In the search for a mysterious planet in our solar system, scientists have now discovered more evidence that hints at the existence of "Planet Nine" or "Planet X" in our solar system.

For years, astronomers have been on the lookout for the mysterious planet in our solar system.

However, as per a recent study, "a new line of evidence supporting the existence" of the planet suggests that it is likely to be orbiting beyond the planet Neptune around the Sun.

The undiscovered planet will help explain the unusual orbits of a series of objects which are present on the edge of our solar system, reported The Independent.

In the&nbsp;new study, astronomer Konstantin Batygin and his team wrote about their findings.&nbsp;

The study focuses on a "more conventional class" of trans-Neptunian objects (TNOs), which means any minor planet which orbits the sun at a greater average distance than Neptune.&nbsp;

The study has also studied the objects which have crossed Neptune and how the orbits were affected, while considering the passing stars and the Galactic tide, according to the outlet.&nbsp;

"The solar system’s distant reaches exhibit a wealth of anomalous dynamical structure, hinting at the presence of a yet-undetected, massive trans-Neptunian body — Planet 9," states the study.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/crushed-and-grounded-to-dust-a-violent-end-awaits-our-solar-system-709327">A violent end awaits our solar system as all planets will be 'crushed' to dust one day</a>

"Previous analyses have shown how orbital evolution induced by this object can explain the origins of a broad assortment of exotic orbits, ranging from those characterized by high perihelia to those with extreme inclinations," the study added.

Elsewhere in the study, it is stated&nbsp;that the team's "calculations show that the distribution of the observed orbits strongly supports the presence of the unseen planet."

<h2>Scientists hope to soon discover mysterious planets&nbsp;</h2>

Even though the planet has not been discovered&nbsp;yet, the team has been hoping to make a breakthrough discovery with the help of the Vera C Rubin Observatory which is under construction in Chile currently.

"With an 8.4-metre&nbsp;mirror and the largest camera ever built for astronomy and astrophysics, Vera C. Rubin Observatory will capture the cosmos in exquisite detail and help answer some of our biggest questions about the Universe," confirmed the observatory's website.

Watch:&nbsp;Calls to make Pluto a planet again

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“This upcoming phase of exploration promises to provide critical insights into the mysteries of our solar system’s outer reaches,” said Batygin and his team, in the study.

The study was conducted by scientist Michael E. Brown who spoke about where Planet Nine is likely to be.

"We have ruled out most of the places where the planet could be," said the astronomer, while speaking to Live Science. "Now we have to do the much harder job of searching the area that is further away," he added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

In the search for a mysterious planet in our solar system, scientists have now discovered more evidence that hints at the existence of "Planet Nine" or "Planet X" in our solar system.

In the search for a mysterious planet in our solar system, scientists have now discovered more evidence that hints at the existence of "Planet Nine" or "Planet X" in our solar system. For years, astronomers have been on the lookout for the mysterious planet in our solar system. However, as per a recent study, "a new line of evidence supporting the existence" of the planet suggests that it is likely to be orbiting beyond the planet Neptune around the Sun. The undiscovered planet will help explain the unusual orbits of a series of objects which are present on the edge of our solar system, reported The Independent. In the new study, astronomer Konstantin Batygin and his team wrote about their findings. The study focuses on a "more conventional class" of trans-Neptunian objects (TNOs), which means any minor planet which orbits the sun at a greater average distance than Neptune. The study has also studied the objects which have crossed Neptune and how the orbits were affected, while considering the passing stars and the Galactic tide, according to the outlet. "The solar system’s distant reaches exhibit a wealth of anomalous dynamical structure, hinting at the presence of a yet-undetected, massive trans-Neptunian body — Planet 9," states the study. Also Read: A violent end awaits our solar system as all planets will be 'crushed' to dust one day "Previous analyses have shown how orbital evolution induced by this object can explain the origins of a broad assortment of exotic orbits, ranging from those characterized by high perihelia to those with extreme inclinations," the study added. Elsewhere in the study, it is stated that the team's "calculations show that the distribution of the observed orbits strongly supports the presence of the unseen planet." Scientists hope to soon discover mysterious planets Even though the planet has not been discovered yet, the team has been hoping to make a breakthrough discovery with the help of the Vera C Rubin Observatory which is under construction in Chile currently. "With an 8.4-metre mirror and the largest camera ever built for astronomy and astrophysics, Vera C. Rubin Observatory will capture the cosmos in exquisite detail and help answer some of our biggest questions about the Universe," confirmed the observatory's website. Watch: Calls to make Pluto a planet again “This upcoming phase of exploration promises to provide critical insights into the mysteries of our solar system’s outer reaches,” said Batygin and his team, in the study. The study was conducted by scientist Michael E. Brown who spoke about where Planet Nine is likely to be. "We have ruled out most of the places where the planet could be," said the astronomer, while speaking to Live Science. "Now we have to do the much harder job of searching the area that is further away," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

A ninth planet? Scientists are convinced that our solar system might be hosting a 'Planet X'

And today is Earth Day observed on the 22nd of April each year. This day highlights the importance of protecting the environment. Watch to know more!

World marks 54th Earth Day: A call to action against climate change

World marks 54th earth day: Earth Day emphasises on the importance of conservation

As we celebrate Earth Day, we turn our focus to the economics of sustainability. For years, eco-friendly products have been flying off the shelves. But what about sustainability itself? It's not just a trend, it's the key to our future. Take a look at this report for more...

Sustainable Business: Firms look to meet demand for eco-friendly products

The search for extraterrestrial life in our universe has spanned several years and theories. While we may have not found signs of life yet, that hasn't stopped human being's thirst to know if someone is out there. Scientists have been coming up with different ideas and theories to learn about the existence of aliens.

The scientists instead of changing where they are looking for potential alien life, are altering what exactly they are searching for.

A new theory has been proposed by a pair of astronomers on the basis of panspermia, according to which life can begin on one planet and then travel to another planet through meteorites.&nbsp;

The theory is based on "panspermia", which is a fringe theory that suggests all life forms can go from one planet to another by ‘hitching rides’ on meteors.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/alien-life-may-be-hiding-in-purple-hue-of-universe-scientists-712945">Alien life may be hiding in purple hue of universe: Scientists</a>

The latest research has been put forward by astronomers Harrison B. Smith and Lana Sinapayen and has not been peer-reviewed. This research suggests the possibility of panspermia, however, the implications are huge.

The theory of panspermia will help scientists narrow down their search for alien life. This is important as till now more than 5,000 exoplanets have been identified by NASA where there are chances of presence of life and looking at each individually will take years and years.&nbsp;

Scientists have till now not figured out in what form life may exist in the universe beyond Earth and if Earth is truly the only planet that supports life.&nbsp;

<h2>Aliens travelling on meteorites to make changes on other planets: Study</h2>

Similar to how the conditions on Earth have been altered by life on the planet and in the atmosphere of our planet, which includes adding more oxygen, the aliens are likely to have altered the properties of an exoplanet.&nbsp;

As per the researchers, if the aliens can travel as per panspermia, then they are likely to try to make similar changes on every planet they travel to.

Watch:&nbsp;Are researchers using the CERN particle accelerator to find aliens?

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As per the new study, if alien life is searched in this way, it can mean that experts will be able to potentially find clusters of planets close to each other with similar characteristics and this can be an indicator of potential life.

This finding comes at a time when new research has emerged according to which bacteria filled with purple pigments are likely to be hosting extraterrestrial life.&nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The search for extraterrestrial life in our universe has spanned several years and theories. While we may have not found signs of life yet, that hasn't stopped human being's thirst to know if someone is out there.

The search for extraterrestrial life in our universe has spanned several years and theories. While we may have not found signs of life yet, that hasn't stopped human being's thirst to know if someone is out there. Scientists have been coming up with different ideas and theories to learn about the existence of aliens. The scientists instead of changing where they are looking for potential alien life, are altering what exactly they are searching for. A new theory has been proposed by a pair of astronomers on the basis of panspermia, according to which life can begin on one planet and then travel to another planet through meteorites. The theory is based on "panspermia", which is a fringe theory that suggests all life forms can go from one planet to another by ‘hitching rides’ on meteors. Also Read: Alien life may be hiding in purple hue of universe: Scientists The latest research has been put forward by astronomers Harrison B. Smith and Lana Sinapayen and has not been peer-reviewed. This research suggests the possibility of panspermia, however, the implications are huge. The theory of panspermia will help scientists narrow down their search for alien life. This is important as till now more than 5,000 exoplanets have been identified by NASA where there are chances of presence of life and looking at each individually will take years and years. Scientists have till now not figured out in what form life may exist in the universe beyond Earth and if Earth is truly the only planet that supports life. Aliens travelling on meteorites to make changes on other planets: Study Similar to how the conditions on Earth have been altered by life on the planet and in the atmosphere of our planet, which includes adding more oxygen, the aliens are likely to have altered the properties of an exoplanet. As per the researchers, if the aliens can travel as per panspermia, then they are likely to try to make similar changes on every planet they travel to. Watch: Are researchers using the CERN particle accelerator to find aliens? As per the new study, if alien life is searched in this way, it can mean that experts will be able to potentially find clusters of planets close to each other with similar characteristics and this can be an indicator of potential life. This finding comes at a time when new research has emerged according to which bacteria filled with purple pigments are likely to be hosting extraterrestrial life. (With inputs from agencies)

Aliens may be travelling from one planet to another via meteorites: Study

Venus is often referred to as Earth's "sister planet" because of their similar size and composition, but they have some differences. Earth has abundant liquid water on its surface while Venus does not. This is because Venus is leaking.&nbsp;

The surface temperature on Venus is extremely high, reaching about 900 degrees Fahrenheit (about 475 degrees Celsius). It has a thick atmosphere of carbon dioxide and other gases which makes it impossible for liquid water to exist.

However, there is evidence to suggest that Venus may have had liquid water in its distant past.

New findings from the 2021 BepiColombo mission, a joint mission between the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) with the goal of exploring the planet Mercury, revealed that gases, including oxygen, are escaping from Venus's upper atmosphere. Published in the Nature Astronomy journal, the study underscored the importance of understanding Venus's atmospheric evolution.

Venus lacks a strong magnetic field like Earth's. Its upper atmosphere is exposed to the solar wind and a stream of charged particles emitted by the Sun.&nbsp;

This interaction between the solar wind and the upper atmosphere of Venus can lead to the escape of ions, particularly hydrogen and oxygen ions, into space. These ions are stripped away from the planet's atmosphere by the solar wind.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/gravitational-waves-detect-collision-of-neutron-star-with-a-mysterious-object-in-mass-gap-710785">Gravitational waves detect collision of neutron star with a mysterious object in 'mass gap'</a>

This process, known as atmospheric escape, contributes to the gradual loss of atmosphere from Venus over time.

Understanding the mechanisms of atmospheric escape on Venus can provide understanding into its evolution and the conditions that may have led to its current state.&nbsp;

<h2>Fly-by of Venus&nbsp;</h2>

During its fly-by of Venus, BepiColombo data, collected over 90 minutes, provided these insights into the chemical and physical mechanisms at play in Venus's magnetosheath. Venus lacks an intrinsic magnetic field but possesses an induced magnetosphere due to solar winds, shaping its magnetosheath.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/study-unearths-practice-of-women-sacrifices-across-europe-in-stone-age-710733">Study unearths practice of women sacrifices across Europe during Stone Age</a>

The study, utilising BepiColombo's Mass Spectrum Analyser and Mercury Ion Analyser, emphasises Venus's divergent evolution from Earth, leading to its extremely dry atmosphere.

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/chatgpt-to-go-mainstream-710787">ChatGPT to go mainstream?</a>

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"Therefore, studying and characterising the present escape of ions from Venus is important for understanding the evolution of its atmosphere, and in particular, the evolution of water on the surface of the planet. Such studies may also provide insights into the general climate and habitability evolution of terrestrial planets and exoplanetary systems," according to the study.

(With inputs from agencies)

Venus is often referred to as Earth's "sister planet" because of their similar size and composition, but they have some differences. Earth has abundant liquid water on its surface while Venus does not.

Venus is often referred to as Earth's "sister planet" because of their similar size and composition, but they have some differences. Earth has abundant liquid water on its surface while Venus does not. This is because Venus is leaking. The surface temperature on Venus is extremely high, reaching about 900 degrees Fahrenheit (about 475 degrees Celsius). It has a thick atmosphere of carbon dioxide and other gases which makes it impossible for liquid water to exist. However, there is evidence to suggest that Venus may have had liquid water in its distant past. New findings from the 2021 BepiColombo mission, a joint mission between the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) with the goal of exploring the planet Mercury, revealed that gases, including oxygen, are escaping from Venus's upper atmosphere. Published in the Nature Astronomy journal, the study underscored the importance of understanding Venus's atmospheric evolution. Venus lacks a strong magnetic field like Earth's. Its upper atmosphere is exposed to the solar wind and a stream of charged particles emitted by the Sun. This interaction between the solar wind and the upper atmosphere of Venus can lead to the escape of ions, particularly hydrogen and oxygen ions, into space. These ions are stripped away from the planet's atmosphere by the solar wind. Also Read | Gravitational waves detect collision of neutron star with a mysterious object in 'mass gap' This process, known as atmospheric escape, contributes to the gradual loss of atmosphere from Venus over time. Understanding the mechanisms of atmospheric escape on Venus can provide understanding into its evolution and the conditions that may have led to its current state. Fly-by of Venus During its fly-by of Venus, BepiColombo data, collected over 90 minutes, provided these insights into the chemical and physical mechanisms at play in Venus's magnetosheath. Venus lacks an intrinsic magnetic field but possesses an induced magnetosphere due to solar winds, shaping its magnetosheath. Also Read | Study unearths practice of women sacrifices across Europe during Stone Age The study, utilising BepiColombo's Mass Spectrum Analyser and Mercury Ion Analyser, emphasises Venus's divergent evolution from Earth, leading to its extremely dry atmosphere. Watch | ChatGPT to go mainstream? × "Therefore, studying and characterising the present escape of ions from Venus is important for understanding the evolution of its atmosphere, and in particular, the evolution of water on the surface of the planet. Such studies may also provide insights into the general climate and habitability evolution of terrestrial planets and exoplanetary systems," according to the study. (With inputs from agencies)

Did you know Venus is leaking?  BepiColombo mission finds out why ...

United States Representative Sheila Jackson Lee, D-Texas, told a group of high school students in Houston that the Moon is a "planet" that is "made up mostly of gases.

United States Representative Sheila Jackson Lee, D-Texas, told a group of high school students in Houston that the Moon is a "planet" that is "made up mostly of gases." While addressing the Booker T Washington High School students on the sports field ahead of Monday's solar eclipse, Jackson Lee said, "You've heard the word 'full moon.' Sometimes, you need to take the opportunity just to come out and see a full moon is that complete-rounded circle, which is made up mostly of gases. And that's why the question is: Why or how could we as humans live on the Moon? Are the gases such that we could do that?" She made several false statements that shocked the teenagers, Fox News reported. She added, "The Sun is a mighty powerful heat, but it's almost impossible to go near the sun. The Moon is more manageable." In another statement, Jackson Lee misinformed the students about solar eclipses. She said, "What you will see today will be the closest distance that the Moon has ever been in the last 20 years, which means that's why they will shut the light down because they will be close to the Earth, which is an amazing experience. You will be able to tell because there will be complete darkness." She posted the video clip of her speech on her X account. ALSO READ | World's oldest human is 124 years old and currently lives in Peru, claim Peruvian authorities As the students moved to the sports field to watch the astronomical spectacle, Jackson Lee struggled to put the eclipse glasses on her face. She also expressed the desire to be one of the first people to live and survive on the Moon. On Tuesday, the US representative turned to X after RNC Research shared her video. She wrote, "Obviously, I misspoke and meant to say the sun, but as usual, Republicans are focused on stupid things instead of stuff that really matters. What can I say though, foolish thinkers lust for stupidity." Jackson Lee said Republicans should focus on prenatal care, affordable housing and reducing student loan debt. "Also, I care more about these children who would not have experienced the eclipse in this enthusiastic manner," she added. "And I care more about protecting the rights of women and children than engaging in this kind of senseless dialogue." (With inputs from agencies)

US Rep Sheila Jackson Lee calls the Moon a ‘planet made up mostly of gases’

Discovered in 1930 Pluto was long considered our Solar System's ninth planet but then in 2006 the International Astronomical Union categorized it as a dwarf planet due to its tiny size. Our next report tells you how there is now a call to restore Pluto to its original status of a bonafide planet.

Calls to make Pluto a planet again

Arizona, situated in the southwestern United States, has officially designated Pluto as its "state planet," despite the International Astronomical Union's decision in 2006 to reclassify Pluto as a "dwarf planet," and removing its status as an official planet.

According to The Arizona Daily Star, on March 29, Arizona governor Katie Hobbs signed a bill designating the "dwarf planet" Pluto as the "official state planet" of Arizona. When asked about Pluto's classification as a full-fledged planet, Governor Hobbs evaded the question, expressing pride in Arizona's contributions to space exploration instead.

It's worth noting that American astronomer Clyde Tombaugh discovered Pluto at the Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, Arizona, in 1930. Notably, Pluto is the only planet to have been discovered in the United States.

“The whole story of Clyde is just amazing, just sitting there under the telescope’’ looking for planets by taking photos over a period of time," said Arizona state Republican Justin Wilmeth (R-Phoenix), who praised the Pluto legislation.

Senator Sally Ann&nbsp;<a name="_Hlk162875205">Gonzales</a>&nbsp;(D-Tucson)--one among the five senators who voted against the legislation--said, “Scientifically, they took it out of being a planet." Gonzales added that lawmakers must take scientific information into account, “something that we as a Legislature, as a body, sometimes omit.’’

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/charon-plutos-planetary-bestie-goes-viral-as-nasa-shares-stunning-snapshot-703738">Also read |&nbsp;Charon, Pluto’s planetary bestie goes viral as NASA shares stunning snapshot</a>

<h2>What is the status of Pluto?</h2>

In 2006, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) decided to reclassify Pluto, removing it from the category of planets. They argued that the distant icy object at the outer reaches of the solar system did not meet the complete and precise criteria required for classification as a planet. Consequently, the IAU designated Pluto as a "dwarf planet."

According to NASA, “Pluto is a dwarf planet located in a distant region of our solar system beyond Neptune known as the Kuiper Belt. It was long considered our ninth planet, but the International Astronomical Union reclassified Pluto as a dwarf planet in 2006."

“It was named by 11-year-old Venetia Burney of Oxford, England," the US space agency added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-have-found-another-ice-volcano-on-pluto-654700">Also read |&nbsp;Scientists have found another ice-volcano on Pluto</a>

According to Encyclopedia Britannica, Pluto is categorised as a dwarf planet because, although it has achieved a spherical shape, it lacks the necessary size to assert gravitational dominance and clear its orbital path of other celestial bodies.

(With inputs from agencies)

Arizona, situated in the southwestern United States, has officially designated Pluto as its "state planet," despite the International Astronomical Union's decision in 2006 to reclassify Pluto as a "dwarf planet," and removing its status as an official planet.

Arizona, situated in the southwestern United States, has officially designated Pluto as its "state planet," despite the International Astronomical Union's decision in 2006 to reclassify Pluto as a "dwarf planet," and removing its status as an official planet. According to The Arizona Daily Star, on March 29, Arizona governor Katie Hobbs signed a bill designating the "dwarf planet" Pluto as the "official state planet" of Arizona. When asked about Pluto's classification as a full-fledged planet, Governor Hobbs evaded the question, expressing pride in Arizona's contributions to space exploration instead. It's worth noting that American astronomer Clyde Tombaugh discovered Pluto at the Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, Arizona, in 1930. Notably, Pluto is the only planet to have been discovered in the United States. “The whole story of Clyde is just amazing, just sitting there under the telescope’’ looking for planets by taking photos over a period of time," said Arizona state Republican Justin Wilmeth (R-Phoenix), who praised the Pluto legislation. Senator Sally Ann Gonzales (D-Tucson)--one among the five senators who voted against the legislation--said, “Scientifically, they took it out of being a planet." Gonzales added that lawmakers must take scientific information into account, “something that we as a Legislature, as a body, sometimes omit.’’ Also read | Charon, Pluto’s planetary bestie goes viral as NASA shares stunning snapshot What is the status of Pluto? In 2006, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) decided to reclassify Pluto, removing it from the category of planets. They argued that the distant icy object at the outer reaches of the solar system did not meet the complete and precise criteria required for classification as a planet. Consequently, the IAU designated Pluto as a "dwarf planet." According to NASA, “Pluto is a dwarf planet located in a distant region of our solar system beyond Neptune known as the Kuiper Belt. It was long considered our ninth planet, but the International Astronomical Union reclassified Pluto as a dwarf planet in 2006." “It was named by 11-year-old Venetia Burney of Oxford, England," the US space agency added. Also read | Scientists have found another ice-volcano on Pluto According to Encyclopedia Britannica, Pluto is categorised as a dwarf planet because, although it has achieved a spherical shape, it lacks the necessary size to assert gravitational dominance and clear its orbital path of other celestial bodies. (With inputs from agencies)

This US state has declared Pluto as its ‘official state planet’

Scientists, in a new experiment, have found that if the living organisms are hosted by Venus in its toxic clouds, they won't be deprived of amino acids, which is an&nbsp;important building block&nbsp;of life.

Venus, which is a "twin planet" of Earth, has a high temperature which goes beyond hundreds of degrees and is covered by clouds of corrosive sulfuric acid. This acid is a colourless, carcinogenic liquid which erodes the teeth, irritates our eyes, throats and nose and dissolves metals.

Even though the rocky planet is not seen as a habitable system for living organisms, scientists suggest that if any life may have emerged in the hellish environment of Venus, it can be found wafting in its noxious clouds.&nbsp;

These clouds have a cooler temperature compared to the surface of the planet and can support some types of extreme lifeforms.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/water-plumes-collected-from-jupiters-moon-europa-may-bear-signs-of-alien-life-703701">Water plumes collected from Jupiter’s moon Europa may bear signs of alien life</a>

In the new experiment, which was carried out on those lines by researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), it was found that there was the existence of 19 amino acids for at least a month in a sulfuric acid solution, which included some water. &nbsp;

The sulfuric acid concentration of the solution was similar to the contents in Venusian clouds. In the results, it was found that sulfuric acid is not universally hostile to organic chemistry which is present on the Earth. It also suggested that Venusian clouds can host at least some of these complex molecules.&nbsp;

<h2>Life on Venus not same as Earth: scientists</h2>

In a statement, Sara Seager, an astrophysicist and planetary scientist at MIT and co-author of the new study said, "It doesn't mean that life there will be the same as here. In fact, we know it can't be."

"But this work advances the notion that Venus' clouds could support complex chemicals needed for life," he added.

MIT's Department of Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences (EAPS) study co-author Janusz Petkowski said, "People have this perception that concentrated sulfuric acid is an extremely aggressive solvent that will chop everything to pieces. But we are finding this is not necessarily true."&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;UN 'red alert' for planet earth | Flash floods wreak havoc in Iraqi city

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The experiment came to an end four weeks ago because there were no further signs of activity.

Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Massachusetts' undergraduate student Maxwell Seager, who was leading the study, said, "Just showing that this backbone is stable in sulfuric acid doesn't mean there is life on Venus. But if we had shown that this backbone was compromised, then there would be no chance of life as we know it."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Scientists, in a new experiment, have found that if the living organisms are hosted by Venus in its toxic clouds, they won't be deprived of amino acids, which is an important building block of life.

Scientists, in a new experiment, have found that if the living organisms are hosted by Venus in its toxic clouds, they won't be deprived of amino acids, which is an important building block of life. Venus, which is a "twin planet" of Earth, has a high temperature which goes beyond hundreds of degrees and is covered by clouds of corrosive sulfuric acid. This acid is a colourless, carcinogenic liquid which erodes the teeth, irritates our eyes, throats and nose and dissolves metals. Even though the rocky planet is not seen as a habitable system for living organisms, scientists suggest that if any life may have emerged in the hellish environment of Venus, it can be found wafting in its noxious clouds. These clouds have a cooler temperature compared to the surface of the planet and can support some types of extreme lifeforms. Also Read: Water plumes collected from Jupiter’s moon Europa may bear signs of alien life In the new experiment, which was carried out on those lines by researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), it was found that there was the existence of 19 amino acids for at least a month in a sulfuric acid solution, which included some water. The sulfuric acid concentration of the solution was similar to the contents in Venusian clouds. In the results, it was found that sulfuric acid is not universally hostile to organic chemistry which is present on the Earth. It also suggested that Venusian clouds can host at least some of these complex molecules. Life on Venus not same as Earth: scientists In a statement, Sara Seager, an astrophysicist and planetary scientist at MIT and co-author of the new study said, "It doesn't mean that life there will be the same as here. In fact, we know it can't be." "But this work advances the notion that Venus' clouds could support complex chemicals needed for life," he added. MIT's Department of Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences (EAPS) study co-author Janusz Petkowski said, "People have this perception that concentrated sulfuric acid is an extremely aggressive solvent that will chop everything to pieces. But we are finding this is not necessarily true." Watch: UN 'red alert' for planet earth | Flash floods wreak havoc in Iraqi city The experiment came to an end four weeks ago because there were no further signs of activity. Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Massachusetts' undergraduate student Maxwell Seager, who was leading the study, said, "Just showing that this backbone is stable in sulfuric acid doesn't mean there is life on Venus. But if we had shown that this backbone was compromised, then there would be no chance of life as we know it." (With inputs from agencies)

Aliens on Venus? A new experiment suggests planet can host lives in a toxic cloud

Scientists in new research found a piece of rock which is likely to hold the answers to the mysteries of our planet and tell the world about its uniqueness. The researchers stumbled upon a part of the Earth’s crust which is likely to have been hidden for more than 3 billion years in Northern Europe’s oldest mountains in Finland.

Scientists in new research found a piece of rock which is likely to hold the answers to the mysteries of our planet and tell the world about its uniqueness. The researchers stumbled upon a part of the Earth’s crust which is likely to have been hidden for more than 3 billion years in Northern Europe’s oldest mountains in Finland. The discovery emphasises the formation of the continent and even suggests that the birth of Denmark and Scandinavia actually took place some 3.75 billion years ago in Greenland. “Our data suggest that the oldest part of Earth’s crust beneath Scandinavia originates in Greenland and is about 250 million years older than we previously thought,” said Professor Tod Waight, who is a geologist at the University of Copenhagen, in a statement. The traces of the ancient crust were first found in the mineral zircon by Waight and his colleagues and then its chemical fingerprint matched with some of the oldest rocks on the planet which were found in West Greenland. “The zircon crystals we found in river sand and rocks from Finland have signatures that point towards them being much older than anything ever found in Scandinavia while matching the age of Greenlandic rock sample,” said researcher Andreas Petersson, who was part of the study. “At the same time, the results of three independent isotope analyses confirm that Scandinavia’s bedrock was most likely linked to Greenland," he added. Also Read: Delving deep: Earth's crust holds more water than its ice caps, reveals study Norway, Finland, Sweden and Denmark sit above a section of the Earth’s crust which is called the Fennoscandian Shield, or the Baltic Shield. According to the scientists, this shield got detached from Greenland as a “seed” and moved for hundreds of millions of years till it “took root” where Finland exists today. The plate continued to develop here as new geological material accumulated near it and it slowly became Scandinavia. Earth existed like a watery planet when the crust got detached: Study The study emphasises that when the crust got detached from Greenland, the planet was very different from what it looks now. “Earth was probably a watery planet, like in the movie Waterworld, but without any oxygen in the atmosphere and without emergent crust,” said Prof Waight. “But, because that’s so far back in time, we can’t really be sure about what it actually looked like," he added. Watch: Melting polar ice is slowing earth's rotation As per his team, Earth stands out from its galactic neighbours because of the continental crust which is composed of granite. “This is unique in our solar system,” Petersson said. “And, evidence of liquid water and a granite crust are key factors when trying to identify habitable exoplanets and the possibility of life beyond Earth," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

A hidden Earth's crust suggests Scandinavia was born some 3.75 billion years ago in Greenland

A very strange white dwarf star has been discovered by astronomers with a metallic scar on its surface which is possibly&nbsp;a remnant of the unfortunate planet which was eaten by the killer star.

The white dwarf, which is known as WD 0816-310, is a superdense husk of a dead star that is located 63 light-years from Earth.&nbsp;

Earlier, astronomers believed that the fragments of asteroids or planets, which are shredded and consumed by white dwarfs, eventually get spread evenly across the star's surfaces.&nbsp;

However, in the new study which was published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters, the researchers observed the Earth-size embers of the dead star and found that the leftovers from one of the eaten planets got locked in&nbsp;place with the help of powerful magnetic fields and created a dark metallic streak across the star's surface, which appears like a scar.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/earth-is-round-but-jupiter-was-once-most-likely-flat-scientists-690573">Earth is round, but Jupiter was once most likely flat: Scientists</a>

"It is well known that some white dwarfs — slowly cooling embers of stars like our Sun — are cannibalising pieces of their planetary systems," said lead author Stefano Bagnulo, an astronomer at Armagh Observatory and Planetarium in Northern Ireland, in a statement.&nbsp;

<h2>Why the scar though?</h2>

"Now we have discovered that the star's magnetic field plays a key role in this process, resulting in a scar on the white dwarf's surface," he added.

White dwarfs are formed when fuel gets depleted from stars, ranging between one-tenth and eight times the mass of the sun, and no nuclear fusion is carried out.&nbsp;

When this occurs, the star's outer layer is removed and a compact, dense, white-hot core is revealed which slowly cools over time.&nbsp;

As per a study published in the journal Publications of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific in 2001, nearly 97 per cent of the stars in the Milky Way, which include the sun, are destined to become white dwarfs.

Watch:&nbsp;Brightest and hungriest black hole ever detected; It eats one sun a a day

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However, the compositions and capabilities of these ultradense balls have remained mysterious in different ways.

Scientists observed that the zombie star rotated on its axis and the metals also matched up with changes in the magnetic field of the white dwarf.

The observations helped scientists understand that the polar magnetic field of WD 0816-310 had "funnelled" the metallic leftovers of one of its meals onto one of the magnetic poles of the dwarf star, which created a scar.

"This scar is a concentrated patch of planetary material, held in place by the same magnetic field that has guided the infalling fragments," said co-author John Landstreet, a professor emeritus at the University of Western Ontario and a visiting professor at the Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, in the statement. "Nothing like this has been seen before," he added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A very strange white dwarf star has been discovered by astronomers with a metallic scar on its surface which is possibly a remnant of the unfortunate planet which was eaten by the killer star.

A very strange white dwarf star has been discovered by astronomers with a metallic scar on its surface which is possibly a remnant of the unfortunate planet which was eaten by the killer star. The white dwarf, which is known as WD 0816-310, is a superdense husk of a dead star that is located 63 light-years from Earth. Earlier, astronomers believed that the fragments of asteroids or planets, which are shredded and consumed by white dwarfs, eventually get spread evenly across the star's surfaces. However, in the new study which was published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters, the researchers observed the Earth-size embers of the dead star and found that the leftovers from one of the eaten planets got locked in place with the help of powerful magnetic fields and created a dark metallic streak across the star's surface, which appears like a scar. Also Read: Earth is round, but Jupiter was once most likely flat: Scientists "It is well known that some white dwarfs — slowly cooling embers of stars like our Sun — are cannibalising pieces of their planetary systems," said lead author Stefano Bagnulo, an astronomer at Armagh Observatory and Planetarium in Northern Ireland, in a statement. Why the scar though? "Now we have discovered that the star's magnetic field plays a key role in this process, resulting in a scar on the white dwarf's surface," he added. White dwarfs are formed when fuel gets depleted from stars, ranging between one-tenth and eight times the mass of the sun, and no nuclear fusion is carried out. When this occurs, the star's outer layer is removed and a compact, dense, white-hot core is revealed which slowly cools over time. As per a study published in the journal Publications of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific in 2001, nearly 97 per cent of the stars in the Milky Way, which include the sun, are destined to become white dwarfs. Watch: Brightest and hungriest black hole ever detected; It eats one sun a a day However, the compositions and capabilities of these ultradense balls have remained mysterious in different ways. Scientists observed that the zombie star rotated on its axis and the metals also matched up with changes in the magnetic field of the white dwarf. The observations helped scientists understand that the polar magnetic field of WD 0816-310 had "funnelled" the metallic leftovers of one of its meals onto one of the magnetic poles of the dwarf star, which created a scar. "This scar is a concentrated patch of planetary material, held in place by the same magnetic field that has guided the infalling fragments," said co-author John Landstreet, a professor emeritus at the University of Western Ontario and a visiting professor at the Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, in the statement. "Nothing like this has been seen before," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Wear your scars, they said. So this 'cannibal' dead star took it quite literally

In a breakthrough study, scientists have claimed that large planets like Jupiter, which were formed at a far distance from their host stars, may have once been like flattened disks and not spherical structures as they are currently. 
 
Thousands of planets have been discovered by astronomers outside the Solar System, but&nbsp;scientists have still not understood how these worlds were formed. 
 
In the latest study, computer simulations were used by scientists to create a model of the formation of planets on the basis of a theory that the protoplanets or young planets, get created in short timescales after the large rotating disks of gas which are orbiting young stars break up.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasas-juno-spacecraft-delivers-stunning-close-up-of-jupiters-moon-io-687489">NASA’s Juno spacecraft delivers stunning close-up picture of Jupiter’s moon Io</a>

The research discovered that the protoplanets, which are most likely to have existed like flattened structures called oblate spheroids, are similar to the shape of an M&amp;M candy or a Smarties. 
 
“We have been studying planet formation for a long time but never before had we thought to check the shape of the planets as they form in the simulations. We had always assumed that they were spherical,” said study co-author Dimitris Stamatellos. 
 
“We were very surprised that they turned out to be oblate spheroids, pretty similar to smarties,” said Dr Stamatellos.

<h2 lang="en-US">Scientists decode how planets turned into large gas giants</h2>

In the study, the astronomers determined the properties of the planet compared it to the known observations, and examined the creation of mechanism of gas giant planets like Saturn and Jupiter. 
 
The study also investigated the properties of planets which were formed in different conditions like gas density and varying temperature.

Watch:&nbsp;Migrating species crucial to planet under threat: UN report

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Till now, researchers have theorised that planets are formed by either of the two processes. One of these processes called “core accretion”, is the gradual growth of dust particles which remain together to create progressively larger objects on long timescales. 
 
Planets are also likely to have been formed directly by the particles of the large rotating disks of material after they broke up around young stars in short timescales in a process known as the theory of disk instability. 
 
“The large majority of the protoplanets that form in the simulations are oblate spheroids rather than spherical, and they accrete faster from their poles,” wrote scientists.

(With inputs from agencies)

In a breakthrough study, scientists have claimed that large planets like Jupiter, which were formed at a far distance from their host stars, may have once been like flattened disks and not spherical structures as they are currently.

In a breakthrough study, scientists have claimed that large planets like Jupiter, which were formed at a far distance from their host stars, may have once been like flattened disks and not spherical structures as they are currently. Thousands of planets have been discovered by astronomers outside the Solar System, but scientists have still not understood how these worlds were formed. In the latest study, computer simulations were used by scientists to create a model of the formation of planets on the basis of a theory that the protoplanets or young planets, get created in short timescales after the large rotating disks of gas which are orbiting young stars break up. Also Read: NASA’s Juno spacecraft delivers stunning close-up picture of Jupiter’s moon Io The research discovered that the protoplanets, which are most likely to have existed like flattened structures called oblate spheroids, are similar to the shape of an M&M candy or a Smarties. “We have been studying planet formation for a long time but never before had we thought to check the shape of the planets as they form in the simulations. We had always assumed that they were spherical,” said study co-author Dimitris Stamatellos. “We were very surprised that they turned out to be oblate spheroids, pretty similar to smarties,” said Dr Stamatellos. Scientists decode how planets turned into large gas giants In the study, the astronomers determined the properties of the planet compared it to the known observations, and examined the creation of mechanism of gas giant planets like Saturn and Jupiter. The study also investigated the properties of planets which were formed in different conditions like gas density and varying temperature. Watch: Migrating species crucial to planet under threat: UN report Till now, researchers have theorised that planets are formed by either of the two processes. One of these processes called “core accretion”, is the gradual growth of dust particles which remain together to create progressively larger objects on long timescales. Planets are also likely to have been formed directly by the particles of the large rotating disks of material after they broke up around young stars in short timescales in a process known as the theory of disk instability. “The large majority of the protoplanets that form in the simulations are oblate spheroids rather than spherical, and they accrete faster from their poles,” wrote scientists. (With inputs from agencies)

Earth is round, but Jupiter was once most likely flat: Scientists

The European Space Agency has decided to crash a failed satellite, known as the European Remote Sensing 2 (ERS-2) satellite, back on Earth. However, the scientists are clueless about where exactly the satellite will fall.&nbsp; 
 
In April 1995, the satellite was launched into low Earth orbit and its mission of observing our planet was finished in September 2011. 
 
The satellite, along with its twin satellite ERS-1, collected valuable data from the land surfaces, oceans, and polar caps of the Earth. 
 
This was also used for monitoring natural disasters like earthquakes or severe flooding in remote parts of the world. 
 
Now, the tentative date and time of the ESA has been revealed, when it thinks the satellite will re-enter.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/usas-new-intel-report-warns-of-russian-nuclear-capabilities-in-space-690379">USA's new intel report warns of anti-satellite Russian nuclear weapons in space</a>

Based on the data, the ESA has calculated that the satellite will crash on the Earth at 5:26 pm ET on February 19. The ESA emphasised that the margin of error in the scientists' prediction is little more than 1.5 days – or plus or minus 38 hours. 
 
This is mainly because of the solar activity's unpredictable influence "which affects the density of Earth’s atmosphere and therefore the drag experienced by the satellite," said the space agency.

<h2 lang="en-US">Scientists started process of bringing back satellites in 2011&nbsp;</h2>

According to Live Science, the preparation for the end of ERS-2 started in the summer of 2011 when 66 reorbiting manoeuvres were performed by the ESA on it. 
 
That process was aimed at using the remaining fuel of the satellite and decreasing its average altitude from 488 miles to nearly 356 miles. This helps decrease the satellite's risk of collision with space debris or other satellites. 
 
The process also helps the orbit of the satellite deteriorate fast enough so that it can re-enter the atmosphere of Earth within 15 years.

Watch:&nbsp;India tests high-altitude pseudo-satellite vehicle HAPS | Boost to border surveillance

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As per the ESA, the ERS-2 "was the most sophisticated Earth-observation spacecraft ever developed and launched by Europe." 
 
When the satellite departed from Earth, it weighed only 5,547 pounds and now, without fuel, its weight is nearly 5,057 pounds. 
 
Those manoeuvres "used up the satellite's remaining fuel and lowered its average altitude from 785 km [488 miles] to about 573 km [356 miles] to greatly reduce the risk of collision with other satellites or space debris and to ensure the satellite's orbit would decay fast enough for it to reenter Earth's atmosphere within the next 15 years," said ESA officials, in an FAQ regarding the reentry.

(With inputs from agencies)

The European Space Agency has decided to crash a failed satellite, known as the European Remote Sensing 2 (ERS-2) satellite, back on Earth. However, the scientists are clueless about where exactly the satellite will fall.

The European Space Agency has decided to crash a failed satellite, known as the European Remote Sensing 2 (ERS-2) satellite, back on Earth. However, the scientists are clueless about where exactly the satellite will fall. In April 1995, the satellite was launched into low Earth orbit and its mission of observing our planet was finished in September 2011. The satellite, along with its twin satellite ERS-1, collected valuable data from the land surfaces, oceans, and polar caps of the Earth. This was also used for monitoring natural disasters like earthquakes or severe flooding in remote parts of the world. Now, the tentative date and time of the ESA has been revealed, when it thinks the satellite will re-enter. Also Read: USA's new intel report warns of anti-satellite Russian nuclear weapons in space Based on the data, the ESA has calculated that the satellite will crash on the Earth at 5:26 pm ET on February 19. The ESA emphasised that the margin of error in the scientists' prediction is little more than 1.5 days – or plus or minus 38 hours. This is mainly because of the solar activity's unpredictable influence "which affects the density of Earth’s atmosphere and therefore the drag experienced by the satellite," said the space agency. Scientists started process of bringing back satellites in 2011 According to Live Science, the preparation for the end of ERS-2 started in the summer of 2011 when 66 reorbiting manoeuvres were performed by the ESA on it. That process was aimed at using the remaining fuel of the satellite and decreasing its average altitude from 488 miles to nearly 356 miles. This helps decrease the satellite's risk of collision with space debris or other satellites. The process also helps the orbit of the satellite deteriorate fast enough so that it can re-enter the atmosphere of Earth within 15 years. Watch: India tests high-altitude pseudo-satellite vehicle HAPS | Boost to border surveillance As per the ESA, the ERS-2 "was the most sophisticated Earth-observation spacecraft ever developed and launched by Europe." When the satellite departed from Earth, it weighed only 5,547 pounds and now, without fuel, its weight is nearly 5,057 pounds. Those manoeuvres "used up the satellite's remaining fuel and lowered its average altitude from 785 km [488 miles] to about 573 km [356 miles] to greatly reduce the risk of collision with other satellites or space debris and to ensure the satellite's orbit would decay fast enough for it to reenter Earth's atmosphere within the next 15 years," said ESA officials, in an FAQ regarding the reentry. (With inputs from agencies)

European satellite to crash into Earth in six days. The exact place is eerily a mystery

A massive planet located 160 light years away now looks like a comet, complete with a tail that extends a massive 350,000 miles into space. The reason for this phenomenon is the distance between this planet and its host star.

A massive planet located 160 light years away now looks like a comet, complete with a tail that extends a massive 350,000 miles into space. The reason for this phenomenon is the distance between this planet and its host star. It is orbiting so close to its host star that the planet's atmosphere is boiling. This planet is the size of Jupiter and is shrinking in real time. According to astronomers, the planet is shedding the equivalent of one Earth every billion years, that is about 200,000 tonnes per second. The boiling is so intense that its atmosphere is now shedding, which is what has led to it developing a comet-like tail. Named WASP-69b, the amount of heat that this planet is taking can be understood by the fact that it completes one orbit of its host star in less than four days. Its orbit is so compact that the host star's intense radiation has vapourised the helium gas in the planet's atmosphere. Discussing the planet's condition, lead researcher Dakotah Tyler said jokingly in a press conference on Tuesday at the American Astronomical Society, "This is an extreme environment. I would suggest that you do not consider retiring on this planet." While this might sound like something unimaginable to us Earthlings, scientists say it might not be uncommon for planets to shed so much mass. In fact, the latest discovery might solve the mysterious gap in the size of exoplanets. ALSO READ | Scientists develop advanced DNA test that can detect 18 early stage cancers The comet-like tail of WASP-69b The tail that the planet has now developed, and which extends a whopping 350,000 miles into space, is one of the most fascinating pieces of news we have across from outer space in recent times. The WASP-69b is shedding helium which has taken the shape of a tail, stretching at least seven times the planet's width. It is due to the host star's stream of charged particles and magnetic fields. However, the hot host star might not be alone to blame for the planet shrinking. Scientists say that the planet could also be shrinking because of radiation from the planet's core which is probably pushing the atmosphere away. Super-Earths and Sub-Neptunes National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has catalogued over 5,000 alien worlds and classified them into two rough categories. The first category is super-Earths, which includes planets about 1.6 times as wide as Earth. The other is sub-Neptunes, two to four times Earth's width. Scientists think there are hardly any planets between these sizes because they shrink swiftly and turn into super-Earths. WASP-69b is more massive than a sub-Neptune, demonstrating the same boiling behaviour scientists suspected. Due to its giant size, scientists have ample time to examine it. Erik Petigura, study co-author and UCLA professor of Physics and Astronomy said, "The WASP-69b system is a gem because we have a rare opportunity to study atmospheric mass-loss in real-time and understand the critical physics that shape thousands of other planets." The study's authors believe that WASP-69b and its comet-like tail will help them explore more about the physics of space, like how planets and their host star evolve together over time. (With inputs from agencies)

Scientists discover planet with a tail that extends 350,000 miles into space

In a new survey, which was done using ground penetrating radar and satellite imagery, scientists spotted signs of volcanic activity, which may have taken place far more recently than was expected by anyone.&nbsp;

The discovery, when combined with other evidence, revealed that beneath its barren crust, Mars is likely to have quite a bit more going on compared to what is seen in the outside appearances.&nbsp;

The study was carried over a plain called the Elysium Planitia and it was revealed that the volcanic activity may have taken place in the last 120 million years.

"Elysium Planitia is the youngest volcanic terrain on the planet, and studying it helps us to better understand Mars' past as well as recent hydrological and volcanic history," wrote the authors, in their paper.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasas-perseverance-rover-decodes-martian-lakes-ancient-history-after-spending-1000-martian-days-669370">Perseverance completes 1,000 days on Mars, decodes mystery of ancient crater lake</a>

Meanwhile, some of the volcanic activity which has been identified dates to only 1 million years ago.&nbsp;

This is very recent and geologically, the scientists have still not observed any volcanic activity actually taking place.&nbsp;

However, somewhere on Mars, this might exist as per recent studies.&nbsp;

<h2>Volcanic activity likely took place on Mars when&nbsp; dinosaurs roamed on Earth</h2>

According to scientists, the volcanic activity appeared very recent but they need to find where it actually took place.&nbsp;

"Elysium Planitia was volcanically much more active than previously thought and might even still be volcanically alive today," said Joana Voigt, who co-led the study alongside planetary scientist Christopher Hamilton of the University of Arizona and is a part of the NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory.&nbsp;

As per the scientists, some of the lava flowing on the surface of Mars looked pretty young which left them baffled.&nbsp;

"Elysium Planitia is the perfect location to try to understand the link between what we see at the surface and the interior dynamics that manifested itself through volcanic eruptions,” said Voigt.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;NASA's Perseverance Rover finds new clues about water on Mars

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"I paid a lot of attention to the details on the lava surfaces to try and untangle the different eruption events and reconstruct the entire history of these geologic entities,” he added.

A plethora of quakes on Mars was recorded by NASA's InSight lander between 2018 and 2022 which proved that the red planet is anything but dead beneath its surface.

"Our study provides the most comprehensive account of geologically recent volcanism on a planet other than Earth," said Hamilton.&nbsp;

"It is the best estimate of Mars' young volcanic activity for about the past 120 million years, which corresponds to when the dinosaurs roamed on the Earth at their peak to present," he said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

In a new survey, which was done using ground penetrating radar and satellite imagery, scientists spotted signs of volcanic activity, which may have taken place far more recently than was expected by anyone.

In a new survey, which was done using ground penetrating radar and satellite imagery, scientists spotted signs of volcanic activity, which may have taken place far more recently than was expected by anyone. The discovery, when combined with other evidence, revealed that beneath its barren crust, Mars is likely to have quite a bit more going on compared to what is seen in the outside appearances. The study was carried over a plain called the Elysium Planitia and it was revealed that the volcanic activity may have taken place in the last 120 million years. "Elysium Planitia is the youngest volcanic terrain on the planet, and studying it helps us to better understand Mars' past as well as recent hydrological and volcanic history," wrote the authors, in their paper. Also read: Perseverance completes 1,000 days on Mars, decodes mystery of ancient crater lake Meanwhile, some of the volcanic activity which has been identified dates to only 1 million years ago. This is very recent and geologically, the scientists have still not observed any volcanic activity actually taking place. However, somewhere on Mars, this might exist as per recent studies. Volcanic activity likely took place on Mars when dinosaurs roamed on Earth According to scientists, the volcanic activity appeared very recent but they need to find where it actually took place. "Elysium Planitia was volcanically much more active than previously thought and might even still be volcanically alive today," said Joana Voigt, who co-led the study alongside planetary scientist Christopher Hamilton of the University of Arizona and is a part of the NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. As per the scientists, some of the lava flowing on the surface of Mars looked pretty young which left them baffled. "Elysium Planitia is the perfect location to try to understand the link between what we see at the surface and the interior dynamics that manifested itself through volcanic eruptions,” said Voigt. Watch: NASA's Perseverance Rover finds new clues about water on Mars "I paid a lot of attention to the details on the lava surfaces to try and untangle the different eruption events and reconstruct the entire history of these geologic entities,” he added. A plethora of quakes on Mars was recorded by NASA's InSight lander between 2018 and 2022 which proved that the red planet is anything but dead beneath its surface. "Our study provides the most comprehensive account of geologically recent volcanism on a planet other than Earth," said Hamilton. "It is the best estimate of Mars' young volcanic activity for about the past 120 million years, which corresponds to when the dinosaurs roamed on the Earth at their peak to present," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Scientists spot recent volcanic activity on Earth’s neighbour Mars

Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon and Blue Origin, hopes for a distant future when "a trillion" humans will colonise the solar system. In the Lex Fridman podcast, published on Thursday, Bezos said that our solar system has enough resources to support a civilisation that large.

Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon and Blue Origin, hopes for a distant future when "a trillion" humans will colonise the solar system. In the Lex Fridman podcast, published on Thursday, Bezos said that our solar system has enough resources to support a civilisation that large. But people won't be inhabiting other planets. Instead, they would be living in massive space stations. By a trillion humans, Bezos meant that "a thousand Mozarts and a thousand Einsteins" could be up in space at any given point. Bezos envisioned space stations that resembled the cylindrical habitats proposed by the late physicist Gerard K. O'Neill. "They have a lot of advantages over planetary surfaces. You can spin them to get normal earth gravity. You can put them where you want them," he said of O'Neill-style colonies, adding that most people will want to live near Earth anyway. ALSO READ | James Webb spots record-breaking small, rare kind of brown 'failed' star Bezos' space colony agenda differs from that of Elon Musk, his main competitor. The SpaceX founder, Musk, has been vocal about his ambition to colonise Mars by 2050. SpaceX also has plans to help NASA send humans to the moon, but its colonisation goals are more aligned towards Mars. Meanwhile, Bezos has set his eyes on the moon, revealing the giant Blue Moon lunar lander concept in 2019. He also spoke about an O'Neill-style shaped cylinder that can maintain a good climate throughout the year. "As a species, we've got to do this. We're going to crucify this planet sooner or later. So you might as well die going to Mars," Kevin Moffat, an associate professor at the University of Warwick who specialises in human physiology, told Business Insider. Previously, experts have talked about the scientific and ethical dilemmas related to the glorious plans of space colonisation of both billionaires. They have warned about the problems related to gravity and space's human immune system. However, that does not mean that their efforts went in vain. During the podcast, Bezos told Fridman that humans could choose to go back and forth between space stations and Earth in the distant future. According to Bezos, space colonisation ultimately means to preserve the planet. "We've sent robotic probes to all the planets," he said. "We know that this is the good one." (With inputs from agencies)

Bezos wants humans to colonise the solar system, while Musk has his sight set on Mars

The coming weekend will be a significant one for Halley’s Comet, also called 1P Halley, as it will reach its farthest point from the sun and then again begin its long journey back towards the inner&nbsp;solar system. Halley's Comet is one of the most well-known comets in the world. It visits us every&nbsp;75 to 79 years, and like other comets,&nbsp;appears in the night sky when it reaches close to the sun.&nbsp;

On Saturday (Dec 9), Halley’s Comet will be reaching aphelion - its most distant point from the sun - in its 75-year journey across the solar system. &nbsp; &nbsp;

The comet which is now reaching its aphelion, is not going to be visible to earthlings for almost another 40 years.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/betelgeuse-one-of-skys-brightest-stars-with-vivid-red-glow-to-disappear-soon-heres-why-667450">Red supergiant star Betelgeuse will disappear soon, and an asteroid is to blame</a>

&nbsp;

As it starts its long journey back into the inner solar system, it will be around 35 Earth-Sun distances, beyond the orbit of Neptune.&nbsp;

<h2>Who will get to see Halley’s Comet in their lifetime?</h2>

To the human&nbsp;eye on Earth, Halley’s Comet will next be visible in the night sky in late July 2061 when it is likely to come much closer and may appear much brighter, than what it looked like in 1986, the last time it was here.

The comet was named after English astronomer Edmond Halley, who was the first to calculate its orbit and make predictions about its return in the 18th century. In human history, Halley’s Comet has made numerous appearances. &nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Gaganyaan: India's first mission to send astronauts to space

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<h2 class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">Halley’s Comet's Christmas connection</h2>

Halley's Comet also has a&nbsp;Christmas connection and served as inspiration for the Bible story of “Star of Bethlehem".&nbsp;The story goes that Magi, the three wise men, followed&nbsp;a star from the East to Bethlehem while searching for the newborn king.&nbsp;Some believe that what they followed was Halley's Comet. However, there is no clarity on whether or not the bright star they followed indeed was Halley's Comet.&nbsp;

“Comets, which are not stars but star-like in appearance, offer a unique explanation as they move across the sky and could have guided the wise men,” said Dr. Minjae Kim, Research Fellow, Department of Physics, University of Warwick, speaking to Forbes.

“Halley’s Comet was visible in 12 BC, and Chinese and Korean stargazers recorded an object, possibly a comet or nova, around 5 BC, aligning with the estimated time of Jesus’ birth—between 6 BC&nbsp;and 4 BC," he added.

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

The coming weekend will be a significant one for Halley’s Comet, also called 1P Halley, as it will reach its farthest point from the sun and then again begin its long journey back towards the inner solar system.

The coming weekend will be a significant one for Halley’s Comet, also called 1P Halley, as it will reach its farthest point from the sun and then again begin its long journey back towards the inner solar system. Halley's Comet is one of the most well-known comets in the world. It visits us every 75 to 79 years, and like other comets, appears in the night sky when it reaches close to the sun. On Saturday (Dec 9), Halley’s Comet will be reaching aphelion - its most distant point from the sun - in its 75-year journey across the solar system. The comet which is now reaching its aphelion, is not going to be visible to earthlings for almost another 40 years. Also read: Red supergiant star Betelgeuse will disappear soon, and an asteroid is to blame As it starts its long journey back into the inner solar system, it will be around 35 Earth-Sun distances, beyond the orbit of Neptune. Who will get to see Halley’s Comet in their lifetime? To the human eye on Earth, Halley’s Comet will next be visible in the night sky in late July 2061 when it is likely to come much closer and may appear much brighter, than what it looked like in 1986, the last time it was here. The comet was named after English astronomer Edmond Halley, who was the first to calculate its orbit and make predictions about its return in the 18th century. In human history, Halley’s Comet has made numerous appearances. Watch: Gaganyaan: India's first mission to send astronauts to space Halley’s Comet's Christmas connection Halley's Comet also has a Christmas connection and served as inspiration for the Bible story of “Star of Bethlehem". The story goes that Magi, the three wise men, followed a star from the East to Bethlehem while searching for the newborn king. Some believe that what they followed was Halley's Comet. However, there is no clarity on whether or not the bright star they followed indeed was Halley's Comet. “Comets, which are not stars but star-like in appearance, offer a unique explanation as they move across the sky and could have guided the wise men,” said Dr. Minjae Kim, Research Fellow, Department of Physics, University of Warwick, speaking to Forbes. “Halley’s Comet was visible in 12 BC, and Chinese and Korean stargazers recorded an object, possibly a comet or nova, around 5 BC, aligning with the estimated time of Jesus’ birth—between 6 BC and 4 BC," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Halley’s Comet is gearing up for a return journey towards us. The wait is quite long though

Scientists have time and again emphasised how the sun will become boiling hot in around a billion years and all the oceans present on Earth will be dried and eventually, the existence of life will come to an end. 
 
Till now, scientists have believed that the fate of life on Earth has been more or less definitive. However, a new theory has emerged which suggests that a rogue star passing close to the planet may be able to save Earth. 
 
As per a new study carried out by scientists from the University of Bordeaux, France, and the Planetary Science Institute in Tucson, Arizona, the passing star can turn out to be an unlikely saviour. 
 
More than 12,000 simulations were run by the researchers to understand what can happen if a star passes within 100 astronomical units (about 9.3 billion miles) from Earth.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/earth-will-collide-with-moon-this-is-what-a-rogue-star-can-do-to-our-solar-system-664214">A rogue star can send Earth smashing into Moon, wiping out all life, study finds</a>

After creating the simulations, the scientists observed that the solar system is remarkably stable. In around 92 per cent of cases, it was observed that the solar system would remain almost intact even if a star passed by the solar system. 
 
"I thought more would happen," said Sean Raymond, who is a study author from the University of Bordeaux in France, while speaking to New Scientist. "It's really not that easy to mess with planets' orbits – a star has to get really into another star's business to mess with its planets,” he added.

<h2>A slim chance to save Earth</h2>

In a blog post, Raymond said, “Still, there's a chance the passing star could pull our planet out of harm's way – albeit a slim one. In 0.28 per cent of the simulations, the star pulled the Earth out of its orbit and into a more temperate region.” 
 
In a few simulations, Earth remained inside the solar system, however, the planet was pulled to a region beyond Pluto which is about 10 per cent cooler compared to our current orbit. 
 
In other simulations, the planet was pushed into interstellar space and it got placed in the Oort cloud which is around 2 billion light years away, or became a free-floating planet in space. 
 
In the blog post, Raymon said, “As bizarre as it might seem, this may not be the worst-case scenario. It is much harder to un-roast a fried planet than to heat up a frozen world.”

Watch:&nbsp;European Space Agency released first images taken by Euclid's telescope

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"If they possess modestly thick hydrogen atmospheres, free-floating planets can trap enough heat to maintain liquid water on the surface," he added. 
 
There is just a one per cent chance of a star flying by our solar system in the next billion years, and as per the simulations, a 1 in 350 chance of Earth getting kicked into a habitable orbit. 
 
"So taken together, that's a 1 in 35,000 chance that the long-term prospects for life on Earth will be rescued by a passing star," added Raymond. 
 
"That's about the same odds as randomly pulling the ace of spades from two separate decks of cards while also rolling a combined 10 with two dice. Not the best odds," he said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Scientists have time and again emphasised how the sun will become boiling hot in around a billion years and all the oceans present on Earth will be dried and eventually, the existence of life will come to an end.

Scientists have time and again emphasised how the sun will become boiling hot in around a billion years and all the oceans present on Earth will be dried and eventually, the existence of life will come to an end. Till now, scientists have believed that the fate of life on Earth has been more or less definitive. However, a new theory has emerged which suggests that a rogue star passing close to the planet may be able to save Earth. As per a new study carried out by scientists from the University of Bordeaux, France, and the Planetary Science Institute in Tucson, Arizona, the passing star can turn out to be an unlikely saviour. More than 12,000 simulations were run by the researchers to understand what can happen if a star passes within 100 astronomical units (about 9.3 billion miles) from Earth. Also read: A rogue star can send Earth smashing into Moon, wiping out all life, study finds After creating the simulations, the scientists observed that the solar system is remarkably stable. In around 92 per cent of cases, it was observed that the solar system would remain almost intact even if a star passed by the solar system. "I thought more would happen," said Sean Raymond, who is a study author from the University of Bordeaux in France, while speaking to New Scientist. "It's really not that easy to mess with planets' orbits – a star has to get really into another star's business to mess with its planets,” he added. A slim chance to save Earth In a blog post, Raymond said, “Still, there's a chance the passing star could pull our planet out of harm's way – albeit a slim one. In 0.28 per cent of the simulations, the star pulled the Earth out of its orbit and into a more temperate region.” In a few simulations, Earth remained inside the solar system, however, the planet was pulled to a region beyond Pluto which is about 10 per cent cooler compared to our current orbit. In other simulations, the planet was pushed into interstellar space and it got placed in the Oort cloud which is around 2 billion light years away, or became a free-floating planet in space. In the blog post, Raymon said, “As bizarre as it might seem, this may not be the worst-case scenario. It is much harder to un-roast a fried planet than to heat up a frozen world.” Watch: European Space Agency released first images taken by Euclid's telescope "If they possess modestly thick hydrogen atmospheres, free-floating planets can trap enough heat to maintain liquid water on the surface," he added. There is just a one per cent chance of a star flying by our solar system in the next billion years, and as per the simulations, a 1 in 350 chance of Earth getting kicked into a habitable orbit. "So taken together, that's a 1 in 35,000 chance that the long-term prospects for life on Earth will be rescued by a passing star," added Raymond. "That's about the same odds as randomly pulling the ace of spades from two separate decks of cards while also rolling a combined 10 with two dice. Not the best odds," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Can a rogue star save Earth from its destined extinction? Scientists say...

In a first, astronomers have found the swirling disk of material which is feeding a young star and is present in a galaxy, which is outside the Milky Way. 
 
The disk was found near-identical to those discovered near infant stars in the Milky Way and this helped scientists understand that the stars and planets are formed in other galaxies just like the ones in our galaxy. 
 
The young star, which has been just observed, is located in the Large Magellanic Cloud, which is a galaxy located 160,000 light-years away from the Milky Way and its system, which has been given the name HH 1177, is placed in a massive cloud of gas. 
 
The team, which was behind the discovery observed the system as part of the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA), which is the largest astronomical project.

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"When I first saw evidence for a rotating structure in the ALMA data, I could not believe that we had detected the first extragalactic accretion disc. It was a special moment," said researcher lead author and Durham University scientist Anna McLeod, in a statement, as reported by space.com. 
 
"We know discs are vital to forming stars and planets in our galaxy, and here, for the first time, we're seeing direct evidence for this in another galaxy,” he added.

<h2>Jet emerges from forming star, hinting at existence of disk</h2>

McLeod and his teammates were hinted about the existence of this system when a jet emerging from a forming star was spotted by the Multi Unit Spectroscopic Explorer (MUSE) instrument on ESO's Very Large Telescope (VLT). 
 
The instrument is able to make observations in the visible wavelength range as well as measure the wavelengths of light which are getting emitted from the object. "We discovered a jet being launched from this young massive star, and its presence is a signpost for ongoing disc accretion," said McLeod.

Watch:&nbsp;New evidence suggests size of the Sun could be smaller, says report&nbsp;

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The scientists measured the movement of dense gas around the star to confirm that an accretion disk is present in HH 1177. 
 
The gas, which is present at the centre of the accretion disc, is located close to the central object which is a young feeding star and is moving faster in comparison to the matter present on the disk's outskirts. 
 
"The frequency of light changes depending on how fast the gas emitting the light is moving towards or away from us," said team member and Liverpool John Moores University research fellow Jonathan Henshaw. 
 
"This is precisely the same phenomenon that occurs when the pitch of an ambulance siren changes as it passes you, and the frequency of the sound goes from higher to lower,” he added. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

In a first, astronomers have found the swirling disk of material which is feeding a young star and is present in a galaxy, which is outside the Milky Way. The disk was found near-identical to those discovered near infant stars in the Milky Way and this helped scientists understand that the stars and planets are formed in other galaxies just like the ones in our galaxy.

In a first, astronomers have found the swirling disk of material which is feeding a young star and is present in a galaxy, which is outside the Milky Way. The disk was found near-identical to those discovered near infant stars in the Milky Way and this helped scientists understand that the stars and planets are formed in other galaxies just like the ones in our galaxy. The young star, which has been just observed, is located in the Large Magellanic Cloud, which is a galaxy located 160,000 light-years away from the Milky Way and its system, which has been given the name HH 1177, is placed in a massive cloud of gas. The team, which was behind the discovery observed the system as part of the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA), which is the largest astronomical project. Also read: 'Evil eye' in the sky clicked by NASA wows netizens "When I first saw evidence for a rotating structure in the ALMA data, I could not believe that we had detected the first extragalactic accretion disc. It was a special moment," said researcher lead author and Durham University scientist Anna McLeod, in a statement, as reported by space.com. "We know discs are vital to forming stars and planets in our galaxy, and here, for the first time, we're seeing direct evidence for this in another galaxy,” he added. Jet emerges from forming star, hinting at existence of disk McLeod and his teammates were hinted about the existence of this system when a jet emerging from a forming star was spotted by the Multi Unit Spectroscopic Explorer (MUSE) instrument on ESO's Very Large Telescope (VLT). The instrument is able to make observations in the visible wavelength range as well as measure the wavelengths of light which are getting emitted from the object. "We discovered a jet being launched from this young massive star, and its presence is a signpost for ongoing disc accretion," said McLeod. Watch: New evidence suggests size of the Sun could be smaller, says report The scientists measured the movement of dense gas around the star to confirm that an accretion disk is present in HH 1177. The gas, which is present at the centre of the accretion disc, is located close to the central object which is a young feeding star and is moving faster in comparison to the matter present on the disk's outskirts. "The frequency of light changes depending on how fast the gas emitting the light is moving towards or away from us," said team member and Liverpool John Moores University research fellow Jonathan Henshaw. "This is precisely the same phenomenon that occurs when the pitch of an ambulance siren changes as it passes you, and the frequency of the sound goes from higher to lower,” he added. (With inputs from agencies)

In a first, scientists discover planet-forming disk beyond Milky Way

In a celestial spectacle that occurs every two years, Mars has seemingly disappeared from our Earthly vantage point as it undergoes the Mars solar conjunction, starting on November 18. This disappearance is not an unexpected event, an optical illusion or an atmospheric anomaly and there is some science behind the absence of the Red Planet.&nbsp;

A planetary alignment positioned Mars directly behind the Sun, rendering it temporarily invisible to observers on Earth. During this phase, Mars is obscured from view due to the Sun's overwhelming brightness.&nbsp;

The conjunction is expected to persist for approximately two weeks. During this period, Mars and Earth are at their maximum distance from each other, with the average gap of 225 million kilometres expanding to as much as 400 million kilometres.

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The phenomenon, while a regular occurrence in the celestial calendar, captivates skygazers with its unique visual impact.

As Mars enters the latter part of the conjunction, it will gradually reemerge to the West of the Sun, becoming increasingly visible in the pre-dawn sky.

<h2>A year later&nbsp;</h2>

Approximately a year later, the Red Planet and the Sun will be situated on opposite sides of Earth. During this phase, Mars will illuminate the night sky for an extended duration.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/sentences-are-more-persuasive-when-written-in-present-tense-claims-study-660066">Sentences are more persuasive when written in present tense, claims study</a>

Notably, the Mars solar conjunction has practical implications for space agencies and their missions on the red planet.

NASA, in response to the celestial alignment, has suspended communications with its Mars fleet. The decision is rooted in the potential interference caused by the Sun's corona, which could disrupt signals between Earth and Mars.

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This precautionary measure is aimed at preventing unexpected behaviours in robotic probes such as the Perseverance Rover and the Ingenuity helicopter, safeguarding their operational integrity during this astronomical event.

(With inputs from agencies)

In a celestial spectacle that occurs every two years, Mars has seemingly disappeared from our Earthly vantage point as it undergoes the Mars solar conjunction, starting on November 18.

In a celestial spectacle that occurs every two years, Mars has seemingly disappeared from our Earthly vantage point as it undergoes the Mars solar conjunction, starting on November 18. This disappearance is not an unexpected event, an optical illusion or an atmospheric anomaly and there is some science behind the absence of the Red Planet. A planetary alignment positioned Mars directly behind the Sun, rendering it temporarily invisible to observers on Earth. During this phase, Mars is obscured from view due to the Sun's overwhelming brightness. The conjunction is expected to persist for approximately two weeks. During this period, Mars and Earth are at their maximum distance from each other, with the average gap of 225 million kilometres expanding to as much as 400 million kilometres. Also Read | Scientists create lasers from soap bubbles for handheld sensing devices The phenomenon, while a regular occurrence in the celestial calendar, captivates skygazers with its unique visual impact. As Mars enters the latter part of the conjunction, it will gradually reemerge to the West of the Sun, becoming increasingly visible in the pre-dawn sky. A year later Approximately a year later, the Red Planet and the Sun will be situated on opposite sides of Earth. During this phase, Mars will illuminate the night sky for an extended duration. Also Read | Sentences are more persuasive when written in present tense, claims study Notably, the Mars solar conjunction has practical implications for space agencies and their missions on the red planet. NASA, in response to the celestial alignment, has suspended communications with its Mars fleet. The decision is rooted in the potential interference caused by the Sun's corona, which could disrupt signals between Earth and Mars. Watch | Israel-Hamas war | Israel's new air-defence system × This precautionary measure is aimed at preventing unexpected behaviours in robotic probes such as the Perseverance Rover and the Ingenuity helicopter, safeguarding their operational integrity during this astronomical event. (With inputs from agencies)

Mars vanishes in rare celestial event, will come back shining after 2 weeks

With oxygen – the elixir of life - being omnipresent on Earth, it is impossible to imagine our world and life without it. 
 
The life-sustaining gas in today's time constitutes nearly 21 per cent of the atmosphere of Earth and plays an important role in the survival of many species. However, the oxygen was not always present on Earth from the beginning. 
 
When the planet came into existence nearly 4.5 billion years ago, the conditions on Earth were extremely different. Water vapour, methane and carbon dioxide were dominant in the atmosphere of the Earth.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-discover-closest-known-earth-sized-world-only-22-light-years-away-659867">Scientists discover closest known Earth-sized world only 22 light-years away</a>

And now scientists have predicted that the atmosphere of Earth in future will go back to the one that is low in oxygen. 
 
A study, which was published in Nature, described the scenario when it will take place. However, such a scenario is likely to occur billion years away, however, when the change occurs, it will occur fairly rapidly.

<h2>Earth to go back to its birth state</h2>

The study stated that the shift will take back Earth to the kind of state it was in before which was called as the Great Oxidation Event (GOE) nearly 2.4 billion years ago, stated the study. 
 
The research has been in discussion as scientists are trying to find habitable planets outside the Solar System. It stated that atmospheric oxygen is not likely to be a permanent feature of all habitable worlds. 
 
"The drop in oxygen is very, very extreme. We're talking around a million times less oxygen than there is today," stated Chris Reinhard, from the Georgia Institute of Technology, while speaking to New Scientist.

Watch:&nbsp;Remains of an ancient planet lie deep within earth

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Scientists, who gave predictions regarding the doomsday scenario, stated, "The model projects that a deoxygenation of the atmosphere, with atmospheric O2 dropping sharply to levels reminiscent of the Archaean Earth, will most probably be triggered before the inception of moist greenhouse conditions in Earth's climate system and before the extensive loss of surface water from the atmosphere." 
 
Detailed models of the atmosphere of the Earth were created by the researchers and changes in the Sun's brightness and the corresponding drop in the levels of carbon dioxide was analysed. 
 
Less carbon dioxide means there are fewer photosynthesising organisms such as plants, which eventually results in less oxygen.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

With oxygen – the elixir of life - being omnipresent on Earth, it is impossible to imagine our world and life without it. The life-sustaining gas in today's time constitutes nearly 21 per cent of the atmosphere of Earth and plays an important role in the survival of many species.

With oxygen – the elixir of life - being omnipresent on Earth, it is impossible to imagine our world and life without it. The life-sustaining gas in today's time constitutes nearly 21 per cent of the atmosphere of Earth and plays an important role in the survival of many species. However, the oxygen was not always present on Earth from the beginning. When the planet came into existence nearly 4.5 billion years ago, the conditions on Earth were extremely different. Water vapour, methane and carbon dioxide were dominant in the atmosphere of the Earth. Also read: Scientists discover closest known Earth-sized world only 22 light-years away And now scientists have predicted that the atmosphere of Earth in future will go back to the one that is low in oxygen. A study, which was published in Nature, described the scenario when it will take place. However, such a scenario is likely to occur billion years away, however, when the change occurs, it will occur fairly rapidly. Earth to go back to its birth state The study stated that the shift will take back Earth to the kind of state it was in before which was called as the Great Oxidation Event (GOE) nearly 2.4 billion years ago, stated the study. The research has been in discussion as scientists are trying to find habitable planets outside the Solar System. It stated that atmospheric oxygen is not likely to be a permanent feature of all habitable worlds. "The drop in oxygen is very, very extreme. We're talking around a million times less oxygen than there is today," stated Chris Reinhard, from the Georgia Institute of Technology, while speaking to New Scientist. Watch: Remains of an ancient planet lie deep within earth Scientists, who gave predictions regarding the doomsday scenario, stated, "The model projects that a deoxygenation of the atmosphere, with atmospheric O2 dropping sharply to levels reminiscent of the Archaean Earth, will most probably be triggered before the inception of moist greenhouse conditions in Earth's climate system and before the extensive loss of surface water from the atmosphere." Detailed models of the atmosphere of the Earth were created by the researchers and changes in the Sun's brightness and the corresponding drop in the levels of carbon dioxide was analysed. Less carbon dioxide means there are fewer photosynthesising organisms such as plants, which eventually results in less oxygen. (With inputs from agencies)

Earth without oxygen? This is when our planet will lose an oxygen-rich atmosphere

A recent study utilising data from NASA's retired Kepler Space Telescope has provided insights into the enigma of disappearing atmospheres and shrinking sizes of certain exoplanets. Researchers believe they may have identified a potential explanation for the "missing" planets falling between the size range of super-Earths and sub-Neptunes.

Exoplanets exist outside our solar system and exhibit diverse sizes, ranging from rocky planets to gas giants. In between, there are rocky super-Earths and sub-Neptunes. But there also exists a noticeable void, a "size gap."

NASA's&nbsp;Jet Propulsion Laboratory said that there is a "conspicuous absence" or a “size gap” of planets that are 1.5 to 2 times Earth's size. This has left scientists puzzled.&nbsp;

However, the lead&nbsp;author of the new study in The Astronomical Journal and Caltech/IPAC research scientist Jessie Christiansen said that “scientists have now confirmed the detection of over 5,000 exoplanets, but there are fewer planets than expected with a diameter between 1.5 and 2 times that of Earth."&nbsp;

“Exoplanet scientists have enough data now to say that this gap is not a fluke. There’s something going on that impedes planets from reaching and/or staying at this size," Christiansen added.&nbsp;

Scientists have dedicated efforts to unravel the mysteries surrounding this absence and gain a deeper understanding of the planetary system.&nbsp;

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<h2>So what is behind the shrinking of exoplanets?&nbsp;</h2>

The study proposed that some sub-Neptunes lose their atmospheres, causing them to shrink. The leading explanations for this atmospheric loss are core-powered mass loss and photoevaporation. The researchers have uncovered new evidence supporting the theory of core-powered mass loss as a potential mechanism behind the shrinking of these planets.&nbsp;

Core-powered mass loss involves radiation from a planet's hot core gradually pushing its atmosphere away over time, eventually shrinking it. In contrast, photoevaporation occurs when a planet's atmosphere is eroded by the intense radiation from its host star.

The study suggested that core-powered mass loss occurs later in a planet's life, around 1 billion years, while photoevaporation is more likely to happen within the first 100 million years.

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<h2>Observations of star clusters</h2>

The researchers focused on star clusters Praesepe and Hyades, aged between 600 million and 800 million years.

By analysing these clusters, the team concluded in&nbsp;their findings that core-powered mass loss is a more plausible reasoning for these "missing" exoplanets.&nbsp;

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While the study provides valuable insights, the researchers said that the understanding of photoevaporation and core-powered mass loss is an evolving field.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A recent study utilising data from NASA's retired Kepler Space Telescope has provided insights into the enigma of disappearing atmospheres and shrinking sizes of certain exoplanets.

A recent study utilising data from NASA's retired Kepler Space Telescope has provided insights into the enigma of disappearing atmospheres and shrinking sizes of certain exoplanets. Researchers believe they may have identified a potential explanation for the "missing" planets falling between the size range of super-Earths and sub-Neptunes. Exoplanets exist outside our solar system and exhibit diverse sizes, ranging from rocky planets to gas giants. In between, there are rocky super-Earths and sub-Neptunes. But there also exists a noticeable void, a "size gap." NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory said that there is a "conspicuous absence" or a “size gap” of planets that are 1.5 to 2 times Earth's size. This has left scientists puzzled. However, the lead author of the new study in The Astronomical Journal and Caltech/IPAC research scientist Jessie Christiansen said that “scientists have now confirmed the detection of over 5,000 exoplanets, but there are fewer planets than expected with a diameter between 1.5 and 2 times that of Earth." “Exoplanet scientists have enough data now to say that this gap is not a fluke. There’s something going on that impedes planets from reaching and/or staying at this size," Christiansen added. Scientists have dedicated efforts to unravel the mysteries surrounding this absence and gain a deeper understanding of the planetary system. Also Read | Italy bans lab-grown 'frankenstein' meat citing health concerns and need to safeguard livestock industry So what is behind the shrinking of exoplanets? The study proposed that some sub-Neptunes lose their atmospheres, causing them to shrink. The leading explanations for this atmospheric loss are core-powered mass loss and photoevaporation. The researchers have uncovered new evidence supporting the theory of core-powered mass loss as a potential mechanism behind the shrinking of these planets. Core-powered mass loss involves radiation from a planet's hot core gradually pushing its atmosphere away over time, eventually shrinking it. In contrast, photoevaporation occurs when a planet's atmosphere is eroded by the intense radiation from its host star. The study suggested that core-powered mass loss occurs later in a planet's life, around 1 billion years, while photoevaporation is more likely to happen within the first 100 million years. Also Read | RBI bulletin highlights inflation challenge despite boost in consumption Observations of star clusters The researchers focused on star clusters Praesepe and Hyades, aged between 600 million and 800 million years. By analysing these clusters, the team concluded in their findings that core-powered mass loss is a more plausible reasoning for these "missing" exoplanets. Watch | Russia says artist was spreading misinformation about military × While the study provides valuable insights, the researchers said that the understanding of photoevaporation and core-powered mass loss is an evolving field. (With inputs from agencies)

Is mystery of shrinking exoplanets solved? Data from NASA reveals new details

Supernova are one of the universe's most cataclysmic events. If a planet is too close, it will be sterilised, even destroyed. When massive stars run out of nuclear fuel in their core, they produce x-rays and blast waves of fast particles that would render a planet like Earth uninhabitable. Watch this story to know how a star exploded 1.9 billion light-years away and our ozone layer took the hit.

What if a Supernova exploded close to earth?

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