So James Webb Space Telescope has sent another image our way. That it would be mesmerising and breathtaking is a given as all things in space tend to sparkle brilliantly in a way that makes us redefine idea of beauty altogether. But our improved tech and better telescope (a brand new space telescope to start with) gives us unprecedented ability to glean into not only unknown corners of space but also to obtain greater details about celestial bodies in our immediate cosmic neighbourhood.

Take Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC) for example. James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) may help us know a thing or two in more detail about it. For the knowledgeable among us, this will open new academic vistas. But even if you are not an astronomer, you can always marvel at the beauty, now enhanced by better images clicked by JWST.

The SMC is a 'satellite galaxy' of Milky Way. NASA has now posted an image of NGC 346 taken by JWST. It Is the brightest and largest star-forming region in the SMC.&nbsp;

The SMC is considered to be a 'primitive' galaxy than the Milky Way because it is believed it has less amount of heavy elements. Cosmic dust is made of heavy elements mainly. And that's why is was believed that NGC 346 would have less amount of cosmic dust.

But the image taken by JWST using its Mini Infrared Instrument (MIRI) reveals presence of the cosmic dust.&nbsp;

Check out the image

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Grim grinning ghosts 👻 
 
Webb captured this spectral view of star-forming region NGC 346 in mid-infrared light. The blue tendrils represent silicates and sooty chemical molecules, while the red glow represents warm dust heated by bright, massive stars: <a href="https://t.co/ExyrIxSiJX">https://t.co/ExyrIxSiJX</a> <a href="https://t.co/0jyav1Du9Q">pic.twitter.com/0jyav1Du9Q</a>
— NASA Webb Telescope (@NASAWebb) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASAWebb/status/1711750323381952531?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 10, 2023</a></blockquote>
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The blue tendrils in the image above are trace emissions from materials such as dusty silicates and chemical molecules known as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. The red light visible in the image represents regions of warm dust heated by bigger stars in the region.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-to-unveil-fascinating-bennu-asteroid-sample-to-the-public-645380">NASA to unveil fascinating Bennu asteroid sample to the public</a>

The arc of light in the centre left can be a reflection of light from a star which is near the centre of the arc.

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So James Webb Space Telescope has sent another image our way. That it would be mesmerising and breathtaking is a given as all things in space tend to sparkle brilliantly in a way that makes us redefine idea of beauty altogether.

So James Webb Space Telescope has sent another image our way. That it would be mesmerising and breathtaking is a given as all things in space tend to sparkle brilliantly in a way that makes us redefine idea of beauty altogether. But our improved tech and better telescope (a brand new space telescope to start with) gives us unprecedented ability to glean into not only unknown corners of space but also to obtain greater details about celestial bodies in our immediate cosmic neighbourhood. Take Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC) for example. James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) may help us know a thing or two in more detail about it. For the knowledgeable among us, this will open new academic vistas. But even if you are not an astronomer, you can always marvel at the beauty, now enhanced by better images clicked by JWST. The SMC is a 'satellite galaxy' of Milky Way. NASA has now posted an image of NGC 346 taken by JWST. It Is the brightest and largest star-forming region in the SMC. The SMC is considered to be a 'primitive' galaxy than the Milky Way because it is believed it has less amount of heavy elements. Cosmic dust is made of heavy elements mainly. And that's why is was believed that NGC 346 would have less amount of cosmic dust. But the image taken by JWST using its Mini Infrared Instrument (MIRI) reveals presence of the cosmic dust. Check out the image Grim grinning ghosts 👻 Webb captured this spectral view of star-forming region NGC 346 in mid-infrared light. The blue tendrils represent silicates and sooty chemical molecules, while the red glow represents warm dust heated by bright, massive stars: https://t.co/ExyrIxSiJX pic.twitter.com/0jyav1Du9Q — NASA Webb Telescope (@NASAWebb) October 10, 2023 × The blue tendrils in the image above are trace emissions from materials such as dusty silicates and chemical molecules known as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. The red light visible in the image represents regions of warm dust heated by bigger stars in the region. Also Read | NASA to unveil fascinating Bennu asteroid sample to the public The arc of light in the centre left can be a reflection of light from a star which is near the centre of the arc. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

James Webb telescope clicks a beautiful star-forming region

NASA on Sunday successfully brought to the Earth the largest soil sample scooped from the surface of the asteroid, Bennu.&nbsp;

The asteroid sample streaked through our planet's surface and parachuted into the Utah desert, delivering precious cargo — a celestial specimen that can potentially hold answers to questions like how Earth became habitable and much more.

<h2>Origin story</h2>

Asteroid samples, as per an AFP report, are composed of the 'original materials of the solar system' and are considered relics of the early solar system.&nbsp;

These materials date back around 4.5 billion years, have remained relatively intact and, as per Osiris-Rex program executive Melissa Morris, "can give us clues about how the solar system formed and evolved."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/watch-nasa-spacecraft-lands-successfully-with-largest-sample-collected-from-asteroid-639236">Watch | NASA spacecraft lands successfully in Utah with largest sample collected from asteroid Bennu</a>

"It's our own origin story," she said, as quoted by AFP.

NASA scientist Amy Simon told AFP that it is hypothesised that by striking Earth's surface, "we do believe asteroids and comets delivered organic material, potentially water, that helped life flourish here on Earth."

<h2>The Asteroid behind it all</h2>

The celestial samples were collected three year ago from Bennu, a small, carbon-rich asteroid that was discovered in 1999.

Classified as a "near-Earth object", Bennu passes relatively close to the Earth every six years.

The asteroid is made up of a loose collection of rocks and is rich in carbon, which is the building block of life on Earth. Scientists believe that it might contain water molecules locked in minerals.

Bennu measures just 500 metres or 1,640 feet in diameter, which means it is tiny compared to the Chicxulub asteroid that some 66 million years ago struck Earth and wiped out the dinosaurs.&nbsp;

Even though Bennu passes by Earth every few years, the odds of an impact are considered remote, but not zero.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/us-federal-aviation-administration-proposes-revolutionary-way-to-limit-human-litter-in-earths-orbit-638666">US Federal Aviation Administration proposes revolutionary way to limit human litter in Earth's orbit</a>

Scientists estimate that the asteroid could catastrophically collide with Earth. They estimate that the catastrophe which has a one in 2,700 chance of happening will not happen till the year 2182. This is another reason why understanding Bennu's composition can come in handy.

Three years back, in 2020, NASA's OSIRIS-REx probe collected samples from Bennu. The probe had landed on Bennu in 2020, four years after it was launched in 2016.&nbsp;

At the time Bennu had surprised scientists. Upon its brief contact with the asteroid, the OSIRIS-REx probe sank into Bennu's surface. This revealed to scientists that much like a children's pool filled with plastic balls, the asteroid had an unexpectedly low density.

<h2>Perilous journey</h2>

The precious samples travelled some 67,000 miles (107,826 kilometres) to touch down on Earth. Osiris-Rex released its gumdrop-shaped capsule as the mother-ship passed our planet.

As per AFP, the final 13 minutes of the descent were a fiery passage, where the capsule hurled at a speed of more than 27,000 miles an hour. During the descent, the temperatures reached up to 5,000 degrees Fahrenheit (2,760 degrees Celsius).

Osiris-Rex meanwhile, as per NASA, has moved on and is "on its way" for a date with another asteroid.

<h2>Tears, hope and billions of miles</h2>

Speaking at a press conference, the Osiris-Rex mission's principal investigator Dante Lauretta said they had high hopes from the sample.

She recalled how emotional the moment the capsule deployed was.&nbsp;

"We heard 'main chute detected," she said, adding, "I literally broke into tears."

"That was the moment I knew we made it home... For me, the real science is just beginning."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/an-asteroid-will-make-a-close-encounter-with-earth-on-september-21-nasa-predicts-638611">Asteroid to make its first-ever close approach to Earth! NASA predicts</a>

NASA has managed to collect roughly nine ounces (250 grams) of dust samples from Bennu's surface. This is by far the largest asteroid sample collected.&nbsp;

Previously, in 2020, Japan's Hayabusa-2 mission collected a five-gram specimen from an asteroid called Ryugu. Ten years before that, in 2010, Japan had brought back a tiny sample from asteroid Itokawa.

Japan had shared a few grains from Ryugu with NASA. The samples, as per Reuters, were found to contain two organic compounds, supporting the hypothesis that celestial objects such as comets, asteroids and meteorites that bombarded early Earth seeded the young planet with the primordial ingredients for life.

<h2>How will the sample be used?</h2>

As per AFP, the sample will travel to Johnson Space Center in Houston for additional study.&nbsp;NASA is expected to release initial results at a news conference on October 11.

The space agency will use roughly one-fourth of the asteroid sample immediately to conduct experiments. It will also share small amounts of the asteroid dust with mission partners Japan and Canada.

However, NASA will save most of it for future generations. It will be, as Lori Glaze, director of NASA's Planetary Sciences division, puts it, a "treasure for scientific analysis for years and years and years to come, to our kids and grandkids and people that haven't even been born yet."

(With inputs from agencies)

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NASA on Sunday successfully brought to the Earth the largest soil sample scooped from the surface of the asteroid, Bennu. The asteroid sample streaked through our planet's surface and parachuted into the Utah desert, delivering precious cargo — a celestial specimen that can potentially hold answers to questions like how Earth became habitable and much more.

NASA on Sunday successfully brought to the Earth the largest soil sample scooped from the surface of the asteroid, Bennu. The asteroid sample streaked through our planet's surface and parachuted into the Utah desert, delivering precious cargo — a celestial specimen that can potentially hold answers to questions like how Earth became habitable and much more. Origin story Asteroid samples, as per an AFP report, are composed of the 'original materials of the solar system' and are considered relics of the early solar system. These materials date back around 4.5 billion years, have remained relatively intact and, as per Osiris-Rex program executive Melissa Morris, "can give us clues about how the solar system formed and evolved." Also read | Watch | NASA spacecraft lands successfully in Utah with largest sample collected from asteroid Bennu "It's our own origin story," she said, as quoted by AFP. NASA scientist Amy Simon told AFP that it is hypothesised that by striking Earth's surface, "we do believe asteroids and comets delivered organic material, potentially water, that helped life flourish here on Earth." The Asteroid behind it all The celestial samples were collected three year ago from Bennu, a small, carbon-rich asteroid that was discovered in 1999. Classified as a "near-Earth object", Bennu passes relatively close to the Earth every six years. The asteroid is made up of a loose collection of rocks and is rich in carbon, which is the building block of life on Earth. Scientists believe that it might contain water molecules locked in minerals. Bennu measures just 500 metres or 1,640 feet in diameter, which means it is tiny compared to the Chicxulub asteroid that some 66 million years ago struck Earth and wiped out the dinosaurs. Even though Bennu passes by Earth every few years, the odds of an impact are considered remote, but not zero. Also read | US Federal Aviation Administration proposes revolutionary way to limit human litter in Earth's orbit Scientists estimate that the asteroid could catastrophically collide with Earth. They estimate that the catastrophe which has a one in 2,700 chance of happening will not happen till the year 2182. This is another reason why understanding Bennu's composition can come in handy. Three years back, in 2020, NASA's OSIRIS-REx probe collected samples from Bennu. The probe had landed on Bennu in 2020, four years after it was launched in 2016. At the time Bennu had surprised scientists. Upon its brief contact with the asteroid, the OSIRIS-REx probe sank into Bennu's surface. This revealed to scientists that much like a children's pool filled with plastic balls, the asteroid had an unexpectedly low density. Perilous journey The precious samples travelled some 67,000 miles (107,826 kilometres) to touch down on Earth. Osiris-Rex released its gumdrop-shaped capsule as the mother-ship passed our planet. As per AFP, the final 13 minutes of the descent were a fiery passage, where the capsule hurled at a speed of more than 27,000 miles an hour. During the descent, the temperatures reached up to 5,000 degrees Fahrenheit (2,760 degrees Celsius). Osiris-Rex meanwhile, as per NASA, has moved on and is "on its way" for a date with another asteroid. Tears, hope and billions of miles Speaking at a press conference, the Osiris-Rex mission's principal investigator Dante Lauretta said they had high hopes from the sample. She recalled how emotional the moment the capsule deployed was. "We heard 'main chute detected," she said, adding, "I literally broke into tears." "That was the moment I knew we made it home... For me, the real science is just beginning." Also read | Asteroid to make its first-ever close approach to Earth! NASA predicts NASA has managed to collect roughly nine ounces (250 grams) of dust samples from Bennu's surface. This is by far the largest asteroid sample collected. Previously, in 2020, Japan's Hayabusa-2 mission collected a five-gram specimen from an asteroid called Ryugu. Ten years before that, in 2010, Japan had brought back a tiny sample from asteroid Itokawa. Japan had shared a few grains from Ryugu with NASA. The samples, as per Reuters, were found to contain two organic compounds, supporting the hypothesis that celestial objects such as comets, asteroids and meteorites that bombarded early Earth seeded the young planet with the primordial ingredients for life. How will the sample be used? As per AFP, the sample will travel to Johnson Space Center in Houston for additional study. NASA is expected to release initial results at a news conference on October 11. The space agency will use roughly one-fourth of the asteroid sample immediately to conduct experiments. It will also share small amounts of the asteroid dust with mission partners Japan and Canada. However, NASA will save most of it for future generations. It will be, as Lori Glaze, director of NASA's Planetary Sciences division, puts it, a "treasure for scientific analysis for years and years and years to come, to our kids and grandkids and people that haven't even been born yet." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Explained | NASA sends Bennu asteroid samples to Earth. Here's why the celestial cargo matters

NASA's Parker Solar Probe has achieved a remarkable feat, hurtling through the Solar System at an astonishing speed of 635,266 kilometres (394,736 miles) per hour.

This milestone was reached during the probe's 17th orbit around the Sun, as it collects crucial data about the Sun's charged particle winds and magnetic fields, according to Science Alert.

Notably, this speed surpasses its previous record of 586,863.4 kilometres&nbsp;(364,660 miles) per hour, achieved just three years ago.

<h2>Unprecedented velocity</h2>

To put this incredible velocity into perspective, it's equivalent to an aircraft circumnavigating the Earth approximately 15 times in one hour or travelling from New York to Los Angeles in just over 20 seconds.

In addition to its record-breaking speed, the Parker Solar Probe has achieved a record proximity to the Sun.

It ventured to a distance of just 7.26 million kilometres&nbsp;above the Sun's scorching plasma surface. To visualise this, imagine standing a safe distance away from a blazing campfire – near enough to feel the heat and smell the smoke but not so close that your nose hairs singe.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/humanitys-next-big-catastrophe-could-lie-in-the-sun-predict-scientists-644862">Humanity's next big 'catastrophe' could lie in the Sun, predict scientists</a>

Parker Solar Probe's incredible achievements are not solely the result of powerful propellants. Instead, they are the outcome of a meticulously timed cosmic mini-golf game. To reach its desired location near the Sun's corona, the probe had to navigate Earth's orbital velocity.

NASA employed a powerful rocket to align the probe's trajectory and set it on a course that would cancel out Earth's orbital speed.

Also watch |&nbsp;NASA set to launch spacecraft to a metal rich asteroid on October 12&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nasa-set-to-launch-spacecraft-to-a-metal-rich-asteroid-on-october-12-word-news-wion-644602/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The probe's path was timed to coincide with the orbital position of Venus. This allowed the probe to use&nbsp;Venus's gravitational pull to slow down, facilitating its descent into the Solar System's inner regions.&nbsp;

As the Parker Solar Probe continues its mission, it is expected to complete a total of 24 orbits around the Sun. Ultimately, it will dive even closer, providing NASA with invaluable data to enhance our understanding of the Sun's behaviour.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

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NASA's Parker Solar Probe has achieved a remarkable feat, hurtling through the Solar System at an astonishing speed of 635,266 kilometres (394,736 miles) per hour.

NASA's Parker Solar Probe has achieved a remarkable feat, hurtling through the Solar System at an astonishing speed of 635,266 kilometres (394,736 miles) per hour. This milestone was reached during the probe's 17th orbit around the Sun, as it collects crucial data about the Sun's charged particle winds and magnetic fields, according to Science Alert. Notably, this speed surpasses its previous record of 586,863.4 kilometres (364,660 miles) per hour, achieved just three years ago. Unprecedented velocity To put this incredible velocity into perspective, it's equivalent to an aircraft circumnavigating the Earth approximately 15 times in one hour or travelling from New York to Los Angeles in just over 20 seconds. In addition to its record-breaking speed, the Parker Solar Probe has achieved a record proximity to the Sun. It ventured to a distance of just 7.26 million kilometres above the Sun's scorching plasma surface. To visualise this, imagine standing a safe distance away from a blazing campfire – near enough to feel the heat and smell the smoke but not so close that your nose hairs singe. Also read | Humanity's next big 'catastrophe' could lie in the Sun, predict scientists Parker Solar Probe's incredible achievements are not solely the result of powerful propellants. Instead, they are the outcome of a meticulously timed cosmic mini-golf game. To reach its desired location near the Sun's corona, the probe had to navigate Earth's orbital velocity. NASA employed a powerful rocket to align the probe's trajectory and set it on a course that would cancel out Earth's orbital speed. Also watch | NASA set to launch spacecraft to a metal rich asteroid on October 12 The probe's path was timed to coincide with the orbital position of Venus. This allowed the probe to use Venus's gravitational pull to slow down, facilitating its descent into the Solar System's inner regions. As the Parker Solar Probe continues its mission, it is expected to complete a total of 24 orbits around the Sun. Ultimately, it will dive even closer, providing NASA with invaluable data to enhance our understanding of the Sun's behaviour. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

NASA's Parker Solar Probe smashes speed record, ventures closest to Sun

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