Astronomers are puzzled by the interstellar object 3I/Atlas, which shows unusual characteristics that defy easy explanation. Is it a comet, asteroid, or even something more mysterious? 


Uncovering the cosmic mystery & identifying the curious self-illuminating visitor from deep space

Together, they have redefined humanity’s understanding of the cosmos, proving that exploration is not just about who arrives first, but also about the depth and breadth of knowledge collected along the way.

Together, they have redefined humanity’s understanding of the cosmos, proving that exploration is not just about who arrives first, but also about the depth and breadth of knowledge collected along the way.

Voyager 1 vs Voyager 2: Who truly explored the solar system first and farther?

At multiple points, the spacecraft came dangerously close to failure, where a single malfunction could have ended its decades-long odyssey.

At multiple points, the spacecraft came dangerously close to failure, where a single malfunction could have ended its decades-long odyssey.

5 shocking near-death encounters of Voyager 2 you didn’t know about!

Self-Illuminating Visitor From Deep Space

The space economy had a gross value of $596 billion in 2024, and according to a McKinsey report, it is projected to reach $1.8 trillion by 2035. Explore the list of countries with the highest budget for their space program.

The space economy had a gross value of $596 billion in 2024, and according to a McKinsey report, it is projected to reach $1.8 trillion by 2035. Explore the list of countries with the highest budget for their space program.

Global Space Economy : Top countries with highest space budget in 2025

Controversial appointment alert: Sergio Gor, the man at the center of the Trump-Musk NASA feud, has now been named as the U.S. envoy to India by President Donald Trump.

Gor, 38, currently leads the influential White House Presidential Personnel Office and is accused of fueling tensions between Trump and Elon Musk. The feud escalated after Gor allegedly shared information about Musk’s NASA pick, Jared Isaacman, being a past donor to Democrats — information that soured Trump’s view and strained ties with Musk.

Can Trump's man in Delhi bridge back India-U.S. Ties? | U.S' double role envoy

Who is Sergio Gor? | Can Trump's man in Delhi bridge back India-U.S. ties? 

NASA's telescopes, particularly the Hubble Telescope and the James Webb Space Telescope, have captured some stunning pictures of galaxies over the years. Here is a curated list of the most beautiful pictures ever captured by NASA.

NASA's telescopes, particularly the Hubble Telescope and the James Webb Space Telescope, have captured some stunning pictures of galaxies over the years. Here is a curated list of the most beautiful pictures ever captured by NASA.

Most beautiful Galaxies ever captured by NASA telescopes: See pics

Harvard's Avi Loeb claims mysterious interstellar object 3I/ATLAS could be nuclear-powered alien technology. Sparks debate whether humanity faces first contact or natural phenomenon. NASA says while most comets detected so far are local to our solar system, but 3I/ATLAS is a rare interstellar visitor. It was born in the deep reaches of space and will eventually leave, a temporary guest in our stellar home. 


Scientist claims 'comet' could be alien ship

ISRO spotted a dangerous crack in the Falcon-9’s oxidiser line just hours before lift-off. Their demand for full repair and testing delayed the launch but saved lives. Shubhanshu Shukla’s mission succeeded only because India insisted on safety.


ISRO detected a critical fuel leak SpaceX missed

The Three-Body Problem is a real challenge in astrodynamics. It describes the complex gravitational interactions between three celestial bodies, making precise orbital calculations difficult. For mission planners, this problem is both a source of complexity and an opportunity: if navigated carefully, it can allow spacecraft to enter stable orbits with significantly reduced fuel requirements.&nbsp;<h2>Using moons for gravity assists</h2>&nbsp;A recent study by researchers at the Beijing Institute of Technology, published in Acta Astronautica, explores how spacecraft could leverage gravity assists from planetary moons to enter more efficient orbits. Traditional gravity assists are used to increase a spacecraft's speed by slingshotting around a planet. This research, however, demonstrates that the same technique can be used to slow a spacecraft down, reducing the energy, and therefore fuel, required to achieve a stable orbit around a planet.&nbsp;Large planets with multiple moons, such as Jupiter, are ideal candidates. The study simulated a flyby of Callisto, one of Jupiter’s four major Galilean moons, and found a measurable decrease in fuel consumption needed to achieve a stable orbit within the Jovian system. While missions like the Jupiter Icy Moon Explorer (JUICE) cannot retroactively benefit, future missions could see substantial savings.&nbsp;<h2>Weak stability boundaries and trajectory mapping</h2>&nbsp;The study also highlights the use of weak stability boundaries (WSBs), regions in space where the gravitational pulls from two bodies nearly cancel out. WSBs allow a spacecraft to transition from an escape trajectory to a stable orbit with minimal energy expenditure. To identify these regions, scientists employ Poincaré Mapping, which records the position and velocity of an object at regular intervals across a mathematical plane. Simulating enough points can reveal pathways to stable trajectories.The presence of moons increases the number of potential WSBs. For instance, Jupiter’s 97 moons provide multiple opportunities for gravity-assisted orbit insertion, giving mission designers greater flexibility and reducing overall mission cost.&nbsp;<h2>Future prospects</h2>&nbsp;Beyond fuel savings, moon-assisted trajectories could have other applications. Past research suggests that certain planetary systems, such as Neptune and Triton, could theoretically capture interstellar objects if conditions align perfectly. While this is largely serendipitous, controlled moon flybys remain within human reach, offering predictable reductions in fuel requirements and enabling more ambitious interplanetary missions.&nbsp;This research opens new avenues in astrodynamics, presenting both a practical tool for future spacecraft and a rich area for theoretical exploration. By harnessing the gravitational interplay of moons and planets, scientists can design more efficient, cost-effective missions, extending humanity’s reach into the solar system.&nbsp;

This research, however, demonstrates that the same technique can be used to slow a spacecraft down, reducing the energy, and therefore fuel, required to achieve a stable orbit around a planet.

The Three-Body Problem is a real challenge in astrodynamics. It describes the complex gravitational interactions between three celestial bodies, making precise orbital calculations difficult. For mission planners, this problem is both a source of complexity and an opportunity: if navigated carefully, it can allow spacecraft to enter stable orbits with significantly reduced fuel requirements. Using moons for gravity assists A recent study by researchers at the Beijing Institute of Technology, published in Acta Astronautica, explores how spacecraft could leverage gravity assists from planetary moons to enter more efficient orbits. Traditional gravity assists are used to increase a spacecraft's speed by slingshotting around a planet. This research, however, demonstrates that the same technique can be used to slow a spacecraft down, reducing the energy, and therefore fuel, required to achieve a stable orbit around a planet. Large planets with multiple moons, such as Jupiter, are ideal candidates. The study simulated a flyby of Callisto, one of Jupiter’s four major Galilean moons, and found a measurable decrease in fuel consumption needed to achieve a stable orbit within the Jovian system. While missions like the Jupiter Icy Moon Explorer (JUICE) cannot retroactively benefit, future missions could see substantial savings. Weak stability boundaries and trajectory mapping The study also highlights the use of weak stability boundaries (WSBs), regions in space where the gravitational pulls from two bodies nearly cancel out. WSBs allow a spacecraft to transition from an escape trajectory to a stable orbit with minimal energy expenditure. To identify these regions, scientists employ Poincaré Mapping, which records the position and velocity of an object at regular intervals across a mathematical plane. Simulating enough points can reveal pathways to stable trajectories. The presence of moons increases the number of potential WSBs. For instance, Jupiter’s 97 moons provide multiple opportunities for gravity-assisted orbit insertion, giving mission designers greater flexibility and reducing overall mission cost. Future prospects Beyond fuel savings, moon-assisted trajectories could have other applications. Past research suggests that certain planetary systems, such as Neptune and Triton, could theoretically capture interstellar objects if conditions align perfectly. While this is largely serendipitous, controlled moon flybys remain within human reach, offering predictable reductions in fuel requirements and enabling more ambitious interplanetary missions. This research opens new avenues in astrodynamics, presenting both a practical tool for future spacecraft and a rich area for theoretical exploration. By harnessing the gravitational interplay of moons and planets, scientists can design more efficient, cost-effective missions, extending humanity’s reach into the solar system.

This research, however, demonstrates that the same technique can be used to slow a spacecraft down, reducing the energy, and therefore fuel, required to achieve a stable orbit around a planet.

Moon flybys could slash space mission fuel costs by millions, scientists reveal

These predictions were speculative, but they planted the first seeds of an idea that would remain dormant until Einstein reshaped physics.

These predictions were speculative, but they planted the first seeds of an idea that would remain dormant until Einstein reshaped physics.

Discovery of Black Holes: From ‘dark star’ theory to invisible hole in space

The glow was concentrated rather than spread out, puzzling scientists who expected a typical comet-like reflection.

The glow was concentrated rather than spread out, puzzling scientists who expected a typical comet-like reflection.

'Engine by alien people': Scientists discover a Manhattan-sized cosmic object emitting its own light

As mid-August nights draw in, stargazers across the northern hemisphere are being treated to some of the most striking views of the year. Among the highlights are three prominent star clusters, each offering a window into the dynamic and ancient life of the Milky Way. From dense globular swarms to open formations etched into familiar constellations, these stellar gatherings are visible to the naked eye from dark-sky sites, but reveal their full majesty when observed with binoculars or a telescope.<h2>What are star clusters?</h2>&nbsp;Star clusters are gravitationally bound families of stars born from the same interstellar cloud. They come in two main types: open clusters and globular clusters. Open clusters, such as the Hyades and the Pleiades, are relatively young and often located in the Milky Way’s spiral arms. Their loosely bound nature means they can disperse over millions of years as passing stars tug at their members. Globular clusters, by contrast, are tightly packed spheres containing hundreds of thousands of stars, often among the oldest in the galaxy. These vast systems orbit in the galactic halo, high above and below the Milky Way’s disk, and many shine brightly enough to appear as faint smudges of light to the unaided eye.&nbsp;Roughly 150 globular clusters and more than 1,000 open clusters. Observing them requires patience and technique: allow around 30 minutes for your eyes to adapt to darkness, and use averted vision, looking slightly to the side of the target, to engage the light-sensitive rods of your eyes. While some clusters can be glimpsed without equipment, 10x50 binoculars sharpen the view and begin to resolve brighter stars, and a telescope of six inches or more reveals their intricate structures in detail.&nbsp;<h2>The Great Hercules Cluster</h2>&nbsp;One of the brightest sights of August evenings is the Great Hercules Cluster, also known as Messier 13 (M13). Located about 25,000 light-years away in the constellation Hercules, M13 contains around 100,000 stars bound in a glittering spherical mass. It can be found between the bright stars Vega and Arcturus by locating the Keystone asterism, a diamond-shaped pattern of four stars at Hercules’ centre. Sweeping binoculars between Zeta Herculis and Eta Herculis brings this ancient cluster into view, a highlight of the summer sky.&nbsp;<h2>The Hyades and the Pleiades</h2>&nbsp;In the early hours before dawn, the constellation Taurus rises in the east. At its heart lies the Hyades, the closest open cluster to Earth at just 150 light-years away. Shaped like a sideways ‘V’ marking the bull’s face, its brightest star Aldebaran, the red ‘eye’ of Taurus, is a foreground object, only 65 light-years distant.&nbsp;Above the Hyades sits the Pleiades, one of the most famous open clusters, often called the ‘Seven Sisters’. This cluster hosts more than a thousand hot, young stars, but binoculars reveal the seven brightest that dominate its appearance. Positioned about 10 degrees above the Hyades, roughly a fist’s width at arm’s length, the Pleiades are a dazzling reminder of the Milky Way’s star-forming past.&nbsp;

From dense globular swarms to open formations etched into familiar constellations, these stellar gatherings are visible to the naked eye from dark-sky sites.

As mid-August nights draw in, stargazers across the northern hemisphere are being treated to some of the most striking views of the year. Among the highlights are three prominent star clusters, each offering a window into the dynamic and ancient life of the Milky Way. From dense globular swarms to open formations etched into familiar constellations, these stellar gatherings are visible to the naked eye from dark-sky sites, but reveal their full majesty when observed with binoculars or a telescope. What are star clusters? Star clusters are gravitationally bound families of stars born from the same interstellar cloud. They come in two main types: open clusters and globular clusters. Open clusters, such as the Hyades and the Pleiades, are relatively young and often located in the Milky Way’s spiral arms. Their loosely bound nature means they can disperse over millions of years as passing stars tug at their members. Globular clusters, by contrast, are tightly packed spheres containing hundreds of thousands of stars, often among the oldest in the galaxy. These vast systems orbit in the galactic halo, high above and below the Milky Way’s disk, and many shine brightly enough to appear as faint smudges of light to the unaided eye. Roughly 150 globular clusters and more than 1,000 open clusters. Observing them requires patience and technique: allow around 30 minutes for your eyes to adapt to darkness, and use averted vision, looking slightly to the side of the target, to engage the light-sensitive rods of your eyes. While some clusters can be glimpsed without equipment, 10x50 binoculars sharpen the view and begin to resolve brighter stars, and a telescope of six inches or more reveals their intricate structures in detail. The Great Hercules Cluster One of the brightest sights of August evenings is the Great Hercules Cluster, also known as Messier 13 (M13). Located about 25,000 light-years away in the constellation Hercules, M13 contains around 100,000 stars bound in a glittering spherical mass. It can be found between the bright stars Vega and Arcturus by locating the Keystone asterism, a diamond-shaped pattern of four stars at Hercules’ centre. Sweeping binoculars between Zeta Herculis and Eta Herculis brings this ancient cluster into view, a highlight of the summer sky. The Hyades and the Pleiades In the early hours before dawn, the constellation Taurus rises in the east. At its heart lies the Hyades, the closest open cluster to Earth at just 150 light-years away. Shaped like a sideways ‘V’ marking the bull’s face, its brightest star Aldebaran, the red ‘eye’ of Taurus, is a foreground object, only 65 light-years distant. Above the Hyades sits the Pleiades, one of the most famous open clusters, often called the ‘Seven Sisters’. This cluster hosts more than a thousand hot, young stars, but binoculars reveal the seven brightest that dominate its appearance. Positioned about 10 degrees above the Hyades, roughly a fist’s width at arm’s length, the Pleiades are a dazzling reminder of the Milky Way’s star-forming past.

From dense globular swarms to open formations etched into familiar constellations, these stellar gatherings are visible to the naked eye from dark-sky sites.

See 1,00,000 stars at once: The star clusters set to dazzle skywatchers in August 2025

Every few years, astronomers observe an extraordinary spectacle known as a tidal disruption event (TDE), when a star strays too close to a black hole and is violently torn apart. 

Every few years, astronomers observe an extraordinary spectacle known as a tidal disruption event (TDE), when a star strays too close to a black hole and is violently torn apart.&nbsp;

Black holes tear stars to shreds and swallow them! Here's how it happens....

As telescopes capture the first shadows of black holes, the mystery deepens, are they cosmic graveyards, or gateways to something far stranger? 

As telescopes capture the first shadows of black holes, the mystery deepens, are they cosmic graveyards, or gateways to something far stranger?&nbsp;

Crossing the 'point of no return': What really happens beyond a black hole’s event horizon?

An international team of astronomers, utilising NASA’s Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE), has uncovered surprising insights into the behaviour of matter in the immediate vicinity of a black hole. Their observations of the stellar-mass black hole IGR J17091-3624, located approximately 28,000 light-years from Earth, have revealed a unique 'heartbeat' pattern in its X-ray emissions. This discovery, detailed in a recent NASA publication, challenges prevailing theories about black hole dynamics and offers a fresh perspective on their complex nature.&nbsp;<h2>Revealing the Heartbeat: IXPE's Groundbreaking Measurements</h2>&nbsp;In April 2025, astronomers employed IXPE to measure the polarisation of X-rays emitted by IGR J17091-3624. They detected a polarisation degree of 9.1 per cent, significantly higher than anticipated based on existing models. This high degree of polarisation suggests a highly ordered magnetic field structure around the black hole, providing new insights into the geometry of its accretion disc and corona. Lead researcher Melissa Ewing from Newcastle University said, "The black hole IGR J17091-3624 is an extraordinary source which dims and brightens with the likeness of a heartbeat, and NASA’s IXPE allowed us to measure this unique source in a brand-new way."&nbsp;<h2>Implications for Black Hole Research</h2><h2>&nbsp;</h2>The observed 'heartbeat' pattern, characterised by periodic dimming and brightening of X-ray emissions, provides a novel method for studying the behaviour of matter near black holes. This rhythmic variability may be linked to complex interactions between the accretion disc, corona, and relativistic winds emanating from the black hole. Understanding these interactions is crucial for comprehending the mechanisms driving black hole growth and their role in galactic evolution. IXPE's ability to measure X-ray polarisation offers a powerful tool for probing the extreme environments surrounding black holes, potentially leading to significant advancements in astrophysical research.&nbsp;<h2>Conclusion: A Step Forward in Astrophysics</h2><h2>&nbsp;</h2>NASA’s IXPE mission has provided unprecedented insights into the complex behaviour of black holes, particularly through its ability to measure X-ray polarisation. The detection of a 9.1 per cent polarisation degree in the emissions from IGR J17091-3624 challenges existing theoretical models and opens new avenues for research into the dynamics of black holes. As astronomers continue to analyse data from IXPE and other observatories, our understanding of these enigmatic cosmic entities is poised to deepen, potentially leading to groundbreaking discoveries in the field of astrophysics.

Their observations of the stellar-mass black hole IGR J17091-3624, located approximately 28,000 light-years from Earth, have revealed a unique 'heartbeat' pattern in its X-ray emissions.

An international team of astronomers, utilising NASA’s Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE), has uncovered surprising insights into the behaviour of matter in the immediate vicinity of a black hole. Their observations of the stellar-mass black hole IGR J17091-3624, located approximately 28,000 light-years from Earth, have revealed a unique 'heartbeat' pattern in its X-ray emissions. This discovery, detailed in a recent NASA publication, challenges prevailing theories about black hole dynamics and offers a fresh perspective on their complex nature. Revealing the Heartbeat: IXPE's Groundbreaking Measurements In April 2025, astronomers employed IXPE to measure the polarisation of X-rays emitted by IGR J17091-3624. They detected a polarisation degree of 9.1 per cent, significantly higher than anticipated based on existing models. This high degree of polarisation suggests a highly ordered magnetic field structure around the black hole, providing new insights into the geometry of its accretion disc and corona. Lead researcher Melissa Ewing from Newcastle University said, "The black hole IGR J17091-3624 is an extraordinary source which dims and brightens with the likeness of a heartbeat, and NASA’s IXPE allowed us to measure this unique source in a brand-new way." Implications for Black Hole Research The observed 'heartbeat' pattern, characterised by periodic dimming and brightening of X-ray emissions, provides a novel method for studying the behaviour of matter near black holes. This rhythmic variability may be linked to complex interactions between the accretion disc, corona, and relativistic winds emanating from the black hole. Understanding these interactions is crucial for comprehending the mechanisms driving black hole growth and their role in galactic evolution. IXPE's ability to measure X-ray polarisation offers a powerful tool for probing the extreme environments surrounding black holes, potentially leading to significant advancements in astrophysical research. Conclusion: A Step Forward in Astrophysics NASA’s IXPE mission has provided unprecedented insights into the complex behaviour of black holes, particularly through its ability to measure X-ray polarisation. The detection of a 9.1 per cent polarisation degree in the emissions from IGR J17091-3624 challenges existing theoretical models and opens new avenues for research into the dynamics of black holes. As astronomers continue to analyse data from IXPE and other observatories, our understanding of these enigmatic cosmic entities is poised to deepen, potentially leading to groundbreaking discoveries in the field of astrophysics.

Their observations of the stellar-mass black hole IGR J17091-3624, located approximately 28,000 light-years from Earth, have revealed a unique 'heartbeat' pattern in its X-ray emissions.

Scientists stunned as black hole emits rhythmic heartbeat, NASA’s IXPE uncovers cosmic mystery!

The gravitational pull of black holes is so strong that nothing, not even light, can escape once it passes the boundary known as the event horizon. 

The gravitational pull of black holes is so strong that nothing, not even light, can escape once it passes the boundary known as the event horizon.&nbsp;

Falling into a black hole: What happens when you cross the point of no return?

They are products of violent collisions, rare cosmic alignments, or mysterious forces we still cannot fully explain. 

They are products of violent collisions, rare cosmic alignments, or mysterious forces we still cannot fully explain.&nbsp;

Tadpole, Black Eye and Cosmic Owl: What makes these 7 galaxies the weirdest in the universe?

In August 2012 Voyager 1 crossed the heliopause, the boundary where the Sun’s solar wind gives way to the interstellar medium, the first time any craft had sampled that interface directly. 

In August 2012 Voyager 1 crossed the heliopause, the boundary where the Sun’s solar wind gives way to the interstellar medium, the first time any craft had sampled that interface directly.&nbsp;

When will Voyager 1 go silent and what are NASA’s plans for its final days?

Their surfaces reach temperatures hot enough to melt or even vaporize rock, creating conditions that are completely alien compared to Earth, Mars, or Venus. 

Their surfaces reach temperatures hot enough to melt or even vaporize rock, creating conditions that are completely alien compared to Earth, Mars, or Venus.&nbsp;

'Fiery lava planets': NASA's James Webb Telescope discovers shocking chemistry of worlds that shouldn’t exist

Astronomers at the University of Warwick have uncovered evidence that a seemingly ordinary star is actually a ghostly remnant of a dramatic stellar collision. 

Astronomers at the University of Warwick have uncovered evidence that a seemingly ordinary star is actually a ghostly remnant of a dramatic stellar collision.&nbsp;

‘130 light years away’: NASA's Hubble Telescope discovers rare ‘Zombie Star’ formed from a violent cosmic collision

Getting to grips with these structures doesn’t just change how we see the universe; it also opens up new doors for studying cosmic evolution and understanding the processes that govern interstellar environments.

Getting to grips with these structures doesn’t just change how we see the universe; it also opens up new doors for studying cosmic evolution and understanding the processes that govern interstellar environments.

'Cosmic tunnel': Scientists confirm presence of a mysterious doorway linking our solar system to distant constellations

Nasa’s SpaceX Crew-10 astronauts returned to Earth on Saturday after living on the International Space Station for nearly five months as the mission’s Crew Dragon capsule, named Endurance, splashed down in the Pacific Ocean off the California coast at 8.33 am local time. “From the entire Crew-10, thank you,” radioed Anne McClain, NASA astronaut and Dragon commander, soon after splashdown. “It was truly the ride of a lifetime.”&nbsp;Nasa astronauts Anne McClain and Nichole Ayers, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency astronaut Takuya Onishi and Roscosmos cosmonaut Kirill Peskov returned to Earth after the crew successfully undocked from the International Space Station (ISS) on Friday evening. McClain commanded Crew-10, Ayers was the pilot, and Onishi and Peskov were mission specialists.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Crew10?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Crew10</a> Roscosmos cosmonaut Kirill Peskov, left, <a href="https://twitter.com/NASA_Astronauts?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NASA_Astronauts</a> Nichole Ayers and Anne McClain, and JAXA astronaut Takuya Onishi, right, are seen inside their <a href="https://twitter.com/SpaceX?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SpaceX</a> Dragon spacecraft after splashing down off the coast of California. More photos: <a href="https://t.co/D2LbSnodfL">https://t.co/D2LbSnodfL</a> <a href="https://t.co/OlrJimFwfG">pic.twitter.com/OlrJimFwfG</a>&mdash; NASA HQ PHOTO (@nasahqphoto) <a href="https://twitter.com/nasahqphoto/status/1954227402323947625?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 9, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;&nbsp;Crew-10 was originally slated to leave the orbiting laboratory on Thursday. However, the event was postponed due to inclement weather conditions at the landing site. The journey from ISS to the landing site off the California coast on the gumdrop-shaped Dragon capsule took a total of 17.5 hours.&nbsp;The crew has made significant contributions to advancing scientific knowledge and technology demonstrations during its stay on the ISS and conducted hundreds of experiments spanning biology, material science, and human physiology, key research that supports future long-duration missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.“During their stay in space, the crew studied space-caused mental and physical changes in astronauts, blood flow from the brain to the heart, future lunar navigation techniques and more,” NASA officials wrote in a blog post.The mission underscores the reliability of commercial crew flights, with SpaceX’s Crew Dragon spacecraft continuing to play a pivotal role.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">LIVE: Leaders from NASA and our partners provide updates on Crew-10 after the mission successfully splashed down off the coast of California earlier today. <a href="https://t.co/9D61dt2qXJ">https://t.co/9D61dt2qXJ</a> <a href="https://t.co/rvRQt1lAfZ">pic.twitter.com/rvRQt1lAfZ</a>&mdash; NASA (@NASA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASA/status/1954226326057157036?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 9, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The crew had launched to the ISS on March 14 in a routine mission, replacing the Crew-9 team, which included NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams, who remained on the station after arriving via Boeing’s Starliner capsule.

Crew-10 was originally slated to leave the orbiting laboratory on Thursday, but the departure was postponed due to inclement weather at the landing site. Crew-10 made a successful water landing off the California coast on Saturday, splashing down near San Diego in their SpaceX Dragon.

Nasa’s SpaceX Crew-10 astronauts returned to Earth on Saturday after living on the International Space Station for nearly five months as the mission’s Crew Dragon capsule, named Endurance, splashed down in the Pacific Ocean off the California coast at 8.33 am local time. “From the entire Crew-10, thank you,” radioed Anne McClain, NASA astronaut and Dragon commander, soon after splashdown. “It was truly the ride of a lifetime.” Nasa astronauts Anne McClain and Nichole Ayers, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency astronaut Takuya Onishi and Roscosmos cosmonaut Kirill Peskov returned to Earth after the crew successfully undocked from the International Space Station (ISS) on Friday evening. McClain commanded Crew-10, Ayers was the pilot, and Onishi and Peskov were mission specialists.

Crew-10 was originally slated to leave the orbiting laboratory on Thursday, but the departure was postponed due to inclement weather at the landing site. Crew-10 made a successful water landing off the California coast on Saturday, splashing down near San Diego in their SpaceX Dragon.

Nasa’s SpaceX Crew-10 returns after nearly 5-month stay in space

A scientist wants to send a probe to a black hole, although he knows that his idea cannot be put into force right now since it is based on a technology that doesn't exist. He has come up with a plan to send a spacecraft right into the heart of a black hole to study these mysterious giants hogging our universe. It involves building the tiniest spaceship, no bigger than a paper clip, with lasers pushing it through space almost at the speed of light. Humans have not been able to build anything that can move at such speeds. Although Professor Cosimo Bambi, of Fudan University in Shanghai, is hopeful that this can be done in the future. He told Daily Mail that it is fully possible to develop this technology, all it needs is "time, money, and motivation." His ambitious project would come at a huge cost, as the lasers alone would require more than $1 trillion. He has published his proposal in the journal iScience, in which he argues that sending a spacecraft directly into the heart of a black hole could reveal secrets about the fabric of spacetime.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/baba-vanga-predicted-alien-contact-in-2025-interstellar-spaceship-comet-solar-system-1754538939635">Baba Vanga Predicted Alien Contact In 2025. Is Interstellar 'Mothership' Hurtling Towards Earth Them Reaching Out?</a><h2>Nanocraft can steer right through a black hole</h2>For the experiment, scientists need to identify a black hole located at a distance that can realistically be covered by a man-made spacecraft. For the probe itself, Bambi advocates building a nanocraft. As the name suggests, it would be much smaller than traditional spacecraft that burn fuel and are quite big to reach anywhere near the speed of light. The nanocraft would be nothing but a small chip stuck to a large sail, which would be blasted off from Earth with the help of lasers, with photons that will accelerate the craft to a third of the speed of light. The problems with his plan are plenty, but the biggest one is finding a black hole we can practically visit. He says that such a black hole should exist within 20-25 light-years from the Solar System. Travelling at that speed, the nanocraft will take 70-80 years to reach it, and about 20-25 years for the data to reach Earth.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/two-years-apart-supermassive-black-hole-seen-eating-the-same-unlucky-star-twice-1754133922155">Two years apart, supermassive black hole seen eating the same unlucky star twice</a><h2>Problems with finding a black hole close to Earth</h2>Another problem is the cost of the mission. He admits that, based on the current technology, it would cost one trillion GBP, "so it is definitely beyond the budget of any scientific experiment." However, he cites the trend of the past 20 years and the future economic environment to state that this amount would reduce to around $1 billion in 20-30 years. The total timeline from the launch to getting the data from it is 100 years. Considering that the nano technology needed doesn't even exist today, it cannot even be put into action until it becomes a reality. But everything still boils down to finding a black hole that is near us. "If the distance of the closest black hole exceeds 40-50 light years, I am afraid we have to give up," Bambi says. The closest black hole to Earth is Gaia-BH1, which is 1,560 light-years away.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/universe-biggest-black-hole-is-so-monstrous-that-it-can-fit-36-billion-suns-1754645711409">Universe's biggest black hole is so monstrous that it can fit 36 billion Suns</a>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/james-webb-discovers-oldest-black-hole-in-the-universe-1754652420362">'A dead ringer': James Webb discovers universe's oldest black hole</a>&nbsp;Black holes are a cosmic mystery. All we know about them is that their gravitational force is the strongest one seen in the entire universe. No one knows what lies inside them. Bambi says if humans succeed in detecting a black hole closer home in the next 5-10 years, then the world should just go for it and send a probe deep inside. It will be the perfect laboratory to test Einstein's theory of general relativity.

A scientist from Shanghai wants to send a spacecraft into a black hole to learn what lies at the heart of it. But there are several hurdles to his plans, but he is still hopeful that humans can send a probe to a black hole in the coming years.  

A scientist wants to send a probe to a black hole, although he knows that his idea cannot be put into force right now since it is based on a technology that doesn't exist. He has come up with a plan to send a spacecraft right into the heart of a black hole to study these mysterious giants hogging our universe. It involves building the tiniest spaceship, no bigger than a paper clip, with lasers pushing it through space almost at the speed of light. Humans have not been able to build anything that can move at such speeds. Although Professor Cosimo Bambi, of Fudan University in Shanghai, is hopeful that this can be done in the future. He told Daily Mail that it is fully possible to develop this technology, all it needs is "time, money, and motivation." His ambitious project would come at a huge cost, as the lasers alone would require more than $1 trillion. He has published his proposal in the journal iScience, in which he argues that sending a spacecraft directly into the heart of a black hole could reveal secrets about the fabric of spacetime. Also Read: Baba Vanga Predicted Alien Contact In 2025. Is Interstellar 'Mothership' Hurtling Towards Earth Them Reaching Out? Nanocraft can steer right through a black hole For the experiment, scientists need to identify a black hole located at a distance that can realistically be covered by a man-made spacecraft. For the probe itself, Bambi advocates building a nanocraft. As the name suggests, it would be much smaller than traditional spacecraft that burn fuel and are quite big to reach anywhere near the speed of light. The nanocraft would be nothing but a small chip stuck to a large sail, which would be blasted off from Earth with the help of lasers, with photons that will accelerate the craft to a third of the speed of light. The problems with his plan are plenty, but the biggest one is finding a black hole we can practically visit. He says that such a black hole should exist within 20-25 light-years from the Solar System. Travelling at that speed, the nanocraft will take 70-80 years to reach it, and about 20-25 years for the data to reach Earth. Also Read: Two years apart, supermassive black hole seen eating the same unlucky star twice Problems with finding a black hole close to Earth Another problem is the cost of the mission. He admits that, based on the current technology, it would cost one trillion GBP, "so it is definitely beyond the budget of any scientific experiment." However, he cites the trend of the past 20 years and the future economic environment to state that this amount would reduce to around $1 billion in 20-30 years. The total timeline from the launch to getting the data from it is 100 years. Considering that the nano technology needed doesn't even exist today, it cannot even be put into action until it becomes a reality. But everything still boils down to finding a black hole that is near us. "If the distance of the closest black hole exceeds 40-50 light years, I am afraid we have to give up," Bambi says. The closest black hole to Earth is Gaia-BH1, which is 1,560 light-years away. Also Read: Universe's biggest black hole is so monstrous that it can fit 36 billion Suns Also Read: 'A dead ringer': James Webb discovers universe's oldest black hole Black holes are a cosmic mystery. All we know about them is that their gravitational force is the strongest one seen in the entire universe. No one knows what lies inside them. Bambi says if humans succeed in detecting a black hole closer home in the next 5-10 years, then the world should just go for it and send a probe deep inside. It will be the perfect laboratory to test Einstein's theory of general relativity.

A scientist from Shanghai wants to send a spacecraft into a black hole to learn what lies at the heart of it. But there are several hurdles to his plans, but he is still hopeful that humans can send a probe to a black hole in the coming years. &nbsp;

Black hole probe needs 100 years, $1 trillion and fictional technology. But there is an even bigger problem

Scientists have found the earliest black hole in the universe that existed just 500 million years after the Big Bang. The discovery was revealed in a new paper published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters. The ancient black hole was spotted by the James Webb Space Telescope in the distant galaxy CAPERS-LRD-z9, shrouded by gas. It is around 13.3 billion years old, when the universe was just three per cent of its current age. CAPERS-LRD-z9 is one of the “little red dot” galaxies that Webb captured in the first year of its launch. They looked very different from the galaxies Hubble was used to seeing. Steven Finkelstein, co-author of the new study and director of the Cosmic Frontier Center at the University of Texas at Austin, said in a statement, “The discovery of Little Red Dots was a major surprise from early JWST data, as they looked nothing like galaxies seen with the Hubble Space Telescope.”Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/two-years-apart-supermassive-black-hole-seen-eating-the-same-unlucky-star-twice-1754133922155">Two years apart, supermassive black hole seen eating the same unlucky star twice</a><h2>Galaxies born right after Big Bang</h2>These galaxies appeared as scarlet pinpricks in Webb's vision and had never been detected by any telescope before it. Their discovery changed the beliefs scientists had about the universe. NASA stated that if these shining objects were galaxies, then it would imply that some of them had grown really big, really fast and did not fit into the current theories. Finkelstein and his team compiled data on these little red dot galaxies and published their findings in January. It included all of them that existed in the first 1.5 billion years after the Big Bang. They wrote that these galaxies likely had supermassive black holes that were still growing. He then collaborated with a team led by Anthony Taylor, a postdoctoral researcher at the Cosmic Frontier Center.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/baba-vanga-predicted-alien-contact-in-2025-interstellar-spaceship-comet-solar-system-1754538939635">Baba Vanga Predicted Alien Contact In 2025. Is Interstellar 'Mothership' Hurtling Towards Earth Them Reaching Out?</a> &nbsp;They checked the spectroscopy data from Webb’s CAPERS (CANDELS-Area Prism Epoch of Reionization Survey) program. They noticed a distinct spectroscopic signature that is produced when black holes interact with gas clouds. As the gas rapidly swirls around and falls into a black hole, light from gas that is moving away from us stretches into redder wavelengths, while the one moving towards us has bluer wavelengths. Taylor says, “There aren’t many other things that create this signature." This one turned out to be the earliest such example.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/would-you-dare-to-take-a-400-year-one-way-trip-to-alpha-centauri-on-this-ship-1754642146307">Would you dare to take a 400‑year one‑way trip to Alpha Centauri on this ship?</a>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/universe-biggest-black-hole-is-so-monstrous-that-it-can-fit-36-billion-suns-1754645711409">Universe's biggest black hole is so monstrous that it can fit 36 billion Suns</a><h2>Black holes and brightness from galaxies</h2>Their findings further cement the belief that supermassive black holes are the likely source of the brightness emitted by these galaxies. “We’ve seen these clouds in other galaxies,” Taylor said. “When we compared this object to those other sources, it was a dead ringer.” The oldest black hole discovered at the centre of this galaxy is up to 300 million times more massive than the Sun. "Finding a black hole of this size that existed so early on in the universe adds to growing evidence that early black holes grew much faster than we thought possible,” Finkelstein said.

The oldest black hole in the universe has been discovered in a distant galaxy, CAPERS-LRD-z9, shrouded by gas. It existed only 500 million years after the Big Bang occurred and is  300 million times more massive than the Sun.

Scientists have found the earliest black hole in the universe that existed just 500 million years after the Big Bang. The discovery was revealed in a new paper published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters. The ancient black hole was spotted by the James Webb Space Telescope in the distant galaxy CAPERS-LRD-z9, shrouded by gas. It is around 13.3 billion years old, when the universe was just three per cent of its current age. CAPERS-LRD-z9 is one of the “little red dot” galaxies that Webb captured in the first year of its launch. They looked very different from the galaxies Hubble was used to seeing. Steven Finkelstein, co-author of the new study and director of the Cosmic Frontier Center at the University of Texas at Austin, said in a statement, “The discovery of Little Red Dots was a major surprise from early JWST data, as they looked nothing like galaxies seen with the Hubble Space Telescope.” Also Read: Two years apart, supermassive black hole seen eating the same unlucky star twice Galaxies born right after Big Bang These galaxies appeared as scarlet pinpricks in Webb's vision and had never been detected by any telescope before it. Their discovery changed the beliefs scientists had about the universe. NASA stated that if these shining objects were galaxies, then it would imply that some of them had grown really big, really fast and did not fit into the current theories. Finkelstein and his team compiled data on these little red dot galaxies and published their findings in January. It included all of them that existed in the first 1.5 billion years after the Big Bang. They wrote that these galaxies likely had supermassive black holes that were still growing. He then collaborated with a team led by Anthony Taylor, a postdoctoral researcher at the Cosmic Frontier Center. Also Read: Baba Vanga Predicted Alien Contact In 2025. Is Interstellar 'Mothership' Hurtling Towards Earth Them Reaching Out? They checked the spectroscopy data from Webb’s CAPERS (CANDELS-Area Prism Epoch of Reionization Survey) program. They noticed a distinct spectroscopic signature that is produced when black holes interact with gas clouds. As the gas rapidly swirls around and falls into a black hole, light from gas that is moving away from us stretches into redder wavelengths, while the one moving towards us has bluer wavelengths. Taylor says, “There aren’t many other things that create this signature." This one turned out to be the earliest such example. Also Read: Would you dare to take a 400‑year one‑way trip to Alpha Centauri on this ship? Also Read: Universe's biggest black hole is so monstrous that it can fit 36 billion Suns Black holes and brightness from galaxies Their findings further cement the belief that supermassive black holes are the likely source of the brightness emitted by these galaxies. “We’ve seen these clouds in other galaxies,” Taylor said. “When we compared this object to those other sources, it was a dead ringer.” The oldest black hole discovered at the centre of this galaxy is up to 300 million times more massive than the Sun. "Finding a black hole of this size that existed so early on in the universe adds to growing evidence that early black holes grew much faster than we thought possible,” Finkelstein said.

The oldest black hole in the universe has been discovered in a distant galaxy, CAPERS-LRD-z9, shrouded by gas. It existed only 500 million years after the Big Bang occurred and is &nbsp;300 million times more massive than the Sun.

'A dead ringer': James Webb discovers universe's oldest black hole

While the Trump administration is putting a stop to various space endeavours, one of which it is seriously considering is building a nuclear reactor on the moon. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, who is also the interim NASA administrator, is reportedly set to announce plans for a nuclear reactor in space. According to a report by Politico, Duffy could reveal the details as soon as this week. Plans for a nuclear reactor on the Moon have been in the world for a long time. NASA had earlier funded research into a 40 kilowatt reactor for use on the moon, with the timeline for launch some time in the 2030s. However, Duffy making an official announcement would mean that it is no longer a background mission. In fact, the Trump administration has been serious about sending humans to space, even though it has announced a nearly 50 per cent cut for other science missions. It also means that Duffy is looking to play an active role in NASA, despite having another job, for which he has faced backlash. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/exclusive-nasa-isro-nisar-satellite-can-survive-hits-from-tiny-space-rocks-1753855760850">Exclusive: NASA-ISRO NISAR satellite can survive hits from tiny space rocks</a><h2>NASA wants to launch its nuclear reactor in 2030</h2>NASA has been told to solicit industry proposals for a 100-kilowatt nuclear reactor that would be launched by 2030. A senior NASA official told the publication, “It is about winning the second space race." This is in reference to the space race that China is also pursuing and trying to reach not only the Moon but also Mars. Notably, China and Russia have joined hands to build an automated nuclear power station on the Moon by 2035. In the race to defeat Beijing and Moscow, the White House has proposed a budget that would increase human spaceflight funds for 2026. The nuclear reactor would fulfil energy needs when humans go to the Moon again. The plans include building a lunar base from which they could further launch towards Mars. Whichever country gets there first could hold the upper hand in all future missions. A directive sent to NASA states that whichever country builds a reactor first could "declare a keep-out zone which would significantly inhibit the United States." Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/insane-simulation-shows-fleet-of-nasa-choppers-dropping-down-on-mars-1753520954592">INSANE simulation shows fleet of NASA choppers dropping down on Mars</a>&nbsp;https://www.wionews.com/videos/nasa-to-lose-more-than-3-000-employees-in-the-backdrop-of-trump-s-federal-workforce-cuts-1753585145205/embed&nbsp;The year 2030 has been chosen for the launch of the nuclear station because China is aiming to land its first human on the Moon in the same year. Replacing the International Space Station (ISS) is another high-priority agenda for Duffy, who has directed officials to move quickly on it. The current space station is expected to retire before 2030. At least two companies will be chosen for it within six months of the proposal, which would be tasked with placing a new space station in orbit by 2030. China is the only other country to have a permanently crewed space station, called Tiangong. &nbsp;

NASA plans on having a nuclear reactor on the Moon in the early part of the next decade. Sean Duffy, who is also the interim NASA administrator, is expected to make an official announcement soon. Russia and China are aiming for the same by 2035. NASA is hoping to beat them. 

While the Trump administration is putting a stop to various space endeavours, one of which it is seriously considering is building a nuclear reactor on the moon. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, who is also the interim NASA administrator, is reportedly set to announce plans for a nuclear reactor in space. According to a report by Politico, Duffy could reveal the details as soon as this week. Plans for a nuclear reactor on the Moon have been in the world for a long time. NASA had earlier funded research into a 40 kilowatt reactor for use on the moon, with the timeline for launch some time in the 2030s. However, Duffy making an official announcement would mean that it is no longer a background mission. In fact, the Trump administration has been serious about sending humans to space, even though it has announced a nearly 50 per cent cut for other science missions. It also means that Duffy is looking to play an active role in NASA, despite having another job, for which he has faced backlash. Also Read: Exclusive: NASA-ISRO NISAR satellite can survive hits from tiny space rocks NASA wants to launch its nuclear reactor in 2030 NASA has been told to solicit industry proposals for a 100-kilowatt nuclear reactor that would be launched by 2030. A senior NASA official told the publication, “It is about winning the second space race." This is in reference to the space race that China is also pursuing and trying to reach not only the Moon but also Mars. Notably, China and Russia have joined hands to build an automated nuclear power station on the Moon by 2035. In the race to defeat Beijing and Moscow, the White House has proposed a budget that would increase human spaceflight funds for 2026. The nuclear reactor would fulfil energy needs when humans go to the Moon again. The plans include building a lunar base from which they could further launch towards Mars. Whichever country gets there first could hold the upper hand in all future missions. A directive sent to NASA states that whichever country builds a reactor first could "declare a keep-out zone which would significantly inhibit the United States." Also Read: INSANE simulation shows fleet of NASA choppers dropping down on Mars https://www.wionews.com/videos/nasa-to-lose-more-than-3-000-employees-in-the-backdrop-of-trump-s-federal-workforce-cuts-1753585145205/embed The year 2030 has been chosen for the launch of the nuclear station because China is aiming to land its first human on the Moon in the same year. Replacing the International Space Station (ISS) is another high-priority agenda for Duffy, who has directed officials to move quickly on it. The current space station is expected to retire before 2030. At least two companies will be chosen for it within six months of the proposal, which would be tasked with placing a new space station in orbit by 2030. China is the only other country to have a permanently crewed space station, called Tiangong.

NASA plans on having a nuclear reactor on the Moon in the early part of the next decade. Sean Duffy, who is also the interim NASA administrator, is expected to make an official announcement soon. Russia and China are aiming for the same by 2035. NASA is hoping to beat them.&nbsp;

Space War begins: NASA officially has a plan for a nuclear reactor on the Moon by the year...

For years and years, solar eclipses have fascinated people across cultures. In ancient times, they were often viewed as omens that shaped myths and legends. Today, they offer rare opportunities for scientific research, such as studying the Sun’s corona and testing astronomical theories. Because total eclipses are visible only along narrow paths and occur infrequently, enthusiasts often travel thousands of miles to witness them.<h2>Viral claim? Here's the truth</h2>A viral claim circulating on social media has caused confusion, claiming that the world will experience “total darkness” on August 2, 2025 due to a rare total solar eclipse. Some posts even falsely claim that such an event will not happen again for a hundred years. NASA and leading astronomers have debunked this claim. There is no total solar eclipse scheduled for that date. Instead, the confusion likely stems from mixing up different eclipse events — in particular, the much-anticipated total eclipse of August 2, 2027, which is already being called the “eclipse of the century.”&nbsp;A total eclipse plunging the entire world into darkness is scientifically impossible. Total eclipses can only be seen from specific locations within a narrow path on Earth’s surface. In 2025, there will be no such event on August 2. However, there will be a partial solar eclipse on September 21, 2025. During a partial eclipse, the Moon covers only part of the Sun, creating a crescent-shaped Sun but never full darkness. This September eclipse will be visible from parts of Africa, Europe, and southern Asia. Most of the world — including North and South America — will not see it at all.&nbsp;The rumour may have been sparked by confusion with the upcoming August 2, 2027 total solar eclipse — one of the most spectacular in modern history. Lasting 6 minutes and 23 seconds, it will be the longest total eclipse visible from land since 1991. For comparison, most total eclipses last only 2–4 minutes.&nbsp;Its path will be about 160 miles wide and stretch for 9,462 miles, passing through 11 countries: Spain, Gibraltar, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Sudan, Saudi Arabia, Yemen and Somalia. Observers within this narrow band will witness day turning briefly into night, while those outside it will see only a partial eclipse — or none at all.<h2>What to expect from partial eclipse?</h2>While the September 21, 2025, partial eclipse won’t bring total darkness, it will still be an engaging sight for skywatchers. The Sun will appear as a bright crescent, and light levels may slightly dim. Temperatures could drop a little, adding to the experience.

Six minutes of darkness in the world Heres what NASA said on Solar Eclipse happening tomorrow

For years and years, solar eclipses have fascinated people across cultures. In ancient times, they were often viewed as omens that shaped myths and legends. Today, they offer rare opportunities for scientific research, such as studying the Sun’s corona and testing astronomical theories. Because total eclipses are visible only along narrow paths and occur infrequently, enthusiasts often travel thousands of miles to witness them. Viral claim? Here's the truth A viral claim circulating on social media has caused confusion, claiming that the world will experience “total darkness” on August 2, 2025 due to a rare total solar eclipse. Some posts even falsely claim that such an event will not happen again for a hundred years. NASA and leading astronomers have debunked this claim. There is no total solar eclipse scheduled for that date. Instead, the confusion likely stems from mixing up different eclipse events — in particular, the much-anticipated total eclipse of August 2, 2027, which is already being called the “eclipse of the century.” A total eclipse plunging the entire world into darkness is scientifically impossible. Total eclipses can only be seen from specific locations within a narrow path on Earth’s surface. In 2025, there will be no such event on August 2. However, there will be a partial solar eclipse on September 21, 2025. During a partial eclipse, the Moon covers only part of the Sun, creating a crescent-shaped Sun but never full darkness. This September eclipse will be visible from parts of Africa, Europe, and southern Asia. Most of the world — including North and South America — will not see it at all. The rumour may have been sparked by confusion with the upcoming August 2, 2027 total solar eclipse — one of the most spectacular in modern history. Lasting 6 minutes and 23 seconds, it will be the longest total eclipse visible from land since 1991. For comparison, most total eclipses last only 2–4 minutes. Its path will be about 160 miles wide and stretch for 9,462 miles, passing through 11 countries: Spain, Gibraltar, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Sudan, Saudi Arabia, Yemen and Somalia. Observers within this narrow band will witness day turning briefly into night, while those outside it will see only a partial eclipse — or none at all. What to expect from partial eclipse? While the September 21, 2025, partial eclipse won’t bring total darkness, it will still be an engaging sight for skywatchers. The Sun will appear as a bright crescent, and light levels may slightly dim. Temperatures could drop a little, adding to the experience.

In a partial solar eclipse, the Moon only blocks part of the Sun’s disk. This creates a crescent-shaped Sun but does not cause complete darkness.

'Six minutes of darkness in the world'? Here's what NASA said on Solar Eclipse happening tomorrow

A hidden exoplanet named Kepler-139f was discovered by the NASA scientists in the Kepler-139 star system. The uncovered exoplanet is a massive “super-Earth,” roughly twice the mass of Neptune and significantly larger than Earth. These exoplanets existed for millions of years but were discovered by the NASA scientists in 2025 despite being enormous and having a strong gravitational pull.&nbsp;Kepler-139f is roughly twice as heavy as Neptune and is estimated to be 36 times the mass of Earth. This exoplanet takes around 355 Earth days to complete one orbit around a ‘G-type star,’ which is a parent star similar to our Sun, according to a report by Space.comAlso read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/isro-and-nasa-s-nisar-mission-will-lift-off-on-july-30-from-this-launchpad-1753543141381">ISRO and NASA’s NISAR mission will lift-off on July 30 from this launchpad!</a>&nbsp;Meanwhile, Kepler-139 f, also known as ‘Super-Earth,’ remained unnoticed for so long despite having a strong gravitational pull because of its orbital alignment. It was discovered by NASA’s Kepler Space Telescope using the transit method, which detects tiny dips in a star’s brightness as planets pass in front of it.&nbsp;However, the view of the Kepler was limited to a narrow field of vision, as planets revolving outside this “line of sight” are not visible until they are affected by nearby bodies in measurable ways.<h3>How are exoplanets discovered?</h3>The primary identification of a world by Kepler was frequently witnessed by observations from the ground. Using radial velocity (RV), astronomers could measure how much a planet tugged on its star, which allows them to determine the mass of the planet. Surprisingly, these measurements could also reveal new worlds, as they helped in the discovery of the outermost gas giant known as Kepler-139e.&nbsp;Meanwhile, every planet in the universe is attracted to other planets in the system, along with the star, regardless of whether it can be seen from Earth. These pulls might affect a planet's transits, which creates "transit timing variations" (TTVs), which can reveal worlds that don't cross the star.&nbsp;"When you observe TTVs that cannot be attributed to the known planets, you can be fairly confident that there is an unseen body in the system," Caleb Lammers, a researcher from Princeton University and co-author of the study, explained.&nbsp;Lammers and his colleague Joshua Winn, a participating scientist on the Kepler team and co-author of the study, looked for gaps in known systems. Later, the Kepler team used both RV and TTV measurements to search for a missing world and revisited existing TTVs based on the 2023 discovery of Kepler-139e.

Kepler-139 f is a Neptune-like exoplanet that orbits a G-type star. The mass of this planet is 36 times that of Earth, which takes 355 days to complete one orbit of its star. It was discovered by NASA scientists in 2025.

A hidden exoplanet named Kepler-139f was discovered by the NASA scientists in the Kepler-139 star system. The uncovered exoplanet is a massive “super-Earth,” roughly twice the mass of Neptune and significantly larger than Earth. These exoplanets existed for millions of years but were discovered by the NASA scientists in 2025 despite being enormous and having a strong gravitational pull. Kepler-139f is roughly twice as heavy as Neptune and is estimated to be 36 times the mass of Earth. This exoplanet takes around 355 Earth days to complete one orbit around a ‘G-type star,’ which is a parent star similar to our Sun, according to a report by Space.com Also read: ISRO and NASA’s NISAR mission will lift-off on July 30 from this launchpad! Meanwhile, Kepler-139 f, also known as ‘Super-Earth,’ remained unnoticed for so long despite having a strong gravitational pull because of its orbital alignment. It was discovered by NASA’s Kepler Space Telescope using the transit method, which detects tiny dips in a star’s brightness as planets pass in front of it. However, the view of the Kepler was limited to a narrow field of vision, as planets revolving outside this “line of sight” are not visible until they are affected by nearby bodies in measurable ways. How are exoplanets discovered? The primary identification of a world by Kepler was frequently witnessed by observations from the ground. Using radial velocity (RV), astronomers could measure how much a planet tugged on its star, which allows them to determine the mass of the planet. Surprisingly, these measurements could also reveal new worlds, as they helped in the discovery of the outermost gas giant known as Kepler-139e. Meanwhile, every planet in the universe is attracted to other planets in the system, along with the star, regardless of whether it can be seen from Earth. These pulls might affect a planet's transits, which creates "transit timing variations" (TTVs), which can reveal worlds that don't cross the star. "When you observe TTVs that cannot be attributed to the known planets, you can be fairly confident that there is an unseen body in the system," Caleb Lammers, a researcher from Princeton University and co-author of the study, explained. Lammers and his colleague Joshua Winn, a participating scientist on the Kepler team and co-author of the study, looked for gaps in known systems. Later, the Kepler team used both RV and TTV measurements to search for a missing world and revisited existing TTVs based on the 2023 discovery of Kepler-139e.

Kepler-139 f is a Neptune-like exoplanet that orbits a G-type star. The mass of this planet is 36 times that of Earth, which takes 355 days to complete one orbit of its star. It was discovered by NASA scientists in 2025.

Alien world found? Massive 'Super-Earth', 36 times earth's size discovered beyond our solar system—All you need to know

Nearly one in five NASA employees have applied to leave the premier space research agency in a development that is sending ripples through the organisation's structure. About 3,870 employees, more than 20 per cent, have applied to leave NASA through the Trump administration's deferred resignation programme. At the centre of this is the sweeping reform initiated by Elon Musk's brainchild, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).These resignations will shrink the workforce of NASA from 18000 to nearly 14,000, including the 500 left by normal attrition.&nbsp;<h2>DOGE’s Role: Central &amp; Controversial</h2>The deferred resignation programme was a buyout programme launched by the White House's Department of Government Efficiency. Established in January 2025 under the oversight of a billionaire and a close confidant of the US President Donald Trump to slash federal waste, modernise bureaucracy, and eliminate redundancies.In mid-February, DOGE audited NASA, its contracts and budgeting system. As a result, about 900 employees left the organisation in the first round, and 3000 more followed second round under the deferred resignation programme. A budget proposal issued in May by the White House saw NASA's funding cut by 25 per cent from $24 billion to $18 billion for the FY 25-26.&nbsp;Notably among the departing are 2,000 senior-level employees, including scientists, engineers, and managers, many essential to the ongoing missions. One Caltech research scientist, Dr. Jessie Christiansen, warned about “deep knowledge and expertise holes across all NASA centres,”“Safety remains a top priority for our agency as we balance the need to become a more streamlined and more efficient organisation and work to ensure we remain fully capable of pursuing a Golden Era of exploration and innovation, including to the Moon and Mars,” said NASA spokesperson Cheryl Warner.There is a crisis with NASA's top leadership; earlier, it was supposed to be the billionaire private astronaut Jared Isaacman, a friend of Elon Musk. But his nomination was cancelled just ahead of the Senate confirmation, and public fallout followed between Elon Musk and Trump. Now, Sean Duffy, the Transportation Secretary, is temporarily leading the premier research agency.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Nearly 3870 employees, including scientists, engineers, and managers, decided to leave the premier space research agency under the deferred resignation programme as part of the reform initiated by Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

Nearly one in five NASA employees have applied to leave the premier space research agency in a development that is sending ripples through the organisation's structure. About 3,870 employees, more than 20 per cent, have applied to leave NASA through the Trump administration's deferred resignation programme. At the centre of this is the sweeping reform initiated by Elon Musk's brainchild, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). These resignations will shrink the workforce of NASA from 18000 to nearly 14,000, including the 500 left by normal attrition. DOGE’s Role: Central & Controversial The deferred resignation programme was a buyout programme launched by the White House's Department of Government Efficiency. Established in January 2025 under the oversight of a billionaire and a close confidant of the US President Donald Trump to slash federal waste, modernise bureaucracy, and eliminate redundancies. In mid-February, DOGE audited NASA, its contracts and budgeting system. As a result, about 900 employees left the organisation in the first round, and 3000 more followed second round under the deferred resignation programme. A budget proposal issued in May by the White House saw NASA's funding cut by 25 per cent from $24 billion to $18 billion for the FY 25-26. Notably among the departing are 2,000 senior-level employees, including scientists, engineers, and managers, many essential to the ongoing missions. One Caltech research scientist, Dr. Jessie Christiansen, warned about “deep knowledge and expertise holes across all NASA centres,” “Safety remains a top priority for our agency as we balance the need to become a more streamlined and more efficient organisation and work to ensure we remain fully capable of pursuing a Golden Era of exploration and innovation, including to the Moon and Mars,” said NASA spokesperson Cheryl Warner. There is a crisis with NASA's top leadership; earlier, it was supposed to be the billionaire private astronaut Jared Isaacman, a friend of Elon Musk. But his nomination was cancelled just ahead of the Senate confirmation, and public fallout followed between Elon Musk and Trump. Now, Sean Duffy, the Transportation Secretary, is temporarily leading the premier research agency.

Nearly 3870 employees, including scientists, engineers, and managers, decided to leave the premier space research agency under the deferred resignation programme as part of the reform initiated by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

Devastating legacy of Musk led DOGE: More than 20% NASA employees quit

The NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) satellite, jointly built by the American and Indian space agencies, will be capturing an unprecedented amount of Earth-imaging data as it circles 747 kms above the Earth’s surface. “NISAR would be capturing 4.37 Terabytes (over 4,300 GB) of data per day,” Dr. Sanghamitra Dutta, NISAR Program Executive, NASA Headquarters, told WION’s Sidharth M.P. For context, an average consumer laptop comes with 512 GB of storage space. Therefore, NISAR would capture enough imagery to fill up at least eight laptops in a single day.&nbsp;&nbsp;Weighing nearly 2,400 kg, NISAR is meant to carry out high-resolution Earth imaging for at least three years. NISAR would generate a whopping 1569 Terabytes (over 1.5 million GB) of imaging data, considering its minimal operational life of three years. Over this period of three years, NISAR would generate enough data to fill up at least 2,900 laptops. The first-ever satellite to be built jointly by space agencies of India and the US, NISAR is meant to monitor Earth’s vital signs and help understand the impact of climate change and natural disasters, among others.&nbsp;If everything goes according to plan, the GLSV-F16 rocket carrying the NISAR satellite will lift off from the Indian Spaceport Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, at around 5:40 pm Indian time, on 30th July, Wednesday. ISRO has officially announced the launch date and time for the mission.&nbsp;<h2>24/7 Earth-monitoring for several years</h2>&nbsp;Typically, an Earth-imaging satellite would have to only capture images when passing over its area of interest or region of study. When not flying over the area of interest, the imaging equipment can be turned off and put to rest. That’s where NISAR stands out—its job is to capture earth imaging data round-the-clock over its operational life of more than three years. NASA says NISAR will be capable of mapping the Earth’s land and ice-covered surface twice in a period of twelve days. While NISAR is expected to have a minimum mission life of three years, it is likely to perform its duties for five years or longer. Satellite life depends on how much fuel it carries on board, the design life of its electronic components, and other technical parameters.&nbsp;NISAR is the first satellite mission to collect radar data in two microwave bandwidth regions, called the L-band and the S-band, to measure changes of our planet’s surface, including movements as small as a centimetre. This allows the mission to observe a wide range of Earth processes, from the flow rates of glaciers and ice sheets to the dynamics of earthquakes and volcanoes. NISAR will map the entire globe in 12 days.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>How scientists would manage such vast amount of data from NISAR</h2>&nbsp;Given how NISAR would generate over 4,300 GB of data daily, scientists face a major challenge in managing this vast trove of Earth-imaging information. Like all our gadgets, the Solid State Data recorder on the NISAR satellite has a limited capacity, which is why NASA and ISRO are working on quick methods to downlink the data (send the data from the satellite to Earth) as frequently as possible. Think of it like rapidly downloading all photos and videos from a camera’s memory card before deleting them to free up space for the next use.&nbsp;NASA’s Dr. Dutta says that NISAR could generate the highest-ever amount of data from a single-satellite mission. “There has never been so much data coming from a mission on a daily basis, and we have prepared the downlink stations (Earth-based stations that receive data from satellites) for such high data rates. This would also help NASA in getting ready for future missions, when there would be a much higher volume of data transfers.” Notably, all of NISAR’s data would be archived and shared with the science community.&nbsp;<h2>How a radar-imaging satellite works</h2>&nbsp;Conventional Earth-imaging satellites click detailed colour photos of Earth, very similar to what a high-end camera does. In comparison, a radar-imaging satellite works in a totally different manner. Instead of giving an optics-based picture (like a photograph), radar satellites constantly beam radar waves onto the Earth. The features on Earth’s surface (buildings, trees, mountains, water bodies, roads, and glaciers) reflect these radar waves back to the satellite. By collecting and processing the reflected radar waves, radar-imaging satellites deliver imagery during day and night, during all weather conditions.&nbsp;Typically, conventional satellites’ ability to deliver images is obstructed by clouds and weather-related phenomena. While conventional optical satellite images are in colour, radar satellite images are inherently black-and-white. However, these black-and-white radar satellite images can be processed to deliver false-colour images for analysis.&nbsp;<h2>Is NISAR a spy satellite?&nbsp;</h2>&nbsp;Synthetic Aperture Radar technology is widely used for military and strategic purposes, as it can delivery imagery during day and night conditions, even amid weather conditions that hinder traditional camera-based satellite imaging. During his time at the helm of ISRO, when asked if NISAR was a spy satellite, Dr. S. Somanath categorically stated, “NISAR is not a spy satellite.” He elaborated that the data generated by NISAR would be shared in a free and open manner with the entire scientific community. He said that it was purely a science mission and aimed at studying the Earth in high detail, which would help draw better conclusions on various phenomena that are affecting our planet.&nbsp;Dr. Datta from NASA highlighted that the first civilian SAR satellite in history, called SEASAT, was launched by NASA in 1978. SEASAT led to a series of NASA space shuttle-based radar missions and inspired the development of spaceborne SAR systems worldwide. She added that Japan and Europe also have SAR satellites for Earth-imaging purposes.&nbsp;&nbsp;All NISAR science data, L-band and S-band, will be freely available and open to the public, consistent with the long-standing NASA Earth Science open data policy. NASA has chosen the Alaska Satellite Facility Distributed Active Archive Center (DAAC) to host the mission’s data and products, said the American space agency.

The first-ever satellite to be built jointly by space agencies of India and the US, NISAR is meant to monitor Earth’s vital signs and help understand the impact of climate change and natural disasters, among others.

The NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) satellite, jointly built by the American and Indian space agencies, will be capturing an unprecedented amount of Earth-imaging data as it circles 747 kms above the Earth’s surface. “NISAR would be capturing 4.37 Terabytes (over 4,300 GB) of data per day,” Dr. Sanghamitra Dutta, NISAR Program Executive, NASA Headquarters, told WION’s Sidharth M.P. For context, an average consumer laptop comes with 512 GB of storage space. Therefore, NISAR would capture enough imagery to fill up at least eight laptops in a single day. Weighing nearly 2,400 kg, NISAR is meant to carry out high-resolution Earth imaging for at least three years. NISAR would generate a whopping 1569 Terabytes (over 1.5 million GB) of imaging data, considering its minimal operational life of three years. Over this period of three years, NISAR would generate enough data to fill up at least 2,900 laptops. The first-ever satellite to be built jointly by space agencies of India and the US, NISAR is meant to monitor Earth’s vital signs and help understand the impact of climate change and natural disasters, among others. If everything goes according to plan, the GLSV-F16 rocket carrying the NISAR satellite will lift off from the Indian Spaceport Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, at around 5:40 pm Indian time, on 30th July, Wednesday. ISRO has officially announced the launch date and time for the mission. 24/7 Earth-monitoring for several years Typically, an Earth-imaging satellite would have to only capture images when passing over its area of interest or region of study. When not flying over the area of interest, the imaging equipment can be turned off and put to rest. That’s where NISAR stands out—its job is to capture earth imaging data round-the-clock over its operational life of more than three years. NASA says NISAR will be capable of mapping the Earth’s land and ice-covered surface twice in a period of twelve days. While NISAR is expected to have a minimum mission life of three years, it is likely to perform its duties for five years or longer. Satellite life depends on how much fuel it carries on board, the design life of its electronic components, and other technical parameters. NISAR is the first satellite mission to collect radar data in two microwave bandwidth regions, called the L-band and the S-band, to measure changes of our planet’s surface, including movements as small as a centimetre. This allows the mission to observe a wide range of Earth processes, from the flow rates of glaciers and ice sheets to the dynamics of earthquakes and volcanoes. NISAR will map the entire globe in 12 days. How scientists would manage such vast amount of data from NISAR Given how NISAR would generate over 4,300 GB of data daily, scientists face a major challenge in managing this vast trove of Earth-imaging information. Like all our gadgets, the Solid State Data recorder on the NISAR satellite has a limited capacity, which is why NASA and ISRO are working on quick methods to downlink the data (send the data from the satellite to Earth) as frequently as possible. Think of it like rapidly downloading all photos and videos from a camera’s memory card before deleting them to free up space for the next use. NASA’s Dr. Dutta says that NISAR could generate the highest-ever amount of data from a single-satellite mission. “There has never been so much data coming from a mission on a daily basis, and we have prepared the downlink stations (Earth-based stations that receive data from satellites) for such high data rates. This would also help NASA in getting ready for future missions, when there would be a much higher volume of data transfers.” Notably, all of NISAR’s data would be archived and shared with the science community. How a radar-imaging satellite works Conventional Earth-imaging satellites click detailed colour photos of Earth, very similar to what a high-end camera does. In comparison, a radar-imaging satellite works in a totally different manner. Instead of giving an optics-based picture (like a photograph), radar satellites constantly beam radar waves onto the Earth. The features on Earth’s surface (buildings, trees, mountains, water bodies, roads, and glaciers) reflect these radar waves back to the satellite. By collecting and processing the reflected radar waves, radar-imaging satellites deliver imagery during day and night, during all weather conditions. Typically, conventional satellites’ ability to deliver images is obstructed by clouds and weather-related phenomena. While conventional optical satellite images are in colour, radar satellite images are inherently black-and-white. However, these black-and-white radar satellite images can be processed to deliver false-colour images for analysis. Is NISAR a spy satellite? Synthetic Aperture Radar technology is widely used for military and strategic purposes, as it can delivery imagery during day and night conditions, even amid weather conditions that hinder traditional camera-based satellite imaging. During his time at the helm of ISRO, when asked if NISAR was a spy satellite, Dr. S. Somanath categorically stated, “NISAR is not a spy satellite.” He elaborated that the data generated by NISAR would be shared in a free and open manner with the entire scientific community. He said that it was purely a science mission and aimed at studying the Earth in high detail, which would help draw better conclusions on various phenomena that are affecting our planet. Dr. Datta from NASA highlighted that the first civilian SAR satellite in history, called SEASAT, was launched by NASA in 1978. SEASAT led to a series of NASA space shuttle-based radar missions and inspired the development of spaceborne SAR systems worldwide. She added that Japan and Europe also have SAR satellites for Earth-imaging purposes. All NISAR science data, L-band and S-band, will be freely available and open to the public, consistent with the long-standing NASA Earth Science open data policy. NASA has chosen the Alaska Satellite Facility Distributed Active Archive Center (DAAC) to host the mission’s data and products, said the American space agency.

The first-ever satellite to be built jointly by space agencies of India and the US, NISAR is meant to monitor Earth’s vital signs and help understand the impact of climate change and natural disasters, among others.

Exclusive: NASA-ISRO satellite to capture 4,300 GB of Earth imagery daily

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