The NASA-orchestrated research initiative GOLD mission has observed that strange anomalies resembling alphabets and floating in space may be impacting global communication signals and disrupting navigation.&nbsp;

In the mysterious space of the ionosphere, scientists had long back spotted X and C-shaped charged particles.&nbsp;

NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Centre's research scientist Jeffrey Klenzing said that this discovery will help scientists understand the complex atmosphere of the Earth.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/esas-juice-mission-is-set-to-attempt-first-ever-lunar-earth-flyby-heres-how-it-will-impact-planet-749165">ESA's JUICE mission is set to attempt first-ever Lunar-Earth flyby. Here's how it will impact planet</a>

These charged particles form a crucial superhighway for the radio signals that are important in the working of communication and navigation satellites&nbsp;orbiting Earth.&nbsp;

<h2>Here's how these charged particles disrupt communication signals&nbsp;</h2>

Scientists first observed these X-shaped structures in the ionospheric plasma after significant weather events like solar storms.

However, the GOLD mission recently made an intriguing discovery regarding them.

“NASA’s GOLD mission is the first one to observe the alphabetical shapes unambiguously,” said Fazlul Laskar, who is the lead author of a study and a research scientist at the&nbsp;University of Colorado.

The X- and C-shaped particles were also spotted during “quiet times” when no apparent atmospheric disturbances took place.

“The (appearance of the) X is odd because it implies that there are far more localized driving factors,” Klenzing added.&nbsp;

In the study, the scientists found that the dynamic behaviour of the ionosphere directly impacts global communication and&nbsp;navigation systems and can disrupt GPS signals.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Earth slows down by 1.33 milliseconds

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/earth-slows-down-by-133-milliseconds-741345/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

When the geomagnetic storm occurred&nbsp;on May 10, it was observed that GPS guidance systems faced difficulties, as claimed by the tractor company John Deere.

“During solar storms, that signal hits a ‘fog’ of charged particles and can be lost,” said Tim Marquis, who is a senior product manager at John Deere.

These kinds of disruptions can widely impact communications and also disturb the GPS signals which are important in fields like agriculture, shipping, transportation, and construction.

“There could be life-threatening impacts due to the sudden loss of GPS signals in aircraft, ships, and automobiles, which is even scary to imagine,” said Karan, who is the lead author of the study on C-shaped particles.

(With inputs from agencies)

The NASA-orchestrated research initiative GOLD mission has observed that strange anomalies resembling alphabets and floating in space may be impacting global communication signals and disrupting navigation.

The NASA-orchestrated research initiative GOLD mission has observed that strange anomalies resembling alphabets and floating in space may be impacting global communication signals and disrupting navigation. In the mysterious space of the ionosphere, scientists had long back spotted X and C-shaped charged particles. NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Centre's research scientist Jeffrey Klenzing said that this discovery will help scientists understand the complex atmosphere of the Earth. Also Read: ESA's JUICE mission is set to attempt first-ever Lunar-Earth flyby. Here's how it will impact planet These charged particles form a crucial superhighway for the radio signals that are important in the working of communication and navigation satellites orbiting Earth. Here's how these charged particles disrupt communication signals Scientists first observed these X-shaped structures in the ionospheric plasma after significant weather events like solar storms. However, the GOLD mission recently made an intriguing discovery regarding them. “NASA’s GOLD mission is the first one to observe the alphabetical shapes unambiguously,” said Fazlul Laskar, who is the lead author of a study and a research scientist at the University of Colorado. The X- and C-shaped particles were also spotted during “quiet times” when no apparent atmospheric disturbances took place. “The (appearance of the) X is odd because it implies that there are far more localized driving factors,” Klenzing added. In the study, the scientists found that the dynamic behaviour of the ionosphere directly impacts global communication and navigation systems and can disrupt GPS signals. Watch: Earth slows down by 1.33 milliseconds When the geomagnetic storm occurred on May 10, it was observed that GPS guidance systems faced difficulties, as claimed by the tractor company John Deere. “During solar storms, that signal hits a ‘fog’ of charged particles and can be lost,” said Tim Marquis, who is a senior product manager at John Deere. These kinds of disruptions can widely impact communications and also disturb the GPS signals which are important in fields like agriculture, shipping, transportation, and construction. “There could be life-threatening impacts due to the sudden loss of GPS signals in aircraft, ships, and automobiles, which is even scary to imagine,” said Karan, who is the lead author of the study on C-shaped particles. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA alerts strange X and C-shaped particles near Earth disturbing global communications

The scientists, four years after collecting the sample from asteroid Bennu with the help of NASA's OSIRIS-Rex spacecraft, finally found the space rock's intriguing composition.

The scientists, four years after collecting the sample from asteroid Bennu with the help of NASA's OSIRIS-Rex spacecraft, finally found the space rock's intriguing composition. Scientists have found that the near-Earth asteroid has a surprising reservoir of a mineral, which is known as magnesium phosphate. As per the scientists, the bright-white particles, which were sprinkled in a sea of the asteroid's dark rocks are a rare discovery in astromaterials. "It's no surprise that we initially thought this might be a contaminant," said Jessica Barnes, who is an assistant professor at the Lunar and Planetary Laboratory (LPL) and has been leading the sample's phosphate analysis, as reported by Live Science. Also Read: James Webb Space Telescope probes binary asteroid system Mors-Somnus in Kuiper Belt to know Neptune's past Barnes, while speaking at the Lunar and Planetary Science Conference (LPSC) in Texas, said that no good chemical analogues of the mineral are present on Earth, either because it vanishes soon or since they have rarely survived on the Earth after the fall. Here's what analysis tells about parent body of asteroid Bennu The presence of minerals in Bennu's sample can be used for inferring different episodes of geologic activity on the parent body of asteroid Bennu. The scientists, in the sample, also found the widespread presence of glycine, which is the simplest amino acid and an important ingredient of proteins, along with other water-bearing minerals which include magnetite, sulfites, olivine and carbonates, which are tangible evidence to prove that the parent body of Bennu witnessed multiple water-related episodes before its fragments intermingled into Bennu. While studying the extraterrestrial bounty, other scientists also discovered abundant water-altered compounds known as phyllosilicates, along with a rich collection of other hydrated and organic minerals. Watch: Gravitas: Asteroid flew past Earth in near miss NASA's OSIRIS-REx mission scooped the sample from asteroid Bennu in 2020 and it came back to Earth in a protected capsule on September 24, 2023. After a day, the sample was sent to NASA's Johnson Space Center (JSC) in Houston for analysis, where a "tiger team" of scientists started the material's preliminary investigation, which had leaked outside the sample collector of the spacecraft. It was also reported by the mission team that the stones catalogued had different types of textures and hydrated minerals and proof for space weathering, which is expected from an airless, eons-old rock. Natural History Museum in London's planetary scientist Sara Russell, after studying a small fragment of the sample, said, "It's a beautiful sample. Also, I would say it's not quite like any meteorite in our collection." (With inputs from agencies)

Scientists discover building blocks of life and minerals in asteroid Bennu’s particles. This means...

Fine particles have been found in the polluted air of China which is leading to the death of 64,000 babies every year while they are still in their wombs, a study conducted by researchers claims.&nbsp;The statistics reflect such shocking figures despite efforts being made by Beijing to control pollution in the past 10 years and more. 
 
The study analysed 137 countries in which it was discovered that exposure to particles, which are generally produced when fossil fuels are burnt and which are smaller than 2.5 microns (PM2.5), has led to 40% of stillbirths in Latin America, Asia and Africa in the year 2015.

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In the study which analysed all the countries where world's 98% of stillbirths occur, China was ranked in fourth place based on fetal deaths related to PM2.5, as per the study published in the scientific journal Nature Communications. 
 
The Peking University's researchers, headed by Xue Tao, pointed out the measures adopted by the Chinese authorities in the past decade to control air pollution have reduced the number of such deaths. 
 
“Improved air quality in some of the 137 countries (e.g. China) might underlie the reduction in the global burden of stillbirths. Therefore, meeting the World Health Organisation air quality targets could prevent stillbirths,” the researchers wrote. 
 
Although how polluted air is responsible for stillbirth is widely known, this is the first study that has been conducted to calculate the exact number of fetal death recorded. In a 2020 report, Unicef described the phenomenon as a “neglected tragedy”.

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The study overall found that a 10 µg/m3 increase in exposure to PM2.5 was resulting in an 11% increase in the cases of stillbirth. The researchers claim that when pollution particles pass through the placenta they may cause “irreversible embryonic damage”. It is also suspected to disturb oxygen transmission to the fetus. 
 
“In recent years, China has been working hard on treating air pollution and seen rapid improvement in air quality as a result, which is of great importance to the protection of the health of pregnant women and children,” Zhu Tong, the study's another leading author said. 
 
“However, a great population and uneven social development mean there are still a big number of pregnant women exposed to air pollution,” he added.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

Fine particles have been found in the polluted air of China which is leading to the death of 64,000 babies every year while they are still in their wombs, a study conducted by researchers claims.

Fine particles have been found in the polluted air of China which is leading to the death of 64,000 babies every year while they are still in their wombs, a study conducted by researchers claims. The statistics reflect such shocking figures despite efforts being made by Beijing to control pollution in the past 10 years and more. The study analysed 137 countries in which it was discovered that exposure to particles, which are generally produced when fossil fuels are burnt and which are smaller than 2.5 microns (PM2.5), has led to 40% of stillbirths in Latin America, Asia and Africa in the year 2015. ALSO READ| Playing piano may help deal with mental health issues like depression: Study In the study which analysed all the countries where world's 98% of stillbirths occur, China was ranked in fourth place based on fetal deaths related to PM2.5, as per the study published in the scientific journal Nature Communications. The Peking University's researchers, headed by Xue Tao, pointed out the measures adopted by the Chinese authorities in the past decade to control air pollution have reduced the number of such deaths. “Improved air quality in some of the 137 countries (e.g. China) might underlie the reduction in the global burden of stillbirths. Therefore, meeting the World Health Organisation air quality targets could prevent stillbirths,” the researchers wrote. Although how polluted air is responsible for stillbirth is widely known, this is the first study that has been conducted to calculate the exact number of fetal death recorded. In a 2020 report, Unicef described the phenomenon as a “neglected tragedy”. ALSO READ| Experimental drug slows down cognitive decline in Alzheimer's patients: Here’s what you need to know The study overall found that a 10 µg/m3 increase in exposure to PM2.5 was resulting in an 11% increase in the cases of stillbirth. The researchers claim that when pollution particles pass through the placenta they may cause “irreversible embryonic damage”. It is also suspected to disturb oxygen transmission to the fetus. “In recent years, China has been working hard on treating air pollution and seen rapid improvement in air quality as a result, which is of great importance to the protection of the health of pregnant women and children,” Zhu Tong, the study's another leading author said. “However, a great population and uneven social development mean there are still a big number of pregnant women exposed to air pollution,” he added.

‘Airborne baby killer’: Air pollution in China kills 64,000 babies in womb every year, says study

Toxic air pollution particles have been discovered in the lungs, livers, and brains of unborn children. Since the foetal stage of development is the most vulnerable, researchers said their “groundbreaking” discovery is “very worrying.”

Study: Toxic air pollution particles found in lungs and brains of unborn babies

The golden jubilee edition of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) which concluded here on Thursday bestowed Blaise Harrison`s `Particles` with the coveted Golden Peacock Award.&nbsp; 
 
Produced by Estelle Fialon, the French feature won a cash prize of Rs 40 lakhs under the award along with a trophy and a citation.&nbsp; 
`Particles` is an "ambitious yet modest film about the mysteries of being a teenager," the jury said.

<img alt="Particles" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1d933d83-fa44-40de-9178-e1ed5dbf6227" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202019-11-29T114333.604.jpg" /> 
(Directors of 'Particles' Blaise Harrison and Estelle Fialo receive the best Film and Golden Peacock award during the closing ceremony of IFFI 2019 in Panaji on Thursday) 
 
The closing ceremony felicitated the best in several categories with the Best Director trophy going to Lijo Jose Pellissery for `Jallikattu`.According to the jury, they honoured the "intricate and complex choreography of this very original and anarchic film". 
 
Here`s the entire list of who won what:&nbsp; 
 
Best Actor (Male): The honour went to Seu Jorge for his portrayal of Carlos Marighella in the Brazilian film `Marighella`. 
 
Best Actor (Female): Usha Jadhav won the award for her work in the Marathi film `Prabha Mai`. The jury described her performance as "powerful performance of a mother defending her child`s honour against the injustice of a corrupt system."

<img alt="Usha" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="278cdb9b-393b-4f81-ad1c-c1ce0a5157fc" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202019-11-29T114315.252.jpg" /> 
(Usha Jadhav receives the Best Female actor for her character from film 'Crime no 103/2005', during the closing ceremony of IFFI 2019 in Panaji ) 
 
Special Jury Award: Tibetian filmmaker Pema Tseden walked away with the Special Jury Award for his film `Balloon`.&nbsp; 
 
The film set in Tibetan grasslands earned the honour for "the beauty of the film language and the authenticity of the actors".&nbsp; 
 
Best Debut Feature Film of a Director: The Centenary Award was shared between Amin Sidi Boumediene for `Abou Leila` and Marius Olteanu for `Monsters`.&nbsp; 
 
Moreover, the closing ceremony also gave a special mention to `Hellaro` directed by Abhishek Shah for the "incredible music, it`s colour and graceful choreography," commented the jury. "Though the film is set 45 years ago, the issue of woman`s empowerment portrayed in the film is even more relevant today," the jury added.&nbsp; 
 
The festival also honoured the Italian film `Rwanda` with the ICFT -UNESCO Gandhi Medal instituted by the International Council for Film, Television and Audiovisual Communication, Paris and UNESCO. 
 
The medal bears a portrait of Gandhi engraved by the French artist Pierre-Yves Tremois. Etched underneath is Mahatma`s message of hope, "In the midst of darkness light prevails."&nbsp; 
 
Another Indian film `Bahattar Hoorain, directed by Sanjay P. Singh Chauhan also earned the special mention under ICFT-UNESCO Gandhi medal category. 
 
Bollywood stalwart Prem Chopra along with veteran Kathak maestro Pandit Birju Maharaj, film composer Ilaiyaraaja, Tamil actor Aravind Swamy and Manju Norah were also felicitated at the closing ceremony of the 50th International Film Festival of India.&nbsp;

The golden jubilee edition of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) which concluded here on Thursday bestowed Blaise Harrison`s `Particles` with the coveted Golden Peacock Award.

The golden jubilee edition of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) which concluded here on Thursday bestowed Blaise Harrison`s `Particles` with the coveted Golden Peacock Award. Produced by Estelle Fialon, the French feature won a cash prize of Rs 40 lakhs under the award along with a trophy and a citation. `Particles` is an "ambitious yet modest film about the mysteries of being a teenager," the jury said. (Directors of 'Particles' Blaise Harrison and Estelle Fialo receive the best Film and Golden Peacock award during the closing ceremony of IFFI 2019 in Panaji on Thursday) The closing ceremony felicitated the best in several categories with the Best Director trophy going to Lijo Jose Pellissery for `Jallikattu`.According to the jury, they honoured the "intricate and complex choreography of this very original and anarchic film". Here`s the entire list of who won what: Best Actor (Male): The honour went to Seu Jorge for his portrayal of Carlos Marighella in the Brazilian film `Marighella`. Best Actor (Female): Usha Jadhav won the award for her work in the Marathi film `Prabha Mai`. The jury described her performance as "powerful performance of a mother defending her child`s honour against the injustice of a corrupt system." (Usha Jadhav receives the Best Female actor for her character from film 'Crime no 103/2005', during the closing ceremony of IFFI 2019 in Panaji ) Special Jury Award: Tibetian filmmaker Pema Tseden walked away with the Special Jury Award for his film `Balloon`. The film set in Tibetan grasslands earned the honour for "the beauty of the film language and the authenticity of the actors". Best Debut Feature Film of a Director: The Centenary Award was shared between Amin Sidi Boumediene for `Abou Leila` and Marius Olteanu for `Monsters`. Moreover, the closing ceremony also gave a special mention to `Hellaro` directed by Abhishek Shah for the "incredible music, it`s colour and graceful choreography," commented the jury. "Though the film is set 45 years ago, the issue of woman`s empowerment portrayed in the film is even more relevant today," the jury added. The festival also honoured the Italian film `Rwanda` with the ICFT -UNESCO Gandhi Medal instituted by the International Council for Film, Television and Audiovisual Communication, Paris and UNESCO. The medal bears a portrait of Gandhi engraved by the French artist Pierre-Yves Tremois. Etched underneath is Mahatma`s message of hope, "In the midst of darkness light prevails." Another Indian film `Bahattar Hoorain, directed by Sanjay P. Singh Chauhan also earned the special mention under ICFT-UNESCO Gandhi medal category. Bollywood stalwart Prem Chopra along with veteran Kathak maestro Pandit Birju Maharaj, film composer Ilaiyaraaja, Tamil actor Aravind Swamy and Manju Norah were also felicitated at the closing ceremony of the 50th International Film Festival of India.

IFFI 2019 culminates with 'Particles' winning Golden Peacock, Lijo Jose takes home direction trophy

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