<p>The image of a neutron star posted by the US space agency is garnering a lot of attraction on social media.&nbsp;</p>

<p>NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory shared the image on Instagram in which the neutron star can be seen shining brightly in the middle of supernova remnant RCW 103.</p>

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<p>"The bright source at the center of supernova remnant RCW 103 is a neutron star," the caption of the post said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/astronomical-breakthrough-scientists-record-humming-sound-of-the-universe-357440">'Astronomical breakthrough': Scientists record humming sound of the Universe</a></strong></p>

<p>The space agency claims that the matter of the star is so tightly packed that the material should weigh more than 1 billion tons, about the same weight of Mount Everest.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-detects-fm-signals-from-jupiters-moon-ganymede-for-the-first-time-356822">NASA detects FM signals from Jupiter's moon Ganymede for the first time</a></strong></p>

<p>"Matter in a neutron star is packed together so tightly that a sugar-cube-sized amount of neutron star material would weigh more than 1 billion tons — roughly the weight of Mount Everest," the post further added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The post has already generated over 20,000 'likes', with several people commenting that it is "beautiful" and praising it.</p>

<p>For the unversed, a neutron star is a collapsed part of a massive star, a supernova remnant is the leftover of a supernova explosion.&nbsp;</p>

<p>They play a crucial role in catalysing cosmic rays and enriching galaxies with heavy elements.</p>


The image of a neutron star posted by the US space agency is garnering a lot of attraction on social media. NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory shared the image on Instagram in which the neutron star can be seen shining brightly in the middle of supernova remnant RCW 103.

The image of a neutron star posted by the US space agency is garnering a lot of attraction on social media. NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory shared the image on Instagram in which the neutron star can be seen shining brightly in the middle of supernova remnant RCW 103. View this post on Instagram A post shared by NASA Chandra X-ray Observatory (@nasachandraxray) × "The bright source at the center of supernova remnant RCW 103 is a neutron star," the caption of the post said. Also read | 'Astronomical breakthrough': Scientists record humming sound of the Universe The space agency claims that the matter of the star is so tightly packed that the material should weigh more than 1 billion tons, about the same weight of Mount Everest. Also read | NASA detects FM signals from Jupiter's moon Ganymede for the first time "Matter in a neutron star is packed together so tightly that a sugar-cube-sized amount of neutron star material would weigh more than 1 billion tons — roughly the weight of Mount Everest," the post further added. The post has already generated over 20,000 'likes', with several people commenting that it is "beautiful" and praising it. For the unversed, a neutron star is a collapsed part of a massive star, a supernova remnant is the leftover of a supernova explosion. They play a crucial role in catalysing cosmic rays and enriching galaxies with heavy elements.

Netizens express delight as NASA shares image of neutron star

<p>NASA's deep space exploration rocket built by Boeing Saturday cut short a crucial test to advance a years-delayed US government programme to return humans to the moon in the next few years by briefly igniting all four engines of its behemoth core stage for the first time.</p>

<p>The engine test, the last leg of NASA’s nearly year-long “Green Run” test campaign, was a vital step for the space agency and its top SLS contractor Boeing before a debut unmanned launch later this year under NASA’s Artemis programme, the Trump administration’s push to return US astronauts to the moon by 2024.</p>

<p>Mounted in a test facility at NASA’s Stennis Space Center in Mississippi, the Space Launch System’s (SLS) 212-foot tall core stage roared to life at 4:27 pm local time (2227 GMT) for just over a minute — well short of the roughly four minutes engineers needed to stay on track for the rocket's first launch in November this year.</p>

<p>NASA administrator Jim Bridenstine said at a press conference after the test that "we got lots of data that we're going to be able to sort through" to determine if a do-over is needed and whether a November 2021 debut launch date is still possible.</p>

<p>It was unclear whether Boeing and NASA would have to repeat the test, a prospect that could push the debut launch into 2022. NASA's SLS programme manager John Honeycutt, cautioning the data review from the test is ongoing, told reporters the turnaround time for another hot fire test could be roughly one month.</p>

<p>To simulate internal conditions of a real liftoff, the rocket’s four Aerojet Rocketdyne RS-25 engines ignited for roughly one minute and 15 seconds, generating 1.6 million pounds of thrust and consuming 700,000 gallons of propellants on NASA’s largest test stand, a massive facility towering 35 storeys tall.</p>

<p>The expendable super heavy-lift SLS is three years behind schedule and nearly $3 billion over budget. Critics have long argued for NASA to retire the rocket’s shuttle-era core technologies, which have launch costs of $1 billion or more per mission, in favour of newer commercial alternatives that promise lower costs.</p>

<p>By comparison, it costs as little as $90 million to fly the massive but less powerful Falcon Heavy rocket designed and manufactured by Elon Musk's SpaceX, and some $350 million per launch for United Launch Alliance's legacy Delta IV Heavy.</p>

<p>While newer, more reusable rockets from both companies - SpaceX's Starship and United Launch Alliance's Vulcan - promise heavier lift capacity than the Falcon Heavy or Delta IV Heavy potentially at lower cost, SLS backers argue it would take two or more launches on those rockets to launch what the SLS could carry in a single mission.</p>

<p><em><strong>(with inputs)</strong></em></p>


NASA's deep space exploration rocket built by Boeing Saturday cut short a crucial test to advance a years-delayed US government programme to return humans to the moon in the next few years by briefly igniting all four engines of its behemoth core stage for the first time.

NASA's deep space exploration rocket built by Boeing Saturday cut short a crucial test to advance a years-delayed US government programme to return humans to the moon in the next few years by briefly igniting all four engines of its behemoth core stage for the first time. The engine test, the last leg of NASA’s nearly year-long “Green Run” test campaign, was a vital step for the space agency and its top SLS contractor Boeing before a debut unmanned launch later this year under NASA’s Artemis programme, the Trump administration’s push to return US astronauts to the moon by 2024. Mounted in a test facility at NASA’s Stennis Space Center in Mississippi, the Space Launch System’s (SLS) 212-foot tall core stage roared to life at 4:27 pm local time (2227 GMT) for just over a minute — well short of the roughly four minutes engineers needed to stay on track for the rocket's first launch in November this year. NASA administrator Jim Bridenstine said at a press conference after the test that "we got lots of data that we're going to be able to sort through" to determine if a do-over is needed and whether a November 2021 debut launch date is still possible. It was unclear whether Boeing and NASA would have to repeat the test, a prospect that could push the debut launch into 2022. NASA's SLS programme manager John Honeycutt, cautioning the data review from the test is ongoing, told reporters the turnaround time for another hot fire test could be roughly one month. To simulate internal conditions of a real liftoff, the rocket’s four Aerojet Rocketdyne RS-25 engines ignited for roughly one minute and 15 seconds, generating 1.6 million pounds of thrust and consuming 700,000 gallons of propellants on NASA’s largest test stand, a massive facility towering 35 storeys tall. The expendable super heavy-lift SLS is three years behind schedule and nearly $3 billion over budget. Critics have long argued for NASA to retire the rocket’s shuttle-era core technologies, which have launch costs of $1 billion or more per mission, in favour of newer commercial alternatives that promise lower costs. By comparison, it costs as little as $90 million to fly the massive but less powerful Falcon Heavy rocket designed and manufactured by Elon Musk's SpaceX, and some $350 million per launch for United Launch Alliance's legacy Delta IV Heavy. While newer, more reusable rockets from both companies - SpaceX's Starship and United Launch Alliance's Vulcan - promise heavier lift capacity than the Falcon Heavy or Delta IV Heavy potentially at lower cost, SLS backers argue it would take two or more launches on those rockets to launch what the SLS could carry in a single mission. (with inputs)

NASA's Boeing moon rocket cuts short rare ground test

<p>The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has detected&nbsp;FM radio signals from Jupiter's moon Ganymede for the first time.</p>

<p>However, the US space agency clarified that it is a ''natural function'' rather than a sign of extraterrestrial life, that is the existence of aliens.</p>

<p>The signals from Ganymede originated from electrons due to electromagnetic fields. The process causes electrons within to whirl and oscillate much slower than their spin rate.</p>

<p>As a result, all electromagnetic and radio waves get amplified and are picked up by spacecraft hovering in space. These electrons also create auroras in the ultraviolet spectrum.</p>

<p>NASA will extend two of its planetary discovery missions including&nbsp;its Juno which detected the "cyclotron maser instability (CMI)" from&nbsp;Ganymede in the first place.</p>

<p>"Electrons spiralling in Jupiter's magnetic field are thought to be the cause of the radio noise we hear," NASA said in a statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Like Earth, Ganymede has a liquid iron core that generates a magnetic field, though Ganymede’s field is embedded within Jupiter’s magnetic field. That sets up an interesting dynamic with telltale visuals – twin bands of glowing aurora around Ganymede’s northern and southern polar regions. As Jupiter rotates, its magnetic field shifts, causing Ganymede’s aurora to rock.</p>

<p>NASA Planetary Science Division Director Jim Green called the finding “an astounding demonstration.” “They developed a new approach to look inside a planetary body with a telescope,” Green said.</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>


The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has detected FM radio signals from Jupiter's moon Ganymede for the first time. However, the US space agency clarified that it is a ''natural function'' rather than a sign of extraterrestrial life, that is the existence of aliens.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has detected FM radio signals from Jupiter's moon Ganymede for the first time. However, the US space agency clarified that it is a ''natural function'' rather than a sign of extraterrestrial life, that is the existence of aliens. The signals from Ganymede originated from electrons due to electromagnetic fields. The process causes electrons within to whirl and oscillate much slower than their spin rate. As a result, all electromagnetic and radio waves get amplified and are picked up by spacecraft hovering in space. These electrons also create auroras in the ultraviolet spectrum. NASA will extend two of its planetary discovery missions including its Juno which detected the "cyclotron maser instability (CMI)" from Ganymede in the first place. "Electrons spiralling in Jupiter's magnetic field are thought to be the cause of the radio noise we hear," NASA said in a statement. Like Earth, Ganymede has a liquid iron core that generates a magnetic field, though Ganymede’s field is embedded within Jupiter’s magnetic field. That sets up an interesting dynamic with telltale visuals – twin bands of glowing aurora around Ganymede’s northern and southern polar regions. As Jupiter rotates, its magnetic field shifts, causing Ganymede’s aurora to rock. NASA Planetary Science Division Director Jim Green called the finding “an astounding demonstration.” “They developed a new approach to look inside a planetary body with a telescope,” Green said. 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.

NASA detects FM signals from Jupiter's moon Ganymede for the first time

<p>NASA recently shared a mesmerising image of the "Fireworks Galaxy". Officially known as the "NGC 6946", the galaxy has undergone 10 supernovae in just the last century, a characteristic on which its name is based.</p>

<p>For comparison, our galaxy - the Milky Way experiences one to two supernova every century.&nbsp;In the image, which was clicked by NASA's Hubble Space Telescope, one can see the stars, the spiralling arms, and other celestial facets of the Fireworks Galaxy.</p>

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<p>The galaxy is situated 25.2 million light-years away from Earth, and lies along the border of the constellations of Cepheus and Cygnus, which are situated in the north.</p>

<p>"In the last century alone, the Fireworks Galaxy (or NGC 6946) has experienced 10 observed supernovae. For context, our Milky Way Galaxy averages just one to two supernova events per century! The Fireworks Galaxy resides 25.2 million light-years away from us, along the border of the northern constellations of Cepheus and Cygnus," said NASA Hubble's Instagram caption.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="http://13.235.153.162/science/scientists-discover-the-oldest-most-distant-galaxy-till-date-354750" hreflang="en">Scientists discover the oldest, most distant galaxy till date</a></p>

<p>The galaxy is in the "face-on" position as opposed to the "edge-on" position, which means that the galaxy is facing us, as opposed to appearing from its side.</p>

<p>Officially, it is classified as an intermediate spiral galaxy as well as a starburst galaxy.</p>

<p><strong>Another galaxy-related feat achieved&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Earlier, astronomers peeked into what they considered the oldest and most distant galaxy to date.</p>

<p>Called GN-z11, the galaxy is 13.4 billion light-years or 134 nonillion kilometres away from us.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="http://13.235.153.162/science/nasa-captures-magnetic-fingerprint-of-a-galaxy-across-24000-light-years-353208" hreflang="en">NASA captures 'magnetic fingerprint' of a galaxy across 24,000 light years</a></p>

<p>The galaxy has been discovered by an international team of astronomers led by Nobunari Kashikawa, a professor at the department of astronomy at the University of Tokyo.</p>

<p>Kashikawa said - “From previous studies, the galaxy GN-z11 seems to be the farthest detectable galaxy from us, at 13.4 billion light-years, or 134 nonillion kilometres (that’s 134 followed by 30 zeros). But measuring and verifying such a distance is not an easy task.”</p>


NASA recently shared a mesmerising image of the "Fireworks Galaxy". Officially known as the "NGC 6946", the galaxy has undergone 10 supernovae in just the last century, a characteristic on which its name is based.

NASA recently shared a mesmerising image of the "Fireworks Galaxy". Officially known as the "NGC 6946", the galaxy has undergone 10 supernovae in just the last century, a characteristic on which its name is based. For comparison, our galaxy - the Milky Way experiences one to two supernova every century. In the image, which was clicked by NASA's Hubble Space Telescope, one can see the stars, the spiralling arms, and other celestial facets of the Fireworks Galaxy. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Hubble Space Telescope (@nasahubble) The galaxy is situated 25.2 million light-years away from Earth, and lies along the border of the constellations of Cepheus and Cygnus, which are situated in the north. "In the last century alone, the Fireworks Galaxy (or NGC 6946) has experienced 10 observed supernovae. For context, our Milky Way Galaxy averages just one to two supernova events per century! The Fireworks Galaxy resides 25.2 million light-years away from us, along the border of the northern constellations of Cepheus and Cygnus," said NASA Hubble's Instagram caption. Also read: Scientists discover the oldest, most distant galaxy till date The galaxy is in the "face-on" position as opposed to the "edge-on" position, which means that the galaxy is facing us, as opposed to appearing from its side. Officially, it is classified as an intermediate spiral galaxy as well as a starburst galaxy. Another galaxy-related feat achieved Earlier, astronomers peeked into what they considered the oldest and most distant galaxy to date. Called GN-z11, the galaxy is 13.4 billion light-years or 134 nonillion kilometres away from us. Also read: NASA captures 'magnetic fingerprint' of a galaxy across 24,000 light years The galaxy has been discovered by an international team of astronomers led by Nobunari Kashikawa, a professor at the department of astronomy at the University of Tokyo. Kashikawa said - “From previous studies, the galaxy GN-z11 seems to be the farthest detectable galaxy from us, at 13.4 billion light-years, or 134 nonillion kilometres (that’s 134 followed by 30 zeros). But measuring and verifying such a distance is not an easy task.”

Take a look at this newly released mesmerising image of 'Fireworks Galaxy'

<p>The Grand Canyon in the US state of Arizona may be huge, but it doesn’t stand a chance against the Martian counterpart. The Valles Marineris Canyon on Mars runs along the equator for over 4023 kilometres (2500 miles). NASA claims that it is so vast that it would reach from New York City to San Francisco had it existed on Earth.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/why-is-earth-spinning-faster-than-it-has-in-50-years-354845" hreflang="en">Why is Earth spinning faster than it has in 50 years?</a><br />
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Considered the largest canyon in the solar system, new images from NASA reinforce this claim.&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="a" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bf7c0dd2-bf0c-42e9-9036-1c1c17f61686" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%283%29_86.jpg" /></p>

<h6><em>Image courtesy: NASA/University of Arizona/JPL</em></h6>

<p>The Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter recently revealed more details about this mega canyon. Images of the canyon were taken using the HiRISE (High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment) - which is the most powerful camera ever to be sent to another planet.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="http://13.235.153.162/science/aliens-in-our-galaxy-may-have-perished-due-to-too-much-progress-study-suggests-351849" hreflang="en">Aliens in our galaxy may have perished due to too much progress, study suggests</a><br />
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According to the University of Arizona, it’s one of six instruments onboard the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. Scientists still don’t understand how the huge canyon came into being.</p>

<p><img alt="vv" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="890b9b5e-e6ee-4f11-8ff7-412181521842" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%284%29_67.jpg" /></p>

<h6><em>Image courtesy: NASA/University of Arizona/JPL</em></h6>

<p>"Unlike Earth's Grand Canyon, Valles Marineris probably wasn't carved out by billions of years of rushing water; the Red Planet is too hot and dry to have ever accommodated a river large enough to slash through the crust like that,"&nbsp;LiveScience claims.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="http://13.235.153.162/science/look-at-the-most-detailed-image-of-a-sunspot-ever-captured-349615" hreflang="en">Look at the most detailed image of a sunspot ever captured!</a></p>

<p>It is also entirely possible that a large area of the canyon cracked open billions of years ago, as claimed by the European Space Agency.</p>

<p>They claim that volcanoes in the Tharsis region may be partially responsible for the formation of the canyon.</p>


The Grand Canyon in the US state of Arizona may be huge, but it doesn’t stand a chance against the Martian counterpart. The Valles Marineris Canyon on Mars runs along the equator for over 4023 kilometres (2500 miles).

The Grand Canyon in the US state of Arizona may be huge, but it doesn’t stand a chance against the Martian counterpart. The Valles Marineris Canyon on Mars runs along the equator for over 4023 kilometres (2500 miles). NASA claims that it is so vast that it would reach from New York City to San Francisco had it existed on Earth. Also read: Why is Earth spinning faster than it has in 50 years? Considered the largest canyon in the solar system, new images from NASA reinforce this claim. Image courtesy: NASA/University of Arizona/JPL The Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter recently revealed more details about this mega canyon. Images of the canyon were taken using the HiRISE (High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment) - which is the most powerful camera ever to be sent to another planet. Also read: Aliens in our galaxy may have perished due to too much progress, study suggests According to the University of Arizona, it’s one of six instruments onboard the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. Scientists still don’t understand how the huge canyon came into being. Image courtesy: NASA/University of Arizona/JPL "Unlike Earth's Grand Canyon, Valles Marineris probably wasn't carved out by billions of years of rushing water; the Red Planet is too hot and dry to have ever accommodated a river large enough to slash through the crust like that," LiveScience claims. Also read: Look at the most detailed image of a sunspot ever captured! It is also entirely possible that a large area of the canyon cracked open billions of years ago, as claimed by the European Space Agency. They claim that volcanoes in the Tharsis region may be partially responsible for the formation of the canyon.

Photos by NASA reveal stunning details of our solar system's largest canyon

<p>In a month from now, three spacecraft will pull into the vicinity of Mars:&nbsp;the UAE's hope orbiter, NASA's perseverance rover and&nbsp;China's Tianwen-1 mission. They are all headed to Mars to find signs of life.</p>

<p>The year&nbsp;2021 is going to be a busy year for space explorers. Some exciting missions are expected to arrive at their destination. Three of them shall reach by next month.</p>

<p><strong>UAE</strong></p>

<p>Their destination is the same and so is their motive. They are all headed to Mars to find signs of life. The first to arrive will be the UAE's Hope Orbiter — the first-ever Arab mission to Mars.</p>

<p>This unmanned mission blasted off from Tanegashima, Japan on July 20, 2020. It's part of celebrations to mark the UAE's 50th anniversary this year and is&nbsp;expected to pull into the vicinity of Mars by the February 09. Once there, the mission will study the martian atmosphere. It is equipped with an infrared spectrometer to measure the planet's lower atmosphere, a&nbsp;high-resolution imager to provide information about the ozone and an ultraviolet spectrometer to measure oxygen and hydrogen levels.</p>

<p><strong>China</strong></p>

<p>The next to arrive will be the first Chinese mission to Mars on February 10. It is a long march five rocket&nbsp;that took off from the tropical island of Hainan last year and is&nbsp;called Tianwen or 'questions to heaven'. This mission has three aims: to place a probe in the orbit around Mars, land on the surface and&nbsp;then release a robotic rover to conduct analyses.</p>

<p>"The probe is currently flying at a speed of about 23 kilometres per second, which is basically two million kilometres per day. Its relative speed to the earth now is about 21 kilometres per second, that is, 1.8 million kilometres per day,"&nbsp;Li Zhencai, Deputy Commander, Tianwen-1 mars probe project, China Academy of Space Technology said.</p>

<p><strong>NASA</strong></p>

<p>Following Tianwen-1 will be NASA's perseverance rover which&nbsp;launched from Cape Canaveral in July 2020. The mission aims to land a rover vehicle on the surface of Mars. Once it has arrived by February 18, the rover will explore the site known as Jezero Crater — formally a lake — in search of signs of ancient life.</p>

<p>Around 40 rocks and oil samples will be collected and placed in tubes ready to be brought back to earth by another mission.</p>


In a month from now, three spacecraft will pull into the vicinity of Mars: the UAE's hope orbiter, NASA's perseverance rover and China's Tianwen-1 mission. They are all headed to Mars to find signs of life.

In a month from now, three spacecraft will pull into the vicinity of Mars: the UAE's hope orbiter, NASA's perseverance rover and China's Tianwen-1 mission. They are all headed to Mars to find signs of life. The year 2021 is going to be a busy year for space explorers. Some exciting missions are expected to arrive at their destination. Three of them shall reach by next month. UAE Their destination is the same and so is their motive. They are all headed to Mars to find signs of life. The first to arrive will be the UAE's Hope Orbiter — the first-ever Arab mission to Mars. This unmanned mission blasted off from Tanegashima, Japan on July 20, 2020. It's part of celebrations to mark the UAE's 50th anniversary this year and is expected to pull into the vicinity of Mars by the February 09. Once there, the mission will study the martian atmosphere. It is equipped with an infrared spectrometer to measure the planet's lower atmosphere, a high-resolution imager to provide information about the ozone and an ultraviolet spectrometer to measure oxygen and hydrogen levels. China The next to arrive will be the first Chinese mission to Mars on February 10. It is a long march five rocket that took off from the tropical island of Hainan last year and is called Tianwen or 'questions to heaven'. This mission has three aims: to place a probe in the orbit around Mars, land on the surface and then release a robotic rover to conduct analyses. "The probe is currently flying at a speed of about 23 kilometres per second, which is basically two million kilometres per day. Its relative speed to the earth now is about 21 kilometres per second, that is, 1.8 million kilometres per day," Li Zhencai, Deputy Commander, Tianwen-1 mars probe project, China Academy of Space Technology said. NASA Following Tianwen-1 will be NASA's perseverance rover which launched from Cape Canaveral in July 2020. The mission aims to land a rover vehicle on the surface of Mars. Once it has arrived by February 18, the rover will explore the site known as Jezero Crater — formally a lake — in search of signs of ancient life. Around 40 rocks and oil samples will be collected and placed in tubes ready to be brought back to earth by another mission.

Space explorers: UAE, China and NASA race to Mars in 2021

<p>Quadrantids meteor showers will&nbsp;illuminate the night sky over the New Year weekend with up to 200 shooting stars every hour.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per the&nbsp;National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the&nbsp;<strong>Quadrantids meteor shower</strong>&nbsp;is described&nbsp;as one of the best annual meteor showers.</p>

<p>During its peak, 60 to as many as 200 Quadrantid meteors can be seen per hour under perfect conditions.</p>

<p>According to the International Meteor Organisation (IMO), the peak is expected to occur at around 14:30 GMT on Sunday, January 3.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Quadrantids are known for their bright fireball meteors and are unique because they originate from an asteroid, instead of a comet. The fireballs are explosions of light and colour and last longer than the normal meteor streak.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The annual meteor shower runs every year&nbsp;between December 28 and January 12, but in 2021 the best views in the UK will be after dark on January 2 and 3. It&nbsp;is expected to peak Friday night into Saturday morning.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meteors are pieces of rocky debris that enter the Earth's atmosphere at up to 40 miles per second, leaving streaks of light that we refer to as 'shooting stars'.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Quadrantids are best viewed in the Northern Hemisphere (this shower can also be seen at latitudes north of 51 degrees south) during the night and predawn hours.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The American Meteor Society has suggested the viewers start the gaze an hour before the peak timings in case the show starts early. To get a good view, avoid daylights and find a darker location.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Their radiant—the point in the sky from which the Quadrantids appear to come from -- is an obsolete constellation called "Quadrans Muralis." French astronomer Jerome Lalande created this constellation in 1795.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Unlike most meteor showers which originate from comets, the Quadrantids originate from an asteroid: asteroid 2003 EH1. Asteroid 2003 EH1 takes 5.52 years to orbit the sun once. It is possible that 2003 EH is a "dead comet" or a new kind of object being discussed by astronomers called a "rock comet."</p>


Quadrantids meteor showers will illuminate the night sky over the New Year weekend with up to 200 shooting stars every hour. As per the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the Quadrantids meteor shower is described as one of the best annual meteor showers.

Quadrantids meteor showers will illuminate the night sky over the New Year weekend with up to 200 shooting stars every hour. As per the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the Quadrantids meteor shower is described as one of the best annual meteor showers. During its peak, 60 to as many as 200 Quadrantid meteors can be seen per hour under perfect conditions. According to the International Meteor Organisation (IMO), the peak is expected to occur at around 14:30 GMT on Sunday, January 3. The Quadrantids are known for their bright fireball meteors and are unique because they originate from an asteroid, instead of a comet. The fireballs are explosions of light and colour and last longer than the normal meteor streak. The annual meteor shower runs every year between December 28 and January 12, but in 2021 the best views in the UK will be after dark on January 2 and 3. It is expected to peak Friday night into Saturday morning. Meteors are pieces of rocky debris that enter the Earth's atmosphere at up to 40 miles per second, leaving streaks of light that we refer to as 'shooting stars'. The Quadrantids are best viewed in the Northern Hemisphere (this shower can also be seen at latitudes north of 51 degrees south) during the night and predawn hours. The American Meteor Society has suggested the viewers start the gaze an hour before the peak timings in case the show starts early. To get a good view, avoid daylights and find a darker location. Their radiant—the point in the sky from which the Quadrantids appear to come from -- is an obsolete constellation called "Quadrans Muralis." French astronomer Jerome Lalande created this constellation in 1795. Unlike most meteor showers which originate from comets, the Quadrantids originate from an asteroid: asteroid 2003 EH1. Asteroid 2003 EH1 takes 5.52 years to orbit the sun once. It is possible that 2003 EH is a "dead comet" or a new kind of object being discussed by astronomers called a "rock comet."

Quadrantid meteor shower to light up sky over New Year's weekend

<p>The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) on Tuesday captured the 'magnetic&nbsp;fingerprint' of a galaxy across&nbsp;24,000 light-years.</p>

<p>The mesmerising image depicts magnetic fields in galaxy NGC 1068&nbsp;or M77,&nbsp;streamlining&nbsp;over visible light and X-ray composite image of the galaxy from the&nbsp;Hubble Space Telescope,&nbsp;NuSTAR&nbsp;or the Nuclear Spectroscopic Array, and the&nbsp;Sloan Digital Sky Survey.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/molten-ring-nasa-captures-the-largest-einstein-rings-of-the-universe-352969" hreflang="en">'Molten ring': NASA captures the largest Einstein rings of the universe</a></strong></p>

<p itemprop="caption">NGC 1068 appears to have a complex inner structure.&nbsp;This galaxy is basically analogous to NGC 4736 (M94) showing a strikingly similar overall morphology.&nbsp;The extended outer disk shows signs of interaction and misalignment, probably a result of a recent bombardment.</p>

<p>The magnetic fields aligned along the entire length of the massive spiral arms,&nbsp;24,000 light-years across (0.8 kiloparsecs)&nbsp;implying that the gravitational forces that created the galaxy’s shape are also compressing its magnetic field.</p>

<p>This supports the leading theory of how the spiral arms are forced into their iconic shape known as “density wave theory.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA),&nbsp;studied the galaxy using far-infrared light (89 microns) to reveal facets of its magnetic fields than previous observations using visible and radio telescopes could not detect.</p>


The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) on Tuesday captured the 'magnetic fingerprint' of a galaxy across 24,000 light-years. The mesmerising image depicts magnetic fields in galaxy NGC 1068 or M77, streamlining over visible light and X-ray composite image of the galaxy from the Hubble Space Telescope, NuSTAR or the Nuclear Spectroscopic Array, and the Sloan Digital Sky Survey.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) on Tuesday captured the 'magnetic fingerprint' of a galaxy across 24,000 light-years. The mesmerising image depicts magnetic fields in galaxy NGC 1068 or M77, streamlining over visible light and X-ray composite image of the galaxy from the Hubble Space Telescope, NuSTAR or the Nuclear Spectroscopic Array, and the Sloan Digital Sky Survey. Also read: 'Molten ring': NASA captures the largest Einstein rings of the universe NGC 1068 appears to have a complex inner structure. This galaxy is basically analogous to NGC 4736 (M94) showing a strikingly similar overall morphology. The extended outer disk shows signs of interaction and misalignment, probably a result of a recent bombardment. The magnetic fields aligned along the entire length of the massive spiral arms, 24,000 light-years across (0.8 kiloparsecs) implying that the gravitational forces that created the galaxy’s shape are also compressing its magnetic field. This supports the leading theory of how the spiral arms are forced into their iconic shape known as “density wave theory.” The Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA), studied the galaxy using far-infrared light (89 microns) to reveal facets of its magnetic fields than previous observations using visible and radio telescopes could not detect.

NASA captures 'magnetic fingerprint' of a galaxy across 24,000 light years

<p>The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has captured&nbsp;the largest and one of the most complete&nbsp;Einstein rings&nbsp;ever discovered in our universe.</p>

<p>Named&nbsp;GAL-CLUS-022058s, the Einstein ring is&nbsp;located in the southern hemisphere constellation of&nbsp;Fornax&nbsp;(the Furnace) and was&nbsp;captured by&nbsp;Hubble Space Telescope.</p>

<p>The object has been nicknamed by astronomers studying this Einstein ring as the "Molten Ring," which alludes to its appearance and host constellation.</p>

<p><strong>Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/top-10-mind-bending-space-discoveries-and-observations-from-2020-349472" hreflang="en">Top 10 mind-bending space discoveries and observations from 2020</a></strong></p>

<p>First theorised to exist by Einstein in his general theory of&nbsp;relativity, this object’s unusual shape can be explained by a process called&nbsp;gravitational lensing, which causes light shining from far away to be bent and pulled by the gravity of an object between its source and the observer.</p>

<p>One of the advantages of this lensing effect is that it actually allows scientists to better study the farther away galaxy, which might have been completely invisible otherwise.</p>

<p>In this case, the light from the background galaxy has been distorted into the curve we see by the gravity of the galaxy cluster sitting in front of it.</p>

<p>While this is not the only known example of the phenomenon happening, it is one of the most striking.</p>

<p>The near exact alignment of the background galaxy with the central elliptical galaxy of the cluster, seen in the middle of this image,&nbsp;has warped and magnified the image of the background galaxy into an almost perfect ring. The gravity from other galaxies in the cluster causes additional distortions.</p>


The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has captured the largest and one of the most complete Einstein rings ever discovered in our universe. Named GAL-CLUS-022058s, the Einstein ring is located in the southern hemisphere constellation of Fornax (the Furnace) and was captured by Hubble Space Telescope.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has captured the largest and one of the most complete Einstein rings ever discovered in our universe. Named GAL-CLUS-022058s, the Einstein ring is located in the southern hemisphere constellation of Fornax (the Furnace) and was captured by Hubble Space Telescope. The object has been nicknamed by astronomers studying this Einstein ring as the "Molten Ring," which alludes to its appearance and host constellation. Also see: Top 10 mind-bending space discoveries and observations from 2020 First theorised to exist by Einstein in his general theory of relativity, this object’s unusual shape can be explained by a process called gravitational lensing, which causes light shining from far away to be bent and pulled by the gravity of an object between its source and the observer. One of the advantages of this lensing effect is that it actually allows scientists to better study the farther away galaxy, which might have been completely invisible otherwise. In this case, the light from the background galaxy has been distorted into the curve we see by the gravity of the galaxy cluster sitting in front of it. While this is not the only known example of the phenomenon happening, it is one of the most striking. The near exact alignment of the background galaxy with the central elliptical galaxy of the cluster, seen in the middle of this image, has warped and magnified the image of the background galaxy into an almost perfect ring. The gravity from other galaxies in the cluster causes additional distortions.

'Molten ring': NASA captures the largest Einstein rings of the universe

<p>A new study has revealed that that skills strongly associated with driving ability can be "seriously" impaired by the equivalent of less than half a beer.</p>

<p>Scientists with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) California-based&nbsp; Ames Research Center and San José State University warned that hand-eye coordination in driving and other activities is compromised after consuming the equivalent of less than a half of beer, for a person around 75 kg in weight.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The findings provide new information on the potential impact of even minimal alcohol consumption on high-risk human activities that rely on keen visual and visuomotor control, like driving, piloting, or working heavy machinery.<br />
<br />
In previous studies, eye movements and vision were only affected at blood alcohol concentrations (BACs) approaching the legal limit for driving.<br />
<br />
The study from the research team based at NASA`s Ames Research Center in California found for the first time that hand-eye coordination is dramatically more sensitive to alcohol with some measures of coordination impaired by more than 20 per cent at BAC levels as low as 0.015 per cent.<br />
<br />
"Our findings provide a cautionary tale that the subjective experience of drunkenness is often not aligned with objective impairment of sensorimotor coordination. In other words, most people feel they are unimpaired after one drink, yet they are to a significant degree," said Terence Tyson, first author on the study in a paper published in The Journal of Physiology.<br />
<br />
Driving may be affected by drinking just a small amount of alcohol, even though the driver may feel fine and be well within the legal limit, Tyson added.<br />
<br />
To reach this conclusion, the researchers measured volunteers` eye movements, pupil responses, and BAC, multiple times during a day while they performed a specially designed task, before and after they drank alcohol.<br />
<br />
At random, the volunteers were assigned a mixed drink containing a certain quantity of alcohol achieving either the higher (0.06 per cent) or lower (0.02 per cent) peak BAC levels so that they were not aware of exactly how much they drank on a given day.<br />
<br />
The researchers then computed 21 different ocular measures that have been shown to assess neural processing in specific brain areas that contribute to different components of the eye-movement and pupillary responses.<br />
<br />
The study participants were men and women, mostly in their 20s, who drink on average 1-2 drinks per week.<br />
<br />
The researchers made sure that participants had a full night`s sleep the night before, and asked that they abstain from both alcohol and caffeine consumption for several nights in a row prior to testing.<br />
<br />
Apart from this finding specific to alcohol-induced impairment, this study further demonstrated how an especially designed collection of non-invasive eye measurements can be used to measure mild deficits of processing in the brain.<br />
<br />
In future studies, the researchers plan to look at how their eye measurements are affected by other types of neurological conditions, such as those caused by degenerative diseases or toxic exposures.<br />
<br />
NASA is interested in developing sensitive yet non-invasive methods for detecting mild impairments.</p>


A new study has revealed that that skills strongly associated with driving ability can be "seriously" impaired by the equivalent of less than half a beer. Scientists with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) California-based Ames Research Center and San José State University warned that hand-eye coordination in driving and other activities is compromised after consuming the equivalent of less than a half of beer, for a person around 75 kg in weight.

A new study has revealed that that skills strongly associated with driving ability can be "seriously" impaired by the equivalent of less than half a beer. Scientists with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) California-based Ames Research Center and San José State University warned that hand-eye coordination in driving and other activities is compromised after consuming the equivalent of less than a half of beer, for a person around 75 kg in weight. The findings provide new information on the potential impact of even minimal alcohol consumption on high-risk human activities that rely on keen visual and visuomotor control, like driving, piloting, or working heavy machinery. In previous studies, eye movements and vision were only affected at blood alcohol concentrations (BACs) approaching the legal limit for driving. The study from the research team based at NASA`s Ames Research Center in California found for the first time that hand-eye coordination is dramatically more sensitive to alcohol with some measures of coordination impaired by more than 20 per cent at BAC levels as low as 0.015 per cent. "Our findings provide a cautionary tale that the subjective experience of drunkenness is often not aligned with objective impairment of sensorimotor coordination. In other words, most people feel they are unimpaired after one drink, yet they are to a significant degree," said Terence Tyson, first author on the study in a paper published in The Journal of Physiology. Driving may be affected by drinking just a small amount of alcohol, even though the driver may feel fine and be well within the legal limit, Tyson added. To reach this conclusion, the researchers measured volunteers` eye movements, pupil responses, and BAC, multiple times during a day while they performed a specially designed task, before and after they drank alcohol. At random, the volunteers were assigned a mixed drink containing a certain quantity of alcohol achieving either the higher (0.06 per cent) or lower (0.02 per cent) peak BAC levels so that they were not aware of exactly how much they drank on a given day. The researchers then computed 21 different ocular measures that have been shown to assess neural processing in specific brain areas that contribute to different components of the eye-movement and pupillary responses. The study participants were men and women, mostly in their 20s, who drink on average 1-2 drinks per week. The researchers made sure that participants had a full night`s sleep the night before, and asked that they abstain from both alcohol and caffeine consumption for several nights in a row prior to testing. Apart from this finding specific to alcohol-induced impairment, this study further demonstrated how an especially designed collection of non-invasive eye measurements can be used to measure mild deficits of processing in the brain. In future studies, the researchers plan to look at how their eye measurements are affected by other types of neurological conditions, such as those caused by degenerative diseases or toxic exposures. NASA is interested in developing sensitive yet non-invasive methods for detecting mild impairments.

Don't drink and drive: Study shows only half a beer can hamper hand-eye coordination

<p>A newly discovered comet was photographed flying past the sun during the solar eclipse&nbsp;witnessed by Chile and Argentina.</p>

<p>The comet called&nbsp;C/2020 X3&nbsp;was first spotted by Thai novice space expert Worachate Boonplod in satellite information on December 13, a day prior to the overshadowing, NASA said on Saturday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He was participating in the NASA-supported Sungrazer Project — a resident science venture that welcomes anybody to look for new comets in pictures from the joint European Space Agency and NASA Solar and Heliospheric Observatory, or SOHO.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/solar-eclipse-plunges-south-america-into-darkness-for-two-minutes-349881">Solar eclipse plunges South America into darkness for two minutes</a></strong></p>

<p>The comet, named C/2020 X3 (SOHO), is known as a Kreutz sungrazer, NASA said. This group of comets began from a huge parent comet that split up into more modest pieces well over 1,000 years back. The sungrazers keep on orbitting around the sun today.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Boonplod realized the overshadowing was coming and was anxious to see whether his new comet revelation may show up in the sun's external environment.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A satellite picture of the sun, shaded in red, shows a splendid bit of light circling the Sun. Around the time the overshadowing picture was taken, the comet was going at approximately 450,000 miles for every hour, about 2.7 million miles from the sun's surface, NASA said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The comet was around 50 feet (15 meters) in breadth — about the length of a semi-truck, NASA said. It at that point broke down to tidy particles because of serious solar radiation, a couple of hours prior to arriving at its nearest highlight the sun.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Individuals in Chile and Argentina were blessed to receive the last absolute sunlight based shroud of 2020 last Monday. During an absolute sun powered shroud, the moon totally hinders the sun aside from the sun's external climate, called the crown, to make a lovely ring of light.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kreutz sungrazer comets are most ordinarily found in SOHO pictures. The space observatory's camera works by copying complete solar radiation shrouds: A strong circle shut out the generally blinding light of the sun, uncovering dimmer highlights in its external environment and other divine articles like comets.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Until now, 4,108 comets have been found in SOHO pictures, with this comet being the 3,524th Kreutz sungrazer spotted, NASA said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>To the extent is known, no comets have ever really been believed to hit the sun-based surface, or the photosphere, the European Space Agency said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Kreutz sungrazers get to inside around 31,000 miles (50,000 kilometers) of the surface, simply going through the lower locales of the sun oriented air (the crown). Most generally vanish in the hot sun based environment.</p>


A newly discovered comet was photographed flying past the sun during the solar eclipse witnessed by Chile and Argentina. The comet called C/2020 X3 was first spotted by Thai novice space expert Worachate Boonplod in satellite information on December 13, a day prior to the overshadowing, NASA said on Saturday.

A newly discovered comet was photographed flying past the sun during the solar eclipse witnessed by Chile and Argentina. The comet called C/2020 X3 was first spotted by Thai novice space expert Worachate Boonplod in satellite information on December 13, a day prior to the overshadowing, NASA said on Saturday. He was participating in the NASA-supported Sungrazer Project — a resident science venture that welcomes anybody to look for new comets in pictures from the joint European Space Agency and NASA Solar and Heliospheric Observatory, or SOHO. Also see: Solar eclipse plunges South America into darkness for two minutes The comet, named C/2020 X3 (SOHO), is known as a Kreutz sungrazer, NASA said. This group of comets began from a huge parent comet that split up into more modest pieces well over 1,000 years back. The sungrazers keep on orbitting around the sun today. Boonplod realized the overshadowing was coming and was anxious to see whether his new comet revelation may show up in the sun's external environment. A satellite picture of the sun, shaded in red, shows a splendid bit of light circling the Sun. Around the time the overshadowing picture was taken, the comet was going at approximately 450,000 miles for every hour, about 2.7 million miles from the sun's surface, NASA said. The comet was around 50 feet (15 meters) in breadth — about the length of a semi-truck, NASA said. It at that point broke down to tidy particles because of serious solar radiation, a couple of hours prior to arriving at its nearest highlight the sun. Individuals in Chile and Argentina were blessed to receive the last absolute sunlight based shroud of 2020 last Monday. During an absolute sun powered shroud, the moon totally hinders the sun aside from the sun's external climate, called the crown, to make a lovely ring of light. Kreutz sungrazer comets are most ordinarily found in SOHO pictures. The space observatory's camera works by copying complete solar radiation shrouds: A strong circle shut out the generally blinding light of the sun, uncovering dimmer highlights in its external environment and other divine articles like comets. Until now, 4,108 comets have been found in SOHO pictures, with this comet being the 3,524th Kreutz sungrazer spotted, NASA said. To the extent is known, no comets have ever really been believed to hit the sun-based surface, or the photosphere, the European Space Agency said. The Kreutz sungrazers get to inside around 31,000 miles (50,000 kilometers) of the surface, simply going through the lower locales of the sun oriented air (the crown). Most generally vanish in the hot sun based environment.

Newly discovered comet captured flying past the sun during solar eclipse

<p>When humans get to Mars one day, they'll have some pressing needs. One of those is water.</p>

<p>Water is substantial and difficult to move through space, so preferably they'll have the option to discover what they need to make due on Mars itself.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A new study led by researchers at the Planetary Science Institute (PSI) points to a "large, previously unrecognized reservoir of water ice" in the Nereidum Montes region of Mars.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The paper - distributed in the diary Icarus - inspected Viscous Flow Features (VFFs), frosty developments found on the red planet.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/aliens-calling-scientists-receive-radio-signals-from-faraway-planet-350645" hreflang="en">Aliens calling? Scientists receive radio signals from faraway planet</a></strong></p>

<p>VFFs have been contrasted and chilly arrangements on Earth and could be a likely wellspring of water for space travelers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Our radar examination shows that in any event one of these highlights is around 500 meters thick and almost 100 per cent&nbsp;ice, with a flotsam and jetsam covering all things considered ten meters thick," said PSI Senior researcher Daniel Berman, lead creator of the paper, in articulation on Monday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>These water ice stores could speak to "conceivably the biggest groupings of any non-polar area in the southern half of the globe," as indicated by PSI. The specialists utilized information from NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter to find the VFFs, which date to inside the last hardly any million years of the planet's set of experiences.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The study ties in with other research on the history and current presence of water on Mars. NASA shared a "treasure map" of water ice deposits on Mars in 2019.</p>

<p>While it's enticing to pack a hairdryer and straw and head for Nereidum Montes, it won't be that straightforward for future red planet adventurers. "This area would be an intriguing landing site because of the lot of ice, which could be utilized as a hotspot for water," Berman said. "Shockingly, it is bumpy territory and it would almost certainly be extremely hard to land there."</p>


When humans get to Mars one day, they'll have some pressing needs. One of those is water. Water is substantial and difficult to move through space, so preferably they'll have the option to discover what they need to make due on Mars itself.

When humans get to Mars one day, they'll have some pressing needs. One of those is water. Water is substantial and difficult to move through space, so preferably they'll have the option to discover what they need to make due on Mars itself. A new study led by researchers at the Planetary Science Institute (PSI) points to a "large, previously unrecognized reservoir of water ice" in the Nereidum Montes region of Mars. The paper - distributed in the diary Icarus - inspected Viscous Flow Features (VFFs), frosty developments found on the red planet. Also read: Aliens calling? Scientists receive radio signals from faraway planet VFFs have been contrasted and chilly arrangements on Earth and could be a likely wellspring of water for space travelers. "Our radar examination shows that in any event one of these highlights is around 500 meters thick and almost 100 per cent ice, with a flotsam and jetsam covering all things considered ten meters thick," said PSI Senior researcher Daniel Berman, lead creator of the paper, in articulation on Monday. These water ice stores could speak to "conceivably the biggest groupings of any non-polar area in the southern half of the globe," as indicated by PSI. The specialists utilized information from NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter to find the VFFs, which date to inside the last hardly any million years of the planet's set of experiences. The study ties in with other research on the history and current presence of water on Mars. NASA shared a "treasure map" of water ice deposits on Mars in 2019. While it's enticing to pack a hairdryer and straw and head for Nereidum Montes, it won't be that straightforward for future red planet adventurers. "This area would be an intriguing landing site because of the lot of ice, which could be utilized as a hotspot for water," Berman said. "Shockingly, it is bumpy territory and it would almost certainly be extremely hard to land there."

Scientists discover 'previously unrecognised' water ice reservoir on Mars

<p>Skywatchers are in for a treat as&nbsp;Saturn, Jupiter and the Moon are going to&nbsp;form a triangle in the sky on December 21 in a phenomenon&nbsp;known as the&nbsp;'great conjunction'.</p>

<p>This week Jupiter and Saturn are low in the southwest during the nippy December sunset. At the point when this month started, they were isolated by 2.1 degrees.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Yet, in the days that followed, they have been gradually moving toward one another; drawing nearer by about 0.1 degrees every day on their way toward the hotly anticipated "extraordinary combination" next Monday night (Dec. 21). They are crawling nearer to one another will be additionally charged by the entry on Wednesday and Thursday nights (Dec. 16-17) of a frontal area waxing bow moon.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Dancing across the night sky, Jupiter and Saturn will make their showstopping move on Dec. 21 when they align to form what's known as the "Great Conjunction." Here's how you can watch: <a href="https://t.co/VoNAbNAMXY">https://t.co/VoNAbNAMXY</a><br />
<br />
📸 : <a href="https://twitter.com/nasahqphoto?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NASAHQphoto</a> <a href="https://t.co/LLqLfujIlD">pic.twitter.com/LLqLfujIlD</a></p>
— NASA (@NASA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASA/status/1339010857443930112?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>The two planets are moving toward the east regarding the stars, with the slowest, Saturn, at first in the number one spot, and Jupiter, the quicker planet, in the back. In this way, December started with a thickset askew line of Saturn and Jupiter (from upper left to bring down right) along the ecliptic — that fanciful line on the sky that denotes the yearly way of the sun, just as where the moon and planets likewise meander.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/five-asteroids-to-make-close-call-to-earth-this-week-350377" hreflang="en">Five asteroids to make close call to Earth this week</a></strong></p>

<p>As time passes the movement of fervor has been animating as the hole among Saturn and Jupiter has been quickly contracting.&nbsp;</p>

<p>What's more, presently we have shown up at the "final lap" of their hotly anticipated meeting.&nbsp;</p>

<p>What has become referred to prominently as the "Christmas Star" is a particularly lively planetary combination effectively obvious at night sky throughout the following fourteen days as the splendid planets Jupiter and Saturn meet up, coming full circle the evening of December&nbsp;21.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In 1610, Italian space expert Galileo Galilei guided his telescope toward the night sky, finding the four moons of Jupiter – Io, Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto. In that very year, Galileo additionally found an unusual oval encompassing Saturn, which later perceptions resolved to be its rings. These revelations changed how individuals comprehended the most distant spans of our close planetary system.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After thirteen years, in 1623, the nearby planetary group's two goliath planets, Jupiter and Saturn, traversed the sky. Jupiter got up to speed to and passed Saturn, on a galactic occasion known as an "Incredible Conjunction."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"You can envision the nearby planetary group to be a course, with every one of the planets as a sprinter in their own path and the Earth toward the focal point of the arena," said Henry Throop, space expert in the Planetary Science Division at NASA Headquarters in Washington. "From our vantage point, we'll have the option to be to see Jupiter within the path, moving toward Saturn throughout the month lastly overwhelming it on December 21."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The planets routinely seem to pass each other in the close planetary system, with the places of Jupiter and Saturn being adjusted in the sky about once at regular intervals.&nbsp;</p>

<p>What makes the current year's exhibition so uncommon, at that point? It's been almost a long time since the planets passed this near one another in the sky, and almost a long time since the arrangement of Saturn and Jupiter happened around evening time, as it will for 2020, permitting almost everybody around the globe to observe this "incredible combination."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The nearest arrangement will show up only a tenth of a degree separated and keep going for a couple of days. On December 21, they will show up so close that a pinkie finger at a manageable distance will effortlessly cover the two planets in the sky. The planets will be anything but difficult to see with the independent eye by looking toward the southwest soon after dusk.&nbsp;</p>

<p>From our vantage point on Earth the colossal gas monsters will show up near one another, however, they will stay a huge number of miles separated in space. And keeping in mind that the combination is going on around the same time as the colder time of year solstice, the circumstance is just an incident, in light of the circles of the planets and the tilt of the Earth.&nbsp;</p>


Skywatchers are in for a treat as Saturn, Jupiter and the Moon are going to form a triangle in the sky on December 21 in a phenomenon known as the 'great conjunction'.

Skywatchers are in for a treat as Saturn, Jupiter and the Moon are going to form a triangle in the sky on December 21 in a phenomenon known as the 'great conjunction'. This week Jupiter and Saturn are low in the southwest during the nippy December sunset. At the point when this month started, they were isolated by 2.1 degrees. Yet, in the days that followed, they have been gradually moving toward one another; drawing nearer by about 0.1 degrees every day on their way toward the hotly anticipated "extraordinary combination" next Monday night (Dec. 21). They are crawling nearer to one another will be additionally charged by the entry on Wednesday and Thursday nights (Dec. 16-17) of a frontal area waxing bow moon. Dancing across the night sky, Jupiter and Saturn will make their showstopping move on Dec. 21 when they align to form what's known as the "Great Conjunction." Here's how you can watch: https://t.co/VoNAbNAMXY 📸 : @NASAHQphoto pic.twitter.com/LLqLfujIlD — NASA (@NASA) December 16, 2020 × The two planets are moving toward the east regarding the stars, with the slowest, Saturn, at first in the number one spot, and Jupiter, the quicker planet, in the back. In this way, December started with a thickset askew line of Saturn and Jupiter (from upper left to bring down right) along the ecliptic — that fanciful line on the sky that denotes the yearly way of the sun, just as where the moon and planets likewise meander. Also read: Five asteroids to make close call to Earth this week As time passes the movement of fervor has been animating as the hole among Saturn and Jupiter has been quickly contracting. What's more, presently we have shown up at the "final lap" of their hotly anticipated meeting. What has become referred to prominently as the "Christmas Star" is a particularly lively planetary combination effectively obvious at night sky throughout the following fourteen days as the splendid planets Jupiter and Saturn meet up, coming full circle the evening of December 21. In 1610, Italian space expert Galileo Galilei guided his telescope toward the night sky, finding the four moons of Jupiter – Io, Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto. In that very year, Galileo additionally found an unusual oval encompassing Saturn, which later perceptions resolved to be its rings. These revelations changed how individuals comprehended the most distant spans of our close planetary system. After thirteen years, in 1623, the nearby planetary group's two goliath planets, Jupiter and Saturn, traversed the sky. Jupiter got up to speed to and passed Saturn, on a galactic occasion known as an "Incredible Conjunction." "You can envision the nearby planetary group to be a course, with every one of the planets as a sprinter in their own path and the Earth toward the focal point of the arena," said Henry Throop, space expert in the Planetary Science Division at NASA Headquarters in Washington. "From our vantage point, we'll have the option to be to see Jupiter within the path, moving toward Saturn throughout the month lastly overwhelming it on December 21." The planets routinely seem to pass each other in the close planetary system, with the places of Jupiter and Saturn being adjusted in the sky about once at regular intervals. What makes the current year's exhibition so uncommon, at that point? It's been almost a long time since the planets passed this near one another in the sky, and almost a long time since the arrangement of Saturn and Jupiter happened around evening time, as it will for 2020, permitting almost everybody around the globe to observe this "incredible combination." The nearest arrangement will show up only a tenth of a degree separated and keep going for a couple of days. On December 21, they will show up so close that a pinkie finger at a manageable distance will effortlessly cover the two planets in the sky. The planets will be anything but difficult to see with the independent eye by looking toward the southwest soon after dusk. From our vantage point on Earth the colossal gas monsters will show up near one another, however, they will stay a huge number of miles separated in space. And keeping in mind that the combination is going on around the same time as the colder time of year solstice, the circumstance is just an incident, in light of the circles of the planets and the tilt of the Earth.

'Great conjunction': Saturn, Jupiter and the Moon to form triangle in the sky

<p>The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has captured the satellite image of the&nbsp;Himalayan mountains, Delhi's city lights from space.</p>

<p>The&nbsp;long-exposure image also shows orange airglow of atmospheric particles reacting to solar radiation.⁣</p>

<p>NASA took to social networking site Instagram to share the image of the snow-covered Himalayan Mountains&nbsp;taken by a crew member aboard the International Space Station (ISS).</p>

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<p>The Himalayan mountain range has some of the highest peaks on Earth, including Mount Everest, located at the border between Nepal and China.</p>

<p>Since being shared the post has garnered over a million likes and four thousand comments all gushing about the phenomenal shot.</p>


The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has captured the satellite image of the Himalayan mountains, Delhi's city lights from space. The long-exposure image also shows orange airglow of atmospheric particles reacting to solar radiation.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has captured the satellite image of the Himalayan mountains, Delhi's city lights from space. The long-exposure image also shows orange airglow of atmospheric particles reacting to solar radiation.⁣ NASA took to social networking site Instagram to share the image of the snow-covered Himalayan Mountains taken by a crew member aboard the International Space Station (ISS). View this post on Instagram A post shared by NASA (@nasa) The Himalayan mountain range has some of the highest peaks on Earth, including Mount Everest, located at the border between Nepal and China. Since being shared the post has garnered over a million likes and four thousand comments all gushing about the phenomenal shot.

Watch: NASA captures Himalayan mountains, Delhi's city lights from space

<p>The Earth is going to witness a breathtaking meteor shower this weekend.</p>

<p>This spectacular show -- the Geminid meteor shower -- is expected to go on till December 14.&nbsp;</p>

<p>NASA has revealed that the shower will be prominently visible in the Northern Hemisphere. The best line-up is expected to turn up on the night of &nbsp;December 13, which will continue through the next day.</p>

<p>Geminids are a trail of dust that left behind comet 3200 Phaethon, a couple of thousand years ago. They are mostly seen in the star constellation Gemini, hence the name.</p>

<p>The comet is known to travel around the sun once every 1.4 years disintegrating its dust every time it crosses our Sun.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The shower was first spotted in 1862, but researchers could only learn about its source -- Phaethon -- more than a century later in 1983.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This year, as per the reports, experts suggest 2 am as the best time to witness the meteor shower in India.</p>

<p>NASA said in a statement, “If it's not cloudy, get away from bright lights, lie on your back, and lookup. Remember to let your eyes get adjusted to the dark – you'll see more meteors that way. Keep in mind, this adjustment can take approximately 30 minutes. Don't look at your cell phone screen, as it will ruin your night vision!”</p>


The Earth is going to witness a breathtaking meteor shower this weekend. This spectacular show -- the Geminid meteor shower -- is expected to go on till December 14.

The Earth is going to witness a breathtaking meteor shower this weekend. This spectacular show -- the Geminid meteor shower -- is expected to go on till December 14. NASA has revealed that the shower will be prominently visible in the Northern Hemisphere. The best line-up is expected to turn up on the night of December 13, which will continue through the next day. Geminids are a trail of dust that left behind comet 3200 Phaethon, a couple of thousand years ago. They are mostly seen in the star constellation Gemini, hence the name. The comet is known to travel around the sun once every 1.4 years disintegrating its dust every time it crosses our Sun. The shower was first spotted in 1862, but researchers could only learn about its source -- Phaethon -- more than a century later in 1983. This year, as per the reports, experts suggest 2 am as the best time to witness the meteor shower in India. NASA said in a statement, “If it's not cloudy, get away from bright lights, lie on your back, and lookup. Remember to let your eyes get adjusted to the dark – you'll see more meteors that way. Keep in mind, this adjustment can take approximately 30 minutes. Don't look at your cell phone screen, as it will ruin your night vision!”

Don't miss Geminid meteor shower with over 100 shooting stars this weekend

<p>An Indian-American is among the 18 astronauts selected by NASA for its manned mission to the Moon and beyond.</p>

<p>NASA on Wednesday named the 18 astronauts -- half of them women -- who will train for its Artemis moon-landing programme.</p>

<p>Raja Jon Vurputoor Chari, 43, a graduate of the US Air Force Academy, MIT, and US Naval Test Pilot School, is the only Indian-American in the list.</p>

<p>He was selected by NASA to join the 2017 Astronaut Candidate Class.</p>

<p>He reported for duty in August 2017 and has completed the initial astronaut candidate training is now eligible for a mission assignment.</p>

<p>"My fellow Americans, I give you the heroes of the future who will carry us back to the Moon and beyond: the Artemis Generation," Vice President Mike Pence said at NASA's Kennedy Space Centre in Florida on Wednesday.</p>

<p>"It really is amazing to think that the next man and the first woman on the Moon are among the names that we just read. We started today reflecting on a great hero of the past. The Artemis Generation are the heroes of American space exploration in the future," Pence said after he introduced the members of the Artemis Team during the eighth National Space Council meeting.</p>

<p>The astronauts on the Artemis Team come from a diverse range of backgrounds, expertise and experience.</p>

<p>Most of the astronauts in the group are in their 30s or 40s.</p>

<p>The oldest is 55, the youngest 32.</p>

<p>The agency's modern lunar exploration programme will land the first woman and next man on the Moon in 2024 and establish a sustainable human lunar presence by the end of the decade, NASA said.</p>

<p>NASA will announce flight assignments for astronauts later, pulling from the Artemis Team.</p>

<p>Additional Artemis Team members, including international partner astronauts, will join this group, as needed.</p>

<p>"We are incredibly grateful for the president and vice president's support of the Artemis program, as well as the bipartisan support for all of NASA's science, aeronautics research, technology development, and human exploration goals," said NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine.</p>

<p>"As a result, we're excited to share this next step in exploration, naming the Artemis Team of astronauts who will lead the way, which includes the first woman and next man to walk on the lunar surface," he added.</p>

<p>The selected astronauts will help NASA prepare for the coming Artemis missions, which begin next year working with the agency's commercial partners as they develop human landing systems; assisting in the development of training; defining hardware requirements, and consulting on technical development.</p>

<p>They also will engage the public and industry on NASA's exploration plans.</p>

<p>"There is so much exciting work ahead of us as we return to the moon, and it will take the entire astronaut corps to make that happen," Chief Astronaut Pat Forrester said.</p>

<p>"Walking on the lunar surface would be a dream come true for any one of us, and any part we can play in making that happen is an honour," he said.</p>

<p>The other members on the list include Christina Koch and Jessica Meir -- the two astronauts who performed the world's first all-female spacewalk last year.</p>


An Indian-American is among the 18 astronauts selected by NASA for its manned mission to the Moon and beyond. NASA on Wednesday named the 18 astronauts -- half of them women -- who will train for its Artemis moon-landing programme.

An Indian-American is among the 18 astronauts selected by NASA for its manned mission to the Moon and beyond. NASA on Wednesday named the 18 astronauts -- half of them women -- who will train for its Artemis moon-landing programme. Raja Jon Vurputoor Chari, 43, a graduate of the US Air Force Academy, MIT, and US Naval Test Pilot School, is the only Indian-American in the list. He was selected by NASA to join the 2017 Astronaut Candidate Class. He reported for duty in August 2017 and has completed the initial astronaut candidate training is now eligible for a mission assignment. "My fellow Americans, I give you the heroes of the future who will carry us back to the Moon and beyond: the Artemis Generation," Vice President Mike Pence said at NASA's Kennedy Space Centre in Florida on Wednesday. "It really is amazing to think that the next man and the first woman on the Moon are among the names that we just read. We started today reflecting on a great hero of the past. The Artemis Generation are the heroes of American space exploration in the future," Pence said after he introduced the members of the Artemis Team during the eighth National Space Council meeting. The astronauts on the Artemis Team come from a diverse range of backgrounds, expertise and experience. Most of the astronauts in the group are in their 30s or 40s. The oldest is 55, the youngest 32. The agency's modern lunar exploration programme will land the first woman and next man on the Moon in 2024 and establish a sustainable human lunar presence by the end of the decade, NASA said. NASA will announce flight assignments for astronauts later, pulling from the Artemis Team. Additional Artemis Team members, including international partner astronauts, will join this group, as needed. "We are incredibly grateful for the president and vice president's support of the Artemis program, as well as the bipartisan support for all of NASA's science, aeronautics research, technology development, and human exploration goals," said NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine. "As a result, we're excited to share this next step in exploration, naming the Artemis Team of astronauts who will lead the way, which includes the first woman and next man to walk on the lunar surface," he added. The selected astronauts will help NASA prepare for the coming Artemis missions, which begin next year working with the agency's commercial partners as they develop human landing systems; assisting in the development of training; defining hardware requirements, and consulting on technical development. They also will engage the public and industry on NASA's exploration plans. "There is so much exciting work ahead of us as we return to the moon, and it will take the entire astronaut corps to make that happen," Chief Astronaut Pat Forrester said. "Walking on the lunar surface would be a dream come true for any one of us, and any part we can play in making that happen is an honour," he said. The other members on the list include Christina Koch and Jessica Meir -- the two astronauts who performed the world's first all-female spacewalk last year.

Indian-American among 18 astronauts selected for NASA's manned Moon mission

<p>The largest remaining chunk of the world's biggest iceberg&nbsp;that broke away from the Antarctic Peninsula two-and-a-half years ago could strike land this month, potentially making a mess of the waters of pristine South Georgia Island in the south Atlantic.</p>

<p>Scientists have spent weeks watching this climate-related event unfold, as the iceberg - about the same size as the island itself – has meandered and advanced over two years since breaking off from the Antarctic peninsula in July of 2017.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/royal-air-force-jet-captures-image-of-worlds-biggest-iceberg-347659">Royal Air Force jet captures image of world's biggest iceberg</a></strong></p>

<p>The peninsula is one of the fastest-warming places on Earth, registering a record high temperature of 20.75 degrees Celsius (69.35 degrees Fahrenheit) on Feb. 9. The warming has scientists concerned about ice melt leading to higher sea levels worldwide.</p>

<p><img alt="F" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2b9d854a-efc8-45ac-9775-12804b3f56fe" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2816%29_17.jpg" /></p>

<p><strong>In picture:&nbsp;A satellite image of the A-68A iceberg (L) as it approaches South Georgia island (R) in the South Atlantic/Reuters</strong></p>

<p>The gigantic iceberg, dubbed A68a,&nbsp;is on a path to collide with the South Georgia Island, a remote British overseas territory off South America. Whether that collision is days or weeks away is unclear, though, as the iceberg has sped up and slowed down with the ocean currents along the way, said Geraint Tarling, a biological oceanographer with the British Antarctic Survey who has been tracking the icy mass.</p>

<p>A collision is still uncertain, as the currents could carry the iceberg past the island, Tarling said.</p>

<p>"The currents around the island are complex, and it is still possible it may miss," Tarling said.</p>

<p>Images captured by a British Royal Air Force aircraft and released on Tuesday show the magnitude of the monstrous, 4,200-square-kilometer iceberg, its surface carved with tunnels, cracks and fissures. A number of smaller ice chunks can be seen floating nearby.</p>

<p>"The sheer size of the A68a iceberg means it is impossible to capture its entirety in one single shot," British officials said in a statement.</p>

<p>Scientists fear that the iceberg, in hitting the island, could crush marine life on the sea floor. Should it lodge at the island's flank, it could block penguins and seals off from their normal forage routes to feed their young.</p>

<p>A68a could also be an obstacle to government ships conducting fishery patrols and surveillance around South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, British officials said.</p>


The largest remaining chunk of the world's biggest iceberg that broke away from the Antarctic Peninsula two-and-a-half years ago could strike land this month, potentially making a mess of the waters of pristine South Georgia Island in the south Atlantic.

The largest remaining chunk of the world's biggest iceberg that broke away from the Antarctic Peninsula two-and-a-half years ago could strike land this month, potentially making a mess of the waters of pristine South Georgia Island in the south Atlantic. Scientists have spent weeks watching this climate-related event unfold, as the iceberg - about the same size as the island itself – has meandered and advanced over two years since breaking off from the Antarctic peninsula in July of 2017. Also read: Royal Air Force jet captures image of world's biggest iceberg The peninsula is one of the fastest-warming places on Earth, registering a record high temperature of 20.75 degrees Celsius (69.35 degrees Fahrenheit) on Feb. 9. The warming has scientists concerned about ice melt leading to higher sea levels worldwide. In picture: A satellite image of the A-68A iceberg (L) as it approaches South Georgia island (R) in the South Atlantic/Reuters The gigantic iceberg, dubbed A68a, is on a path to collide with the South Georgia Island, a remote British overseas territory off South America. Whether that collision is days or weeks away is unclear, though, as the iceberg has sped up and slowed down with the ocean currents along the way, said Geraint Tarling, a biological oceanographer with the British Antarctic Survey who has been tracking the icy mass. A collision is still uncertain, as the currents could carry the iceberg past the island, Tarling said. "The currents around the island are complex, and it is still possible it may miss," Tarling said. Images captured by a British Royal Air Force aircraft and released on Tuesday show the magnitude of the monstrous, 4,200-square-kilometer iceberg, its surface carved with tunnels, cracks and fissures. A number of smaller ice chunks can be seen floating nearby. "The sheer size of the A68a iceberg means it is impossible to capture its entirety in one single shot," British officials said in a statement. Scientists fear that the iceberg, in hitting the island, could crush marine life on the sea floor. Should it lodge at the island's flank, it could block penguins and seals off from their normal forage routes to feed their young. A68a could also be an obstacle to government ships conducting fishery patrols and surveillance around South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, British officials said.

Largest remaining chunk of world's biggest iceberg to collide with land

<p>A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Sunday, carrying the uncrewed cargo Dragon spacecraft on its journey to the International Space Station for NASA and SpaceXs 21st commercial mission.<br />
<br />
The upgraded Dragon spacecraft successfully separated from the Falcon 9 rocket`s second stage, as the spacecraft continued its journey to the&nbsp;ISS to deliver critical supplies, equipment, and material to support multiple science and research and experiments that will take place aboard the space station.</p>

<p><strong>Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/japan-space-probe-carrying-asteroid-rocks-arrives-on-earth-347817">Japan space probe carrying asteroid rocks arrives on Earth</a></strong><br />
<br />
Dragon was slated to arrive at the orbiting laboratory on Monday, NASA said in a statement.<br />
<br />
It will autonomously dock to the station`s Harmony module — the first automated docking for a SpaceX cargo resupply mission — while NASA astronauts and&nbsp;Expedition 64&nbsp;Flight Engineers Kate Rubins and Victor Glover monitor docking operations.</p>

<p><strong>Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/life-on-mars-probably-not-existed-on-surface-finds-study-347130">Life on Mars probably not existed on surface, finds study</a></strong><br />
<br />
Dragon will deliver more than 6,400 pounds of science investigations and cargo to the orbiting laboratory. The mission marks the first launch for SpaceX under NASA`s CRS-2 contract.<br />
<br />
The Dragon spacecraft is filled with supplies and payloads, including critical materials to directly support dozens of the more than 250&nbsp;science and research investigations&nbsp;that will occur during&nbsp;Expeditions 64&nbsp;and 65.<br />
<br />
In addition to bringing research to the station, the Dragon`s unpressurised trunk will transport the&nbsp;Nanoracks Bishop Airlock.<br />
<br />
The first commercially funded space station airlock, the Bishop Airlock is an airtight segment used for transfer of payloads between the inside and outside of the station.<br />
<br />
The Dragon spacecraft will spend about one month attached to the space station before it returns to Earth with research and return cargo, with splashdown in the Atlantic Ocean.</p>


A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Sunday, carrying the uncrewed cargo Dragon spacecraft on its journey to the International Space Station for NASA and SpaceXs 21st commercial mission.

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Sunday, carrying the uncrewed cargo Dragon spacecraft on its journey to the International Space Station for NASA and SpaceXs 21st commercial mission. The upgraded Dragon spacecraft successfully separated from the Falcon 9 rocket`s second stage, as the spacecraft continued its journey to the ISS to deliver critical supplies, equipment, and material to support multiple science and research and experiments that will take place aboard the space station. Also read| Japan space probe carrying asteroid rocks arrives on Earth Dragon was slated to arrive at the orbiting laboratory on Monday, NASA said in a statement. It will autonomously dock to the station`s Harmony module — the first automated docking for a SpaceX cargo resupply mission — while NASA astronauts and Expedition 64 Flight Engineers Kate Rubins and Victor Glover monitor docking operations. Also read| Life on Mars probably not existed on surface, finds study Dragon will deliver more than 6,400 pounds of science investigations and cargo to the orbiting laboratory. The mission marks the first launch for SpaceX under NASA`s CRS-2 contract. The Dragon spacecraft is filled with supplies and payloads, including critical materials to directly support dozens of the more than 250 science and research investigations that will occur during Expeditions 64 and 65. In addition to bringing research to the station, the Dragon`s unpressurised trunk will transport the Nanoracks Bishop Airlock. The first commercially funded space station airlock, the Bishop Airlock is an airtight segment used for transfer of payloads between the inside and outside of the station. The Dragon spacecraft will spend about one month attached to the space station before it returns to Earth with research and return cargo, with splashdown in the Atlantic Ocean.

SpaceX, NASA launch upgraded cargo Dragon spacecraft to ISS

NASA has signed deals with 4 private companies for buying moon dust for prices as low as $1. This is a significant milestone in space exploration. Molly Gambhir brings you a report.

Gravitas: NASA's dirt-cheap deal for moon dirt

<p>An amount of just one dollar will be given by NASA to various private space companies to collect rocks from the Moon.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Thursday, Lunar Outpost was given the contract to collect samples for NASA.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasas-hubble-space-telescope-captures-cosmic-cinnamon-bun-344894">NASA's Hubble Space Telescope captures 'cosmic cinnamon bun'</a></strong></p>

<p>The contract was part of NASA's low-cost lunar resource collection programme for which four contracts will be awarded.</p>

<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-resolves-the-mystery-of-blue-ring-nebula-reveal-stellar-missing-link-344087">NASA resolves the mystery of Blue Ring Nebula, reveal stellar missing link</a></strong></p>

<p>California-based Masten Space Systems and Tokyo-based ispace, and its European subsidiary are the other organisations that won the contract.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The US space agency will be paying for collections of lunar regolith, or moon soil, between 50 and 500 grams in weight, as reported by The BBC.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The companies will collect the samples and then provide us with visual evidence and other data that they've been collected," a NASA spokesperson said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-nasas-dirt-cheap-deal-for-moon-dirt-347602"><strong>WATCH|</strong></a></p>

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<p>Lunar Outpost CEO Justin Cyrus told the BBC said that the contract is for a 2023 mission, but they are in talks with different lander companies, that may lead to an earlier launch date. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The company will be paid one dollar for bringing moon rocks from the lunar South Pole.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Interestingly, the amount of one dollar will also be paid in instalments, which is divided into 10 per cent when the contract is awarded, further 10 per cent when the spacecraft is launched for the project and remaining 80 per cent when the NASA verifies the rocks.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, the nominal amount is not the motivation behind this program for companies.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The mission opens the door of extracting resources outside the earth.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The innovation here is not of financial value but of creating business and legal norms of creating a market of buyers and sellers outside of Earth's constraints," said Sinead O'Sullivan, a space expert.</p>


An amount of just one dollar will be given by NASA to various private space companies to collect rocks from the Moon. On Thursday, Lunar Outpost was given the contract to collect samples for NASA.

An amount of just one dollar will be given by NASA to various private space companies to collect rocks from the Moon. On Thursday, Lunar Outpost was given the contract to collect samples for NASA. Also read | NASA's Hubble Space Telescope captures 'cosmic cinnamon bun' The contract was part of NASA's low-cost lunar resource collection programme for which four contracts will be awarded. Also read | NASA resolves the mystery of Blue Ring Nebula, reveal stellar missing link California-based Masten Space Systems and Tokyo-based ispace, and its European subsidiary are the other organisations that won the contract. The US space agency will be paying for collections of lunar regolith, or moon soil, between 50 and 500 grams in weight, as reported by The BBC. "The companies will collect the samples and then provide us with visual evidence and other data that they've been collected," a NASA spokesperson said. WATCH| × Lunar Outpost CEO Justin Cyrus told the BBC said that the contract is for a 2023 mission, but they are in talks with different lander companies, that may lead to an earlier launch date. The company will be paid one dollar for bringing moon rocks from the lunar South Pole. Interestingly, the amount of one dollar will also be paid in instalments, which is divided into 10 per cent when the contract is awarded, further 10 per cent when the spacecraft is launched for the project and remaining 80 per cent when the NASA verifies the rocks. However, the nominal amount is not the motivation behind this program for companies. The mission opens the door of extracting resources outside the earth. "The innovation here is not of financial value but of creating business and legal norms of creating a market of buyers and sellers outside of Earth's constraints," said Sinead O'Sullivan, a space expert.

$1 for collecting moon rocks: NASA awards contract for bringing lunar samples

December 4 in History: Abolition of Sati, first Sunday newspaper, and more

<p>A team of scientists is working on a technology that could one day stop asteroids from smashing into Earth. The high-precision timers being built by hand in the lab of Latvian start-up Eventech are currently being used to track satellites.</p>

<p>This year, the company won a European Space Agency (ESA) contract to develop timers that will study the possibility of re-directing an asteroid before it comes too close to our planet for comfort.</p>

<p>Although Latvia only became a full member of the ESA in 2016, its engineers have been tracking satellites since the Soviet-era. The University of Latvia even has its own satellite laser ranging station in a forest south of Riga.</p>

<p>NASA plans to launch the first part of the Asteroid Impact and Deflection Assessment (AIDA) mission -- known as the Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) -- on July 22, 2021 on a Falcon 9 rocket belonging to tech tycoon Elon Musk's Space X.</p>

<p>The 500-kilogram (1,100-pound) camera-equipped probe will fly to an asteroid named Didymos and smash into it, trying to blow it off its current course that will see it pass near&nbsp;Earth sometime in 2123.</p>

<p>Eventech's deep space event timers are being developed for the follow-up HERA mission, which is planned to launch five years later, to determine if the first mission succeeded.</p>

<p>Eventech's timers are part of a space technology tradition in the Baltic state stretching back to Soviet times when Sputnik -- the first man-made satellite to orbit the Earth -- was launched in 1957.</p>

<p>They measure the time needed for an impulse of light to travel to an object in orbit and back.</p>

<p>Eventech devices can record the measurement to within a picosecond -- or one trillionth of a second -- which allows astronomers to convert a time measure into a distance measurement with up to two millimetres of precision.</p>

<p>Around 10 of the timers are produced every year and they are used in observatories around the world.</p>

<p>They track Earth's increasingly crowded atmosphere, filled with a new crop of private satellites alongside traditional scientific and military ones.</p>

<p>Eventech's engineers said they use analogue parts as much as possible, mainly because microchips take nanoseconds to compute the signal, which is too long for incoming measurements ranging in picoseconds.</p>

<p>Even the physical length of the motherboard can affect how fast the signal travels from one circuit to another.</p>

<p>While these timers are used for calculations on Earth, a different appliance for deep space missions is being developed in another corner of the same lab to track planetary objects from a moving space probe.</p>

<p><em><strong>(with inputs)</strong></em></p>


A team of scientists is working on a technology that could one day stop asteroids from smashing into Earth. The high-precision timers being built by hand in the lab of Latvian start-up Eventech are currently being used to track satellites.

A team of scientists is working on a technology that could one day stop asteroids from smashing into Earth. The high-precision timers being built by hand in the lab of Latvian start-up Eventech are currently being used to track satellites. This year, the company won a European Space Agency (ESA) contract to develop timers that will study the possibility of re-directing an asteroid before it comes too close to our planet for comfort. Although Latvia only became a full member of the ESA in 2016, its engineers have been tracking satellites since the Soviet-era. The University of Latvia even has its own satellite laser ranging station in a forest south of Riga. NASA plans to launch the first part of the Asteroid Impact and Deflection Assessment (AIDA) mission -- known as the Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) -- on July 22, 2021 on a Falcon 9 rocket belonging to tech tycoon Elon Musk's Space X. The 500-kilogram (1,100-pound) camera-equipped probe will fly to an asteroid named Didymos and smash into it, trying to blow it off its current course that will see it pass near Earth sometime in 2123. Eventech's deep space event timers are being developed for the follow-up HERA mission, which is planned to launch five years later, to determine if the first mission succeeded. Eventech's timers are part of a space technology tradition in the Baltic state stretching back to Soviet times when Sputnik -- the first man-made satellite to orbit the Earth -- was launched in 1957. They measure the time needed for an impulse of light to travel to an object in orbit and back. Eventech devices can record the measurement to within a picosecond -- or one trillionth of a second -- which allows astronomers to convert a time measure into a distance measurement with up to two millimetres of precision. Around 10 of the timers are produced every year and they are used in observatories around the world. They track Earth's increasingly crowded atmosphere, filled with a new crop of private satellites alongside traditional scientific and military ones. Eventech's engineers said they use analogue parts as much as possible, mainly because microchips take nanoseconds to compute the signal, which is too long for incoming measurements ranging in picoseconds. Even the physical length of the motherboard can affect how fast the signal travels from one circuit to another. While these timers are used for calculations on Earth, a different appliance for deep space missions is being developed in another corner of the same lab to track planetary objects from a moving space probe. (with inputs)

A lab in Latvia is developing a device to help Earth dodge asteroids

November 30 in history: Pakistan People's Party founded, Winter War and more

<p>The early environment of our planet was as poisonous as that of present-day Venus, as gases got away from a magma sea during Earth's turn of events, researchers have found, subsequent to dissolving drifting marbles with lasers for their exploration.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As indicated by researchers, an item the size of Mars probably collided with youthful Earth in an effect that delivered enough energy to liquefy down the early planet's whole mantle – the layer between the center and covering – transforming it into magma.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This mammoth occasion would have stripped the majority of Earth's then-climate, to be supplanted by another one, overwhelmed via carbon dioxide and with little nitrogen - much like the barometrical creation of Venus today, and like Mars.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/asteroid-size-of-burj-khalifa-set-to-collide-with-earths-orbit-next-week-345021" hreflang="en">Asteroid size of Burj Khalifa set to collide with Earth’s orbit next week</a></strong></p>

<p>The discoveries come from an investigation by Paolo Sossi and his group at ETH Zurich in Switzerland, whose paper, distributed in Science Advances on Wednesday, taken a gander at "Earth's magma sea and its Venus-like early air."&nbsp;</p>

<p>To comprehend the air of early Earth the group set out to reproduce those conditions by gliding a little bit of rock over a gas stream and afterward softening it with a 1900°C laser.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"This little liquefied marble gliding at very nearly 2000 degrees is kind of a small Earth in its liquid state," Sossi disclosed to New Scientist.&nbsp;</p>

<p>By utilising various gases in the stream to suspend the bit of liquid stone, the specialists reproduced differing environmental conditions, permitting them to see which one most firmly related to tests of Earth's mantle and the geographical record.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The group found that once the environment delivered from early Earth's magma sea cooled, it would have "looked like that of present-day Venus." This, they state, infers that the current contrasts among Earth and Venus' climates, reflect what occurred after the two planets shaped.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Our planet is large enough that gravity keeps its air set up, not at all like Mars, while Earth's situation in the close planetary system additionally makes it adequately cool contrasted with Venus, the second planet from the sun.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This implies that, in contrast to Venus, the water stays in fluid-structure on the Earth's surface and can retain carbon dioxide from the climate to forestall the planet overheating - and, vitally, make and keep up the conditions essential for supporting life.</p>


The early environment of our planet was as poisonous as that of present-day Venus, as gases got away from a magma sea during Earth's turn of events, researchers have found, subsequent to dissolving drifting marbles with lasers for their exploration.

The early environment of our planet was as poisonous as that of present-day Venus, as gases got away from a magma sea during Earth's turn of events, researchers have found, subsequent to dissolving drifting marbles with lasers for their exploration. As indicated by researchers, an item the size of Mars probably collided with youthful Earth in an effect that delivered enough energy to liquefy down the early planet's whole mantle – the layer between the center and covering – transforming it into magma. This mammoth occasion would have stripped the majority of Earth's then-climate, to be supplanted by another one, overwhelmed via carbon dioxide and with little nitrogen - much like the barometrical creation of Venus today, and like Mars. Also read: Asteroid size of Burj Khalifa set to collide with Earth’s orbit next week The discoveries come from an investigation by Paolo Sossi and his group at ETH Zurich in Switzerland, whose paper, distributed in Science Advances on Wednesday, taken a gander at "Earth's magma sea and its Venus-like early air." To comprehend the air of early Earth the group set out to reproduce those conditions by gliding a little bit of rock over a gas stream and afterward softening it with a 1900°C laser. "This little liquefied marble gliding at very nearly 2000 degrees is kind of a small Earth in its liquid state," Sossi disclosed to New Scientist. By utilising various gases in the stream to suspend the bit of liquid stone, the specialists reproduced differing environmental conditions, permitting them to see which one most firmly related to tests of Earth's mantle and the geographical record. The group found that once the environment delivered from early Earth's magma sea cooled, it would have "looked like that of present-day Venus." This, they state, infers that the current contrasts among Earth and Venus' climates, reflect what occurred after the two planets shaped. Our planet is large enough that gravity keeps its air set up, not at all like Mars, while Earth's situation in the close planetary system additionally makes it adequately cool contrasted with Venus, the second planet from the sun. This implies that, in contrast to Venus, the water stays in fluid-structure on the Earth's surface and can retain carbon dioxide from the climate to forestall the planet overheating - and, vitally, make and keep up the conditions essential for supporting life.

Scientists unravel Earth's early atmosphere after melting hovering marbles with lasers

<p>A large asteroid – named (153201) 2000 WO107 – will sweep past Earth in late November, providing astronomers with a good opportunity to study it. Closest approach to Earth will happen on November 29, 2020.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The asteroid is expected to be a real monster, estimated to range anywhere between 12,00ft to 2,5700ft across (370m and 820m).</p>

<p>To put this into perspective, the rogue space rock at it widest is almost the height of Dubai’s iconic Burj Khalifa skyscraper.</p>

<p>The building, found in the United Arab Emirates city has been the world's tallest since 2009 when it took the title from the Taipei 101 in Taiwan.</p>

<p>NASA has also forecast how the asteroid is currently speeding through space at a whopping 25.07km/s – the equivalent of 56,000mph.</p>

<p>The asteroid will not be visible to the eye, but people with small telescopes might catch it. Astronomers are gearing up to observe this asteroid further, in part because of its relatively large size, and in part, because subsequent passes of 2000 WO107 will be closer than this year’s pass.</p>

<p>NASA defines a Near-Earth Object (NEO) as any asteroid or comet coming within 1.3 AU of Earth.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A large asteroid – named (153201) 2000 WO107 – will sweep past Earth in late November, providing astronomers with a good opportunity to study it. Closest approach to Earth will happen on November 29, 2020.

A large asteroid – named (153201) 2000 WO107 – will sweep past Earth in late November, providing astronomers with a good opportunity to study it. Closest approach to Earth will happen on November 29, 2020. The asteroid is expected to be a real monster, estimated to range anywhere between 12,00ft to 2,5700ft across (370m and 820m). To put this into perspective, the rogue space rock at it widest is almost the height of Dubai’s iconic Burj Khalifa skyscraper. The building, found in the United Arab Emirates city has been the world's tallest since 2009 when it took the title from the Taipei 101 in Taiwan. NASA has also forecast how the asteroid is currently speeding through space at a whopping 25.07km/s – the equivalent of 56,000mph. The asteroid will not be visible to the eye, but people with small telescopes might catch it. Astronomers are gearing up to observe this asteroid further, in part because of its relatively large size, and in part, because subsequent passes of 2000 WO107 will be closer than this year’s pass. NASA defines a Near-Earth Object (NEO) as any asteroid or comet coming within 1.3 AU of Earth. (With inputs from agencies)

Asteroid size of Burj Khalifa set to collide with Earth’s orbit next week

<p>In a first, China has launched an unmanned spacecraft to bring samples of lunar rocks back to the Earth, making it the first country to do so in nearly four decades.</p>

<p>A Long March 5 rocket has been launched carrying&nbsp;the Chang'e-5 probe. It was launched from the&nbsp;Wenchang Space Center on the southern island province of Hainan at 4:30 am.</p>

<p>The aim of the mission is to bring back lunar rocks and soil so that the scientists can learn about the Moon's origins, formation and volcanic activity on the lunar surface.</p>

<p><strong>Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-to-launch-unmanned-spacecraft-to-the-moon-this-week-344632">China to launch unmanned spacecraft to the moon this week</a></strong></p>

<p>This mission was supposed gt be launched in 2017, but was delayed due to an engine failure in the Long March 5 rocket. It is expected to land in late November and will be collecting material in one lunar day — which is equivalent to 14 Earth days.</p>

<p>Before this, only&nbsp;the United States and the Soviet Union in the 1960s and 1970s respectively have been able to bring back such lunar rocks. So, if China is successful in its mission, it will the third country overall and first in nearly four decades to bring back lunar rock samples.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">China has launched a robotic spacecraft to bring samples of lunar rocks back to the Earth, making it the first country to do so in nearly four decades. It was launched from the Wenchang Space Center on the southern island province of Hainan. <a href="https://twitter.com/Shobhit10Mittal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Shobhit10Mittal</a> gets you more details <a href="https://t.co/1Dqt4OyR8b">pic.twitter.com/1Dqt4OyR8b</a></p>
— WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1331163144895553536?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>The experts will collect nearly two kilograms (4.5 pounds) of surface material in an area known as&nbsp;Oceanus Procellarum&nbsp;(or "Ocean of Storms") which mainly consists of lava plain.</p>

<p>After being picked, the samples will be brought back to the Earth in a capsule that will land in northern China's&nbsp;Inner Mongolia region in early December.</p>


In a first, China has launched an unmanned spacecraft to bring samples of lunar rocks back to the Earth, making it the first country to do so in nearly four decades.

In a first, China has launched an unmanned spacecraft to bring samples of lunar rocks back to the Earth, making it the first country to do so in nearly four decades. A Long March 5 rocket has been launched carrying the Chang'e-5 probe. It was launched from the Wenchang Space Center on the southern island province of Hainan at 4:30 am. The aim of the mission is to bring back lunar rocks and soil so that the scientists can learn about the Moon's origins, formation and volcanic activity on the lunar surface. Also read| China to launch unmanned spacecraft to the moon this week This mission was supposed gt be launched in 2017, but was delayed due to an engine failure in the Long March 5 rocket. It is expected to land in late November and will be collecting material in one lunar day — which is equivalent to 14 Earth days. Before this, only the United States and the Soviet Union in the 1960s and 1970s respectively have been able to bring back such lunar rocks. So, if China is successful in its mission, it will the third country overall and first in nearly four decades to bring back lunar rock samples. China has launched a robotic spacecraft to bring samples of lunar rocks back to the Earth, making it the first country to do so in nearly four decades. It was launched from the Wenchang Space Center on the southern island province of Hainan. @Shobhit10Mittal gets you more details pic.twitter.com/1Dqt4OyR8b — WION (@WIONews) November 24, 2020 × The experts will collect nearly two kilograms (4.5 pounds) of surface material in an area known as Oceanus Procellarum (or "Ocean of Storms") which mainly consists of lava plain. After being picked, the samples will be brought back to the Earth in a capsule that will land in northern China's Inner Mongolia region in early December.

China launches first unmanned spacecraft to moon to collect lunar rocks

<p>Mars was once home to seas and oceans, and perhaps even life. But our neighboring world has long since dried up and its atmosphere has been blown away, while most activity beneath its surface has long ceased. It’s a dead planet.</p>

<p>Or is it?</p>

<p>Previous research has hinted at volcanic eruptions on Mars 2.5 million years ago. But a new paper suggests an eruption occurred as recently as 53,000 years ago in a region called Cerberus Fossae, which would be the youngest known volcanic eruption on Mars. That drives home the prospect that beneath its rusty surface pocked with gigantic volcanoes that have gone silent, some volcanism still erupts to the surface at rare intervals.</p>

<p><strong>Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/skeletons-of-rich-man-and-his-male-slave-found-from-ashes-at-pompeii-excavation-344621" hreflang="en">Skeletons of rich man and his 'male slave' found from ashes at Pompeii excavation</a></strong></p>

<p>“If this deposit is of volcanic origin then the Cerberus Fossae region may not be extinct and Mars may still be volcanically active today,” scientists at the University of Arizona and Smithsonian Institution write in their paper — which was posted online ahead of peer review and has been submitted to the journal Icarus.</p>

<p>The site of the potential eruption, seen in images from Martian orbit, is near a large volcano called Elysium Mons. It is about 1,000 miles east of NASA’s stationary InSight lander, which touched down on Mars in 2018 to study tectonic activity on the red planet. Appearing like a crack in the surface, the feature looks like a recent fissure eruption, where subsurface volcanic activity has caused superheated volcanic ash and dust to burst through the surface. It is similar to deposits caused by pyroclastic eruptions that scientists have spotted on the moon, Mercury and Earth.</p>

<p><strong>Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/climate-change-is-making-winter-ice-more-dangerous-344406" hreflang="en">Climate change is making winter ice more dangerous</a></strong></p>

<p>Originating from magma deep beneath the surface, the eruption would have reached a height of several miles before falling back to the ground. The amount of material is estimated at 100 times less than the eruption of Mount St. Helens in 1980, said Steven Anderson, an earth sciences professor at the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley, who was not involved in the paper.</p>

<p>It is the presence of darker material here, coupled with its symmetrical appearance around the fissure, that hints at an eruption. Known as a fault scarp, this type of feature is “very common in Hawaii” as magma near volcanoes causes the surface to expand and crack, says Robert Craddock from the Smithsonian Institution, a co-author on the paper.</p>

<p><strong>Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/this-alaska-town-will-see-sun-after-60-days-344268" hreflang="en">This Alaska town will see sun after 60 days</a></strong></p>

<p>By counting the number of craters visible around the feature and in the deposit itself, which is roughly six miles across, the team date the potential eruption ranging from 53,000 to 210,000 years ago. This would by far be the youngest known volcanic eruption on Mars.</p>

<p>“I think it’s pretty compelling,” Anderson said.</p>

<p>If it holds up to scrutiny, the discovery would have large implications for Mars. In geological terms, 53,000 years is the blink of an eye, suggesting Mars might well still be volcanically active now. It could also have big implications for the search for life on Mars.</p>

<p>Such volcanic activity could melt subsurface ice, providing a potential habitable environment for living things.</p>

<p>“To have life, you need energy, carbon, water and nutrients,” Anderson said. “And a volcanic system provides all of those.”</p>

<p>NASA’s InSight lander may have already recorded activity linked to this site. Using a seismometer, it has measured hundreds of “marsquakes” or vibrations in the Martian surface. But only two of these have been localized — and both came from Cerberus Fossae.</p>

<p>“It is certainly plausible that the tectonic activity is related to volcanic activity,” said Suzanne Smrekar from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, who is the deputy principal investigator on the InSight mission.</p>

<p>It might be possible for InSight to look for more such activity soon.</p>

<p>“It is an exciting paper,” Smrekar said. “Understanding the present day activity on Mars is indeed a mystery and key to investigating its evolution and habitability.”</p>

<p>Questions still remain, however. Lu Pan, a planetary scientist from the University of Copenhagen in Denmark, isn’t so sure about the team’s dating method.</p>

<p>“If you want to date a very recent surface, you rely on the population of small impact craters,” Pan said. “And we have yet to build this large database of small impact craters.”</p>

<p>Even in a conservative scenario, however, David Horvath of the University of Arizona, the paper’s lead author, said the eruption would have been only a million years ago. That alone would breathe new life into our understanding of Mars.</p>

<p>“It definitely leaves open the possibility that, deep in the surface, it may be active today,” he said.</p>


Mars was once home to seas and oceans, and perhaps even life. But our neighboring world has long since dried up and its atmosphere has been blown away, while most activity beneath its surface has long ceased.

Mars was once home to seas and oceans, and perhaps even life. But our neighboring world has long since dried up and its atmosphere has been blown away, while most activity beneath its surface has long ceased. It’s a dead planet. Or is it? Previous research has hinted at volcanic eruptions on Mars 2.5 million years ago. But a new paper suggests an eruption occurred as recently as 53,000 years ago in a region called Cerberus Fossae, which would be the youngest known volcanic eruption on Mars. That drives home the prospect that beneath its rusty surface pocked with gigantic volcanoes that have gone silent, some volcanism still erupts to the surface at rare intervals. Also read| Skeletons of rich man and his 'male slave' found from ashes at Pompeii excavation “If this deposit is of volcanic origin then the Cerberus Fossae region may not be extinct and Mars may still be volcanically active today,” scientists at the University of Arizona and Smithsonian Institution write in their paper — which was posted online ahead of peer review and has been submitted to the journal Icarus. The site of the potential eruption, seen in images from Martian orbit, is near a large volcano called Elysium Mons. It is about 1,000 miles east of NASA’s stationary InSight lander, which touched down on Mars in 2018 to study tectonic activity on the red planet. Appearing like a crack in the surface, the feature looks like a recent fissure eruption, where subsurface volcanic activity has caused superheated volcanic ash and dust to burst through the surface. It is similar to deposits caused by pyroclastic eruptions that scientists have spotted on the moon, Mercury and Earth. Also read| Climate change is making winter ice more dangerous Originating from magma deep beneath the surface, the eruption would have reached a height of several miles before falling back to the ground. The amount of material is estimated at 100 times less than the eruption of Mount St. Helens in 1980, said Steven Anderson, an earth sciences professor at the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley, who was not involved in the paper. It is the presence of darker material here, coupled with its symmetrical appearance around the fissure, that hints at an eruption. Known as a fault scarp, this type of feature is “very common in Hawaii” as magma near volcanoes causes the surface to expand and crack, says Robert Craddock from the Smithsonian Institution, a co-author on the paper. Also read| This Alaska town will see sun after 60 days By counting the number of craters visible around the feature and in the deposit itself, which is roughly six miles across, the team date the potential eruption ranging from 53,000 to 210,000 years ago. This would by far be the youngest known volcanic eruption on Mars. “I think it’s pretty compelling,” Anderson said. If it holds up to scrutiny, the discovery would have large implications for Mars. In geological terms, 53,000 years is the blink of an eye, suggesting Mars might well still be volcanically active now. It could also have big implications for the search for life on Mars. Such volcanic activity could melt subsurface ice, providing a potential habitable environment for living things. “To have life, you need energy, carbon, water and nutrients,” Anderson said. “And a volcanic system provides all of those.” NASA’s InSight lander may have already recorded activity linked to this site. Using a seismometer, it has measured hundreds of “marsquakes” or vibrations in the Martian surface. But only two of these have been localized — and both came from Cerberus Fossae. “It is certainly plausible that the tectonic activity is related to volcanic activity,” said Suzanne Smrekar from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, who is the deputy principal investigator on the InSight mission. It might be possible for InSight to look for more such activity soon. “It is an exciting paper,” Smrekar said. “Understanding the present day activity on Mars is indeed a mystery and key to investigating its evolution and habitability.” Questions still remain, however. Lu Pan, a planetary scientist from the University of Copenhagen in Denmark, isn’t so sure about the team’s dating method. “If you want to date a very recent surface, you rely on the population of small impact craters,” Pan said. “And we have yet to build this large database of small impact craters.” Even in a conservative scenario, however, David Horvath of the University of Arizona, the paper’s lead author, said the eruption would have been only a million years ago. That alone would breathe new life into our understanding of Mars. “It definitely leaves open the possibility that, deep in the surface, it may be active today,” he said.

Signs of recent volcanic eruption on Mars hint at Habitats for life

<p>The&nbsp;Hubble Space Telescope by the&nbsp;National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has captured a cosmic cinnamon bun.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Nom nom nom 😋 Our <a href="https://twitter.com/NASAHubble?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NASAHubble</a> Space Telescope captured a delicious glance of what resembles a cosmic cinnamon bun. Bluer stars sprinkled around the edges highlight the regions where new stars are most likely being formed: <a href="https://t.co/Uc4r0suWOm">https://t.co/Uc4r0suWOm</a> <a href="https://t.co/mmg02e6jkk">pic.twitter.com/mmg02e6jkk</a></p>
— NASA (@NASA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASA/status/1330595660849172480?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 22, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>Unlike many spiral galaxies, UGC 12588 displays neither a&nbsp;bar of stars across its center&nbsp;nor the classic prominent&nbsp;spiral arm pattern. Instead, to a viewer, its circular, white and mostly unstructured center makes this galaxy more reminiscent of a cinnamon bun than a megastructure of stars and gas in space.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-resolves-the-mystery-of-blue-ring-nebula-reveal-stellar-missing-link-344087" hreflang="en">NASA resolves the mystery of Blue Ring Nebula, reveal stellar missing link</a></strong></p>

<p>Lying in the constellation of&nbsp;Andromeda&nbsp;in the Northern Hemisphere, this galaxy is classified as a&nbsp;spiral galaxy. Unlike the classic image of a spiral galaxy, however, the huge arms of stars and gas in UGC 12588 are very faint, undistinguished, and tightly wound around its center.</p>

<p>The clearest view of the spiral arms comes from the bluer stars sprinkled around the edges of the galaxy that highlight the regions where new star formation is most likely taking place.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


The Hubble Space Telescope by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has captured a cosmic cinnamon bun. Nom nom nom 😋 Our @NASAHubble Space Telescope captured a delicious glance of what resembles a cosmic cinnamon bun.

The Hubble Space Telescope by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has captured a cosmic cinnamon bun. Nom nom nom 😋 Our @NASAHubble Space Telescope captured a delicious glance of what resembles a cosmic cinnamon bun. Bluer stars sprinkled around the edges highlight the regions where new stars are most likely being formed: https://t.co/Uc4r0suWOm pic.twitter.com/mmg02e6jkk — NASA (@NASA) November 22, 2020 × Unlike many spiral galaxies, UGC 12588 displays neither a bar of stars across its center nor the classic prominent spiral arm pattern. Instead, to a viewer, its circular, white and mostly unstructured center makes this galaxy more reminiscent of a cinnamon bun than a megastructure of stars and gas in space. Also read: NASA resolves the mystery of Blue Ring Nebula, reveal stellar missing link Lying in the constellation of Andromeda in the Northern Hemisphere, this galaxy is classified as a spiral galaxy. Unlike the classic image of a spiral galaxy, however, the huge arms of stars and gas in UGC 12588 are very faint, undistinguished, and tightly wound around its center. The clearest view of the spiral arms comes from the bluer stars sprinkled around the edges of the galaxy that highlight the regions where new star formation is most likely taking place.

NASA's Hubble Space Telescope captures 'cosmic cinnamon bun'

<p>NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory has resolved a&nbsp;16-year-old cosmic mystery and found the missing links to the&nbsp;Blue Ring Nebula.</p>

<p>The Blue Ring Nebula spotted by the Galaxy Evolution Explorer (GALEX) perplexed scientists for several years.</p>

<p>A new study published online on Wednesday&nbsp;in the journal Nature may have cracked the case.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">16-year-old cosmic mystery solved!🧐<br />
The Blue Ring Nebula spotted by the Galaxy Evolution Explorer (GALEX) perplexed scientists for years. It appears to be the youngest known example of 2 stars merged into 1 &amp; first known merged star system at this stage. <a href="https://t.co/wedtyWgsuz">https://t.co/wedtyWgsuz</a> <a href="https://t.co/8th7ccZBcf">pic.twitter.com/8th7ccZBcf</a></p>
— NASA JPL (@NASAJPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASAJPL/status/1329099012926971904?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 18, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>By applying cutting-edge theoretical models to the slew of data that has been collected on this object, the authors posit the nebula,&nbsp;a cloud of gas in space,&nbsp;is likely composed of debris from two stars that collided and merged into a single star.</p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WY8J8hFHhiw" width="560"></iframe></p>

<p>While combined star frameworks are believed to be genuinely normal, they are almost difficult to concentrate following they structure since they're clouded by flotsam and jetsam the crash kicks up. When the garbage has cleared - at any rate countless years after the fact - they're trying to distinguish on the grounds that they look like non-consolidated stars.</p>

<p>The Blue Ring Nebula has all the earmarks of being the missing connection: Astronomers are seeing the star framework two or three thousand years after the consolidation when proof of the association is as yet abundant. It gives off an impression of being the main known cause of a consolidated star framework at this stage.&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="F" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3944c9ca-4af6-4f4a-bdf4-96b1913eeb4f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/e2-PIA23867-and-23868-640.jpg" /></p>

<p><strong><em>The Blue Ring Nebula consists of two hollow, cone-shaped clouds of debris moving in opposite directions away from the central star. The base of one cone is traveling almost directly toward Earth. As a result, astronomers looking at the nebula see two circles that partially overlap. Credit: NASA</em></strong></p>

<p>The group inferred that the cloud was the result of a moderately new heavenly consolidation that probably happened between a star like our Sun and another star just around one-10th that size (or around multiple times the mass of Jupiter). Approaching an incredible finish, the Sun-like star started to grow, crawling nearer to its buddy. In the end, the more modest star fell into a descending twisting toward its bigger buddy. En route, the bigger star destroyed the more modest star, enclosing itself by a ring of flotsam and jetsam prior to gulping the more modest star altogether.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This was the savage occasion that prompted the development of the Blue Ring Nebula. The consolidation dispatched a haze of hot trash into space that was cut in two by the gas plate. This made two cone-formed trash veils of mist, their bases moving ceaselessly from the star in inverse ways and getting more extensive as they travel outward. The base of one cone is coming straightforwardly toward Earth and the other legitimately away. They are too weak to even think about seeing alone, however, the territory where the cones cover (as observed from Earth) frames the focal blue ring GALEX noticed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Centuries passed. The extending flotsam and jetsam cloud cooled and shaped particles and residue, including hydrogen atoms that crashed into the interstellar medium, the scanty assortment of molecules, and vigorous particles that occupy the space between stars. The impacts energized the hydrogen atoms, making them emanate in a particular frequency of far-UV light. Over the long haul, the shine turned out to be sufficiently brilliant for GALEX to see.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Heavenly consolidations may happen as regularly as once like clockwork in our Milky Way world, which means it's conceivable that a sizeable populace of the stars we find in the sky was once two.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We see a lot of two-star frameworks that may combine some time in the future, and we think we've recognized stars that blended possibly a great many years prior. However, we have practically no information on what occurs in the middle of," said Metzger. "We think there are presumably a lot of youthful remainders of heavenly consolidations in our system, and the Blue Ring Nebula may show us what they resemble so we can recognize a greater amount of them."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Despite the fact that this is likely the determination of a 16-year-old riddle, it might likewise be the start of another part in the investigation of heavenly consolidations.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Unfortunately GALEX had the option to discover this truly weak article that we weren't searching for however that ends up being something truly intriguing to space experts," said Seibert. "It just repeats that when you take a gander at the universe in another frequency or in another way, you discover things you never envisioned you would."</p>


NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory has resolved a 16-year-old cosmic mystery and found the missing links to the Blue Ring Nebula. The Blue Ring Nebula spotted by the Galaxy Evolution Explorer (GALEX) perplexed scientists for several years.

NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory has resolved a 16-year-old cosmic mystery and found the missing links to the Blue Ring Nebula. The Blue Ring Nebula spotted by the Galaxy Evolution Explorer (GALEX) perplexed scientists for several years. A new study published online on Wednesday in the journal Nature may have cracked the case. 16-year-old cosmic mystery solved!🧐 The Blue Ring Nebula spotted by the Galaxy Evolution Explorer (GALEX) perplexed scientists for years. It appears to be the youngest known example of 2 stars merged into 1 & first known merged star system at this stage. https://t.co/wedtyWgsuz pic.twitter.com/8th7ccZBcf — NASA JPL (@NASAJPL) November 18, 2020 × By applying cutting-edge theoretical models to the slew of data that has been collected on this object, the authors posit the nebula, a cloud of gas in space, is likely composed of debris from two stars that collided and merged into a single star. While combined star frameworks are believed to be genuinely normal, they are almost difficult to concentrate following they structure since they're clouded by flotsam and jetsam the crash kicks up. When the garbage has cleared - at any rate countless years after the fact - they're trying to distinguish on the grounds that they look like non-consolidated stars. The Blue Ring Nebula has all the earmarks of being the missing connection: Astronomers are seeing the star framework two or three thousand years after the consolidation when proof of the association is as yet abundant. It gives off an impression of being the main known cause of a consolidated star framework at this stage. The Blue Ring Nebula consists of two hollow, cone-shaped clouds of debris moving in opposite directions away from the central star. The base of one cone is traveling almost directly toward Earth. As a result, astronomers looking at the nebula see two circles that partially overlap. Credit: NASA The group inferred that the cloud was the result of a moderately new heavenly consolidation that probably happened between a star like our Sun and another star just around one-10th that size (or around multiple times the mass of Jupiter). Approaching an incredible finish, the Sun-like star started to grow, crawling nearer to its buddy. In the end, the more modest star fell into a descending twisting toward its bigger buddy. En route, the bigger star destroyed the more modest star, enclosing itself by a ring of flotsam and jetsam prior to gulping the more modest star altogether. This was the savage occasion that prompted the development of the Blue Ring Nebula. The consolidation dispatched a haze of hot trash into space that was cut in two by the gas plate. This made two cone-formed trash veils of mist, their bases moving ceaselessly from the star in inverse ways and getting more extensive as they travel outward. The base of one cone is coming straightforwardly toward Earth and the other legitimately away. They are too weak to even think about seeing alone, however, the territory where the cones cover (as observed from Earth) frames the focal blue ring GALEX noticed. Centuries passed. The extending flotsam and jetsam cloud cooled and shaped particles and residue, including hydrogen atoms that crashed into the interstellar medium, the scanty assortment of molecules, and vigorous particles that occupy the space between stars. The impacts energized the hydrogen atoms, making them emanate in a particular frequency of far-UV light. Over the long haul, the shine turned out to be sufficiently brilliant for GALEX to see. Heavenly consolidations may happen as regularly as once like clockwork in our Milky Way world, which means it's conceivable that a sizeable populace of the stars we find in the sky was once two. "We see a lot of two-star frameworks that may combine some time in the future, and we think we've recognized stars that blended possibly a great many years prior. However, we have practically no information on what occurs in the middle of," said Metzger. "We think there are presumably a lot of youthful remainders of heavenly consolidations in our system, and the Blue Ring Nebula may show us what they resemble so we can recognize a greater amount of them." Despite the fact that this is likely the determination of a 16-year-old riddle, it might likewise be the start of another part in the investigation of heavenly consolidations. "Unfortunately GALEX had the option to discover this truly weak article that we weren't searching for however that ends up being something truly intriguing to space experts," said Seibert. "It just repeats that when you take a gander at the universe in another frequency or in another way, you discover things you never envisioned you would."

NASA resolves the mystery of Blue Ring Nebula, reveal stellar missing link

Four astronauts riding a newly designed spacecraft from Elon Musk's SpaceX docked with the International Space Station. In this video watch, SpaceX and NASA's joint press conference.

Crew Dragon arrives at International Space Station, SpaceX and NASA hold joint press conference

Four astronauts riding a newly designed spacecraft from Elon Musk's SpaceX docked with the International Space Station.

SpaceX capsule, carrying four astronauts, docks with International Space Station

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