<p><em><strong>Yes, you read that correctly.</strong></em></p>

<p>It is now possible to reach Mars&nbsp;in as little as 45 days, which is nothing short of a science enthusiast's dream.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to Canadian engineers, a laser-based technology for reaching Mars might drastically reduce the time it takes to reach the Red Planet.</p>

<p>At current rates, it would take around 500 days for a person to reach Mars, according to NASA projections.</p>

<p>However, engineers at McGill University in Canada claim to have created a "laser-thermal propulsion" technology that employs lasers to heat hydrogen fuel and claims to decrease journey time by half to 45 days.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The US space agency wants to send a crew to Mars in the mid-to-late 2030s, around the same time China plans to place humans on the Red Planet.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<strong>Watch: One year since Perseverance rover landed on Mars</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/one-year-since-perseverance-rover-landed-on-mars-453885/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>It's called "directed-energy propulsion" because it uses enormous lasers shot from Earth to transmit power to photovoltaic panels aboard a spacecraft, which generate electricity and thrust.</p>

<p>While near Earth, the spacecraft accelerates rapidly, then races toward Mars during the next month, releasing the main vehicle to land on Mars and returning the rest to Earth to be recycled for the next launch.</p>

<p>Reaching Mars in six weeks was previously thought to be conceivable only with nuclear-powered rockets, which pose greater radiation hazards.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Yes, you read that correctly. It is now possible to reach Mars in as little as 45 days, which is nothing short of a science enthusiast's dream. According to Canadian engineers, a laser-based technology for reaching Mars might drastically reduce the time it takes to reach the Red Planet.

Yes, you read that correctly. It is now possible to reach Mars in as little as 45 days, which is nothing short of a science enthusiast's dream. According to Canadian engineers, a laser-based technology for reaching Mars might drastically reduce the time it takes to reach the Red Planet. At current rates, it would take around 500 days for a person to reach Mars, according to NASA projections. However, engineers at McGill University in Canada claim to have created a "laser-thermal propulsion" technology that employs lasers to heat hydrogen fuel and claims to decrease journey time by half to 45 days. The US space agency wants to send a crew to Mars in the mid-to-late 2030s, around the same time China plans to place humans on the Red Planet. Watch: One year since Perseverance rover landed on Mars It's called "directed-energy propulsion" because it uses enormous lasers shot from Earth to transmit power to photovoltaic panels aboard a spacecraft, which generate electricity and thrust. While near Earth, the spacecraft accelerates rapidly, then races toward Mars during the next month, releasing the main vehicle to land on Mars and returning the rest to Earth to be recycled for the next launch. Reaching Mars in six weeks was previously thought to be conceivable only with nuclear-powered rockets, which pose greater radiation hazards. (With inputs from agencies)

Earth to Mars in just 45 days: New tech promises shorter trip to red planet

<p>In space, fire behaves differently; changes in gravity and air flow can alter its spread and make extinguishing it more difficult.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Exactly how do engineers build fire-resistant homes on the Moon, where only 12 people have walked, or on Mars, where no one has even been? How do they research flammability in these unknown or little-known environments?</p>

<p>Here's how they plan to do it.</p>

<p>As part of Northrop Grumman's 17th cargo resupply mission to the International Space Station, NASA's Solid Fuel Ignition and Extinction project (SoFIE) will conduct experiments that will shed light on fire in space.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/the-worst-is-yet-to-come-study-finds-that-omicron-is-10-times-better-than-delta-at-evading-covid-vaccines-454212" hreflang="en">'The worst is yet to come': Study finds that Omicron is 10 times better than Delta at evading Covid vaccines</a></strong></p>

<p>SoFIE will run in a chamber inside the station's Combustion Integrated Rack, which features a safe chamber for burning experiments.</p>

<p>“With NASA planning outposts on other planetary bodies like the Moon and Mars, we need to be able to live there with minimal risk,” said Paul Ferkul, SoFIE project scientist at NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland. “Understanding how flames spread and how materials burn in different environments is crucial for the safety of future astronauts.”</p>

<p>NASA will use the results of this experiment to select materials and designs for spacesuits, cabins, and habitats.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As NASA prepares to go farther and stay longer in space, the experiments will also enable it to identify the best ways to extinguish fires or smoldering materials while in space.&nbsp;</p>

<p>To demonstrate flame growth, decay, and extinction in space, a preliminary test called Burning and Suppression of Solids (BASS) burned a synthetic resin on the space station several years ago.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/earth-to-mars-in-just-45-days-new-tech-promises-shorter-trip-to-red-planet-454135" hreflang="en">Earth to Mars in just 45 days: New tech promises shorter trip to red planet</a></strong></p>

<p>"On Earth, gravity has a profound influence on flames, but in the reduced gravity of space, fire can behave unexpectedly and could be more hazardous,” Ferkul said.</p>

<p>Scientists can study flames in the station's unique microgravity environment, where they are free from the effects of gravity. Data from the experiment, which cannot be collected on Earth, can then be used to develop mathematical models that predict how those materials would burn on the moon, Mars, or anywhere else.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“SoFIE builds on NASA’s prior flammability research,” said Lauren Brown, a project manager at Glenn. “Like other flame studies, this research will home in on how things ignite, burn, and are extinguished in space. It will provide a foundation for continuing human spaceflight beyond low-Earth orbit.”</p>

<p>The SoFIE project consists of five investigations that examine the flammability of plexiglass, cotton-based fabrics, and other materials commonly used in space flight.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;SpaceX's Elon Musk shares simulation video 'Starship to Mars' depicting his plans for the red planet</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/spacexs-elon-musk-shares-simulation-video-starship-to-mars-depicting-his-plans-for-the-red-planet-454103/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>SoFIE is intended to study fire safety in spacecraft, but data from the experiments could also be used to improve fire safety on Earth. Data collected from the study will contribute to the body of knowledge that could be used to improve screening tests for materials that are fire safe for the home, office, aircraft, or other uses.</p>

<p>The experiments will be operational until November 2025, during which time NASA may accept proposals for additional experiments.</p>


In space, fire behaves differently; changes in gravity and air flow can alter its spread and make extinguishing it more difficult. Exactly how do engineers build fire-resistant homes on the Moon, where only 12 people have walked, or on Mars, where no one has even been?

In space, fire behaves differently; changes in gravity and air flow can alter its spread and make extinguishing it more difficult. Exactly how do engineers build fire-resistant homes on the Moon, where only 12 people have walked, or on Mars, where no one has even been? How do they research flammability in these unknown or little-known environments? Here's how they plan to do it. As part of Northrop Grumman's 17th cargo resupply mission to the International Space Station, NASA's Solid Fuel Ignition and Extinction project (SoFIE) will conduct experiments that will shed light on fire in space. Also read | 'The worst is yet to come': Study finds that Omicron is 10 times better than Delta at evading Covid vaccines SoFIE will run in a chamber inside the station's Combustion Integrated Rack, which features a safe chamber for burning experiments. “With NASA planning outposts on other planetary bodies like the Moon and Mars, we need to be able to live there with minimal risk,” said Paul Ferkul, SoFIE project scientist at NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland. “Understanding how flames spread and how materials burn in different environments is crucial for the safety of future astronauts.” NASA will use the results of this experiment to select materials and designs for spacesuits, cabins, and habitats. As NASA prepares to go farther and stay longer in space, the experiments will also enable it to identify the best ways to extinguish fires or smoldering materials while in space. To demonstrate flame growth, decay, and extinction in space, a preliminary test called Burning and Suppression of Solids (BASS) burned a synthetic resin on the space station several years ago. Also read | Earth to Mars in just 45 days: New tech promises shorter trip to red planet "On Earth, gravity has a profound influence on flames, but in the reduced gravity of space, fire can behave unexpectedly and could be more hazardous,” Ferkul said. Scientists can study flames in the station's unique microgravity environment, where they are free from the effects of gravity. Data from the experiment, which cannot be collected on Earth, can then be used to develop mathematical models that predict how those materials would burn on the moon, Mars, or anywhere else. “SoFIE builds on NASA’s prior flammability research,” said Lauren Brown, a project manager at Glenn. “Like other flame studies, this research will home in on how things ignite, burn, and are extinguished in space. It will provide a foundation for continuing human spaceflight beyond low-Earth orbit.” The SoFIE project consists of five investigations that examine the flammability of plexiglass, cotton-based fabrics, and other materials commonly used in space flight. Watch | SpaceX's Elon Musk shares simulation video 'Starship to Mars' depicting his plans for the red planet SoFIE is intended to study fire safety in spacecraft, but data from the experiments could also be used to improve fire safety on Earth. Data collected from the study will contribute to the body of knowledge that could be used to improve screening tests for materials that are fire safe for the home, office, aircraft, or other uses. The experiments will be operational until November 2025, during which time NASA may accept proposals for additional experiments.

Fighting fire with fire: NASA to conduct experiments how things ignite, burn, & are extinguished in space

<p>We have all the scientific gizmos at hand that let us peer into the deepest corners of space. The powerful telescopes we've built means we can literally go back in time and even look at celestial bodies that were formed in earlier universe. But sometimes, our observations from Earth are not able to capture space objects in a particular way just because we are on Earth.</p>

<p>Take planet Jupiter for example. The gas giant is farther from Sun than Earth is. As Jupiter's orbit lies beyond Earth's orbit, we can only see face of Jupiter that is illuminated due to sunlight. A crescent of Jupiter can never be seen from Earth.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pepperoni-storms-topping-jupiter-nasas-latest-video-goes-viral-watch-here-452734">'Pepperoni' storms topping Jupiter? NASA's latest video goes viral, watch here</a></strong></p>

<p>But now, NASA's Juno spacecraft has offered glimpse into how a crescent of Jupiter. Juno spacecraft reached Jupiter in 2016 after a journey of 5 years through space. The spacecraft is hovering around the gas giant and its moon.</p>

<p>Juno's mission team published an image of crescent of Jupiter on February 14.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"If you could ride along with NASA’s Juno spacecraft as it approaches Jupiter during one of its regular close passes by the giant planet, you would be treated to a striking vista similar to this one", the blog said</p>

<p>The planet can be seen partially illuminated due to sunlight. The photo was clicked using JunoCam. The camera took seven images during Juno’s 39th close pass by Jupiter on January 12.</p>


We have all the scientific gizmos at hand that let us peer into the deepest corners of space. The powerful telescopes we've built means we can literally go back in time and even look at celestial bodies that were formed in earlier universe.

We have all the scientific gizmos at hand that let us peer into the deepest corners of space. The powerful telescopes we've built means we can literally go back in time and even look at celestial bodies that were formed in earlier universe. But sometimes, our observations from Earth are not able to capture space objects in a particular way just because we are on Earth. Take planet Jupiter for example. The gas giant is farther from Sun than Earth is. As Jupiter's orbit lies beyond Earth's orbit, we can only see face of Jupiter that is illuminated due to sunlight. A crescent of Jupiter can never be seen from Earth. Also Read | 'Pepperoni' storms topping Jupiter? NASA's latest video goes viral, watch here But now, NASA's Juno spacecraft has offered glimpse into how a crescent of Jupiter. Juno spacecraft reached Jupiter in 2016 after a journey of 5 years through space. The spacecraft is hovering around the gas giant and its moon. Juno's mission team published an image of crescent of Jupiter on February 14. "If you could ride along with NASA’s Juno spacecraft as it approaches Jupiter during one of its regular close passes by the giant planet, you would be treated to a striking vista similar to this one", the blog said The planet can be seen partially illuminated due to sunlight. The photo was clicked using JunoCam. The camera took seven images during Juno’s 39th close pass by Jupiter on January 12.

NASA's Juno spacecraft depicts Jupiter as we can never see from Earth

It's a year since NASA's Perseverance rover landed on Mars. It is on a two-year mission to find evidence of life some 3-4 billion years ago. In our next report, we bring you all the Perseverance rover's findings.

One year since Perseverance rover landed on Mars

<p>Tech entrepreneur Jared Isaacman has announced that he will make another private spaceflight launching from NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre, alongside two SpaceX engineers and a former Air Force fighter pilot.</p>

<p>It’s the first of three planned flights to try out new tech,&nbsp;including still-in-the-works spacewalking suits,&nbsp;culminating in the first flight with people of SpaceX’s new Starship, which is intended for moon and Mars travel.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/why-has-space-business-has-become-the-final-profitable-frontier-452928" hreflang="en">Why has space business has become the final profitable frontier?</a></strong></p>

<p>Isaacman indicated that he’d like to be aboard the second spaceflight in this programme named after the triple-star system Polaris,&nbsp;another Dragon mission,&nbsp;and on the first Starship crew as well.</p>

<p>It will include orbiting through the Van Allen radiation belt, which protects the Earth from the solar wind. The inner Van Allen belt lies from 400 to 6,000 miles (640 to 9,700 kilometers) above the surface.</p>

<p>The programme represents a new step for the commercial space sector, as Elon Musk's SpaceX seeks to carry out ambitious exploration missions, until now the domain of national space agencies.</p>

<p>"On Polaris Dawn, we endeavor to achieve the highest Earth orbit ever flown in addition to conducting the world's first commercial spacewalk and testing of Starlink laser-based communication," he said in a statement.</p>

<p>“Let’s get Polaris Dawn right and then we’ll think about the next mission,” he said.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/chinese-long-march-3c-rocket-to-crash-into-moon-instead-of-spacexs-falcon-9-453309" hreflang="en">It's a Chinese rocket, not one from SpaceX that will crash on Moon, says astronomer</a></strong></p>

<p>For the spacewalk, the entire Dragon capsule will be depressurised just as the Gemini capsules were, with each crew member in pressurised suits.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“If we are to have a more permanent presence on the moon and some day build a colony on Mars, we have a lot to learn, including better suit designs,” he said.</p>

<p>They’ll also use Starlink internet satellites launched by SpaceX to test communication from orbit.</p>

<p>The crew, which includes former US Air Force Colonel Scott Poteet as pilot, and two SpaceX employees, mission specialist Sarah Gillis and mission specialist and medical officer Anna Menon, &nbsp;will attempt the first commercial space walk at roughly 300 miles altitude.</p>

<p>During the mission, they will also test laser-based communication in space using SpaceX's Starlink satellite network, and conduct medical research such as studying decompression sickness, the impacts of space radiation, and the effects of spaceflight on eye health.</p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/spacex-launches-cargo-mission-to-international-space-station-238700/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>The last of the three missions will involve a SpaceX Starship rocket, which when complete will be the biggest and powerful spacecraft ever built.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Musk sees it as key to fulfilling his vision of colonizing Mars, while a pared-down version has been contracted by NASA as a lunar lander for the Artemis program that is set to return humans to the Moon around the middle of this decade.</p>

<p>Isaacman is an experienced pilot who last year led the Inspiration4 mission, which saw four civilian crew complete a three-day orbital mission aboard a SpaceX Dragon, raising $240 million for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Last week, Musk showed off the Starship, the tallest and most powerful rocket built. He’s awaiting clearance from the Federal Aviation Administration before launching it empty from Texas on its first orbital test flight.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The FAA said Monday it won’t finish its environmental review of the Boca Chica launch and landing site, at the southern tip of Texas, until the end of March.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


Tech entrepreneur Jared Isaacman has announced that he will make another private spaceflight launching from NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre, alongside two SpaceX engineers and a former Air Force fighter pilot.

Tech entrepreneur Jared Isaacman has announced that he will make another private spaceflight launching from NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre, alongside two SpaceX engineers and a former Air Force fighter pilot. It’s the first of three planned flights to try out new tech, including still-in-the-works spacewalking suits, culminating in the first flight with people of SpaceX’s new Starship, which is intended for moon and Mars travel. Also read | Why has space business has become the final profitable frontier? Isaacman indicated that he’d like to be aboard the second spaceflight in this programme named after the triple-star system Polaris, another Dragon mission, and on the first Starship crew as well. It will include orbiting through the Van Allen radiation belt, which protects the Earth from the solar wind. The inner Van Allen belt lies from 400 to 6,000 miles (640 to 9,700 kilometers) above the surface. The programme represents a new step for the commercial space sector, as Elon Musk's SpaceX seeks to carry out ambitious exploration missions, until now the domain of national space agencies. "On Polaris Dawn, we endeavor to achieve the highest Earth orbit ever flown in addition to conducting the world's first commercial spacewalk and testing of Starlink laser-based communication," he said in a statement. “Let’s get Polaris Dawn right and then we’ll think about the next mission,” he said. Also read | It's a Chinese rocket, not one from SpaceX that will crash on Moon, says astronomer For the spacewalk, the entire Dragon capsule will be depressurised just as the Gemini capsules were, with each crew member in pressurised suits. “If we are to have a more permanent presence on the moon and some day build a colony on Mars, we have a lot to learn, including better suit designs,” he said. They’ll also use Starlink internet satellites launched by SpaceX to test communication from orbit. The crew, which includes former US Air Force Colonel Scott Poteet as pilot, and two SpaceX employees, mission specialist Sarah Gillis and mission specialist and medical officer Anna Menon, will attempt the first commercial space walk at roughly 300 miles altitude. During the mission, they will also test laser-based communication in space using SpaceX's Starlink satellite network, and conduct medical research such as studying decompression sickness, the impacts of space radiation, and the effects of spaceflight on eye health. The last of the three missions will involve a SpaceX Starship rocket, which when complete will be the biggest and powerful spacecraft ever built. Musk sees it as key to fulfilling his vision of colonizing Mars, while a pared-down version has been contracted by NASA as a lunar lander for the Artemis program that is set to return humans to the Moon around the middle of this decade. Isaacman is an experienced pilot who last year led the Inspiration4 mission, which saw four civilian crew complete a three-day orbital mission aboard a SpaceX Dragon, raising $240 million for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Last week, Musk showed off the Starship, the tallest and most powerful rocket built. He’s awaiting clearance from the Federal Aviation Administration before launching it empty from Texas on its first orbital test flight. The FAA said Monday it won’t finish its environmental review of the Boca Chica launch and landing site, at the southern tip of Texas, until the end of March. (With inputs from agencies)

US billionaire Jared Isaacman announces three more ambitious SpaceX flights

<p>Valentines Day is over and most of us have got a reason to continue to adore (or sadly not, depending on the response) our much loved and cherished person. But memories of Valentine's Day this year perhaps wouldn't be complete with a picture of this 'space rose'.</p>

<p>Giving rose to our Valentine has perhaps come to be a horrible cliche (or not if it is from the right person). But this 'space rose' is unique.</p>

<p>It is made up of 'interacting galaxies' as NASA puts it. So in other words, Hubble has captured image of two galaxies coming together on Valentine's Day. Talk about timing to tweet this image!&nbsp;</p>

<p>This 'space rose' is 350 lightyears away from us in Andromeda constellation. This galactic combine is called Arp 273. The physical contortions in the spiral galaxies have been formed due to mutual effects of gravity of these galaxies.</p>

<p>"Be our cosmic Valentine? The “space rose” in this Hubble image is made up of interacting galaxies, named Arp 273. This celestial flower blooms about 350 million light-years away in the constellation Andromeda," tweeted NASA's Hubble telescope handle.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Be our cosmic Valentine? 🌹✨<br />
<br />
The “space rose” in this Hubble image is made up of interacting galaxies, named Arp 273. This celestial flower blooms about 350 million light-years away in the constellation Andromeda.<br />
<br />
Find out more: <a href="https://t.co/FAldFLOZED">https://t.co/FAldFLOZED</a> <a href="https://t.co/Otzh2D1q2m">pic.twitter.com/Otzh2D1q2m</a></p>
— Hubble (@NASAHubble) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASAHubble/status/1493276354535735297?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 14, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>Netizens have liked the image. The tweet has been liked by nearly 10 thousand Twitter users. The post has been retweeted by more than a thousand users.</p>


Valentines Day is over and most of us have got a reason to continue to adore (or sadly not, depending on the response) our much loved and cherished person. But memories of Valentine's Day this year perhaps wouldn't be complete with a picture of this 'space rose'.

Valentines Day is over and most of us have got a reason to continue to adore (or sadly not, depending on the response) our much loved and cherished person. But memories of Valentine's Day this year perhaps wouldn't be complete with a picture of this 'space rose'. Giving rose to our Valentine has perhaps come to be a horrible cliche (or not if it is from the right person). But this 'space rose' is unique. It is made up of 'interacting galaxies' as NASA puts it. So in other words, Hubble has captured image of two galaxies coming together on Valentine's Day. Talk about timing to tweet this image! This 'space rose' is 350 lightyears away from us in Andromeda constellation. This galactic combine is called Arp 273. The physical contortions in the spiral galaxies have been formed due to mutual effects of gravity of these galaxies. "Be our cosmic Valentine? The “space rose” in this Hubble image is made up of interacting galaxies, named Arp 273. This celestial flower blooms about 350 million light-years away in the constellation Andromeda," tweeted NASA's Hubble telescope handle. Be our cosmic Valentine? 🌹✨ The “space rose” in this Hubble image is made up of interacting galaxies, named Arp 273. This celestial flower blooms about 350 million light-years away in the constellation Andromeda. Find out more: https://t.co/FAldFLOZED pic.twitter.com/Otzh2D1q2m — Hubble (@NASAHubble) February 14, 2022 × Netizens have liked the image. The tweet has been liked by nearly 10 thousand Twitter users. The post has been retweeted by more than a thousand users.

NASA's Hubble telescope clicks 'space rose' on Valentine's Day

Why has space business has become the final profitable frontier?

<p>As part of Artemis mission in 2025, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is again looking to send people to the Moon. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The scientists will not just land but also perform moonwalk on the south pole, which is a dark shadowy area. The scientists think that there might be water ice. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/58-feet-high-rogue-wave-recorded-off-coast-of-vancouver-island-says-study-452859" hreflang="en">58-feet-high rogue wave recorded off coast of Vancouver Island, says study</a></strong></p>

<p>For this, they are training in some special conditions in a 12-metre-deep swimming pool in the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory (NBL) in Texas, in the US. &nbsp;</p>

<p>With this, the astronauts are getting trained in an environment similar to the surface of the Moon. &nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Kill the lights – we’re simulating a Moonwalk!<br />
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Divers at NASA’s Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory turned off the lights to simulate what an Artemis astronaut might experience at the lunar south pole - long, dark shadows. <a href="https://t.co/naslhzzix7">pic.twitter.com/naslhzzix7</a></p>
— NASA's Johnson Space Center (@NASA_Johnson) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASA_Johnson/status/1488926712394092551?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 2, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>In the tests, the divers have turned off all the lights, put up black curtains around the pool walls to minimise reflection and used a powerful underwater lamp. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/did-the-dinosaurs-suffer-from-respiratory-issues-researchers-make-breathtaking-discovery-452405" hreflang="en">Did the dinosaurs suffer from respiratory issues? Researchers make breathtaking discovery &nbsp;</a></strong></p>

<p>The pictures of the training, which have been shared by the NASA, seem&nbsp;to be pretty scary.</p>

<p>"Kill the lights – we’re simulating a Moonwalk! Divers at NASA’s Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory turned off the lights to simulate what an Artemis astronaut might experience at the lunar south pole - long, dark shadows," NASA's Johnson Space Center said on Twitter. &nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


As part of Artemis mission in 2025, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is again looking to send people to the Moon. The scientists will not just land but also perform moonwalk on the south pole, which is a dark shadowy area.

As part of Artemis mission in 2025, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is again looking to send people to the Moon. The scientists will not just land but also perform moonwalk on the south pole, which is a dark shadowy area. The scientists think that there might be water ice. Also Read: 58-feet-high rogue wave recorded off coast of Vancouver Island, says study For this, they are training in some special conditions in a 12-metre-deep swimming pool in the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory (NBL) in Texas, in the US. With this, the astronauts are getting trained in an environment similar to the surface of the Moon. Kill the lights – we’re simulating a Moonwalk! Divers at NASA’s Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory turned off the lights to simulate what an Artemis astronaut might experience at the lunar south pole - long, dark shadows. pic.twitter.com/naslhzzix7 — NASA's Johnson Space Center (@NASA_Johnson) February 2, 2022 × In the tests, the divers have turned off all the lights, put up black curtains around the pool walls to minimise reflection and used a powerful underwater lamp. Also Read: Did the dinosaurs suffer from respiratory issues? Researchers make breathtaking discovery The pictures of the training, which have been shared by the NASA, seem to be pretty scary. "Kill the lights – we’re simulating a Moonwalk! Divers at NASA’s Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory turned off the lights to simulate what an Artemis astronaut might experience at the lunar south pole - long, dark shadows," NASA's Johnson Space Center said on Twitter. (With inputs from agencies)

A training or a scary movie? NASA prepares for moonwalk on pitch-dark south pole, shares images

<p>NASA is known for sharing captivating images and videos of space. This time, the space agency left the netizens in complete shock after it shared a video of a "pepperoni" storm topping Jupiter.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The video is of an infrared view of Jupiter’s north pole. "The movie utilises imagery derived from data collected by the Jovian Infrared Auroral Mapper (JIRAM) instrument aboard our NASA solar system mission Juno."</p>

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<p>The space agency states that the yellow areas are warmer as they are deeper into Jupiter’s atmosphere, and the dark areas are colder because they are higher up in Jupiter’s atmosphere.</p>

<p>"In this clip, the highest “brightness temperature” is around 260K (about -13°C) and the lowest is around 190K (about -83°C).</p>

<p>The “brightness temperature” is a measurement of the radiance, at 5 µm, travelling upward from the top of the atmosphere towards Juno, expressed in units of temperature," states NASA in the caption.</p>

<p>The video was shared on National Pizza Day.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Since shared, the video has managed to gather over 1 million views. The video has gone viral, with netizens leaving tons of comments. "Always beautiful and massive Jupiter!," wrote an Instagram user.&nbsp;</p>


NASA is known for sharing captivating images and videos of space. This time, the space agency left the netizens in complete shock after it shared a video of a "pepperoni" storm topping Jupiter.

NASA is known for sharing captivating images and videos of space. This time, the space agency left the netizens in complete shock after it shared a video of a "pepperoni" storm topping Jupiter. The video is of an infrared view of Jupiter’s north pole. "The movie utilises imagery derived from data collected by the Jovian Infrared Auroral Mapper (JIRAM) instrument aboard our NASA solar system mission Juno." View this post on Instagram A post shared by NASA (@nasa) × The space agency states that the yellow areas are warmer as they are deeper into Jupiter’s atmosphere, and the dark areas are colder because they are higher up in Jupiter’s atmosphere. "In this clip, the highest “brightness temperature” is around 260K (about -13°C) and the lowest is around 190K (about -83°C). The “brightness temperature” is a measurement of the radiance, at 5 µm, travelling upward from the top of the atmosphere towards Juno, expressed in units of temperature," states NASA in the caption. The video was shared on National Pizza Day. Since shared, the video has managed to gather over 1 million views. The video has gone viral, with netizens leaving tons of comments. "Always beautiful and massive Jupiter!," wrote an Instagram user.

'Pepperoni' storms topping Jupiter? NASA's latest video goes viral, watch here

<p>James Webb Space Telescope of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has taken a space selfie and spotted its first star.</p>

<p>The first picture sent back of the cosmos is far from stunning: 18 blurry white dots on a black background, all showing the same object: HD 84406 a bright, isolated star located in the Ursa Major, or "The Big Dipper," constellation but too faint to be seen from Earth with the naked eye.</p>

<p>"The entire Webb team is ecstatic at how well the first steps of taking images and aligning the telescope are proceeding," said Marcia Rieke, principal investigator for the NIRCam instrument and regents professor of astronomy, University of Arizona, in a statement.</p>

<p>"We were so happy to see that light make its way into NIRCam."</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/30000-meteorites-are-hiding-across-antarctica-as-per-this-treasure-map-created-by-artificial-intelligence-451559" hreflang="en">30,000 meteorites are hiding across Antarctica as per this 'treasure map' created by artificial intelligence</a></strong></p>

<p>Designed to give the world an unprecedented glimpse of infant galaxies in the early stages of the universe, Webb reached its destination at a position of gravitational equilibrium known as the second Sun-Earth Lagrange point, or L2, arriving one month after launch.</p>

<p>Besides making stellar observations, Webb will scan the atmospheres of alien worlds for possible signs of life.</p>

<p>The mirrors on the $10 billion observatory still must be meticulously aligned, the infrared detectors sufficiently chilled and the scientific instruments calibrated before observations can begin in June.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/youngest-pair-of-asteroids-ever-discovered-in-solar-system-spotted-by-astronomers-451332" hreflang="en">Youngest pair of asteroids ever discovered in solar system spotted by astronomers</a></strong></p>

<p>Considered the successor to the Hubble Space Telescope, which orbits 330 miles (530 kilometers) up, Webb is too far away for emergency repairs.</p>

<p>Sometime in June, NASA expects to make public its "early release observations," a 'greatest hits' collection of initial images used to demonstrate proper functioning of Webb's instruments during its commissioning phase.</p>

<p>The telescope is an international collaboration led by NASA in partnership with the European and Canadian space agencies. Northrop Grumman Corp was the primary contractor.</p>

<p>Whether chasing optical and ultraviolet light like Hubble or infrared light like Webb, telescopes can see farther and more clearly when operating above Earth’s distorting atmosphere. That’s why NASA teamed up with the European and Canadian space agencies to get Webb and its mirror — the largest ever launched — into the cosmos.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


James Webb Space Telescope of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has taken a space selfie and spotted its first star. The first picture sent back of the cosmos is far from stunning: 18 blurry white dots on a black background, all showing the same object: HD 84406 a bright, isolated star located in the Ursa Major, or "The Big Dipper," constellation but too faint to be seen from Earth with the naked eye.

James Webb Space Telescope of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has taken a space selfie and spotted its first star. The first picture sent back of the cosmos is far from stunning: 18 blurry white dots on a black background, all showing the same object: HD 84406 a bright, isolated star located in the Ursa Major, or "The Big Dipper," constellation but too faint to be seen from Earth with the naked eye. "The entire Webb team is ecstatic at how well the first steps of taking images and aligning the telescope are proceeding," said Marcia Rieke, principal investigator for the NIRCam instrument and regents professor of astronomy, University of Arizona, in a statement. "We were so happy to see that light make its way into NIRCam." Also read | 30,000 meteorites are hiding across Antarctica as per this 'treasure map' created by artificial intelligence Designed to give the world an unprecedented glimpse of infant galaxies in the early stages of the universe, Webb reached its destination at a position of gravitational equilibrium known as the second Sun-Earth Lagrange point, or L2, arriving one month after launch. Besides making stellar observations, Webb will scan the atmospheres of alien worlds for possible signs of life. The mirrors on the $10 billion observatory still must be meticulously aligned, the infrared detectors sufficiently chilled and the scientific instruments calibrated before observations can begin in June. Also read | Youngest pair of asteroids ever discovered in solar system spotted by astronomers Considered the successor to the Hubble Space Telescope, which orbits 330 miles (530 kilometers) up, Webb is too far away for emergency repairs. Sometime in June, NASA expects to make public its "early release observations," a 'greatest hits' collection of initial images used to demonstrate proper functioning of Webb's instruments during its commissioning phase. The telescope is an international collaboration led by NASA in partnership with the European and Canadian space agencies. Northrop Grumman Corp was the primary contractor. Whether chasing optical and ultraviolet light like Hubble or infrared light like Webb, telescopes can see farther and more clearly when operating above Earth’s distorting atmosphere. That’s why NASA teamed up with the European and Canadian space agencies to get Webb and its mirror — the largest ever launched — into the cosmos. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA's James Webb Space Telescope takes a space selfie

<p>In an effort to understand the dynamics of the sun and the constantly changing space environment, NASA has announced two new science missions. This comes just a day after the space agency announced the latest observations done by the Parker Solar probe on its way to the sun.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Named as Multi-slit Solar Explorer (MUSE) and HelioSwarm, the missions aim at studying the sun’s corona and also measuring the magnetic field of the solar wind.</p>

<p>Thomas Zurbuchen, Nasa's associate administrator for science, in a statement, said, "MUSE and HelioSwarm will provide new and deeper insight into the solar atmosphere and space weather. These missions not only extend the science of our other heliophysics missions — but they also provide a unique perspective and a novel approach to understanding the mysteries of our star."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-releases-pictures-of-venuss-surface-taken-by-parker-solar-probe-in-new-light-452308"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;NASA releases pictures of Venus’s surface taken by Parker Solar Probe in new light</strong></a></p>

<p>The MUSE mission will be led by Bart DePontieu of the Lockheed Martin Advanced Technology Center (LMATC) in California.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The HelioSwarm mission, on the other hand, will be conducted under the banner of Harlan Spence from the University of New Hampshire.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Peg Luce, deputy director of the Heliophysics Division, in a statement, said, "The technical innovation of HelioSwarm’s small satellites operating together as a constellation provides the unique ability to investigate turbulence and its evolution in the solar wind."</p>

<p>Both the missions have combined funding of $442 million.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In an effort to understand the dynamics of the sun and the constantly changing space environment, NASA has announced two new science missions. This comes just a day after the space agency announced the latest observations done by the Parker Solar probe on its way to the sun.

In an effort to understand the dynamics of the sun and the constantly changing space environment, NASA has announced two new science missions. This comes just a day after the space agency announced the latest observations done by the Parker Solar probe on its way to the sun. Named as Multi-slit Solar Explorer (MUSE) and HelioSwarm, the missions aim at studying the sun’s corona and also measuring the magnetic field of the solar wind. Thomas Zurbuchen, Nasa's associate administrator for science, in a statement, said, "MUSE and HelioSwarm will provide new and deeper insight into the solar atmosphere and space weather. These missions not only extend the science of our other heliophysics missions — but they also provide a unique perspective and a novel approach to understanding the mysteries of our star." Also read | NASA releases pictures of Venus’s surface taken by Parker Solar Probe in new light The MUSE mission will be led by Bart DePontieu of the Lockheed Martin Advanced Technology Center (LMATC) in California. The HelioSwarm mission, on the other hand, will be conducted under the banner of Harlan Spence from the University of New Hampshire. Peg Luce, deputy director of the Heliophysics Division, in a statement, said, "The technical innovation of HelioSwarm’s small satellites operating together as a constellation provides the unique ability to investigate turbulence and its evolution in the solar wind." Both the missions have combined funding of $442 million. (With inputs from agencies)

To unfold solar mysteries, NASA announces two new missions

<p>A video and some pictures of the surface of Venus have been released by NASA. These were taken last year by the Parker Solar Probe on a flyby. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The first images of this kind may help in learning more about the most earth-like planet in the solar system, the scientists said. &nbsp;</p>

<p>In 2020 and 2021, the Parker Solar Probe (PSP) of the US space agency took the images on two flybys of Venus. But&nbsp;its&nbsp;full analysis&nbsp;was published in the journal Geophysical Research Letters on Wednesday. It was also announced on NASA’s website. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/just-rocks-or-dinosaur-eggs-archaeologists-discover-mystery-objects-in-this-indian-state-452072" hreflang="en">Just rocks or dinosaur eggs? Archaeologists discover mystery objects in this Indian state</a></strong></p>

<p>Brian Wood, physicist, Naval Research Laboratory in Washington, DC, who was also the lead author of the study, said, “Venus is the third brightest thing in the sky, but until recently we have not had much information on what the surface looked like because our view of it is blocked by a thick atmosphere. Now, we finally are seeing the surface in visible wavelengths for the first time from space.” &nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Parker Solar Probe has taken its first visible light images of the surface of Venus from space! 📸<br />
<br />
The planet is smothered in thick clouds, but during recent flybys of the planet Parker’s cameras peered through to see the surface: <a href="https://t.co/FNWNLwVSNI">https://t.co/FNWNLwVSNI</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VisionsOfVenus?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VisionsOfVenus</a> <a href="https://t.co/itp1tcB4YN">pic.twitter.com/itp1tcB4YN</a></p>
— NASA Sun &amp; Space (@NASASun) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASASun/status/1491442092526215170?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 9, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>According to NASA, the probe revealed “a faint glow from the surface that shows distinctive features like continental regions, plains, and plateaus,” while a “luminescent halo of oxygen in the atmosphere can also be seen surrounding the planet.” &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/impact-on-spaceflight-missions-spacex-starlink-satellite-under-nasa-lens-451973" hreflang="en">'Impact on spaceflight missions': SpaceX Starlink satellite under NASA lens</a></strong></p>

<p>The probe used a spectrum, which ranged from 470-800 nanometers, approaching infrared, to catch the glow caused by the excessive heat on the surface of the planet. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Join us live!<a href="https://t.co/ZETtBG2kor">https://t.co/ZETtBG2kor</a><br />
<br />
Parker Solar Probe’s just-released images of Venus — the first visible light images of the planet’s surface from space: <a href="https://t.co/gDLOXOYXxL">pic.twitter.com/gDLOXOYXxL</a></p>
— NASA Goddard (@NASAGoddard) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASAGoddard/status/1491807424801501186?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 10, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>“The surface of Venus, even on the nightside, is about 860 degrees,” Wood said, using the Fahrenheit scale. “It's so hot that the rocky surface of Venus is visibly glowing, like a piece of iron pulled from a forge.” &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


A video and some pictures of the surface of Venus have been released by NASA. These were taken last year by the Parker Solar Probe on a flyby. The first images of this kind may help in learning more about the most earth-like planet in the solar system, the scientists said.

A video and some pictures of the surface of Venus have been released by NASA. These were taken last year by the Parker Solar Probe on a flyby. The first images of this kind may help in learning more about the most earth-like planet in the solar system, the scientists said. In 2020 and 2021, the Parker Solar Probe (PSP) of the US space agency took the images on two flybys of Venus. But its full analysis was published in the journal Geophysical Research Letters on Wednesday. It was also announced on NASA’s website. Also Read: Just rocks or dinosaur eggs? Archaeologists discover mystery objects in this Indian state Brian Wood, physicist, Naval Research Laboratory in Washington, DC, who was also the lead author of the study, said, “Venus is the third brightest thing in the sky, but until recently we have not had much information on what the surface looked like because our view of it is blocked by a thick atmosphere. Now, we finally are seeing the surface in visible wavelengths for the first time from space.” Parker Solar Probe has taken its first visible light images of the surface of Venus from space! 📸 The planet is smothered in thick clouds, but during recent flybys of the planet Parker’s cameras peered through to see the surface: https://t.co/FNWNLwVSNI#VisionsOfVenus pic.twitter.com/itp1tcB4YN — NASA Sun & Space (@NASASun) February 9, 2022 × According to NASA, the probe revealed “a faint glow from the surface that shows distinctive features like continental regions, plains, and plateaus,” while a “luminescent halo of oxygen in the atmosphere can also be seen surrounding the planet.” Also Read | 'Impact on spaceflight missions': SpaceX Starlink satellite under NASA lens The probe used a spectrum, which ranged from 470-800 nanometers, approaching infrared, to catch the glow caused by the excessive heat on the surface of the planet. Join us live!https://t.co/ZETtBG2kor Parker Solar Probe’s just-released images of Venus — the first visible light images of the planet’s surface from space: pic.twitter.com/gDLOXOYXxL — NASA Goddard (@NASAGoddard) February 10, 2022 × “The surface of Venus, even on the nightside, is about 860 degrees,” Wood said, using the Fahrenheit scale. “It's so hot that the rocky surface of Venus is visibly glowing, like a piece of iron pulled from a forge.” (With inputs from agencies)

NASA releases pictures of Venus’s surface taken by Parker Solar Probe in new light

<p>NASA has raised concerns over Musk's SpaceX plan to deploy thousands of satellites for its Starlink programme.</p>

<p>SpaceX had recently launched Starlink satellites for the first global orbital launch as it lifted 49 Starlink v1.5 satellites.</p>

<p>Musk's space company had received authorisation for 12,000 satellites to offer internet broadband services, however, NASA said it raised "potential for a significant increase in the frequency of conjunction events and possible impacts to NASA’s science and human spaceflight missions."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/80-of-starlink-satellites-launched-by-spacex-to-be-destroyed-by-geomagnetic-storm-451722">Also Read:&nbsp;80% of Starlink satellites launched by SpaceX to be destroyed by geomagnetic storm</a></p>

<p>Starlink is a division of SpaceX owned and operated by Musk and it works privately independent of US military and civilian use. However, it works closely with NASA to engage its projects in space.&nbsp;</p>

<p>SpaceX intends to deploy nearly 30,000 satellites for its Starlink internet broadband link for worldwide access. The space agency had informed on Wednesday that up to 40 Starlink satellites were knocked out due to a geomagnetic storm.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, it said it posed little threat since it burned up in the atmosphere.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;What is Geomagnetic storm?</strong></p>

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<p>The company said at least 40 satellites "will reenter or already have reentered the Earth's atmosphere". NASA however said that the SpaceX Gen2 project means it will now double the number of objects being tracked in orbit with a "five fold" increase in the number of objects below 600 km which is currently at 6,100.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/out-of-control-rocket-by-elon-musks-spacex-puts-indias-chandrayaan-in-danger-447837">Also Read:&nbsp;Out-of-control rocket by Elon Musk's SpaceX puts India's Chandrayaan in danger</a></p>

<p>The US space agency asserted that a large number of satellites interferes with astronomical observations. Musk had recently tweeted that SpaceX has 1,469 active Starlink satellites and will be moving another 272 into the orbit soon while adding,"Laser links activate soon".</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">1469 Starlink satellites active<br />
272 moving to operational orbits<br />
Laser links activate soon</p>
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1482424984962101249?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 15, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>In fact, China had slammed the US after it said its space station was in a collision course with Starlink satellite in July last year and then again in October while adding that the incident "constituted dangers to the life or health of astronauts aboard the China Space Station".</p>

<p>(With inputs from Agencies)</p>


NASA has raised concerns over Musk's SpaceX plan to deploy thousands of satellites for its Starlink programme. SpaceX had recently launched Starlink satellites for the first global orbital launch as it lifted 49 Starlink v1.

NASA has raised concerns over Musk's SpaceX plan to deploy thousands of satellites for its Starlink programme. SpaceX had recently launched Starlink satellites for the first global orbital launch as it lifted 49 Starlink v1.5 satellites. Musk's space company had received authorisation for 12,000 satellites to offer internet broadband services, however, NASA said it raised "potential for a significant increase in the frequency of conjunction events and possible impacts to NASA’s science and human spaceflight missions." Also Read: 80% of Starlink satellites launched by SpaceX to be destroyed by geomagnetic storm Starlink is a division of SpaceX owned and operated by Musk and it works privately independent of US military and civilian use. However, it works closely with NASA to engage its projects in space. SpaceX intends to deploy nearly 30,000 satellites for its Starlink internet broadband link for worldwide access. The space agency had informed on Wednesday that up to 40 Starlink satellites were knocked out due to a geomagnetic storm. However, it said it posed little threat since it burned up in the atmosphere. Watch: What is Geomagnetic storm? The company said at least 40 satellites "will reenter or already have reentered the Earth's atmosphere". NASA however said that the SpaceX Gen2 project means it will now double the number of objects being tracked in orbit with a "five fold" increase in the number of objects below 600 km which is currently at 6,100. Also Read: Out-of-control rocket by Elon Musk's SpaceX puts India's Chandrayaan in danger The US space agency asserted that a large number of satellites interferes with astronomical observations. Musk had recently tweeted that SpaceX has 1,469 active Starlink satellites and will be moving another 272 into the orbit soon while adding,"Laser links activate soon". 1469 Starlink satellites active 272 moving to operational orbits Laser links activate soon — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 15, 2022 × In fact, China had slammed the US after it said its space station was in a collision course with Starlink satellite in July last year and then again in October while adding that the incident "constituted dangers to the life or health of astronauts aboard the China Space Station". (With inputs from Agencies)

'Impact on spaceflight missions': SpaceX Starlink satellite under NASA lens

NASA has awarded a contract to Lockheed Martin Space of Littleton, Colorado, to build the Mars Ascent Vehicle (MAV), a small, lightweight rocket to launch rock, sediment, and atmospheric samples from the surface of the Red Planet. The award brings NASA a step closer to the first robotic round-trip to bring samples safely to Earth through the Mars Sample Return program.

Lockheed Martin bags contract to bring back Mars samples to Earth

<p>NASA has awarded Lockheed Martin the contract to make a rocket to bring first Mars rock samples to Earth in 2030s. The US space agency, in its statement on Monday, NASA said that the &nbsp;"small, lightweight rocket" will be the first to take off from another planet, bringing back "rock, sediment and atmospheric samples from the surface of the Red Planet."</p>

<p>NASA's Perseverance Rover has been collecting samples from various Martian areas since landing on Earth's neighbor a year ago.</p>

<p>Goal of the mission is to find traces of ancient life on Mars. But the samples need to be analyzed in labs on Earth as more sophisticated tests on the samples are only possible on Earth.</p>

<p>The samples will be gathered and then launched back to Earth in a complex operation in which the Lockheed Martin rocket will be a key element.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The contract for this "Mars Ascent Vehicle" has a potential value of $194 million, according to NASA.</p>

<p>"The pieces are coming together to bring home the first samples from another planet. Once on Earth, they can be studied by state-of-the-art tools too complex to transport into space," said Thomas Zurbuchen, associate administrator for science at NASA headquarters in Washington.</p>

<p>According to the space agency's plans, a mission will be launched in 2026 at the earliest to send the mini-rocket to Mars, carrying another rover responsible for collecting the samples left behind by Perseverance.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Once the samples are placed in the rocket, it will take off and put them in orbit around Mars. They will then be captured by another vessel sent there to complete the final leg of the journey back to Earth.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This last vessel, as well as the rover that will recover the samples, are being developed under the direction of the European Space Agency.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


NASA has awarded Lockheed Martin the contract to make a rocket to bring first Mars rock samples to Earth in 2030s. The US space agency, in its statement on Monday, NASA said that the "small, lightweight rocket" will be the first to take off from another planet, bringing back "rock, sediment and atmospheric samples from the surface of the Red Planet.

NASA has awarded Lockheed Martin the contract to make a rocket to bring first Mars rock samples to Earth in 2030s. The US space agency, in its statement on Monday, NASA said that the "small, lightweight rocket" will be the first to take off from another planet, bringing back "rock, sediment and atmospheric samples from the surface of the Red Planet." NASA's Perseverance Rover has been collecting samples from various Martian areas since landing on Earth's neighbor a year ago. Goal of the mission is to find traces of ancient life on Mars. But the samples need to be analyzed in labs on Earth as more sophisticated tests on the samples are only possible on Earth. The samples will be gathered and then launched back to Earth in a complex operation in which the Lockheed Martin rocket will be a key element. The contract for this "Mars Ascent Vehicle" has a potential value of $194 million, according to NASA. "The pieces are coming together to bring home the first samples from another planet. Once on Earth, they can be studied by state-of-the-art tools too complex to transport into space," said Thomas Zurbuchen, associate administrator for science at NASA headquarters in Washington. According to the space agency's plans, a mission will be launched in 2026 at the earliest to send the mini-rocket to Mars, carrying another rover responsible for collecting the samples left behind by Perseverance. Once the samples are placed in the rocket, it will take off and put them in orbit around Mars. They will then be captured by another vessel sent there to complete the final leg of the journey back to Earth. This last vessel, as well as the rover that will recover the samples, are being developed under the direction of the European Space Agency. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA awards Lockheed Martin contract to bring back Mars samples to Earth

NASA has laid out a detailed plan for International Space Station's transition. The space agency has revealed what the future holds for ISS. Watch to know more

NASA retire International Space Station, what's next?

<p>A new study has revealed that even dying stars can give birth to brand new planets.</p>

<p>Known as "A population of transition disks around evolved stars: Fingerprints of planets," the study has been published in the journal Astronomy &amp; Astrophysics.</p>

<p>It claims that the second generation of planets can be formed by a disk of leftover material from dying stars that surround them.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-identify-first-ever-wandering-black-hole-in-milky-way-galaxy-450795" hreflang="en">Scientists identify first-ever wandering black hole in Milky Way galaxy</a></strong></p>

<p>"In ten percent of the evolved binary stars with discs we studied, we see a large cavity in the disc," said first author Kluska in a press release.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"This is an indication that something is floating around there that has collected all matter in the area of the cavity."</p>

<p>This first generation of stars apparently lived hard and died quickly. While our sun may live 5 billion years, this first generation of stars likely lasted only a slim fraction of that -- about 1 million years.</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-identify-interesting-similarity-between-this-exoplanet-and-earth-449674">Also read |&nbsp;Scientists identify interesting similarity between this exoplanet and Earth</a></strong></p>

<p>Understanding what happens inside a star is important because the core normally acts as a powerful nuclear furnace producing heat and pressure that makes the star shine and remain stable for a long time, the researchers said.</p>

<p>When the cores of these big stars run out of fuel, they collapse and spark a shock wave that travels to the surface at 20 million miles per hour to create a fireball one billion times brighter than the sun.</p>

<p>Supernovae are hurtling fields of heavy material that spew nickel, gold and iron, so understanding more about them can also provide insight into the formation of Earth, they added.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-find-evidence-of-an-extreme-solar-tsunami-deep-within-earths-ice-448784" hreflang="en">Scientists find evidence of an extreme solar 'tsunami' deep within Earth's ice</a></strong></p>

<p>The Earth’s sun is smaller so when it reaches the end of its life in about 4 billion years it will bloat and then shed its outer layers, leaving the remains to cool over a long period of time.</p>

<p>"In the evolved binary stars with a large cavity in the disc, we saw that heavy elements such as iron were very scarce on the surface of the dying star," said Kluska.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"This observation leads one to suspect that dust particles rich in these elements were trapped by a planet."</p>

<p>"The confirmation or refutation of this extraordinary way of planet formation will be an unprecedented test for the current theories," according to Professor Hans Van Winckel, head of the KU Leuven Institute of Astronomy.</p>

<p>Until now, scientists have only been able to observe the afterglow of such bursts that light up galaxies without knowing which star actually exploded.</p>

<p>This study argues that protoplanetary disks are ideal for studying planet formation scenarios in unprecedented parameter space.<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A new study has revealed that even dying stars can give birth to brand new planets. Known as "A population of transition disks around evolved stars: Fingerprints of planets," the study has been published in the journal Astronomy & Astrophysics.

A new study has revealed that even dying stars can give birth to brand new planets. Known as "A population of transition disks around evolved stars: Fingerprints of planets," the study has been published in the journal Astronomy & Astrophysics. It claims that the second generation of planets can be formed by a disk of leftover material from dying stars that surround them. Also read | Scientists identify first-ever wandering black hole in Milky Way galaxy "In ten percent of the evolved binary stars with discs we studied, we see a large cavity in the disc," said first author Kluska in a press release. "This is an indication that something is floating around there that has collected all matter in the area of the cavity." This first generation of stars apparently lived hard and died quickly. While our sun may live 5 billion years, this first generation of stars likely lasted only a slim fraction of that -- about 1 million years. Also read | Scientists identify interesting similarity between this exoplanet and Earth Understanding what happens inside a star is important because the core normally acts as a powerful nuclear furnace producing heat and pressure that makes the star shine and remain stable for a long time, the researchers said. When the cores of these big stars run out of fuel, they collapse and spark a shock wave that travels to the surface at 20 million miles per hour to create a fireball one billion times brighter than the sun. Supernovae are hurtling fields of heavy material that spew nickel, gold and iron, so understanding more about them can also provide insight into the formation of Earth, they added. Also read | Scientists find evidence of an extreme solar 'tsunami' deep within Earth's ice The Earth’s sun is smaller so when it reaches the end of its life in about 4 billion years it will bloat and then shed its outer layers, leaving the remains to cool over a long period of time. "In the evolved binary stars with a large cavity in the disc, we saw that heavy elements such as iron were very scarce on the surface of the dying star," said Kluska. "This observation leads one to suspect that dust particles rich in these elements were trapped by a planet." "The confirmation or refutation of this extraordinary way of planet formation will be an unprecedented test for the current theories," according to Professor Hans Van Winckel, head of the KU Leuven Institute of Astronomy. Until now, scientists have only been able to observe the afterglow of such bursts that light up galaxies without knowing which star actually exploded. This study argues that protoplanetary disks are ideal for studying planet formation scenarios in unprecedented parameter space. (With inputs from agencies)

Study reveals that even dying stars can give birth to brand new planets

<p>The first mission in NASA's program to take humans back to the Moon has been delayed until spring at the earliest, the US space agency said Wednesday, saying it needed more time to complete safety checks.</p>

<p>The Artemis I launch, initially scheduled for late 2021 and then postponed twice more, will now happen no earlier than April.</p>

<p>"Teams are taking operations a step at a time to ensure the integrated system is ready to safely launch the Artemis I mission. NASA is reviewing launch opportunities in April and May," NASA said in a statement.</p>

<p>Artemis I will be an uncrewed flight test, but will signal the real start of the program, which could eventually see the first woman and the first person of color to step foot on the Moon.</p>

<p>Artemis I also will be the first flight of the massive Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, which will carry the Orion capsule to the Moon, where it will be put into orbit before returning to Earth.</p>

<p>The testing of the SLS system, which had been set for this month, is now expected to take place at Kennedy Space Center in Florida in March, NASA said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>For that test, the rocket will be moved to the launch pad, fueled up and the launch sequence initiated -- except for the actual take-off.</p>

<p>This test will then help the US space agency set an actual launch date.</p>

<p>There is no "specific" issue that sparked the additional delays, Tom Whitmeyer, the deputy associate administrator for exploration systems development at NASA Headquarters in Washington, told reporters.</p>

<p>"It could be something as simple as a scratch that needs to be polished out or some paint that needs to be fixed. There's just a lot of that -- it's a really big vehicle," he said.</p>

<p>A few months ago, a government audit indicated that Artemis I would likely take place "in the summer of 2022."<br />
&nbsp;</p>


The first mission in NASA's program to take humans back to the Moon has been delayed until spring at the earliest, the US space agency said Wednesday, saying it needed more time to complete safety checks.

The first mission in NASA's program to take humans back to the Moon has been delayed until spring at the earliest, the US space agency said Wednesday, saying it needed more time to complete safety checks. The Artemis I launch, initially scheduled for late 2021 and then postponed twice more, will now happen no earlier than April. "Teams are taking operations a step at a time to ensure the integrated system is ready to safely launch the Artemis I mission. NASA is reviewing launch opportunities in April and May," NASA said in a statement. Artemis I will be an uncrewed flight test, but will signal the real start of the program, which could eventually see the first woman and the first person of color to step foot on the Moon. Artemis I also will be the first flight of the massive Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, which will carry the Orion capsule to the Moon, where it will be put into orbit before returning to Earth. The testing of the SLS system, which had been set for this month, is now expected to take place at Kennedy Space Center in Florida in March, NASA said. For that test, the rocket will be moved to the launch pad, fueled up and the launch sequence initiated -- except for the actual take-off. This test will then help the US space agency set an actual launch date. There is no "specific" issue that sparked the additional delays, Tom Whitmeyer, the deputy associate administrator for exploration systems development at NASA Headquarters in Washington, told reporters. "It could be something as simple as a scratch that needs to be polished out or some paint that needs to be fixed. There's just a lot of that -- it's a really big vehicle," he said. A few months ago, a government audit indicated that Artemis I would likely take place "in the summer of 2022."

Uncrewed Artemis I mission to Moon pushed back

<p>NASA has shared a set of stunning images taken from its Hubble telescope and Chandra X-Ray Observatory. It claims that these telescopes can detect different kinds of light which helps them in fully investigating the cosmic phenomena.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The images, uploaded on Instagram, have now gone viral.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The universe emits light and energy through many forms. Chandra’s X-ray-observing abilities let us explore super hot and energetic processes found throughout the universe," wrote NASA in the caption.</p>

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<p>The first image shows R Aquarii, a white dwarf star and a red giant orbiting each other.&nbsp;As they move together, the white dwarf pulls material from the red giant onto its surface, states NASA.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/just-when-bezos-yacht-demands-unexpected-costs-amazon-prime-raises-price-450426"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Just when Bezos’ yacht demands unexpected costs, Amazon Prime raises price</strong></a></p>

<p>The second image displays a Guitar Nebula. This is an X-ray stream, which is pink in colour and it jets out from a pulsar, which is almost perpendicular to the Guitar Nebula.</p>

<p>The last image features Merging galaxies. "A spiral galaxy collides with a smaller galaxy in the upper right corner (not pictured).</p>

<p>The gravitational interaction can create a waves of star formation. X-rays (in purple) have been combined with an optical image from Hubble," states NASA.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The images have left the netizens mesmerised. "NASA&nbsp;you make my day," wrote one person in the comment section. Another person wrote, "This is so beautiful."</p>


NASA has shared a set of stunning images taken from its Hubble telescope and Chandra X-Ray Observatory. It claims that these telescopes can detect different kinds of light which helps them in fully investigating the cosmic phenomena.

NASA has shared a set of stunning images taken from its Hubble telescope and Chandra X-Ray Observatory. It claims that these telescopes can detect different kinds of light which helps them in fully investigating the cosmic phenomena. The images, uploaded on Instagram, have now gone viral. "The universe emits light and energy through many forms. Chandra’s X-ray-observing abilities let us explore super hot and energetic processes found throughout the universe," wrote NASA in the caption. View this post on Instagram A post shared by NASA (@nasa) × The first image shows R Aquarii, a white dwarf star and a red giant orbiting each other. As they move together, the white dwarf pulls material from the red giant onto its surface, states NASA. Also read | Just when Bezos’ yacht demands unexpected costs, Amazon Prime raises price The second image displays a Guitar Nebula. This is an X-ray stream, which is pink in colour and it jets out from a pulsar, which is almost perpendicular to the Guitar Nebula. The last image features Merging galaxies. "A spiral galaxy collides with a smaller galaxy in the upper right corner (not pictured). The gravitational interaction can create a waves of star formation. X-rays (in purple) have been combined with an optical image from Hubble," states NASA. The images have left the netizens mesmerised. "NASA you make my day," wrote one person in the comment section. Another person wrote, "This is so beautiful."

NASA shares stunning images of cosmic phenomena, see viral pictures here

<p>The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has laid out a detailed plan for International Space Station's&nbsp;transition as the space agency has revealed what the future holds for ISS.&nbsp;</p>

<p>ISS is a unique space station currently in lower Earth orbit that facilitates collaborative projects involving five participating space agencies: NASA, Roscosmos, JAXA, ESA and CSA.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, NASA has intended to keep operating the ISS until the end of 2030 as the 444,615kg gigantic structure is set to be taken out of orbit in January 2031 and crashed on Earth.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/russia-ukraine-crisis-deterring-aliens-from-making-their-presence-known-says-ufo-specialist-449854">Russia-Ukraine crisis deterring aliens from making their presence known, says UFO specialist</a></strong></p>

<p>As per the newly published plans, the crash is supposed to be in a remote part of the Pacific Ocean known as Point Nemo - the "spacecraft cemetery".&nbsp;</p>

<p>NASA said that ISS is returning enormous scientific, educational and technological developments to benefit people on Earth and is enabling our ability to travel into deep space.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The agency further said that the United States government's commitment to extend ISS' operations until 2030 will enable the country to continue to reap&nbsp;benefits for the next decade.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-identify-interesting-similarity-between-this-exoplanet-and-earth-449674">Scientists identify interesting similarity between this exoplanet and Earth</a></strong></p>

<p>Robyn Gatens, the director of ISS at NASA headquarters said, "This third decade is one of results, building on our successful global partnership to verify exploration and human research technologies to support deep space exploration, continue to return medical and environmental benefits to humanity, and lay the groundwork for a commercial future in low-Earth orbit."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We look forward to maximizing these returns from the space station through 2030 while planning for transition to commercial space destinations that will follow," Gatens added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Phil McAlister, director of commercial space at NASA Headquarters in a statement said, "The private sector is technically and financially capable of developing and operating commercial low-Earth orbit destinations, with NASA's assistance."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We look forward to sharing our lessons learned and operations experience with the private sector to help them develop safe, reliable, and cost-effective destinations in space," McAlister added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;After a delay, SpaceX successfully launches Italian Cosmo-SkyMed satellite</strong></p>

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The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has laid out a detailed plan for International Space Station's transition as the space agency has revealed what the future holds for ISS.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has laid out a detailed plan for International Space Station's transition as the space agency has revealed what the future holds for ISS. ISS is a unique space station currently in lower Earth orbit that facilitates collaborative projects involving five participating space agencies: NASA, Roscosmos, JAXA, ESA and CSA. However, NASA has intended to keep operating the ISS until the end of 2030 as the 444,615kg gigantic structure is set to be taken out of orbit in January 2031 and crashed on Earth. ALSO READ | Russia-Ukraine crisis deterring aliens from making their presence known, says UFO specialist As per the newly published plans, the crash is supposed to be in a remote part of the Pacific Ocean known as Point Nemo - the "spacecraft cemetery". NASA said that ISS is returning enormous scientific, educational and technological developments to benefit people on Earth and is enabling our ability to travel into deep space. The agency further said that the United States government's commitment to extend ISS' operations until 2030 will enable the country to continue to reap benefits for the next decade. ALSO READ | Scientists identify interesting similarity between this exoplanet and Earth Robyn Gatens, the director of ISS at NASA headquarters said, "This third decade is one of results, building on our successful global partnership to verify exploration and human research technologies to support deep space exploration, continue to return medical and environmental benefits to humanity, and lay the groundwork for a commercial future in low-Earth orbit." "We look forward to maximizing these returns from the space station through 2030 while planning for transition to commercial space destinations that will follow," Gatens added. Phil McAlister, director of commercial space at NASA Headquarters in a statement said, "The private sector is technically and financially capable of developing and operating commercial low-Earth orbit destinations, with NASA's assistance." "We look forward to sharing our lessons learned and operations experience with the private sector to help them develop safe, reliable, and cost-effective destinations in space," McAlister added. ALSO WATCH | After a delay, SpaceX successfully launches Italian Cosmo-SkyMed satellite ×

NASA reveals when it will crash International Space Station on Earth

International Space Station: Humanity's enduring presence in space

NASA confirmed in a new transition plan that the International Space Station (ISS) will continue its operations until 2030 before heading for a watery grave at the most remote point in the Pacific.

NASA to retire International Space Station in January 2031

<p>Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk is confident that humans will land on Mars by 2026. As he has been an advocate of hypothetical Mars colonisation, he might have persuaded people that human life outside Earth is possible.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The idea of setting up colonies on Mars has received interest from all corners as space scientists and experts are investigating all possibilities with several Mars missions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In pursuit to pull off the extraordinary, the scientists and Musk's dream can get some help from the recent volcanic eruption near Tonga that unleashed explosive forces that undermined the power of the Hiroshima atomic bomb.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The undersea eruption of the Hunga-Tonga-Hunga-Ha'apai volcano was so powerful as it sent tsunami waves across the Pacific Ocean and was heard some 2,300km away in New Zealand. Thousands of homes were destroyed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Locals and survivors had described how the devastating Pacific blast "messed up" their brains. In the aftermath, parts of the nation were covered in ashes, communication with other countries was cut because the undersea lines were damaged. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALOS READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-find-evidence-of-an-extreme-solar-tsunami-deep-within-earths-ice-448784">Scientists find evidence of an extreme solar 'tsunami' deep within Earth's ice</a></strong></p>

<p>The Pacific nation has been reeling as other countries like Australia, New Zealand and India have come forward to help as even drinking water was scarce. But slowly and surely, the disaster-hit nation is pushing forward to reconstruct and reestablish.</p>

<p>Now, scientists are probing the eruption activities to learn and prepare humankind for such occurrences in future with advancements in technology.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Besides, that volcano could offer valuable clues about the formation of other planets like Mars and Venus as it is offering researchers a rare chance to study how water and lava interact.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/water-flowed-on-mars-about-a-billion-years-longer-than-previous-estimates-nasa-448238">Water flowed on Mars about a billion years longer than previous estimates: NASA</a></strong></p>

<p>NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center chief scientist James Garvin told Reuters that NASA experts had been studying the volcano for seven years before it erupted, and were now using forensic techniques to examine the remnants of the islands, Hunga Tonga and Hunga Ha'apai.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We took that volume of mass ejected and the energetics to explosively fragment it, and calculated - using fairly classical techniques - how much energy that would take to break rock.... to break it up into little bits and throw it as ash and steam up," Garvin said.</p>

<p>"We did that calculation and we got numbers that range from something equivalent to the blast of a small asteroid that would hit the earth - about 10 metric, megatons of TNT or equivalent - to things even bigger," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Garvin said that by studying the life cycle of the Tonga volcano, scientists have a "rare opportunity" to understand how formations may have been made on other planets like Mars and Venus.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Second earthquake hits Tonga few days after massive volcanic eruption</strong></p>

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<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk is confident that humans will land on Mars by 2026. As he has been an advocate of hypothetical Mars colonisation, he might have persuaded people that human life outside Earth is possible.

Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk is confident that humans will land on Mars by 2026. As he has been an advocate of hypothetical Mars colonisation, he might have persuaded people that human life outside Earth is possible. The idea of setting up colonies on Mars has received interest from all corners as space scientists and experts are investigating all possibilities with several Mars missions. In pursuit to pull off the extraordinary, the scientists and Musk's dream can get some help from the recent volcanic eruption near Tonga that unleashed explosive forces that undermined the power of the Hiroshima atomic bomb. The undersea eruption of the Hunga-Tonga-Hunga-Ha'apai volcano was so powerful as it sent tsunami waves across the Pacific Ocean and was heard some 2,300km away in New Zealand. Thousands of homes were destroyed. Locals and survivors had described how the devastating Pacific blast "messed up" their brains. In the aftermath, parts of the nation were covered in ashes, communication with other countries was cut because the undersea lines were damaged. ALOS READ | Scientists find evidence of an extreme solar 'tsunami' deep within Earth's ice The Pacific nation has been reeling as other countries like Australia, New Zealand and India have come forward to help as even drinking water was scarce. But slowly and surely, the disaster-hit nation is pushing forward to reconstruct and reestablish. Now, scientists are probing the eruption activities to learn and prepare humankind for such occurrences in future with advancements in technology. Besides, that volcano could offer valuable clues about the formation of other planets like Mars and Venus as it is offering researchers a rare chance to study how water and lava interact. ALSO READ | Water flowed on Mars about a billion years longer than previous estimates: NASA NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center chief scientist James Garvin told Reuters that NASA experts had been studying the volcano for seven years before it erupted, and were now using forensic techniques to examine the remnants of the islands, Hunga Tonga and Hunga Ha'apai. "We took that volume of mass ejected and the energetics to explosively fragment it, and calculated - using fairly classical techniques - how much energy that would take to break rock.... to break it up into little bits and throw it as ash and steam up," Garvin said. "We did that calculation and we got numbers that range from something equivalent to the blast of a small asteroid that would hit the earth - about 10 metric, megatons of TNT or equivalent - to things even bigger," he said. Garvin said that by studying the life cycle of the Tonga volcano, scientists have a "rare opportunity" to understand how formations may have been made on other planets like Mars and Venus. WATCH | Second earthquake hits Tonga few days after massive volcanic eruption × (With inputs from agencies)

Elon Musk's dream of colonising Mars has a connection with Tonga volcanic eruption

New research on Mars revealed that the thousands of tracks on the red planet are created by tumbling boulders over the years. It also revealed that many such tracks have also faded away with time.

Study: Scientists spot thousands of tracks on Mars created by tumbling boulders

<p>NASA has found evidence that water flowed on Mars about a billion years longer than previous estimates.</p>

<p>The new research from the US space agency reveals signs of liquid water on the Red Planet as recently as 2 billion to 2.5 billion years ago.</p>

<p>Previously, it was believed that Mars rippled with rivers and ponds 3 billion years ago.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>As the planet’s atmosphere thinned over time, that water evaporated and left behind a frozen desert. Between 30-99 per cent of the initial water which was on Mars remains trapped inside minerals.</p>

<p>Mars, the fourth planet from the sun, has a diameter of about 4,220 miles (6,791 km), compared to Earth's diameter of about 7,926 miles (12,755 km).</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasas-mars-rover-probing-undisturbed-ancient-time-capsule-on-red-planet-428788">Also read |&nbsp;NASA's Mars rover probing undisturbed ancient time capsule on Red planet</a></strong></p>

<p>As per NASA’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO), the Jezero crater on Mars was the site of an ancient river that has bolstered the search of signs of life on Mars.</p>

<p>NASA astrobiologist Amy Williams and her team in Florida found similarities between features of the cliffs seen from the crater floor and patterns in Earth's river deltas.</p>

<p>The shape of the bottom three layers showed a presence and steady flow of water early on, indicating Mars was "warm and humid enough to support a hydrologic cycle."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-discovers-three-microbes-that-may-help-grow-plants-on-mars-370933">Also read |&nbsp;NASA discovers three microbes that may help grow plants on Mars</a></strong></p>

<p>The top and most recent layers feature boulders measuring more than a metre in diameter scattered about, probably carried there by violent flooding.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But it is the fine-grained sediment of the base layer that will likely be the target of sampling for signs of long-extinct life, if it existed, on Mars.</p>

<p>Scientists Ellen Leask and Bethany Ehlmann found salts were in depressions, once home to shallow ponds, on gently sloping volcanic plains.</p>

<p>“What is amazing is that after more than a decade of providing high-resolution image, stereo, and infrared data, MRO has driven new discoveries about the nature and timing of these river-connected ancient salt ponds,” said Ehlmann.</p>

<p>“Part of the value of MRO is that our view of the planet keeps getting more detailed over time,” said Leslie Tamppari, the mission’s deputy project scientist at Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL).</p>

<p>“The more of the planet we map with our instruments, the better we can understand its history.”</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


NASA has found evidence that water flowed on Mars about a billion years longer than previous estimates. The new research from the US space agency reveals signs of liquid water on the Red Planet as recently as 2 billion to 2.

NASA has found evidence that water flowed on Mars about a billion years longer than previous estimates. The new research from the US space agency reveals signs of liquid water on the Red Planet as recently as 2 billion to 2.5 billion years ago. Previously, it was believed that Mars rippled with rivers and ponds 3 billion years ago. As the planet’s atmosphere thinned over time, that water evaporated and left behind a frozen desert. Between 30-99 per cent of the initial water which was on Mars remains trapped inside minerals. Mars, the fourth planet from the sun, has a diameter of about 4,220 miles (6,791 km), compared to Earth's diameter of about 7,926 miles (12,755 km). Also read | NASA's Mars rover probing undisturbed ancient time capsule on Red planet As per NASA’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO), the Jezero crater on Mars was the site of an ancient river that has bolstered the search of signs of life on Mars. NASA astrobiologist Amy Williams and her team in Florida found similarities between features of the cliffs seen from the crater floor and patterns in Earth's river deltas. The shape of the bottom three layers showed a presence and steady flow of water early on, indicating Mars was "warm and humid enough to support a hydrologic cycle." Also read | NASA discovers three microbes that may help grow plants on Mars The top and most recent layers feature boulders measuring more than a metre in diameter scattered about, probably carried there by violent flooding. But it is the fine-grained sediment of the base layer that will likely be the target of sampling for signs of long-extinct life, if it existed, on Mars. Scientists Ellen Leask and Bethany Ehlmann found salts were in depressions, once home to shallow ponds, on gently sloping volcanic plains. “What is amazing is that after more than a decade of providing high-resolution image, stereo, and infrared data, MRO has driven new discoveries about the nature and timing of these river-connected ancient salt ponds,” said Ehlmann. “Part of the value of MRO is that our view of the planet keeps getting more detailed over time,” said Leslie Tamppari, the mission’s deputy project scientist at Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). “The more of the planet we map with our instruments, the better we can understand its history.” (With inputs from agencies)

Water flowed on Mars about a billion years longer than previous estimates: NASA

<p>The universe is full of wonders. We already know that. But every now and then the huge expanse of (nearly) nothingness springs up a surprise that makes even scientists go "wow!". For us mortals, the play of colours, the explosions, the formations and what not is always a thing of wonder. These images are shared widely, by space agencies like NASA and even by astronauts from around the world. The sheer beauty makes these images go viral.</p>

<p>We bring you some of these space images that stopped people in their tracks.</p>

<p><strong>Hand of God</strong></p>

<p><img alt="NASA Hand of God" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="cfe876a2-ef26-459c-8f4f-8c1cd93ded19" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/NASA%20Hand%20of%20God.PNG" /></p>

<p>This was undeniably the most recognisable image NASA posted. &nbsp;The beautuiful golden structure that appears to pop out of nowehere in space is shaped like a hand blessing everyone. NASA explained that the 'hand of God' is a nebula of energy and particles blown by a pulsar. The pulsar had been left behind after explosion of a star. This pulsar is known as PSR B1509-58. It is spins around itself 7 times per second! It is 17,000 lightyears away from Earth.</p>

<p><br />
<strong>The 'Devil's eye'</strong></p>

<p><img alt="NASA The Devil's Eye" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9ec8d364-7270-4f17-8eaa-11d4c467e150" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Devil%27s%20Eye.PNG" /></p>

<p>God has been represented. Now comes the turn of the Devil. This celestial structure looked like an eye that was definitely didn't appear friendly. The eyelashes were blue and the iris was blazing red. Was it the Devil himself? This is Helix Nebula which was clicked by Spitzer telescope. Helix Nebula is 700 light-years away from Earth and located in the Aquarius constellation&nbsp;</p>

<p><br />
<strong>Visitor in our backyard</strong></p>

<p><strong><img alt="NASA Comet Leonard" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="aa9fb670-2f95-41a5-baa8-d291719d604b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Comet%20Leonard.JPG" /></strong></p>

<p>We have a visitor! And he is still in our backyard. Comet Leonard, the brightest comet of the year came into our field of vision in December 2021. Watching this celestial nomad was a once in a lifetime opportunity as it is due to come back near Earth 35,000 years from now, if Sun doesn't gobble it up this time that is. Comet Leonard had a close shave with NASA and European Space Agency's (ESA) solar orbitter. Thankfully, there was no cause for concern.</p>

<p><strong>The 'Running Man nebula'</strong></p>

<p><img alt="NASA Running man nebula" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="692e2861-86d4-4e4c-a5f9-5379beb76154" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Running%20man%20nebula.JPG" /></p>

<p>The Running Man Nebula is 5000 light-years away from Earth. Its scientific designation is NGC 1977. This nebula was in news because NASA captured a pic of 'Herbig Haro object'. Herbig Haro nebula is a type of nebula that forms when gas from a young star collides with surrounding dust and produces shockwaves.</p>

<p><br />
<strong>Prawn nebula</strong></p>

<p><img alt="Prawn Nebula" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="545b4383-baaa-4d92-b021-766df30de26a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Prawn%20nebula.JPG" /></p>

<p>Nebulas are where new stars are formed. In November, NASA clicked an image of Prawn Nebula, a massive solar nursery. The nebula is 250 might-years wide and is situated at a distance of 6000 light-years away from Earth. Formally, the Prawn Nebula is called IC 4628.</p>

<p><strong>Aurora from space</strong></p>

<p><img alt="NASA Aurora" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="54b629dc-8255-4969-950c-95285ca85b8a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Aurora.JPG" /></p>

<p>We are so busy pointing our scopes at stars that we often forget how beautiful our own planet is. Not each of us is lucky enough to go to space and click picture of Earth but astronauts have been doing so for us. European Space Agency astronaut Thomas Pesquet, who was stationed in International Space Station has been prolific in clicking such pictures. In September this year, he showed all of us how an Aurora looks from space.</p>

<p><br />
<strong>The 'eye in the sky'</strong></p>

<p><img alt="NASA eye in the sky" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="abcc1db4-fb70-441b-935c-79accecf6dfa" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Eye%20in%20the%20sky.JPG" /></p>

<p>This one is not as scary as the 'Devil's eye' but is beautiful nonetheless. This image was clicked by NASA. This is Seyfert galaxy. The galaxy has a supermassive black hole in the centre but it emits a large amount of electromagnetic radiation. The active galactic nucleus with high luminosity gives it an appearance of an 'eye in the sky'</p>

<p><br />
<strong>Eerie glow on Earth</strong></p>

<p><strong><img alt="Earth Blue glow Thomas Pequet" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="85791385-5372-47c4-9187-ceafdce9a18b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Blue%20glow.JPG" /></strong></p>

<p>Thomas Pesquet strikes again! The ESA astronaut captured this image when he was aboard International Space Station (ISS). On October 8, Pesquet posted an image in which part of night side of Earth was visible. The land could be seen lit up with cities and roads and more. But remarkable thing in the photo was a strange blue glow. Pesquet was stumped as to what this would be, as were people on Instagram.</p>

<p>Space and even our planet Earth have many wonders still hidden from us. 2022 will surely send such visual treats our way.</p>


The universe is full of wonders. We already know that. But every now and then the huge expanse of (nearly) nothingness springs up a surprise that makes even scientists go "wow!

The universe is full of wonders. We already know that. But every now and then the huge expanse of (nearly) nothingness springs up a surprise that makes even scientists go "wow!". For us mortals, the play of colours, the explosions, the formations and what not is always a thing of wonder. These images are shared widely, by space agencies like NASA and even by astronauts from around the world. The sheer beauty makes these images go viral. We bring you some of these space images that stopped people in their tracks. Hand of God This was undeniably the most recognisable image NASA posted. The beautuiful golden structure that appears to pop out of nowehere in space is shaped like a hand blessing everyone. NASA explained that the 'hand of God' is a nebula of energy and particles blown by a pulsar. The pulsar had been left behind after explosion of a star. This pulsar is known as PSR B1509-58. It is spins around itself 7 times per second! It is 17,000 lightyears away from Earth. The 'Devil's eye' God has been represented. Now comes the turn of the Devil. This celestial structure looked like an eye that was definitely didn't appear friendly. The eyelashes were blue and the iris was blazing red. Was it the Devil himself? This is Helix Nebula which was clicked by Spitzer telescope. Helix Nebula is 700 light-years away from Earth and located in the Aquarius constellation Visitor in our backyard We have a visitor! And he is still in our backyard. Comet Leonard, the brightest comet of the year came into our field of vision in December 2021. Watching this celestial nomad was a once in a lifetime opportunity as it is due to come back near Earth 35,000 years from now, if Sun doesn't gobble it up this time that is. Comet Leonard had a close shave with NASA and European Space Agency's (ESA) solar orbitter. Thankfully, there was no cause for concern. The 'Running Man nebula' The Running Man Nebula is 5000 light-years away from Earth. Its scientific designation is NGC 1977. This nebula was in news because NASA captured a pic of 'Herbig Haro object'. Herbig Haro nebula is a type of nebula that forms when gas from a young star collides with surrounding dust and produces shockwaves. Prawn nebula Nebulas are where new stars are formed. In November, NASA clicked an image of Prawn Nebula, a massive solar nursery. The nebula is 250 might-years wide and is situated at a distance of 6000 light-years away from Earth. Formally, the Prawn Nebula is called IC 4628. Aurora from space We are so busy pointing our scopes at stars that we often forget how beautiful our own planet is. Not each of us is lucky enough to go to space and click picture of Earth but astronauts have been doing so for us. European Space Agency astronaut Thomas Pesquet, who was stationed in International Space Station has been prolific in clicking such pictures. In September this year, he showed all of us how an Aurora looks from space. The 'eye in the sky' This one is not as scary as the 'Devil's eye' but is beautiful nonetheless. This image was clicked by NASA. This is Seyfert galaxy. The galaxy has a supermassive black hole in the centre but it emits a large amount of electromagnetic radiation. The active galactic nucleus with high luminosity gives it an appearance of an 'eye in the sky' Eerie glow on Earth Thomas Pesquet strikes again! The ESA astronaut captured this image when he was aboard International Space Station (ISS). On October 8, Pesquet posted an image in which part of night side of Earth was visible. The land could be seen lit up with cities and roads and more. But remarkable thing in the photo was a strange blue glow. Pesquet was stumped as to what this would be, as were people on Instagram. Space and even our planet Earth have many wonders still hidden from us. 2022 will surely send such visual treats our way.

Hand of God, Devil's eye and more NASA pics that wowed people around the world

<p>A SpaceX rocket that has lost control has put India's Chandrayaan and NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter in danger. They are orbiting the Moon to collect observations about the impact crater.</p>

<p>The debris of the seven-year-old rocket, that had been launched from Florida, can collide with the Moon as well.</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pile-of-space-junk-chinese-citizens-lambast-spacex-after-space-station-near-misses-440415">Also read |&nbsp;'Pile of space junk': Chinese citizens lambast SpaceX after space station near-misses</a></strong></p>

<p>The dry mass of Falcon 9's second stage is about 4 metric tonnes, and it should impact the Moon at a velocity of about 2.58 km/s.</p>

<p>The aim of the booster was to attempt an interplanetary mission to send a space-weather satellite on a million-mile journey.</p>

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<p>''It has been following a somewhat chaotic orbit since February 2015,'' said meteorologist Eric Berger explained in a recent post on Ars Technica.</p>

<p>“This is the first unintentional case [of space junk hitting the moon] of which I am aware,” as per Bill Gray, who writes the widely used Project Pluto software to track near-Earth objects.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">For those asking: yes, an old Falcon 9 second stage left in high orbit in 2015 is going to hit the moon on March 4. It's interesting, but not a big deal.</p>
— Jonathan McDowell (@planet4589) <a href="https://twitter.com/planet4589/status/1486057487027646466?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 25, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>This comes after Starlink satellites launched by Elon Musk’s SpaceX nearly struck a Chinese space station called Tiangong.</p>

<p>It had to manoeuvre to avoid colliding with one Starlink satellite in July and with another in October, according to a note submitted by Beijing to the United Nations space agency this month.</p>

<p>Beijing's complaint about Starlink had prompted criticism on Chinese social media of SpaceX's billionaire founder Musk, who is widely admired in China.</p>

<p>SpaceX is a private American company, independent of the US military and civilian space agency NASA.</p>

<p>In March last year, debris from a Falcon 9 rocket launched by US aeronautics company SpaceX fell to Earth in Washington and on the Oregon coast.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A SpaceX rocket that has lost control has put India's Chandrayaan and NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter in danger. They are orbiting the Moon to collect observations about the impact crater.

A SpaceX rocket that has lost control has put India's Chandrayaan and NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter in danger. They are orbiting the Moon to collect observations about the impact crater. The debris of the seven-year-old rocket, that had been launched from Florida, can collide with the Moon as well. Also read | 'Pile of space junk': Chinese citizens lambast SpaceX after space station near-misses The dry mass of Falcon 9's second stage is about 4 metric tonnes, and it should impact the Moon at a velocity of about 2.58 km/s. The aim of the booster was to attempt an interplanetary mission to send a space-weather satellite on a million-mile journey. ''It has been following a somewhat chaotic orbit since February 2015,'' said meteorologist Eric Berger explained in a recent post on Ars Technica. “This is the first unintentional case [of space junk hitting the moon] of which I am aware,” as per Bill Gray, who writes the widely used Project Pluto software to track near-Earth objects. For those asking: yes, an old Falcon 9 second stage left in high orbit in 2015 is going to hit the moon on March 4. It's interesting, but not a big deal. — Jonathan McDowell (@planet4589) January 25, 2022 × This comes after Starlink satellites launched by Elon Musk’s SpaceX nearly struck a Chinese space station called Tiangong. It had to manoeuvre to avoid colliding with one Starlink satellite in July and with another in October, according to a note submitted by Beijing to the United Nations space agency this month. Beijing's complaint about Starlink had prompted criticism on Chinese social media of SpaceX's billionaire founder Musk, who is widely admired in China. SpaceX is a private American company, independent of the US military and civilian space agency NASA. In March last year, debris from a Falcon 9 rocket launched by US aeronautics company SpaceX fell to Earth in Washington and on the Oregon coast. (With inputs from agencies)

Out-of-control rocket by Elon Musk's SpaceX puts India's Chandrayaan in danger

<p>The James Webb Space Telescope meant to 'Unfold the Universe' and give an unprecedented glimpse into the universe has reached its orbital destination around a million miles (1.5 million kilometres) away from planet Earth, NASA informed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The US space agency further stated that almost a month after the launch, the telescope fired its thrusters to arrive at its designated spot in orbit around the sun.&nbsp;</p>

<p>At around 2:00pm Eastern Time, the telescope fired its onboard thrusters for nearly five minutes (297 seconds) to complete the final postlaunch course correction to its trajectory.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The latest process has inserted Webb toward its final orbit around the second Sun-Earth Lagrange point, or L2, where it is believed that it will have a wide view of the cosmos.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/weekend-special-will-scientists-reveal-the-secret-behind-presence-of-alien-life-in-universe-446732">Will scientists reveal the secret behind presence of alien life in universe?</a></strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">🏠 Home, home on Lagrange! We successfully completed our burn to start <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NASAWebb?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NASAWebb</a> on its orbit of the 2nd Lagrange point (L2), about a million miles (1.5 million km) from Earth. It will orbit the Sun, in line with Earth, as it orbits L2. <a href="https://t.co/bsIU3vccAj">https://t.co/bsIU3vccAj</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UnfoldTheUniverse?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UnfoldTheUniverse</a> <a href="https://t.co/WDhuANEP5h">pic.twitter.com/WDhuANEP5h</a></p>
— NASA Webb Telescope (@NASAWebb) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASAWebb/status/1485695028622209032?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 24, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>"Webb, welcome home!" said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson. "Congratulations to the team for all of their hard work ensuring Webb's safe arrival at L2 today. We're one step closer to uncovering the mysteries of the universe. And I can’t wait to see Webb's first new views of the universe this summer!" he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>What's next?</strong></p>

<p>NASA informed that now engineers will begin the sophisticated three-month process of aligning the telescope's optics to nearly nanometer precision. &nbsp;</p>

<p>It is expected that it will take months of work to prepare Webb for its astronomical debut.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After Webb's primary mirror segments and secondary mirror have been deployed from their launch positions. The 18 segments of its principal mirror now need to be aligned to achieve the mirror's proper focus, a process that will take three months to complete.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/in-a-first-astronomers-identify-mysterious-particles-in-primordial-soup-447255">In a first, astronomers identify mysterious particles in 'primordial soup'</a></strong></p>

<p>"During the past month, JWST has achieved amazing success and is a tribute to all the folks who spent many years and even decades to ensure mission success," said Bill Ochs, Webb project manager at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We are now on the verge of aligning the mirrors, instrument activation and commissioning, and the start of wondrous and astonishing discoveries," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The James Webb Space Telescope meant to 'Unfold the Universe' and give an unprecedented glimpse into the universe has reached its orbital destination around a million miles (1.

The James Webb Space Telescope meant to 'Unfold the Universe' and give an unprecedented glimpse into the universe has reached its orbital destination around a million miles (1.5 million kilometres) away from planet Earth, NASA informed. The US space agency further stated that almost a month after the launch, the telescope fired its thrusters to arrive at its designated spot in orbit around the sun. At around 2:00pm Eastern Time, the telescope fired its onboard thrusters for nearly five minutes (297 seconds) to complete the final postlaunch course correction to its trajectory. The latest process has inserted Webb toward its final orbit around the second Sun-Earth Lagrange point, or L2, where it is believed that it will have a wide view of the cosmos. ALSO READ | Will scientists reveal the secret behind presence of alien life in universe? 🏠 Home, home on Lagrange! We successfully completed our burn to start #NASAWebb on its orbit of the 2nd Lagrange point (L2), about a million miles (1.5 million km) from Earth. It will orbit the Sun, in line with Earth, as it orbits L2. https://t.co/bsIU3vccAj #UnfoldTheUniverse pic.twitter.com/WDhuANEP5h — NASA Webb Telescope (@NASAWebb) January 24, 2022 × "Webb, welcome home!" said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson. "Congratulations to the team for all of their hard work ensuring Webb's safe arrival at L2 today. We're one step closer to uncovering the mysteries of the universe. And I can’t wait to see Webb's first new views of the universe this summer!" he added. What's next? NASA informed that now engineers will begin the sophisticated three-month process of aligning the telescope's optics to nearly nanometer precision. It is expected that it will take months of work to prepare Webb for its astronomical debut. After Webb's primary mirror segments and secondary mirror have been deployed from their launch positions. The 18 segments of its principal mirror now need to be aligned to achieve the mirror's proper focus, a process that will take three months to complete. ALSO READ | In a first, astronomers identify mysterious particles in 'primordial soup' "During the past month, JWST has achieved amazing success and is a tribute to all the folks who spent many years and even decades to ensure mission success," said Bill Ochs, Webb project manager at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center. "We are now on the verge of aligning the mirrors, instrument activation and commissioning, and the start of wondrous and astonishing discoveries," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

What's next after NASA's James Webb Space Telescope reaches final destination, a million miles from Earth?

<p>An image of the Sun emitting a mid-level solar flare has been taken by NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory on Thursday. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>It had peaked at 1.01 am EST (11.31am IST). The powerful bursts of electromagnetic radiation, which are called solar flares, could last from minutes to hours. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/plan-to-dim-sun-rays-gets-thumbs-down-from-experts-here-is-why-445348" hreflang="en">Plan to ‘dim sun rays’ gets thumbs down from experts. Here is why</a></strong></p>

<p>The NASA, which has classified this flare as an M5.5 class one, has said that it has an X-ray flare of moderate severity.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The Sun emitted a significant solar flare early this morning, peaking at 1:01 a.m. ET. NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory captured an image of the event, which was classified as M5.5.<a href="https://t.co/9RsMR5suI3">https://t.co/9RsMR5suI3</a> <a href="https://t.co/zK9mADK47H">pic.twitter.com/zK9mADK47H</a></p>
— NASA Sun &amp; Space (@NASASun) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASASun/status/1484265821950156804?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>“The Sun emitted a mid-level solar flare on January 20, 2022, peaking at 1:01 am EST," the US space agency said. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/planet-killer-asteroid-passes-near-earth-track-it-live-here-445708" hreflang="en">Planet-killer asteroid passes near Earth. Track it live here</a></strong></p>

<p>Although the harmful radiation of a flare can't pass through Earth's atmosphere to affect life on the planet, it can impact electric power grids, navigation signals, radio communications, when it is highly intense. It also poses risk to spacecraft and astronauts.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>On website, Space Weather Prediction Center of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, said, “Solar flares usually take place in active regions, which are areas on the Sun marked by the presence of strong magnetic fields; typically associated with sunspot groups. As these magnetic fields evolve, they can reach a point of instability and release energy in a variety of forms. These include electromagnetic radiation, which are observed as solar flares.” &nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


An image of the Sun emitting a mid-level solar flare has been taken by NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory on Thursday. It had peaked at 1.01 am EST (11.31am IST).

An image of the Sun emitting a mid-level solar flare has been taken by NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory on Thursday. It had peaked at 1.01 am EST (11.31am IST). The powerful bursts of electromagnetic radiation, which are called solar flares, could last from minutes to hours. Also Read: Plan to ‘dim sun rays’ gets thumbs down from experts. Here is why The NASA, which has classified this flare as an M5.5 class one, has said that it has an X-ray flare of moderate severity. The Sun emitted a significant solar flare early this morning, peaking at 1:01 a.m. ET. NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory captured an image of the event, which was classified as M5.5.https://t.co/9RsMR5suI3 pic.twitter.com/zK9mADK47H — NASA Sun & Space (@NASASun) January 20, 2022 × “The Sun emitted a mid-level solar flare on January 20, 2022, peaking at 1:01 am EST," the US space agency said. Also Read: Planet-killer asteroid passes near Earth. Track it live here Although the harmful radiation of a flare can't pass through Earth's atmosphere to affect life on the planet, it can impact electric power grids, navigation signals, radio communications, when it is highly intense. It also poses risk to spacecraft and astronauts. On website, Space Weather Prediction Center of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, said, “Solar flares usually take place in active regions, which are areas on the Sun marked by the presence of strong magnetic fields; typically associated with sunspot groups. As these magnetic fields evolve, they can reach a point of instability and release energy in a variety of forms. These include electromagnetic radiation, which are observed as solar flares.” (With inputs from agencies)

NASA catches glimpse of Sun emitting mid-level solar flare. Will it harm us?

<p>Astronomers have discovered a black hole that contains 200,000 times the mass of the Sun buried in gas and dust in the galaxy Mrk 462.</p>

<p>Black holes are extremely dense, with gravitational pulls so ferocious, not even light escapes. Cygnus X-1 is the Milky Way’s largest-known stellar-mass black hole and among the strongest X-ray sources seen from Earth.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-discover-new-type-of-nebulae-around-binary-stars-443438" hreflang="en">Scientists discover new type of nebulae around binary stars</a></strong></p>

<p>There are three categories of black holes. The smallest, like 'the Unicorn,' are so-called stellar-mass black holes formed by the gravitational collapse of a single star. There are gargantuan 'supermassive' black holes like the one at our galaxy's center, 26,000 light-years from Earth, which is four million times the sun's mass. A few intermediate-mass black holes also have been found with masses somewhere in between.</p>

<p>Mrk 462 contains only several hundred million stars, making it a dwarf galaxy. By contrast, our Milky Way is home to a few hundred billion stars. This is one of the first times that a heavily buried, or "obscured," supermassive black hole has been found in a dwarf galaxy.</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/chemical-leftovers-from-earths-creation-still-lingering-deep-within-our-planet-study-442513">Also read |&nbsp;Chemical leftovers from Earth's creation still lingering deep within our planet: Study</a></strong></p>

<p>The discovery of this supermassive black hole in a relatively small galaxy could help astronomers unravel the mystery surrounding how the very biggest black holes grow. They identified it using by NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"This black hole in Mrk 462 is among the smallest of the supermassive, or monster, black holes," said Jack Parker of Dartmouth College in New Hampshire, who led the study with colleague Ryan Hickox, also from Dartmouth. "Black holes like this are notoriously hard to find."</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/astronomers-publish-most-detailed-map-to-date-of-black-holes-442056" hreflang="en">Astronomers publish most detailed map to date of black holes</a></strong></p>

<p>The unusually large intensity of high-energy X-rays compared to low energy X-rays, along with comparisons to data at other wavelengths, indicates that the Mrk 462 black hole is heavily obscured by gas.</p>

<p>"Because buried black holes are even harder to detect than exposed ones, finding this example might mean there are a lot more dwarf galaxies out there with similar black holes," said Hickox.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"This is important because it could help address a major question in astrophysics: How did black holes get so big so early in the universe?"</p>

<p>A large fraction of dwarf galaxies with supermassive black holes favours the idea that small black hole seeds from the earliest generation of stars grew astonishingly quickly to form the billion solar mass objects in the early universe.</p>

<p>A smaller fraction would tip the scales to favor the idea that black holes began life weighing tens of thousands of Suns.</p>

<p>These expectations apply because the conditions necessary for the direct collapse from a giant cloud to a medium-sized black hole should be rare, so it is not expected that a large fraction of dwarf galaxies would contain supermassive black holes.</p>

<p>Stellar-mass black holes, on the other hand, are expected in every galaxy.</p>

<p>"We can't make strong conclusions from one example, but this result should encourage much more extensive searches for buried black holes in dwarf galaxies," said Parker. "We're excited about what we might learn."<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Astronomers have discovered a black hole that contains 200,000 times the mass of the Sun buried in gas and dust in the galaxy Mrk 462. Black holes are extremely dense, with gravitational pulls so ferocious, not even light escapes.

Astronomers have discovered a black hole that contains 200,000 times the mass of the Sun buried in gas and dust in the galaxy Mrk 462. Black holes are extremely dense, with gravitational pulls so ferocious, not even light escapes. Cygnus X-1 is the Milky Way’s largest-known stellar-mass black hole and among the strongest X-ray sources seen from Earth. Also read | Scientists discover new type of nebulae around binary stars There are three categories of black holes. The smallest, like 'the Unicorn,' are so-called stellar-mass black holes formed by the gravitational collapse of a single star. There are gargantuan 'supermassive' black holes like the one at our galaxy's center, 26,000 light-years from Earth, which is four million times the sun's mass. A few intermediate-mass black holes also have been found with masses somewhere in between. Mrk 462 contains only several hundred million stars, making it a dwarf galaxy. By contrast, our Milky Way is home to a few hundred billion stars. This is one of the first times that a heavily buried, or "obscured," supermassive black hole has been found in a dwarf galaxy. Also read | Chemical leftovers from Earth's creation still lingering deep within our planet: Study The discovery of this supermassive black hole in a relatively small galaxy could help astronomers unravel the mystery surrounding how the very biggest black holes grow. They identified it using by NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory. "This black hole in Mrk 462 is among the smallest of the supermassive, or monster, black holes," said Jack Parker of Dartmouth College in New Hampshire, who led the study with colleague Ryan Hickox, also from Dartmouth. "Black holes like this are notoriously hard to find." Also read | Astronomers publish most detailed map to date of black holes The unusually large intensity of high-energy X-rays compared to low energy X-rays, along with comparisons to data at other wavelengths, indicates that the Mrk 462 black hole is heavily obscured by gas. "Because buried black holes are even harder to detect than exposed ones, finding this example might mean there are a lot more dwarf galaxies out there with similar black holes," said Hickox. "This is important because it could help address a major question in astrophysics: How did black holes get so big so early in the universe?" A large fraction of dwarf galaxies with supermassive black holes favours the idea that small black hole seeds from the earliest generation of stars grew astonishingly quickly to form the billion solar mass objects in the early universe. A smaller fraction would tip the scales to favor the idea that black holes began life weighing tens of thousands of Suns. These expectations apply because the conditions necessary for the direct collapse from a giant cloud to a medium-sized black hole should be rare, so it is not expected that a large fraction of dwarf galaxies would contain supermassive black holes. Stellar-mass black holes, on the other hand, are expected in every galaxy. "We can't make strong conclusions from one example, but this result should encourage much more extensive searches for buried black holes in dwarf galaxies," said Parker. "We're excited about what we might learn." (With inputs from agencies)

Astronomers discover black hole that contains 200,000 times mass of the Sun buried in gas

A 104-metre-wide asteroid, which will be within 3.48 million miles of Earth, is going to pass near the planet. The asteroid has been labelled as a “potentially hazardous object”. The rock, which seems to be bigger than the iconic Big Ben, has been named Asteroid 2013 YD48 by NASA.

It’s time to ‘look up’: Witness building-sized asteroid pass near Earth

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