NASA keeps sending brilliant pictures our way. These range from those of distant galaxies to our own backyard in the solar system, and everything in between. Sometimes these pics resemble 'Hand of God' or anything our perception allows us to see. This time, NASA has clicked a space butterfly!

This cosmic butterfly has been captured by NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope. It is a nebula. Nebulas are huge masses of gas and space dust in which new stars form. The infrared image of this 'space butterfly' shows two 'wings'.

In its Instagram post, NASA explains that these 'wings' are giant bubbles of hot, interstellar gas blowing from the hottest, most massive stars that are in the process of getting formed.&nbsp;

"...Besides being beautiful, this nebula demonstrates how the formation of stars results in the destruction of the very clouds that helped create them. Inside giant clouds of gas and dust in space, the force of gravity pulls material together into dense clumps. Sometimes these clumps reach a critical density that allows stars to form at their cores. Radiation and winds coming from the most massive stars in those clouds—combined with the material spewed into space when those stars eventually explode—sometimes form bubbles like those pictured here. But these processes also disperse the gas and dust, breaking up dense clumps and reducing or halting further new star formation. In fact, the material that forms this nebula’s wings was ejected from a dense cluster of stars that lies between them..." says NASA in the Instagram post.

The beautiful image was posted on April 15 and within a day, it has garnered more than 700,000 likes.

"I wanna get lost in that Space Butterfly, can I please?" comments a user.

NASA keeps sending brilliant pictures our way. These range from those of distant galaxies to our own backyard in the solar system, and everything in between. Sometimes these pics resemble 'Hand of God' or anything our perception allows us to see.

NASA keeps sending brilliant pictures our way. These range from those of distant galaxies to our own backyard in the solar system, and everything in between. Sometimes these pics resemble 'Hand of God' or anything our perception allows us to see. This time, NASA has clicked a space butterfly! This cosmic butterfly has been captured by NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope. It is a nebula. Nebulas are huge masses of gas and space dust in which new stars form. The infrared image of this 'space butterfly' shows two 'wings'. In its Instagram post, NASA explains that these 'wings' are giant bubbles of hot, interstellar gas blowing from the hottest, most massive stars that are in the process of getting formed. "...Besides being beautiful, this nebula demonstrates how the formation of stars results in the destruction of the very clouds that helped create them. Inside giant clouds of gas and dust in space, the force of gravity pulls material together into dense clumps. Sometimes these clumps reach a critical density that allows stars to form at their cores. Radiation and winds coming from the most massive stars in those clouds—combined with the material spewed into space when those stars eventually explode—sometimes form bubbles like those pictured here. But these processes also disperse the gas and dust, breaking up dense clumps and reducing or halting further new star formation. In fact, the material that forms this nebula’s wings was ejected from a dense cluster of stars that lies between them..." says NASA in the Instagram post. The beautiful image was posted on April 15 and within a day, it has garnered more than 700,000 likes. "I wanna get lost in that Space Butterfly, can I please?" comments a user.

NASA clicks photo of a 'space butterfly'

Indian astronomers in collaboration with their French counterpart, have found a galaxy that has a 'ghost-like' appearance. Stars are very much being formed in this galaxy. This faint galaxy was previously unseen due to the presence of a bright galaxy.

The galaxy was found by a team of researchers the Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Bengaluru and a French astronomer from College de France, Paris. The team consisted of Jyoti Yadav, Mousumi Das and Sudhanshu Barway and Francoise Combes.

India's Ministry of Science and Technology has made announcement about the discovery.

Faint galaxies form about 15 per cent of the mass of the universe. Faint galaxies are also called low surface brightness galaxies or ultra-diffuse galaxies. These galaxies are at least ten times fainter than the night sky around them. The galaxies are faint in their appearance because of low disc density.

The newly discovered galaxy is around 136 light-years away from Earth.

"The researchers measured the distance of NGC6902A, a previously known galaxy and the faint star-forming regions using emission lines in the spectra. They found that these star-forming regions are at a distance of around 136 million light-years, whereas the distance of NGC 6902A is around 825 million light-years. This means that the diffuse blue emission was from a foreground galaxy," said India's Ministry of Science and Technology.

The research has been published in the journal ‘Astronomy &amp; Astrophysics’.

Indian astronomers in collaboration with their French counterpart, have found a galaxy that has a 'ghost-like' appearance. Stars are very much being formed in this galaxy.

Indian astronomers in collaboration with their French counterpart, have found a galaxy that has a 'ghost-like' appearance. Stars are very much being formed in this galaxy. This faint galaxy was previously unseen due to the presence of a bright galaxy. The galaxy was found by a team of researchers the Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Bengaluru and a French astronomer from College de France, Paris. The team consisted of Jyoti Yadav, Mousumi Das and Sudhanshu Barway and Francoise Combes. India's Ministry of Science and Technology has made announcement about the discovery. Faint galaxies form about 15 per cent of the mass of the universe. Faint galaxies are also called low surface brightness galaxies or ultra-diffuse galaxies. These galaxies are at least ten times fainter than the night sky around them. The galaxies are faint in their appearance because of low disc density. The newly discovered galaxy is around 136 light-years away from Earth. "The researchers measured the distance of NGC6902A, a previously known galaxy and the faint star-forming regions using emission lines in the spectra. They found that these star-forming regions are at a distance of around 136 million light-years, whereas the distance of NGC 6902A is around 825 million light-years. This means that the diffuse blue emission was from a foreground galaxy," said India's Ministry of Science and Technology. The research has been published in the journal ‘Astronomy & Astrophysics’.

Indian astronomers find galaxy having 'ghost-like' appearance

Saturn sure makes for a grand view in the night sky. After all, it is the only planet in our solar system with easily visible majestic rings. If you have seen Saturn through an everyday telescope, it's hard to miss the mesmerising beauty of the planet.

Saturn's rings are made of rock, ice and dust. It is estimated that the rings are 10 to 100 million years old. That might sound a lot but not much when we know&nbsp;dinosaurs roamed the Earth just 66 million years ago.

Saturn may flaunt its distinct look in the night sky today but the planet is losing its rings.

Imagine pointing your telescope at the sky and finding no difference between Saturn and other planets! Yes, that sounds sad.

Saturn is losing its rings due to what is being called 'ring rain'. No, there is no mysterious rain chipping away at the rings. Saturn is itself attracting the 'ring matter' which is falling towards it from the ring and vapourising. In other words, Saturn is eating away its own rings!

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/an-astronomer-has-created-video-on-saturns-spinning-rings-375558">An astronomer has created video on Saturn's spinning rings</a>

This destructive process was revealed to The Atlantic by astronomers. It is estimated that 10 tonnes of ring matter are falling into Saturn every second!

NASA's Cassini Mission has studied Saturn extensively.

We can heave a sigh of relief though. Saturn is unlikely to lose its grandeur during our lifetimes. At the current rate of degradation, it is estimated that the core of the ring would disappear in 100 million years and the rings will completely disappear in 300 million years. But it will be a sad moment indeed, whenever it comes.

Saturn sure makes for a grand view in the night sky. After all, it is the only planet in our solar system with easily visible majestic rings. If you have seen Saturn through an everyday telescope, it's hard to miss the mesmerising beauty of the planet.

Saturn sure makes for a grand view in the night sky. After all, it is the only planet in our solar system with easily visible majestic rings. If you have seen Saturn through an everyday telescope, it's hard to miss the mesmerising beauty of the planet. Saturn's rings are made of rock, ice and dust. It is estimated that the rings are 10 to 100 million years old. That might sound a lot but not much when we know dinosaurs roamed the Earth just 66 million years ago. Saturn may flaunt its distinct look in the night sky today but the planet is losing its rings. Imagine pointing your telescope at the sky and finding no difference between Saturn and other planets! Yes, that sounds sad. Saturn is losing its rings due to what is being called 'ring rain'. No, there is no mysterious rain chipping away at the rings. Saturn is itself attracting the 'ring matter' which is falling towards it from the ring and vapourising. In other words, Saturn is eating away its own rings! Also Read: An astronomer has created video on Saturn's spinning rings This destructive process was revealed to The Atlantic by astronomers. It is estimated that 10 tonnes of ring matter are falling into Saturn every second! NASA's Cassini Mission has studied Saturn extensively. We can heave a sigh of relief though. Saturn is unlikely to lose its grandeur during our lifetimes. At the current rate of degradation, it is estimated that the core of the ring would disappear in 100 million years and the rings will completely disappear in 300 million years. But it will be a sad moment indeed, whenever it comes.

Saturn is 'eating' its own rings, they may disappear altogether

The word 'supernova' means blast of a star. It occurs as the star dies. The process is quite violent. But a particular star is confusing scientists because it is literally forming rings around itself. The star is dying and its behaviour has made scientists question their own knowledge about death of a star.

The star in question is V Hydrae (V Hya). It is a carbon-rich red giant star. V hya is located in Hydra constellation about 1300 light years away from Earth.&nbsp;

This star is classified in the category of asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars. Scientists are often curious about V Hydrae as it emits plasma in space every eight years.

In addition to this, the star is emitting stellar material every few hundred years and this is forming rings around the star.

A group of scientists have studied the star and published the study in the Astrophysical Journal.

"This is the first and only time that a series of expanding rings has been seen around a star that is in its death throes — a series of expanding 'smoke rings' that we have calculated are being blown every few hundred years. We have caught this dying star in the process of shedding its atmosphere — ultimately most of its mass — which is something that most late-stage red giant stars do. But much to our surprise, we have found that the matter, in this case, is being expelled as a series of rings," says Mark Morris, co-author of the study.

The researchers made use of Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) and the Hubble Space Telescope.

The word 'supernova' means blast of a star. It occurs as the star dies. The process is quite violent. But a particular star is confusing scientists because it is literally forming rings around itself.

The word 'supernova' means blast of a star. It occurs as the star dies. The process is quite violent. But a particular star is confusing scientists because it is literally forming rings around itself. The star is dying and its behaviour has made scientists question their own knowledge about death of a star. The star in question is V Hydrae (V Hya). It is a carbon-rich red giant star. V hya is located in Hydra constellation about 1300 light years away from Earth. This star is classified in the category of asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars. Scientists are often curious about V Hydrae as it emits plasma in space every eight years. In addition to this, the star is emitting stellar material every few hundred years and this is forming rings around the star. A group of scientists have studied the star and published the study in the Astrophysical Journal. "This is the first and only time that a series of expanding rings has been seen around a star that is in its death throes — a series of expanding 'smoke rings' that we have calculated are being blown every few hundred years. We have caught this dying star in the process of shedding its atmosphere — ultimately most of its mass — which is something that most late-stage red giant stars do. But much to our surprise, we have found that the matter, in this case, is being expelled as a series of rings," says Mark Morris, co-author of the study. The researchers made use of Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) and the Hubble Space Telescope.

A dying star is forming rings around itself, confusing scientists

The concept of the spacewalk is fascinating, to say the least. Yes, its less of a walk and more of 'space-floating'. The idea of being outside the protective spacecraft with almost nothing between you and the stars is surreal to imagine. There is an element of thrill as well. There have been enough movies showing the tether connecting the astronaut and the spacecraft snapping and the hapless bro (or sis) doing all they can to prevent being drifted into unending space.

Till now we had to rely on videos shot by space agencies of astronauts as they spacewalked. It's almost unimaginable to look up from Earth and see astronauts doing their thing.

But a fascinating new development has enabled us to take a 'human's-eye view' of the recently concluded spacewalk.

On March 23, NASA astronaut Raja Chari and European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Matthias Maurer conducted a spacewalk outside the International Space Station (ISS). The spacewalk lasted for 7 hours during which the astronauts performed maintenance work at the ISS.

An astrophotographer has captured what he says is a "once in a lifetime" photo of this spacewalk. He was on Earth, and incidentally in Maurer's hometown in Germany.

"Yesterday I witnessed the #spacewalk shortly after sunset. Here comes a first photo. #ESA #astronaut Matthias Maurer was just 'climbing' at this moment. The rod-shaped structure (Canadarm2) is the robot arm. Greetings from Matthias Maurer's hometown — it was very exciting. #iss," Dr Sebastian Voltmer, the astrophotographer tweeted.

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Yesterday I witnessed the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/spacewalk?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#spacewalk</a> shortly after sunset. Here comes a first photo. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ESA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ESA</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/astronaut?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#astronaut</a> Matthias Maurer was just "climbing" at this moment. 
The rod-shaped structure (Canadarm2) is the robot arm. 
Greetings from Matthias Maurers hometown - it was very exciting. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/iss?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#iss</a> <a href="https://t.co/39Q7YlG64u">pic.twitter.com/39Q7YlG64u</a>
— Dr. Sebastian Voltmer (@SeVoSpace) <a href="https://twitter.com/SeVoSpace/status/1506912147737088002?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 24, 2022</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Voltmer used Celestron 11-inch EdgeHD telescope on a GM2000 HPS mount and an ASI290 planetary camera to get the shot, as per his e-mail to Space.com

Voltmer analysed the photo and in an updated, indicated the positions of both astronauts.

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Update: 2 Spacewalkers Imaged From The Ground 
 
During the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/spacewalk?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#spacewalk</a> of the two astronauts <a href="https://twitter.com/Astro_Raja?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Astro_Raja</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/astro_matthias?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@astro_matthias</a> the International Space Station appeared shortly after sunset in the bright evening sky over Germany. This image of the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ISS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ISS</a> was taken on March 23, 2022. <a href="https://t.co/xkKJtSoZFc">pic.twitter.com/xkKJtSoZFc</a>
— Dr. Sebastian Voltmer (@SeVoSpace) <a href="https://twitter.com/SeVoSpace/status/1508239974893768712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 28, 2022</a></blockquote>
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"It's probably the first ground-based picture showing two spacewalkers on the ISS at the same time." he told spaceweather.com

The photos certainly don't show both astronauts discernibly but to point you camera at the sky and clicking image of spacewalking astronauts with clarity of this degree is a feat indeed! 
&nbsp;

The concept of the spacewalk is fascinating, to say the least. Yes, its less of a walk and more of 'space-floating'. The idea of being outside the protective spacecraft with almost nothing between you and the stars is surreal to imagine.

The concept of the spacewalk is fascinating, to say the least. Yes, its less of a walk and more of 'space-floating'. The idea of being outside the protective spacecraft with almost nothing between you and the stars is surreal to imagine. There is an element of thrill as well. There have been enough movies showing the tether connecting the astronaut and the spacecraft snapping and the hapless bro (or sis) doing all they can to prevent being drifted into unending space. Till now we had to rely on videos shot by space agencies of astronauts as they spacewalked. It's almost unimaginable to look up from Earth and see astronauts doing their thing. But a fascinating new development has enabled us to take a 'human's-eye view' of the recently concluded spacewalk. On March 23, NASA astronaut Raja Chari and European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Matthias Maurer conducted a spacewalk outside the International Space Station (ISS). The spacewalk lasted for 7 hours during which the astronauts performed maintenance work at the ISS. An astrophotographer has captured what he says is a "once in a lifetime" photo of this spacewalk. He was on Earth, and incidentally in Maurer's hometown in Germany. "Yesterday I witnessed the #spacewalk shortly after sunset. Here comes a first photo. #ESA #astronaut Matthias Maurer was just 'climbing' at this moment. The rod-shaped structure (Canadarm2) is the robot arm. Greetings from Matthias Maurer's hometown — it was very exciting. #iss," Dr Sebastian Voltmer, the astrophotographer tweeted. Yesterday I witnessed the #spacewalk shortly after sunset. Here comes a first photo. #ESA #astronaut Matthias Maurer was just "climbing" at this moment. The rod-shaped structure (Canadarm2) is the robot arm. Greetings from Matthias Maurers hometown - it was very exciting. #iss pic.twitter.com/39Q7YlG64u — Dr. Sebastian Voltmer (@SeVoSpace) March 24, 2022 × Voltmer used Celestron 11-inch EdgeHD telescope on a GM2000 HPS mount and an ASI290 planetary camera to get the shot, as per his e-mail to Space.com Voltmer analysed the photo and in an updated, indicated the positions of both astronauts. Update: 2 Spacewalkers Imaged From The Ground During the #spacewalk of the two astronauts @Astro_Raja and @astro_matthias the International Space Station appeared shortly after sunset in the bright evening sky over Germany. This image of the #ISS was taken on March 23, 2022. pic.twitter.com/xkKJtSoZFc — Dr. Sebastian Voltmer (@SeVoSpace) March 28, 2022 × "It's probably the first ground-based picture showing two spacewalkers on the ISS at the same time." he told spaceweather.com The photos certainly don't show both astronauts discernibly but to point you camera at the sky and clicking image of spacewalking astronauts with clarity of this degree is a feat indeed!

Astrophotographer takes photo of spacewalking astronauts, from Earth

Mars is a busy place these days. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the Chinese space agency both have heavy scientific activity going on and around the red planet. Though both agencies are carrying out their scientific observations independently, both expeditions often 'cross paths', so to speak.

China's Tianwen-1 lander and Zhurong rover touched down on Mars on March 14 last year. While NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) is revolving around Mars and is making scientific observations.&nbsp;

Last week, the MRO clicked pics of China's Zhurong rover. What's interesting about these pics is that it clearly shows Zhurong's 'footprints' on the red planet. The tracks made by Zhurong's wheels are clearly visible in these pics. What's more? These tracks can be traced back to the lander.

In other words, Zhurong's entire journey on Mars is visible in these pics. These photos have been taken by the MRO using the onboard HiRise camera. NASA has also tweeted these pics. In order to see the tracks, it is necessary to zoom in on them in the pictures.

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In case you missed the other parts of today’s HiPOD observation (linked in the text). <a href="https://t.co/ZhuZxxmBGM">pic.twitter.com/ZhuZxxmBGM</a>
— HiRISE: Beautiful Mars (NASA) (@HiRISE) <a href="https://twitter.com/HiRISE/status/1504913260755095553?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2022</a></blockquote>
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MRO is orbiting about 316 kilometers above the surface of Mars. At this height, it is able to take pictures in which objects just a foot away can be observed distinctly. This ability makes the MRO capable of spotting rovers on the Martian surface.

The HiRise camera has already spotted NASA's Opportunity, Curiosity and Perseverance rovers.

Mars is a busy place these days. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the Chinese space agency both have heavy scientific activity going on and around the red planet.

Mars is a busy place these days. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the Chinese space agency both have heavy scientific activity going on and around the red planet. Though both agencies are carrying out their scientific observations independently, both expeditions often 'cross paths', so to speak. China's Tianwen-1 lander and Zhurong rover touched down on Mars on March 14 last year. While NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) is revolving around Mars and is making scientific observations. Last week, the MRO clicked pics of China's Zhurong rover. What's interesting about these pics is that it clearly shows Zhurong's 'footprints' on the red planet. The tracks made by Zhurong's wheels are clearly visible in these pics. What's more? These tracks can be traced back to the lander. In other words, Zhurong's entire journey on Mars is visible in these pics. These photos have been taken by the MRO using the onboard HiRise camera. NASA has also tweeted these pics. In order to see the tracks, it is necessary to zoom in on them in the pictures. In case you missed the other parts of today’s HiPOD observation (linked in the text). pic.twitter.com/ZhuZxxmBGM — HiRISE: Beautiful Mars (NASA) (@HiRISE) March 18, 2022 × MRO is orbiting about 316 kilometers above the surface of Mars. At this height, it is able to take pictures in which objects just a foot away can be observed distinctly. This ability makes the MRO capable of spotting rovers on the Martian surface. The HiRise camera has already spotted NASA's Opportunity, Curiosity and Perseverance rovers.

NASA's Mars orbiter clicks photos of China's Zhurong rover

Comet Leonard, which was easily visible from Earth in the month of December last year has disintegrated on its close approach to the Sun, say media reports. What remains of the comet is now moving away from the Sun.&nbsp;

Comet Leonard had its closest approach to the Sun on January 3, 2022. What has made astronomers confirm that Comet Leonard has disintegrated is the observation that remnants of the comet moving away from the Sun no longer show the existence of two important parts of any comet: NUcleus and Coma.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/a-potentially-hazardous-asteroid-is-coming-near-earth-on-thursday-nasa-464865">A 'potentially hazardous' asteroid is coming near Earth on Thursday: NASA</a>

Nucleus of a comet is its core while Coma is the temporary envelope of atmosphere the comet develops when it approaches the Sun.

Comet Leonard was discovered by Gregory Leonard on January 3 last year.

The comet made closest approach to Earth on December 12 last year. Around that time, the comet had garnered attention for being the brightest comet of the year 2021.

Watching Comet Leonard was hailed as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity as its huge orbit brought it close to Earth once every 80,000 years.

Comet Leonard's orbit was so huge that it was 3500 times the distance between Earth and the Sun. Its disintegration means that the icy body will no longer be able to orbit the Sun as we knew it previously.

Comet Leonard, which was easily visible from Earth in the month of December last year has disintegrated on its close approach to the Sun, say media reports. What remains of the comet is now moving away from the Sun.

Comet Leonard, which was easily visible from Earth in the month of December last year has disintegrated on its close approach to the Sun, say media reports. What remains of the comet is now moving away from the Sun. Comet Leonard had its closest approach to the Sun on January 3, 2022. What has made astronomers confirm that Comet Leonard has disintegrated is the observation that remnants of the comet moving away from the Sun no longer show the existence of two important parts of any comet: NUcleus and Coma. Also Read | A 'potentially hazardous' asteroid is coming near Earth on Thursday: NASA Nucleus of a comet is its core while Coma is the temporary envelope of atmosphere the comet develops when it approaches the Sun. Comet Leonard was discovered by Gregory Leonard on January 3 last year. The comet made closest approach to Earth on December 12 last year. Around that time, the comet had garnered attention for being the brightest comet of the year 2021. Watching Comet Leonard was hailed as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity as its huge orbit brought it close to Earth once every 80,000 years. Comet Leonard's orbit was so huge that it was 3500 times the distance between Earth and the Sun. Its disintegration means that the icy body will no longer be able to orbit the Sun as we knew it previously.

Comet Leonard disintegrates as it goes around the Sun

A 'potentially hazardous'&nbsp;asteroid is on its way to come near Earth. The asteroid isn't exactly small. It is comparable to Empire State Building. If this asteroid hits the Earth, it packs more than enough punch to cause widespread destruction.

Asteroid 2013 BO76, as it has been named is 450 metres (Nearly a half kilometre) across. The size may seem small but the high speed with which it is travelling gives it enough potential to cause major damage on Earth if it hits. The asteroid is flying at a staggering speed of 49513.45 kilometres per hour.&nbsp;

NASA has categorised the asteroid to be 'potentially hazardous'. It is then perhaps a good thing that it will fly past Earth at a distance of 51,11,759 kilometres. It will zoom past Earth on Thursday (March 24).

This is not the first time this asteroid has come into our neighbourhood to say Hi.&nbsp;

In 2013, it zoomed past the Earth at a distance of 78,88,295 kilometres. NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) has said that after Thursday's flyby, the same asteroid will visit Earth on July 14, 2033. At that time, it is expected to be at a distance of 1,91,85,926 kilometres from the Earth.

NASA's JPL has also orbital parameters of the asteroid along with its orbital diagram around Earth.

<img alt="NASA asteroid" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="56a74fd6-049b-44f3-828d-40b0bcb93980" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/asteroid.png" />

The intersecting orbits of the planets and the asteroid can clearly be seen in the picture above. Earth's orbit is visible in light blue colour while that of the asteroid has been depicted in white.

A 'potentially hazardous' asteroid is on its way to come near Earth. The asteroid isn't exactly small. It is comparable to Empire State Building. If this asteroid hits the Earth, it packs more than enough punch to cause widespread destruction.

A 'potentially hazardous' asteroid is on its way to come near Earth. The asteroid isn't exactly small. It is comparable to Empire State Building. If this asteroid hits the Earth, it packs more than enough punch to cause widespread destruction. Asteroid 2013 BO76, as it has been named is 450 metres (Nearly a half kilometre) across. The size may seem small but the high speed with which it is travelling gives it enough potential to cause major damage on Earth if it hits. The asteroid is flying at a staggering speed of 49513.45 kilometres per hour. NASA has categorised the asteroid to be 'potentially hazardous'. It is then perhaps a good thing that it will fly past Earth at a distance of 51,11,759 kilometres. It will zoom past Earth on Thursday (March 24). This is not the first time this asteroid has come into our neighbourhood to say Hi. In 2013, it zoomed past the Earth at a distance of 78,88,295 kilometres. NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) has said that after Thursday's flyby, the same asteroid will visit Earth on July 14, 2033. At that time, it is expected to be at a distance of 1,91,85,926 kilometres from the Earth. NASA's JPL has also orbital parameters of the asteroid along with its orbital diagram around Earth. The intersecting orbits of the planets and the asteroid can clearly be seen in the picture above. Earth's orbit is visible in light blue colour while that of the asteroid has been depicted in white.

A 'potentially hazardous' asteroid is coming near Earth on Thursday: NASA

Galaxies are not just a massive collection of stars. They are also stellar nurseries. New stars form and old die-out. However, the rate at which new stars are formed is not constant universally. Some galaxies form new stars at a greater rate while others are in a state of semi-retirement, that is, star formation is taking place at a much lower rate in these galaxies.

What is the reason behind these varying rates of star formation? What causes the rate of star formation to lower? These and some other questions have been in focus of space research for decades.&nbsp;

A study has pointed at the reason why star formation slows down in a galaxy. The answer is, supermassive black holes.

Supermassive black holes have mass millions or even billions of times of that of the Sun. Supermassive black holes are found at the centre of spiral galaxies. Their unimaginably strong gravitational force holds the entire galaxy together.

To find out what slows down star formation in a galaxy, researchers from the University of Cambridge used three state-of-the-art cosmological simulations -- EAGLE, Illustris and IllustrisTNG.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/decoding-pigs-emotions-scientists-can-now-tell-if-the-animal-is-happy-or-sad-464604">Decoding emotions: Scientists can now tell if a pig is happy or sad</a>

The researchers applied a machine-learning algorithm and classified galaxies into two types, 'star-forming' and 'quiescent'

The new simulations predicted that mass of the supermassive black hole was most important factor slowing down star formation in a galaxy.

Galaxies are not just a massive collection of stars. They are also stellar nurseries. New stars form and old die-out. However, the rate at which new stars are formed is not constant universally.

Galaxies are not just a massive collection of stars. They are also stellar nurseries. New stars form and old die-out. However, the rate at which new stars are formed is not constant universally. Some galaxies form new stars at a greater rate while others are in a state of semi-retirement, that is, star formation is taking place at a much lower rate in these galaxies. What is the reason behind these varying rates of star formation? What causes the rate of star formation to lower? These and some other questions have been in focus of space research for decades. A study has pointed at the reason why star formation slows down in a galaxy. The answer is, supermassive black holes. Supermassive black holes have mass millions or even billions of times of that of the Sun. Supermassive black holes are found at the centre of spiral galaxies. Their unimaginably strong gravitational force holds the entire galaxy together. To find out what slows down star formation in a galaxy, researchers from the University of Cambridge used three state-of-the-art cosmological simulations -- EAGLE, Illustris and IllustrisTNG. Also Read | Decoding emotions: Scientists can now tell if a pig is happy or sad The researchers applied a machine-learning algorithm and classified galaxies into two types, 'star-forming' and 'quiescent' The new simulations predicted that mass of the supermassive black hole was most important factor slowing down star formation in a galaxy.

What slows down star-formation in a galaxy? This is the answer

Space images are mesmerising. There is no doubt about that. Though we know a lot about what's out there, there's lot that is still to be found. But sometimes old images reveal something astoundingly whacky that our eyes go on a different trip altogether.

We know that various wavelengths mean that space looks in a particular way in 'visible' wavelengths of light. But a lot is hidden in wavelengths that are invisible to the naked eye and we have to make use of specialised telescopes to see the other wavelengths.

But its not often that a picture including invisible wavelengths opens a box of colours amazingly distinct from one that includes only visible wavelengths.

For example, check this image taken by Hubble telescope. This image contains wavelengths visible to the naked eye.

<img alt="Hubble" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="acb2abba-0294-4f03-948b-30fb101c3563" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Hubble.png" />

(Image: NASA)

And here's the same galaxy with inclusion of wavelengths that are invisible to the naked eye

<img alt="Galaxy" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8dac84dc-6722-4e24-8ae4-37e8d89edcc5" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/galaxy.png" />

(Image: ESO)

It's almost like the galaxy was hiding a personality, like that of a person seemingly introvert but who's a party freak on the inside.

The galaxy in the photo is called GC 4254, or Messier 99. The recent image of this galaxy has been clicked using Multi-Unit Spectroscopic Explorer (MUSE) on European Southern Obervatory's (ESO) Very Large Telescope. The ESO is located in Chile.

The galaxy is 50 lightyears away from us.

Space images are mesmerising. There is no doubt about that. Though we know a lot about what's out there, there's lot that is still to be found. But sometimes old images reveal something astoundingly whacky that our eyes go on a different trip altogether.

Space images are mesmerising. There is no doubt about that. Though we know a lot about what's out there, there's lot that is still to be found. But sometimes old images reveal something astoundingly whacky that our eyes go on a different trip altogether. We know that various wavelengths mean that space looks in a particular way in 'visible' wavelengths of light. But a lot is hidden in wavelengths that are invisible to the naked eye and we have to make use of specialised telescopes to see the other wavelengths. But its not often that a picture including invisible wavelengths opens a box of colours amazingly distinct from one that includes only visible wavelengths. For example, check this image taken by Hubble telescope. This image contains wavelengths visible to the naked eye. (Image: NASA) And here's the same galaxy with inclusion of wavelengths that are invisible to the naked eye (Image: ESO) It's almost like the galaxy was hiding a personality, like that of a person seemingly introvert but who's a party freak on the inside. The galaxy in the photo is called GC 4254, or Messier 99. The recent image of this galaxy has been clicked using Multi-Unit Spectroscopic Explorer (MUSE) on European Southern Obervatory's (ESO) Very Large Telescope. The ESO is located in Chile. The galaxy is 50 lightyears away from us.

A galaxy with split personality? Here's what we mean by this

Even before we had sophisticated technology at hand, we have been keen to look at the skies to uncover its secrets. As tech developed, we realised that what we could see was just a fraction of what was out there. We continued to gaze into the space nonetheless.

One of main thrusts of our skywatching has been to find exoplanets, and some that would possibly harbour life! But everything doesn't always go according to plan and our observations sometimes are not that accurate. That's life we suppose.

Astronomers have 'lost' three exoplanets. This means that these three space objects, previously considered to be exoplanets are not planets at all.&nbsp;

The objects Kepler-854b, Kepler-840b, and Kepler-699b have appeared to be too big to be exoplanets. So what are they?&nbsp;

Scientists think that they are stars!

Another object, Kepler-747b is considered to be a borderline case to qualify as a planet.

How are exoplanets discovered?

Planets may be notoriously hard to spot as, unlike stars, they do not emit their own light. So how are they found?

We can spot the light coming from a star. When a planet comes in between the star and us, there is a slight decrease or 'dip' in the light caught by our sophisticated lenses pointed at the sky.

As the tech is advancing, we are making use of newer techniques to accurately find exoplanets.

Even before we had sophisticated technology at hand, we have been keen to look at the skies to uncover its secrets. As tech developed, we realised that what we could see was just a fraction of what was out there.

Even before we had sophisticated technology at hand, we have been keen to look at the skies to uncover its secrets. As tech developed, we realised that what we could see was just a fraction of what was out there. We continued to gaze into the space nonetheless. One of main thrusts of our skywatching has been to find exoplanets, and some that would possibly harbour life! But everything doesn't always go according to plan and our observations sometimes are not that accurate. That's life we suppose. Astronomers have 'lost' three exoplanets. This means that these three space objects, previously considered to be exoplanets are not planets at all. The objects Kepler-854b, Kepler-840b, and Kepler-699b have appeared to be too big to be exoplanets. So what are they? Scientists think that they are stars! Another object, Kepler-747b is considered to be a borderline case to qualify as a planet. How are exoplanets discovered? Planets may be notoriously hard to spot as, unlike stars, they do not emit their own light. So how are they found? We can spot the light coming from a star. When a planet comes in between the star and us, there is a slight decrease or 'dip' in the light caught by our sophisticated lenses pointed at the sky. As the tech is advancing, we are making use of newer techniques to accurately find exoplanets.

Three exoplanets have been 'lost', here's what's the deal

Play of shadows in space causes a great many effects. The celestial bodies come between a star and another planet and cast their shadow on the latter. We are very well familiar with this play here on Earth as when Moon comes between the Sun and Earth, the shadow it casts causes a solar eclipse.

When it's time of Earth to come between Sun and Moon, we Earthlings get to witness a lunar eclipse.&nbsp;

With naked eyes, our ability is limited to watching only these two (but brilliantly beautiful) space events. Fortunately, we have enough telescopes and even spacecrafts looking at the void beyond the Earth's atmosphere to bring us brilliant pictures.

Take NASA's Juno spacecraft for example. The spacecraft is hovering around Jupiter for last five years. It has sent invaluable data and images our way and it continues to send more. These images have helped us to study the gas giant and its moons.

An interesting image taken by Juno spacecraft shows us the benefits of having eyes in the sky. The moment captured in this pic cannot possibly be witnessed from Earth

This image shows shadow of Jupiter's moon Ganymede falling on the gas giant. As per Space.com, this image was captured by Juno spacecraft during its 20th flyby.

Play of shadows in space causes a great many effects. The celestial bodies come between a star and another planet and cast their shadow on the latter. We are very well familiar with this play here on Earth as when Moon comes between the Sun and Earth, the shadow it casts causes a solar eclipse.

Play of shadows in space causes a great many effects. The celestial bodies come between a star and another planet and cast their shadow on the latter. We are very well familiar with this play here on Earth as when Moon comes between the Sun and Earth, the shadow it casts causes a solar eclipse. When it's time of Earth to come between Sun and Moon, we Earthlings get to witness a lunar eclipse. With naked eyes, our ability is limited to watching only these two (but brilliantly beautiful) space events. Fortunately, we have enough telescopes and even spacecrafts looking at the void beyond the Earth's atmosphere to bring us brilliant pictures. Take NASA's Juno spacecraft for example. The spacecraft is hovering around Jupiter for last five years. It has sent invaluable data and images our way and it continues to send more. These images have helped us to study the gas giant and its moons. An interesting image taken by Juno spacecraft shows us the benefits of having eyes in the sky. The moment captured in this pic cannot possibly be witnessed from Earth This image shows shadow of Jupiter's moon Ganymede falling on the gas giant. As per Space.com, this image was captured by Juno spacecraft during its 20th flyby.

NASA's Juno spacecraft clicks Jupiter's moon casting shadow on the gas giant

We all have days when we are so bored of life we find excuses to evade tasks that give us a (literal and metaphorical) headache. Our creativity is at its best to churn up reasons to dodge whatever it is that's coming our way. When we are young, these are called tantrums. When we are adults, its called 'Nope, bye'.

It appears stars throw 'tantrums' too. But unlike their mortal counterparts here on Earth, these tantrums cause something very spectacular in space.

So one such thing has been captured by NASA's Hubble Space Telescope. This 'tantrum' is an energetic outburst from a star. Why is it being termed 'tantrum'? Well the star is very young. Just imagine an annoying, loudmouth of a kid in a movie hall and you'll get the drift. His outbursts are hard to ignore during your ruined movie date.

Talking about science again, the star in question is being formed in Orion Nebula. The outburst from this extremely young star consists of incandescent jet&nbsp;of gas travelling at supersonic speed through space. This jet collides with star-forming material like dust around the young star and makes it glow. This visual spectacle gives rise to what are called Herbig-Haro objects.

Herbig-Haro object formed by jets from this star has been termed HH34. It was studied by Hubble telescope extensively from 1994-2007 and the space telescope continues to make these observations.&nbsp;

We all have days when we are so bored of life we find excuses to evade tasks that give us a (literal and metaphorical) headache. Our creativity is at its best to churn up reasons to dodge whatever it is that's coming our way.

We all have days when we are so bored of life we find excuses to evade tasks that give us a (literal and metaphorical) headache. Our creativity is at its best to churn up reasons to dodge whatever it is that's coming our way. When we are young, these are called tantrums. When we are adults, its called 'Nope, bye'. It appears stars throw 'tantrums' too. But unlike their mortal counterparts here on Earth, these tantrums cause something very spectacular in space. So one such thing has been captured by NASA's Hubble Space Telescope. This 'tantrum' is an energetic outburst from a star. Why is it being termed 'tantrum'? Well the star is very young. Just imagine an annoying, loudmouth of a kid in a movie hall and you'll get the drift. His outbursts are hard to ignore during your ruined movie date. Talking about science again, the star in question is being formed in Orion Nebula. The outburst from this extremely young star consists of incandescent jet of gas travelling at supersonic speed through space. This jet collides with star-forming material like dust around the young star and makes it glow. This visual spectacle gives rise to what are called Herbig-Haro objects. Herbig-Haro object formed by jets from this star has been termed HH34. It was studied by Hubble telescope extensively from 1994-2007 and the space telescope continues to make these observations.

This young star is throwing 'tantrums', here is what it means

Scientists are reporting a glow of X-Ray after a mega collision between two neutron stars. The strange glow is visible more than three years after the collision that resulted in what is called kilonova explosion. This X-Ray glow has been called "uncharted territory" by scientists.

It is being put for that the glow may have resulted from shockwave of the collision slamming into dust present in this region of space. Another theory is that the glow &nbsp;is generated due to ejecta of the explosion falling back into the new object, most likely a black hole

"We have entered uncharted territory here in studying the aftermath of a neutron star merger," said Northwestern’s Aprajita Hajela, who led the new study. “We are looking at something new and extraordinary for the very first time. This gives us an opportunity to study and understand new physical processes, which have not before been observed.”

The merger of the neutron stars led to a massive explosion. This explosion, called a kilonova blast is 1000 times brighter than a classical nova.

Using NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory, astronomers observed X-ray emissions from a jet moving very close to the speed of light produced by the neutron star merger. Starting in early 2018, the jet’s X-ray emission steadily faded as the jet continued to slow and expand. Hajela and her team then noticed from March 2020 until the end of 2020, the decline in brightness stopped, and the X-ray emission was approximately constant in brightness

The study has been published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters.

Scientists are reporting a glow of X-Ray after a mega collision between two neutron stars. The strange glow is visible more than three years after the collision that resulted in what is called kilonova explosion.

Scientists are reporting a glow of X-Ray after a mega collision between two neutron stars. The strange glow is visible more than three years after the collision that resulted in what is called kilonova explosion. This X-Ray glow has been called "uncharted territory" by scientists. It is being put for that the glow may have resulted from shockwave of the collision slamming into dust present in this region of space. Another theory is that the glow is generated due to ejecta of the explosion falling back into the new object, most likely a black hole "We have entered uncharted territory here in studying the aftermath of a neutron star merger," said Northwestern’s Aprajita Hajela, who led the new study. “We are looking at something new and extraordinary for the very first time. This gives us an opportunity to study and understand new physical processes, which have not before been observed.” The merger of the neutron stars led to a massive explosion. This explosion, called a kilonova blast is 1000 times brighter than a classical nova. Using NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory, astronomers observed X-ray emissions from a jet moving very close to the speed of light produced by the neutron star merger. Starting in early 2018, the jet’s X-ray emission steadily faded as the jet continued to slow and expand. Hajela and her team then noticed from March 2020 until the end of 2020, the decline in brightness stopped, and the X-ray emission was approximately constant in brightness The study has been published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters.

Afterglow of a possible kilonova explosion creates a buzz

Galaxies are huge. Really huge. Our Milky Way galaxy is so huge that it would take light (at 300,000 kilometres per second) would take 100,000 years to travel from one end of the galaxy to the other.

If you thought that was huge, wait till you imagine galaxy clusters. These are groups of galaxies and they often collide with each other. The shockwaves such collisions would generate would be quite massive. But exactly how massive?

Sample this, a shockwave of such a collision that took place billions of years ago is measuring 6.5 million light-years across! This means that this shockwave is many many times larger than entire Milky Way Galaxy!

The shockwave is travelling through space at speed of 1,500 kilometers per second (930 miles per second). The particular galaxy cluster that caused the shockwave is called Abell 3667. At least 550 galaxies are associated with it.

This shockwave is visible in radio wavelength. It has been observed by a team of astronomers using MeerKAT radio telescope in South Africa.

"These structures are full of surprises and much more complex than what we initially thought," says astronomer Francesco de Gasperin of the University of Hamburg. He was quoted by South African Radio Astronomy Observatory.

Galaxies are huge. Really huge. Our Milky Way galaxy is so huge that it would take light (at 300,000 kilometres per second) would take 100,000 years to travel from one end of the galaxy to the other.

Galaxies are huge. Really huge. Our Milky Way galaxy is so huge that it would take light (at 300,000 kilometres per second) would take 100,000 years to travel from one end of the galaxy to the other. If you thought that was huge, wait till you imagine galaxy clusters. These are groups of galaxies and they often collide with each other. The shockwaves such collisions would generate would be quite massive. But exactly how massive? Sample this, a shockwave of such a collision that took place billions of years ago is measuring 6.5 million light-years across! This means that this shockwave is many many times larger than entire Milky Way Galaxy! The shockwave is travelling through space at speed of 1,500 kilometers per second (930 miles per second). The particular galaxy cluster that caused the shockwave is called Abell 3667. At least 550 galaxies are associated with it. This shockwave is visible in radio wavelength. It has been observed by a team of astronomers using MeerKAT radio telescope in South Africa. "These structures are full of surprises and much more complex than what we initially thought," says astronomer Francesco de Gasperin of the University of Hamburg. He was quoted by South African Radio Astronomy Observatory.

Superhuge shockwave bigger than Milky Way galaxy is travelling through space

We are generally comfortable with the idea of planets revolving around stars or satellites of individual planets. But many of us are yet to wrap our heads around an asteroid having its own moons.

But one of the millions of asteroids in our solar system has now got the recognition of being an asteroid with three very own satellites. The asteroid is named 130 Elektra or just Elektra.

"Elektra is the first quadruple system ever detected," wrote a team of astronomers led by Anthony Berdeu of the National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand in their paper.

"This new detection … shows that dedicated data reduction and processing algorithms modeling the physics of the instruments can push their contrast limits further."

Asteroid Elektra is 260 kilometers (160 miles) across. It was first discovered in 1873. However, its first moon named S/2003 (130) 1 was discovered 130 years later. Its second moon S/2014 (130) 1 was discovered in 2014. Discovery of the third moon has made this an interesting system.

Discovering asteroids is a tough task to start with. Asteroids are much much smaller than planets and are dimly illuminated by sunlight. Satellites of asteroids (if any) are harder to detect still as they may appear very tiny specks of light, often outshone by their parent asteroid.

We are generally comfortable with the idea of planets revolving around stars or satellites of individual planets. But many of us are yet to wrap our heads around an asteroid having its own moons.

We are generally comfortable with the idea of planets revolving around stars or satellites of individual planets. But many of us are yet to wrap our heads around an asteroid having its own moons. But one of the millions of asteroids in our solar system has now got the recognition of being an asteroid with three very own satellites. The asteroid is named 130 Elektra or just Elektra. "Elektra is the first quadruple system ever detected," wrote a team of astronomers led by Anthony Berdeu of the National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand in their paper. "This new detection … shows that dedicated data reduction and processing algorithms modeling the physics of the instruments can push their contrast limits further." Asteroid Elektra is 260 kilometers (160 miles) across. It was first discovered in 1873. However, its first moon named S/2003 (130) 1 was discovered 130 years later. Its second moon S/2014 (130) 1 was discovered in 2014. Discovery of the third moon has made this an interesting system. Discovering asteroids is a tough task to start with. Asteroids are much much smaller than planets and are dimly illuminated by sunlight. Satellites of asteroids (if any) are harder to detect still as they may appear very tiny specks of light, often outshone by their parent asteroid.

Asteroid with three moons of its own found for the first time

It is perhaps a scary thought for humankind to consider itself the only intelligent life sitting on this blue planet hurtling in space. Perhaps search for intelligent alien life has been a major preoccupation of scientific communities and even governments for decades. Projects after projects have not yielded any sign of aliens but relying on the statistical probability of there being intelligent life on at least one of billions of planets in space, we've pressed on with our search.

But a comprehensive sky scan has again met with disappointment as intelligent alien life was not found.

Detection of radio waves is one of the ways to search for alien life. By our scientific logic, a civilization achieves radio transmission early in its technological development.

The sky scan was carried out using Murchison Widefield Array (MWA) in Australia. The sensors to receive any radio signals were pointed at our galactic centre as it is the place within our galaxy with maximum concentration of stars and planets. So the probability of detecting intelligent alien life is higher.&nbsp;

Radio waves are also produced naturally by celestial bodies. So the sky scan looked for technosignatures. These are effects generated by use of technology by the alien civilization.

The scan was aimed at 144 exoplanetary systems but it also completed a blind scan of 3 million stars near the galactic centre. The researchers involved in the serach mentioned in their paper that no technosignature was detected.&nbsp;

But does this conclusively prove that there no alien life at all? No.

Non-detection of technosignatures in this particular sky scan does not mean that there are no more technosignatures to be detected. If not advanced, life may even exist on alien planets in the form of microbes. We are just yet to stumble upon a conclusive proof.

It is perhaps a scary thought for humankind to consider itself the only intelligent life sitting on this blue planet hurtling in space. Perhaps search for intelligent alien life has been a major preoccupation of scientific communities and even governments for decades.

It is perhaps a scary thought for humankind to consider itself the only intelligent life sitting on this blue planet hurtling in space. Perhaps search for intelligent alien life has been a major preoccupation of scientific communities and even governments for decades. Projects after projects have not yielded any sign of aliens but relying on the statistical probability of there being intelligent life on at least one of billions of planets in space, we've pressed on with our search. But a comprehensive sky scan has again met with disappointment as intelligent alien life was not found. Detection of radio waves is one of the ways to search for alien life. By our scientific logic, a civilization achieves radio transmission early in its technological development. The sky scan was carried out using Murchison Widefield Array (MWA) in Australia. The sensors to receive any radio signals were pointed at our galactic centre as it is the place within our galaxy with maximum concentration of stars and planets. So the probability of detecting intelligent alien life is higher. Radio waves are also produced naturally by celestial bodies. So the sky scan looked for technosignatures. These are effects generated by use of technology by the alien civilization. The scan was aimed at 144 exoplanetary systems but it also completed a blind scan of 3 million stars near the galactic centre. The researchers involved in the serach mentioned in their paper that no technosignature was detected. But does this conclusively prove that there no alien life at all? No. Non-detection of technosignatures in this particular sky scan does not mean that there are no more technosignatures to be detected. If not advanced, life may even exist on alien planets in the form of microbes. We are just yet to stumble upon a conclusive proof.

Scan of millions of stars finds no signs of intelligent alien life

We have all the scientific gizmos at hand that let us peer into the deepest corners of space. The powerful telescopes we've built means we can literally go back in time and even look at celestial bodies that were formed in earlier universe. But sometimes, our observations from Earth are not able to capture space objects in a particular way just because we are on Earth.

Take planet Jupiter for example. The gas giant is farther from Sun than Earth is. As Jupiter's orbit lies beyond Earth's orbit, we can only see face of Jupiter that is illuminated due to sunlight. A crescent of Jupiter can never be seen from Earth.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pepperoni-storms-topping-jupiter-nasas-latest-video-goes-viral-watch-here-452734">'Pepperoni' storms topping Jupiter? NASA's latest video goes viral, watch here</a>

But now, NASA's Juno spacecraft has offered glimpse into how a crescent of Jupiter. Juno spacecraft reached Jupiter in 2016 after a journey of 5 years through space. The spacecraft is hovering around the gas giant and its moon.

Juno's mission team published an image of crescent of Jupiter on February 14.&nbsp;

"If you could ride along with NASA’s Juno spacecraft as it approaches Jupiter during one of its regular close passes by the giant planet, you would be treated to a striking vista similar to this one", the blog said

The planet can be seen partially illuminated due to sunlight. The photo was clicked using JunoCam. The camera took seven images during Juno’s 39th close pass by Jupiter on January 12.

We have all the scientific gizmos at hand that let us peer into the deepest corners of space. The powerful telescopes we've built means we can literally go back in time and even look at celestial bodies that were formed in earlier universe.

We have all the scientific gizmos at hand that let us peer into the deepest corners of space. The powerful telescopes we've built means we can literally go back in time and even look at celestial bodies that were formed in earlier universe. But sometimes, our observations from Earth are not able to capture space objects in a particular way just because we are on Earth. Take planet Jupiter for example. The gas giant is farther from Sun than Earth is. As Jupiter's orbit lies beyond Earth's orbit, we can only see face of Jupiter that is illuminated due to sunlight. A crescent of Jupiter can never be seen from Earth. Also Read | 'Pepperoni' storms topping Jupiter? NASA's latest video goes viral, watch here But now, NASA's Juno spacecraft has offered glimpse into how a crescent of Jupiter. Juno spacecraft reached Jupiter in 2016 after a journey of 5 years through space. The spacecraft is hovering around the gas giant and its moon. Juno's mission team published an image of crescent of Jupiter on February 14. "If you could ride along with NASA’s Juno spacecraft as it approaches Jupiter during one of its regular close passes by the giant planet, you would be treated to a striking vista similar to this one", the blog said The planet can be seen partially illuminated due to sunlight. The photo was clicked using JunoCam. The camera took seven images during Juno’s 39th close pass by Jupiter on January 12.

NASA's Juno spacecraft depicts Jupiter as we can never see from Earth

As we launch more and more satellites, the issue of space debris is becoming graver. Defunct, even disintegrating satellites still revolving in orbits around Earth can cause grat damage to the ones that are functioning. This space debris, travelling at very high speeds can also be dangerous for astronauts aboard International Space Station (ISS). With thousands of planned satellite launches, space debris is going to be a major issue creating potential impediments in humankind's spacefaring aspirations.

In what can be called a unique approach to manage the problem of space debris, the European Space Agency (ESA) has set up a laser station in Spain. The Izana-1 laser ranging station set up in Tenerife, Spain will make use of the laser to move space debris away.

The station will be part of European Optical Nucleus Network, which will be the first optical communications network. Lasers from this network will not just shine light on the space debris but will be able to gently nudge them in a different orbit around the Earth. They may come in handy to avoid collision between piece of space junk and a multimillion dollar satellite.

The staion, its lasers and telescopes have undergone months of testing till now. The station will be upgraded in next two years, making it perform the functions that are expected of it.

The ESA is planning to set up several of such stations across the continent.

As we launch more and more satellites, the issue of space debris is becoming graver. Defunct, even disintegrating satellites still revolving in orbits around Earth can cause grat damage to the ones that are functioning.

As we launch more and more satellites, the issue of space debris is becoming graver. Defunct, even disintegrating satellites still revolving in orbits around Earth can cause grat damage to the ones that are functioning. This space debris, travelling at very high speeds can also be dangerous for astronauts aboard International Space Station (ISS). With thousands of planned satellite launches, space debris is going to be a major issue creating potential impediments in humankind's spacefaring aspirations. In what can be called a unique approach to manage the problem of space debris, the European Space Agency (ESA) has set up a laser station in Spain. The Izana-1 laser ranging station set up in Tenerife, Spain will make use of the laser to move space debris away. The station will be part of European Optical Nucleus Network, which will be the first optical communications network. Lasers from this network will not just shine light on the space debris but will be able to gently nudge them in a different orbit around the Earth. They may come in handy to avoid collision between piece of space junk and a multimillion dollar satellite. The staion, its lasers and telescopes have undergone months of testing till now. The station will be upgraded in next two years, making it perform the functions that are expected of it. The ESA is planning to set up several of such stations across the continent.

Soon, a laser fired from Earth may move space debris away

Valentines Day is over and most of us have got a reason to continue to adore (or sadly not, depending on the response) our much loved and cherished person. But memories of Valentine's Day this year perhaps wouldn't be complete with a picture of this 'space rose'.

Giving rose to our Valentine has perhaps come to be a horrible cliche (or not if it is from the right person). But this 'space rose' is unique.

It is made up of 'interacting galaxies' as NASA puts it. So in other words, Hubble has captured image of two galaxies coming together on Valentine's Day. Talk about timing to tweet this image!&nbsp;

This 'space rose' is 350 lightyears away from us in Andromeda constellation. This galactic combine is called Arp 273. The physical contortions in the spiral galaxies have been formed due to mutual effects of gravity of these galaxies.

"Be our cosmic Valentine? The “space rose” in this Hubble image is made up of interacting galaxies, named Arp 273. This celestial flower blooms about 350 million light-years away in the constellation Andromeda," tweeted NASA's Hubble telescope handle.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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Be our cosmic Valentine? 🌹✨ 
 
The “space rose” in this Hubble image is made up of interacting galaxies, named Arp 273. This celestial flower blooms about 350 million light-years away in the constellation Andromeda. 
 
Find out more: <a href="https://t.co/FAldFLOZED">https://t.co/FAldFLOZED</a> <a href="https://t.co/Otzh2D1q2m">pic.twitter.com/Otzh2D1q2m</a>
— Hubble (@NASAHubble) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASAHubble/status/1493276354535735297?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 14, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Netizens have liked the image. The tweet has been liked by nearly 10 thousand Twitter users. The post has been retweeted by more than a thousand users.

Valentines Day is over and most of us have got a reason to continue to adore (or sadly not, depending on the response) our much loved and cherished person. But memories of Valentine's Day this year perhaps wouldn't be complete with a picture of this 'space rose'.

Valentines Day is over and most of us have got a reason to continue to adore (or sadly not, depending on the response) our much loved and cherished person. But memories of Valentine's Day this year perhaps wouldn't be complete with a picture of this 'space rose'. Giving rose to our Valentine has perhaps come to be a horrible cliche (or not if it is from the right person). But this 'space rose' is unique. It is made up of 'interacting galaxies' as NASA puts it. So in other words, Hubble has captured image of two galaxies coming together on Valentine's Day. Talk about timing to tweet this image! This 'space rose' is 350 lightyears away from us in Andromeda constellation. This galactic combine is called Arp 273. The physical contortions in the spiral galaxies have been formed due to mutual effects of gravity of these galaxies. "Be our cosmic Valentine? The “space rose” in this Hubble image is made up of interacting galaxies, named Arp 273. This celestial flower blooms about 350 million light-years away in the constellation Andromeda," tweeted NASA's Hubble telescope handle. Be our cosmic Valentine? 🌹✨ The “space rose” in this Hubble image is made up of interacting galaxies, named Arp 273. This celestial flower blooms about 350 million light-years away in the constellation Andromeda. Find out more: https://t.co/FAldFLOZED pic.twitter.com/Otzh2D1q2m — Hubble (@NASAHubble) February 14, 2022 × Netizens have liked the image. The tweet has been liked by nearly 10 thousand Twitter users. The post has been retweeted by more than a thousand users.

NASA's Hubble telescope clicks 'space rose' on Valentine's Day

Reports say&nbsp;that part of SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket broke down and fell towards Earth over Mexico as it burnt through the atmosphere. The rocket had sent a satellite to space in the year 2017. The spacecraft had helped in the launch of Echostar 23 mission that aimed to provide internet, broadband and other connectivity solutions to Brazil.

A Twitter handle @FronteraSpacial posted a video on February 6. The handle says that the video shows visuals of Falcon 9 rocket burning up through Earth's atmosphere.

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🔥 FALCON 9 DE SPACEX CAE SOBRE MÉXICO 🇲🇽 
 
Esta noche se ha visto un "<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Meteorito?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Meteorito</a>" cayendo sobre el norte de México. 
 
🚀 En realidad era la segunda etapa de un Falcon 9 de SpaceX lanzado en marzo del 2017 con la misión EchoStar23. 
 
Se ha desintegrado en la atmósfera completamente. <a href="https://t.co/5ERaFTMBJ2">pic.twitter.com/5ERaFTMBJ2</a>
— Frontera Espacial (@FronteraSpacial) <a href="https://twitter.com/FronteraSpacial/status/1490334993494781952?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 6, 2022</a></blockquote>
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It was initially thought that this was a meteoroid. But FronteraSpacial says that this visual represents part of Falcon 9 rocket falling towards Earth.

"SPACEX FALCON 9 FALLS OVER MEXICO. Tonight a "#Meteorite" has been seen falling over northern Mexico. It was actually the second stage of a SpaceX Falcon 9 launched in March 2017 with the EchoStar23 mission. It has completely disintegrated in the atmosphere," says the handle (translated).

When a satellites falls towards Earth (re-entry), it is rarely a dangerous situation for citizens as friction with atmosphere breaks up the parts and subsequently burns it. There are, however, several examples of sizeable portion of a re-entering satellite having been found on the surface of Earth.

Elon Musk or SpaceX haven't commented on second stage Falcon-9 rocket falling, as it is fairly common for second state rocket component to re-enter the Earth's atmosphere and getting destroyed.&nbsp;

Reports say that part of SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket broke down and fell towards Earth over Mexico as it burnt through the atmosphere. The rocket had sent a satellite to space in the year 2017.

Reports say that part of SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket broke down and fell towards Earth over Mexico as it burnt through the atmosphere. The rocket had sent a satellite to space in the year 2017. The spacecraft had helped in the launch of Echostar 23 mission that aimed to provide internet, broadband and other connectivity solutions to Brazil. A Twitter handle @FronteraSpacial posted a video on February 6. The handle says that the video shows visuals of Falcon 9 rocket burning up through Earth's atmosphere. 🔥 FALCON 9 DE SPACEX CAE SOBRE MÉXICO 🇲🇽 Esta noche se ha visto un "#Meteorito" cayendo sobre el norte de México. 🚀 En realidad era la segunda etapa de un Falcon 9 de SpaceX lanzado en marzo del 2017 con la misión EchoStar23. Se ha desintegrado en la atmósfera completamente. pic.twitter.com/5ERaFTMBJ2 — Frontera Espacial (@FronteraSpacial) February 6, 2022 × It was initially thought that this was a meteoroid. But FronteraSpacial says that this visual represents part of Falcon 9 rocket falling towards Earth. "SPACEX FALCON 9 FALLS OVER MEXICO. Tonight a "#Meteorite" has been seen falling over northern Mexico. It was actually the second stage of a SpaceX Falcon 9 launched in March 2017 with the EchoStar23 mission. It has completely disintegrated in the atmosphere," says the handle (translated). When a satellites falls towards Earth (re-entry), it is rarely a dangerous situation for citizens as friction with atmosphere breaks up the parts and subsequently burns it. There are, however, several examples of sizeable portion of a re-entering satellite having been found on the surface of Earth. Elon Musk or SpaceX haven't commented on second stage Falcon-9 rocket falling, as it is fairly common for second state rocket component to re-enter the Earth's atmosphere and getting destroyed.

SpaceX Falcon 9 second-stage rocket component disintegrates, falls to Earth: Report

Human eyes (and lenses) are almost always pointed at the sky. Along with wonders of the universe, they are also on the look-out for threats that may be hurtling towards Earth at speeds of thousands of miles an hour.

Asteroids pose great threat to Earth and humanity. A direct hit can singlehandedly wipe-out humanity's existence from the planet. This has happened before. A direct hit from an asteroid ended reign of dinosaurs millions of years ago. The species that was dominating nearly every food chain on the planet was eliminated in one stroke.

It is therefore wise to keep looking at the skies for any such threat.

Gianluca Masi, An astronomer at Virtual Telescope Project in Italy has clicked image of a potentially hazardous asteroid that is hurtling towards the Earth at the speed of 26,800 miles per hour.

<img alt="Asteroid" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9b009d28-cc91-4e5c-8dd2-01bb2f22e8f9" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/asteroid.JPG" />

(The actual asteroid has been indicated by an arrow in the image above)

The asteroid is soon going to have a close encounter with Earth. It is slated to take place on March 4 at 1:30 pm IST.

As per a report in Newsweek, the asteroid completes an orbit of the Sun in 384 days. The asteroid has indeed been classified 'potentially hazardous', but we need not worry about it being responsible for the end of humanity.

Classification as 'potentially hazardous' does not mean that the asteroid is going to hit us. It only means that it will pass closely by the Earth.

Human eyes (and lenses) are almost always pointed at the sky. Along with wonders of the universe, they are also on the look-out for threats that may be hurtling towards Earth at speeds of thousands of miles an hour.

Human eyes (and lenses) are almost always pointed at the sky. Along with wonders of the universe, they are also on the look-out for threats that may be hurtling towards Earth at speeds of thousands of miles an hour. Asteroids pose great threat to Earth and humanity. A direct hit can singlehandedly wipe-out humanity's existence from the planet. This has happened before. A direct hit from an asteroid ended reign of dinosaurs millions of years ago. The species that was dominating nearly every food chain on the planet was eliminated in one stroke. It is therefore wise to keep looking at the skies for any such threat. Gianluca Masi, An astronomer at Virtual Telescope Project in Italy has clicked image of a potentially hazardous asteroid that is hurtling towards the Earth at the speed of 26,800 miles per hour. (The actual asteroid has been indicated by an arrow in the image above) The asteroid is soon going to have a close encounter with Earth. It is slated to take place on March 4 at 1:30 pm IST. As per a report in Newsweek, the asteroid completes an orbit of the Sun in 384 days. The asteroid has indeed been classified 'potentially hazardous', but we need not worry about it being responsible for the end of humanity. Classification as 'potentially hazardous' does not mean that the asteroid is going to hit us. It only means that it will pass closely by the Earth.

Astronomer clicks photo of potentially hazardous asteroid coming towards Earth

We all know that a direct impact from an asteroid brought about end of dinosaurs who ruled the planet millions of years ago. Humanity, fortunately, has not suffered such a globe-spanning fate but if researchers are to be believed, we have already got a taste of what such an event can bring about.

This celestial event took place about 1500 years ago. It was not an asteroid but a comet that is being thought to have brought an end to a local culture in the eastern USA. The near-Earth comet literally sent debris towards Earth which caused widespread fires in area spanning 9200 square miles.

Researchers are studying reasons behind decline of Hopewell Cuture in eastern USA. Though war and climate factors have been considered as reasons, they think that blast from the near-Earth comet may have played a huge role.

Researchers found unusual amounts of Iridium and Platinum at 11 Hopewell archaeological sites. These elements are tell-tale signs of meteorite fragments. A charcoal layer in sediments of the ground indicates a period of intense heat.&nbsp;

The team of researchers comprising those from University of Cincinnati hypothesizes that the near-Earth comet may have sent the debris and may have caused a massive airburst that had profound effect on the existence of these tribes.

The hypothesis of a near-Earth comet is given strength by folk tales from that period that have been passed down orally to present day.

Tales in some tribes talk of a giant serpent slithering across the sky. A comet with a distinct tail may well have appeared as a serpent to members of the tribe who did not have a word for comet. Tales in few other tribes talk of a 'sky panther' having the power to tear down forests, probably a reference to widespread fires caused by the air blast.

Researchers maintain that more study was required to come to a definite conclusion but cultural and archaeological indications surely point towards a fascinating episode when humanity 'interacted' with the sky.

We all know that a direct impact from an asteroid brought about end of dinosaurs who ruled the planet millions of years ago. Humanity, fortunately, has not suffered such a globe-spanning fate but if researchers are to be believed, we have already got a taste of what such an event can bring about.

We all know that a direct impact from an asteroid brought about end of dinosaurs who ruled the planet millions of years ago. Humanity, fortunately, has not suffered such a globe-spanning fate but if researchers are to be believed, we have already got a taste of what such an event can bring about. This celestial event took place about 1500 years ago. It was not an asteroid but a comet that is being thought to have brought an end to a local culture in the eastern USA. The near-Earth comet literally sent debris towards Earth which caused widespread fires in area spanning 9200 square miles. Researchers are studying reasons behind decline of Hopewell Cuture in eastern USA. Though war and climate factors have been considered as reasons, they think that blast from the near-Earth comet may have played a huge role. Researchers found unusual amounts of Iridium and Platinum at 11 Hopewell archaeological sites. These elements are tell-tale signs of meteorite fragments. A charcoal layer in sediments of the ground indicates a period of intense heat. The team of researchers comprising those from University of Cincinnati hypothesizes that the near-Earth comet may have sent the debris and may have caused a massive airburst that had profound effect on the existence of these tribes. The hypothesis of a near-Earth comet is given strength by folk tales from that period that have been passed down orally to present day. Tales in some tribes talk of a giant serpent slithering across the sky. A comet with a distinct tail may well have appeared as a serpent to members of the tribe who did not have a word for comet. Tales in few other tribes talk of a 'sky panther' having the power to tear down forests, probably a reference to widespread fires caused by the air blast. Researchers maintain that more study was required to come to a definite conclusion but cultural and archaeological indications surely point towards a fascinating episode when humanity 'interacted' with the sky.

Blast from a near-Earth comet may literally have destroyed this culture

Residents of Karachi in Pakistan were thrilled to see a meteor lighting up the sky on Saturday (January 29). The falling fireball meteor was recorded by many (who could quickly take sights off the wonderful event and take out their phones). Social media buzzed with photos and videos of the meteoroid falling from the sky.

It has been reported that the falling meteor was visible in the sky around 7:15 pm local time. It was seen not only from Karachi&nbsp;but from some other parts of Sindh province as well. It was seen by many people and local astronomers reportedly confirmed that it was really a space rock burning through Earth's atmosphere.

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Exclusive Scenes of Falling of Meteor in Karachi Last Night..❤<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BreakingNews?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BreakingNews</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Meteor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Meteor</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Karachi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Karachi</a> <a href="https://t.co/MH1yVzoYxt">pic.twitter.com/MH1yVzoYxt</a>
— Weather Of Karachi- WOK (@KarachiWok) <a href="https://twitter.com/KarachiWok/status/1487865527552913418?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 30, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Saw meteor in Pakistan. People from karachi and hyderabad saw it on Saturday. It was in green light. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Meteor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Meteor</a> <a href="https://t.co/WjBT0RCD9H">https://t.co/WjBT0RCD9H</a> <a href="https://t.co/C0U9HCuKdf">pic.twitter.com/C0U9HCuKdf</a>
— asadMmanc (@asadMManc) <a href="https://twitter.com/asadMManc/status/1487906838989656065?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 30, 2022</a></blockquote>
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A <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/meteor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#meteor</a> hurtled through the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/night?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#night</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/sky?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#sky</a> over <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Karachi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Karachi</a> last night and was visible to stargazers in the metropolis and other parts of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Sindh?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Sindh</a>. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Astronomical?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Astronomical</a> groups confirmed the event as the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/rock?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#rock</a> could be seen <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/burning?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#burning</a> up in the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/earth?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#earth</a>'s <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/atmosphere?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#atmosphere</a>, before crashing to the ground <a href="https://t.co/yp53cwtMVh">pic.twitter.com/yp53cwtMVh</a>
— Haider Ali (@Haider__Al1) <a href="https://twitter.com/Haider__Al1/status/1488032623561633793?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 31, 2022</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Such a phenomenon is often called a 'falling star' because it really appears as if a star is falling from the sky. It is also held in many cultures that if you make a wish when you see a falling star, it becomes a reality.

Scientifically speaking, a meteoroid is just a space rock that is drawn to Earth due to gravity. As it falls towards the Earth, it travels through Earth's atmosphere. The immense friction this process causes generates a lot of heat and the meteoroid can be seen glowing as falls. Most meteoroids burn up before reaching the surface of the Earth. But if they are of sufficient size, small parts do fall on Earth. These are then called 'meteorites'.

Watching meteors burning through the sky sure makes for a beautiful sight. But meteoroids of very big size can also collide with Earth to wipe humanity off the only planet it calls home.

Residents of Karachi in Pakistan were thrilled to see a meteor lighting up the sky on Saturday (January 29). The falling fireball meteor was recorded by many (who could quickly take sights off the wonderful event and take out their phones).

Residents of Karachi in Pakistan were thrilled to see a meteor lighting up the sky on Saturday (January 29). The falling fireball meteor was recorded by many (who could quickly take sights off the wonderful event and take out their phones). Social media buzzed with photos and videos of the meteoroid falling from the sky. It has been reported that the falling meteor was visible in the sky around 7:15 pm local time. It was seen not only from Karachi but from some other parts of Sindh province as well. It was seen by many people and local astronomers reportedly confirmed that it was really a space rock burning through Earth's atmosphere. Exclusive Scenes of Falling of Meteor in Karachi Last Night..❤#BreakingNews #Meteor #Karachi pic.twitter.com/MH1yVzoYxt — Weather Of Karachi- WOK (@KarachiWok) January 30, 2022 × Saw meteor in Pakistan. People from karachi and hyderabad saw it on Saturday. It was in green light. #Meteor https://t.co/WjBT0RCD9H pic.twitter.com/C0U9HCuKdf — asadMmanc (@asadMManc) January 30, 2022 × A #meteor hurtled through the #night #sky over #Karachi last night and was visible to stargazers in the metropolis and other parts of #Sindh. #Astronomical groups confirmed the event as the #rock could be seen #burning up in the #earth's #atmosphere, before crashing to the ground pic.twitter.com/yp53cwtMVh — Haider Ali (@Haider__Al1) January 31, 2022 × Such a phenomenon is often called a 'falling star' because it really appears as if a star is falling from the sky. It is also held in many cultures that if you make a wish when you see a falling star, it becomes a reality. Scientifically speaking, a meteoroid is just a space rock that is drawn to Earth due to gravity. As it falls towards the Earth, it travels through Earth's atmosphere. The immense friction this process causes generates a lot of heat and the meteoroid can be seen glowing as falls. Most meteoroids burn up before reaching the surface of the Earth. But if they are of sufficient size, small parts do fall on Earth. These are then called 'meteorites'. Watching meteors burning through the sky sure makes for a beautiful sight. But meteoroids of very big size can also collide with Earth to wipe humanity off the only planet it calls home.

Watch video: Fireball meteor brightens up Karachi sky

Octopuses are surely strange to look at. A blob of jelly with two eyes and tentacles can scare the life out of you if you happen to cross their path in the sea. The slimy creature slips in and out of sight and is able to compress its soft body to an astonishing degree.

But calling them aliens would be the last thing on our minds!

But a study has said that octopuses may have fallen to Earth from space in icy bolides hundreds of millions of years ago.

We know the accepted scientific view of origin of life on Earth. But Panspermia, the argument that life was 'brought' to Earth by celestial bodies like comets also has solid interest in the scientific community.

In our search for life in space, we often look for presence of water. A comet contains ice. It is therefore, at least in theory, held to be acceptable to propose that life forms like microbes were carried through space in comets and brought to Earth.&nbsp;

The study on the octupuses suggests that cryopreserved eggs of either squids or octopuses could have arrived on Earth hundreds of millions of years ago preserved in ice.

The study was published in journal Progress in Biophysics and Molecular Biology in the year 2018.

It is important to note that scientific community has not found solid evidence about octopuses.

Octopuses are surely strange to look at. A blob of jelly with two eyes and tentacles can scare the life out of you if you happen to cross their path in the sea. The slimy creature slips in and out of sight and is able to compress its soft body to an astonishing degree.

Octopuses are surely strange to look at. A blob of jelly with two eyes and tentacles can scare the life out of you if you happen to cross their path in the sea. The slimy creature slips in and out of sight and is able to compress its soft body to an astonishing degree. But calling them aliens would be the last thing on our minds! But a study has said that octopuses may have fallen to Earth from space in icy bolides hundreds of millions of years ago. We know the accepted scientific view of origin of life on Earth. But Panspermia, the argument that life was 'brought' to Earth by celestial bodies like comets also has solid interest in the scientific community. In our search for life in space, we often look for presence of water. A comet contains ice. It is therefore, at least in theory, held to be acceptable to propose that life forms like microbes were carried through space in comets and brought to Earth. The study on the octupuses suggests that cryopreserved eggs of either squids or octopuses could have arrived on Earth hundreds of millions of years ago preserved in ice. The study was published in journal Progress in Biophysics and Molecular Biology in the year 2018. It is important to note that scientific community has not found solid evidence about octopuses.

Octopuses came from space? This study says so

The universe is full of wonders. We already know that. But every now and then the huge expanse of (nearly) nothingness springs up a surprise that makes even scientists go "wow!". For us mortals, the play of colours, the explosions, the formations and what not is always a thing of wonder. These images are shared widely, by space agencies like NASA and even by astronauts from around the world. The sheer beauty makes these images go viral.

We bring you some of these space images that stopped people in their tracks.

Hand of God

<img alt="NASA Hand of God" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="cfe876a2-ef26-459c-8f4f-8c1cd93ded19" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/NASA%20Hand%20of%20God.PNG" />

This was undeniably the most recognisable image NASA posted. &nbsp;The beautuiful golden structure that appears to pop out of nowehere in space is shaped like a hand blessing everyone. NASA explained that the 'hand of God' is a nebula of energy and particles blown by a pulsar. The pulsar had been left behind after explosion of a star. This pulsar is known as PSR B1509-58. It is spins around itself 7 times per second! It is 17,000 lightyears away from Earth.

 
The 'Devil's eye'

<img alt="NASA The Devil's Eye" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9ec8d364-7270-4f17-8eaa-11d4c467e150" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Devil%27s%20Eye.PNG" />

God has been represented. Now comes the turn of the Devil. This celestial structure looked like an eye that was definitely didn't appear friendly. The eyelashes were blue and the iris was blazing red. Was it the Devil himself? This is Helix Nebula which was clicked by Spitzer telescope. Helix Nebula is 700 light-years away from Earth and located in the Aquarius constellation&nbsp;

 
Visitor in our backyard

<img alt="NASA Comet Leonard" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="aa9fb670-2f95-41a5-baa8-d291719d604b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Comet%20Leonard.JPG" />

We have a visitor! And he is still in our backyard. Comet Leonard, the brightest comet of the year came into our field of vision in December 2021. Watching this celestial nomad was a once in a lifetime opportunity as it is due to come back near Earth 35,000 years from now, if Sun doesn't gobble it up this time that is. Comet Leonard had a close shave with NASA and European Space Agency's (ESA) solar orbitter. Thankfully, there was no cause for concern.

The 'Running Man nebula'

<img alt="NASA Running man nebula" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="692e2861-86d4-4e4c-a5f9-5379beb76154" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Running%20man%20nebula.JPG" />

The Running Man Nebula is 5000 light-years away from Earth. Its scientific designation is NGC 1977. This nebula was in news because NASA captured a pic of 'Herbig Haro object'. Herbig Haro nebula is a type of nebula that forms when gas from a young star collides with surrounding dust and produces shockwaves.

 
Prawn nebula

<img alt="Prawn Nebula" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="545b4383-baaa-4d92-b021-766df30de26a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Prawn%20nebula.JPG" />

Nebulas are where new stars are formed. In November, NASA clicked an image of Prawn Nebula, a massive solar nursery. The nebula is 250 might-years wide and is situated at a distance of 6000 light-years away from Earth. Formally, the Prawn Nebula is called IC 4628.

Aurora from space

<img alt="NASA Aurora" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="54b629dc-8255-4969-950c-95285ca85b8a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Aurora.JPG" />

We are so busy pointing our scopes at stars that we often forget how beautiful our own planet is. Not each of us is lucky enough to go to space and click picture of Earth but astronauts have been doing so for us. European Space Agency astronaut Thomas Pesquet, who was stationed in International Space Station has been prolific in clicking such pictures. In September this year, he showed all of us how an Aurora looks from space.

 
The 'eye in the sky'

<img alt="NASA eye in the sky" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="abcc1db4-fb70-441b-935c-79accecf6dfa" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Eye%20in%20the%20sky.JPG" />

This one is not as scary as the 'Devil's eye' but is beautiful nonetheless. This image was clicked by NASA. This is Seyfert galaxy. The galaxy has a supermassive black hole in the centre but it emits a large amount of electromagnetic radiation. The active galactic nucleus with high luminosity gives it an appearance of an 'eye in the sky'

 
Eerie glow on Earth

<img alt="Earth Blue glow Thomas Pequet" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="85791385-5372-47c4-9187-ceafdce9a18b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Blue%20glow.JPG" />

Thomas Pesquet strikes again! The ESA astronaut captured this image when he was aboard International Space Station (ISS). On October 8, Pesquet posted an image in which part of night side of Earth was visible. The land could be seen lit up with cities and roads and more. But remarkable thing in the photo was a strange blue glow. Pesquet was stumped as to what this would be, as were people on Instagram.

Space and even our planet Earth have many wonders still hidden from us. 2022 will surely send such visual treats our way.

The universe is full of wonders. We already know that. But every now and then the huge expanse of (nearly) nothingness springs up a surprise that makes even scientists go "wow!

The universe is full of wonders. We already know that. But every now and then the huge expanse of (nearly) nothingness springs up a surprise that makes even scientists go "wow!". For us mortals, the play of colours, the explosions, the formations and what not is always a thing of wonder. These images are shared widely, by space agencies like NASA and even by astronauts from around the world. The sheer beauty makes these images go viral. We bring you some of these space images that stopped people in their tracks. Hand of God This was undeniably the most recognisable image NASA posted. The beautuiful golden structure that appears to pop out of nowehere in space is shaped like a hand blessing everyone. NASA explained that the 'hand of God' is a nebula of energy and particles blown by a pulsar. The pulsar had been left behind after explosion of a star. This pulsar is known as PSR B1509-58. It is spins around itself 7 times per second! It is 17,000 lightyears away from Earth. The 'Devil's eye' God has been represented. Now comes the turn of the Devil. This celestial structure looked like an eye that was definitely didn't appear friendly. The eyelashes were blue and the iris was blazing red. Was it the Devil himself? This is Helix Nebula which was clicked by Spitzer telescope. Helix Nebula is 700 light-years away from Earth and located in the Aquarius constellation Visitor in our backyard We have a visitor! And he is still in our backyard. Comet Leonard, the brightest comet of the year came into our field of vision in December 2021. Watching this celestial nomad was a once in a lifetime opportunity as it is due to come back near Earth 35,000 years from now, if Sun doesn't gobble it up this time that is. Comet Leonard had a close shave with NASA and European Space Agency's (ESA) solar orbitter. Thankfully, there was no cause for concern. The 'Running Man nebula' The Running Man Nebula is 5000 light-years away from Earth. Its scientific designation is NGC 1977. This nebula was in news because NASA captured a pic of 'Herbig Haro object'. Herbig Haro nebula is a type of nebula that forms when gas from a young star collides with surrounding dust and produces shockwaves. Prawn nebula Nebulas are where new stars are formed. In November, NASA clicked an image of Prawn Nebula, a massive solar nursery. The nebula is 250 might-years wide and is situated at a distance of 6000 light-years away from Earth. Formally, the Prawn Nebula is called IC 4628. Aurora from space We are so busy pointing our scopes at stars that we often forget how beautiful our own planet is. Not each of us is lucky enough to go to space and click picture of Earth but astronauts have been doing so for us. European Space Agency astronaut Thomas Pesquet, who was stationed in International Space Station has been prolific in clicking such pictures. In September this year, he showed all of us how an Aurora looks from space. The 'eye in the sky' This one is not as scary as the 'Devil's eye' but is beautiful nonetheless. This image was clicked by NASA. This is Seyfert galaxy. The galaxy has a supermassive black hole in the centre but it emits a large amount of electromagnetic radiation. The active galactic nucleus with high luminosity gives it an appearance of an 'eye in the sky' Eerie glow on Earth Thomas Pesquet strikes again! The ESA astronaut captured this image when he was aboard International Space Station (ISS). On October 8, Pesquet posted an image in which part of night side of Earth was visible. The land could be seen lit up with cities and roads and more. But remarkable thing in the photo was a strange blue glow. Pesquet was stumped as to what this would be, as were people on Instagram. Space and even our planet Earth have many wonders still hidden from us. 2022 will surely send such visual treats our way.

Hand of God, Devil's eye and more NASA pics that wowed people around the world

For a layperson, planets other than Earth are not dynamic worlds. Earth is full of natural activity but other planets are barren landscapes in popular perception.

But this is not always the case. Planets in space may not have life, but they surely have their own processes.

Take Mars for example. The Red Planet doesn't harbour any known life now but it has seismic activity. Quakes on Mars are called 'Marsquakes'.

Indian scientists have now spotted unique geological movements on the martian surface that bear testimony to instances of marsquakes. Scientists from Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) in Ahmedabad have spotted tell-tale signs of bouncing boulders on martian surface.

The scientists studied photos of martian surface taken in NASA missions from 2006 and 2020. A curious pattern was seen in the soil of the Red Planet.

When a boulder tumbles on Mars, it creates a characteristic V-shaped pattern at the location of impact. And a bouncing boulder means that a series of these 'V's is sketched on the surface on points the bouncing boulder makes contact.

The broad portion of the V-shape points at the direction of the slope.

Scientists from PRL have observed more than 4500 such tracks made by bouncing boulders. The movement of these boulders has been associated with seismic activity of Mars. Such an association is strengthened by the fact that these tracks made of Vs have been observed in greater numbers in Cerberus Fossae region on Mars. This region is especially seismically active.

For a layperson, planets other than Earth are not dynamic worlds. Earth is full of natural activity but other planets are barren landscapes in popular perception.

For a layperson, planets other than Earth are not dynamic worlds. Earth is full of natural activity but other planets are barren landscapes in popular perception. But this is not always the case. Planets in space may not have life, but they surely have their own processes. Take Mars for example. The Red Planet doesn't harbour any known life now but it has seismic activity. Quakes on Mars are called 'Marsquakes'. Indian scientists have now spotted unique geological movements on the martian surface that bear testimony to instances of marsquakes. Scientists from Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) in Ahmedabad have spotted tell-tale signs of bouncing boulders on martian surface. The scientists studied photos of martian surface taken in NASA missions from 2006 and 2020. A curious pattern was seen in the soil of the Red Planet. When a boulder tumbles on Mars, it creates a characteristic V-shaped pattern at the location of impact. And a bouncing boulder means that a series of these 'V's is sketched on the surface on points the bouncing boulder makes contact. The broad portion of the V-shape points at the direction of the slope. Scientists from PRL have observed more than 4500 such tracks made by bouncing boulders. The movement of these boulders has been associated with seismic activity of Mars. Such an association is strengthened by the fact that these tracks made of Vs have been observed in greater numbers in Cerberus Fossae region on Mars. This region is especially seismically active.

Bouncing boulders on Mars tell tale of marsquakes

Elon Musk's SpaceX continues to launch its Starlink satellites. More than a thousand Starlink satellites have already been launched. These low-orbiy satellites can already be seen in the night sky and casual observers are reporting strange lights moving across the night sky in a straight line. Though claims of UFOs are aplenty, in recent times, all such people are probably seeing are Starlink satellites.

SpaceX is not planning to lose its momentum anytime soon and preparing to launch yet another batch of satellites. This time, 49 satellites will be launched into space on a Falcon 9 rocket. The launch is slated to take place on January 19 at 0004 hours GMT (5:34 am on January 19 as per Indian Standard Time). The launch will take place from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

Launch of any spacecraft/ satellite is an exciting thing to watch live. So if you want to catch this launch LIVE, ther are many options.

If you want to watch it on SpaceX website, <a href="https://www.spacex.com/launches/index.html">you can do that here</a>.

If you want to watch it on Youtube, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yov854ZT1lg">this is the link</a>

Starlink is an ambitious venture of Elon Musk's SpaceX that aims to create a constellation of satellites so that internet can be made available to almost anyonwe in the world.

Elon Musk's SpaceX continues to launch its Starlink satellites. More than a thousand Starlink satellites have already been launched. These low-orbiy satellites can already be seen in the night sky and casual observers are reporting strange lights moving across the night sky in a straight line.

Elon Musk's SpaceX continues to launch its Starlink satellites. More than a thousand Starlink satellites have already been launched. These low-orbiy satellites can already be seen in the night sky and casual observers are reporting strange lights moving across the night sky in a straight line. Though claims of UFOs are aplenty, in recent times, all such people are probably seeing are Starlink satellites. SpaceX is not planning to lose its momentum anytime soon and preparing to launch yet another batch of satellites. This time, 49 satellites will be launched into space on a Falcon 9 rocket. The launch is slated to take place on January 19 at 0004 hours GMT (5:34 am on January 19 as per Indian Standard Time). The launch will take place from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Launch of any spacecraft/ satellite is an exciting thing to watch live. So if you want to catch this launch LIVE, ther are many options. If you want to watch it on SpaceX website, you can do that here. If you want to watch it on Youtube, this is the link Starlink is an ambitious venture of Elon Musk's SpaceX that aims to create a constellation of satellites so that internet can be made available to almost anyonwe in the world.

Elon Musk's SpaceX to launch 49 Starlink satellites soon: How to watch Live

Our Solar System is situated almost exactly in the middle of a giant, relatively empty bubble in space. This mysterious bubble is 1000 lightyears across. Inside the bubble, temperature of the interstellar medium is greater than that outside the bubble.

For years, presence of this bubble has baffled scientists. A strong explanation behind existence of this bubble, known as Local Bubble, was not present. But now we may know why this bubble exists.

A team of astronomers led by the Harvard &amp; Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (CfA) has mapped the Local Bubble with highest precision till date. The team has found that a number of supernovas (explosion of stars) formed the bubble millions of years ago. Supernovas can carve a cavity in interstellar medium.&nbsp;

Astronomers found that the bubble's history started 14.4 million years ago. This started with formation of stars. Supernovas of these short-lived stars followed. The energy of the explosion pushed the interstellar material away and formed the bubble inside which temperature was higher than thant outside it. Density of the interstellar material inside the bubble is less than outside.

Astronomers found that there were 15 supernovas inside the bubble.

The Local Bubble is still growing at a rate of 6.7 kilometres per second. This is quite a slow speed when we consider events in space.

But why is Solar System right in the middle of the Local Bubble? Well that's purely due to chance. When the first supernova took place, Solar System was quite away from it. But Solar System's travel around the galaxy brought it (by chance) in the middle of the Local Bubble.

Our Solar System is situated almost exactly in the middle of a giant, relatively empty bubble in space. This mysterious bubble is 1000 lightyears across. Inside the bubble, temperature of the interstellar medium is greater than that outside the bubble.

Our Solar System is situated almost exactly in the middle of a giant, relatively empty bubble in space. This mysterious bubble is 1000 lightyears across. Inside the bubble, temperature of the interstellar medium is greater than that outside the bubble. For years, presence of this bubble has baffled scientists. A strong explanation behind existence of this bubble, known as Local Bubble, was not present. But now we may know why this bubble exists. A team of astronomers led by the Harvard & Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (CfA) has mapped the Local Bubble with highest precision till date. The team has found that a number of supernovas (explosion of stars) formed the bubble millions of years ago. Supernovas can carve a cavity in interstellar medium. Astronomers found that the bubble's history started 14.4 million years ago. This started with formation of stars. Supernovas of these short-lived stars followed. The energy of the explosion pushed the interstellar material away and formed the bubble inside which temperature was higher than thant outside it. Density of the interstellar material inside the bubble is less than outside. Astronomers found that there were 15 supernovas inside the bubble. The Local Bubble is still growing at a rate of 6.7 kilometres per second. This is quite a slow speed when we consider events in space. But why is Solar System right in the middle of the Local Bubble? Well that's purely due to chance. When the first supernova took place, Solar System was quite away from it. But Solar System's travel around the galaxy brought it (by chance) in the middle of the Local Bubble.

Solar system is at the center of giant space bubble, now we know why

We know that James Webb Space Telescope has been fully deployed. Humanity is on the verge of benefitting from a new generation space telescope equipped with latest technology and instrument. Our observation of the universe will be deeper and we will get more insights into how the universe formed.

James Webb Space Telescope was launched on December 25, 2021. Once the telescope was launched, it underwent the process of unfolding. This major phase was important as it involved hundreads of careful manoeuvres guided from Earth. Now that deployment process is fully complete, the space telescope is entering a 'period of cooldown'

What is a period of cooldown?

NASA said that updates from James Webb space telescope would be less frequent now.

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❄️ Now that our deployments are complete, just like our telescope, we’re entering a period of cooldown. Our updates will be less frequent, but that doesn’t mean things have stopped happening: <a href="https://t.co/32QJr7R8am">https://t.co/32QJr7R8am</a> 
 
Thread ⬇️ <a href="https://t.co/3sEF9SVIS5">pic.twitter.com/3sEF9SVIS5</a>
— NASA Webb Telescope (@NASAWebb) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASAWebb/status/1480631380451237891?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 10, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Alexandra Lockwood, the project scientist for James Webb telescope's science communications, explained more in her blogpost

“Words can’t describe the pride and excitement the Webb team is feeling right now. From engineers to scientists to IT staff to graphic designers to administrative personnel (and more!), we are all overjoyed with the incredible successes of the observatory to date. While we still have a long way to go before getting the science, the engineering feats that have been accomplished, on Earth and now in space, are awe-inspiring. They are a testament to the hard work and expertise of the international Webb team," she says.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/first-ever-on-site-detection-of-water-on-moon-points-to-many-future-possibilities-443935">First ever on-site detection of water on Moon points to many future possibilities</a>

Lockwood said that after telescope's mirrors are fully moved out of the launch positions. The process of commissioning will go on for five months

The process will include,

'1) Further cooling of the entire observatory, and of the Mid-Infrared Instrument in particular. 
&nbsp;2) checking and then aligning the secondary and 18 mirror segments into a single coherent optical system, first with the NIRCam instrument and then with all instruments individually and in parallel.

&nbsp;3) calibrating of each of the four instruments and their many scientific modes.'&nbsp;

James Webb telescope will replace the legendary but aging Hubble Space Telescope. 
&nbsp;

We know that James Webb Space Telescope has been fully deployed. Humanity is on the verge of benefitting from a new generation space telescope equipped with latest technology and instrument.

We know that James Webb Space Telescope has been fully deployed. Humanity is on the verge of benefitting from a new generation space telescope equipped with latest technology and instrument. Our observation of the universe will be deeper and we will get more insights into how the universe formed. James Webb Space Telescope was launched on December 25, 2021. Once the telescope was launched, it underwent the process of unfolding. This major phase was important as it involved hundreads of careful manoeuvres guided from Earth. Now that deployment process is fully complete, the space telescope is entering a 'period of cooldown' What is a period of cooldown? NASA said that updates from James Webb space telescope would be less frequent now. ❄️ Now that our deployments are complete, just like our telescope, we’re entering a period of cooldown. Our updates will be less frequent, but that doesn’t mean things have stopped happening: https://t.co/32QJr7R8am Thread ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/3sEF9SVIS5 — NASA Webb Telescope (@NASAWebb) January 10, 2022 × Alexandra Lockwood, the project scientist for James Webb telescope's science communications, explained more in her blogpost “Words can’t describe the pride and excitement the Webb team is feeling right now. From engineers to scientists to IT staff to graphic designers to administrative personnel (and more!), we are all overjoyed with the incredible successes of the observatory to date. While we still have a long way to go before getting the science, the engineering feats that have been accomplished, on Earth and now in space, are awe-inspiring. They are a testament to the hard work and expertise of the international Webb team," she says. Also Read | First ever on-site detection of water on Moon points to many future possibilities Lockwood said that after telescope's mirrors are fully moved out of the launch positions. The process of commissioning will go on for five months The process will include, '1) Further cooling of the entire observatory, and of the Mid-Infrared Instrument in particular. 2) checking and then aligning the secondary and 18 mirror segments into a single coherent optical system, first with the NIRCam instrument and then with all instruments individually and in parallel. 3) calibrating of each of the four instruments and their many scientific modes.' James Webb telescope will replace the legendary but aging Hubble Space Telescope.

James Webb telescope is entering period of cooldown, here's what it means

The universe has so many things going on that it is impossible to keep track of them all. Though we have taken leaps in developing new technology and are on the cusp of using the most powerful telescope ever built (James Webb), it is not possible to simultaneously keep track of literally trillions and trillions of celestial objects.

When we are going about running our daily errands, we are oblivious that thousands of things that take place in the cosmos.

One of them, collisions of galaxies! This sounds like a universe-ending phenomenon but is absolutely common and not as violent as movies have us believe. Bigger galaxies incorporate smaller galaxies as they move around in the universe. Just a matter of which one has more mass and few other factors. Milky Way galaxy is no exception to this.

Currently, our galaxy is colliding with the Sagittarius dwarf galaxy. This galaxy has less than 1 per cent of the stellar mass of the regular spiral galaxy like Milky Way galaxy. The matter in the dwarf galaxy is slowly being incorporated in a monster that our galaxy appears before it.

Feeling victorious? Step down the throne because Milky Way galaxy is going to collide with a bigger galaxy. Andromeda galaxy is approaching Milky Way at huge speed every second. The approach is going to result in a collision and will change physical appearance of both the galaxies. Milky Way galaxy would no longer have its characteristic spiral shape.

It's perhaps too bad none of us would be alive to witness the mega-clash as it would take place a few billion years in future.

The universe has so many things going on that it is impossible to keep track of them all. Though we have taken leaps in developing new technology and are on the cusp of using the most powerful telescope ever built (James Webb), it is not possible to simultaneously keep track of literally trillions and trillions of celestial objects.

The universe has so many things going on that it is impossible to keep track of them all. Though we have taken leaps in developing new technology and are on the cusp of using the most powerful telescope ever built (James Webb), it is not possible to simultaneously keep track of literally trillions and trillions of celestial objects. When we are going about running our daily errands, we are oblivious that thousands of things that take place in the cosmos. One of them, collisions of galaxies! This sounds like a universe-ending phenomenon but is absolutely common and not as violent as movies have us believe. Bigger galaxies incorporate smaller galaxies as they move around in the universe. Just a matter of which one has more mass and few other factors. Milky Way galaxy is no exception to this. Currently, our galaxy is colliding with the Sagittarius dwarf galaxy. This galaxy has less than 1 per cent of the stellar mass of the regular spiral galaxy like Milky Way galaxy. The matter in the dwarf galaxy is slowly being incorporated in a monster that our galaxy appears before it. Feeling victorious? Step down the throne because Milky Way galaxy is going to collide with a bigger galaxy. Andromeda galaxy is approaching Milky Way at huge speed every second. The approach is going to result in a collision and will change physical appearance of both the galaxies. Milky Way galaxy would no longer have its characteristic spiral shape. It's perhaps too bad none of us would be alive to witness the mega-clash as it would take place a few billion years in future.

This is Milky Way galaxy's latest collision

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