A piece of a spacecraft jointly launched by China and France on Saturday (Jun 22) stormed back to Earth shortly after the launch and exploded near a residential area, forcing people to literally run for their lives.

Long March 2-C rocket had a Space Variable Objects Monitor (SVOM) satellite on board as it lifted off from the Xichang Satellite Launch Centre at 3.00 am on June 22. As the rocket lifted off, its booster fell back on Earth over a populated area.

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🙀 Behind the scenes of SVOM launch <a href="https://t.co/Fcc0OAY3ac">https://t.co/Fcc0OAY3ac</a> <a href="https://t.co/5fiM4oz2GY">pic.twitter.com/5fiM4oz2GY</a>
— China 'N Asia Spaceflight 🚀𝕏 🛰️ (@CNSpaceflight) <a href="https://twitter.com/CNSpaceflight/status/1804542638034661522?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2024</a></blockquote>
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The incident, videos of which are now circulating on social media, caused panic among the residents as they ran for cover.

The booster is said to carry a hypergolic mixture of nitrogen tetroxide and unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine (UDMH). Both of the elements are considered Toxic for humans.

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However, for the Chinese authorities, the mission was a roaring success. The satellite, meant for studying the farthest explosions of stars, reached the orbit successfully, as per claims.

China’s National Space Administration said the satellite will help scientists study celestial phenomena, including gamma-ray bursts. Reuters reported that the mission will play a key role in advancing astronomical discoveries.

This is the first spacecraft made jointly by China and France. Collaboration with European and Asian powers shows how China is getting better at exploring space and the moon, and becoming scientifically advanced.

Previously, China said its Chang'e-6 moon probe moved rock samples from the far side of the moon to a spaceship orbiting the moon. The spaceship might come back to Earth around June 25. If it does, China could be the first country to bring back rocks from the far side of the moon.

(With inputs from agencies)

A piece of a spacecraft jointly launched by China and France on Saturday (Jun 22) stormed back to Earth shortly after the launch and exploded near a residential area, forcing people to literally run for their lives.

A piece of a spacecraft jointly launched by China and France on Saturday (Jun 22) stormed back to Earth shortly after the launch and exploded near a residential area, forcing people to literally run for their lives. Long March 2-C rocket had a Space Variable Objects Monitor (SVOM) satellite on board as it lifted off from the Xichang Satellite Launch Centre at 3.00 am on June 22. As the rocket lifted off, its booster fell back on Earth over a populated area. 🙀 Behind the scenes of SVOM launch https://t.co/Fcc0OAY3ac pic.twitter.com/5fiM4oz2GY — China 'N Asia Spaceflight 🚀𝕏 🛰️ (@CNSpaceflight) June 22, 2024 × The incident, videos of which are now circulating on social media, caused panic among the residents as they ran for cover. The booster is said to carry a hypergolic mixture of nitrogen tetroxide and unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine (UDMH). Both of the elements are considered Toxic for humans. Also read: NASA`s HiRISE camera captures image of phobos, Mars` `space potato` Moon However, for the Chinese authorities, the mission was a roaring success. The satellite, meant for studying the farthest explosions of stars, reached the orbit successfully, as per claims. China’s National Space Administration said the satellite will help scientists study celestial phenomena, including gamma-ray bursts. Reuters reported that the mission will play a key role in advancing astronomical discoveries. This is the first spacecraft made jointly by China and France. Collaboration with European and Asian powers shows how China is getting better at exploring space and the moon, and becoming scientifically advanced. Previously, China said its Chang'e-6 moon probe moved rock samples from the far side of the moon to a spaceship orbiting the moon. The spaceship might come back to Earth around June 25. If it does, China could be the first country to bring back rocks from the far side of the moon. (With inputs from agencies)

Video: People run for cover as part of Chinese rocket explodes in residential area

A new analysis has indicated that Pluto, the dwarf planet and Triton, Neptune's largest moon could be siblings and may have shared&nbsp;origin. According to scientists, both bodies may have emerged from the Kuiper Belt, a region of icy objects like Pluto that exist beyond Neptune. The study, conducted by Kathleen Mandt at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland and her colleagues, also suggested that both Triton and Pluto may have formed very close to each other before the solar system settled down.

“They probably formed in the same region, which wouldn’t be where the Kuiper belt is now – it would have been either closer or farther away,” said Mandt.

<h2>The composition</h2>

The team found similarities in the composition of both bodies. Both contain large amounts of nitrogen and carry a substantial amount of methane and carbon monoxide. According to the experts, these gasses may have accumulated in the outer regions of the young nebula that surrounded our sun 4.5 billion years ago.

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This composition indicates that both bodies may have formed in cold outer regions of the early solar system, where nitrogen was present in abundance.

<h2>Their formation</h2>

According to Mandt, “Both bodies had to have formed beyond the water-ice." Water-ice line refers to the distance from the Sun beyond which water can't remain in a liquid state and freezes into ice.

She added the bodies may have formed within one to five astronomical units (AU), or sun-Earth distances, of each other.

Later for some reason, the scientists estimate, Triton may have ejected from the region and got pulled by Neptune.

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"To truly understand where Triton and Pluto came from, we would need to visit the bodies again. However, that's unlikely to happen soon because it takes a long time to travel there,"&nbsp;Mandt added.

Notably, humans have visited both bodies once in the past.

Triton was visited by NASA's Voyager 2 spacecraft in 1989, and Pluto was visited by NASA's New Horizons probe in 2015. Both Triton and Pluto are icy bodies smaller than Earth's moon. They have similar densities and seem to have had underground oceans in the past.

(With inputs from agencies)

A new analysis has indicated that Pluto, the dwarf planet and Triton, Neptune's largest moon could be siblings and may have shared origin. According to scientists, both bodies may have emerged from the Kuiper Belt, a region of icy objects like Pluto that exist beyond Neptune.

A new analysis has indicated that Pluto, the dwarf planet and Triton, Neptune's largest moon could be siblings and may have shared origin. According to scientists, both bodies may have emerged from the Kuiper Belt, a region of icy objects like Pluto that exist beyond Neptune. The study, conducted by Kathleen Mandt at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland and her colleagues, also suggested that both Triton and Pluto may have formed very close to each other before the solar system settled down. “They probably formed in the same region, which wouldn’t be where the Kuiper belt is now – it would have been either closer or farther away,” said Mandt. The composition The team found similarities in the composition of both bodies. Both contain large amounts of nitrogen and carry a substantial amount of methane and carbon monoxide. According to the experts, these gasses may have accumulated in the outer regions of the young nebula that surrounded our sun 4.5 billion years ago. Also read: Supernova hunter James Webb spots most distant star explosion This composition indicates that both bodies may have formed in cold outer regions of the early solar system, where nitrogen was present in abundance. Their formation According to Mandt, “Both bodies had to have formed beyond the water-ice." Water-ice line refers to the distance from the Sun beyond which water can't remain in a liquid state and freezes into ice. She added the bodies may have formed within one to five astronomical units (AU), or sun-Earth distances, of each other. Later for some reason, the scientists estimate, Triton may have ejected from the region and got pulled by Neptune. Also read: 4,000-year-old Minoan stone monument discovered in Greece`s Crete during airport excavation "To truly understand where Triton and Pluto came from, we would need to visit the bodies again. However, that's unlikely to happen soon because it takes a long time to travel there," Mandt added. Notably, humans have visited both bodies once in the past. Triton was visited by NASA's Voyager 2 spacecraft in 1989, and Pluto was visited by NASA's New Horizons probe in 2015. Both Triton and Pluto are icy bodies smaller than Earth's moon. They have similar densities and seem to have had underground oceans in the past. (With inputs from agencies)

Pluto and Triton, Neptune's largest moon, originated from Kuiper Belt: Study

The latest study has confirmed that the Earth’s inner core is slowing down in relation to the surface of the planet. The decrease in speed started over 10 years ago - around 2010. This apparently happened for the first time since scientists developed the capacity to measure it.&nbsp;

The inner core is solid and made up of iron and nickel. It is a very hot and dense centre of our planet, with temperatures up to 5,500 degrees Celsius. The liquid iron-nickel outer core surrounds a solid iron-nickel spherical within it. The inner core is roughly the size of the moon and rests more than 3,000 miles beneath our feet.&nbsp;

Researchers can't visit or view it but they can study it using the seismic waves of earthquakes.&nbsp;

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Scientists at the University of Southern California have proven that the Earth's inner core is backtracking, meaning slowing down. The study, titled, "Inner core backtracking by seismic waveform change reversals", was published in Nature on Wednesday (Jun 12).&nbsp;

"The pattern of matches, together with previous studies, demonstrates that the inner core gradually super-rotated from 2003 to 2008, and then from 2008 to 2023 sub-rotated two to three times more slowly back through the same path," the researchers said.&nbsp;

John Vidale, Dean's Professor of Earth Sciences at the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, said as quoted by the official site: "When I first saw the seismograms that hinted at this change, I was stumped."&nbsp;

"But when we found two dozen more observations signaling the same pattern, the result was inescapable. The inner core had slowed down for the first time in many decades. Other scientists have recently argued for similar and different models, but our latest study provides the most convincing resolution," Vidale added.&nbsp;

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The official release mentioned that the inner core is considered to be reversing and backtracking relative to the planet's surface as a result of moving somewhat slower than the Earth's mantle for the first time in about 40 years.&nbsp;

This could eventually alter the entire planet's rotation, prolonging our days, but if there are any noticeable consequences, they will most likely be on the geomagnetic field.&nbsp;

Vidale also said that the backtracking of the inner core may alter the length of a day by fractions of a second. As quoted, he said, "It's very hard to notice, on the order of a thousandth of a second, almost lost in the noise of the churning oceans and atmosphere."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The latest study has confirmed that the Earth’s inner core is slowing down in relation to the surface of the planet. The decrease in speed started over 10 years ago - around 2010.

The latest study has confirmed that the Earth’s inner core is slowing down in relation to the surface of the planet. The decrease in speed started over 10 years ago - around 2010. This apparently happened for the first time since scientists developed the capacity to measure it. The inner core is solid and made up of iron and nickel. It is a very hot and dense centre of our planet, with temperatures up to 5,500 degrees Celsius. The liquid iron-nickel outer core surrounds a solid iron-nickel spherical within it. The inner core is roughly the size of the moon and rests more than 3,000 miles beneath our feet. Researchers can't visit or view it but they can study it using the seismic waves of earthquakes. Also read: This supernova remained brilliantly bright 40 years after its explosion Scientists at the University of Southern California have proven that the Earth's inner core is backtracking, meaning slowing down. The study, titled, "Inner core backtracking by seismic waveform change reversals", was published in Nature on Wednesday (Jun 12). "The pattern of matches, together with previous studies, demonstrates that the inner core gradually super-rotated from 2003 to 2008, and then from 2008 to 2023 sub-rotated two to three times more slowly back through the same path," the researchers said. John Vidale, Dean's Professor of Earth Sciences at the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, said as quoted by the official site: "When I first saw the seismograms that hinted at this change, I was stumped." "But when we found two dozen more observations signaling the same pattern, the result was inescapable. The inner core had slowed down for the first time in many decades. Other scientists have recently argued for similar and different models, but our latest study provides the most convincing resolution," Vidale added. Also read: New species of pterosaur discovered using 100-million-year-old fossilised bones The official release mentioned that the inner core is considered to be reversing and backtracking relative to the planet's surface as a result of moving somewhat slower than the Earth's mantle for the first time in about 40 years. This could eventually alter the entire planet's rotation, prolonging our days, but if there are any noticeable consequences, they will most likely be on the geomagnetic field. Vidale also said that the backtracking of the inner core may alter the length of a day by fractions of a second. As quoted, he said, "It's very hard to notice, on the order of a thousandth of a second, almost lost in the noise of the churning oceans and atmosphere." (With inputs from agencies)

Earth's inner core rotation slowed for over a decade. It might impact your days

A new study has challenged the 2018 discovery of reflections beneath Mars' south polar ice cap, initially thought to be an evidence of a subsurface lake. This revelation, once considered a potential hotspot for extraterrestrial life, now appears less likely given the new analysis.

<h2>Water under Mars surface</h2>

The initial excitement stemmed from the Mars Advanced Radar for Subsurface and Ionosphere Sounding (MARSIS), which detected reflections from 1.5 kilometres underground, spanning an area of 20 kilometres. These signals suggested a buried lake of liquid water, potentially a few centimetres deep.

Subglacial lakes on Earth and the presence of barrier-like ice and dust on Mars fuelled speculation that such a lake could exist without evaporating.

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However, recent research led by Dr Daniel Lalich from Cornell University suggests that these reflections could be produced by layers of dusty ice with small variations in composition and spacing. These layers could cause radar waves to constructively interfere, mimicking the signal expected from a subsurface lake. This study has been published in Science Advances.

"I can't say it's impossible that there's liquid water down there, but we're showing that there are much simpler ways to get the same observation without having to stretch that far, using mechanisms and materials that we already know exist there," said Dr Lalich in a statement.&nbsp;

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"Just through random chance you can create the same observed signal in the radar."

Previously too, experts have raised questions on the presence of water on Mars. The red planets' extreme cold, especially at the poles, casts further doubt on the presence of liquid water, even with high salinity. Previous theories about carbon dioxide ice or clay also failed to match the MARSIS data.

A new study has challenged the 2018 discovery of reflections beneath Mars' south polar ice cap, initially thought to be an evidence of a subsurface lake. This revelation, once considered a potential hotspot for extraterrestrial life, now appears less likely given the new analysis.

A new study has challenged the 2018 discovery of reflections beneath Mars' south polar ice cap, initially thought to be an evidence of a subsurface lake. This revelation, once considered a potential hotspot for extraterrestrial life, now appears less likely given the new analysis. Water under Mars surface The initial excitement stemmed from the Mars Advanced Radar for Subsurface and Ionosphere Sounding (MARSIS), which detected reflections from 1.5 kilometres underground, spanning an area of 20 kilometres. These signals suggested a buried lake of liquid water, potentially a few centimetres deep. Subglacial lakes on Earth and the presence of barrier-like ice and dust on Mars fuelled speculation that such a lake could exist without evaporating. Also read | 'Cryptoterrestrials' living among us? Harvard researchers suggest ancient races are hiding in volcanoes However, recent research led by Dr Daniel Lalich from Cornell University suggests that these reflections could be produced by layers of dusty ice with small variations in composition and spacing. These layers could cause radar waves to constructively interfere, mimicking the signal expected from a subsurface lake. This study has been published in Science Advances. "I can't say it's impossible that there's liquid water down there, but we're showing that there are much simpler ways to get the same observation without having to stretch that far, using mechanisms and materials that we already know exist there," said Dr Lalich in a statement. Also read | Meet Koleken inakayali: Scientists discover dinosaur with puny arms that rival Tyrannosaurus Rex "Just through random chance you can create the same observed signal in the radar." Previously too, experts have raised questions on the presence of water on Mars. The red planets' extreme cold, especially at the poles, casts further doubt on the presence of liquid water, even with high salinity. Previous theories about carbon dioxide ice or clay also failed to match the MARSIS data.

Mars lake discovery debunked? New study challenges evidence of subsurface water

The European Space Agency (ESA) on May 30 released a new orbiter flyover footage of Mars that features the strikingly diverse surface of the Red Planet, covered in all manner of scratches and scars, providing insight into the events of its ancient past.

Created using data from the Mars Express High Resolution Stereo Camera (HRSC), the new video depicts the fractured, uneven appearance of the Nili Fossae trenches.&nbsp;

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It also offers a bird's eye view of the nearby Jezero Crater, where NASA's Perseverance rover landed in 2021 to search for signs of life that may have once inhabited the ancient lake that filled the crater.

<h2>The Nili Fossae Trenches on Mars</h2>

The Nili Fossae trenches comprise parallel trenches hundreds of metres deep and several hundred kilometres long, stretching out along the eastern edge of a massive 1,900-kilometer-wide impact crater named Isidis Planitia.&nbsp;

The ESA’s Mars Express orbiter, which arrived at the Red Planet in 2003, surveyed Mars' Nili Fossae trenches. These trenches have been a cynosure of scientists in recent years because of the prospect of revelations about Mars’s ancient and water-rich past.

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"Scientists have focused on Nili Fossae in recent years due to the impressive amount and diversity of minerals found in this area, including silicates, carbonates, and clays — many of which were discovered by Mars Express' OMEGA instrument," ESA officials said in the description of the orbiter's recent video on YouTube.&nbsp;

"These minerals form in the presence of water, indicating that this region was very wet in ancient Martian history," the officials further said.

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These trenches are believed to have formed following a colossal meteorite impact some 4 billion years ago. Following the impact, which created the Isidis Planitia crater, areas of the Martian surface would have cracked and crumbled, forming the sizeable scars seen by the orbiter today.&nbsp;

According to the ESA, similar features, called Amenthes Fossae, can be found on the other side of the crater too.&nbsp;

"Much of the ground here formed over 3.5 billion years ago, when surface water was abundant across Mars," ESA officials wrote in the video description.&nbsp;

"Scientists believe that water flowed not only across the surface here but also beneath it, forming underground hydrothermal flows that were heated by ancient volcanoes," the description further read.

Researchers used images captured by the orbiter, along with digital terrain models of Mars to create the 3D rendering of the landscape used for the flyover video.&nbsp;

This data not only aids in understanding Mars' past but also helps inform scientists where to land exploratory spacecraft in the future.

(With inputs from agencies)

The European Space Agency (ESA) on May 30 released a new orbiter flyover footage of Mars that features the strikingly diverse surface of the Red Planet, covered in all manner of scratches and scars, providing insight into the events of its ancient past.

The European Space Agency (ESA) on May 30 released a new orbiter flyover footage of Mars that features the strikingly diverse surface of the Red Planet, covered in all manner of scratches and scars, providing insight into the events of its ancient past. Created using data from the Mars Express High Resolution Stereo Camera (HRSC), the new video depicts the fractured, uneven appearance of the Nili Fossae trenches. × It also offers a bird's eye view of the nearby Jezero Crater, where NASA's Perseverance rover landed in 2021 to search for signs of life that may have once inhabited the ancient lake that filled the crater. The Nili Fossae Trenches on Mars The Nili Fossae trenches comprise parallel trenches hundreds of metres deep and several hundred kilometres long, stretching out along the eastern edge of a massive 1,900-kilometer-wide impact crater named Isidis Planitia. The ESA’s Mars Express orbiter, which arrived at the Red Planet in 2003, surveyed Mars' Nili Fossae trenches. These trenches have been a cynosure of scientists in recent years because of the prospect of revelations about Mars’s ancient and water-rich past. Also read: Boeing Starliner suffered helium leaks before historic space station docking "Scientists have focused on Nili Fossae in recent years due to the impressive amount and diversity of minerals found in this area, including silicates, carbonates, and clays — many of which were discovered by Mars Express' OMEGA instrument," ESA officials said in the description of the orbiter's recent video on YouTube. "These minerals form in the presence of water, indicating that this region was very wet in ancient Martian history," the officials further said. Also read: NASA`s new Instagram augmented reality filter brings universe to your fingertips These trenches are believed to have formed following a colossal meteorite impact some 4 billion years ago. Following the impact, which created the Isidis Planitia crater, areas of the Martian surface would have cracked and crumbled, forming the sizeable scars seen by the orbiter today. According to the ESA, similar features, called Amenthes Fossae, can be found on the other side of the crater too. "Much of the ground here formed over 3.5 billion years ago, when surface water was abundant across Mars," ESA officials wrote in the video description. "Scientists believe that water flowed not only across the surface here but also beneath it, forming underground hydrothermal flows that were heated by ancient volcanoes," the description further read. Researchers used images captured by the orbiter, along with digital terrain models of Mars to create the 3D rendering of the landscape used for the flyover video. This data not only aids in understanding Mars' past but also helps inform scientists where to land exploratory spacecraft in the future. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch: New breathtaking video of Mars’s scarred canyons offers insight into its eventful past

The vast expanse of our galaxy holds wonders beyond our imagination. In a groundbreaking achievement, James Webb Space telescope has identified the most distant galaxy ever observed. Watch the video to know more.

From Big Bang Theory to Toddlerhood: Exploring Universe's early stages

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen used the James Webb Space Telescope to become the first to see the formation of three of the earliest galaxies in the universe more than 13 billion years ago.&nbsp;

A study published on May 23 in Science journal revealed details of the stunning discovery which will contribute important knowledge about the universe.&nbsp;

Researchers at the Niels Bohr Institute have witnessed the birth of three of the universe's absolute earliest galaxies for the first time in the history of astronomy. The birth was estimated somewhere between 13.3 and 13.4 billion years ago.&nbsp;

Scientists said that the James Webb, which is the largest and most powerful telescope ever launched into space, sent these first "live observations" of formative galaxies to Earth.&nbsp;

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As quoted by phys.org, Assistant Professor Kasper Elm Heintz from the Niels Bohr Institute, who led the new study, said, "You could say that these are the first 'direct' images of galaxy formation that we've ever seen."&nbsp;

"Whereas James Webb has previously shown us early galaxies at later stages of evolution, here we witness their very birth, and thus, the construction of the first star systems in the universe," he added.&nbsp;

The researchers were able to see signals from large amounts of gas that accumulate on a mini-galaxy in the process of being built. Theories also support the same to explain how galaxies are formed. But it had never actually been seen.&nbsp;

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In a report, NASA said that Webb's data shows these "galaxies are surrounded by gas that the researchers suspect to be almost purely hydrogen and helium, the earliest elements to exist in the cosmos".&nbsp;

NASA said in its report that the ultra-sensitive instruments installed on Webb were able to detect an unusual amount of dense gas surrounding these galaxies. This gas will likely end up fueling the formation of new stars in the galaxies.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Gravitas | Dazzling blue, green skies in Spain, Portugal&nbsp;

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"These galaxies are like sparkling islands in a sea of otherwise neutral, opaque gas. Without Webb, we would not be able to observe these very early galaxies, let alone learn so much about their formation," Heintz said as quoted by NASA.&nbsp;

"We're moving away from a picture of galaxies as isolated ecosystems. At this stage in the history of the universe, galaxies are all intimately connected to the intergalactic medium with its filaments and structures of pristine gas," said Simone Nielsen as quoted by NASA. He is a co-author.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen used the James Webb Space Telescope to become the first to see the formation of three of the earliest galaxies in the universe more than 13 billion years ago.

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen used the James Webb Space Telescope to become the first to see the formation of three of the earliest galaxies in the universe more than 13 billion years ago. A study published on May 23 in Science journal revealed details of the stunning discovery which will contribute important knowledge about the universe. Researchers at the Niels Bohr Institute have witnessed the birth of three of the universe's absolute earliest galaxies for the first time in the history of astronomy. The birth was estimated somewhere between 13.3 and 13.4 billion years ago. Scientists said that the James Webb, which is the largest and most powerful telescope ever launched into space, sent these first "live observations" of formative galaxies to Earth. Also read: Scientists find stars that quietly 'die' without supernova explosions As quoted by phys.org, Assistant Professor Kasper Elm Heintz from the Niels Bohr Institute, who led the new study, said, "You could say that these are the first 'direct' images of galaxy formation that we've ever seen." "Whereas James Webb has previously shown us early galaxies at later stages of evolution, here we witness their very birth, and thus, the construction of the first star systems in the universe," he added. The researchers were able to see signals from large amounts of gas that accumulate on a mini-galaxy in the process of being built. Theories also support the same to explain how galaxies are formed. But it had never actually been seen. Also read: Did feathered dinosaurs exist? Study says these reptiles had scaly skins like lizards In a report, NASA said that Webb's data shows these "galaxies are surrounded by gas that the researchers suspect to be almost purely hydrogen and helium, the earliest elements to exist in the cosmos". NASA said in its report that the ultra-sensitive instruments installed on Webb were able to detect an unusual amount of dense gas surrounding these galaxies. This gas will likely end up fueling the formation of new stars in the galaxies. Watch: Gravitas | Dazzling blue, green skies in Spain, Portugal × "These galaxies are like sparkling islands in a sea of otherwise neutral, opaque gas. Without Webb, we would not be able to observe these very early galaxies, let alone learn so much about their formation," Heintz said as quoted by NASA. "We're moving away from a picture of galaxies as isolated ecosystems. At this stage in the history of the universe, galaxies are all intimately connected to the intergalactic medium with its filaments and structures of pristine gas," said Simone Nielsen as quoted by NASA. He is a co-author. (With inputs from agencies)

For the first time, reseachers observe birth of universe's earliest galaxies

Massive stars eventually explode in a magnificent supernova, after which they explode. Scientists discovered that certain big stars have just departed, leaving no trace in the night sky.&nbsp;

A recent study published in Physical Review Letters conducted by an international team under the direction of astronomer Alejandro Vigna-Gómez from the Max Planck Institute for Astrophysics in Germany and the Niels Bohr Institute in Denmark reveals that certain massive stars&nbsp;die quietly rather than with a massive explosion.

They discovered VFTS 243, a binary system in the Large Magellanic Cloud that includes a black hole and a companion star. According to current theories, the birth of the black hole should have been preceded by a supernova explosion, yet this system exhibits none.

"Were one to stand gazing up at a visible star going through a total collapse, it might, just at the right time, be like watching a star suddenly extinguish and disappear from the heavens," Vigna-Gómez said.

"The collapse is so complete that no explosion occurs, nothing escapes and one wouldn't see any bright supernova in the night sky. Astronomers have actually observed the sudden disappearance of brightly shining stars in recent times. We cannot be sure of a connection, but the results we have obtained from analyzing VFTS 243 has brought us much closer to a credible explanation," Vigna-Gómez added.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/sygazers-assemble-six-planets-are-set-to-align-in-spectacular-view-for-planet-parade-in-june-details-724934">Skygazers assemble! Six planets are set to align in spectacular view for 'planet parade' in June | Details</a>

When a star with a mass more than around 8 times that of the Sun goes supernova, the results are very chaotic. A black hole, neutron star, or ultradense object is created when the core of a star collapses due to gravity, depending on the mass of the initial star.

The VFTS 243 system is quite intriguing. It is made up of a giant star that is around 25 times the mass of the Sun and 7.4 million years old, as well as a black hole that is roughly 10 times as big.

Although we can't see the black hole directly, we can estimate it using the orbital velocity of its partner star&nbsp;and&nbsp;deduce additional information about the system.

A increasing amount of data points to the possibility that huge stars might occasionally fall straight into black holes without going through a supernova or earning 200 space dollars. The strongest evidence for this scenario is found in VFTS 243.

"Our results highlight VFTS 243 as the best observable case so far for the theory of stellar black holes formed through total collapse, where the supernova explosion fails and which our models have shown to be possible," says astrophysicist Irene Tamborra of the Niels Bohr Institute. 
&nbsp; 
(With inputs from agencies)

Massive stars eventually explode in a magnificent supernova, after which they explode. Scientists discovered that certain big stars have just departed, leaving no trace in the night sky.

Massive stars eventually explode in a magnificent supernova, after which they explode. Scientists discovered that certain big stars have just departed, leaving no trace in the night sky. A recent study published in Physical Review Letters conducted by an international team under the direction of astronomer Alejandro Vigna-Gómez from the Max Planck Institute for Astrophysics in Germany and the Niels Bohr Institute in Denmark reveals that certain massive stars die quietly rather than with a massive explosion. They discovered VFTS 243, a binary system in the Large Magellanic Cloud that includes a black hole and a companion star. According to current theories, the birth of the black hole should have been preceded by a supernova explosion, yet this system exhibits none. "Were one to stand gazing up at a visible star going through a total collapse, it might, just at the right time, be like watching a star suddenly extinguish and disappear from the heavens," Vigna-Gómez said. "The collapse is so complete that no explosion occurs, nothing escapes and one wouldn't see any bright supernova in the night sky. Astronomers have actually observed the sudden disappearance of brightly shining stars in recent times. We cannot be sure of a connection, but the results we have obtained from analyzing VFTS 243 has brought us much closer to a credible explanation," Vigna-Gómez added. Also read: Skygazers assemble! Six planets are set to align in spectacular view for 'planet parade' in June | Details When a star with a mass more than around 8 times that of the Sun goes supernova, the results are very chaotic. A black hole, neutron star, or ultradense object is created when the core of a star collapses due to gravity, depending on the mass of the initial star. The VFTS 243 system is quite intriguing. It is made up of a giant star that is around 25 times the mass of the Sun and 7.4 million years old, as well as a black hole that is roughly 10 times as big. Although we can't see the black hole directly, we can estimate it using the orbital velocity of its partner star and deduce additional information about the system. A increasing amount of data points to the possibility that huge stars might occasionally fall straight into black holes without going through a supernova or earning 200 space dollars. The strongest evidence for this scenario is found in VFTS 243. "Our results highlight VFTS 243 as the best observable case so far for the theory of stellar black holes formed through total collapse, where the supernova explosion fails and which our models have shown to be possible," says astrophysicist Irene Tamborra of the Niels Bohr Institute. (With inputs from agencies)

Scientists find stars that quietly 'die' without supernova explosions

US billionaire Jeff Bezos-backed aerospace company Blue Origin's New Shepard (NS) rocket lifted off Sunday (May 19) with six crew members, including one Indian.

The mission, named NS-25, departed from Launch Site One in West Texas.&nbsp;

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LAUNCH! Blue Origin New Shepard launches on a suborbital mission to the edge of space with six crew. 
 
Overview: <a href="https://t.co/cEpcJaMleF">https://t.co/cEpcJaMleF</a> 
 
Official livestream:<a href="https://t.co/YBtZZWj32F">https://t.co/YBtZZWj32F</a> <a href="https://t.co/OkxHvJy4NA">pic.twitter.com/OkxHvJy4NA</a>
— Chris Bergin - NSF (@NASASpaceflight) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASASpaceflight/status/1792202947155353723?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 19, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Gopi Thotakura, from the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, has thus become the first Indian space tourist. He is a commercial jet pilot and entrepreneur.

Blue Origin described him as "a pilot and aviator who learned how to fly before he could drive."

Blue Origin is reviving space tourism after a gap of two years, after an unsuccessful uncrewed test flight in 2022.

Overall, this is the seventh New Shepard crewed flight. Other members of the crew include Kenneth L Hess; Sylvain Chiron, founder of Brasserie Mont-Blanc; Mason Angel, a venture capitalist and Carol Schaller.

During their time in space, all six passengers will enjoy several minutes of weightlessness and breathtaking panoramic views of Earth through the cabin windows.&nbsp;

This launch comes after a successful uncrewed scientific mission in December, signalling a major milestone in the New Shepard programme's comeback following the 2022 setback.

Ahead of the flight on Sunday, all candidates attended a two-day on-site astronaut training programme that briefed them about New Shepard’s mission profile, safety systems, and&nbsp;zero-g&nbsp;protocols,&nbsp;and executed mission simulations.

It is to be noted that nearly 99 per cent of the rocket's parts are reused after the completion of the space flight. The only byproduct of New Shepard’s engine combustion is water vapour and no carbon emissions are involved.&nbsp;

<h2>Who is Gopi Thotakura?</h2>

Gopi is a graduate of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. He has co-founded Preserve Life Corp, a global centre for holistic wellness and applied health. The facility is located next to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

Apart from piloting commercial jets, Thotakura flies bush, aerobatic, and seaplanes, along with gliders and hot air balloons. He has also served as an international medical jet pilot.

Being a lifelong adventurer, Thotakura's latest journey involved reaching the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania.

(With inputs from agencies)

US billionaire Jeff Bezos-backed aerospace company Blue Origin's New Shepard (NS) rocket lifted off Sunday (May 19) with six crew members, including one Indian. The mission, named NS-25, departed from Launch Site One in West Texas.

US billionaire Jeff Bezos-backed aerospace company Blue Origin's New Shepard (NS) rocket lifted off Sunday (May 19) with six crew members, including one Indian. The mission, named NS-25, departed from Launch Site One in West Texas. LAUNCH! Blue Origin New Shepard launches on a suborbital mission to the edge of space with six crew. Overview: https://t.co/cEpcJaMleF Official livestream:https://t.co/YBtZZWj32F pic.twitter.com/OkxHvJy4NA — Chris Bergin - NSF (@NASASpaceflight) May 19, 2024 × Gopi Thotakura, from the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, has thus become the first Indian space tourist. He is a commercial jet pilot and entrepreneur. Blue Origin described him as "a pilot and aviator who learned how to fly before he could drive." Blue Origin is reviving space tourism after a gap of two years, after an unsuccessful uncrewed test flight in 2022. Overall, this is the seventh New Shepard crewed flight. Other members of the crew include Kenneth L Hess; Sylvain Chiron, founder of Brasserie Mont-Blanc; Mason Angel, a venture capitalist and Carol Schaller. During their time in space, all six passengers will enjoy several minutes of weightlessness and breathtaking panoramic views of Earth through the cabin windows. This launch comes after a successful uncrewed scientific mission in December, signalling a major milestone in the New Shepard programme's comeback following the 2022 setback. Ahead of the flight on Sunday, all candidates attended a two-day on-site astronaut training programme that briefed them about New Shepard’s mission profile, safety systems, and zero-g protocols, and executed mission simulations. It is to be noted that nearly 99 per cent of the rocket's parts are reused after the completion of the space flight. The only byproduct of New Shepard’s engine combustion is water vapour and no carbon emissions are involved. Who is Gopi Thotakura? Gopi is a graduate of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. He has co-founded Preserve Life Corp, a global centre for holistic wellness and applied health. The facility is located next to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Apart from piloting commercial jets, Thotakura flies bush, aerobatic, and seaplanes, along with gliders and hot air balloons. He has also served as an international medical jet pilot. Being a lifelong adventurer, Thotakura's latest journey involved reaching the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch: Blue Origin’s New Shepard rocket lifts off with six crew on board, including one Indian

Earth faced a massive solar flare fired off sunspot AR3664 last week, offering space enthusiasts a god-sent opportunity to witness auroras. Last week, our home planet Earth was in the direct firing line of the massive coronal mass ejection. This week, another planet&nbsp;is going to&nbsp;face the wrath of the&nbsp;massive&nbsp;solar flare: Mars.

"Looking at the measurements of the flare from Mars using the Extreme Ultraviolet Monitor (EUVM) onboard MAVEN, this is by-far the largest flare we’ve seen since MAVEN arrived at Mars in 2014," Dr Ed Thiemann, Heliophysicist at&nbsp;the University of Colorado at Boulder's Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP), was quoted as saying by Space.com.

"We haven't looked at MAVEN's atmospheric measurements yet, but based on prior events, we expect the flare rapidly heated and ionized the Martian upper atmosphere, causing the upper atmospheric temperature to perhaps double for a few hours and inflating the entire daylit hemisphere by tens of km."

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjGhJufipeGAxW3zzgGHXYBBR4QxfQBKAB6BAgREAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-regenerate-face-of-ancient-egyptian-monarch-the-richest-man-in-history-722594" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-regenerate-face-of-ancient-egyptian-monarch-the-richest-man-in-history-722594&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjGhJufipeGAxW3zzgGHXYBBR4QxfQBKAB6BAgREAE">Scientists regenerate face of ancient Egyptian monarch, `the richest man in history`</a>

Indeed, NASA's Perseverance Mars rover has a front-row position on the Red Planet, enabling it to directly observe the sun with both AR3663 and AR3664 sunspots in its view.&nbsp;

Just like Earth, Mars will be directly affected by the coronal mass ejection (CME) as it crosses its path, leading to interactions with the Martian atmosphere and the generation of a solar storm. As&nbsp;of result&nbsp;of this, aurora might become visible to Perseverance, offering an awe-inspiring spectacle to behold.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjGhJufipeGAxW3zzgGHXYBBR4QxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/practice-makes-a-person-almost-perfect-science-confirms-722093" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/trending/practice-makes-a-person-almost-perfect-science-confirms-722093&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjGhJufipeGAxW3zzgGHXYBBR4QxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE">Practice makes a person almost perfect, science confirms</a>

"The CME launched by the flare is on its way and it may cause global-scale aurora and energize Mars's upper ionosphere and magnetosphere," Thiemann said.

Unlike Earth,&nbsp;Mars lacks a magnetic field to&nbsp;protect it from highly charged particles.&nbsp;Therefore, it's significant for MAVEN to remain there and monitor and study Mars's upper atmosphere, particularly during events like this.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;&nbsp;

Earth faced a massive solar flare fired off sunspot AR3664 last week, offering space enthusiasts a god-sent opportunity to witness auroras. Last week, our home planet Earth was in the direct firing line of the massive coronal mass ejection.

Earth faced a massive solar flare fired off sunspot AR3664 last week, offering space enthusiasts a god-sent opportunity to witness auroras. Last week, our home planet Earth was in the direct firing line of the massive coronal mass ejection. This week, another planet is going to face the wrath of the massive solar flare: Mars. "Looking at the measurements of the flare from Mars using the Extreme Ultraviolet Monitor (EUVM) onboard MAVEN, this is by-far the largest flare we’ve seen since MAVEN arrived at Mars in 2014," Dr Ed Thiemann, Heliophysicist at the University of Colorado at Boulder's Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP), was quoted as saying by Space.com. "We haven't looked at MAVEN's atmospheric measurements yet, but based on prior events, we expect the flare rapidly heated and ionized the Martian upper atmosphere, causing the upper atmospheric temperature to perhaps double for a few hours and inflating the entire daylit hemisphere by tens of km." Also read: Scientists regenerate face of ancient Egyptian monarch, `the richest man in history` Indeed, NASA's Perseverance Mars rover has a front-row position on the Red Planet, enabling it to directly observe the sun with both AR3663 and AR3664 sunspots in its view. Just like Earth, Mars will be directly affected by the coronal mass ejection (CME) as it crosses its path, leading to interactions with the Martian atmosphere and the generation of a solar storm. As of result of this, aurora might become visible to Perseverance, offering an awe-inspiring spectacle to behold. Also read: Practice makes a person almost perfect, science confirms "The CME launched by the flare is on its way and it may cause global-scale aurora and energize Mars's upper ionosphere and magnetosphere," Thiemann said. Unlike Earth, Mars lacks a magnetic field to protect it from highly charged particles. Therefore, it's significant for MAVEN to remain there and monitor and study Mars's upper atmosphere, particularly during events like this. (With inputs from agencies)

Massive solar flare sunspot that caused auroras on Earth now targets Mars

NASA's Juno spacecraft earlier this year spotted the elusive fifth moon of Jupiter, known as Amalthea.

It was spotted&nbsp;as it transited the planet's Great Red Spot, offering researchers a rare view of this small but intriguing natural satellite.

Amalthea is Jupiter's fifth largest moon of the 95 known moons, with the four largest moons&nbsp;being:&nbsp;Io, Europa, Ganymede and Callisto.

However, Amalthea has quite humble dimensions, with its long axis stretching 250 kilometres and its narrowest point spanning&nbsp;a mere&nbsp;128 km.

Scientists believe the moon looks like a potato&nbsp;and is like&nbsp;a loosely held-together rubble pile rather than solid rock.

Juno glanced at Amalthea on March 7 as it passed by Jupiter for the 59th time.&nbsp;

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Amalthea looked like a tiny black dot against the backdrop of one of Jupiter's reddish, dark cloud bands; later, it was seen by Juno transiting the Great Red Spot.&nbsp;

The size of the moon is astounding: tiny Amalthea is seen 112,500 miles (181,000 km) above Jupiter's cloud tops, while the Great Red Spot, a massive anticyclonic storm, is currently 7,767 miles (12,500 km) broad.

Amalthea revolves around Jupiter&nbsp;the&nbsp;shortest of all the moons, completing one full rotation around it every 0.5 Earth days.

Amalthea is shrouded in mystery as scientists suspect the moon emits more heat than it receives from the Sun. It's still unknown where this extra energy is coming from.

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However, several theories have&nbsp;been put forward&nbsp;by researchers.

One theory is that Amalthea receives heat from Jupiter both directly and indirectly. Additionally, heat may&nbsp;be produced&nbsp;by tidal pressures within Amalthea caused by Jupiter's tight grasp.

Amalthea&nbsp;is often forgotten&nbsp;in scientific discussions, with its significance being clouded by that of its four big giant siblings.

However, the exploration must continue&nbsp;to completely unravel the truth about this mysterious natural satellite.

NASA's Juno spacecraft earlier this year spotted the elusive fifth moon of Jupiter, known as Amalthea. It was spotted as it transited the planet's Great Red Spot, offering researchers a rare view of this small but intriguing natural satellite.

NASA's Juno spacecraft earlier this year spotted the elusive fifth moon of Jupiter, known as Amalthea. It was spotted as it transited the planet's Great Red Spot, offering researchers a rare view of this small but intriguing natural satellite. Amalthea is Jupiter's fifth largest moon of the 95 known moons, with the four largest moons being: Io, Europa, Ganymede and Callisto. However, Amalthea has quite humble dimensions, with its long axis stretching 250 kilometres and its narrowest point spanning a mere 128 km. Scientists believe the moon looks like a potato and is like a loosely held-together rubble pile rather than solid rock. Juno glanced at Amalthea on March 7 as it passed by Jupiter for the 59th time. Also read: Scientists finally know why Venus is leaking water into space even today Amalthea looked like a tiny black dot against the backdrop of one of Jupiter's reddish, dark cloud bands; later, it was seen by Juno transiting the Great Red Spot. The size of the moon is astounding: tiny Amalthea is seen 112,500 miles (181,000 km) above Jupiter's cloud tops, while the Great Red Spot, a massive anticyclonic storm, is currently 7,767 miles (12,500 km) broad. Amalthea revolves around Jupiter the shortest of all the moons, completing one full rotation around it every 0.5 Earth days. Amalthea is shrouded in mystery as scientists suspect the moon emits more heat than it receives from the Sun. It's still unknown where this extra energy is coming from. Also read: Massive collision of black holes took place in ancient space. One was 50 million times mass of Sun However, several theories have been put forward by researchers. One theory is that Amalthea receives heat from Jupiter both directly and indirectly. Additionally, heat may be produced by tidal pressures within Amalthea caused by Jupiter's tight grasp. Amalthea is often forgotten in scientific discussions, with its significance being clouded by that of its four big giant siblings. However, the exploration must continue to completely unravel the truth about this mysterious natural satellite.

Jupiter's fifth moon spotted by NASA's Juno spacecraft; Here's why it's mysterious

WASP-193b, located 1,200 light-years from Earth, is a real outlier among the more than 5,000 exoplanets found so far. This new planet has a density similar to cotton candy since it is 50% bigger than Jupiter but seven times less dense.

"WASP-193b is the second least dense planet discovered to date, after Kepler-51d, which is much smaller," said Khalid Barkaoui, the study's first author and postdoctoral researcher at ULiege's EXOTIC Laboratory. The study was published in Nature Astronomy.

Even under the implausible premise of a coreless structure, traditional models of irradiated gas giants cannot account for the planet's very low density. "Its extremely low density makes it a real anomaly among the more than five thousand exoplanets discovered to date," Barkaoui continues.

The first to identify the new planet was the Wide Angle Search for Planets (WASP), an international initiative that used two robotic observatories to examine hundreds of stars' brightness in the sky. A transiting planet was detected by periodic dips in the brightness from the star WASP-193.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/face-of-stone-age-man-thought-to-have-drowned-4000-years-ago-reconstructed-721411">Face of Stone Age man thought to have drowned 4,000 years ago reconstructed</a>

Subsequently, the group measured the planetary signal at several wavelengths and confirmed that the eclipsing object was really planetary using the Chilean observatories TRAPPIST-South and SPECULOOS-South. The planet's mass was determined using spectroscopic measurements made with the CORALIE and HARPS spectrographs in Chile.&nbsp;

With a mass and size of around 0.14 and 1.5 times that of Jupiter, respectively, the planet's density was found to be very low based on the cumulative measurements: 0.059 grams per cubic centimeter, or approximately the same as cotton candy.

According to co-author and MIT professor Julien de Wit, "the planet is so light that it's difficult to think of an analogous, solid-state material." "The planet is basically super fluffy."

Scientists believe that WASP-193b is primarily composed of hydrogen and helium, and that its massively inflated atmosphere stretches tens of thousands of kilometers beyond the atmosphere of Jupiter. Nevertheless, how a planet may expand to such a degree is still outside the current understanding of planetary formation theories.

"We don't know where to put this planet in all the formation theories we have right now, because it's an outlier of all of them. We cannot explain how this planet was formed," added Francisco Pozuelos, astronomer at the Instituto de Astrofisica de Andalucia.

(With inputs from agencies)

WASP-193b, located 1,200 light-years from Earth, is a real outlier among the more than 5,000 exoplanets found so far. This new planet has a density similar to cotton candy since it is 50% bigger than Jupiter but seven times less dense.

WASP-193b, located 1,200 light-years from Earth, is a real outlier among the more than 5,000 exoplanets found so far. This new planet has a density similar to cotton candy since it is 50% bigger than Jupiter but seven times less dense. "WASP-193b is the second least dense planet discovered to date, after Kepler-51d, which is much smaller," said Khalid Barkaoui, the study's first author and postdoctoral researcher at ULiege's EXOTIC Laboratory. The study was published in Nature Astronomy. Even under the implausible premise of a coreless structure, traditional models of irradiated gas giants cannot account for the planet's very low density. "Its extremely low density makes it a real anomaly among the more than five thousand exoplanets discovered to date," Barkaoui continues. The first to identify the new planet was the Wide Angle Search for Planets (WASP), an international initiative that used two robotic observatories to examine hundreds of stars' brightness in the sky. A transiting planet was detected by periodic dips in the brightness from the star WASP-193. Also read: Face of Stone Age man thought to have drowned 4,000 years ago reconstructed Subsequently, the group measured the planetary signal at several wavelengths and confirmed that the eclipsing object was really planetary using the Chilean observatories TRAPPIST-South and SPECULOOS-South. The planet's mass was determined using spectroscopic measurements made with the CORALIE and HARPS spectrographs in Chile. With a mass and size of around 0.14 and 1.5 times that of Jupiter, respectively, the planet's density was found to be very low based on the cumulative measurements: 0.059 grams per cubic centimeter, or approximately the same as cotton candy. According to co-author and MIT professor Julien de Wit, "the planet is so light that it's difficult to think of an analogous, solid-state material." "The planet is basically super fluffy." Scientists believe that WASP-193b is primarily composed of hydrogen and helium, and that its massively inflated atmosphere stretches tens of thousands of kilometers beyond the atmosphere of Jupiter. Nevertheless, how a planet may expand to such a degree is still outside the current understanding of planetary formation theories. "We don't know where to put this planet in all the formation theories we have right now, because it's an outlier of all of them. We cannot explain how this planet was formed," added Francisco Pozuelos, astronomer at the Instituto de Astrofisica de Andalucia. (With inputs from agencies)

The fluffy giant: New planet ‘WASP-193b’ defies expectations with cotton candy-like density

NASA detected two explosions on the sun's surface on Friday (May 10) and Saturday (May 11), which resulted in intense solar flares. The solar explosions that sent electromagnetic radiation rippling toward Earth were captured by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory.

NASA detected two explosions on the sun's surface on Friday (May 10) and Saturday (May 11), which resulted in intense solar flares. The solar explosions that sent electromagnetic radiation rippling toward Earth were captured by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory. "The Sun emitted two strong solar flares on May 10-11, 2024, peaking at 9:23 p.m. EDT on May 10, and 7:44 a.m. EDT on May 11. NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory captured images of the events, which were classified as X5.8 and X1.5-class flares," NASA said in a statement. What ensued from these strong solar flares was a celestial extravaganza. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) issued an alarm as the first of multiple coronal mass ejections (CMEs) approached our planet. Also read: Gigantic sunspot, wide enough to fill 15 worlds, hits Earth with powerful X-class solar flare This cosmic spectacle played out for skywatchers all across the world, with beautiful auroras painting the skies in brilliant pink, green, and purple hues. Sky-gazers in northern Europe and Tasmania, Australia, were able to observe this unusual phenomenon. Although fascinating, solar storms may be dangerous for technology infrastructure. Geomagnetic storms may cause fluctuations in magnetic fields, disrupting power grids, communication networks, and satellite operations. The science behind solar flares: Understanding the phenomenon According to the European Space Agency (ESA), a solar flare is a massive explosion on the Sun that occurs when energy trapped in 'twisted' magnetic fields (often above sunspots) is abruptly released. In a short period of time, they may heat the material to temperatures in the millions, causing a sudden release of radiation ranging from radio waves to X-rays and gamma rays. Solar flares are classified by scientists based on their peak brightness at X-ray wavelengths. There are five categories, listed here in order from most intense to least intense are as follows - X-class flares, M-class flares, C-class flares, B-class flares, and A-class flares. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA releases stunning images of solar explosions that triggered solar flares

Scientists have found rocky planets outside of our solar system that contain an atmosphere, which is a&nbsp;necessary condition&nbsp;for any chance of sustaining life. However, this planet&nbsp;appears to have a molten rock surface and is inhabitable.

Scientists describe the planet as a "super-Earth," larger than Earth but smaller than Neptune. This planet circles a star that is dimmer and smaller than our sun. It completes its orbit in around 18 hours.

The existence of the large hostile planet was revealed by the James Webb Space Telescope's infrared scans with two sensors.

"The atmosphere is likely rich in carbon dioxide or carbon monoxide, but can also have other gases such as water vapor and sulfur dioxide. The current observations cannot pinpoint the exact atmospheric composition," said planetary scientist Renyu Hu, the lead author of the study published in the journal Nature.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://wionews.com/science/water-world-lava-hell-former-nasa-scientist-hints-at-planets-where-alien-life-may-exist-719735">Water world, lava hell: Former NASA scientist hints at planets where alien life may exist</a>

The atmosphere's thickness was not evident from the Webb data. Hu said that it may be just as thick as Earth's or even thicker.

The planet known as Janssen, or 55 Cancri e, has a diameter of around twice that of Earth and is roughly 8.8 times more massive than Earth. It circles its star at a distance one-fifth that of Mercury. Consequently, the temperature at its surface is around 3,140 degrees Fahrenheit (1,725 degrees Celsius/2,000 degrees Kelvin).

"Indeed, this is one of the hottest-known rocky exoplanets," said astrophysicist and study co-author Brice-Olivier Demory. "There are likely better places for a vacation spot in our galaxy," he added.

The planet is situated in the constellation Cancer, approximately 41 light-years from Earth, within our Milky Way galaxy. &nbsp;

"On Earth, the atmosphere is key for life," Demory said.

"This result on 55 Cnc e entertains the hope that Webb could conduct similar investigations on planets that are much cooler than 55 Cnc e, which could support liquid water at their surface. But we are not there yet," he added.

(With inputs from agencies)

Scientists have found rocky planets outside of our solar system that contain an atmosphere, which is a necessary condition for any chance of sustaining life. However, this planet appears to have a molten rock surface and is inhabitable.

Scientists have found rocky planets outside of our solar system that contain an atmosphere, which is a necessary condition for any chance of sustaining life. However, this planet appears to have a molten rock surface and is inhabitable. Scientists describe the planet as a "super-Earth," larger than Earth but smaller than Neptune. This planet circles a star that is dimmer and smaller than our sun. It completes its orbit in around 18 hours. The existence of the large hostile planet was revealed by the James Webb Space Telescope's infrared scans with two sensors. "The atmosphere is likely rich in carbon dioxide or carbon monoxide, but can also have other gases such as water vapor and sulfur dioxide. The current observations cannot pinpoint the exact atmospheric composition," said planetary scientist Renyu Hu, the lead author of the study published in the journal Nature. Also read: Water world, lava hell: Former NASA scientist hints at planets where alien life may exist The atmosphere's thickness was not evident from the Webb data. Hu said that it may be just as thick as Earth's or even thicker. The planet known as Janssen, or 55 Cancri e, has a diameter of around twice that of Earth and is roughly 8.8 times more massive than Earth. It circles its star at a distance one-fifth that of Mercury. Consequently, the temperature at its surface is around 3,140 degrees Fahrenheit (1,725 degrees Celsius/2,000 degrees Kelvin). "Indeed, this is one of the hottest-known rocky exoplanets," said astrophysicist and study co-author Brice-Olivier Demory. "There are likely better places for a vacation spot in our galaxy," he added. The planet is situated in the constellation Cancer, approximately 41 light-years from Earth, within our Milky Way galaxy. "On Earth, the atmosphere is key for life," Demory said. "This result on 55 Cnc e entertains the hope that Webb could conduct similar investigations on planets that are much cooler than 55 Cnc e, which could support liquid water at their surface. But we are not there yet," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

'Super-Earth' with atmosphere discovered outside solar system - Is it habitable?

Today, Venus is as hot as your pizza oven, even hotter than Mercury,&nbsp;which is&nbsp;the closest to the Sun. But still,&nbsp;it’s&nbsp;called&nbsp;Earth’s&nbsp;twin because of several reasons. The planet lies in the so-called&nbsp;"Goldilocks Zone"&nbsp;of the Sun, a narrow virtual ring where planets can hold water in a liquid state. Billions of years ago, Venus used to have as much water as Earth, an extremely crucial element for life to evolve. However, so far, scientists could not fully understand what led to the escape of this water to the solar system and how the planet transformed into a desert-like surface. But now, they may have solved this puzzle.

"We're&nbsp;trying to figure out what little changes occurred on each planet to drive them into these vastly different states,”&nbsp;said Eryn Cangi, co-team leader and a scientist with the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP).

<h2>How did Venus lose its water?</h2>

Due to its proximity to the Sun, the sunlight&nbsp;is believed&nbsp;to have broken up water in its atmosphere into hydrogen and oxygen. The greater concentration of hydrogen in the atmosphere rapidly heated the planet,&nbsp;due to which&nbsp;the hydrogen escaped in a flow out to space.&nbsp;That’s&nbsp;how this hydrodynamic escape stripped Venus of its water.

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But&nbsp;not all water was lost&nbsp;in this process.&nbsp;It’s&nbsp;like dumping out a water bottle –&nbsp;there will still be a few drops left&nbsp;at the bottom.

<h2>Venus&nbsp;still&nbsp;losing&nbsp;water</h2>

Venus still holds some water&nbsp;and&nbsp;the water&nbsp;is still leaking into the space. Scientists blame&nbsp;a process called&nbsp;HCO⁺ dissociative recombination (DR) for this phenomenon. As per this theory, when gaseous HCO+ reacts with the electrons, a neutral carbon monoxide molecule, CO, and a hydrogen atom, H, are formed. This process energises the hydrogen atom, which can then exceed the&nbsp;planet’s&nbsp;escape velocity and escape to space.

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The DR process is likely to have taken place throughout the&nbsp;history of the planet, which explains why Venus is still losing water.

(With inputs from agencies)

Today, Venus is as hot as your pizza oven, even hotter than Mercury, which is the closest to the Sun. But still, it’s called Earth’s twin because of several reasons.

Today, Venus is as hot as your pizza oven, even hotter than Mercury, which is the closest to the Sun. But still, it’s called Earth’s twin because of several reasons. The planet lies in the so-called "Goldilocks Zone" of the Sun, a narrow virtual ring where planets can hold water in a liquid state. Billions of years ago, Venus used to have as much water as Earth, an extremely crucial element for life to evolve. However, so far, scientists could not fully understand what led to the escape of this water to the solar system and how the planet transformed into a desert-like surface. But now, they may have solved this puzzle. "We're trying to figure out what little changes occurred on each planet to drive them into these vastly different states,” said Eryn Cangi, co-team leader and a scientist with the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP). How did Venus lose its water? Due to its proximity to the Sun, the sunlight is believed to have broken up water in its atmosphere into hydrogen and oxygen. The greater concentration of hydrogen in the atmosphere rapidly heated the planet, due to which the hydrogen escaped in a flow out to space. That’s how this hydrodynamic escape stripped Venus of its water. Also read: Chinese scientists find `fountain of youth` in blood of young that can extend life up to 130 years But not all water was lost in this process. It’s like dumping out a water bottle – there will still be a few drops left at the bottom. Venus still losing water Venus still holds some water and the water is still leaking into the space. Scientists blame a process called HCO⁺ dissociative recombination (DR) for this phenomenon. As per this theory, when gaseous HCO+ reacts with the electrons, a neutral carbon monoxide molecule, CO, and a hydrogen atom, H, are formed. This process energises the hydrogen atom, which can then exceed the planet’s escape velocity and escape to space. Also read: Melting ice, burning skin: Antarctic wildlife is getting sunburnt, scientists warn The DR process is likely to have taken place throughout the history of the planet, which explains why Venus is still losing water. (With inputs from agencies)

Scientists finally know why Venus is leaking water into space even today

The Sun has released two powerful solar flares over the past one week, causing radio blackouts in some regions.&nbsp;A newly emerged sunspot region,&nbsp;named&nbsp;AR3663, is understood to be behind these solar flares, which&nbsp;were fired off&nbsp;within&nbsp;just&nbsp;six hours of each other.&nbsp;The Sun is experiencing heightened flare activity in its 11-year period in which its magnetic field goes through a cycle. During this cycle, the&nbsp;Sun’s&nbsp;north and south poles switch places, a process during which solar flares&nbsp;are released. Some flares are so&nbsp;strong&nbsp;that they&nbsp;end up affecting&nbsp;life here on Earth.

<h2>All about the two eruptions</h2>

The first eruption occurred on May 2, when the most&nbsp;powerful&nbsp;category flare, an X-class solar flare, was fired off AR3663. It was so powerful that it caused blackouts across Australia, Japan and much of China.

"X&nbsp;FLARE! Sunspot region AR3663 just produced an X1.7 flare, the 11th largest flare so far this cycle. It was an impulsive flare lasting a total of about 25 minutes and peaking at 02:22 U.T,"&nbsp;solar physicist Keith Strong wrote on X.

The second eruption came on May 3, which was an M-class flare.

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At the time of the eruption, the sunspot was facing our home planet, bringing Earth into direct firing line. It&nbsp;is speculated&nbsp;that at least one of the solar flares carried a coronal mass ejection (CME)&nbsp;with it. CME is a&nbsp;large&nbsp;expulsion of plasma and magnetic field.

Space.com website reports that powerful CMEs, that&nbsp;are&nbsp;directed&nbsp;towards Earth,&nbsp;can cause disruptions with power grids, telecommunication networks and orbiting satellites.&nbsp;They can also expose our astronauts in space to harmful doses of radiation.

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<h2>What are solar flares?</h2>

Solar flares are a fascinating phenomenon that occurs when magnetic fields within the&nbsp;Sun's&nbsp;atmosphere reconnect, releasing&nbsp;a&nbsp;massive&nbsp;amount of&nbsp;energy.&nbsp;This process&nbsp;is similar to&nbsp;a rubber band snapping back into place after being stretched too far. The energy released during a solar flare is immense, and NASA categorises these flares based on their strength. At the top of the scale are the X-class flares, the most powerful&nbsp;of the bunch. Next come the M-class flares, which are a tenth as powerful as the X-class.&nbsp;Following these are the C-class&nbsp;flares,&nbsp;and&nbsp;finally,&nbsp;the B-class flares, the weakest of the bunch.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Sun has released two powerful solar flares over the past one week, causing radio blackouts in some regions. A newly emerged sunspot region, named AR3663, is understood to be behind these solar flares, which were fired off within just six hours of each other.

The Sun has released two powerful solar flares over the past one week, causing radio blackouts in some regions. A newly emerged sunspot region, named AR3663, is understood to be behind these solar flares, which were fired off within just six hours of each other. The Sun is experiencing heightened flare activity in its 11-year period in which its magnetic field goes through a cycle. During this cycle, the Sun’s north and south poles switch places, a process during which solar flares are released. Some flares are so strong that they end up affecting life here on Earth. All about the two eruptions The first eruption occurred on May 2, when the most powerful category flare, an X-class solar flare, was fired off AR3663. It was so powerful that it caused blackouts across Australia, Japan and much of China. "X FLARE! Sunspot region AR3663 just produced an X1.7 flare, the 11th largest flare so far this cycle. It was an impulsive flare lasting a total of about 25 minutes and peaking at 02:22 U.T," solar physicist Keith Strong wrote on X. The second eruption came on May 3, which was an M-class flare. Also read: Watch: Scientists manage to capture Sun`s closest video yet; ESA cautions `don`t be fooled` because... At the time of the eruption, the sunspot was facing our home planet, bringing Earth into direct firing line. It is speculated that at least one of the solar flares carried a coronal mass ejection (CME) with it. CME is a large expulsion of plasma and magnetic field. Space.com website reports that powerful CMEs, that are directed towards Earth, can cause disruptions with power grids, telecommunication networks and orbiting satellites. They can also expose our astronauts in space to harmful doses of radiation. Also read: Chaos on Sun dazzles Mars with invisible Auroras What are solar flares? Solar flares are a fascinating phenomenon that occurs when magnetic fields within the Sun's atmosphere reconnect, releasing a massive amount of energy. This process is similar to a rubber band snapping back into place after being stretched too far. The energy released during a solar flare is immense, and NASA categorises these flares based on their strength. At the top of the scale are the X-class flares, the most powerful of the bunch. Next come the M-class flares, which are a tenth as powerful as the X-class. Following these are the C-class flares, and finally, the B-class flares, the weakest of the bunch. (With inputs from agencies)

Sun fires massive solar flares directly at Earth; Australia, Japan and China witness radio blackouts

With the launch of its Starliner spaceship on Monday night, which will finally send two NASA astronauts into orbit, Boeing's spaceflight programme might achieve a significant milestone.

The Crew Flight Test mission is scheduled to launch from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida on Monday at 10:34 pm&nbsp;ET. The space agency says that live streaming of the ceremony will start on NASA channels on Monday at 6:30 pm&nbsp;ET.

The event has been planned for a decade, and it marks the completion of Boeing's efforts to create a spaceship capable of transporting humans to and from the International Space Station as part of NASA's Commercial Crew Programme.

Starliner's journey to the launchpad has been hampered by expensive failures, test flight issues, and development hold-ups. In the meanwhile, SpaceX, Boeing's competitor in NASA's commercial crew programme, has emerged as the preferred astronaut transportation provider. At last, NASA and Boeing have decided that the Starliner spaceship is all set for the most important test yet which is letting astronauts take a spin around the planet.

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Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore, two veteran NASA astronauts, will fly on Monday's flight to the International Space Station for a week.

A number of experiments will be carried out by Wilmore and Williams during their journey, such as a brief takeover of the autonomous spacecraft's controls and an assessment of how the ship functions for astronauts. For Boeing, a successful flight might represent a turning point for the spaceflight program and the company as a whole.

“We’ve had a couple (of) launch dates, and we’ve been like, ‘OK, we’re ready to go,’” Williams said at a news conference. “But now it’s like, heck — five days. It is actually, finally real, and I sort of have to pinch myself a little bit to understand, actually, we’re going.”

(With inputs from agencies)

With the launch of its Starliner spaceship on Monday night, which will finally send two NASA astronauts into orbit, Boeing's spaceflight programme might achieve a significant milestone.

With the launch of its Starliner spaceship on Monday night, which will finally send two NASA astronauts into orbit, Boeing's spaceflight programme might achieve a significant milestone. The Crew Flight Test mission is scheduled to launch from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida on Monday at 10:34 pm ET. The space agency says that live streaming of the ceremony will start on NASA channels on Monday at 6:30 pm ET. The event has been planned for a decade, and it marks the completion of Boeing's efforts to create a spaceship capable of transporting humans to and from the International Space Station as part of NASA's Commercial Crew Programme. Starliner's journey to the launchpad has been hampered by expensive failures, test flight issues, and development hold-ups. In the meanwhile, SpaceX, Boeing's competitor in NASA's commercial crew programme, has emerged as the preferred astronaut transportation provider. At last, NASA and Boeing have decided that the Starliner spaceship is all set for the most important test yet which is letting astronauts take a spin around the planet. Also read: Asteroid Dinkinesh's duo Selam spotted by NASA's Lucy spacecraft turns out to be cosmic toddler Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore, two veteran NASA astronauts, will fly on Monday's flight to the International Space Station for a week. A number of experiments will be carried out by Wilmore and Williams during their journey, such as a brief takeover of the autonomous spacecraft's controls and an assessment of how the ship functions for astronauts. For Boeing, a successful flight might represent a turning point for the spaceflight program and the company as a whole. “We’ve had a couple (of) launch dates, and we’ve been like, ‘OK, we’re ready to go,’” Williams said at a news conference. “But now it’s like, heck — five days. It is actually, finally real, and I sort of have to pinch myself a little bit to understand, actually, we’re going.” (With inputs from agencies)

Sunita Williams goes to space again with Boeing Starliner's launch of first crewed mission: How to watch

India’s&nbsp;historic mission to the Moon could have met a disastrous fate in the sky had scientists not been able to make a vital calculation to avoid a devastating collision, the&nbsp;Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) revealed Monday (Apr 29). It was all because of&nbsp;ISRO’s&nbsp;proactive and decisive space management that&nbsp;the Chandrayaan-3 mission could be saved&nbsp;and successfully executed as a&nbsp;key&nbsp;decision&nbsp;was taken&nbsp;even before the rocket lifted&nbsp;off.

<h2>What happened?</h2>

It all happened on July 14, 2023,&nbsp;the day&nbsp;when&nbsp;ISRO’s&nbsp;Chandrayaan-3&nbsp;was scheduled&nbsp;for launch.&nbsp;Just when the&nbsp;scientists were about to press the launch button,&nbsp;a potential threat in space was detected.

ISRO’s&nbsp;mission control team observed that if&nbsp;the mission was launched&nbsp;at the scheduled time, it could intersect with the trajectory of a piece of space debris.

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We&nbsp;know,&nbsp;that&nbsp;objects fly in space with high velocity&nbsp;and&nbsp;they&nbsp;can break spacecraft and satellites into pieces irrespective of their size upon collision.

<h2>The solution</h2>

The ISRO team came up with a simple yet effective solution.&nbsp;They decided to delay the launch by&nbsp;a mere four seconds, which was&nbsp;enough to steer clear of the potential collision.

This decision&nbsp;was based&nbsp;on a detailed Collision Avoidance Analysis (COLA) as part of&nbsp;ISRO's&nbsp;standard Launch Clearance Protocol.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiRpur7p-eFAxUl2TgGHV9PBYoQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/science/isro-new-year-gift-xposat-will-lift-off-on-january-1-will-study-black-holes-674375" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/science/isro-new-year-gift-xposat-will-lift-off-on-january-1-will-study-black-holes-674375&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiRpur7p-eFAxUl2TgGHV9PBYoQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE">ISRO’s New Year’s gift: XPoSat will lift off on January 1, will study black holes</a>

“For LVM3-M4/ Chandrayaan-3, the nominal lift-off had to be delayed by 4 seconds based on COLA analysis to avoid close approaches between a debris object and the injected satellites in their orbital phase due to overlapping operational altitudes,”&nbsp;ISRO revealed in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.isro.gov.in/Indian_Space_Situational_Assessment_Report_ISSAR2023.html#:~:text=For%20LVM3%2DM4%2F%20Chandrayaan%2D,due%20to%20overlapping%20operational%20altitudes." target="_blank">a detailed blog post</a>&nbsp;on its website.

<h2>Significance</h2>

The last-minute manoeuvre&nbsp;not only&nbsp;showed the threats posed by space debris&nbsp;but also&nbsp;demonstrated&nbsp;ISRO’s&nbsp;ability to identify and overcome such challenges.

ISRO&nbsp;in&nbsp;its Space Situational Assessment Report (ISSAR)&nbsp;revealed how it deploys advanced technologies and strategic planning to maintain such safety standards.

<img alt=" Indian Space Situational Assessment Report (ISSAR) for 2023" src="https://www.isro.gov.in/media_isro/image/index/issar2904242.jpg" />

In its report, the space agency said it carried out 23 such collision avoidance manoeuvres to safeguard its assets in the space. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

India’s historic mission to the Moon could have met a disastrous fate in the sky had scientists not been able to make a vital calculation to avoid a devastating collision, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) revealed Monday (Apr 29).

India’s historic mission to the Moon could have met a disastrous fate in the sky had scientists not been able to make a vital calculation to avoid a devastating collision, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) revealed Monday (Apr 29). It was all because of ISRO’s proactive and decisive space management that the Chandrayaan-3 mission could be saved and successfully executed as a key decision was taken even before the rocket lifted off. What happened? It all happened on July 14, 2023, the day when ISRO’s Chandrayaan-3 was scheduled for launch. Just when the scientists were about to press the launch button, a potential threat in space was detected. ISRO’s mission control team observed that if the mission was launched at the scheduled time, it could intersect with the trajectory of a piece of space debris. Also read: ISRO to tie up with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to launch satellite We know, that objects fly in space with high velocity and they can break spacecraft and satellites into pieces irrespective of their size upon collision. The solution The ISRO team came up with a simple yet effective solution. They decided to delay the launch by a mere four seconds, which was enough to steer clear of the potential collision. This decision was based on a detailed Collision Avoidance Analysis (COLA) as part of ISRO's standard Launch Clearance Protocol. Also read: ISRO’s New Year’s gift: XPoSat will lift off on January 1, will study black holes “For LVM3-M4/ Chandrayaan-3, the nominal lift-off had to be delayed by 4 seconds based on COLA analysis to avoid close approaches between a debris object and the injected satellites in their orbital phase due to overlapping operational altitudes,” ISRO revealed in a detailed blog post on its website. Significance The last-minute manoeuvre not only showed the threats posed by space debris but also demonstrated ISRO’s ability to identify and overcome such challenges. ISRO in its Space Situational Assessment Report (ISSAR) revealed how it deploys advanced technologies and strategic planning to maintain such safety standards. In its report, the space agency said it carried out 23 such collision avoidance manoeuvres to safeguard its assets in the space. (With inputs from agencies)

ISRO delayed Chandrayaan-3’s launch by four seconds to avoid massive collision in space

The Hubble Space Telescope has malfunctioned, yet again. The researchers’ own eye in space has gone offline after it faced an issue with a gyroscope and has entered into what scientists call safe mode.

The Hubble Space Telescope has malfunctioned, yet again. The researchers’ own eye in space has gone offline after it faced an issue with a gyroscope and has entered into what scientists call safe mode. A gyroscope is a device used for measuring or maintaining orientation and angular velocity. Its purpose is to determine where the telescope is pointing and how the pointing changes in relation to the telescope’s movement in space. There are three such gyroscopes aboard the spacecraft and only one of them is facing issues. NASA scientists are believed to be working to resolve the issue as soon as possible. Third gyroscope reserved for future missions The Hubble telescope doesn’t work at its full capacity as the third gyroscope is reserved for future operations. As of now, it is guided and operated by just one of two gyroscopes. Also read: Tiangong space station damaged by space debris strike, China working on clean-up The telescope underwent the fifth and final servicing in 2009 by the Space Shuttle Atlantis during which six gyroscopes were fitted into the spacecraft. Three of them remain operational, including the one facing issues currently and providing inaccurate readings. Not the first time It’s not the first time that the faulty gyroscope has provided inaccurate readings to the researchers. The same gyro faced issues in December 2023 as well after NASA scientists reconfigured the telescope to operate in high-performance mode. Also read: Astronomers Fight to Save Chandra Space Telescope This prompted NASA to run some tests checking the usability of the gyroscope, following which the space agency decided against completely abandoning it. Hubble now off duty Owing to the faulty gyroscope, the Hubble telescope has now gone off duty and will remain non-operational till it’s fixed. All scheduled programmes and missions have been put on hold as researchers at NASA try to send instructions from ground stations and get the thing going. As per NASA’s plans, the telescope will remain operational for at least six more years and hopefully more. (With inputs from agency)

Hubble space telescope temporarily goes off duty as key device provides faulty reading

China on&nbsp;Thursday (Apr 25) launched a manned spaceship into space from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China.&nbsp;The Long March-2F carrier rocket blasted off the Shenzhou-18 spacecraft with three Chinese astronauts on board.

The space mission is&nbsp;China’s&nbsp;first&nbsp;manned&nbsp;mission this year and 32nd manned flight so far.&nbsp;

The flight&nbsp;is scheduled&nbsp;to reach the Tiangong space station 6.5 hours after&nbsp;launch.

Watch video:&nbsp;

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🚀 China Launches Manned Shenzhou-18 Mission to Tiangong Space Station <a href="https://t.co/SEoDk4J1BQ">pic.twitter.com/SEoDk4J1BQ</a>
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Earlier in the day, a send-off ceremony&nbsp;was held&nbsp;for the crew members before the launch. The astronauts will stay at the China Space Station for six months and return to the Dongfeng landing site in north&nbsp;China's&nbsp;Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region in October this year.

<h2>Who are the three astronauts?&nbsp;</h2>

The three Chinese astronauts are Ye Guangfu, Li Cong and Li Guangsu, all&nbsp;of them&nbsp;born in the 1980s.

Watch:&nbsp;Blinken’s Visit to China: US Secy of State Antony Blinken holds meeting with top Shanghai official

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The three persons will carry out six&nbsp;cargo&nbsp;outbound deliveries via the&nbsp;station's&nbsp;cargo airlock module and implement two to three extravehicular activities (EVAs).

<h2>The mission</h2>

The astronauts will&nbsp;“install space debris protection reinforcements for extravehicular piping, cables and critical equipment and carry out extravehicular inspections, as appropriate, to further safeguard the safety of the China Space Station,”&nbsp;announced the China Manned Space Agency.

"During the Shenzhou-18 mission, experimental equipment and related samples will be taken to space, and the&nbsp;country's&nbsp;first in-orbit aquatic ecological research project will be implemented. Using zebrafish and hornwort to establish a self-cycling aquatic ecosystem in orbit, the project aims to make a breakthrough in the cultivation of vertebrates in space,"&nbsp;Lin Xiqiang, deputy director of the CMSA, said on Wednesday.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjC37L12d2FAxXMRmwGHZACBxcQxfQBKAB6BAgPEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/blinken-calls-for-us-china-to-manage-differences-responsibly-714711" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/blinken-calls-for-us-china-to-manage-differences-responsibly-714711&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjC37L12d2FAxXMRmwGHZACBxcQxfQBKAB6BAgPEAE">Blinken calls for US, China to manage differences `responsibly`</a>

"The&nbsp;world's&nbsp;first in-orbit stem cell study on the&nbsp;plant's&nbsp;stem tips will be made to reveal the mechanism of plant evolutionary adaptation to gravity and provide theoretical support for space cropping,"&nbsp;Lin added.

China began constructing its Tiangong space station in 2021, completing the T-shaped facility in late 2022. Since then, the space station has been hosting crews of three astronauts for&nbsp;periods of&nbsp;six months.

China on Thursday (Apr 25) launched a manned spaceship into space from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China. The Long March-2F carrier rocket blasted off the Shenzhou-18 spacecraft with three Chinese astronauts on board.

China on Thursday (Apr 25) launched a manned spaceship into space from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China. The Long March-2F carrier rocket blasted off the Shenzhou-18 spacecraft with three Chinese astronauts on board. The space mission is China’s first manned mission this year and 32nd manned flight so far. The flight is scheduled to reach the Tiangong space station 6.5 hours after launch. Watch video: 🚀 China Launches Manned Shenzhou-18 Mission to Tiangong Space Station pic.twitter.com/SEoDk4J1BQ — RT_India (@RT_India_news) April 25, 2024 × Earlier in the day, a send-off ceremony was held for the crew members before the launch. The astronauts will stay at the China Space Station for six months and return to the Dongfeng landing site in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region in October this year. Who are the three astronauts? The three Chinese astronauts are Ye Guangfu, Li Cong and Li Guangsu, all of them born in the 1980s. Watch: Blinken’s Visit to China: US Secy of State Antony Blinken holds meeting with top Shanghai official × The three persons will carry out six cargo outbound deliveries via the station's cargo airlock module and implement two to three extravehicular activities (EVAs). The mission The astronauts will “install space debris protection reinforcements for extravehicular piping, cables and critical equipment and carry out extravehicular inspections, as appropriate, to further safeguard the safety of the China Space Station,” announced the China Manned Space Agency. "During the Shenzhou-18 mission, experimental equipment and related samples will be taken to space, and the country's first in-orbit aquatic ecological research project will be implemented. Using zebrafish and hornwort to establish a self-cycling aquatic ecosystem in orbit, the project aims to make a breakthrough in the cultivation of vertebrates in space," Lin Xiqiang, deputy director of the CMSA, said on Wednesday. Also read: Blinken calls for US, China to manage differences `responsibly` "The world's first in-orbit stem cell study on the plant's stem tips will be made to reveal the mechanism of plant evolutionary adaptation to gravity and provide theoretical support for space cropping," Lin added. China began constructing its Tiangong space station in 2021, completing the T-shaped facility in late 2022. Since then, the space station has been hosting crews of three astronauts for periods of six months.

Watch: China launches manned spaceship to Tiangong space station for six months

A team of astronomers said that they have detected a new young and warm exoplanet orbiting a distant star which is estimated to be similar in size and mass to Jupiter.&nbsp;

The findings, which were published on April 3 in the pre-print server arXiv, revealed that the newfound alien world has been designated TOI-4862 b (or NGTS-30 b).&nbsp;

"With a moderate eccentricity of 0.294, its equilibrium temperature could be expected to vary from 274 K to 500 K over the course of its orbit," the research mentioned. &nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-discover-first-alien-super-earth-with-permanent-dark-and-sun-lit-sides-709731">Scientists discover first alien Super-Earth with permanent dark and sun-lit sides</a>&nbsp;

The study said that the new long-period transiting exoplanet was detected by the astronomers following up on a single-transit candidate found in the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) mission.&nbsp;

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration's TESS has identified more than 7,100 candidate exoplanets (TESS Objects of Interest, or TOI). The study said that out of the total, 432 have been confirmed so far.&nbsp;

The satellite has been conducting a survey of about 200,000 of the brightest stars near the sun. It focuses on searching for transiting exoplanets.&nbsp;

The prime mission of TESS ended on July 4, 2020, but it currently in an extended mission. NASA once said in its report that TESS is finding planets ranging from small, rocky worlds to giant planets, showcasing the diversity of planets in the galaxy.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/voyager-1-scientists-finally-know-reason-behind-glitchy-sound-coming-from-space-709560">Voyager 1: Scientists finally know reason behind glitchy sound coming from space</a>&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;How does Aditya-L1 spacecraft create an artificial solar eclipse?

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A group of astronomers led by Matthew Battley of the University of Geneva in Switzerland has confirmed another TOI monitored by TESS.&nbsp;

The astronomers have identified a transit signal in the light curve of the exoplanet, which is a young G-type star located some 762 light years away.&nbsp;

The researchers wrote in the paper: "NGTS-30 b/TOI-4862 b was first discovered via a single transit in TESS photometry, before archival photometry from NGTS [Next Generation Transit Survey] and EulerCam were used to refine the planetary period."&nbsp;

A team of astronomers said that they have detected a new young and warm exoplanet orbiting a distant star which is estimated to be similar in size and mass to Jupiter.

A team of astronomers said that they have detected a new young and warm exoplanet orbiting a distant star which is estimated to be similar in size and mass to Jupiter. The findings, which were published on April 3 in the pre-print server arXiv, revealed that the newfound alien world has been designated TOI-4862 b (or NGTS-30 b). "With a moderate eccentricity of 0.294, its equilibrium temperature could be expected to vary from 274 K to 500 K over the course of its orbit," the research mentioned. Also read: Scientists discover first alien Super-Earth with permanent dark and sun-lit sides The study said that the new long-period transiting exoplanet was detected by the astronomers following up on a single-transit candidate found in the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) mission. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration's TESS has identified more than 7,100 candidate exoplanets (TESS Objects of Interest, or TOI). The study said that out of the total, 432 have been confirmed so far. The satellite has been conducting a survey of about 200,000 of the brightest stars near the sun. It focuses on searching for transiting exoplanets. The prime mission of TESS ended on July 4, 2020, but it currently in an extended mission. NASA once said in its report that TESS is finding planets ranging from small, rocky worlds to giant planets, showcasing the diversity of planets in the galaxy. Also read: Voyager 1: Scientists finally know reason behind glitchy sound coming from space Watch: How does Aditya-L1 spacecraft create an artificial solar eclipse? × A group of astronomers led by Matthew Battley of the University of Geneva in Switzerland has confirmed another TOI monitored by TESS. The astronomers have identified a transit signal in the light curve of the exoplanet, which is a young G-type star located some 762 light years away. The researchers wrote in the paper: "NGTS-30 b/TOI-4862 b was first discovered via a single transit in TESS photometry, before archival photometry from NGTS [Next Generation Transit Survey] and EulerCam were used to refine the planetary period."

Astronomers find young and warm exoplanet resembling Jupiter in size

The detection of twisted magnetic field surounding the massive black hole at the center of the Milky Way. The discovery offers some insights into the behaviour of the black holes.

Never-seen-before images of Milky Way's Black Hole!

New images show that the massive "devil comet" that will soon pass by Earth has a hidden spiral of light surrounding its large icy core. The glowing green swirl was detected with the help of photo editing techniques and would have likely gone unnoticed otherwise.

New images show that the massive "devil comet" that will soon pass by Earth has a hidden spiral of light surrounding its large icy core. The glowing green swirl was detected with the help of photo editing techniques and would have likely gone unnoticed otherwise. The comet 12P/Pons-Brooks circles the sun every 71 years in a highly elliptical orbit and is made of ice and rock. It is currently approaching the sun, according to Spaceweather.com. 12P is a comet that, like most others, has a core that contains ice, gas, and dust. This core is surrounded by a frozen shell or nucleus. The nucleus is also enveloped by an icy dust cloud called a coma. This coma slowly leaks out of the comet's interior. However, 12P is a cryovolcanic comet. It frequently erupts when solar radiation causes large fissures to open in its nucleus. When this happens, the comet sprays its highly pressurized icy insides, called cryomagma, into space. As a result, its coma expands significantly, making the comet appear much brighter than usual for a short period. In July of last year, 12P became a topic of interest among astronomers when they observed it erupt for the first time in almost seven decades. Since then, the comet has continued to erupt at a fairly frequent rate. During its initial eruptions, the comet's expanded coma had an irregular shape caused by a notch in the nucleus that blocked cryomagma outflow. This gave the comet the appearance of having demonic horns, which led to its sinister nickname. However, during more recent eruptions, these horns seem to have disappeared. ALSO READ | Human brains getting larger in size, and this may be good news for some As the comet 12P approaches closer to the sun, its coma has become much more visible. This coma has a green hue due to the presence of high levels of dicarbon, which is a molecule consisting of two carbon atoms stuck together. Additionally, a sizable tail made up of dust and ice has also grown, which is blown away from the coma by the solar wind. As a result, astrophotographers are now able to capture much more striking and visually appealing shots of the comet. Astrophotographer Jan Erik Vallestad took some remarkable images of 12P and its long tail on March 9 from Norway. He used specialised software to emphasise the changing intensity of the coma's light and discovered a previously unknown spiral within its coma. The images are highly detailed and provide an excellent view of the comet. The spiral structure is also visible in images taken by Juris Seņņikovs, an astrophotographer based in Latvia. He used the imaging technique used by Vallestad to capture the structure. The spiral shape is likely caused by small geysers on 12P's surface, which are pumping out streams of cryomagma. As the comet spins, these icy jets are being twisted into the swirls that are visible in the new photos. (With inputs from agencies)

'Devil comet' throws another surprise as astronomers notice a weird green glow

Researchers have argued that alien life could be discovered in a tiny grain of ice extracted from ‘key places’ in our solar system. Scientists have long argued that moons orbiting Saturn and Jupiter that have vast oceans underneath an icy crust may be serving as home to several alien species. The same can be verified using upcoming powerful telescopes here from Earth. However, to further verify the presence of alien life, experts would need to analyse the water from those bodies.

But this is no easy feat as the water is contained within that icy crust in distant planets and their moons like Europa.

But there is one silver lining: The plumes ejecting out of the icy crust. Scientists have already dispatched spacecraft to pass through these plumes, which would help them conduct experiments.

“For the first time we have shown that even a tiny fraction of cellular material could be identified by a mass spectrometer onboard a spacecraft,” said lead author Fabian Klenner, from the University of Washington.

“Our results give us more confidence that using upcoming instruments, we will be able to detect lifeforms similar to those on Earth, which we increasingly believe could be present on ocean-bearing moons,” Klenner added.

Recent studies indicate the potential for detecting signs of alien life in samples collected from these plumes, even if present in minute quantities. The Cassini mission, jointly operated by NASA and other space agencies, previously identified fractures on the southern pole of Enceladus, one of Saturn's moons, from which plumes of gas and ice grains are released.

Another upcoming mission, the Europa Clipper, scheduled for launch in October, will carry a broader array of instruments than its precursor, which will aid research on Europa.

In the latest research, scientists explored the potential findings from such missions by stimulating a similar experiment here on Earth.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiez-WZsoyFAxWjsFYBHQytA54QxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/science/chronic-fatigue-syndrome-is-biological-key-study-confirms-703678" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/science/chronic-fatigue-syndrome-is-biological-key-study-confirms-703678&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiez-WZsoyFAxWjsFYBHQytA54QxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE">Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is `biological`, key study confirms</a>

They introduced liquid water into a vacuum, causing it to disperse into droplets. These droplets were then stimulated using a laser, while sensors akin to those on spacecraft were employed.

The findings suggest that instruments designed for future space missions hold the capability to detect cellular material within these plumes, even if present in just one among hundreds of thousands of ice grains.

(With inputs from agencies)

Researchers have argued that alien life could be discovered in a tiny grain of ice extracted from ‘key places’ in our solar system. Scientists have long argued that moons orbiting Saturn and Jupiter that have vast oceans underneath an icy crust may be serving as home to several alien species.

Researchers have argued that alien life could be discovered in a tiny grain of ice extracted from ‘key places’ in our solar system. Scientists have long argued that moons orbiting Saturn and Jupiter that have vast oceans underneath an icy crust may be serving as home to several alien species. The same can be verified using upcoming powerful telescopes here from Earth. However, to further verify the presence of alien life, experts would need to analyse the water from those bodies. But this is no easy feat as the water is contained within that icy crust in distant planets and their moons like Europa. But there is one silver lining: The plumes ejecting out of the icy crust. Scientists have already dispatched spacecraft to pass through these plumes, which would help them conduct experiments. “For the first time we have shown that even a tiny fraction of cellular material could be identified by a mass spectrometer onboard a spacecraft,” said lead author Fabian Klenner, from the University of Washington. “Our results give us more confidence that using upcoming instruments, we will be able to detect lifeforms similar to those on Earth, which we increasingly believe could be present on ocean-bearing moons,” Klenner added. Recent studies indicate the potential for detecting signs of alien life in samples collected from these plumes, even if present in minute quantities. The Cassini mission, jointly operated by NASA and other space agencies, previously identified fractures on the southern pole of Enceladus, one of Saturn's moons, from which plumes of gas and ice grains are released. Another upcoming mission, the Europa Clipper, scheduled for launch in October, will carry a broader array of instruments than its precursor, which will aid research on Europa. In the latest research, scientists explored the potential findings from such missions by stimulating a similar experiment here on Earth. Also read: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is `biological`, key study confirms They introduced liquid water into a vacuum, causing it to disperse into droplets. These droplets were then stimulated using a laser, while sensors akin to those on spacecraft were employed. The findings suggest that instruments designed for future space missions hold the capability to detect cellular material within these plumes, even if present in just one among hundreds of thousands of ice grains. (With inputs from agencies)

Water plumes collected from Jupiter’s moon Europa may bear signs of alien life

The International Astronomical Union (IAU) has honoured an Indian scientist by naming an asteroid after his name. Professor Jayant Murthy has been awarded for his work on the interstellar medium, ultraviolet astronomy, and space missions. Asteroid (215884) Jayantmurthy will always carry the rich legacy of the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) scientist, previously named as 2005 EX296.

IAU is an international body entrusted with the job of naming small objects in the solar system. The asteroid (215884) Jayantmurthy was discovered by MW Buie at the Kitt Peak National Observatory in Arizona, USA, in 2005. It orbits the Sun between Mars and Jupiter every 3.3 years

<h2>Jayant Murthy’s reaction</h2>

Jayant Murthy expressed his gratitude to the IAU as well as excitement upon hearing the news.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiyjor28ImFAxU9jGMGHTAaAswQxfQBKAB6BAgaEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/science/astronomers-call-to-protect-radio-silence-on-moons-far-side-amid-growing-scientific-interest-in-the-region-703006" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/science/astronomers-call-to-protect-radio-silence-on-moons-far-side-amid-growing-scientific-interest-in-the-region-703006&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiyjor28ImFAxU9jGMGHTAaAswQxfQBKAB6BAgaEAE">Astronomers call to protect radio silence on Moon`s far side amid growing scientific interest in the region</a>

“I am thrilled to have an asteroid named after me, in connection with my work on the New Horizons team, led by Dr. Alan Stern," Professor Murthy said.

<h2>About Professor Murthy</h2>

Professor Murthy concluded his tenure at the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) in 2021 and has since been serving as an Honorary Professor. He previously assumed the role of acting director at the institute from July 2018 to October 2019.

Watch:&nbsp;China's first hydrogen-powered urban train completes testing

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His scholarly achievements have significantly enhanced our understanding of the universe, particularly through his involvement with NASA's New Horizons Science Team. The team's endeavours to observe ultraviolet background radiation have played a crucial role in broadening our understanding of cosmic phenomena.

Professor Murthy's invaluable contributions to the New Horizons mission included the study of ultraviolet background radiation in the outer reaches of the Solar System, where the influence of the Sun and interplanetary medium is minimal.

Launched by NASA, New Horizons captured global attention with its historic flyby of Pluto in 2015, delivering unparalleled insights and data about the dwarf planet and its satellites.

Annapurni Subramaniam, director, IIA, termed the asteroid naming “a very rare honour”. Murthy joins the ranks of previous IIA directors MK Vainu Bappu and JC Bhattacharyya, who also have asteroids named after them.

(With inputs from agencies)

The International Astronomical Union (IAU) has honoured an Indian scientist by naming an asteroid after his name. Professor Jayant Murthy has been awarded for his work on the interstellar medium, ultraviolet astronomy, and space missions.

The International Astronomical Union (IAU) has honoured an Indian scientist by naming an asteroid after his name. Professor Jayant Murthy has been awarded for his work on the interstellar medium, ultraviolet astronomy, and space missions. Asteroid (215884) Jayantmurthy will always carry the rich legacy of the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) scientist, previously named as 2005 EX296. IAU is an international body entrusted with the job of naming small objects in the solar system. The asteroid (215884) Jayantmurthy was discovered by MW Buie at the Kitt Peak National Observatory in Arizona, USA, in 2005. It orbits the Sun between Mars and Jupiter every 3.3 years Jayant Murthy’s reaction Jayant Murthy expressed his gratitude to the IAU as well as excitement upon hearing the news. Also read: Astronomers call to protect radio silence on Moon`s far side amid growing scientific interest in the region “I am thrilled to have an asteroid named after me, in connection with my work on the New Horizons team, led by Dr. Alan Stern," Professor Murthy said. About Professor Murthy Professor Murthy concluded his tenure at the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) in 2021 and has since been serving as an Honorary Professor. He previously assumed the role of acting director at the institute from July 2018 to October 2019. Watch: China's first hydrogen-powered urban train completes testing × His scholarly achievements have significantly enhanced our understanding of the universe, particularly through his involvement with NASA's New Horizons Science Team. The team's endeavours to observe ultraviolet background radiation have played a crucial role in broadening our understanding of cosmic phenomena. Professor Murthy's invaluable contributions to the New Horizons mission included the study of ultraviolet background radiation in the outer reaches of the Solar System, where the influence of the Sun and interplanetary medium is minimal. Launched by NASA, New Horizons captured global attention with its historic flyby of Pluto in 2015, delivering unparalleled insights and data about the dwarf planet and its satellites. Annapurni Subramaniam, director, IIA, termed the asteroid naming “a very rare honour”. Murthy joins the ranks of previous IIA directors MK Vainu Bappu and JC Bhattacharyya, who also have asteroids named after them. (With inputs from agencies)

International body names asteroid after Indian scientist Professor Jayant Murthy in ‘rare honour’

A rare star explosion will occur in our night sky in the coming months, offering stargazers a once-in-a-lifetime chance to witness the phenomenon with the naked eye. The star, T Coronae Borealis, or T CrB, is located 3,000 light years away from Earth in the Northern hemisphere’s expanse and is on the brink of an intense outburst, reported Earth.com.

The event will take place later this year and will lead to the shining of a part of the sky for approximately one week. The exact timing of the explosion is unclear. But the American space agency NASA predicts&nbsp;the D-day to be between now and September.

<h2>What happens during the star explosion?</h2>

The forthcoming eruption, categorised as a nova, signifies a rare celestial phenomenon that occurs approximately once every century.

This event happens when a white dwarf star, comparable in size to the sun but collapsed, and a red giant star, nearing the end of its lifecycle and expanding to roughly 74 times the sun’s size, approach each other too closely.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiQorDE7ImFAxXB2TgGHW1qC0AQxfQBKAB6BAgREAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-study-kilonova-explosion-the-star-collisions-that-create-gold-674449" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-study-kilonova-explosion-the-star-collisions-that-create-gold-674449&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiQorDE7ImFAxXB2TgGHW1qC0AQxfQBKAB6BAgREAE">Scientists study kilonova explosion, the star collisions that create gold</a>

This close proximity leads to a significant rise in the red giant’s surface temperature, soaring from about 4,000 to 5,800 degrees Fahrenheit to an extraordinary 360,000 degrees Fahrenheit, prompting T CrB to shed its outer layers onto the surface of the white dwarf.

The accumulation of material from the red giant triggers a nuclear explosion, unleashing an energy burst up to 100,000 times greater than the sun’s annual output.

<h2>Supernova vs nova</h2>

In contrast to a supernova, which completely destroys the star, a nova like T CrB's does not obliterate the star system. Instead, the star gradually cools back down to its original temperature and resumes its cycle.

Historical records indicate notable eruptions of T CrB dating back to 1946 and even 1866, with earlier accounts suggesting observations dating back several centuries.

Watch:&nbsp;What if a Supernova exploded close to earth?

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Notably, Reverend Francis Wollaston in 1787 and Abbott Burchard in 1217 documented witnessing a luminous star in the Corona Borealis constellation, hinting at earlier appearances of T CrB.

(With inputs from agencies)

A rare star explosion will occur in our night sky in the coming months, offering stargazers a once-in-a-lifetime chance to witness the phenomenon with the naked eye.

A rare star explosion will occur in our night sky in the coming months, offering stargazers a once-in-a-lifetime chance to witness the phenomenon with the naked eye. The star, T Coronae Borealis, or T CrB, is located 3,000 light years away from Earth in the Northern hemisphere’s expanse and is on the brink of an intense outburst, reported Earth.com. The event will take place later this year and will lead to the shining of a part of the sky for approximately one week. The exact timing of the explosion is unclear. But the American space agency NASA predicts the D-day to be between now and September. What happens during the star explosion? The forthcoming eruption, categorised as a nova, signifies a rare celestial phenomenon that occurs approximately once every century. This event happens when a white dwarf star, comparable in size to the sun but collapsed, and a red giant star, nearing the end of its lifecycle and expanding to roughly 74 times the sun’s size, approach each other too closely. Also read: Scientists study kilonova explosion, the star collisions that create gold This close proximity leads to a significant rise in the red giant’s surface temperature, soaring from about 4,000 to 5,800 degrees Fahrenheit to an extraordinary 360,000 degrees Fahrenheit, prompting T CrB to shed its outer layers onto the surface of the white dwarf. The accumulation of material from the red giant triggers a nuclear explosion, unleashing an energy burst up to 100,000 times greater than the sun’s annual output. Supernova vs nova In contrast to a supernova, which completely destroys the star, a nova like T CrB's does not obliterate the star system. Instead, the star gradually cools back down to its original temperature and resumes its cycle. Historical records indicate notable eruptions of T CrB dating back to 1946 and even 1866, with earlier accounts suggesting observations dating back several centuries. Watch: What if a Supernova exploded close to earth? × Notably, Reverend Francis Wollaston in 1787 and Abbott Burchard in 1217 documented witnessing a luminous star in the Corona Borealis constellation, hinting at earlier appearances of T CrB. (With inputs from agencies)

Rare star explosion to occur in the night sky that can be seen with the naked eye

The successful test of Agni-v is a huge boost to india's defence capabilities. Woman scientist R Sheena Rani played a crucial role in developing the missile system. Molly Gambhir getting you her story.

Gravitas: India's 'divine daughter' who spearheaded Agni-v success

Scientists tracking the path of a meteor that fell on Earth 10 years ago were apparently misled by the noise caused by a passing truck rumbling down a nearby road. Scientists went to the purported location of impact last year in hopes of finding and analysing debris from the meteor, called CNEOS 2014-01-08, to check whether it contained evidence of alien technology.

"The signal changed directions over time, exactly matching a road that runs past the seismometer," planetary seismologist Benjamin Fernando of Johns Hopkins University was quoted as saying by Science Alert.

"It's really difficult to take a signal and confirm it is not from something. But what we can do is show that there are lots of signals like this, and show they have all the characteristics we'd expect from a truck and none of the characteristics we'd expect from a meteor."

Today, scientists have good systems to track where the meteors enter the atmosphere and how strongly they explode upon entering the atmosphere.

One way to track big meteors is by using seismic data. This data comes from vibrations caused by the sound waves made when the rock enters the atmosphere and when pieces of the exploded rock land on the ground.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwj4n7Xt_u2EAxXN1jgGHV85CCYQxfQBKAB6BAgQEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-astronauts-vote-from-space-in-us-primary-elections-697218" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-astronauts-vote-from-space-in-us-primary-elections-697218&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj4n7Xt_u2EAxXN1jgGHV85CCYQxfQBKAB6BAgQEAE">NASA astronauts vote from space in US primary elections</a>

In January 2014, the meteor CNEOS 2014-01-08 was seen entering Earth's atmosphere by US government satellites. The sensors recorded it moving unusually fast, hinting that it might have come from outside our solar system. Scientists from Harvard University, Avi Loeb and Amir Siraj, wanted to find any pieces of the meteor to study.

They looked at data from a seismic station on Manus Island and figured&nbsp;that the fast rock fell into an area near Papua New Guinea.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwj4n7Xt_u2EAxXN1jgGHV85CCYQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-discover-oldest-dead-galaxy-ever-found-in-our-universe-697623" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-discover-oldest-dead-galaxy-ever-found-in-our-universe-697623&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj4n7Xt_u2EAxXN1jgGHV85CCYQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE">Scientists discover oldest `dead` galaxy ever found in our universe</a>

However, another team led by Fernando noticed something odd about the seismic data. The measurements they used to track the path of the body were much more accurate than usual, especially since they only used data from one station. This made them suspicious.

After closely analysing the sound waves from other monitoring stations near Papua New Guinea, they traced the signals to the nearby road.

However, scientists say it is not uncommon for signals interpreted one way to turn out to be something else.

(With inputs from agencies)

Scientists tracking the path of a meteor that fell on Earth 10 years ago were apparently misled by the noise caused by a passing truck rumbling down a nearby road.

Scientists tracking the path of a meteor that fell on Earth 10 years ago were apparently misled by the noise caused by a passing truck rumbling down a nearby road. Scientists went to the purported location of impact last year in hopes of finding and analysing debris from the meteor, called CNEOS 2014-01-08, to check whether it contained evidence of alien technology. "The signal changed directions over time, exactly matching a road that runs past the seismometer," planetary seismologist Benjamin Fernando of Johns Hopkins University was quoted as saying by Science Alert. "It's really difficult to take a signal and confirm it is not from something. But what we can do is show that there are lots of signals like this, and show they have all the characteristics we'd expect from a truck and none of the characteristics we'd expect from a meteor." Today, scientists have good systems to track where the meteors enter the atmosphere and how strongly they explode upon entering the atmosphere. One way to track big meteors is by using seismic data. This data comes from vibrations caused by the sound waves made when the rock enters the atmosphere and when pieces of the exploded rock land on the ground. Also read: NASA astronauts vote from space in US primary elections In January 2014, the meteor CNEOS 2014-01-08 was seen entering Earth's atmosphere by US government satellites. The sensors recorded it moving unusually fast, hinting that it might have come from outside our solar system. Scientists from Harvard University, Avi Loeb and Amir Siraj, wanted to find any pieces of the meteor to study. They looked at data from a seismic station on Manus Island and figured that the fast rock fell into an area near Papua New Guinea. Also read: Scientists discover oldest `dead` galaxy ever found in our universe However, another team led by Fernando noticed something odd about the seismic data. The measurements they used to track the path of the body were much more accurate than usual, especially since they only used data from one station. This made them suspicious. After closely analysing the sound waves from other monitoring stations near Papua New Guinea, they traced the signals to the nearby road. However, scientists say it is not uncommon for signals interpreted one way to turn out to be something else. (With inputs from agencies)

Scientists tracking path of meteor misled by noise caused by ‘truck’

For now, the journey to space requires a ship or a rocket. However, the existence of space elevators is not so distant in the future, making space travel easy and accessible to all, scientists say.

For now, the journey to space requires a ship or a rocket. However, the existence of space elevators is not so distant in the future, making space travel easy and accessible to all, scientists say. As far-fetched as this idea sounds, space elevators will soon be able to take payloads into space directly from the surface of the Earth. A similar technology was in the Star Wars movie, where people and ships could reach outer space without a spacecraft. The concept was also shown in A Certain Magical Index, a Japanese animated series. While the idea of space elevators is fictional, it might come to life shortly, according to experts. Many astronautics companies like SpaceX aim to send people to space, and many have already started signing up for space travel as tourists. Stephen Cohen, a physics professor, wrote in the Scientific American, "Space elevators are often dismissed as a science fiction dream, but I believe they will exist soon—perhaps in two or three decades." ALSO READ | James Webb Space Telescope probes binary asteroid system Mors-Somnus in Kuiper Belt to know Neptune's past Professor Cohen described the space elevators as a "long cable that extends from Earth's equator and fixed to a satellite at the far end." He added, "The system spins along with the Earth." In the Star Wars movie, space elevators became a necessity due to the varying atmospheres of different planets. However, it is not the same for Earth. These space elevators can help reduce the resources required for space travel while decreasing overall costs. They would be useful for launching satellites, ships, and astronauts into space. In the future, when space elevators become a reality, they could also open doors to space tourism, an idea that many people and companies desire right now. However, scientists don't have the technology to build a space elevator. Cohen mentioned, "While the synthesis of potentially suitable materials has progressed in recent years, we are still at least 10 years away from a material solution (one having adequate properties, and that can be manufactured reasonably quickly at a reasonable cost)." Space travel is still vague. However, one can learn about the space experiences from astronauts who have lived there for a long time. (With inputs from agencies)

Space elevators similar to ‘skyhooks’ in Star Wars could soon exist in reality, experts suggest

In an intriguing study, astronomers have used the all-powerful James Webb Space Telescope to find out what may have brought the end to the dark times of space and how.

The universe has not been this bright since its inception and it&nbsp;experienced the ‘Dark Ages’ when thick gases would cloud rays of light emanating from the stars.

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🆕 The NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope has just observed some of the faintest galaxies in the Universe! 
 
These dwarf galaxies existed in the earliest era of the Universe, a time where there was darkness without any stars or galaxies, filled with a dense fog of hydrogen… <a href="https://t.co/fVY92LiZgi">pic.twitter.com/fVY92LiZgi</a>
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So, how has our space transformed from a dark regime to a glowing set of millions of galaxies? Researchers used the Webb telescope to find the answer.

<h2>Pandora's Cluster</h2>

To study the phenomenon, researchers pointed the telescope towards a region of the cosmos called Pandora's Cluster. It is described as a group of galaxies so massive that they warp space, like a bowling ball sitting on a mattress. This creates a curved cosmic lens, magnifying the objects beyond. According to the American space agency NASA, "Light follows that bend instead of travelling in a straight line, distorting and brightening what’s behind the object."

Using that natural cosmic lens and the power of the telescope, scientists were able to spot some of the faintest, and oldest, galaxies in space.

<h2>What did the scientists observe?</h2>

The scientists observed small galaxies in a form which would have taken shape billions of years ago, due to the time light takes to reach us.

The small galaxies were generating huge amounts of ultraviolet light — enough to break down the dense clouds of gas that had saturated space.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiowJvD4NmEAxVJ3TgGHQ-xDxUQxfQBKAB6BAgMEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-converts-beauty-of-universe-into-sound-for-visually-impaired-to-experience-695528" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-converts-beauty-of-universe-into-sound-for-visually-impaired-to-experience-695528&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiowJvD4NmEAxVJ3TgGHQ-xDxUQxfQBKAB6BAgMEAE">NASA converts beauty of universe into sound for visually impaired to experience</a>

In the later stages, the starlight was no longer clouded by cosmic gases and the spot began to glow as the star became clearer and brighter.

"These cosmic powerhouses collectively emit more than enough energy to get the job done," Hakim Atek, an astronomer at the Institut d’Astrophysique de Paris who led the research, said in a statement by the European Space Agency.

Watch:&nbsp;All about NASA's PACE mission to study Earth's clouds &amp; oceans

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"Despite their tiny size, these low-mass galaxies are prolific producers of energetic radiation, and their abundance during this period is so substantial that their collective influence can transform the entire state of the universe."

The study, explaining in detail this transformation, was published in the journal Nature.

(With inputs from agencies)

In an intriguing study, astronomers have used the all-powerful James Webb Space Telescope to find out what may have brought the end to the dark times of space and how.

In an intriguing study, astronomers have used the all-powerful James Webb Space Telescope to find out what may have brought the end to the dark times of space and how. The universe has not been this bright since its inception and it experienced the ‘Dark Ages’ when thick gases would cloud rays of light emanating from the stars. 🆕 The NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope has just observed some of the faintest galaxies in the Universe! These dwarf galaxies existed in the earliest era of the Universe, a time where there was darkness without any stars or galaxies, filled with a dense fog of hydrogen… pic.twitter.com/fVY92LiZgi — ESA (@esa) February 28, 2024 × So, how has our space transformed from a dark regime to a glowing set of millions of galaxies? Researchers used the Webb telescope to find the answer. Pandora's Cluster To study the phenomenon, researchers pointed the telescope towards a region of the cosmos called Pandora's Cluster. It is described as a group of galaxies so massive that they warp space, like a bowling ball sitting on a mattress. This creates a curved cosmic lens, magnifying the objects beyond. According to the American space agency NASA, "Light follows that bend instead of travelling in a straight line, distorting and brightening what’s behind the object." Using that natural cosmic lens and the power of the telescope, scientists were able to spot some of the faintest, and oldest, galaxies in space. What did the scientists observe? The scientists observed small galaxies in a form which would have taken shape billions of years ago, due to the time light takes to reach us. The small galaxies were generating huge amounts of ultraviolet light — enough to break down the dense clouds of gas that had saturated space. Also read: NASA converts beauty of universe into sound for visually impaired to experience In the later stages, the starlight was no longer clouded by cosmic gases and the spot began to glow as the star became clearer and brighter. "These cosmic powerhouses collectively emit more than enough energy to get the job done," Hakim Atek, an astronomer at the Institut d’Astrophysique de Paris who led the research, said in a statement by the European Space Agency. Watch: All about NASA's PACE mission to study Earth's clouds & oceans × "Despite their tiny size, these low-mass galaxies are prolific producers of energetic radiation, and their abundance during this period is so substantial that their collective influence can transform the entire state of the universe." The study, explaining in detail this transformation, was published in the journal Nature. (With inputs from agencies)

Webb Telescope reveals how space finally shed its darkness to adorn brightness

The Odysseus spacecraft, the first private US Moon lander, on Monday (Feb 26) beamed new images back home as it rests on a rock after landing on its side. The vehicle touched down on the lunar surface on Thursday (Feb 22), prompting mixed reactions from its controllers.

Grainy images shared by Intuitive Machines, the parent company of Odysseus, encompass the harrowing journey of the lander.

The shaky landing ended up pointing the lander’s antennas in an unfavourable direction, making communication with the spaceship extremely challenging.

Watch:&nbsp;Odysseus moon landing: Historic mission reaches lunar surface

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The company posted on X that it would lose contact with the lander Tuesday morning. Initially, the company had said the lander would operate on the lunar surface for eight to nine days.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwic_ejyzcmEAxVjhlYBHT09BMoQxfQBKAB6BAgQEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-posts-intriguing-image-of-cats-eye-in-the-sky-693132" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-posts-intriguing-image-of-cats-eye-in-the-sky-693132&amp;ved=2ahUKEwic_ejyzcmEAxVjhlYBHT09BMoQxfQBKAB6BAgQEAE">NASA posts intriguing image of `cat`s eye` in the sky</a>

“Flight controllers intend to collect data until the lander’s solar panels are no longer exposed to light,” the company said in the update posted on the social media platform X. “Based on Earth and Moon positioning, we believe flight controllers will continue to communicate with Odysseus until Tuesday morning.”

One of the images shared by Odysseus was captured “approximately 35 seconds after pitching over during its approach to the landing site,” the company said in the post.

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Odysseus continues to communicate with flight controllers in Nova Control from the lunar surface. After understanding the end-to-end communication requirements, Odysseus sent images from the lunar surface of its vertical descent to its Malapert A landing site, representing the… <a href="https://t.co/CuCkOVvBqu">pic.twitter.com/CuCkOVvBqu</a>
— Intuitive Machines (@Int_Machines) <a href="https://twitter.com/Int_Machines/status/1762111937490378942?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 26, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Odysseus captured this image approximately 35 seconds after pitching over during its approach to the landing site. The camera is on the starboard aft-side of the lander in this phase. 2/5 (26FEB2024 0745 CST) <a href="https://t.co/oUcjk3bCqW">pic.twitter.com/oUcjk3bCqW</a>
— Intuitive Machines (@Int_Machines) <a href="https://twitter.com/Int_Machines/status/1762111939142885816?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 26, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Intuitive Machines also shared a picture captured by NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, or LRO, which has been circling the moon since 2009, showing the ill-fated spacecraft’s landing site.

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Images from NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Camera team confirmed Odysseus completed its landing at 80.13°S and 1.44°E at a 2579 m elevation. After traveling more than 600,000 miles, Odysseus landed within 1.5 km of its intended Malapert A landing site, using a contingent… <a href="https://t.co/CaMSSO4Gfb">pic.twitter.com/CaMSSO4Gfb</a>
— Intuitive Machines (@Int_Machines) <a href="https://twitter.com/Int_Machines/status/1762111943161037015?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 26, 2024</a></blockquote>
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The company added the vehicle landed within 1.5 kilometres (5,000 feet) of its intended landing site, “representing the furthest south any vehicle has been able to land on the Moon and establish communication with ground controllers.”

Odysseus is carrying six science and tech demonstration payloads with it, an endeavour backed by a $118 million contract with NASA.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwic_ejyzcmEAxVjhlYBHT09BMoQxfQBKAB6BAgIEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-discover-three-previously-unknown-new-moons-around-uranus-and-neptune-693400" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-discover-three-previously-unknown-new-moons-around-uranus-and-neptune-693400&amp;ved=2ahUKEwic_ejyzcmEAxVjhlYBHT09BMoQxfQBKAB6BAgIEAE">Scientists discover three previously unknown new moons around Uranus and Neptune</a>

Odysseus also carried a few pieces of cargo from the private sector, including a work of art and a camera, called EagleCam, which was designed to pop off the lander and capture a “selfie” of the spacecraft during its final descent.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Odysseus spacecraft, the first private US Moon lander, on Monday (Feb 26) beamed new images back home as it rests on a rock after landing on its side. The vehicle touched down on the lunar surface on Thursday (Feb 22), prompting mixed reactions from its controllers.

The Odysseus spacecraft, the first private US Moon lander, on Monday (Feb 26) beamed new images back home as it rests on a rock after landing on its side. The vehicle touched down on the lunar surface on Thursday (Feb 22), prompting mixed reactions from its controllers. Grainy images shared by Intuitive Machines, the parent company of Odysseus, encompass the harrowing journey of the lander. The shaky landing ended up pointing the lander’s antennas in an unfavourable direction, making communication with the spaceship extremely challenging. Watch: Odysseus moon landing: Historic mission reaches lunar surface × The company posted on X that it would lose contact with the lander Tuesday morning. Initially, the company had said the lander would operate on the lunar surface for eight to nine days. Also read: NASA posts intriguing image of `cat`s eye` in the sky “Flight controllers intend to collect data until the lander’s solar panels are no longer exposed to light,” the company said in the update posted on the social media platform X. “Based on Earth and Moon positioning, we believe flight controllers will continue to communicate with Odysseus until Tuesday morning.” One of the images shared by Odysseus was captured “approximately 35 seconds after pitching over during its approach to the landing site,” the company said in the post. Odysseus continues to communicate with flight controllers in Nova Control from the lunar surface. After understanding the end-to-end communication requirements, Odysseus sent images from the lunar surface of its vertical descent to its Malapert A landing site, representing the… pic.twitter.com/CuCkOVvBqu — Intuitive Machines (@Int_Machines) February 26, 2024 × Odysseus captured this image approximately 35 seconds after pitching over during its approach to the landing site. The camera is on the starboard aft-side of the lander in this phase. 2/5 (26FEB2024 0745 CST) pic.twitter.com/oUcjk3bCqW — Intuitive Machines (@Int_Machines) February 26, 2024 × Intuitive Machines also shared a picture captured by NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, or LRO, which has been circling the moon since 2009, showing the ill-fated spacecraft’s landing site. Images from NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Camera team confirmed Odysseus completed its landing at 80.13°S and 1.44°E at a 2579 m elevation. After traveling more than 600,000 miles, Odysseus landed within 1.5 km of its intended Malapert A landing site, using a contingent… pic.twitter.com/CaMSSO4Gfb — Intuitive Machines (@Int_Machines) February 26, 2024 × The company added the vehicle landed within 1.5 kilometres (5,000 feet) of its intended landing site, “representing the furthest south any vehicle has been able to land on the Moon and establish communication with ground controllers.” Odysseus is carrying six science and tech demonstration payloads with it, an endeavour backed by a $118 million contract with NASA. Also read: Scientists discover three previously unknown new moons around Uranus and Neptune Odysseus also carried a few pieces of cargo from the private sector, including a work of art and a camera, called EagleCam, which was designed to pop off the lander and capture a “selfie” of the spacecraft during its final descent. (With inputs from agencies)

Ill-fated Odysseus lander sends grainy images from Moon hours before going dark

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