Mars, the nearest neighbour of Earth is today a barren wasteland. The red planet is a striking sight in the night sky. It's hard to imagine anything catastrophic happening on Mars today.

But a new study has found that massive floods from overflowing craters had outsized role in shaping Martian surface. The study has been carried out by researchers at University of Texas at Austin.

The study found that these floods carved deep chasms and moved vast amounts of sediment. The findings have been published in the scientific journal 'Nature'

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"If we think about how sediment was being moved across the landscape on ancient Mars, lake breach floods were a really important process globally," said lead author Tim Goudge, an assistant professor at the UT Jackson School of Geosciences.&nbsp;

"And this is a bit of a surprising result because they`ve been thought of as one-off anomalies for so long," Goudge added.

Crater lakes were common on Mars billions of years ago when the Red Planet had liquid water on its surface. Some craters could hold a small sea`s worth of water. But when the water became too much to hold, it would breach the edge of the crater, causing catastrophic flooding that carved river valleys in its wake.&nbsp;

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A 2019 study led by Goudge determined that these events happened rapidly. Remote sensing images taken by satellites orbiting Mars have allowed scientists to study the remains of breached Martian crater lakes.&nbsp;

However, the crater lakes and their river valleys have mostly been studied on an individual basis, Goudge said. This is the first study to investigate how the 262 breached lakes across the Red Planet shaped the Martian surface as a whole.

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The research entailed reviewing a preexisting catalogue of river valleys on Mars and classifying the valleys into two categories: valleys that got their start at a crater`s edge, which indicates they formed during a lake breach flood, and valleys that formed elsewhere on the landscape, which suggests a more gradual formation over time.

From there, the scientists compared the depth, length and volume of the different valley types and found that river valleys formed by crater lake breaches punch far above their weight, eroding away nearly a quarter of the Red Planet`s river valley volume despite making up only 3 per cent of total valley length.

(With inputs&nbsp;from agencies)

Mars, the nearest neighbour of Earth is today a barren wasteland. The red planet is a striking sight in the night sky. It's hard to imagine anything catastrophic happening on Mars today.

Mars, the nearest neighbour of Earth is today a barren wasteland. The red planet is a striking sight in the night sky. It's hard to imagine anything catastrophic happening on Mars today. But a new study has found that massive floods from overflowing craters had outsized role in shaping Martian surface. The study has been carried out by researchers at University of Texas at Austin. The study found that these floods carved deep chasms and moved vast amounts of sediment. The findings have been published in the scientific journal 'Nature' Also Read | NASA's Hubble space telescope finds dead galaxies "If we think about how sediment was being moved across the landscape on ancient Mars, lake breach floods were a really important process globally," said lead author Tim Goudge, an assistant professor at the UT Jackson School of Geosciences. "And this is a bit of a surprising result because they`ve been thought of as one-off anomalies for so long," Goudge added. Crater lakes were common on Mars billions of years ago when the Red Planet had liquid water on its surface. Some craters could hold a small sea`s worth of water. But when the water became too much to hold, it would breach the edge of the crater, causing catastrophic flooding that carved river valleys in its wake. Also Read | Winds on Jupiter are speeding up and no one knows why A 2019 study led by Goudge determined that these events happened rapidly. Remote sensing images taken by satellites orbiting Mars have allowed scientists to study the remains of breached Martian crater lakes. However, the crater lakes and their river valleys have mostly been studied on an individual basis, Goudge said. This is the first study to investigate how the 262 breached lakes across the Red Planet shaped the Martian surface as a whole. Also Read | NASA posts image of 'Hand of God', netizens are awestruck The research entailed reviewing a preexisting catalogue of river valleys on Mars and classifying the valleys into two categories: valleys that got their start at a crater`s edge, which indicates they formed during a lake breach flood, and valleys that formed elsewhere on the landscape, which suggests a more gradual formation over time. From there, the scientists compared the depth, length and volume of the different valley types and found that river valleys formed by crater lake breaches punch far above their weight, eroding away nearly a quarter of the Red Planet`s river valley volume despite making up only 3 per cent of total valley length. (With inputs from agencies)

Megafloods shaped Martian surface, says study

All astronomers, professional and amateur, know that planet Jupiter is a prominent presence in the night sky. Thousands across the world point their telescopes at the biggest planet in the solar system and its moons. The planet has been of such fascination to humankind that it has been continuously observed since the year 1878.

The defining feature of the gas giant is the Great Red Spot. It is a storm raging in the gaseous clouds of the planet. The storm is greater in size than that of Earth. It is the largest storm of its kind in the solar system.

Now, a new study has revealed that winds in the Giant Red Spot are speeding up. And no one knows why.

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Researchers took a look at data from Hubble Space Telescope collected between 2009 to 2020. They found that wind speeds in the storm had increased by 8 per cent over the period. It may appear to be a small increase but it is significant.

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The coloured clouds at the edge of the storm are now reaching speeds of up to 640 kilometres per hour in counter-clockwise direction. But a definitive answer to why the wind speed is increasing has not been found.

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Another mystery is the shrinking of the Great Red Spot. It has been observed that since 1878, it has become smaller. The shape has undergone a change as well. The storm has become more circular as compared to before.

Wonder storm chasers on Earth would like to do the same on Jupiter. Till they are ready to do such a thing, Hubble will have its lenses on the great planet.

All astronomers, professional and amateur, know that planet Jupiter is a prominent presence in the night sky. Thousands across the world point their telescopes at the biggest planet in the solar system and its moons.

All astronomers, professional and amateur, know that planet Jupiter is a prominent presence in the night sky. Thousands across the world point their telescopes at the biggest planet in the solar system and its moons. The planet has been of such fascination to humankind that it has been continuously observed since the year 1878. The defining feature of the gas giant is the Great Red Spot. It is a storm raging in the gaseous clouds of the planet. The storm is greater in size than that of Earth. It is the largest storm of its kind in the solar system. Now, a new study has revealed that winds in the Giant Red Spot are speeding up. And no one knows why. Also Read | NASA posts image of 'Hand of God', netizens are awestruck Researchers took a look at data from Hubble Space Telescope collected between 2009 to 2020. They found that wind speeds in the storm had increased by 8 per cent over the period. It may appear to be a small increase but it is significant. Also Read | NASA launches Landsat 9 satellite to monitor Earth's surface The coloured clouds at the edge of the storm are now reaching speeds of up to 640 kilometres per hour in counter-clockwise direction. But a definitive answer to why the wind speed is increasing has not been found. Also Read | Astronaut posts breathtaking photo of aurora taken from above Earth Another mystery is the shrinking of the Great Red Spot. It has been observed that since 1878, it has become smaller. The shape has undergone a change as well. The storm has become more circular as compared to before. Wonder storm chasers on Earth would like to do the same on Jupiter. Till they are ready to do such a thing, Hubble will have its lenses on the great planet.

Winds on Jupiter are speeding up and no one knows why

Talk about comets or asteroids coming anywhere near us and mind immediately goes back to what happened to dinosaurs. It just needed a space rock to end the reign of those fearsome reptiles who dominated nearly the entire foodchain. The asteroid that killed dinosaurs was just 10 kilometres across. But now a comet larger than Mars's moons is speeding up toward the solar system.&nbsp;

Bernardinelli-Bernstein comet is a mammoth! Remember Hale-Bopp? The comet that went around us in the year 1997? It was called a massive comet. And Bernardinelli-Bernstein is 10 times the mass of Hale-Bopp.

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In fact it is larger than both moons of Mars. If you line-up these moons, the comet would still be twice the size!

Such a mega thing is coming towards our solar system!

NASA is currently monitoring the comet and we may get better idea about it as it comes nearer. But that comet has already begun to put on a show!

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Recently, Las Cumbres Observatory reported that the comet is getting brighter and brighter. This is happening as it gradually comes towards us through space.

Just like its size, the comet has an orbit that has a superhuge diameter. As per calculations from Bad Astrnomy, the comet goes from being about 1.6 billion km away from the Sun to a mind-boggling 2 trillion kilometres away from the Sun. To put things in perspective, this is a fifth of a light-year!

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The comet is expected to make closest approach to the Sun in the year 2031 and it will be comfortably away from Earth when it passes through the solar system. Humanity gets another chance!

Talk about comets or asteroids coming anywhere near us and mind immediately goes back to what happened to dinosaurs. It just needed a space rock to end the reign of those fearsome reptiles who dominated nearly the entire foodchain.

Talk about comets or asteroids coming anywhere near us and mind immediately goes back to what happened to dinosaurs. It just needed a space rock to end the reign of those fearsome reptiles who dominated nearly the entire foodchain. The asteroid that killed dinosaurs was just 10 kilometres across. But now a comet larger than Mars's moons is speeding up toward the solar system. Bernardinelli-Bernstein comet is a mammoth! Remember Hale-Bopp? The comet that went around us in the year 1997? It was called a massive comet. And Bernardinelli-Bernstein is 10 times the mass of Hale-Bopp. Also Read | NASA posts image of 'Hand of God', netizens are awestruck In fact it is larger than both moons of Mars. If you line-up these moons, the comet would still be twice the size! Such a mega thing is coming towards our solar system! NASA is currently monitoring the comet and we may get better idea about it as it comes nearer. But that comet has already begun to put on a show! Also Read | NASA's Ingenuity helicopter is finding it tougher to fly on Mars Recently, Las Cumbres Observatory reported that the comet is getting brighter and brighter. This is happening as it gradually comes towards us through space. Just like its size, the comet has an orbit that has a superhuge diameter. As per calculations from Bad Astrnomy, the comet goes from being about 1.6 billion km away from the Sun to a mind-boggling 2 trillion kilometres away from the Sun. To put things in perspective, this is a fifth of a light-year! Also Read | NASA's Hubble Telescope captures massive 'eye' of dying star The comet is expected to make closest approach to the Sun in the year 2031 and it will be comfortably away from Earth when it passes through the solar system. Humanity gets another chance!

A super-huge comet is hurtling through space towards solar system

You may have seen aurora&nbsp;in person if you ever happened to go to Scandinavian countries or far in the southern hemisphere. The photos are aplenty. It's possible for most of us to witness them once in life, at least dream of it. But watching the mesmerising play of aurora from above it is a fortune only astronauts may have.

And in times of social media, it has become possible for them to share the wonderful experience with all of us. Thomas Pesquet, the European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut has done just the same from his perch on International Space Station (ISS). He has posted a picture of aurora, not with sky in its background but Earth! This adds another one to what is a soothing play of colours.

In Pesquet's photo, the blue Earth appears bathed in colour green. The waves dance, rise up and reach the horizon where they change colour to red.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-posts-image-of-hand-of-god-netizens-are-awestruck-416265">NASA posts image of 'Hand of God', netizens are awestruck</a>

"Another aurora but this one is special as it is so bright. It is the full Moon lighting up the shadow side of Earth almost like daylight." writes Pesquet in his post on Instagram.

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He hasn't mentioned exact location of the aurora or whether it was Aurora Borealis or Aurora Australis (aurora visible in southern hemisphere). But such details don't matter while we look at the picture.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/a-super-huge-comet-is-hurtling-through-space-towards-solar-system-asteroids-black-hole-416501">A super-huge comet is hurtling through space towards solar system</a>

Aurora is formed due to interaction between solar particles and particles of Earth's atmosphere. When particles from the Sun interact with Earth's magnetic field, they get channelled to the poles and there they interact with the atmosphere. The result? A soft dance of colours which is a sight to behold!

You may have seen aurora in person if you ever happened to go to Scandinavian countries or far in the southern hemisphere. The photos are aplenty. It's possible for most of us to witness them once in life, at least dream of it.

You may have seen aurora in person if you ever happened to go to Scandinavian countries or far in the southern hemisphere. The photos are aplenty. It's possible for most of us to witness them once in life, at least dream of it. But watching the mesmerising play of aurora from above it is a fortune only astronauts may have. And in times of social media, it has become possible for them to share the wonderful experience with all of us. Thomas Pesquet, the European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut has done just the same from his perch on International Space Station (ISS). He has posted a picture of aurora, not with sky in its background but Earth! This adds another one to what is a soothing play of colours. In Pesquet's photo, the blue Earth appears bathed in colour green. The waves dance, rise up and reach the horizon where they change colour to red. Also Read | NASA posts image of 'Hand of God', netizens are awestruck "Another aurora but this one is special as it is so bright. It is the full Moon lighting up the shadow side of Earth almost like daylight." writes Pesquet in his post on Instagram. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Thomas Pesquet (@thom_astro) × He hasn't mentioned exact location of the aurora or whether it was Aurora Borealis or Aurora Australis (aurora visible in southern hemisphere). But such details don't matter while we look at the picture. Also Read | A super-huge comet is hurtling through space towards solar system Aurora is formed due to interaction between solar particles and particles of Earth's atmosphere. When particles from the Sun interact with Earth's magnetic field, they get channelled to the poles and there they interact with the atmosphere. The result? A soft dance of colours which is a sight to behold!

Astronaut posts breathtaking photo of aurora taken from above Earth

Nothing like a good drink with a buddy eh? Life's worries can take a hike while we vibe with those who matter. Why not extend the same logic to bloodthirsty, blood-sucking vampire bats? So what if vampire bats feast on blood? To each their own right?

Agreed this question sounds fine only when restricted to vampire bats and not other animals (don't 'Hammer' your memory too much on this).

But from scientific point of view, it is indeed fascinating that vampire bats form social bonds that come into play when they obtain their food.

Researchers have now found that vampire bats are more likely to share 'drink' with their friends than strangers. Vampire bats form long-term social bonds between them. But it was unclear before now whether these bonds came into play when they hunted.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-ingenuity-helicopter-latest-mars-flying-tougher-415112">NASA's Ingenuity helicopter is finding it tougher to fly on Mars</a>

Gerald Carter, an evolutionary biologist from Ohio State University in Columbus and Simon Ripperger of the Museum für Naturkunde in Berlin built on a previous research to come to this conclusion.

The previous research involved study of 50 female bats with tiny computers glued to their backs. This way their movements were tracked.

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Carter and Ripperger found that though 'buddy' bats did not necessarily leave for a hunt together, if they bumped into each in the wild when one of them was feeding, it was likely that they shared the food. The likelihood of a bat sharing its food with a 'stranger' bat was found to be less.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-astronaut-iss-cracks-serious-issue-415124">Cracks on ISS a 'serious issue', says former NASA astronaut</a>

It is possible that this is a survival mechanism that has merged itself with evolution. For a vampire bat on a hunt, opening a fresh wound takes considerable time. But if a friend is already feeding and is willing to share, this save energy of the bat thus making it available for other functions.

The fascinating observations have been published in the journal PLOS Biology.

Nothing like a good drink with a buddy eh? Life's worries can take a hike while we vibe with those who matter. Why not extend the same logic to bloodthirsty, blood-sucking vampire bats?

Nothing like a good drink with a buddy eh? Life's worries can take a hike while we vibe with those who matter. Why not extend the same logic to bloodthirsty, blood-sucking vampire bats? So what if vampire bats feast on blood? To each their own right? Agreed this question sounds fine only when restricted to vampire bats and not other animals (don't 'Hammer' your memory too much on this). But from scientific point of view, it is indeed fascinating that vampire bats form social bonds that come into play when they obtain their food. Researchers have now found that vampire bats are more likely to share 'drink' with their friends than strangers. Vampire bats form long-term social bonds between them. But it was unclear before now whether these bonds came into play when they hunted. Also Read | NASA's Ingenuity helicopter is finding it tougher to fly on Mars Gerald Carter, an evolutionary biologist from Ohio State University in Columbus and Simon Ripperger of the Museum für Naturkunde in Berlin built on a previous research to come to this conclusion. The previous research involved study of 50 female bats with tiny computers glued to their backs. This way their movements were tracked. Also Read | Health effects of wildfires: Where there’s smoke, there’s less cow milk Carter and Ripperger found that though 'buddy' bats did not necessarily leave for a hunt together, if they bumped into each in the wild when one of them was feeding, it was likely that they shared the food. The likelihood of a bat sharing its food with a 'stranger' bat was found to be less. Also Read | Cracks on ISS a 'serious issue', says former NASA astronaut It is possible that this is a survival mechanism that has merged itself with evolution. For a vampire bat on a hunt, opening a fresh wound takes considerable time. But if a friend is already feeding and is willing to share, this save energy of the bat thus making it available for other functions. The fascinating observations have been published in the journal PLOS Biology.

Bloodthirsty vampire bats prefer sharing drink with friends, finds study

NASA's Hubble Telescope has captured the 'eye' of a massive dying star that is 15,000 light-years away.

Hubble has released images of a stellar explosion of the AG Carinae, a luminous blue variable star. It is among the biggest and brightest stars in the galaxy.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasas-ingenuity-helicopter-takes-3d-photo-of-rock-structure-on-mars-414347" hreflang="en">NASA's Ingenuity helicopter takes 3D photo of rock structure on Mars</a>

About 55 to 70 times the mass of the Sun, AG Carinae is unstable and a few million years old.

Luminous blue variables (LBVs) have the highest mass-loss rates. They are highly irregular and fluctuate quite significantly.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/at-iss-sun-rises-and-sets-every-45-minutes-nasa-tells-why-412923" hreflang="en">At ISS, Sun rises and sets every 45 minutes, NASA tells why</a>

This fluctuation pushes radiation pressure outward. Its death throes are wilder than most stars.

As it begins to run out of fuel to fuse into hydrogen, its eruptive variability begins to exhibit its characteristics.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/this-asteroid-may-have-formed-its-own-moons-412078" hreflang="en">This asteroid may have formed its own moons</a>

With the material of its stellar core heating, the star begins to contract.

Waging a tug-of-war between radiation to avoid self-destruction and gravity, it is surrounded by a halo of gas and dust.

Like a boiling teapot boiling off its lid, the star's outer layer was blown into space&nbsp;

Different types of materials are represented by different colors. Ionised gas ejected from the star is represented by red while blue shows the dust around the star. 
&nbsp;

NASA's Hubble Telescope has captured the 'eye' of a massive dying star that is 15,000 light-years away. Hubble has released images of a stellar explosion of the AG Carinae, a luminous blue variable star.

NASA's Hubble Telescope has captured the 'eye' of a massive dying star that is 15,000 light-years away. Hubble has released images of a stellar explosion of the AG Carinae, a luminous blue variable star. It is among the biggest and brightest stars in the galaxy. Also read | NASA's Ingenuity helicopter takes 3D photo of rock structure on Mars About 55 to 70 times the mass of the Sun, AG Carinae is unstable and a few million years old. Luminous blue variables (LBVs) have the highest mass-loss rates. They are highly irregular and fluctuate quite significantly. Also read | At ISS, Sun rises and sets every 45 minutes, NASA tells why This fluctuation pushes radiation pressure outward. Its death throes are wilder than most stars. As it begins to run out of fuel to fuse into hydrogen, its eruptive variability begins to exhibit its characteristics. Also read | This asteroid may have formed its own moons With the material of its stellar core heating, the star begins to contract. Waging a tug-of-war between radiation to avoid self-destruction and gravity, it is surrounded by a halo of gas and dust. Like a boiling teapot boiling off its lid, the star's outer layer was blown into space Different types of materials are represented by different colors. Ionised gas ejected from the star is represented by red while blue shows the dust around the star.

NASA's Hubble Telescope captures massive 'eye' of dying star

NASA on Monday said that it would send an ice-seeking rover to the Moon in 2023. The rover will land on a region of Moon's south pole called Nobile Crater.

NASA plans to confirm presence of water ice just below the surface of the Moon. This water ice may one day be converted into rocket fuel for missions to Mars and even deeper in space.

"Nobile Crater is an impact crater near the south pole that was born through a collision with another smaller celestial body," Lori Glaze, director of NASA's planetary science division told reporters.

Nobile Crater is one of solar system's coldest regions. So far, it has only been probed from afar &nbsp;using sensors such as those aboard NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter and the Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasas-ingenuity-helicopter-takes-3d-photo-of-rock-structure-on-mars-414347">NASA's Ingenuity helicopter takes 3D photo of rock structure on Mars</a>

"The rover is going to get up close and personal with the lunar soil, even drilling several feet down," said Glazer.

The robot is called Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover, or VIPER.&nbsp;

Its dimensions are similar to a golf cart -- &nbsp;five feet by five feet by eight feet (1.5 meters by 1.5 meters by 2.5 meters) and looks somewhat similar to droids seen in Star Wars. It weighs 950 pounds (430 kilograms).

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/isro-to-experiment-vertical-landing-of-rockets-aims-to-make-gslv-mk3-reusable-413609">ISRO to experiment vertical landing of rockets aims to make GSLV Mk3 reusable</a>

Unlike rovers used on Mars, VIPER can be piloted in near real time, because the distance from Earth is much shorter -- only around 200,000 miles (300,000 kilometers) or 1.3 light seconds.

The rover is also faster, topping out at 0.5 mph (0.8 kph).

Solar-powered VIPER comes with a 50-hour battery, is built to withstand extreme temperatures, and can "crab walk" sideways so that its panels keep pointing toward the Sun to maintain charging.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/at-iss-sun-rises-and-sets-every-45-minutes-nasa-tells-why-412923">At ISS, Sun rises and sets every 45 minutes, NASA tells why</a>

In terms of the mission's scientific goals, the VIPER team wants to know how frozen water reached the Moon in the first place, how it remained preserved for billions of years, how it escapes and where the water goes now.

The mission is part of Artemis, America's plan to return humans to the Moon.&nbsp;

The first crewed mission is technically set for 2024, but will likely take place significantly later as various aspects are running behind schedule.

(With inputs from agencies)

NASA on Monday said that it would send an ice-seeking rover to the Moon in 2023. The rover will land on a region of Moon's south pole called Nobile Crater. NASA plans to confirm presence of water ice just below the surface of the Moon.

NASA on Monday said that it would send an ice-seeking rover to the Moon in 2023. The rover will land on a region of Moon's south pole called Nobile Crater. NASA plans to confirm presence of water ice just below the surface of the Moon. This water ice may one day be converted into rocket fuel for missions to Mars and even deeper in space. "Nobile Crater is an impact crater near the south pole that was born through a collision with another smaller celestial body," Lori Glaze, director of NASA's planetary science division told reporters. Nobile Crater is one of solar system's coldest regions. So far, it has only been probed from afar using sensors such as those aboard NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter and the Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite. Also Read | NASA's Ingenuity helicopter takes 3D photo of rock structure on Mars "The rover is going to get up close and personal with the lunar soil, even drilling several feet down," said Glazer. The robot is called Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover, or VIPER. Its dimensions are similar to a golf cart -- five feet by five feet by eight feet (1.5 meters by 1.5 meters by 2.5 meters) and looks somewhat similar to droids seen in Star Wars. It weighs 950 pounds (430 kilograms). Also Read | ISRO to experiment vertical landing of rockets aims to make GSLV Mk3 reusable Unlike rovers used on Mars, VIPER can be piloted in near real time, because the distance from Earth is much shorter -- only around 200,000 miles (300,000 kilometers) or 1.3 light seconds. The rover is also faster, topping out at 0.5 mph (0.8 kph). Solar-powered VIPER comes with a 50-hour battery, is built to withstand extreme temperatures, and can "crab walk" sideways so that its panels keep pointing toward the Sun to maintain charging. Also Read | At ISS, Sun rises and sets every 45 minutes, NASA tells why In terms of the mission's scientific goals, the VIPER team wants to know how frozen water reached the Moon in the first place, how it remained preserved for billions of years, how it escapes and where the water goes now. The mission is part of Artemis, America's plan to return humans to the Moon. The first crewed mission is technically set for 2024, but will likely take place significantly later as various aspects are running behind schedule. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA to send ice-seeking rover to Moon

A lucky group of schoolkids in New Zealand found fossils of a unique species of giant penguins in 2006. Hamilton Junior Naturalist Club's field trip led to the students discovering fossilised remains of the penguin's torso, arms and legs.

Scientists from Massey University have now examined and formally described the find. &nbsp;

"The penguin is similar to the Kairuku giant penguins first described from Otago but has much longer legs, which the researchers used to name the penguin waewaeroa – Te reo Māori for 'long legs'," explained zoologist Daniel Thomas from Massey University. He was quoted by Sciencealert.

Scientists say that long legs must have made these penguins taller than other penguins.

The ancient continent of Zealandia of which New Zealand forms a part has been associated with 10 ancient giant penguins. This includes 60-million-year-old, 1.6-meter-tall Crossvallia waiparensis discovered in 2019, and 30-million-year-old Kairuku waitaki.

A lucky group of schoolkids in New Zealand found fossils of a unique species of giant penguins in 2006. Hamilton Junior Naturalist Club's field trip led to the students discovering fossilised remains of the penguin's torso, arms and legs.

A lucky group of schoolkids in New Zealand found fossils of a unique species of giant penguins in 2006. Hamilton Junior Naturalist Club's field trip led to the students discovering fossilised remains of the penguin's torso, arms and legs. Scientists from Massey University have now examined and formally described the find. "The penguin is similar to the Kairuku giant penguins first described from Otago but has much longer legs, which the researchers used to name the penguin waewaeroa – Te reo Māori for 'long legs'," explained zoologist Daniel Thomas from Massey University. He was quoted by Sciencealert. Scientists say that long legs must have made these penguins taller than other penguins. The ancient continent of Zealandia of which New Zealand forms a part has been associated with 10 ancient giant penguins. This includes 60-million-year-old, 1.6-meter-tall Crossvallia waiparensis discovered in 2019, and 30-million-year-old Kairuku waitaki.

New Zealand: Giant Penguin fossil found by schoolkids gets classified

International Space Station (ISS) has come much 'closer' to Earth in a way considering how much we get to witness things using social media. Each bit of info brings wonder and amazement to us. Astronauts at the space station keep the buzz up by posting memserising pics often.

But did you know that ISS experiences sunrise and sunset every 45 minutes? Yep, that's a thing there and there's a reason for it.

The ISS completes one revolution of Earth in 90 minutes. And this makes it witness 16 sunsets and sunrises every day!

NASA explained this amazing bit in a tweet on Sunday (September 12). It was answering a question asked by a Twitter user who wondered whether astronauts feel any temperature difference.

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The spacewalkers experience a sunrise and sunset every 90 minutes and <a href="https://twitter.com/cquantumspin?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@cquantumspin</a> asks if they feel temperature differences in their suits. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AskNASA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AskNASA</a> | <a href="https://t.co/yuOTrYN8CV">https://t.co/yuOTrYN8CV</a> <a href="https://t.co/R8ZjQcpQyr">pic.twitter.com/R8ZjQcpQyr</a>
— International Space Station (@Space_Station) <a href="https://twitter.com/Space_Station/status/1437096408927162371?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 12, 2021</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

The temperature difference in space is huge since there is no atmosphere to maintain a comfortable temperature. At sunrise, the temperature is 250 degrees Fahrenheit and at sunset, it is -250 Fahrenheit. But astronauts are safe because their spacesuits have provision to keep them cool and in top condition to carry out scientific experiments or conducting spacewalks.

International Space Station (ISS) has come much 'closer' to Earth in a way considering how much we get to witness things using social media. Each bit of info brings wonder and amazement to us.

International Space Station (ISS) has come much 'closer' to Earth in a way considering how much we get to witness things using social media. Each bit of info brings wonder and amazement to us. Astronauts at the space station keep the buzz up by posting memserising pics often. But did you know that ISS experiences sunrise and sunset every 45 minutes? Yep, that's a thing there and there's a reason for it. The ISS completes one revolution of Earth in 90 minutes. And this makes it witness 16 sunsets and sunrises every day! NASA explained this amazing bit in a tweet on Sunday (September 12). It was answering a question asked by a Twitter user who wondered whether astronauts feel any temperature difference. The spacewalkers experience a sunrise and sunset every 90 minutes and @cquantumspin asks if they feel temperature differences in their suits. #AskNASA | https://t.co/yuOTrYN8CV pic.twitter.com/R8ZjQcpQyr — International Space Station (@Space_Station) September 12, 2021 × The temperature difference in space is huge since there is no atmosphere to maintain a comfortable temperature. At sunrise, the temperature is 250 degrees Fahrenheit and at sunset, it is -250 Fahrenheit. But astronauts are safe because their spacesuits have provision to keep them cool and in top condition to carry out scientific experiments or conducting spacewalks.

At ISS, Sun rises and sets every 45 minutes, NASA tells why

SpaceX is all set to launch four people into space on Wednesday (September 15). It will be a three-day mission and it will be the first mission to orbit the Earth with only private citizens on board.

The SpaceX flight has been chartered by Jared Isaacman (38) an American billionaire. He is the founder and CEO of payment processing company Shift4 Payment. He is also a pilot.

The "Inspiration4" mission caps a summer that saw billionaires Richard Branson and Jeff Bezos cross the final frontier, on Virgin Galactic and Blue Origin spaceships respectively, a few days apart in July.

But latest SpaceX mission is far more ambitious in scope. SpaceX Crew Dragon will fly further that the orbit of International Space Station.

"The risk is not zero," said Isaacman in an episode of a Netflix documentary about the mission.

"You're riding a rocket at 17,500 miles (28,000 kilometers) per hour around the Earth. In that kind of environment there's risks."

SpaceX has already given 10 astrtonauts rides to the ISS on behalf of NASA. But this will be its first time taking non-professional astronauts.

Lift-off is scheduled for Wednesday from 8:00 pm Eastern Time (0000 GMT) from launch pad 39A, at NASA's Kennedy Center in Florida, from where the Apollo missions to the Moon took off.

(With inputs from agencies)

SpaceX is all set to launch four people into space on Wednesday (September 15). It will be a three-day mission and it will be the first mission to orbit the Earth with only private citizens on board.

SpaceX is all set to launch four people into space on Wednesday (September 15). It will be a three-day mission and it will be the first mission to orbit the Earth with only private citizens on board. The SpaceX flight has been chartered by Jared Isaacman (38) an American billionaire. He is the founder and CEO of payment processing company Shift4 Payment. He is also a pilot. The "Inspiration4" mission caps a summer that saw billionaires Richard Branson and Jeff Bezos cross the final frontier, on Virgin Galactic and Blue Origin spaceships respectively, a few days apart in July. But latest SpaceX mission is far more ambitious in scope. SpaceX Crew Dragon will fly further that the orbit of International Space Station. "The risk is not zero," said Isaacman in an episode of a Netflix documentary about the mission. "You're riding a rocket at 17,500 miles (28,000 kilometers) per hour around the Earth. In that kind of environment there's risks." SpaceX has already given 10 astrtonauts rides to the ISS on behalf of NASA. But this will be its first time taking non-professional astronauts. Lift-off is scheduled for Wednesday from 8:00 pm Eastern Time (0000 GMT) from launch pad 39A, at NASA's Kennedy Center in Florida, from where the Apollo missions to the Moon took off. (With inputs from agencies)

SpaceX gets ready for all-civilian crew spaceflight

The world's most accurate clock, invented by Chinese-American scientist Jun Ye, can change a lot of things in the world.

Not only can the clock improve GPS navigation accuracy by a factor of a thousand, but also facilitate a smooth landing of unmanned spaceplanes on Mars.

The clock is so accurate that it would need 15 billion years to lose a second. This is approximately equal to how long the universe has existed.

Jun Ye had won the Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics along with Hidetoshi Katori of Japan. They had jointly received a cash prize worth $3 million for this invention.

The clock is in line with Einstein's predictions of relativity. When it is moved closer to the ground, time moves at a slower rate.

Ancient Egyptians and Chinese aimed to improve the precision of timekeeping.&nbsp;

The invention of a pendulum in 1656 and chronometres a few decades later were breakthroughs in timekeeping followed by the advent of quartz clocks.

The next great leap in timekeeping came from harnessing the movements of energised atoms to develop atomic clocks, which are immune to the effects of such environmental variations.&nbsp;

Ye and Katrori have found ways to improve atomic clocks even further by moving oscillations to the visible end of the electromagnetic spectrum, with frequencies a hundred thousand times higher than those used in current atomic clocks, to make them even more accurate.

The world's most accurate clock, invented by Chinese-American scientist Jun Ye, can change a lot of things in the world. Not only can the clock improve GPS navigation accuracy by a factor of a thousand, but also facilitate a smooth landing of unmanned spaceplanes on Mars.

The world's most accurate clock, invented by Chinese-American scientist Jun Ye, can change a lot of things in the world. Not only can the clock improve GPS navigation accuracy by a factor of a thousand, but also facilitate a smooth landing of unmanned spaceplanes on Mars. The clock is so accurate that it would need 15 billion years to lose a second. This is approximately equal to how long the universe has existed. Jun Ye had won the Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics along with Hidetoshi Katori of Japan. They had jointly received a cash prize worth $3 million for this invention. The clock is in line with Einstein's predictions of relativity. When it is moved closer to the ground, time moves at a slower rate. Ancient Egyptians and Chinese aimed to improve the precision of timekeeping. The invention of a pendulum in 1656 and chronometres a few decades later were breakthroughs in timekeeping followed by the advent of quartz clocks. The next great leap in timekeeping came from harnessing the movements of energised atoms to develop atomic clocks, which are immune to the effects of such environmental variations. Ye and Katrori have found ways to improve atomic clocks even further by moving oscillations to the visible end of the electromagnetic spectrum, with frequencies a hundred thousand times higher than those used in current atomic clocks, to make them even more accurate.

World's most accurate clock can improve GPS navigation accuracy

The asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter was formed amid formation of our solar system. Whatever material was left after formation of the Sun and the planets was scattered in form of asteroids. Many of them have an orbit that makes them zoom past Earth in close calls. And when one struck our planets millions of years ago it wiped dinosaurs off the face of the planet.

It is hence wise for us to keep a watch on these space rocks. Fortunately there are enough eyes world over in form of space agencies to keep a close watch.

Now, astronomers have suggested that an asteroid that has its own moons, may itself have given birth to its satellites. And the asteroid itself may have given birth to these moons according to two studies.

The name of this asteroid is Kleopatra and the two moons are called AlexHelios and CleoSelene. The moons have been named after children of Egyptian Queen Cleopatra.

The asteroid Kleopatra is also called "dog bone asteroid" because of its characteristic shape. The asteroid has two lobes connected by a long 'neck'.

Scientific community has known about the asteroid for decades but researchers recently obtained clearer images of Kleopatra using European Southern Observatory's Very Large Telescope in Chile.&nbsp;

They were thus able to determine dimensions of the asteroid. This allowed them to calculate volume.

Another team from Charles University in Chekia was working to ascertain orbits of moons of the asteroid. Orbits are constrained by gravitational fields a body moves through and this then correlates to mass in the system

Using newer methos and mathematical modelling the correct mass of Kleopatra was determined.

When we know mass and volume, we can determine density. The density of Kleopatra was found to be very low. This combined with the knowledge that the asteroid moves around itself at relatively fast speed it is logical to conclude that material must be able escaping its surface only to coalesce and form the moons

Both the studies have been published in journal Astronomy and Astrophysics.

The asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter was formed amid formation of our solar system. Whatever material was left after formation of the Sun and the planets was scattered in form of asteroids.

The asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter was formed amid formation of our solar system. Whatever material was left after formation of the Sun and the planets was scattered in form of asteroids. Many of them have an orbit that makes them zoom past Earth in close calls. And when one struck our planets millions of years ago it wiped dinosaurs off the face of the planet. It is hence wise for us to keep a watch on these space rocks. Fortunately there are enough eyes world over in form of space agencies to keep a close watch. Now, astronomers have suggested that an asteroid that has its own moons, may itself have given birth to its satellites. And the asteroid itself may have given birth to these moons according to two studies. The name of this asteroid is Kleopatra and the two moons are called AlexHelios and CleoSelene. The moons have been named after children of Egyptian Queen Cleopatra. The asteroid Kleopatra is also called "dog bone asteroid" because of its characteristic shape. The asteroid has two lobes connected by a long 'neck'. Scientific community has known about the asteroid for decades but researchers recently obtained clearer images of Kleopatra using European Southern Observatory's Very Large Telescope in Chile. They were thus able to determine dimensions of the asteroid. This allowed them to calculate volume. Another team from Charles University in Chekia was working to ascertain orbits of moons of the asteroid. Orbits are constrained by gravitational fields a body moves through and this then correlates to mass in the system Using newer methos and mathematical modelling the correct mass of Kleopatra was determined. When we know mass and volume, we can determine density. The density of Kleopatra was found to be very low. This combined with the knowledge that the asteroid moves around itself at relatively fast speed it is logical to conclude that material must be able escaping its surface only to coalesce and form the moons Both the studies have been published in journal Astronomy and Astrophysics.

This asteroid may have formed its own moons

Whether it's about new climate or new workplace, adapting to changing circumstances proves to be an important trait for survival. Animals and even plants in the wild show examples of modifying their behaviour and even biology as conditions change. All this pieces together the puzzle of evolution nicely.

A study has revealed that some animals are 'shape shifting' and various parts of their bodies are transforming to better adapt global warming. Some of them are developing bigger tails. Others are developing different beaks and ears in order to survive in the changing conditions. Researchers have found that bigger body parts are developing so that these animals could lose body heat more effectively.

Climate change is heaping "a whole lot of pressure" on animals, said Sara Ryding of Deakin University in Australia, who led the study, in a press release.

"It's high time we recognised that animals also have to adapt to these changes, but this is occurring over a far shorter timescale than would have occurred through most of evolutionary time," she said.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/this-shark-toothed-dinosaur-gave-tough-competition-to-t-rex-411826">This 'shark-toothed' dinosaur gave tough competition to T-Rex</a>

The study has been published in the journal Trends in Ecology and Evolution. The study reviewed previous research "where climatic warming is a potential hidden explanatory variable for the occurrence of shape-shifting" and found trends particularly noticeable in birds.

The Australian parrot, for example, had shown an average 4-10 percent increase in the size of its bill since 1871 and the authors said this positively correlated with the summer temperature each year.&nbsp;

Other birds, like North American dark-eyed juncos, thrushes and Galapagos finches also saw bill size increases. 
Meanwhile, the wings of the great roundleaf bat grew, the European rabbit developed bigger ears, while the tails and legs of masked shrews were found to be larger. &nbsp;

"Shape-shifting does not mean that animals are coping with climate change and that all is 'fine'," said Ryding.&nbsp;

"It just means they are evolving to survive it -- but we're not sure what the other ecological consequences of these changes are, or indeed that all species are capable of changing and surviving."

(With inputs from agencies)

Whether it's about new climate or new workplace, adapting to changing circumstances proves to be an important trait for survival. Animals and even plants in the wild show examples of modifying their behaviour and even biology as conditions change.

Whether it's about new climate or new workplace, adapting to changing circumstances proves to be an important trait for survival. Animals and even plants in the wild show examples of modifying their behaviour and even biology as conditions change. All this pieces together the puzzle of evolution nicely. A study has revealed that some animals are 'shape shifting' and various parts of their bodies are transforming to better adapt global warming. Some of them are developing bigger tails. Others are developing different beaks and ears in order to survive in the changing conditions. Researchers have found that bigger body parts are developing so that these animals could lose body heat more effectively. Climate change is heaping "a whole lot of pressure" on animals, said Sara Ryding of Deakin University in Australia, who led the study, in a press release. "It's high time we recognised that animals also have to adapt to these changes, but this is occurring over a far shorter timescale than would have occurred through most of evolutionary time," she said. Also Read: This 'shark-toothed' dinosaur gave tough competition to T-Rex The study has been published in the journal Trends in Ecology and Evolution. The study reviewed previous research "where climatic warming is a potential hidden explanatory variable for the occurrence of shape-shifting" and found trends particularly noticeable in birds. The Australian parrot, for example, had shown an average 4-10 percent increase in the size of its bill since 1871 and the authors said this positively correlated with the summer temperature each year. Other birds, like North American dark-eyed juncos, thrushes and Galapagos finches also saw bill size increases. Meanwhile, the wings of the great roundleaf bat grew, the European rabbit developed bigger ears, while the tails and legs of masked shrews were found to be larger. "Shape-shifting does not mean that animals are coping with climate change and that all is 'fine'," said Ryding. "It just means they are evolving to survive it -- but we're not sure what the other ecological consequences of these changes are, or indeed that all species are capable of changing and surviving." (With inputs from agencies)

As Earth warms up, animals are 'shape-shifting' to survive better: Study

To some of us it's a relief that mankind was not there to witness reign of dinosaurs. For some it feels like a missed opportunity. The scary reptiles would have been a treat to watch in flesh. Of course the excitement would have lasted only till we were not on their dinner plate! The pre-historic dino-world was full of apex predators like T-Rex. What could rival THE T-Rex right?

But a new study has revealed that there indeed was a dinosaur who took on the mighty T-Rex as far as competition in a habitat was&nbsp;concerned.

A new study has shed light on the dinosaur that lived 90 million years ago. It was a meat-eating dinosaur with shark-like serrated teeth. The beast prowled what is now Uzbekistan.

Interesting thing is that this dinosaur was twice the length and five times the weight of T-Rex! So in a straight fight, T-Rex surely must have had its hands full. The dinosaur has been named Ulughbegsaurus uzbekistanensis after Ulugh Beg, a 15 century mathematician, astronomer and sultan from Uzbekistan.

Jawbone of this dinosaur was found in Uzbekistan's Kyzylkum Desert in the 1980s. Scientists rediscovered it in 2019 in a museum collection.

U Uzbekistanesis belongs to a category of dinosaurs called Carcharodontosaurs. These dinosaurs were slender than the T-Rex but heavier than them. U Uzbekistanesis is the first Carcharodontosaur in Central Asia.&nbsp;

It was the dominant predator in its habitat and gobbled up Saurapods, horned dinosaurs and other Ostrich-like dinosaurs.

The reign of U Uzbekistanesis came to an end 80 to 90 million years ago. And T-Rex took over as the dominant predator in Asia.

To some of us it's a relief that mankind was not there to witness reign of dinosaurs. For some it feels like a missed opportunity. The scary reptiles would have been a treat to watch in flesh.

To some of us it's a relief that mankind was not there to witness reign of dinosaurs. For some it feels like a missed opportunity. The scary reptiles would have been a treat to watch in flesh. Of course the excitement would have lasted only till we were not on their dinner plate! The pre-historic dino-world was full of apex predators like T-Rex. What could rival THE T-Rex right? But a new study has revealed that there indeed was a dinosaur who took on the mighty T-Rex as far as competition in a habitat was concerned. A new study has shed light on the dinosaur that lived 90 million years ago. It was a meat-eating dinosaur with shark-like serrated teeth. The beast prowled what is now Uzbekistan. Interesting thing is that this dinosaur was twice the length and five times the weight of T-Rex! So in a straight fight, T-Rex surely must have had its hands full. The dinosaur has been named Ulughbegsaurus uzbekistanensis after Ulugh Beg, a 15 century mathematician, astronomer and sultan from Uzbekistan. Jawbone of this dinosaur was found in Uzbekistan's Kyzylkum Desert in the 1980s. Scientists rediscovered it in 2019 in a museum collection. U Uzbekistanesis belongs to a category of dinosaurs called Carcharodontosaurs. These dinosaurs were slender than the T-Rex but heavier than them. U Uzbekistanesis is the first Carcharodontosaur in Central Asia. It was the dominant predator in its habitat and gobbled up Saurapods, horned dinosaurs and other Ostrich-like dinosaurs. The reign of U Uzbekistanesis came to an end 80 to 90 million years ago. And T-Rex took over as the dominant predator in Asia.

This 'shark-toothed' dinosaur gave tough competition to T-Rex

Search for alien life has been favourite topic of filmmakers and scientists alike. Whether we are alone in the universe is a question that has not got a definitive answer yet. Mankind has sent signals in space in past in hopes of aliens getting them and responding. But we haven't had any luck so far.

Now astronomers have found an object near the centre of our galaxy that is emittibng radio signals. The object has been named ASKAP J173608.2-321635

There is no clarity as of now as to the nature of the object. It was discovered by Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder (ASKAP). It is one of the most sensitive radio telescope ever built.

Object ASKAP J173608.2-321635 has proven to be highly variable object. It is emitting radio waves for weeks at a time and it is then disappering on rapid timescales. The radio signal is highly polarised.

The object has been tricky to find. Between April 2019 and August 2020 the signal appears in data just 13 times.

The object is likely a cosmic object, but astronomers think that it will stretch the definition of whatever category it falls under when it gets properly identified.

A paper on the space object has been published in The Astrophysical Journal

Search for alien life has been favourite topic of filmmakers and scientists alike. Whether we are alone in the universe is a question that has not got a definitive answer yet.

Search for alien life has been favourite topic of filmmakers and scientists alike. Whether we are alone in the universe is a question that has not got a definitive answer yet. Mankind has sent signals in space in past in hopes of aliens getting them and responding. But we haven't had any luck so far. Now astronomers have found an object near the centre of our galaxy that is emittibng radio signals. The object has been named ASKAP J173608.2-321635 There is no clarity as of now as to the nature of the object. It was discovered by Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder (ASKAP). It is one of the most sensitive radio telescope ever built. Object ASKAP J173608.2-321635 has proven to be highly variable object. It is emitting radio waves for weeks at a time and it is then disappering on rapid timescales. The radio signal is highly polarised. The object has been tricky to find. Between April 2019 and August 2020 the signal appears in data just 13 times. The object is likely a cosmic object, but astronomers think that it will stretch the definition of whatever category it falls under when it gets properly identified. A paper on the space object has been published in The Astrophysical Journal

An object near galactic centre is sending radio signals

Scientists have discovered a natural shelter on Mars that can protect it against the radiation on the Red planet.

Radiation from space has a nearly unimpeded path to the Martian surface without a protective magnetic shield.

The atmosphere of Mars is extremely thin in comparison to Earth and it lacks a global magnetic shield required for protection against harmful radiation.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasas-perseverance-rover-collects-first-rock-samples-on-mars-411283" hreflang="en">NASA's Perseverance rover collects first rock samples on Mars</a>

With the latest discovery by astronomers, not only machines but also human beings can roam the surface of Mars without the fear of radiation.

The findings, published in Geophysical Research Letters, is titled ''Directionality of the Martian Surface Radiation and Derivation of the Upward Albedo Radiation.''

The research was conducted by the University of Science and Technology in China and its lead author is Guo Jingnan.

It states the use of natural geological structures on Mars, including cave skylights and lava tubes as a mitigation strategy for space radiation.

The Radiation Assessment Detector (RAD) will be used by the Mars Science Laboratory in its future visits to the Red planet.

It is used to detect harmful radiation on Mars that originates from the Sun and other sources in the universe.

The study is significant because the energetic particles in the interplanetary space can adversely affect astronauts and cause cancer amid other hereditary diseases.

Scientists have discovered a natural shelter on Mars that can protect it against the radiation on the Red planet. Radiation from space has a nearly unimpeded path to the Martian surface without a protective magnetic shield.

Scientists have discovered a natural shelter on Mars that can protect it against the radiation on the Red planet. Radiation from space has a nearly unimpeded path to the Martian surface without a protective magnetic shield. The atmosphere of Mars is extremely thin in comparison to Earth and it lacks a global magnetic shield required for protection against harmful radiation. Also read | NASA's Perseverance rover collects first rock samples on Mars With the latest discovery by astronomers, not only machines but also human beings can roam the surface of Mars without the fear of radiation. The findings, published in Geophysical Research Letters, is titled ''Directionality of the Martian Surface Radiation and Derivation of the Upward Albedo Radiation.'' The research was conducted by the University of Science and Technology in China and its lead author is Guo Jingnan. It states the use of natural geological structures on Mars, including cave skylights and lava tubes as a mitigation strategy for space radiation. The Radiation Assessment Detector (RAD) will be used by the Mars Science Laboratory in its future visits to the Red planet. It is used to detect harmful radiation on Mars that originates from the Sun and other sources in the universe. The study is significant because the energetic particles in the interplanetary space can adversely affect astronauts and cause cancer amid other hereditary diseases.

Astronomers discover natural shelter on Mars against radiation

NASA's Perseverance rover has collected its first Mars rock samples, NASA confirmed on Monday. The samples will be brought back to Earth during future missions.&nbsp;

"I've got it!" the space agency tweeted, alongside a photograph of a rock core slightly thicker than a pencil inside a sample tube.&nbsp;

The sample was collected on September 1 but NASA was initially unsure as to whether the rover had held on to the samples. Initial images taken in poor light were unclear.

The rover took fresh photo and then transeferred the tube to the rover's interior for further measurements and imaging. The container was then sealed.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-extends-ingenuity-copters-mission-on-mars-indefinitely-411301">NASA extends Ingenuity copter's mission on Mars indefinitely</a>

"This is a momentous achievement and I can't wait to see the incredible discoveries produced by Perseverance and our team," NASA administrator Bill Nelson said in a statement.

Thomas Zurbuchen, associate administrator for science, likened the achievement to the first samples of rock taken from the Moon, which are still invaluable to researchers today.

Sampling and caching systme on board Preseverance rover is the most complex mechanism ever sent to space. There are over 3000 parts.

A briefcase-sized rock nicknamed "Rochette" was its first target.

Perseverance uses a drill and a hollow coring bit at the end of its 7-foot-long (2-meter-long) robotic arm to extract samples.

After coring the rock, the rover vibrated the drill bit and tube for one second, five separate times.&nbsp; 
This procedure is called "percuss to ingest" and is meant to clear the lip of the tube of residual material, and cause the sample to slide down the tube.

Perseverance landed on an ancient lake bed called the Jezero Crater in February, on a mission to search for signs of ancient microbial life using a suite of sophisticated instruments mounted on its turret.

It is also trying to better characterize the Red Planet's geology and past climate.

(With inputs from agencies)

NASA's Perseverance rover has collected its first Mars rock samples, NASA confirmed on Monday. The samples will be brought back to Earth during future missions. "I've got it!

NASA's Perseverance rover has collected its first Mars rock samples, NASA confirmed on Monday. The samples will be brought back to Earth during future missions. "I've got it!" the space agency tweeted, alongside a photograph of a rock core slightly thicker than a pencil inside a sample tube. The sample was collected on September 1 but NASA was initially unsure as to whether the rover had held on to the samples. Initial images taken in poor light were unclear. The rover took fresh photo and then transeferred the tube to the rover's interior for further measurements and imaging. The container was then sealed. Also Read | NASA extends Ingenuity copter's mission on Mars indefinitely "This is a momentous achievement and I can't wait to see the incredible discoveries produced by Perseverance and our team," NASA administrator Bill Nelson said in a statement. Thomas Zurbuchen, associate administrator for science, likened the achievement to the first samples of rock taken from the Moon, which are still invaluable to researchers today. Sampling and caching systme on board Preseverance rover is the most complex mechanism ever sent to space. There are over 3000 parts. A briefcase-sized rock nicknamed "Rochette" was its first target. Perseverance uses a drill and a hollow coring bit at the end of its 7-foot-long (2-meter-long) robotic arm to extract samples. After coring the rock, the rover vibrated the drill bit and tube for one second, five separate times. This procedure is called "percuss to ingest" and is meant to clear the lip of the tube of residual material, and cause the sample to slide down the tube. Perseverance landed on an ancient lake bed called the Jezero Crater in February, on a mission to search for signs of ancient microbial life using a suite of sophisticated instruments mounted on its turret. It is also trying to better characterize the Red Planet's geology and past climate. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA's Perseverance rover collects first rock samples on Mars

NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Agency) has extended its Ingenuity helicopter's Mars mission indefinitely given its stunning and unexpected success. It was initially supposed to fly just five times. But till now, it has completed 12 flights. The helicopter is working in co-ordination with Perseverance rover on the surface of Mars. Perseverance's core mission is to seek signs of ancient life on Mars.

"Everything is working so well," said Josh Ravich, the head of Ingenuity's mechanical engineering team. "We're doing better on the surface than we had expected."&nbsp;

Ingenuity created history on April 19 when it flew on the surface of Mars, marking first motorised flight on the surface of a planet other than Earth.

It is very tough for a helicopter to fly in Martian atmosphere as its density is equivalent to just one per cent of that of Earth's atmosphere.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasas-perseverance-rover-collects-first-rock-samples-on-mars-411283">NASA's Perseverance rover collects first rock samples on Mars</a>

The tiny (four pound, or 1.8 kilogram) copter has had to survive the glacial cold of Martian nights, drawing warmth from the solar panels that charge its batteries during the day. And its flights are guided using an array of sensors, since the 15-minute lag in communications from Earth makes real-time guidance impossible.&nbsp;

However, things have been great so far

"We've actually been able to handle winds greater than we had expected," Ravich told AFP.

"I think by flight three we had actually accomplished all of our engineering goals ... (and) got all the information we had hoped to get," said Ravich, who works for NASA's famed Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), which developed the helicopter.

Since then, Ingenuity has flown as high as 39 feet (12 meters), and its last flight lasted two minutes and 49 seconds. In all, it has covered a distance of 1.6 miles.

In May, Ingenuity flew its first one-way mission, landing outside the relatively flat "airfield" that had been carefully selected as its initial home.&nbsp;

But not all has gone smoothly. Its sixth flight brought some excitement.

After being knocked dangerously off-balance by a malfunction affecting the photos taken in flight to help it stabilize, the tiny craft was able to recover. It landed, safe and sound, and the problem was resolved.

Ingenuity is now being sent out to scout the way for Perseverance, using its high-resolution color camera.

The purpose is twofold: to chart a path for the rover that is safe, but also which is of scientific interest, notably in geological terms.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Agency) has extended its Ingenuity helicopter's Mars mission indefinitely given its stunning and unexpected success. It was initially supposed to fly just five times.

NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Agency) has extended its Ingenuity helicopter's Mars mission indefinitely given its stunning and unexpected success. It was initially supposed to fly just five times. But till now, it has completed 12 flights. The helicopter is working in co-ordination with Perseverance rover on the surface of Mars. Perseverance's core mission is to seek signs of ancient life on Mars. "Everything is working so well," said Josh Ravich, the head of Ingenuity's mechanical engineering team. "We're doing better on the surface than we had expected." Ingenuity created history on April 19 when it flew on the surface of Mars, marking first motorised flight on the surface of a planet other than Earth. It is very tough for a helicopter to fly in Martian atmosphere as its density is equivalent to just one per cent of that of Earth's atmosphere. Also Read | NASA's Perseverance rover collects first rock samples on Mars The tiny (four pound, or 1.8 kilogram) copter has had to survive the glacial cold of Martian nights, drawing warmth from the solar panels that charge its batteries during the day. And its flights are guided using an array of sensors, since the 15-minute lag in communications from Earth makes real-time guidance impossible. However, things have been great so far "We've actually been able to handle winds greater than we had expected," Ravich told AFP. "I think by flight three we had actually accomplished all of our engineering goals ... (and) got all the information we had hoped to get," said Ravich, who works for NASA's famed Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), which developed the helicopter. Since then, Ingenuity has flown as high as 39 feet (12 meters), and its last flight lasted two minutes and 49 seconds. In all, it has covered a distance of 1.6 miles. In May, Ingenuity flew its first one-way mission, landing outside the relatively flat "airfield" that had been carefully selected as its initial home. But not all has gone smoothly. Its sixth flight brought some excitement. After being knocked dangerously off-balance by a malfunction affecting the photos taken in flight to help it stabilize, the tiny craft was able to recover. It landed, safe and sound, and the problem was resolved. Ingenuity is now being sent out to scout the way for Perseverance, using its high-resolution color camera. The purpose is twofold: to chart a path for the rover that is safe, but also which is of scientific interest, notably in geological terms. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA extends Ingenuity copter's mission on Mars indefinitely

Black holes and supernovas are concepts a common man would not associate together. One is a massive force of gravity that doesn't even let light escape. While the other is literally an explosion of a star. But now a black hole may have triggered a premature supernova of a star.

Such a thing was theoretically predicted before but scientists were yet witness a black hole crashing into a star and causing its explosion.

In 2017, a very luminous burst of radio waves was captured by Very Large Array (VLA) Sky Survey. Night sky is scanned in radio wavelengths in this project. A team of researchers has now determined that these radio waves were caused due to a black hole or a neutron star crashing into its companion star and causing a supernova.

In other words, a merger has caused explosion of a star. This was a predicted phenomenon but scientists had never before seen such an event actually unfolding.&nbsp;

A paper about these findings has been published in the journal Science. 
&nbsp;

Black holes and supernovas are concepts a common man would not associate together. One is a massive force of gravity that doesn't even let light escape. While the other is literally an explosion of a star.

Black holes and supernovas are concepts a common man would not associate together. One is a massive force of gravity that doesn't even let light escape. While the other is literally an explosion of a star. But now a black hole may have triggered a premature supernova of a star. Such a thing was theoretically predicted before but scientists were yet witness a black hole crashing into a star and causing its explosion. In 2017, a very luminous burst of radio waves was captured by Very Large Array (VLA) Sky Survey. Night sky is scanned in radio wavelengths in this project. A team of researchers has now determined that these radio waves were caused due to a black hole or a neutron star crashing into its companion star and causing a supernova. In other words, a merger has caused explosion of a star. This was a predicted phenomenon but scientists had never before seen such an event actually unfolding. A paper about these findings has been published in the journal Science.

A black hole triggered a premature explosion of a star

Universe literally has millions of galaxies and each one of them has a tale to tell. A photo of all of these space specks reveal a lot about them and space itself. One such photo is garnering online attention.

The image is of a galaxy named Centaurus A. This galaxy is 12 million light-years away from us and the beautiful photo tells a lot about this galaxy.

The image has been captured by Dark Energy camera in Chile. The photo gives us a side-view of the galaxy and does not reveal the centre of the galaxy. The brown streaks is dust wrapping the galaxy.

In addition, the disc of the galaxy shows warping. This is a sign of a violent past. Warping of the disc means that the galaxy had collided with another galaxy in the past. The galactic collision triggered burst of star formation. This process is ongoing today. It visible in the picture, the reddish glow is due to the hydrogen clouds and the blue glow seen is due to the infant stars.

Interesting how one image can reveal so much right?

Universe literally has millions of galaxies and each one of them has a tale to tell. A photo of all of these space specks reveal a lot about them and space itself.

Universe literally has millions of galaxies and each one of them has a tale to tell. A photo of all of these space specks reveal a lot about them and space itself. One such photo is garnering online attention. The image is of a galaxy named Centaurus A. This galaxy is 12 million light-years away from us and the beautiful photo tells a lot about this galaxy. The image has been captured by Dark Energy camera in Chile. The photo gives us a side-view of the galaxy and does not reveal the centre of the galaxy. The brown streaks is dust wrapping the galaxy. In addition, the disc of the galaxy shows warping. This is a sign of a violent past. Warping of the disc means that the galaxy had collided with another galaxy in the past. The galactic collision triggered burst of star formation. This process is ongoing today. It visible in the picture, the reddish glow is due to the hydrogen clouds and the blue glow seen is due to the infant stars. Interesting how one image can reveal so much right?

Brilliant photo of a galaxy reveals fascinating details

New research estimates that 30 per cent of the world's tree species are at risk of extinction in the wild. This includes oaks, magnolias, and tropical timber trees, among other species.

At least 30 per cent of the 60,000 trees in the world are under threat of extinction, according to the report, State of the World's Trees.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/to-save-the-environment-berlin-universities-go-almost-meatless-409691" hreflang="en">To save the environment, Berlin universities go 'almost' meatless</a>

The number of threatened tree species is estimated to be 17,500, which is twice the number of threatened mammals, birds, amphibians, and reptile&nbsp;species combined.

In the face of threats like deforestation, logging, and climate change, conservation groups are clamouring for urgent protection.

According to the authors, increasing sea level rise, extreme weather patterns, and climate change also pose growing threats to trees. However, conservation may offer hope for the future, according to the authors.

Dr Malin Rivers, of the charity Botanic Gardens Conservation International, says that nearly 60,000 tree species exist on this planet, and for the first time, experts have knowledge of which trees need to be conserved, where they are located and from what threats they are most at risk.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/destroying-stereotypes-study-finds-that-older-adults-support-govt-efforts-to-tackle-climate-change-409522" hreflang="en">Destroying stereotypes: Study finds that older adults support govt efforts to tackle climate change</a>

Having diverse tree species is crucial to the health of our planet, says Sara Oldfield,&nbsp;co-chair of the Global Tree Specialist Group of the IUCN (International Union for the Conservation of Nature).

She explained that each species of tree has a unique ecological function, and with 30 per cent of the world's tree species threatened with extinction, conservation must be scaled up urgently.

There are 142 species already extinct, while 442 others are teetering on the brink, with fewer than 50 trees remaining in the wild.

Clearance for crop production (affecting 29 per cent), logging (27 per cent), clearance for livestock grazing or farming (14 per cent), clearing for development (13 per cent) and fire (13 per cent) are the top threats for trees worldwide.

The report, said Rivers, lays out a road map to mobilise the conservation community and other players to ensure that tree conservation is a high priority in conservation agendas.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/study-says-ocean-surface-climates-may-disappear-by-2100-408799" hreflang="en">Study says ocean surface climates may disappear by 2100</a>

In addition to increasing funding for tree conservation,&nbsp;experts recommend; conserving existing forests and expanding protected areas, preserving threatened species in botanic gardens or seed banks with the hope of one day reintroducing them into the wild.&nbsp;

Additionally, they suggest awareness programs that teach people about effective reforestation and planting programs, ensuring all trees are planted according to scientific principles, including rare and threatened species.

There are more than one million species of plants and animals threatened with extinction, according to scientists.

Approximately 40 per cent of the global forest area has been lost over the last 300 years, and 29 countries have lost more than 90 per cent of their forests.

New research estimates that 30 per cent of the world's tree species are at risk of extinction in the wild. This includes oaks, magnolias, and tropical timber trees, among other species.

New research estimates that 30 per cent of the world's tree species are at risk of extinction in the wild. This includes oaks, magnolias, and tropical timber trees, among other species. At least 30 per cent of the 60,000 trees in the world are under threat of extinction, according to the report, State of the World's Trees. Also read | To save the environment, Berlin universities go 'almost' meatless The number of threatened tree species is estimated to be 17,500, which is twice the number of threatened mammals, birds, amphibians, and reptile species combined. In the face of threats like deforestation, logging, and climate change, conservation groups are clamouring for urgent protection. According to the authors, increasing sea level rise, extreme weather patterns, and climate change also pose growing threats to trees. However, conservation may offer hope for the future, according to the authors. Dr Malin Rivers, of the charity Botanic Gardens Conservation International, says that nearly 60,000 tree species exist on this planet, and for the first time, experts have knowledge of which trees need to be conserved, where they are located and from what threats they are most at risk. Also read | Destroying stereotypes: Study finds that older adults support govt efforts to tackle climate change Having diverse tree species is crucial to the health of our planet, says Sara Oldfield, co-chair of the Global Tree Specialist Group of the IUCN (International Union for the Conservation of Nature). She explained that each species of tree has a unique ecological function, and with 30 per cent of the world's tree species threatened with extinction, conservation must be scaled up urgently. There are 142 species already extinct, while 442 others are teetering on the brink, with fewer than 50 trees remaining in the wild. Clearance for crop production (affecting 29 per cent), logging (27 per cent), clearance for livestock grazing or farming (14 per cent), clearing for development (13 per cent) and fire (13 per cent) are the top threats for trees worldwide. The report, said Rivers, lays out a road map to mobilise the conservation community and other players to ensure that tree conservation is a high priority in conservation agendas. Also read | Study says ocean surface climates may disappear by 2100 In addition to increasing funding for tree conservation, experts recommend; conserving existing forests and expanding protected areas, preserving threatened species in botanic gardens or seed banks with the hope of one day reintroducing them into the wild. Additionally, they suggest awareness programs that teach people about effective reforestation and planting programs, ensuring all trees are planted according to scientific principles, including rare and threatened species. There are more than one million species of plants and animals threatened with extinction, according to scientists. Approximately 40 per cent of the global forest area has been lost over the last 300 years, and 29 countries have lost more than 90 per cent of their forests.

New research estimates that 30% of the world's tree species face extinction

Nothing more needs to be said about how Mars occupies a place of fascination in human mind. It has been revered as a God, feared in horoscopes. But it surely makes for a unique view in the night sky with its red glory.

The planet is not as unfamiliar scientifically as decades ago. Orbitters and rovers are still collecting info about the planet. We often see pics of Martian hills, atmosphere and even storms. But Martian landslide? Well that's something different.

European Space Agency (ESA) has captured such a landslide on the surface of Mars. It has posted the image on Instagram.

"Captured by the ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter on 13 April 2021, a 5 km-long landslide can be see in this scene at the rim of a 35 km wide crater in the Aeolis region of Mars (151.88°E/27.38°S).

Landslides are geomorphological processes occurring under specific environmental conditions. On Mars as on Earth, they come in various shapes and sizes, and Earth analogues are used to understand similar processes seen on planetary bodies..." said ESA in its post.

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Netizens are awestruck, and the post has expectedly gone viral. At the time of publishing of this article, the images had got more than 20 thousand likes.

Nothing more needs to be said about how Mars occupies a place of fascination in human mind. It has been revered as a God, feared in horoscopes. But it surely makes for a unique view in the night sky with its red glory.

Nothing more needs to be said about how Mars occupies a place of fascination in human mind. It has been revered as a God, feared in horoscopes. But it surely makes for a unique view in the night sky with its red glory. The planet is not as unfamiliar scientifically as decades ago. Orbitters and rovers are still collecting info about the planet. We often see pics of Martian hills, atmosphere and even storms. But Martian landslide? Well that's something different. European Space Agency (ESA) has captured such a landslide on the surface of Mars. It has posted the image on Instagram. "Captured by the ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter on 13 April 2021, a 5 km-long landslide can be see in this scene at the rim of a 35 km wide crater in the Aeolis region of Mars (151.88°E/27.38°S). Landslides are geomorphological processes occurring under specific environmental conditions. On Mars as on Earth, they come in various shapes and sizes, and Earth analogues are used to understand similar processes seen on planetary bodies..." said ESA in its post. View this post on Instagram A post shared by ESA - European Space Agency (@europeanspaceagency) × Netizens are awestruck, and the post has expectedly gone viral. At the time of publishing of this article, the images had got more than 20 thousand likes.

ESA posts brilliant pics of landslide on Mars

Space is a wonderful mystery!&nbsp;It has&nbsp;glamour that mesmerises our&nbsp;minds. Rockets lifting off, probes examining planets in our solar system, even going beyond the boundary of it is something that enthralls us.&nbsp;

For a layman, space travel is just about sitting in a spaceship and travelling through the void witnessing colourful wonders of the universe. But for a scientist involved in a mission, it is a result of precise work that involves many factors. Main impediment to human space travel is intense space radiation. Once we leave the protective shell of Earth we are exposed to these cosmic rays which are deadly. Human spaceflight therefore involves consideration of this major factor. Even a manned mission to Mars is tricky because it involves years of space travel for a roundtrip.

But now a study has said that an astronaut's journey to Mars is safe even when the spaceship is being bombarded with lethal cosmic rays during the journey.

However, certain conditions have to be fulfilled in order to make the journey safe for the astronaut.

An international team of space scientists including researchers from UCLA carried out the study.

The scientists have said that the protective shielding must be of sufficient thickness and a round trip to Mars must be shorter than approximately four years. Average flight to Mars takes about nine months. So the window advised by the scientists is sufficient.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/isro-successfully-tests-a-system-that-will-propel-indias-human-carrying-spacecraft-409433">ISRO successfully tests a system that will propel India’s human-carrying spacecraft</a>

Moreover, the timing of the manned mission to Mars would be important as well. Scientists have suggested that the mission should be undertaken when the solar activity is at its peak. This is known as solar maximum.

Why?

Well, the heightened solar activity deflects the most lethal cosmic rays.

Move over Neil Armstrong, the race to be the first human on Mars is on!

Space is a wonderful mystery! It has glamour that mesmerises our minds. Rockets lifting off, probes examining planets in our solar system, even going beyond the boundary of it is something that enthralls us.

Space is a wonderful mystery! It has glamour that mesmerises our minds. Rockets lifting off, probes examining planets in our solar system, even going beyond the boundary of it is something that enthralls us. For a layman, space travel is just about sitting in a spaceship and travelling through the void witnessing colourful wonders of the universe. But for a scientist involved in a mission, it is a result of precise work that involves many factors. Main impediment to human space travel is intense space radiation. Once we leave the protective shell of Earth we are exposed to these cosmic rays which are deadly. Human spaceflight therefore involves consideration of this major factor. Even a manned mission to Mars is tricky because it involves years of space travel for a roundtrip. But now a study has said that an astronaut's journey to Mars is safe even when the spaceship is being bombarded with lethal cosmic rays during the journey. However, certain conditions have to be fulfilled in order to make the journey safe for the astronaut. An international team of space scientists including researchers from UCLA carried out the study. The scientists have said that the protective shielding must be of sufficient thickness and a round trip to Mars must be shorter than approximately four years. Average flight to Mars takes about nine months. So the window advised by the scientists is sufficient. Also Read | ISRO successfully tests a system that will propel India’s human-carrying spacecraft Moreover, the timing of the manned mission to Mars would be important as well. Scientists have suggested that the mission should be undertaken when the solar activity is at its peak. This is known as solar maximum. Why? Well, the heightened solar activity deflects the most lethal cosmic rays. Move over Neil Armstrong, the race to be the first human on Mars is on!

Journey to Mars is full of danger, but here's the safe way

Black holes are mysterious. No one perfectly knows what is their true nature. No one knows what lies on the other side. Are they pathways to different universe or do they facilitate time-travel? Nobody knows. Venture too close to a black hole and you will be sucked in forever. They have such unimaginable pull that even light does not escape.

Then there are supermassive black holes that are millions of times bigger. They literally hold entire galaxies together and are usually located at the centre of a galaxy. Just like Milky Way.

Indian researchers have now witnessed a merger of three supermassive black holes. This merger has caused formation of triple active galactic nucleus.

Ministry of Science and Technology made an announcement about this.

"...A team of researchers from the Indian Institute of Astrophysics consisting of Jyoti Yadav, Mousumi Das, and Sudhanshu Barway along with Francoise Combes of College de France, Chaire Galaxies et Cosmologie, Paris, while studying a known interacting galaxy pair, NGC7733, and NGC7734, detected unusual emissions from the centre of NGC7734 and a large, bright clump along the northern arm of NGC7733. Their investigations showed that the clump is moving with a different velocity compared to the galaxy NGC7733 itself. The scientists meant that this clump was not a part of NGC7733; rather, it was a small separate galaxy behind the arm. They named this galaxy NGC7733N...," says a press release from the ministry.&nbsp;

This study has been published as a letter in journal Astronomy and Astrphysics. This study was conducted using the data from the Ultra-Violet Imaging Telescope (UVIT) onboard the first Indian space observatory ASTROSAT, the European integral field optical telescope called MUSE mounted on the Very Large Telescope (VLT) in Chile and infrared images from the optical telescope (IRSF) in South Africa.

Black holes are mysterious. No one perfectly knows what is their true nature. No one knows what lies on the other side. Are they pathways to different universe or do they facilitate time-travel?

Black holes are mysterious. No one perfectly knows what is their true nature. No one knows what lies on the other side. Are they pathways to different universe or do they facilitate time-travel? Nobody knows. Venture too close to a black hole and you will be sucked in forever. They have such unimaginable pull that even light does not escape. Then there are supermassive black holes that are millions of times bigger. They literally hold entire galaxies together and are usually located at the centre of a galaxy. Just like Milky Way. Indian researchers have now witnessed a merger of three supermassive black holes. This merger has caused formation of triple active galactic nucleus. Ministry of Science and Technology made an announcement about this. "...A team of researchers from the Indian Institute of Astrophysics consisting of Jyoti Yadav, Mousumi Das, and Sudhanshu Barway along with Francoise Combes of College de France, Chaire Galaxies et Cosmologie, Paris, while studying a known interacting galaxy pair, NGC7733, and NGC7734, detected unusual emissions from the centre of NGC7734 and a large, bright clump along the northern arm of NGC7733. Their investigations showed that the clump is moving with a different velocity compared to the galaxy NGC7733 itself. The scientists meant that this clump was not a part of NGC7733; rather, it was a small separate galaxy behind the arm. They named this galaxy NGC7733N...," says a press release from the ministry. This study has been published as a letter in journal Astronomy and Astrphysics. This study was conducted using the data from the Ultra-Violet Imaging Telescope (UVIT) onboard the first Indian space observatory ASTROSAT, the European integral field optical telescope called MUSE mounted on the Very Large Telescope (VLT) in Chile and infrared images from the optical telescope (IRSF) in South Africa.

Indian researchers witness merger of three supermassive black holes 

Up to 95 percent of Earth's ocean surface will have changed by the end of the century unless humanity reins in its carbon emissions, according to research published Thursday.&nbsp;

Ocean surface climates, defined by surface water temperature, acidity, and the concentration of the mineral aragonite,&nbsp;which many marine animals use to form bones and shell,&nbsp;support the vast majority of sea life.&nbsp;

The world's seas have absorbed around a third of all carbon pollution produced since the Industrial Revolution.

But with&nbsp;atmospheric CO2 levels increasing at a rate unprecedented in at least three million years, there are fears that ocean surface climates may become less hospitable to the species it hosts.&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-heres-what-climate-change-is-doing-to-us-401602/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

US-based researchers wanted to see what effect carbon pollution has already had on ocean surface since the mid-18th century. They also projected the impact of emissions through to 2100.

To do so, they modelled global ocean climates across three time periods: the early 19th century (1795-1834); the late 20th century (1965-2004); and the late 21st century (2065-2014).&nbsp;

They then ran the models through two emissions scenarios. The first, known as RCP4.5,&nbsp;envisions a peak in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 followed by a slow decrease across the rest of the century.

The second scenario, RCP8.5,&nbsp;is a "business as usual" approach, where emissions continue to rise throughout the next 80 years.

Writing in the journal Nature Scientific Reports, the researchers found that under the RCP4.5 scenario, 36 percent of the ocean surface conditions present throughout the 20th century are likely to disappear by 2100.

Under the high emissions scenario, that figure rises to 95 percent.&nbsp;

The team also found that while ocean surface climates showed little sign of change during the 20th century, by 2100, up to 82 percent of ocean surface may experience climates not seen in recent history.

These include seas that are hotter, more acidic and that contain fewer minerals vital for sea life to grow.

Lead study author Katie Lotterhos, from Northeastern University's Marine&nbsp;Science&nbsp;Center, said the ocean's changing composition due to carbon pollution would likely impact all surface species.

"Species that are narrowly adapted to a climate that is disappearing will have to adapt to different conditions," she told AFP.

"A climate in which the&nbsp;temperature and&nbsp;chemistry&nbsp;of the water is common today will be rare or absent in the future."

Diminishing options&nbsp;

While surface species have so far been able to move around in order to avoid anomalously warm or acidic areas of ocean, Thursday's study suggests that in the future their options may be limited due to near-uniform warming and acidification.

"Already, many marine species have shifted their ranges in response to warmer waters," said Lotterhos.&nbsp;

"The communities of species that are found in one area will continue to shift and change rapidly over the coming decades."

She said that governments needed to monitor future shifting habits in marine surface species.&nbsp;

But, ultimately, the world's oceans need the emissions driving their heating and acidification to cease.

"Without (emissions) mitigation,&nbsp;novel and disappearing climates in the sea surface will be widespread around the globe by 2100," said Lotterhos.

Up to 95 percent of Earth's ocean surface will have changed by the end of the century unless humanity reins in its carbon emissions, according to research published Thursday.

Up to 95 percent of Earth's ocean surface will have changed by the end of the century unless humanity reins in its carbon emissions, according to research published Thursday. Ocean surface climates, defined by surface water temperature, acidity, and the concentration of the mineral aragonite, which many marine animals use to form bones and shell, support the vast majority of sea life. The world's seas have absorbed around a third of all carbon pollution produced since the Industrial Revolution. But with atmospheric CO2 levels increasing at a rate unprecedented in at least three million years, there are fears that ocean surface climates may become less hospitable to the species it hosts. US-based researchers wanted to see what effect carbon pollution has already had on ocean surface since the mid-18th century. They also projected the impact of emissions through to 2100. To do so, they modelled global ocean climates across three time periods: the early 19th century (1795-1834); the late 20th century (1965-2004); and the late 21st century (2065-2014). They then ran the models through two emissions scenarios. The first, known as RCP4.5, envisions a peak in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 followed by a slow decrease across the rest of the century. The second scenario, RCP8.5, is a "business as usual" approach, where emissions continue to rise throughout the next 80 years. Writing in the journal Nature Scientific Reports, the researchers found that under the RCP4.5 scenario, 36 percent of the ocean surface conditions present throughout the 20th century are likely to disappear by 2100. Under the high emissions scenario, that figure rises to 95 percent. The team also found that while ocean surface climates showed little sign of change during the 20th century, by 2100, up to 82 percent of ocean surface may experience climates not seen in recent history. These include seas that are hotter, more acidic and that contain fewer minerals vital for sea life to grow. Lead study author Katie Lotterhos, from Northeastern University's Marine Science Center, said the ocean's changing composition due to carbon pollution would likely impact all surface species. "Species that are narrowly adapted to a climate that is disappearing will have to adapt to different conditions," she told AFP. "A climate in which the temperature and chemistry of the water is common today will be rare or absent in the future." Diminishing options While surface species have so far been able to move around in order to avoid anomalously warm or acidic areas of ocean, Thursday's study suggests that in the future their options may be limited due to near-uniform warming and acidification. "Already, many marine species have shifted their ranges in response to warmer waters," said Lotterhos. "The communities of species that are found in one area will continue to shift and change rapidly over the coming decades." She said that governments needed to monitor future shifting habits in marine surface species. But, ultimately, the world's oceans need the emissions driving their heating and acidification to cease. "Without (emissions) mitigation, novel and disappearing climates in the sea surface will be widespread around the globe by 2100," said Lotterhos.

Study says ocean surface climates may disappear by 2100

Obesity is linked to many illnesses. But a new research suggests that obesity in mothers while they were pregnant increases chances of bowel cancer in their children later in life.

Researchers say that adult offsprings of overweight women have high chances of developing bowel cancer than those children whose mothers were underweight or had healthy weight.

The research has been published in the journal Gut. The researchers analysed data collected from mothers who received prenatal care between 1959 and 1966 in Oakland, California. Information was obtained of there health six months before they became pregnant. The team of researchers tracked health of more than 18,000 children through 2019.

68 of the children developed bowel cancel in adulthood. Researchers found that the children who had overweight mothers had likelihood of 2.5 times more than those children with mothers who were not obese.

Obesity is linked to many illnesses. But a new research suggests that obesity in mothers while they were pregnant increases chances of bowel cancer in their children later in life.

Obesity is linked to many illnesses. But a new research suggests that obesity in mothers while they were pregnant increases chances of bowel cancer in their children later in life. Researchers say that adult offsprings of overweight women have high chances of developing bowel cancer than those children whose mothers were underweight or had healthy weight. The research has been published in the journal Gut. The researchers analysed data collected from mothers who received prenatal care between 1959 and 1966 in Oakland, California. Information was obtained of there health six months before they became pregnant. The team of researchers tracked health of more than 18,000 children through 2019. 68 of the children developed bowel cancel in adulthood. Researchers found that the children who had overweight mothers had likelihood of 2.5 times more than those children with mothers who were not obese.

Mother's obesity linked with adulthood cancer in children: Study

Tortoise is generally the good guy in all our imaginations. From the tale of Hare and the Tortoise to sighing at images of them stuck in fishing nets, we all grow up. The silent creature moves along slowly and generally avoids any trouble.

But a new video has made all of this go for a toss. The video captures a female tortoise slowly approaching a flightless bird chick before attacking and eating it.

This video is being hailed as first documented instance of a Tortoise deliberately approaching, killing and consuming another organism.

The seven-minute video was shot on Frigate Island in Seychelles. It reportedly is a gruesome but fascinating watch.

"I couldn't believe what I was seeing...It was horrifying and amazing at the same time," Biologist Justin Gerlach from Cambridge University was mentioned as saying on ScienceAlert.

The video and the study has settled the question that Tortoises are not strictly herbivores. The study has been published in the journal Current Biology.

Tortoise is generally the good guy in all our imaginations. From the tale of Hare and the Tortoise to sighing at images of them stuck in fishing nets, we all grow up.

Tortoise is generally the good guy in all our imaginations. From the tale of Hare and the Tortoise to sighing at images of them stuck in fishing nets, we all grow up. The silent creature moves along slowly and generally avoids any trouble. But a new video has made all of this go for a toss. The video captures a female tortoise slowly approaching a flightless bird chick before attacking and eating it. This video is being hailed as first documented instance of a Tortoise deliberately approaching, killing and consuming another organism. The seven-minute video was shot on Frigate Island in Seychelles. It reportedly is a gruesome but fascinating watch. "I couldn't believe what I was seeing...It was horrifying and amazing at the same time," Biologist Justin Gerlach from Cambridge University was mentioned as saying on ScienceAlert. The video and the study has settled the question that Tortoises are not strictly herbivores. The study has been published in the journal Current Biology.

Tortoise filmed hunting a bird for first time ever

Asteroids are serious business (ask Dinosaurs. They aren't here but). One nudge and things on Earth will literally shake to the worst extent possible. Imagine what a full-blown collision might do.

To avoid this not-so-neat fate, NASA keeps an eye on asteroids that are zooming past or hurtling towards the Earth.

And a 'potentially hazardous' asteroid is going to come in our neighbourhood in space.&nbsp;

Name's 2016 AJ193, cruising speed is 94,208 km per hour. The asteroid is just 1.4 kilometre wide but due to its huge speed, it packs a serious punch.

But we need not prepare for end of mankind just yet. The asteroid is going to drive by at a distance nine times that between Earth and the Moon. This will happen on August 21

But the huge distance doesn't make it too far to observe. Astronomers will be able to look at the asteroid through telescopes.

Much better than looking at an asteroid slated to hit Earth right?

Asteroids are serious business (ask Dinosaurs. They aren't here but). One nudge and things on Earth will literally shake to the worst extent possible. Imagine what a full-blown collision might do.

Asteroids are serious business (ask Dinosaurs. They aren't here but). One nudge and things on Earth will literally shake to the worst extent possible. Imagine what a full-blown collision might do. To avoid this not-so-neat fate, NASA keeps an eye on asteroids that are zooming past or hurtling towards the Earth. And a 'potentially hazardous' asteroid is going to come in our neighbourhood in space. Name's 2016 AJ193, cruising speed is 94,208 km per hour. The asteroid is just 1.4 kilometre wide but due to its huge speed, it packs a serious punch. But we need not prepare for end of mankind just yet. The asteroid is going to drive by at a distance nine times that between Earth and the Moon. This will happen on August 21 But the huge distance doesn't make it too far to observe. Astronomers will be able to look at the asteroid through telescopes. Much better than looking at an asteroid slated to hit Earth right?

Asteroid termed 'potentially hazardous' by NASA is coming near Earth

Scientists have discovered that human babies are not the only babblers,&nbsp;some bats are also very talkative in their infancy and even make sounds that recall the googoo-gagas of our own tots.

Babbling in human children is key to developing the careful control over the vocal apparatus necessary for speech.&nbsp;

The study published in the journal&nbsp;Science&nbsp;indicates the same is true for the greater sac-winged bat, or Saccopteryx bilineata, native to Central America.

Mirjam Knornschild, a behavioral ecologist at the Museum of Natural History in Berlin and the study's&nbsp;co-author, ''Human infants seem to babble on the one hand to interact with their caregivers, but they also do that when they're completely alone, seemingly happily just exploring their voice, and that's the same what our bats are doing.''

Bats communicate by ultrasound, sound waves at frequencies above human hearing, but they can also make sounds audible to people.

"It sounds like a high pitched twittering to our ears... it's melodic," said Knornschild, who has worked with bats since 2003.

Saccopteryx bilineata don't hide away in gloomy caves, but prefer to live in trees, making them easier to observe. &nbsp;

The babbling of 20 baby bats was recorded in Costa Rica and Panama between 2015 and 2016 by researcher Ahana Fernandez, also affiliated with the Museum of Natural History in Berlin, who spent hours with the bats in the forest.

The mammals, like us, have a larynx, and start babbling about three weeks after birth, for about 7 to 10 weeks -- until they are weaned.

During this period, the bats spend around 30 percent of their days babbling, with sessions lasting on average about seven minutes, the researchers calculated.

But one bat babbled for a full 43 minutes, a long stretch considering adult communication generally lasts but a few seconds.&nbsp;

"That's something really, really peculiar that the other bat species that have been studied to date simply don't do," said Knornschild.

"They're very chatty."&nbsp;

The vocalisations were converted into images, called spectrograms.&nbsp;

"Each syllable has a very specific shape, so to say, and they are easy to distinguish by eye," Knornschild added.&nbsp;

The researchers analysed more than 55,000 produced syllables, finding universal characteristics of babbling in human infants in the bats, such as repetition, lack of meaning, but also that the sounds followed a certain rhythm.&nbsp;

On top of that, like with humans, the learning curve is not linear.

Out of 25 syllables in the adult repertoire, young bats have not yet mastered all of them by the time they are weaned, suggesting that they continue to learn.&nbsp;

The researchers were able to show that the young bats learned fairly early on a six-syllable song used by males to mark their territory and attract females.

"The pups listen to adult males singing and then imitate that song," Knornschild said.

Baby females also learn the song, even though they won't reproduce it as adults. But the study suggests learning it may help them judge the performance of their potential future partners.

Very few other species babble, only some birds, two species of marmosets, and perhaps some dolphins or beluga whales.

Why would certain animals need to develop in this way and others not?&nbsp;

"Navigating and communicating in a dark, 3d environment, seems to be a huge selective pressure for vocal learning," Knornschild said.

But no matter the reason, the researchers underscore that developing a complex vocal system opens a world of possibilities, as demonstrated in humans, and now also in bats.

(With inputs from agencies)

Scientists have discovered that human babies are not the only babblers, some bats are also very talkative in their infancy and even make sounds that recall the googoo-gagas of our own tots.

Scientists have discovered that human babies are not the only babblers, some bats are also very talkative in their infancy and even make sounds that recall the googoo-gagas of our own tots. Babbling in human children is key to developing the careful control over the vocal apparatus necessary for speech. The study published in the journal Science indicates the same is true for the greater sac-winged bat, or Saccopteryx bilineata, native to Central America. Mirjam Knornschild, a behavioral ecologist at the Museum of Natural History in Berlin and the study's co-author, ''Human infants seem to babble on the one hand to interact with their caregivers, but they also do that when they're completely alone, seemingly happily just exploring their voice, and that's the same what our bats are doing.'' Bats communicate by ultrasound, sound waves at frequencies above human hearing, but they can also make sounds audible to people. "It sounds like a high pitched twittering to our ears... it's melodic," said Knornschild, who has worked with bats since 2003. Saccopteryx bilineata don't hide away in gloomy caves, but prefer to live in trees, making them easier to observe. The babbling of 20 baby bats was recorded in Costa Rica and Panama between 2015 and 2016 by researcher Ahana Fernandez, also affiliated with the Museum of Natural History in Berlin, who spent hours with the bats in the forest. The mammals, like us, have a larynx, and start babbling about three weeks after birth, for about 7 to 10 weeks -- until they are weaned. During this period, the bats spend around 30 percent of their days babbling, with sessions lasting on average about seven minutes, the researchers calculated. But one bat babbled for a full 43 minutes, a long stretch considering adult communication generally lasts but a few seconds. "That's something really, really peculiar that the other bat species that have been studied to date simply don't do," said Knornschild. "They're very chatty." The vocalisations were converted into images, called spectrograms. "Each syllable has a very specific shape, so to say, and they are easy to distinguish by eye," Knornschild added. The researchers analysed more than 55,000 produced syllables, finding universal characteristics of babbling in human infants in the bats, such as repetition, lack of meaning, but also that the sounds followed a certain rhythm. On top of that, like with humans, the learning curve is not linear. Out of 25 syllables in the adult repertoire, young bats have not yet mastered all of them by the time they are weaned, suggesting that they continue to learn. The researchers were able to show that the young bats learned fairly early on a six-syllable song used by males to mark their territory and attract females. "The pups listen to adult males singing and then imitate that song," Knornschild said. Baby females also learn the song, even though they won't reproduce it as adults. But the study suggests learning it may help them judge the performance of their potential future partners. Very few other species babble, only some birds, two species of marmosets, and perhaps some dolphins or beluga whales. Why would certain animals need to develop in this way and others not? "Navigating and communicating in a dark, 3d environment, seems to be a huge selective pressure for vocal learning," Knornschild said. But no matter the reason, the researchers underscore that developing a complex vocal system opens a world of possibilities, as demonstrated in humans, and now also in bats. (With inputs from agencies)

Scientists discover some baby bats babble like human infants

Nuclear scientists in California have&nbsp;generated a huge amount of energy from fusion&nbsp;using lasers the size of three football fields.

The historic breakthrough can&nbsp;possibly offer hope for the development of a new clean energy source.

Experts focused their giant array of almost 200 laser beams onto a tiny spot to create a mega blast of energy, eight times more than they had ever done in the past.

Although the energy only lasted for a very short time,&nbsp;just 100 trillionths of a second,&nbsp;it took scientists closer to the holy grail of fusion ignition, the moment when they are creating more energy than they are using.

"This result is a historic advance for inertial confinement fusion research," said Kim Budil, the director of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, which operates the National Ignition Facility in California, where the experiment took place this month.

Nuclear fusion is considered by some scientists to be the potential energy of the future, particularly because it produces little waste and no greenhouse gases.&nbsp;

It differs from fission, a technique currently used in nuclear power plants, where the bonds of heavy atomic nuclei are broken to release energy.&nbsp;

In the fusion process, two light atomic nuclei are "married" to create a heavy one.

In this experiment scientists used two isotopes of hydrogen, giving rise to helium.&nbsp;

This is the process that is at work in stars, including our Sun.&nbsp;

"The NIF teams have done an extraordinary job," said Professor Steven Rose, co-director of the center for research in this field at Imperial College London.&nbsp;

"This is the most significant advance in inertial fusion since its beginning in 1972."&nbsp;

But, warned Jeremy Chittenden, co-director of the same center in London, making this a useable source of energy is not going to be easy.

"Turning this concept into a renewable source of electrical power will probably be a long process and will involve overcoming significant technical challenges," he said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Nuclear scientists in California have generated a huge amount of energy from fusion using lasers the size of three football fields. The historic breakthrough can possibly offer hope for the development of a new clean energy source.

Nuclear scientists in California have generated a huge amount of energy from fusion using lasers the size of three football fields. The historic breakthrough can possibly offer hope for the development of a new clean energy source. Experts focused their giant array of almost 200 laser beams onto a tiny spot to create a mega blast of energy, eight times more than they had ever done in the past. Although the energy only lasted for a very short time, just 100 trillionths of a second, it took scientists closer to the holy grail of fusion ignition, the moment when they are creating more energy than they are using. "This result is a historic advance for inertial confinement fusion research," said Kim Budil, the director of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, which operates the National Ignition Facility in California, where the experiment took place this month. Nuclear fusion is considered by some scientists to be the potential energy of the future, particularly because it produces little waste and no greenhouse gases. It differs from fission, a technique currently used in nuclear power plants, where the bonds of heavy atomic nuclei are broken to release energy. In the fusion process, two light atomic nuclei are "married" to create a heavy one. In this experiment scientists used two isotopes of hydrogen, giving rise to helium. This is the process that is at work in stars, including our Sun. "The NIF teams have done an extraordinary job," said Professor Steven Rose, co-director of the center for research in this field at Imperial College London. "This is the most significant advance in inertial fusion since its beginning in 1972." But, warned Jeremy Chittenden, co-director of the same center in London, making this a useable source of energy is not going to be easy. "Turning this concept into a renewable source of electrical power will probably be a long process and will involve overcoming significant technical challenges," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

New clean energy source? Nuclear scientists hail 'historic' fusion breakthrough

Scientists have discovered a&nbsp;17,000-year-old woolly mammoth's massive lifetime mileage through its tusks.

Researchers say they have&nbsp;proven that the huge beast was a long-distance wanderer, walking the equivalent of twice around the world during a life lasting 28 years.

The findings, published&nbsp;in the journal&nbsp;Science, could shed light on theories about why the mammoth, whose teeth were bigger than the human fist, became extinct.

"In all popular culture,&nbsp;for example, if you watch (the cartoon) 'Ice Age', there are always mammoths who move around a lot," said Clement Bataille, assistant professor at the University of Ottawa and one of the lead authors of the study.

But there is no clear reason why mammoths should have trekked great distances "because it is such an enormous animal that moving around uses a lot of energy," he said.

The researchers were amazed by the results: the mammoth they studied probably walked around 70,000 kilometres (43,500 miles) and did not stay just on the plains of Alaska as they expected.

"We see that it traveled throughout Alaska, so an immense territory," said Bataille. "It was really a surprise."

Readings on a tusk&nbsp;

For their study, the researchers selected the tusks of a male woolly mammoth who lived at the end of the last ice age.

The animal, named "Kik" after a local river, lived relatively close to the time of the extinction of the species, around 13,000 years ago.

One of the two tusks was cut in half to take readings of strontium isotope ratios.

Strontium is a chemical element similar to limestone and is present in the soil. It is transmitted to vegetation and, when eaten, is deposited in bones, teeth... or tusks.

The tusks grow throughout a mammal's life, with the tip reflecting the first years of life, and the base representing the final years.

Isotope ratios are different depending on geology, and Bataille developed an isotopic map of the region.

By comparing it with the data from the tusks, it was possible to track when and where the mammoth had been.

At the time, glaciers covered all of the Brooks Range of mountains in the north and the Alaska Range in the south, with the plain of the Yukon River in the center.

The animal returned regularly to some areas, where it could stay for several years. But his movements also changed greatly depending on his age, before he eventually died of hunger.

During the first two years of his life, researchers were even able to observe signs of breastfeeding.

"What was really surprising was that after the teenage years, the isotopic variations start to be much more important," said Bataille.

The mammoth has "three or four times in its life, made an immense journey of 500, 600 even 700 kilometres, in a few months."

Scientists say the male may have been solitary, and moving from herd to herd to reproduce. Or he could have been facing a drought or a harsh winter, forcing him to seek a new area where food was more plentiful.

Lessons for today?&nbsp;

Whether for genetic diversity or due to scarce resources, it is "clear that this species needed an extremely large area" to live," said Bataille.

But, at the time of the transition from the ice age to the interglacial period, when they were extinct, "the area shrank because more forests grew" and "humans put quite a lot of pressure on southern Alaska, where mammoths probably moved much less."

Understanding factors that led to the disappearance of mammoths may help protect other threatened megafauna species, such as caribou or elephants.

With today's climate changing, and humans often restricting big species to parks and reserves, Bataille said, "do we want our children 1,000 years from now to view elephants the same way we view mammoths today?"

(With inputs from Agencies)

Scientists have discovered a 17,000-year-old woolly mammoth's massive lifetime mileage through its tusks. Researchers say they have proven that the huge beast was a long-distance wanderer, walking the equivalent of twice around the world during a life lasting 28 years.

Scientists have discovered a 17,000-year-old woolly mammoth's massive lifetime mileage through its tusks. Researchers say they have proven that the huge beast was a long-distance wanderer, walking the equivalent of twice around the world during a life lasting 28 years. The findings, published in the journal Science, could shed light on theories about why the mammoth, whose teeth were bigger than the human fist, became extinct. "In all popular culture, for example, if you watch (the cartoon) 'Ice Age', there are always mammoths who move around a lot," said Clement Bataille, assistant professor at the University of Ottawa and one of the lead authors of the study. But there is no clear reason why mammoths should have trekked great distances "because it is such an enormous animal that moving around uses a lot of energy," he said. The researchers were amazed by the results: the mammoth they studied probably walked around 70,000 kilometres (43,500 miles) and did not stay just on the plains of Alaska as they expected. "We see that it traveled throughout Alaska, so an immense territory," said Bataille. "It was really a surprise." Readings on a tusk For their study, the researchers selected the tusks of a male woolly mammoth who lived at the end of the last ice age. The animal, named "Kik" after a local river, lived relatively close to the time of the extinction of the species, around 13,000 years ago. One of the two tusks was cut in half to take readings of strontium isotope ratios. Strontium is a chemical element similar to limestone and is present in the soil. It is transmitted to vegetation and, when eaten, is deposited in bones, teeth... or tusks. The tusks grow throughout a mammal's life, with the tip reflecting the first years of life, and the base representing the final years. Isotope ratios are different depending on geology, and Bataille developed an isotopic map of the region. By comparing it with the data from the tusks, it was possible to track when and where the mammoth had been. At the time, glaciers covered all of the Brooks Range of mountains in the north and the Alaska Range in the south, with the plain of the Yukon River in the center. The animal returned regularly to some areas, where it could stay for several years. But his movements also changed greatly depending on his age, before he eventually died of hunger. During the first two years of his life, researchers were even able to observe signs of breastfeeding. "What was really surprising was that after the teenage years, the isotopic variations start to be much more important," said Bataille. The mammoth has "three or four times in its life, made an immense journey of 500, 600 even 700 kilometres, in a few months." Scientists say the male may have been solitary, and moving from herd to herd to reproduce. Or he could have been facing a drought or a harsh winter, forcing him to seek a new area where food was more plentiful. Lessons for today? Whether for genetic diversity or due to scarce resources, it is "clear that this species needed an extremely large area" to live," said Bataille. But, at the time of the transition from the ice age to the interglacial period, when they were extinct, "the area shrank because more forests grew" and "humans put quite a lot of pressure on southern Alaska, where mammoths probably moved much less." Understanding factors that led to the disappearance of mammoths may help protect other threatened megafauna species, such as caribou or elephants. With today's climate changing, and humans often restricting big species to parks and reserves, Bataille said, "do we want our children 1,000 years from now to view elephants the same way we view mammoths today?" (With inputs from Agencies)

Steps enough for two rounds of Earth: Scientists discover woolly mammoth's massive lifetime mileage

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