<p>2021 was a busy year when it came to space exploration leaps and celestial events. Humankind's urge to conquer new frontiers of the endless expanse knew no bounds. 2022 appears to promise the same and more. Here's a look at some of the major things lined up in the new year.</p>

<p><strong>January</strong></p>

<p>Initial milestones have already been reached in deploying the most powerful telescope made by humanity. James Webb Space telescope has been fully deployed. But what remains are some crucial calibrations that will need to be completed before the telescope sets its sight on previously unknown corners of the space.</p>

<p><strong>February</strong></p>

<p>Space tourism is slowly taking steps towards becoming more available, to the elite at least. But more progress is expected in coming years. Next space tourists to visit International Space Station would be three men from the US, Canada and Israel. There will travel to the ISS aboard SpaceX's Crew Dragon and will be led by the company Axiom.</p>

<p><strong>March</strong></p>

<p>NASA wants to place a space station named Gateway in orbit around the Moon. But first, it will have to study how would it be to place a spacecraft in such an orbit.</p>

<p>For this, it plans to put a microwave-sized satellite in orbit around the Moon. The Capstone mission, as it is called, would be launched by Rocket Lab from New Zealand.</p>

<p><strong>April</strong></p>

<p>SpaceX's Crew Dragon is likely to launch Crew-4 to replace Crew-3 on the International Space Station. One of the new team, Jessica Watkins, would be the first Black woman to become a full crew member aboard the space station.</p>

<p><strong>May&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>NASA has picked Boeing along with SpaceX to build spacecrafts to launch crew in space. While SpaceX has done it multiple times till now, Boeing's Starliner program has encountered problems. It is planning to attempt an uncrewed orbital test trip to space station before its first astronaut flight.</p>

<p>In the same month, China is expected to further its space station program. Chinese astronauts are already working aboard Tianhe, the first module of the Tiangong space station. In 2022, China plans to launch two laboratory sections of the space station.</p>

<p><strong>July</strong></p>

<p>Russia is planning to return to Moon. Its final Moon mission, Luna 24 ended in 1976. Luna-25 mission would see a launch towards Moon's south pole.</p>

<p>India may launch Chandrayaan-3 mission to the Moon. Indian spacecraft successfully orbitted Moon in 2019. But attempts to land a surface rover ended in a dramatic crash. India is trying again.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>August</strong></p>

<p>The month of August may see South Korea launching its first Moon mission. The Korea Pathfinder Lunar Orbiter will orbit Earth’s moon. It will test and demonstrate a number of technologies. The mission will be launched by SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.</p>

<p>In the same month, NASA plans to launch a mission towards an asteroid which is made up mainly of metal. The asteroid is called Psyche. The mission bears the same name.</p>

<p><strong>September</strong></p>

<p>September may witness launch of Europe and Russia launching Rosalind Franklin rover to Mars</p>

<p>In the same month, NASA's DART mission may crash into an asteroid.</p>

<p>NASA also plans to complete a flyby of Jupiter's satellite Europa in its Juno mission</p>


2021 was a busy year when it came to space exploration leaps and celestial events. Humankind's urge to conquer new frontiers of the endless expanse knew no bounds.

2021 was a busy year when it came to space exploration leaps and celestial events. Humankind's urge to conquer new frontiers of the endless expanse knew no bounds. 2022 appears to promise the same and more. Here's a look at some of the major things lined up in the new year. January Initial milestones have already been reached in deploying the most powerful telescope made by humanity. James Webb Space telescope has been fully deployed. But what remains are some crucial calibrations that will need to be completed before the telescope sets its sight on previously unknown corners of the space. February Space tourism is slowly taking steps towards becoming more available, to the elite at least. But more progress is expected in coming years. Next space tourists to visit International Space Station would be three men from the US, Canada and Israel. There will travel to the ISS aboard SpaceX's Crew Dragon and will be led by the company Axiom. March NASA wants to place a space station named Gateway in orbit around the Moon. But first, it will have to study how would it be to place a spacecraft in such an orbit. For this, it plans to put a microwave-sized satellite in orbit around the Moon. The Capstone mission, as it is called, would be launched by Rocket Lab from New Zealand. April SpaceX's Crew Dragon is likely to launch Crew-4 to replace Crew-3 on the International Space Station. One of the new team, Jessica Watkins, would be the first Black woman to become a full crew member aboard the space station. May NASA has picked Boeing along with SpaceX to build spacecrafts to launch crew in space. While SpaceX has done it multiple times till now, Boeing's Starliner program has encountered problems. It is planning to attempt an uncrewed orbital test trip to space station before its first astronaut flight. In the same month, China is expected to further its space station program. Chinese astronauts are already working aboard Tianhe, the first module of the Tiangong space station. In 2022, China plans to launch two laboratory sections of the space station. July Russia is planning to return to Moon. Its final Moon mission, Luna 24 ended in 1976. Luna-25 mission would see a launch towards Moon's south pole. India may launch Chandrayaan-3 mission to the Moon. Indian spacecraft successfully orbitted Moon in 2019. But attempts to land a surface rover ended in a dramatic crash. India is trying again. August The month of August may see South Korea launching its first Moon mission. The Korea Pathfinder Lunar Orbiter will orbit Earth’s moon. It will test and demonstrate a number of technologies. The mission will be launched by SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. In the same month, NASA plans to launch a mission towards an asteroid which is made up mainly of metal. The asteroid is called Psyche. The mission bears the same name. September September may witness launch of Europe and Russia launching Rosalind Franklin rover to Mars In the same month, NASA's DART mission may crash into an asteroid. NASA also plans to complete a flyby of Jupiter's satellite Europa in its Juno mission

NASA missions and more: Here's what 2022 holds for space exploration

<p>James Webb Space Telescope was to open a whole new vista for humanity in space. This much was definitely known. But deployment of the most powerful telescope ever built was a challenge as it needed careful unfolding of its components. The major milestone was achieved on Saturday (January 8) as the tricky, two-week-long deployment process was completed. The final golden mirror panel was unfolded.</p>

<p>Teams in NASA's James Webb Space Telescope's control room cheered on confirmation that the space telescope's final wing was deployed and latched into place.</p>

<p><img alt="James Webb" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="871da599-9cfe-4159-9915-991a97268c7d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_9VT8VZ.jpg" /></p>

<p>"I'm emotional about it -- what an amazing milestone," Thomas Zurbuchen, a senior NASA engineer, said during the live video feed as stargazers worldwide celebrated.</p>

<p>Because the telescope was too large to fit into a rocket's nose cone in its operational configuration, it was transported folded up.</p>

<p>Unfurling has been a complex and risky task -- "arguably the most challenging deployment program ever done by NASA," said NASA engineer Mike Menzel.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/astronomers-resolve-mystery-of-cube-spotted-on-moons-dark-side-443232">Astronomers resolve mystery of 'cube' spotted on Moon's dark side</a></strong></p>

<p>On Saturday morning, engineers sent a command from the Space Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore, Maryland for the final section of golden mirror to unfold.</p>

<p>According to NASA, after the mirror was latched into place at 1:17 PM (1817 GMT), "the team declared all major deployments successfully completed."</p>

<p>"I want to tell you just how excited and emotional I am right now," said Zurbuchen on the live video feed. "We have a deployed telescope on orbit."</p>

<p>Webb, the successor to Hubble, blasted off in an Ariane 5 rocket from French Guiana on December 25, and is heading to its orbital point, a million miles (1.6 million kilometers) from Earth.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/in-a-first-astronomers-watch-a-dying-star-explode-in-real-time-442861">In a first, astronomers watch a dying star explode in real time</a></strong></p>

<p>Though Webb will reach its space destination, known as the second Lagrange point, in a matter of weeks, it still has around another five and a half months of setup to go.</p>

<p>"While the journey is not complete, I join the Webb team in breathing a little easier and imagining the future breakthroughs bound to inspire the world," said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson.</p>

<p>Next steps include aligning the telescope's optics, and calibrating its scientific instruments.</p>

<p><strong>Far reaches of the Universe</strong></p>

<p>Its infrared technology will allow it to see the first stars and galaxies that formed 13.5 billion years ago, giving astronomers new insight into the earliest epoch of the Universe.</p>

<p>Earlier this week, the telescope deployed its five-layered sunshield -- a 70-foot (21 meter) long, kite-shaped apparatus that acts like a parasol, ensuring Webb's instruments are kept in the shade so they can detect faint infrared signals from the far reaches of the Universe.</p>

<p>The sunshield will be permanently positioned between the telescope and the Sun, Earth and Moon, with the Sun-facing side built to withstand 230 degrees Fahrenheit (110 degrees Celsius).</p>

<p>Visible and ultraviolet light emitted by the very first luminous objects has been stretched by the Universe's expansion, and arrives today in the form of infrared, which Webb is equipped to detect with unprecedented clarity.</p>

<p>Its mission also includes the study of distant planets to determine their origin, evolution, and habitability.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


James Webb Space Telescope was to open a whole new vista for humanity in space. This much was definitely known. But deployment of the most powerful telescope ever built was a challenge as it needed careful unfolding of its components.

James Webb Space Telescope was to open a whole new vista for humanity in space. This much was definitely known. But deployment of the most powerful telescope ever built was a challenge as it needed careful unfolding of its components. The major milestone was achieved on Saturday (January 8) as the tricky, two-week-long deployment process was completed. The final golden mirror panel was unfolded. Teams in NASA's James Webb Space Telescope's control room cheered on confirmation that the space telescope's final wing was deployed and latched into place. "I'm emotional about it -- what an amazing milestone," Thomas Zurbuchen, a senior NASA engineer, said during the live video feed as stargazers worldwide celebrated. Because the telescope was too large to fit into a rocket's nose cone in its operational configuration, it was transported folded up. Unfurling has been a complex and risky task -- "arguably the most challenging deployment program ever done by NASA," said NASA engineer Mike Menzel. Also Read | Astronomers resolve mystery of 'cube' spotted on Moon's dark side On Saturday morning, engineers sent a command from the Space Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore, Maryland for the final section of golden mirror to unfold. According to NASA, after the mirror was latched into place at 1:17 PM (1817 GMT), "the team declared all major deployments successfully completed." "I want to tell you just how excited and emotional I am right now," said Zurbuchen on the live video feed. "We have a deployed telescope on orbit." Webb, the successor to Hubble, blasted off in an Ariane 5 rocket from French Guiana on December 25, and is heading to its orbital point, a million miles (1.6 million kilometers) from Earth. Also Read | In a first, astronomers watch a dying star explode in real time Though Webb will reach its space destination, known as the second Lagrange point, in a matter of weeks, it still has around another five and a half months of setup to go. "While the journey is not complete, I join the Webb team in breathing a little easier and imagining the future breakthroughs bound to inspire the world," said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson. Next steps include aligning the telescope's optics, and calibrating its scientific instruments. Far reaches of the Universe Its infrared technology will allow it to see the first stars and galaxies that formed 13.5 billion years ago, giving astronomers new insight into the earliest epoch of the Universe. Earlier this week, the telescope deployed its five-layered sunshield -- a 70-foot (21 meter) long, kite-shaped apparatus that acts like a parasol, ensuring Webb's instruments are kept in the shade so they can detect faint infrared signals from the far reaches of the Universe. The sunshield will be permanently positioned between the telescope and the Sun, Earth and Moon, with the Sun-facing side built to withstand 230 degrees Fahrenheit (110 degrees Celsius). Visible and ultraviolet light emitted by the very first luminous objects has been stretched by the Universe's expansion, and arrives today in the form of infrared, which Webb is equipped to detect with unprecedented clarity. Its mission also includes the study of distant planets to determine their origin, evolution, and habitability. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA fully deploys James Webb telescope in space

NASA's new space telescope opened its huge, gold-plated, flower-shaped mirror on 8 January, 2022, the final step in the observatory's dramatic unfurling. The last portion of the 21-foot (6.5-meter) mirror swung into place at flight controllers' command, completing the unfolding of the James Webb Space Telescope.

James Webb telescope unfurls gold-plated mirror on its successful deployment

<p>The most powerful telescope ever launched into space is nearing the end of a meticulous assembly process that has kept astronomers on edge for weeks.</p>

<p>Since its Christmas morning launch, the James Webb Space Telescope has made all the right moves. Now it is entering the final stretch of its complex deployment phase.</p>

<p>In these terminal steps, two panels on either side of the telescope’s array of 18 gold-plated hexagonal mirrors, folded back during launch, must snap into place to complete Webb’s honeycomb-like reflector. The 21-foot-wide mirror sends light from the cosmos into a secondary mirror, which then bounces the light into the telescope’s main infrared sensor.</p>

<p>Unfolding the mirrors is a crucial milestone along the way to using the telescope for scientific studies of the Big Bang, exoplanets, black holes and our solar system. Once it is complete, NASA considers the telescope “fully deployed.”</p>

<p><strong>When will the Webb telescope finish unfolding and how can I watch it?</strong></p>

<p>The telescope’s unfolding phase is expected to wrap up Saturday morning, after the mirror segment’s right-side panel of its three remaining mirrors is secured into place. The left side completed its deployment Friday, a process that took 5 1/2 hours.</p>

<p>On Saturday, engineers will command the telescope to release a set of latches that held the panel in place during launch. Then, for about five minutes, the panel will slowly swing open so that the three hexagonal mirrors tessellate snugly with the other 15.</p>

<p>During the operation, NASA will host a livestream on NASA TV and YouTube beginning at 9 a.m. Eastern time Saturday. It will show mission managers monitoring the deployment from the flight control room of the Space Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore, the telescope’s central operations hub. Deployment is expected to end a few hours later, around 1:30 p.m.</p>

<p>But you won’t be able to see what’s happening on the telescope itself.</p>

<p><strong>Why aren’t there cameras on the telescope?</strong></p>

<p>Rockets and some spacecraft carry built-in cameras so engineers on Earth can monitor their behavior in space. So, one would expect engineers to pack cameras aboard the James Webb Space Telescope, the most expensive and technically complex observatory ever launched to space, with 344 “single points of failure.”</p>

<p>Think again.</p>

<p>There are no monitoring cameras on the telescope. Instead, engineers depend on switches, sensors and motors to track its health during deployment.</p>

<p>NASA ditched the idea of including surveillance cameras on Webb because of technical complexities and risk. The telescope’s novel size and shape — with one side of its sunshield deflecting enormous amounts of heat and sunlight and the other instrument-heavy side basking in frigid darkness — would require multiple custom-built cameras. Wires and mounts for those cameras would add weight and risk to an already heavy telescope, the agency explained in a blog post.</p>

<p>“It’s not as straightforward as adding a doorbell cam or even a rocket cam,” said Paul Geithner, NASA’s deputy project manager for the technical side of the Webb program.</p>

<p><strong>What has happened to the telescope so far?</strong></p>

<p>Since Webb’s launch, engineers have completed over a dozen main steps in the deployment phase to bring the telescope to its final form, involving hundreds of moving parts such as switches, motors, pulleys and cables. The process began less than 30 minutes after launch last month, when Webb’s solar array deployed — the only step caught on video as the telescope parted ways in space with its rocket, which had an onboard camera.</p>

<p>The telescope has passed a number of milestones since, doing well to defuse astronomers’ anxiety and quell fears that a structure as intricate as Webb was bound to run into snags along its million-mile trek to the place in space where it will stay. The telescope powered on, deployed antennas, mechanically unfolded various limbs and, in the most technically complex milestone, delicately stretched taut five layers of a tennis-court-size plastic sheet designed to shield the telescope’s ultrasensitive camera sensors from the sun’s heat.</p>

<p><strong>Why is the telescope so important to scientists?</strong></p>

<p>The Webb telescope was designed to probe a crucial stretch of early cosmic history, known to astronomers as the dark ages.</p>

<p>Cosmologists surmise that the first stars appeared when the universe was only about 100 million years old. (Today it is 13.8 billion years old.) The farthest and earliest galaxy seen by astronomers, using the Hubble Space Telescope, dates to when the universe was older, 400 million years after the Big Bang. What happened during those intervening 300 million years when the universe took luminous flight, how the Big Bang turned into a sky full of constellations and life, is a mystery.</p>

<p>The telescope will also help astronomers better study supermassive black holes at the center of galaxies and planets orbiting other stars in our galaxy.</p>

<p>To achieve these scientific observations, the Webb telescope relies on a primary mirror 6.5 meters in diameter, compared with the mirror on the Hubble, which is 2.4 meters. That gives it about seven times as much light-gathering capability and thus the ability to see further into the past.</p>

<p>Another crucial difference is that it is equipped with cameras and other instruments sensitive to infrared, or “heat,” radiation. The expansion of the universe causes the light that would normally be in visible wavelengths to shift into longer infrared wavelengths normally invisible to human eyes.</p>

<p>Engineers had to invent 10 new technologies along the way to make the telescope more sensitive than the Hubble. Over-optimistic schedule projections, occasional development accidents and disorganized cost reporting dragged the timeline out to 2021 and ballooned the overall cost to $10 billion.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


The most powerful telescope ever launched into space is nearing the end of a meticulous assembly process that has kept astronomers on edge for weeks. Since its Christmas morning launch, the James Webb Space Telescope has made all the right moves.

The most powerful telescope ever launched into space is nearing the end of a meticulous assembly process that has kept astronomers on edge for weeks. Since its Christmas morning launch, the James Webb Space Telescope has made all the right moves. Now it is entering the final stretch of its complex deployment phase. In these terminal steps, two panels on either side of the telescope’s array of 18 gold-plated hexagonal mirrors, folded back during launch, must snap into place to complete Webb’s honeycomb-like reflector. The 21-foot-wide mirror sends light from the cosmos into a secondary mirror, which then bounces the light into the telescope’s main infrared sensor. Unfolding the mirrors is a crucial milestone along the way to using the telescope for scientific studies of the Big Bang, exoplanets, black holes and our solar system. Once it is complete, NASA considers the telescope “fully deployed.” When will the Webb telescope finish unfolding and how can I watch it? The telescope’s unfolding phase is expected to wrap up Saturday morning, after the mirror segment’s right-side panel of its three remaining mirrors is secured into place. The left side completed its deployment Friday, a process that took 5 1/2 hours. On Saturday, engineers will command the telescope to release a set of latches that held the panel in place during launch. Then, for about five minutes, the panel will slowly swing open so that the three hexagonal mirrors tessellate snugly with the other 15. During the operation, NASA will host a livestream on NASA TV and YouTube beginning at 9 a.m. Eastern time Saturday. It will show mission managers monitoring the deployment from the flight control room of the Space Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore, the telescope’s central operations hub. Deployment is expected to end a few hours later, around 1:30 p.m. But you won’t be able to see what’s happening on the telescope itself. Why aren’t there cameras on the telescope? Rockets and some spacecraft carry built-in cameras so engineers on Earth can monitor their behavior in space. So, one would expect engineers to pack cameras aboard the James Webb Space Telescope, the most expensive and technically complex observatory ever launched to space, with 344 “single points of failure.” Think again. There are no monitoring cameras on the telescope. Instead, engineers depend on switches, sensors and motors to track its health during deployment. NASA ditched the idea of including surveillance cameras on Webb because of technical complexities and risk. The telescope’s novel size and shape — with one side of its sunshield deflecting enormous amounts of heat and sunlight and the other instrument-heavy side basking in frigid darkness — would require multiple custom-built cameras. Wires and mounts for those cameras would add weight and risk to an already heavy telescope, the agency explained in a blog post. “It’s not as straightforward as adding a doorbell cam or even a rocket cam,” said Paul Geithner, NASA’s deputy project manager for the technical side of the Webb program. What has happened to the telescope so far? Since Webb’s launch, engineers have completed over a dozen main steps in the deployment phase to bring the telescope to its final form, involving hundreds of moving parts such as switches, motors, pulleys and cables. The process began less than 30 minutes after launch last month, when Webb’s solar array deployed — the only step caught on video as the telescope parted ways in space with its rocket, which had an onboard camera. The telescope has passed a number of milestones since, doing well to defuse astronomers’ anxiety and quell fears that a structure as intricate as Webb was bound to run into snags along its million-mile trek to the place in space where it will stay. The telescope powered on, deployed antennas, mechanically unfolded various limbs and, in the most technically complex milestone, delicately stretched taut five layers of a tennis-court-size plastic sheet designed to shield the telescope’s ultrasensitive camera sensors from the sun’s heat. Why is the telescope so important to scientists? The Webb telescope was designed to probe a crucial stretch of early cosmic history, known to astronomers as the dark ages. Cosmologists surmise that the first stars appeared when the universe was only about 100 million years old. (Today it is 13.8 billion years old.) The farthest and earliest galaxy seen by astronomers, using the Hubble Space Telescope, dates to when the universe was older, 400 million years after the Big Bang. What happened during those intervening 300 million years when the universe took luminous flight, how the Big Bang turned into a sky full of constellations and life, is a mystery. The telescope will also help astronomers better study supermassive black holes at the center of galaxies and planets orbiting other stars in our galaxy. To achieve these scientific observations, the Webb telescope relies on a primary mirror 6.5 meters in diameter, compared with the mirror on the Hubble, which is 2.4 meters. That gives it about seven times as much light-gathering capability and thus the ability to see further into the past. Another crucial difference is that it is equipped with cameras and other instruments sensitive to infrared, or “heat,” radiation. The expansion of the universe causes the light that would normally be in visible wavelengths to shift into longer infrared wavelengths normally invisible to human eyes. Engineers had to invent 10 new technologies along the way to make the telescope more sensitive than the Hubble. Over-optimistic schedule projections, occasional development accidents and disorganized cost reporting dragged the timeline out to 2021 and ballooned the overall cost to $10 billion.

The James Webb Space Telescope finishes unfolding: How to watch

<p>NASA is going to launch a mission to what could almost be considered a journey to the centre of the Earth.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The US space agency's Psyche mission is a journey to a unique metal-rich asteroid orbiting the Sun between Mars and Jupiter.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The spacecraft is scheduled to launch from Kennedy Space Center atop a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/researchers-design-flying-saucer-that-can-levitate-on-moon-asteroids-441035" hreflang="en">Researchers design 'flying saucer' that can levitate on moon, asteroids</a></strong></p>

<p>Wall Street research firm Bernstein notes that a big asteroid called 16 Psyche, measuring some 200 km, may contain 17 million billion tones of nickel-iron, enough to satisfy mankind’s current demand for millions of years.</p>

<p>Deep within rocky, terrestrial planets, including Earth, scientists infer the presence of metallic cores, but these lie unreachably far below the planets' rocky mantles and crusts.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As we cannot see or measure Earth's core directly, Psyche offers a unique window into the violent history of collisions and accretion that created terrestrial planets.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-discover-hidden-passageway-beneath-panama-through-which-wind-from-earths-middle-layer-blows-440199" hreflang="en">Scientists discover hidden passageway beneath Panama through which wind from Earth's middle layer blows</a></strong></p>

<p>The Psyche spacecraft will give us more than a glimpse of our deep past; we could see the beginnings of our technological future.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Instead of traditional rocket fuel, Psyche will gradually build up speed using ion propulsion. Electricity from the space probe’s solar panels will power a new type of thruster, called a Hall thruster, for the first time in deep space.</p>

<p>Psyche will take a swing past Mars for a gravitational push during its 3.5-year cruise to the asteroid, then spend 21 months measuring and mapping, gradually tightening its orbit until it passes just above the surface.</p>

<p>The real value in asteroid mining is for further space travel, and so hydrogen and oxygen reserves are as attractive as any metal.</p>

<p>The energy released when hydrogen and oxygen combine to make water can power rockets. The presence of both elements in compounds found on asteroids offers scope to set up space factories to make fuel for missions to Mars and beyond as well as offering “pit stops” to extend the lives of satellites.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


NASA is going to launch a mission to what could almost be considered a journey to the centre of the Earth. The US space agency's Psyche mission is a journey to a unique metal-rich asteroid orbiting the Sun between Mars and Jupiter.

NASA is going to launch a mission to what could almost be considered a journey to the centre of the Earth. The US space agency's Psyche mission is a journey to a unique metal-rich asteroid orbiting the Sun between Mars and Jupiter. The spacecraft is scheduled to launch from Kennedy Space Center atop a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket. Also read | Researchers design 'flying saucer' that can levitate on moon, asteroids Wall Street research firm Bernstein notes that a big asteroid called 16 Psyche, measuring some 200 km, may contain 17 million billion tones of nickel-iron, enough to satisfy mankind’s current demand for millions of years. Deep within rocky, terrestrial planets, including Earth, scientists infer the presence of metallic cores, but these lie unreachably far below the planets' rocky mantles and crusts. As we cannot see or measure Earth's core directly, Psyche offers a unique window into the violent history of collisions and accretion that created terrestrial planets. Also read | Scientists discover hidden passageway beneath Panama through which wind from Earth's middle layer blows The Psyche spacecraft will give us more than a glimpse of our deep past; we could see the beginnings of our technological future. Instead of traditional rocket fuel, Psyche will gradually build up speed using ion propulsion. Electricity from the space probe’s solar panels will power a new type of thruster, called a Hall thruster, for the first time in deep space. Psyche will take a swing past Mars for a gravitational push during its 3.5-year cruise to the asteroid, then spend 21 months measuring and mapping, gradually tightening its orbit until it passes just above the surface. The real value in asteroid mining is for further space travel, and so hydrogen and oxygen reserves are as attractive as any metal. The energy released when hydrogen and oxygen combine to make water can power rockets. The presence of both elements in compounds found on asteroids offers scope to set up space factories to make fuel for missions to Mars and beyond as well as offering “pit stops” to extend the lives of satellites. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA to launch mission to massive, metal-rich asteroid called 'Psyche'

<p>A fish declared extinct in the wild is being successfully reintroduced to its habitat. The Tequila fish, was 'missing' from the wild since 2003. But now, more than 1500 Tequila fish have been released in the wild in Southwest Mexico and their numbers are increasing.</p>

<p>The fish were grown in a joint effort between the UK and Michoacana University in Mexico. The decades-long effort has born fruit now.</p>

<p>The project started in 1998 when scientists at the university received five pairs of fish from Chester Zoo. These fish were carefully kept in university's labs. Over the years, these fish founded a colony. The scientists carefully grew these fish by providing them required nutrition and conditions.</p>

<p>However, it is often seen that animals bred in captivity cannot survive in the wild as there are factors like predators, competition for food, adverse environmental conditions that limit their growth. Hence, 'training' is needed.</p>

<p>When the colony of Tequila fish grew to have 40 pairs in lab, scientists introduced them to an artificial pond for their 'training'. Here, the fish were subjected naturally to factors they did not encounter in the lab. The fish flourished in the artificial pond and the numbers increased to 10,000. This indicated that they were coping well to conditions.</p>

<p>It was then the scientists decided to reintroduce the fish in the wild.</p>

<p>Reintroduction of the Tequila fish can become a model for freshwater species that are currently under threat.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


A fish declared extinct in the wild is being successfully reintroduced to its habitat. The Tequila fish, was 'missing' from the wild since 2003. But now, more than 1500 Tequila fish have been released in the wild in Southwest Mexico and their numbers are increasing.

A fish declared extinct in the wild is being successfully reintroduced to its habitat. The Tequila fish, was 'missing' from the wild since 2003. But now, more than 1500 Tequila fish have been released in the wild in Southwest Mexico and their numbers are increasing. The fish were grown in a joint effort between the UK and Michoacana University in Mexico. The decades-long effort has born fruit now. The project started in 1998 when scientists at the university received five pairs of fish from Chester Zoo. These fish were carefully kept in university's labs. Over the years, these fish founded a colony. The scientists carefully grew these fish by providing them required nutrition and conditions. However, it is often seen that animals bred in captivity cannot survive in the wild as there are factors like predators, competition for food, adverse environmental conditions that limit their growth. Hence, 'training' is needed. When the colony of Tequila fish grew to have 40 pairs in lab, scientists introduced them to an artificial pond for their 'training'. Here, the fish were subjected naturally to factors they did not encounter in the lab. The fish flourished in the artificial pond and the numbers increased to 10,000. This indicated that they were coping well to conditions. It was then the scientists decided to reintroduce the fish in the wild. Reintroduction of the Tequila fish can become a model for freshwater species that are currently under threat.

Researchers design 'flying saucer' that can levitate on moon, asteroids

<p>The National Space and Aeronautics Administration (NASA) is enlisting help of 24 theologians as part of its efforts to determine how different religions around the world would react to contact with aliens, reported Technotrendz. A reverend is already working with NASA.</p>

<p>Rev Dr Andrew Davison, a British priest and theologist at Cambridge University has a degree in Biochemistry. Next year, he is releasing his book on the subject. In his book he is going to raise questions that ask how will discovery of life affect beliefs of religious people across the world.</p>

<p>Search for alien life has been a matter of fascination for humankind for centuries. As tools of modern science became more and more available, scientists have cast an informed gaze at the universe in search of alien life.&nbsp;</p>

<p>There are several candidates in our solar system itself. Scientists think that Europa, the icy moon of planet Jupiter has liquid oceans under its surface that may support life. Scientists also think that microbes exist in clouds of Venus.</p>

<p>Humanity is soon to get fresh 'eyes' in the sky. James Webb space telescope was launched on December 26. This will be humanity's main space telescope over the ageing Hubble space telescope. We will soon be able to see corners of universe that were unobservable to us before this. Will we find an alien spaceship flying in deep space? Time will soon tell.</p>


The National Space and Aeronautics Administration (NASA) is enlisting help of 24 theologians as part of its efforts to determine how different religions around the world would react to contact with aliens, reported Technotrendz.

The National Space and Aeronautics Administration (NASA) is enlisting help of 24 theologians as part of its efforts to determine how different religions around the world would react to contact with aliens, reported Technotrendz. A reverend is already working with NASA. Rev Dr Andrew Davison, a British priest and theologist at Cambridge University has a degree in Biochemistry. Next year, he is releasing his book on the subject. In his book he is going to raise questions that ask how will discovery of life affect beliefs of religious people across the world. Search for alien life has been a matter of fascination for humankind for centuries. As tools of modern science became more and more available, scientists have cast an informed gaze at the universe in search of alien life. There are several candidates in our solar system itself. Scientists think that Europa, the icy moon of planet Jupiter has liquid oceans under its surface that may support life. Scientists also think that microbes exist in clouds of Venus. Humanity is soon to get fresh 'eyes' in the sky. James Webb space telescope was launched on December 26. This will be humanity's main space telescope over the ageing Hubble space telescope. We will soon be able to see corners of universe that were unobservable to us before this. Will we find an alien spaceship flying in deep space? Time will soon tell.

NASA is hiring priests to prepare humans for contact with aliens

The world's most powerful space telescope on Saturday blasted off into orbit, headed to an outpost 1.5 million kilometres (930,000 miles) from Earth. This launch has now opened a new era in astronomy.

James Webb space telescope launched successfully, NASA happy with initial progress

The $10bn James Webb telescope has left Earth on its mission to show the first stars to light up the Universe. Its flight to orbit lasted just under half an hour, with a signal confirming a successful outcome picked up by a ground antenna at Malindi in Kenya.

NASA happy with the successful launch of the $10 billion James Webb telescope

<p>On Christmas, NASA seems to have given a memorable present to the world by successfully launching James Webb Space Telescope from French Guiana. &nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">We have LIFTOFF of the <a href="https://twitter.com/NASAWebb?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NASAWebb</a> Space Telescope!<br />
<br />
At 7:20am ET (12:20 UTC), the beginning of a new, exciting decade of science climbed to the sky. Webb’s mission to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UnfoldTheUniverse?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UnfoldTheUniverse</a> will change our understanding of space as we know it. <a href="https://t.co/Al8Wi5c0K6">pic.twitter.com/Al8Wi5c0K6</a></p>
— NASA (@NASA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASA/status/1474717083883778057?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 25, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>The much-awaited launch had witnessed several hiccups in the past. But finally, the revolutionary instrument was launched by an Ariane 5 rocket early on Saturday. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/explainer-what-is-james-webb-space-telescope-that-is-set-to-be-launched-today-439852" hreflang="en">Explainer: What is James Webb Space Telescope that is set to be launched today</a></strong></p>

<p>The powerful $9 billion telescope has been built to explore the farthest points of the universe and get numerous answers. It will mainly view the cosmos in the infrared spectrum. &nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Here is that moment, preserved for posterity! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UnfoldTheUniverse?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UnfoldTheUniverse</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NASAWebb?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NASAWebb</a> <a href="https://t.co/p5KpZGVB1C">pic.twitter.com/p5KpZGVB1C</a></p>
— NASA Webb Telescope (@NASAWebb) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASAWebb/status/1474717872878456839?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 25, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>The launch, which happened on South America’s northeastern coast, seems to have opened a new era of astronomical exploration. &nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NASAWebb?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NASAWebb</a> is safely in space with its solar array drawing power from the Sun! Its reaction wheels will keep the spacecraft pointed in the right direction so that its sunshield can protect the telescope from radiation and heat: <a href="https://t.co/NZJ7sSJ8fX">https://t.co/NZJ7sSJ8fX</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UnfoldTheUniverse?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UnfoldTheUniverse</a> <a href="https://t.co/s4nfqvKJZD">pic.twitter.com/s4nfqvKJZD</a></p>
— NASA Webb Telescope (@NASAWebb) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASAWebb/status/1474730704940548096?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 25, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>The lift-off occurred at about 7.30 am EST (1230 GMT) from the European Space Agency's (ESA) launch base. The event was also shown live. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/christmas-at-moon-nasa-celebrates-iconic-earthrise-moment-re-shares-apollo-8s-message-439753" hreflang="en">'Christmas at Moon': NASA celebrates iconic 'Earthrise' moment, re-shares Apollo 8's message</a></strong></p>

<p>After a 26-minute ride into the space, the 14,000-pound instrument is expected to get released from the French-built rocket. It will slowly open up into nearly the size of a tennis court in the coming 13 days as it sails onwards. &nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NASAWebb?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NASAWebb</a> is safely in space with its solar array drawing power from the Sun! Its reaction wheels will keep the spacecraft pointed in the right direction so that its sunshield can protect the telescope from radiation and heat: <a href="https://t.co/NZJ7sSJ8fX">https://t.co/NZJ7sSJ8fX</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UnfoldTheUniverse?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UnfoldTheUniverse</a> <a href="https://t.co/s4nfqvKJZD">pic.twitter.com/s4nfqvKJZD</a></p>
— NASA Webb Telescope (@NASAWebb) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASAWebb/status/1474730704940548096?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 25, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Moving for around two more weeks in space, the new telescope will reach its destination in solar orbit, which is around one million miles from Earth. The special orbital path of the telescope will ensure it is in constant alignment with Earth as the planet and telescope will move around the sun in sync. &nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


On Christmas, NASA seems to have given a memorable present to the world by successfully launching James Webb Space Telescope from French Guiana. We have LIFTOFF of the @NASAWebb Space Telescope!

On Christmas, NASA seems to have given a memorable present to the world by successfully launching James Webb Space Telescope from French Guiana. We have LIFTOFF of the @NASAWebb Space Telescope! At 7:20am ET (12:20 UTC), the beginning of a new, exciting decade of science climbed to the sky. Webb’s mission to #UnfoldTheUniverse will change our understanding of space as we know it. pic.twitter.com/Al8Wi5c0K6 — NASA (@NASA) December 25, 2021 × The much-awaited launch had witnessed several hiccups in the past. But finally, the revolutionary instrument was launched by an Ariane 5 rocket early on Saturday. Also Read | Explainer: What is James Webb Space Telescope that is set to be launched today The powerful $9 billion telescope has been built to explore the farthest points of the universe and get numerous answers. It will mainly view the cosmos in the infrared spectrum. Here is that moment, preserved for posterity! #UnfoldTheUniverse #NASAWebb pic.twitter.com/p5KpZGVB1C — NASA Webb Telescope (@NASAWebb) December 25, 2021 × The launch, which happened on South America’s northeastern coast, seems to have opened a new era of astronomical exploration. #NASAWebb is safely in space with its solar array drawing power from the Sun! Its reaction wheels will keep the spacecraft pointed in the right direction so that its sunshield can protect the telescope from radiation and heat: https://t.co/NZJ7sSJ8fX#UnfoldTheUniverse pic.twitter.com/s4nfqvKJZD — NASA Webb Telescope (@NASAWebb) December 25, 2021 × The lift-off occurred at about 7.30 am EST (1230 GMT) from the European Space Agency's (ESA) launch base. The event was also shown live. Also Read | 'Christmas at Moon': NASA celebrates iconic 'Earthrise' moment, re-shares Apollo 8's message After a 26-minute ride into the space, the 14,000-pound instrument is expected to get released from the French-built rocket. It will slowly open up into nearly the size of a tennis court in the coming 13 days as it sails onwards. #NASAWebb is safely in space with its solar array drawing power from the Sun! Its reaction wheels will keep the spacecraft pointed in the right direction so that its sunshield can protect the telescope from radiation and heat: https://t.co/NZJ7sSJ8fX#UnfoldTheUniverse pic.twitter.com/s4nfqvKJZD — NASA Webb Telescope (@NASAWebb) December 25, 2021 × Moving for around two more weeks in space, the new telescope will reach its destination in solar orbit, which is around one million miles from Earth. The special orbital path of the telescope will ensure it is in constant alignment with Earth as the planet and telescope will move around the sun in sync. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch: Finally, revolutionary James Webb Space Telescope scales sky on Christmas

<p>A sense of excitement has engrossed the scientific community as NASA readies to launch the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST)—the largest space telescope ever and the most noteworthy after Hubble— which seeks to unveil many secrets of the universe, especially related to the formation of stars and galaxies in the early period after the Big Bang.</p>

<p>The powerful infrared telescope, which is hailed by NASA as the “premiere space-science observatory of the next decade”, is packed inside the cargo bay of an Ariane 5 rocket and poised for blastoff at 12.20 GMT (5:50 pm Indian Standard Time) from the European Space Agency`s (ESA) launch base in French Guiana.</p>

<p>If all goes according to plan, the 14,000-pound instrument will be released from the French-built rocket after a 26-minute ride into space.</p>

<p><strong>What is the James Webb Space Telescope?</strong></p>

<p>The telescope is named after James Edwin Webb—one of the architects of the Apollo Moon programme, and the space agencies of the US, Europe and Canada, who are all partners on the project. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The JWST is a product of an international partnership between NASA, ESA, and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA). It is not just the largest but also the most powerful telescope ever to be launched into space.</p>

<p>The ESA is providing the launch service to the telescope as part of the international agreement.</p>

<p>It's a project that has taken 30 years and cost $10 billion to design and build. It is regarded as one of the grand scientific endeavours of the 21st Century.</p>

<p>JWST will also be positioned much deeper into the space, about a million miles from Earth, at a spot known as L2. It is one of the five points, known as Lagrange’s points, in any revolving two-body system like Earth and Sun, where the gravitational forces of the two large bodies cancel each other out.</p>

<p><strong>What is the difference between JSWT and Hubble?</strong></p>

<p>The primary difference between the Hubble and the JWST is the wavelength of light that they are designed to image.</p>

<p>Hubble is sensitive to ultraviolet, visible, and near-infrared light (200-2,400 nanometers). In contrast, JWST is focused mostly on the infrared spectrum (600-28,000 nanometers), with some limited capability of seeing some red/orange visible light, but not the other colours.</p>

<p>This change in technology will help scientists to dwell more deeply into the past and get a first-hand look at how the universe originated.</p>

<p>Scientists from 44 countries will be able to make use of the JSWT telescope, with proposals including using the infrared capabilities to penetrate the supermassive black holes at the centre of galaxies, including our own.</p>

<p><strong>Where to watch the launch?</strong></p>

<p>NASA will run a live stream on its YouTube channel and on its Twitter and Facebook accounts as well. Moreover, the ESA will also be running its own live stream in French and Spanish languages on its website.</p>


A sense of excitement has engrossed the scientific community as NASA readies to launch the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST)—the largest space telescope ever and the most noteworthy after Hubble— which seeks to unveil many secrets of the universe, especially related to the formation of stars and galaxies in the early period after the Big Bang.

A sense of excitement has engrossed the scientific community as NASA readies to launch the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST)—the largest space telescope ever and the most noteworthy after Hubble— which seeks to unveil many secrets of the universe, especially related to the formation of stars and galaxies in the early period after the Big Bang. The powerful infrared telescope, which is hailed by NASA as the “premiere space-science observatory of the next decade”, is packed inside the cargo bay of an Ariane 5 rocket and poised for blastoff at 12.20 GMT (5:50 pm Indian Standard Time) from the European Space Agency`s (ESA) launch base in French Guiana. If all goes according to plan, the 14,000-pound instrument will be released from the French-built rocket after a 26-minute ride into space. What is the James Webb Space Telescope? The telescope is named after James Edwin Webb—one of the architects of the Apollo Moon programme, and the space agencies of the US, Europe and Canada, who are all partners on the project. The JWST is a product of an international partnership between NASA, ESA, and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA). It is not just the largest but also the most powerful telescope ever to be launched into space. The ESA is providing the launch service to the telescope as part of the international agreement. It's a project that has taken 30 years and cost $10 billion to design and build. It is regarded as one of the grand scientific endeavours of the 21st Century. JWST will also be positioned much deeper into the space, about a million miles from Earth, at a spot known as L2. It is one of the five points, known as Lagrange’s points, in any revolving two-body system like Earth and Sun, where the gravitational forces of the two large bodies cancel each other out. What is the difference between JSWT and Hubble? The primary difference between the Hubble and the JWST is the wavelength of light that they are designed to image. Hubble is sensitive to ultraviolet, visible, and near-infrared light (200-2,400 nanometers). In contrast, JWST is focused mostly on the infrared spectrum (600-28,000 nanometers), with some limited capability of seeing some red/orange visible light, but not the other colours. This change in technology will help scientists to dwell more deeply into the past and get a first-hand look at how the universe originated. Scientists from 44 countries will be able to make use of the JSWT telescope, with proposals including using the infrared capabilities to penetrate the supermassive black holes at the centre of galaxies, including our own. Where to watch the launch? NASA will run a live stream on its YouTube channel and on its Twitter and Facebook accounts as well. Moreover, the ESA will also be running its own live stream in French and Spanish languages on its website.

Explainer: What is James Webb Space Telescope that is set to be launched today

<p>NASA has shared an iconic image of 'Earthrise' that was snapped on December 24 in 1968, when Apollo 8 astronauts Frank Borman, Jim Lovell and Bill Anders became the first humans to witness the beautiful scenes of Earth rising above the Moon's barren surface.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Apollo 8 was the first mission when a manned spacecraft left Earth orbit and also reached another astronomical object. The crew orbited the Moon without landing and then returned home safely.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a latest Instagram post, NASA re-shared one of the most iconic images of the planet Earth, celebrating fifty-three years of the event.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/dinosaurs-killing-asteroid-caused-prolonged-darkness-on-earth-study-reveals-439636">Dinosaurs-killing asteroid caused prolonged darkness on Earth, study reveals</a></strong></p>

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<p><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/christmas-present-finally-10-billion-james-webb-space-telescope-reaches-launch-pad-for-lift-off-439688">Christmas present? Finally, $10 billion James Webb Space Telescope reaches launch pad for lift-off</a></strong></p>

<p>On that particular evening, the astronauts held a live broadcast from lunar orbit. They showed pictures of the Earth and Moon as seen from their spacecraft.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 'Earthrise' image was snapped by Anders, who had once told that despite all the training and preparation for an exploration of the moon, the astronauts ended up discovering Earth.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Here the message:</strong></p>

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<p>The mission began on December 21 and after circling the moon 10 times on Christmas Eve, it was time to come home.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Christmas morning, mission control waited for word that Apollo 8's engine initiated. They soon got confirmation when Lovell said, "Roger, please be informed there is a Santa Claus."</p>


NASA has shared an iconic image of 'Earthrise' that was snapped on December 24 in 1968, when Apollo 8 astronauts Frank Borman, Jim Lovell and Bill Anders became the first humans to witness the beautiful scenes of Earth rising above the Moon's barren surface.

NASA has shared an iconic image of 'Earthrise' that was snapped on December 24 in 1968, when Apollo 8 astronauts Frank Borman, Jim Lovell and Bill Anders became the first humans to witness the beautiful scenes of Earth rising above the Moon's barren surface. Apollo 8 was the first mission when a manned spacecraft left Earth orbit and also reached another astronomical object. The crew orbited the Moon without landing and then returned home safely. In a latest Instagram post, NASA re-shared one of the most iconic images of the planet Earth, celebrating fifty-three years of the event. ALSO READ | Dinosaurs-killing asteroid caused prolonged darkness on Earth, study reveals View this post on Instagram A post shared by NASA (@nasa) × ALSO READ | Christmas present? Finally, $10 billion James Webb Space Telescope reaches launch pad for lift-off On that particular evening, the astronauts held a live broadcast from lunar orbit. They showed pictures of the Earth and Moon as seen from their spacecraft. The 'Earthrise' image was snapped by Anders, who had once told that despite all the training and preparation for an exploration of the moon, the astronauts ended up discovering Earth. Here the message: × The mission began on December 21 and after circling the moon 10 times on Christmas Eve, it was time to come home. On Christmas morning, mission control waited for word that Apollo 8's engine initiated. They soon got confirmation when Lovell said, "Roger, please be informed there is a Santa Claus."

'Christmas at Moon': NASA celebrates iconic 'Earthrise' moment, re-shares Apollo 8's message

Nasa is all set to launch its biggest telescope into the orbit in a few hours from now. It is also almost a hundred times more powerful than Hubble and will explore the possibilities of life beyond earth.

A new frontier in space exploration

<p>Finally, NASA's next-generation James Webb Space Telescope has reached the launch pad. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The launch of the telescope had witnessed several hiccups in the past. It has taken over two decades to develop it. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Due to launch on Saturday, the $10 billion telescope will blast off from Kourou, French Guiana. The launch has a 32-minute window, which opens at 7.20 am EST (1220 GMT). &nbsp;</p>

<p>It will be put into space on an Ariane 5 rocket, which is being operated by European launch provider Arianespace. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasas-artemis-1-moon-mission-postponed-439150" hreflang="en">NASA's Artemis 1 Moon mission postponed</a></strong></p>

<p>The launch’s live coverage will be provided on NASA’s website. &nbsp;</p>

<p>“The James Webb Space Telescope and the Ariane 5 rocket it’s riding on are all settled in their final position on Earth,” NASA announced on Twitter. &nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">✅ Rollout complete!<br />
<br />
The James Webb Space Telescope and the <a href="https://twitter.com/ariane5?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ariane5</a> rocket it’s riding on are all settled in their final position on Earth. Next step: launch on Dec. 25 at 7:20 am ET (12:20 UTC) to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UnfoldTheUniverse?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UnfoldTheUniverse</a>: <a href="https://t.co/ip2P4oAxJW">https://t.co/ip2P4oAxJW</a><br />
<br />
📸: NASA/Bill Ingalls <a href="https://t.co/kkk4JDd5tu">pic.twitter.com/kkk4JDd5tu</a></p>
— NASA Webb Telescope (@NASAWebb) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASAWebb/status/1474083585216892939?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>According to the agency, the Ariane 5 rocket topped by the long-awaited space telescope rolled out from Arianespace's final assembly building at about 11 am EST (1600 GMT). The rocket had also arrived by 1 pm EST (1800 GMT). &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-find-170-rogue-planets-439445" hreflang="en">Scientists find 170 'rogue' planets</a></strong></p>

<p>It is considered to be the successor to the Hubble Space Telescope. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>If the rocket is not able to get launched on Saturday, opportunities will continue almost daily till the end of the year. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


Finally, NASA's next-generation James Webb Space Telescope has reached the launch pad. The launch of the telescope had witnessed several hiccups in the past. It has taken over two decades to develop it.

Finally, NASA's next-generation James Webb Space Telescope has reached the launch pad. The launch of the telescope had witnessed several hiccups in the past. It has taken over two decades to develop it. Due to launch on Saturday, the $10 billion telescope will blast off from Kourou, French Guiana. The launch has a 32-minute window, which opens at 7.20 am EST (1220 GMT). It will be put into space on an Ariane 5 rocket, which is being operated by European launch provider Arianespace. Also Read: NASA's Artemis 1 Moon mission postponed The launch’s live coverage will be provided on NASA’s website. “The James Webb Space Telescope and the Ariane 5 rocket it’s riding on are all settled in their final position on Earth,” NASA announced on Twitter. ✅ Rollout complete! The James Webb Space Telescope and the @ariane5 rocket it’s riding on are all settled in their final position on Earth. Next step: launch on Dec. 25 at 7:20 am ET (12:20 UTC) to #UnfoldTheUniverse: https://t.co/ip2P4oAxJW 📸: NASA/Bill Ingalls pic.twitter.com/kkk4JDd5tu — NASA Webb Telescope (@NASAWebb) December 23, 2021 × According to the agency, the Ariane 5 rocket topped by the long-awaited space telescope rolled out from Arianespace's final assembly building at about 11 am EST (1600 GMT). The rocket had also arrived by 1 pm EST (1800 GMT). Also Read: Scientists find 170 'rogue' planets It is considered to be the successor to the Hubble Space Telescope. If the rocket is not able to get launched on Saturday, opportunities will continue almost daily till the end of the year. (With inputs from agencies)

Christmas present? Finally, $10 billion James Webb Space Telescope reaches launch pad for lift-off

<p>Two explorers, Justin Packshaw and Jamie Facer, have taken up a 3600-km-long trek across Antarctica. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>These bravehearts are walking on foot during a major part of the kitesurf trek amid temperatures falling to -55 degrees Celsius, putting extreme pressure on their bodies and mind. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/study-finds-more-indication-of-life-on-venus-439137" hreflang="en">Study finds more indication of life on Venus</a></strong></p>

<p>These explorers, who are working with NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA), are also hauling a 200-kilogram sledge to ensure researchers get ample information for mission to Mars and the Moon.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Explorers <a href="https://twitter.com/Justin_Packshaw?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Justin_Packshaw</a> and Jamie Facer-Childs are on a 3600-km kitesurf trek across <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Antarctica?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Antarctica</a>. As well as gathering information how the body responds to extremes, they are making unique measurements that will help complement ESA’s <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CryoSat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CryoSat</a> mission 👉<a href="https://t.co/1QIEJ4RmG4">https://t.co/1QIEJ4RmG4</a> <a href="https://t.co/ahLbnRMKtb">pic.twitter.com/ahLbnRMKtb</a></p>
— ESA (@esa) <a href="https://twitter.com/esa/status/1471473955966013444?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>The 80-day long journey looks to help the researchers understand how the body responds to such extremes, which is present on planets like Mars and take measurements of the icy environment.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Would you kitesurf <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Antarctica?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Antarctica</a> for science? <a href="https://twitter.com/Justin_Packshaw?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Justin_Packshaw</a> and Jamie Facer Childs are doing exactly that!<br />
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Follow along their their 80-day ‘Chasing the Light’ expedition to cross Antarctica from coast to coast while gathering scientific data: <a href="https://t.co/e60SKQqNHR">https://t.co/e60SKQqNHR</a> <a href="https://t.co/LaiVZSzyTN">pic.twitter.com/LaiVZSzyTN</a></p>
— ESA EarthObservation (@ESA_EO) <a href="https://twitter.com/ESA_EO/status/1473570998079430656?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 22, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Over a month ago, the trek began from the Novolazarevskaya research station to travel Antarctica from coast to coast. It is a part of the ‘Chasing the Light’ expedition. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/sway-talks-matterhorn-moves-back-and-forth-every-two-seconds-study-439547" hreflang="en">Sway talks: Matterhorn moves back and forth every two seconds: Study</a></strong></p>

<p>Not just this, these explorers also look to monitor developments undergoing in Antarctica. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="Brief 2" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a25c25a9-c66b-426b-bfcb-7c762bf325ec" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Trek2.jpg" /></p>

<p>This comes as climate change has been triggering heavy melting. The measurements, which are being taken, include radiation levels, wind speed or direction at surface level, temperature gradients from surface level and ice conditions. &nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Two explorers, Justin Packshaw and Jamie Facer, have taken up a 3600-km-long trek across Antarctica. These bravehearts are walking on foot during a major part of the kitesurf trek amid temperatures falling to -55 degrees Celsius, putting extreme pressure on their bodies and mind.

Two explorers, Justin Packshaw and Jamie Facer, have taken up a 3600-km-long trek across Antarctica. These bravehearts are walking on foot during a major part of the kitesurf trek amid temperatures falling to -55 degrees Celsius, putting extreme pressure on their bodies and mind. Also Read: Study finds more indication of life on Venus These explorers, who are working with NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA), are also hauling a 200-kilogram sledge to ensure researchers get ample information for mission to Mars and the Moon. Explorers @Justin_Packshaw and Jamie Facer-Childs are on a 3600-km kitesurf trek across #Antarctica. As well as gathering information how the body responds to extremes, they are making unique measurements that will help complement ESA’s #CryoSat mission 👉https://t.co/1QIEJ4RmG4 pic.twitter.com/ahLbnRMKtb — ESA (@esa) December 16, 2021 × The 80-day long journey looks to help the researchers understand how the body responds to such extremes, which is present on planets like Mars and take measurements of the icy environment. Would you kitesurf #Antarctica for science? @Justin_Packshaw and Jamie Facer Childs are doing exactly that! Follow along their their 80-day ‘Chasing the Light’ expedition to cross Antarctica from coast to coast while gathering scientific data: https://t.co/e60SKQqNHR pic.twitter.com/LaiVZSzyTN — ESA EarthObservation (@ESA_EO) December 22, 2021 × Over a month ago, the trek began from the Novolazarevskaya research station to travel Antarctica from coast to coast. It is a part of the ‘Chasing the Light’ expedition. Also Read | Sway talks: Matterhorn moves back and forth every two seconds: Study Not just this, these explorers also look to monitor developments undergoing in Antarctica. This comes as climate change has been triggering heavy melting. The measurements, which are being taken, include radiation levels, wind speed or direction at surface level, temperature gradients from surface level and ice conditions. (With inputs from agencies)

Two explorers push limits in 3600-km-long trek across Antarctica, but why?

<p>US space agency NASA has postponed its uncrewed Artemis 1 Moon mission. The mission has been delayed to March next year. The postponement has come about due to issue with the engine.</p>

<p>Artemis I is an uncrewed flight test of the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion spacecraft around the Moon. It was initially slated for launch in February 2022 before missions with astronauts.</p>

<p>NASA is now targeting a launch in March or April 2022, the space agency said in a statement.</p>

<p>During a recent core stage power test, engineers identified an issue with one of the RS-25 engine flight controllers.</p>

<p>The flight controller works as the "brain" for each RS-25 engine, communicating with the SLS rocket to provide precision control of the engine as well as internal health diagnostics. Each controller is equipped with two channels so that there is a back-up, should an issue arise with one of the channels during launch or ascent. In the recent testing, channel B of the controller on engine four failed to power up consistently.</p>

<p>"After performing a series of inspections and troubleshooting, engineers determined the best course of action is to replace the engine controller, returning the rocket to full functionality and redundancy while continuing to investigate and identify a root cause," NASA officials said in the statement.</p>

<p>"NASA is developing a plan and updated schedule to replace the engine controller while continuing integrated testing and reviewing launch opportunities in March and April."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


US space agency NASA has postponed its uncrewed Artemis 1 Moon mission. The mission has been delayed to March next year. The postponement has come about due to issue with the engine.

US space agency NASA has postponed its uncrewed Artemis 1 Moon mission. The mission has been delayed to March next year. The postponement has come about due to issue with the engine. Artemis I is an uncrewed flight test of the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion spacecraft around the Moon. It was initially slated for launch in February 2022 before missions with astronauts. NASA is now targeting a launch in March or April 2022, the space agency said in a statement. During a recent core stage power test, engineers identified an issue with one of the RS-25 engine flight controllers. The flight controller works as the "brain" for each RS-25 engine, communicating with the SLS rocket to provide precision control of the engine as well as internal health diagnostics. Each controller is equipped with two channels so that there is a back-up, should an issue arise with one of the channels during launch or ascent. In the recent testing, channel B of the controller on engine four failed to power up consistently. "After performing a series of inspections and troubleshooting, engineers determined the best course of action is to replace the engine controller, returning the rocket to full functionality and redundancy while continuing to investigate and identify a root cause," NASA officials said in the statement. "NASA is developing a plan and updated schedule to replace the engine controller while continuing integrated testing and reviewing launch opportunities in March and April." (With inputs from agencies)

NASA's Artemis 1 Moon mission postponed

The James Webb space telescope, the successor of NASA's Hubble telescope is all set to take the space flight. It is the most expensive and powerful space observatory.

NASA's Hubble telescope successor 'The James Webb Space Telescope' ready to take flight

NASA's James Webb Space Telescope will usher in a new era in astronomy as it gathers information on the universe's earliest stages, star formation, and whether planets beyond our solar system may be suitable for life.

NASA's James Webb Space Telescope to take flight soon

<p>We all have seen alien movies. The space-faring adventurers often encounter them somewhere in the universe. The first conversation is always gibberish, with strange noises made by the aliens that can sound anything between a frightening hum to some electronic buzz that resembles children's video games. Creative imagination runs wild when it comes to representing alien worlds.</p>

<p>But if a legit space noise sounded not far away from these seemingly imaginative works, it's often scary. NASA has released noises captured near Jupiter's moon Ganymede.</p>

<p>Ganymede is the largest moon in our solar system. It is so large that it size dwarfs Mercury, a full-fledged planet. Ganymede also has its own magnetic field, something that other moons in solar system can't boast of.</p>

<p>NASA's Juno spacecraft is in Jupiter's neighbourhood and making its observations. Earlier this year, Juno captured Ganymede's electromagnetic waves.</p>

<p>NASA has converted these waves into sound and has released what can be perhaps scientifically considered as sound of Ganymede. The eerie audio has been released. Check out</p>

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<p>Scientists believe that Ganymede has oceans below ice on its surface. They think that life may even exist in these alien waters. So was an alien heard calling out to humanity in the sound clip? Hear again and take a guess.</p>


We all have seen alien movies. The space-faring adventurers often encounter them somewhere in the universe. The first conversation is always gibberish, with strange noises made by the aliens that can sound anything between a frightening hum to some electronic buzz that resembles children's video games.

We all have seen alien movies. The space-faring adventurers often encounter them somewhere in the universe. The first conversation is always gibberish, with strange noises made by the aliens that can sound anything between a frightening hum to some electronic buzz that resembles children's video games. Creative imagination runs wild when it comes to representing alien worlds. But if a legit space noise sounded not far away from these seemingly imaginative works, it's often scary. NASA has released noises captured near Jupiter's moon Ganymede. Ganymede is the largest moon in our solar system. It is so large that it size dwarfs Mercury, a full-fledged planet. Ganymede also has its own magnetic field, something that other moons in solar system can't boast of. NASA's Juno spacecraft is in Jupiter's neighbourhood and making its observations. Earlier this year, Juno captured Ganymede's electromagnetic waves. NASA has converted these waves into sound and has released what can be perhaps scientifically considered as sound of Ganymede. The eerie audio has been released. Check out × Scientists believe that Ganymede has oceans below ice on its surface. They think that life may even exist in these alien waters. So was an alien heard calling out to humanity in the sound clip? Hear again and take a guess.

NASA releases eerie sounds captured near Jupiter's moon Ganymede

<p>In what can be considered as a Christmas present for the world, NASA is looking to launch its new space telescope on coming Friday, which also happens to be 'Christmas Eve'. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Friday, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson said that the agency will blast off the $10 billion James Webb Space Telescope on December 24. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/long-extinct-volcano-on-mars-perseverance-rovers-new-discoveries-a-treasure-trove-for-future-scientists-437540" hreflang="en">'Long-extinct volcano on Mars?': Perseverance rover's new discoveries a treasure trove for future scientists</a></strong></p>

<p>In the endeavour, a European Ariane rocket will lift it from French Guiana. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Considered to be the successor to the Hubble Space Telescope, the Webb was supposed to soar on Saturday. &nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">This just in from the Kourou Spaceport: The team is still hard at work encapsulating the <a href="https://twitter.com/NASAWebb?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NASAWebb</a> telescope for launch. We will keep you posted. <a href="https://t.co/9bBxoy6IJD">https://t.co/9bBxoy6IJD</a></p>
— NASA (@NASA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASA/status/1471993888239988748?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>At first, the launch was jolted by a clamp during preparations, which led to a four-day delay and then a bad communication link on the rocket postponed it by another two days. &nbsp;</p>

<p>After a last round of testing, US and European space officials signed off on Friday on the date of launch. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientist-find-reason-why-solar-storms-decreased-in-last-decade-437485" hreflang="en">Scientist find reason why solar storms decreased in last decade</a></p>

<p>Liftoff has been scheduled for 7.20 am EST. Due to holidays, Nelson expects a small crowd at the launch site. "Since it's Christmas Eve, all the congressional delegations that were going down, all of that has evaporated," Nelson told The Associated Press. &nbsp;</p>

<p>On the mega project, NASA has partnered with the European and Canadian space agencies. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Nelson said, “There's so much riding on this." &nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


In what can be considered as a Christmas present for the world, NASA is looking to launch its new space telescope on coming Friday, which also happens to be 'Christmas Eve'.

In what can be considered as a Christmas present for the world, NASA is looking to launch its new space telescope on coming Friday, which also happens to be 'Christmas Eve'. On Friday, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson said that the agency will blast off the $10 billion James Webb Space Telescope on December 24. Also Read | 'Long-extinct volcano on Mars?': Perseverance rover's new discoveries a treasure trove for future scientists In the endeavour, a European Ariane rocket will lift it from French Guiana. Considered to be the successor to the Hubble Space Telescope, the Webb was supposed to soar on Saturday. This just in from the Kourou Spaceport: The team is still hard at work encapsulating the @NASAWebb telescope for launch. We will keep you posted. https://t.co/9bBxoy6IJD — NASA (@NASA) December 18, 2021 × At first, the launch was jolted by a clamp during preparations, which led to a four-day delay and then a bad communication link on the rocket postponed it by another two days. After a last round of testing, US and European space officials signed off on Friday on the date of launch. Also Read: Scientist find reason why solar storms decreased in last decade Liftoff has been scheduled for 7.20 am EST. Due to holidays, Nelson expects a small crowd at the launch site. "Since it's Christmas Eve, all the congressional delegations that were going down, all of that has evaporated," Nelson told The Associated Press. On the mega project, NASA has partnered with the European and Canadian space agencies. Nelson said, “There's so much riding on this." (With inputs from agencies)

Finally, NASA to launch $10 billion James Webb Space Telescope on Christmas Eve

<p>NASA's Juno Mission has captured stunning images of Jupiter's moon Ganymede.</p>

<p>Juno’s Ganymede Flyby has released a 50-second animation that provides an auditory as well as a visual glimpse at data collected by the mission.</p>

<p>According to&nbsp;Scott Bolton, Juno's principal investigator at the Southwest Research Institute in San Antonio, "This soundtrack is just wild enough to make you feel as if you were riding along as Juno sails past Ganymede for the first time in more than two decades."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-issue-dire-warning-about-suns-instability-after-eruption-of-dragon-star-437437" hreflang="en">Scientists issue dire warning about Sun's instability after eruption of 'Dragon' star</a></strong></p>

<p>"If you listen closely, you can hear the abrupt change to higher frequencies around the midpoint of the recording, which represents entry into a different region in Ganymede's magnetosphere."</p>

<p>"It is possible the change in the frequency shortly after closest approach is due to passing from the nightside to the dayside of Ganymede," said William Kurth, lead co-investigator of the Waves instrument, who is based at the University of Iowa in Iowa City, in a statement.</p>

<p>NASA’s Galileo spacecraft flew by Ganymede in the 1990s and confirmed the presence of an interior ocean, also finding evidence for salty water perhaps from the salt known as magnesium sulfate.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/too-many-launchings-federal-aviation-administration-to-stop-providing-commercial-astronaut-wings-436015" hreflang="en">'Too many launchings': Federal Aviation Administration to stop providing commercial astronaut wings</a></strong></p>

<p>Ganymede, which with its diameter of about 3,300 miles (5,300 km), is the largest moon in the solar system and is bigger than the planet Mercury.</p>

<p>Ganymede boasts a lot of water, perhaps 25 times the volume of Earth’s oceans. Its oceans are estimated to be about 500 miles (800 km) deep.</p>

<p>Ganymede is one of five moons in the solar system thought to have oceans hidden below icy surfaces. Two other moons, Europa and Callisto, orbit the big gas planet Jupiter. The moons Titan and Enceladus circle the ringed gas planet Saturn.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


NASA's Juno Mission has captured stunning images of Jupiter's moon Ganymede. Juno’s Ganymede Flyby has released a 50-second animation that provides an auditory as well as a visual glimpse at data collected by the mission.

NASA's Juno Mission has captured stunning images of Jupiter's moon Ganymede. Juno’s Ganymede Flyby has released a 50-second animation that provides an auditory as well as a visual glimpse at data collected by the mission. According to Scott Bolton, Juno's principal investigator at the Southwest Research Institute in San Antonio, "This soundtrack is just wild enough to make you feel as if you were riding along as Juno sails past Ganymede for the first time in more than two decades." Also read | Scientists issue dire warning about Sun's instability after eruption of 'Dragon' star "If you listen closely, you can hear the abrupt change to higher frequencies around the midpoint of the recording, which represents entry into a different region in Ganymede's magnetosphere." "It is possible the change in the frequency shortly after closest approach is due to passing from the nightside to the dayside of Ganymede," said William Kurth, lead co-investigator of the Waves instrument, who is based at the University of Iowa in Iowa City, in a statement. NASA’s Galileo spacecraft flew by Ganymede in the 1990s and confirmed the presence of an interior ocean, also finding evidence for salty water perhaps from the salt known as magnesium sulfate. Also read | 'Too many launchings': Federal Aviation Administration to stop providing commercial astronaut wings Ganymede, which with its diameter of about 3,300 miles (5,300 km), is the largest moon in the solar system and is bigger than the planet Mercury. Ganymede boasts a lot of water, perhaps 25 times the volume of Earth’s oceans. Its oceans are estimated to be about 500 miles (800 km) deep. Ganymede is one of five moons in the solar system thought to have oceans hidden below icy surfaces. Two other moons, Europa and Callisto, orbit the big gas planet Jupiter. The moons Titan and Enceladus circle the ringed gas planet Saturn. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA's Juno captures breathtaking images of Jupiter's moon Ganymede

<p>Is there water on Mars? Is there life on Mars?</p>

<p>These and several other questions have intrigued space scientists and common people on Earth for a very long time. Meanwhile, scientific advancements related to Mars missions have divulged stunning information, decoding the Red Planet.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The latest findings by NASA's Perseverance Mars rover revealed that the site where the explorer has been driving on since landing in February likely formed from red-hot magma.&nbsp;</p>

<p>NASA has noted that the crucial findings will help in accurately dating the critical events in the history of Jezero Crater, as well as the rest of the planet.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The bedrock of Mars's Jezero Crater, across which <a href="https://twitter.com/NASAPersevere?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NASAPersevere</a> has rolled for nearly 10 months, appears to have been formed from red-hot magma—possibly from a long-dormant Martian volcano: <a href="https://t.co/eZTESCE59P">https://t.co/eZTESCE59P</a> <a href="https://t.co/9FKcR6nXQd">pic.twitter.com/9FKcR6nXQd</a></p>
— NASA (@NASA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASA/status/1471271652491157507?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-issue-dire-warning-about-suns-instability-after-eruption-of-dragon-star-437437">Scientists issue dire warning about Sun's instability after eruption of 'Dragon' star</a></strong></p>

<p>Scientists who are studying the samples the latest findings said that the rocks in the crater have interacted with water multiple times over the aeons and that some contain organic molecules.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The findings were presented during a news briefing at the American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting in New Orleans on Wednesday (December 15). Perseverance Project Scientist Ken Farley of Caltech in Pasadena said, "I was beginning to despair we would never find the answer."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"But then our PIXL instrument got a good look at the abraded patch of a rock from the area nicknamed 'South Séítah,' and it all became clear: The crystals within the rock provided the smoking gun," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/the-other-corona-know-about-the-suns-atmosphere-touched-by-a-man-made-probe-for-the-first-time-437155" hreflang="en">The other Corona: Know about the Sun's atmosphere 'touched' by a man-made probe for the first time</a></strong></p>

<p>"A good geology student will tell you that such a texture indicates the rock formed when crystals grew and settled in a slowly cooling magma – for example a thick lava flow, lava lake, or magma chamber,"&nbsp;said Farley.</p>

<p>"The rock was then altered by water several times, making it a treasure trove that will allow future scientists to date events in Jezero, better understand the period in which water was more common on its surface, and reveal the early history of the planet. Mars Sample Return is going to have great stuff to choose from!" he added.&nbsp;</p>

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<p><strong>How does Perseverance collect samples?</strong></p>

<p>Perseverance rover is on a multi-mission - Mars Sample Return - as it is collecting Martian rock samples in search of ancient microscopic life. The mission seeks to bring select tubes back to Earth.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The samples will provide future scientists to study them with powerful lab equipment far too large to send to Mars.&nbsp;</p>

<p>To collect the sample, the drill at the end of Perseverance's robotic arm grind the rock surfaces to allow other instruments, such as Planetary Instrument for X-ray Lithochemistry (PIXL) to study them.&nbsp;</p>

<p>PIXL uses X-ray fluorescence to map the elemental composition of rocks.</p>


Is there water on Mars? Is there life on Mars? These and several other questions have intrigued space scientists and common people on Earth for a very long time.

Is there water on Mars? Is there life on Mars? These and several other questions have intrigued space scientists and common people on Earth for a very long time. Meanwhile, scientific advancements related to Mars missions have divulged stunning information, decoding the Red Planet. The latest findings by NASA's Perseverance Mars rover revealed that the site where the explorer has been driving on since landing in February likely formed from red-hot magma. NASA has noted that the crucial findings will help in accurately dating the critical events in the history of Jezero Crater, as well as the rest of the planet. The bedrock of Mars's Jezero Crater, across which @NASAPersevere has rolled for nearly 10 months, appears to have been formed from red-hot magma—possibly from a long-dormant Martian volcano: https://t.co/eZTESCE59P pic.twitter.com/9FKcR6nXQd — NASA (@NASA) December 16, 2021 × ALSO READ | Scientists issue dire warning about Sun's instability after eruption of 'Dragon' star Scientists who are studying the samples the latest findings said that the rocks in the crater have interacted with water multiple times over the aeons and that some contain organic molecules. The findings were presented during a news briefing at the American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting in New Orleans on Wednesday (December 15). Perseverance Project Scientist Ken Farley of Caltech in Pasadena said, "I was beginning to despair we would never find the answer." "But then our PIXL instrument got a good look at the abraded patch of a rock from the area nicknamed 'South Séítah,' and it all became clear: The crystals within the rock provided the smoking gun," he added. ALSO READ | The other Corona: Know about the Sun's atmosphere 'touched' by a man-made probe for the first time "A good geology student will tell you that such a texture indicates the rock formed when crystals grew and settled in a slowly cooling magma – for example a thick lava flow, lava lake, or magma chamber," said Farley. "The rock was then altered by water several times, making it a treasure trove that will allow future scientists to date events in Jezero, better understand the period in which water was more common on its surface, and reveal the early history of the planet. Mars Sample Return is going to have great stuff to choose from!" he added. × How does Perseverance collect samples? Perseverance rover is on a multi-mission - Mars Sample Return - as it is collecting Martian rock samples in search of ancient microscopic life. The mission seeks to bring select tubes back to Earth. The samples will provide future scientists to study them with powerful lab equipment far too large to send to Mars. To collect the sample, the drill at the end of Perseverance's robotic arm grind the rock surfaces to allow other instruments, such as Planetary Instrument for X-ray Lithochemistry (PIXL) to study them. PIXL uses X-ray fluorescence to map the elemental composition of rocks.

'Long-extinct volcano on Mars?': Perseverance rover's new discoveries a treasure trove for future scientists

For the first time in human history, a spacecraft has made contact with the sun. NASA's Parker Solar Probe flew into the sun's atmosphere. Palki Sharma tells you how the probe is unlocking the secrets of the sun.

Gravitas: A NASA spacecraft has reached the sun

<p>A NASA spacecraft has officially "touched" the sun, falling through the corona, an unknown region of the solar atmosphere.</p>

<p>Scientists made the announcement at a meeting of the American Geophysical Union on Tuesday.</p>

<p>During the Parker Solar Probe's seventh close encounter to the sun in April, the spacecraft sailed through the corona.</p>

<p>The data took a few months to arrive, and then several more months to confirm, according to the scientists.&nbsp;</p>

<p>When Parker first crossed the jagged, uneven boundary between the solar atmosphere and outgoing solar wind, it was 8 million miles (13 million kilometres) from the sun's centre.</p>

<p>According to scientists, the spacecraft dipped in and out of the corona at least three times, each time with a smooth transition.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>"The Parker Solar Probe "touching the Sun" is a monumental moment for solar science and a truly remarkable feat," said Thomas Zurbuchen, associate administrator for NASA Headquarters in Washington.</p>

<p>"Not only does this milestone provide us with deeper insights into our Sun's evolution and it's impacts on our solar system, but everything we learn about our own star also teaches us more about stars in the rest of the universe."<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/want-to-space-travel-nasa-awards-4156-million-for-new-space-hubs-where-people-can-visit-live-work-433693"><strong>Also read | Want to space travel? NASA awards $415.6 million for new space hubs where people can visit, live, work</strong></a></p>

<p>According to the statement issued by the NASA, Parker is finding new discoveries that other spacecraft couldn't observe because they were too far away, including from within the solar wind, which is the flow of particles from the Sun that can affect us on Earth.</p>

<p>Parker revealed in 2019 that magnetic zig-zag formations in the solar wind, known as switchbacks, are abundant near the Sun.</p>

<p>However, it remained a mystery as to how and where they formed.</p>

<p>Parker Solar Probe has now travelled close enough to identify one spot where they originate: the solar surface, after halving the distance to the Sun since then.</p>

<p>The first flyby into the corona – and the promise of many to come – will continue to deliver information on processes that are difficult to examine from afar.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Until its grand finale orbit in 2025, Parker will continue to get closer to the sun and dive deeper into the corona.</p>

<p>The American Physical Society also published the latest findings.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A NASA spacecraft has officially "touched" the sun, falling through the corona, an unknown region of the solar atmosphere. Scientists made the announcement at a meeting of the American Geophysical Union on Tuesday.

A NASA spacecraft has officially "touched" the sun, falling through the corona, an unknown region of the solar atmosphere. Scientists made the announcement at a meeting of the American Geophysical Union on Tuesday. During the Parker Solar Probe's seventh close encounter to the sun in April, the spacecraft sailed through the corona. The data took a few months to arrive, and then several more months to confirm, according to the scientists. When Parker first crossed the jagged, uneven boundary between the solar atmosphere and outgoing solar wind, it was 8 million miles (13 million kilometres) from the sun's centre. According to scientists, the spacecraft dipped in and out of the corona at least three times, each time with a smooth transition. × "The Parker Solar Probe "touching the Sun" is a monumental moment for solar science and a truly remarkable feat," said Thomas Zurbuchen, associate administrator for NASA Headquarters in Washington. "Not only does this milestone provide us with deeper insights into our Sun's evolution and it's impacts on our solar system, but everything we learn about our own star also teaches us more about stars in the rest of the universe." Also read | Want to space travel? NASA awards $415.6 million for new space hubs where people can visit, live, work According to the statement issued by the NASA, Parker is finding new discoveries that other spacecraft couldn't observe because they were too far away, including from within the solar wind, which is the flow of particles from the Sun that can affect us on Earth. Parker revealed in 2019 that magnetic zig-zag formations in the solar wind, known as switchbacks, are abundant near the Sun. However, it remained a mystery as to how and where they formed. Parker Solar Probe has now travelled close enough to identify one spot where they originate: the solar surface, after halving the distance to the Sun since then. The first flyby into the corona – and the promise of many to come – will continue to deliver information on processes that are difficult to examine from afar. Until its grand finale orbit in 2025, Parker will continue to get closer to the sun and dive deeper into the corona. The American Physical Society also published the latest findings. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch | NASA makes history as spacecraft ‘touches’ sun for first time ever

It was finished years late at a cost far higher than planned, but NASA's James Webb Space Telescope due for launch next week may usher in a new era in astronomy as it gathers information on the universe's earliest stages, star formation, and whether planets beyond our solar system may be suitable for life.

NASA's Webb Telescope promises 'amazing journey' for astronomy

Set to launch on December 22, NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope is the largest space observatory in history. It was finished years late at a cost far higher than planned.

NASA's James Webb Space Telescope promises an 'amazing journey' for astronomy

<p>While the actual surface of the Sun will burn (evaporate actually) anything to a crisp with its thousands of degrees temperature, even a few million miles from the surface are way hotter than the hottest furnace. This had made approaching the Sun a giant problem because human spacecraft made of any known material was feared to promptly melt , making the mission &nbsp;useless. But NASA's Parker Solar Probe has opened a new frontier for science by entering Corona, the atmosphere of the Sun.</p>

<p><strong>What is Corona?</strong></p>

<p>Corona is the solar atmosphere. It is an envelope around the Sun in which the material given off by the Sun is more bound to the Sun. Outside the Corona, the solar material is sent in space in the form of Solar wind at high speeds. Scientists do not yet fully know the reason behind this disparity fully.</p>

<p><strong>Why do we study solar atmosphere?</strong></p>

<p>As much as it supports life on Earth, Sun in unforgiving to anything that is in its vicinity without proper protection. Solar material is constantly ejected from the Sun at extremely high speeds. This is called Solar Wind. It is capable of making million-dollar satellites a piece of junk. Earth's atmosphere and magnetic field shields all life on the surface but same isn't always true about satellites revolving around Earth.</p>

<p>We do not fully know why solar wind is sent out at very high speeds from Sun. It originates from Sun's atmosphere (the Corona). Understanding solar atmosphere may make us protect our spacecrafts and satellites better.<br />
When was Parker solar probe launched?</p>

<p>NASA launched Parker solar probe in August 2018. The probe went around the Sun several times, the orbit reducing each time. The end goal was to enter the corona. During its 8th revolution around the Sun in April 2021, Parker solar probe entered the Corona</p>

<p><strong>What did Parker solar probe find inside solar atmosphere?</strong></p>

<p><strong><img alt="Corona" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c43dffa1-7b43-4b93-a208-4f64e650f4e6" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/corona.PNG" /></strong></p>

<p><em>(Solar particles inside corona (left) are more bound to the Sun. Outside Corona they are ejected as Solar Wind. Image: NASA)</em></p>

<p>The instruments of the probe found that as the craft entered Corona, there was marked difference in the extent to which solar material was projected out in space. Outside Corona, the material was more readily sent out. But inside it was more bound to the Sun. At this time, the probe was 8 million kms away from solar surface.</p>

<p>As the probe entered corona, it also found that magnetic field of the Sun grew much stronger.</p>

<p><strong>What now?</strong></p>

<p>Parker probe's achievements has been nothing short of a 'dream come true' in words of NASA scientists quoted by the agency in its reports. Mankind had dreamed of knowing more about the Sun for millennia at least. NASA publicly declared its ambition of sending a probe to the Sun in the 50s. Parker solar probe's achievement has been a result of decades of patient research and resolute, steady scientific progress towards the goal. Something that was unimaginable has been achieved.</p>

<p>Who knows? We may even develop technology that will allow us to venture even closer to our very own star.</p>


While the actual surface of the Sun will burn (evaporate actually) anything to a crisp with its thousands of degrees temperature, even a few million miles from the surface are way hotter than the hottest furnace.

While the actual surface of the Sun will burn (evaporate actually) anything to a crisp with its thousands of degrees temperature, even a few million miles from the surface are way hotter than the hottest furnace. This had made approaching the Sun a giant problem because human spacecraft made of any known material was feared to promptly melt , making the mission useless. But NASA's Parker Solar Probe has opened a new frontier for science by entering Corona, the atmosphere of the Sun. What is Corona? Corona is the solar atmosphere. It is an envelope around the Sun in which the material given off by the Sun is more bound to the Sun. Outside the Corona, the solar material is sent in space in the form of Solar wind at high speeds. Scientists do not yet fully know the reason behind this disparity fully. Why do we study solar atmosphere? As much as it supports life on Earth, Sun in unforgiving to anything that is in its vicinity without proper protection. Solar material is constantly ejected from the Sun at extremely high speeds. This is called Solar Wind. It is capable of making million-dollar satellites a piece of junk. Earth's atmosphere and magnetic field shields all life on the surface but same isn't always true about satellites revolving around Earth. We do not fully know why solar wind is sent out at very high speeds from Sun. It originates from Sun's atmosphere (the Corona). Understanding solar atmosphere may make us protect our spacecrafts and satellites better. When was Parker solar probe launched? NASA launched Parker solar probe in August 2018. The probe went around the Sun several times, the orbit reducing each time. The end goal was to enter the corona. During its 8th revolution around the Sun in April 2021, Parker solar probe entered the Corona What did Parker solar probe find inside solar atmosphere? (Solar particles inside corona (left) are more bound to the Sun. Outside Corona they are ejected as Solar Wind. Image: NASA) The instruments of the probe found that as the craft entered Corona, there was marked difference in the extent to which solar material was projected out in space. Outside Corona, the material was more readily sent out. But inside it was more bound to the Sun. At this time, the probe was 8 million kms away from solar surface. As the probe entered corona, it also found that magnetic field of the Sun grew much stronger. What now? Parker probe's achievements has been nothing short of a 'dream come true' in words of NASA scientists quoted by the agency in its reports. Mankind had dreamed of knowing more about the Sun for millennia at least. NASA publicly declared its ambition of sending a probe to the Sun in the 50s. Parker solar probe's achievement has been a result of decades of patient research and resolute, steady scientific progress towards the goal. Something that was unimaginable has been achieved. Who knows? We may even develop technology that will allow us to venture even closer to our very own star.

The other Corona: Know about the Sun's atmosphere 'touched' by a man-made probe for the first time

According to scientists from the US space agency, a NASA spacecraft has gone closer to the sun than ever before, entering its atmosphere known as the corona.

NASA probe enters solar atmosphere for the first time

<p>Solar eclipse is a treat to the senses. It's amazing to see a day give way to a sudden night and the ever-shining disc of the Sun getting obscured by the Moon. Those observing can see stars twinkling right in front of them in a black sky which, by logic, should have been lit by bright sunshine.</p>

<p>But not everyone is lucky to have seen a total eclipse. You have to be in the right place at the right time to witness this natural wonder. There may be thousand who wouldn't have seen total, or even a partial solar eclipse.</p>

<p>But witnessing a solar eclipse from space is a privilege affrded to even fewer people.</p>

<p>NASA has come to aid of those who can't become an astronaut overnight in order to see an eclipse from space.</p>

<p>In its Instagram post, NASA has posted an image taken from space during the recent total eclipse which was visible only from Antarctica.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Have you ever seen a total solar eclipse? How about seeing a total solar eclipse FROM SPACE?" asks NASA at the outset. The image shows the familiar blue orb of our planet. But what's different than usual is a black spot right over Antarctica in the south. That is Moon's shadow as it passes between the Sun and Earth, therby treating the regions under that shadow to a beautiful solar eclipse.</p>

<p>"Our robotic and human explorers are here to help. On Dec. 4, 2021, the Deep Space Climate Observatory (DSCOVR) spacecraft captured the Moon's shadow as it passed over Antarctica, home to penguins and a handful of scientists. Shaped like a cone extending into space, the shadow has a circular cross-section most easily seen during a solar eclipse. People in parts of Namibia, South Africa, New Zealand, and the Falkland Islands were treated to a partial eclipse," says NASA in Instagram post.</p>

<p>Check it out below</p>

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<p>As it can be seen. Netizens have loved the pic and it has been 'liked' by nearly a million people.</p>


Solar eclipse is a treat to the senses. It's amazing to see a day give way to a sudden night and the ever-shining disc of the Sun getting obscured by the Moon. Those observing can see stars twinkling right in front of them in a black sky which, by logic, should have been lit by bright sunshine.

Solar eclipse is a treat to the senses. It's amazing to see a day give way to a sudden night and the ever-shining disc of the Sun getting obscured by the Moon. Those observing can see stars twinkling right in front of them in a black sky which, by logic, should have been lit by bright sunshine. But not everyone is lucky to have seen a total eclipse. You have to be in the right place at the right time to witness this natural wonder. There may be thousand who wouldn't have seen total, or even a partial solar eclipse. But witnessing a solar eclipse from space is a privilege affrded to even fewer people. NASA has come to aid of those who can't become an astronaut overnight in order to see an eclipse from space. In its Instagram post, NASA has posted an image taken from space during the recent total eclipse which was visible only from Antarctica. "Have you ever seen a total solar eclipse? How about seeing a total solar eclipse FROM SPACE?" asks NASA at the outset. The image shows the familiar blue orb of our planet. But what's different than usual is a black spot right over Antarctica in the south. That is Moon's shadow as it passes between the Sun and Earth, therby treating the regions under that shadow to a beautiful solar eclipse. "Our robotic and human explorers are here to help. On Dec. 4, 2021, the Deep Space Climate Observatory (DSCOVR) spacecraft captured the Moon's shadow as it passed over Antarctica, home to penguins and a handful of scientists. Shaped like a cone extending into space, the shadow has a circular cross-section most easily seen during a solar eclipse. People in parts of Namibia, South Africa, New Zealand, and the Falkland Islands were treated to a partial eclipse," says NASA in Instagram post. Check it out below View this post on Instagram A post shared by NASA (@nasa) × As it can be seen. Netizens have loved the pic and it has been 'liked' by nearly a million people.

NASA depicts solar eclipse from space in a brilliant photo

<p>NASA is gearing up to announce names of candidates who will become astronauts taking part in new space missions. These missions include NASA's return to Moon and more space missions to Mars. It is expected that NASA will make announcement on fresh batch of its candidates tonight at 11 pm (IST).</p>

<p>NASA said that the selected candidates will join NASA Administrator Bill Nelson, Nasa Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy, Johnson Center Director Vanessa Wyche, and Flight Operations Director Norm Knight on the stage.</p>

<p>Just getting included in this list would not guarantee a space travel for these men and women. The chosen candidates will have to complete a rigorous training program that will go on for two years.</p>

<p>"The astronaut candidates will report to Nasa Johnson in January to begin their training in spacecraft systems, spacewalking skills, teamwork, and other necessary skills," the agency said in a statement ahead of the announcement</p>

<p>Will there be a face with Indian-heritage?</p>

<p>Astronauts who were either born in India or were of Indian heritage have often been selected in NASA's successive batches of astronauts. These names include Kalpana Chawla, Sunita Williams and most recent Raja Chari</p>

<p>NASA has been tightlipped about new batch of astronaut candidates so far.</p>


NASA is gearing up to announce names of candidates who will become astronauts taking part in new space missions. These missions include NASA's return to Moon and more space missions to Mars.

NASA is gearing up to announce names of candidates who will become astronauts taking part in new space missions. These missions include NASA's return to Moon and more space missions to Mars. It is expected that NASA will make announcement on fresh batch of its candidates tonight at 11 pm (IST). NASA said that the selected candidates will join NASA Administrator Bill Nelson, Nasa Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy, Johnson Center Director Vanessa Wyche, and Flight Operations Director Norm Knight on the stage. Just getting included in this list would not guarantee a space travel for these men and women. The chosen candidates will have to complete a rigorous training program that will go on for two years. "The astronaut candidates will report to Nasa Johnson in January to begin their training in spacecraft systems, spacewalking skills, teamwork, and other necessary skills," the agency said in a statement ahead of the announcement Will there be a face with Indian-heritage? Astronauts who were either born in India or were of Indian heritage have often been selected in NASA's successive batches of astronauts. These names include Kalpana Chawla, Sunita Williams and most recent Raja Chari NASA has been tightlipped about new batch of astronaut candidates so far.

NASA to announce fresh names for its astronaut programme soon

<p>NASA announced its fresh class of trainee astronauts on Tuesday. Anil Menon, a US fighter pilot born to parents from India and Ukraine has been named in the newest list.</p>

<p>Anil Menon (45), a lieutenant colonel in US Air Force was first direct responder during the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, 2015 earthquake in Nepal and 2011 Reno Air Show accident.</p>

<p>Menon was previously a first flight surgeon with SpaceX. He had a stint with NASA before that.</p>

<p>There are 10 astronaut trainees including Menon in NASA's newest list. The list includes a firefighter turned Harvard professor, a former member of the national cycle team and a pilot who led the first-ever all-woman F-22 formation in combat.</p>

<p>NASA's latest list includes 10 names including that of Menon. The list includes a firefighter turned Harvard professor, a former member of the national cycle team and others.</p>

<p>"We're going back to the Moon, and we're continuing on to Mars -- and so today we welcome 10 new explorers," NASA administrator Bill Nelson said at an event to welcome the recruits.</p>

<p>"Alone, each candidate has 'the right stuff,' but together they represent the creed of our country: E pluribus unum – out of many, one," he added.</p>

<p>The 10 candidates have been shortlisted from 12,000 applicants. Inclusion in this list however, does not guarantee that each of them would get to become an astronaut. All of them will now undergo a rigorous training program that will go on for two years. All of the trainees will learn how to operate and maintain the International Space Station, train for spacewalks, develop robotics skills, safely operate a T-38 training jet, and learn Russian to communicate with their counterparts.</p>

<p>After they graduate, they could be assigned to missions aboard the ISS or deeper into space, including NASA's planned return to the Moon later this decade under the Artemis mission, which will include the first woman and person of color to set foot on lunar soil.</p>

<p>The field was open to US citizens who hold a master's degree in a STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) field -- the first time such a requirement was added -- and passed an online test. The master's degree requirement could also be met by a medical degree or completion of a test pilot program.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


NASA announced its fresh class of trainee astronauts on Tuesday. Anil Menon, a US fighter pilot born to parents from India and Ukraine has been named in the newest list.

NASA announced its fresh class of trainee astronauts on Tuesday. Anil Menon, a US fighter pilot born to parents from India and Ukraine has been named in the newest list. Anil Menon (45), a lieutenant colonel in US Air Force was first direct responder during the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, 2015 earthquake in Nepal and 2011 Reno Air Show accident. Menon was previously a first flight surgeon with SpaceX. He had a stint with NASA before that. There are 10 astronaut trainees including Menon in NASA's newest list. The list includes a firefighter turned Harvard professor, a former member of the national cycle team and a pilot who led the first-ever all-woman F-22 formation in combat. NASA's latest list includes 10 names including that of Menon. The list includes a firefighter turned Harvard professor, a former member of the national cycle team and others. "We're going back to the Moon, and we're continuing on to Mars -- and so today we welcome 10 new explorers," NASA administrator Bill Nelson said at an event to welcome the recruits. "Alone, each candidate has 'the right stuff,' but together they represent the creed of our country: E pluribus unum – out of many, one," he added. The 10 candidates have been shortlisted from 12,000 applicants. Inclusion in this list however, does not guarantee that each of them would get to become an astronaut. All of them will now undergo a rigorous training program that will go on for two years. All of the trainees will learn how to operate and maintain the International Space Station, train for spacewalks, develop robotics skills, safely operate a T-38 training jet, and learn Russian to communicate with their counterparts. After they graduate, they could be assigned to missions aboard the ISS or deeper into space, including NASA's planned return to the Moon later this decade under the Artemis mission, which will include the first woman and person of color to set foot on lunar soil. The field was open to US citizens who hold a master's degree in a STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) field -- the first time such a requirement was added -- and passed an online test. The master's degree requirement could also be met by a medical degree or completion of a test pilot program. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian-origin Anil Menon named in NASA's newest astronaut class

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