<p>NASA has released a striking new image of Phobos, Mars' larger and oddly shaped moon, often referred to as the "space potato" due to its lumpy and irregular shape.</p>

<p>Phobos, which measures about 17 by 14 by 11 miles (27 by 22 by 18 kilometres), lacks the gravitational strength to form a spherical shape like Earth's Moon.</p>

<p>This unique structure is a result of its small size and weak gravity, giving it an appearance reminiscent of a&nbsp;potato.</p>

<p>Phobos' peculiar form is highlighted in the image captured by the High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE) camera aboard NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-simulates-massive-asteroid-impact-to-explore-emergency-response-734142">NASA simulates massive asteroid impact to explore emergency response</a></p>

<p>The image, taken against the backdrop of the dark expanse of space, shows the moon's brownish-red, crater-filled surface.</p>

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<p>Notably, a prominent white patch is visible next to Stickney crater, one of the largest craters on Phobos' right side. Even after its seemingly static presence, Phobos is on a slow yet inevitable collision course with Mars.</p>

<p>The moon is gradually inching closer to the Red Planet at a rate of about six feet (1.8 metres) every hundred years. At this pace, scientists predict that Phobos will either crash into Mars or break apart into a ring around the planet in approximately 50 million years.</p>

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<p>The HiRISE camera, which has been studying Mars since 2006, continues to provide invaluable insights into the Martian environment and its moons.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Study finds AI can detect Parkinson's seven years before onset</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>Deimos</strong></h2>

<p>Deimos, the smaller and more distant moon, orbits Mars at an average distance of about 23,500 kilometres (14,600 miles).</p>

<p>It is also irregularly shaped but has a smoother appearance compared to Phobos, with fewer large craters and a more uniform surface covered by a thick regolith.</p>

<p>Its most significant features include two craters named Swift and Voltaire. Deimos' orbit is slowly moving it away from Mars, but this process is happening at a much slower rate.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


NASA has released a striking new image of Phobos, Mars' larger and oddly shaped moon, often referred to as the "space potato" due to its lumpy and irregular shape.

NASA has released a striking new image of Phobos, Mars' larger and oddly shaped moon, often referred to as the "space potato" due to its lumpy and irregular shape. Phobos, which measures about 17 by 14 by 11 miles (27 by 22 by 18 kilometres), lacks the gravitational strength to form a spherical shape like Earth's Moon. This unique structure is a result of its small size and weak gravity, giving it an appearance reminiscent of a potato. Phobos' peculiar form is highlighted in the image captured by the High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE) camera aboard NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. Also Read | NASA simulates massive asteroid impact to explore emergency response The image, taken against the backdrop of the dark expanse of space, shows the moon's brownish-red, crater-filled surface. View this post on Instagram A post shared by NASA (@nasa) × Notably, a prominent white patch is visible next to Stickney crater, one of the largest craters on Phobos' right side. Even after its seemingly static presence, Phobos is on a slow yet inevitable collision course with Mars. The moon is gradually inching closer to the Red Planet at a rate of about six feet (1.8 metres) every hundred years. At this pace, scientists predict that Phobos will either crash into Mars or break apart into a ring around the planet in approximately 50 million years. Also Read | Boeing's Starliner capsule extends ISS stay again, to assess helium system leaks & thruster performance The HiRISE camera, which has been studying Mars since 2006, continues to provide invaluable insights into the Martian environment and its moons. Watch | Study finds AI can detect Parkinson's seven years before onset × Deimos Deimos, the smaller and more distant moon, orbits Mars at an average distance of about 23,500 kilometres (14,600 miles). It is also irregularly shaped but has a smoother appearance compared to Phobos, with fewer large craters and a more uniform surface covered by a thick regolith. Its most significant features include two craters named Swift and Voltaire. Deimos' orbit is slowly moving it away from Mars, but this process is happening at a much slower rate. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA's HiRISE camera captures image of phobos, Mars' 'space potato' Moon

<p>Researchers from the University of Houston have made a groundbreaking discovery regarding Saturn's energy dynamics by revealing a seasonal imbalance that could reshape our understanding of planetary climates.</p>

<p>Led by physics professor Liming Li and doctoral student Xinyue Wang, the study, published in Nature Communications, utilised data from the Cassini probe mission to uncover previously unknown variations in Saturn's energy absorption and emission.</p>

<p>Wang explained, "This is the first time that a global energy imbalance on a seasonal scale has been observed on a gas giant."</p>

<p>"In current models and theories of the atmosphere, climate and evolution of the gas giants, the global energy budget is assumed to be balanced," Wang said. "But we believe our discovery of this seasonal energy imbalance necessitates a reevaluation of those models and theories."</p>

<p>Saturn, like other gas giants, receives energy from both solar radiation and internal heat.</p>

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<p>However, its large orbital eccentricity causes dramatic shifts in absorbed solar energy throughout its orbit. This imbalance differs greatly from Earth, which experiences minimal seasonal energy variations due to its nearly circular orbit.</p>

<p>The findings suggested that Saturn's irregular energy budget plays a crucial role in the formation of its intense storms.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"To our knowledge, the role of energy budget in the development of moist, convective storms on Earth has not been fully examined, so we plan to investigate that as well to see if there's a connection," Wang noted.</p>

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<p>The study challenged existing planetary models that assume a balanced energy budget across gas giants.</p>

<p>Xun Jiang, an atmospheric sciences professor, said that Earth's energy budget is primarily influenced by solar radiation and thermal emission, with internal heat being negligible. However, Saturn's internal heat complicates its seasonal energy dynamics.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>Looking ahead, the research team plans to extend their findings to other gas giants like Uranus, anticipating similarly profound energy imbalances.</p>

<p>"Our data suggests these planets will have significant energy imbalances as well, especially Uranus, which we predict will have the strongest imbalance due to its orbital eccentricity and very high obliquity," Wang said.</p>

<p>"What we're investigating now will identify limitations in current observations and formulate testable hypotheses which will benefit that future flagship mission," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Researchers from the University of Houston have made a groundbreaking discovery regarding Saturn's energy dynamics by revealing a seasonal imbalance that could reshape our understanding of planetary climates.

Researchers from the University of Houston have made a groundbreaking discovery regarding Saturn's energy dynamics by revealing a seasonal imbalance that could reshape our understanding of planetary climates. Led by physics professor Liming Li and doctoral student Xinyue Wang, the study, published in Nature Communications, utilised data from the Cassini probe mission to uncover previously unknown variations in Saturn's energy absorption and emission. Wang explained, "This is the first time that a global energy imbalance on a seasonal scale has been observed on a gas giant." "In current models and theories of the atmosphere, climate and evolution of the gas giants, the global energy budget is assumed to be balanced," Wang said. "But we believe our discovery of this seasonal energy imbalance necessitates a reevaluation of those models and theories." Saturn, like other gas giants, receives energy from both solar radiation and internal heat. Also Read | Air pollution becomes second leading risk factor of deaths globally, finds study However, its large orbital eccentricity causes dramatic shifts in absorbed solar energy throughout its orbit. This imbalance differs greatly from Earth, which experiences minimal seasonal energy variations due to its nearly circular orbit. The findings suggested that Saturn's irregular energy budget plays a crucial role in the formation of its intense storms. "To our knowledge, the role of energy budget in the development of moist, convective storms on Earth has not been fully examined, so we plan to investigate that as well to see if there's a connection," Wang noted. Also Read | Asteroid alert! Several plane-sized objects hurtling towards Earth this week The study challenged existing planetary models that assume a balanced energy budget across gas giants. Xun Jiang, an atmospheric sciences professor, said that Earth's energy budget is primarily influenced by solar radiation and thermal emission, with internal heat being negligible. However, Saturn's internal heat complicates its seasonal energy dynamics. × Looking ahead, the research team plans to extend their findings to other gas giants like Uranus, anticipating similarly profound energy imbalances. "Our data suggests these planets will have significant energy imbalances as well, especially Uranus, which we predict will have the strongest imbalance due to its orbital eccentricity and very high obliquity," Wang said. "What we're investigating now will identify limitations in current observations and formulate testable hypotheses which will benefit that future flagship mission," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Saturn's massive energy imbalance challenges planetary science

A latest international study indicates that astronomers might have chanced upon a never-before phenomenon - the awakening of a Black Hole in a faraway Galaxy. In this report, we'll break this down for you and explain why it matters.

Gravitas: Is this "Black Hole Awakening" the biggest find in Astronomy?

<p>A star called T Coronae Borealis (T CrB), located in the constellation Corona Borealis, is expected to undergo a rare and spectacular nova explosion soon. This star system consists of two stars - a white dwarf and a red giant.</p>

<p>The white dwarf pulls hydrogen from the red giant and when enough hydrogen accumulates, it will cause a thermonuclear explosion. T CrB has had such explosions before, nearly every 80 years, with the last one occurring in 1946.</p>

<p>Based on current observations, another explosion is expected around September 2024.</p>

<p>Dr Koji Mukai, an astrophysics researcher at NASA Goddard, reportedly mentioned, “Recurrent novae are unpredictable and contrarian."&nbsp;</p>

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<p>“When you think there can’t possibly be a reason they follow a certain set pattern, they do - and as soon as you start to rely on them repeating the same pattern, they deviate from it completely. We’ll see how T CrB behaves.”</p>

<p>When T CrB erupts, it will shine brightly enough to be seen with the naked eye for several days.</p>

<p>To find the explosion, draw an imaginary line between the two brightest stars in the Northern Hemisphere, Arcturus and Vega, which will lead you to Corona Borealis, where the&nbsp;T CrB nova explosion is to take place.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>Dr Rebekah Hounsell, an assistant research scientist at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, said,&nbsp;“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime event that will create a lot of new astronomers out there, giving young people a cosmic event they can observe for themselves, ask their own questions, and collect their own data."</p>

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<p>“It’ll fuel the next generation of scientists.” This nova explosion is not just a spectacle but it is a valuable scientific opportunity.</p>

<p>Astronomers around the world will use a variety of telescopes and instruments, including NASA’s Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope and the James Webb Space Telescope, to study this event. These observations will help scientists understand the structure, energy output and evolution of novae and the life cycles of binary star systems.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A star called T Coronae Borealis (T CrB), located in the constellation Corona Borealis, is expected to undergo a rare and spectacular nova explosion soon. This star system consists of two stars - a white dwarf and a red giant.

A star called T Coronae Borealis (T CrB), located in the constellation Corona Borealis, is expected to undergo a rare and spectacular nova explosion soon. This star system consists of two stars - a white dwarf and a red giant. The white dwarf pulls hydrogen from the red giant and when enough hydrogen accumulates, it will cause a thermonuclear explosion. T CrB has had such explosions before, nearly every 80 years, with the last one occurring in 1946. Based on current observations, another explosion is expected around September 2024. Dr Koji Mukai, an astrophysics researcher at NASA Goddard, reportedly mentioned, “Recurrent novae are unpredictable and contrarian." Also Read | Researchers close in on centuries-old solar mystery of Sun's magnetic field “When you think there can’t possibly be a reason they follow a certain set pattern, they do - and as soon as you start to rely on them repeating the same pattern, they deviate from it completely. We’ll see how T CrB behaves.” When T CrB erupts, it will shine brightly enough to be seen with the naked eye for several days. To find the explosion, draw an imaginary line between the two brightest stars in the Northern Hemisphere, Arcturus and Vega, which will lead you to Corona Borealis, where the T CrB nova explosion is to take place. Also Read | NASA's Voyager 1 resumes full ops, transmits valuable data after overcoming malfunction Dr Rebekah Hounsell, an assistant research scientist at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, said, “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime event that will create a lot of new astronomers out there, giving young people a cosmic event they can observe for themselves, ask their own questions, and collect their own data." Watch | Study: Secret aliens could be here on Earth already × “It’ll fuel the next generation of scientists.” This nova explosion is not just a spectacle but it is a valuable scientific opportunity. Astronomers around the world will use a variety of telescopes and instruments, including NASA’s Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope and the James Webb Space Telescope, to study this event. These observations will help scientists understand the structure, energy output and evolution of novae and the life cycles of binary star systems. (With inputs from agencies)

Star T Coronae Borealis set for rare nova explosion. Here's how to watch it

<p>NASA's Voyager 1 has resumed full operations and ended its silence period. Notably, the spacecraft, which stopped sending usable data in November 2023, is now once again transmitting valuable information from its four scientific instruments.</p>

<p>Voyager 1, launched on September 5, 1977, had been sending garbled data instead of its usual binary code. It is presently more than 15 billion miles from Earth.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Given the spacecraft's 46-year journey, such malfunctions weren't entirely unexpected. However, Voyager 1 team traced the problem to the flight data subsystem (FDS) that was responsible for packaging and sending data back to Earth.</p>

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<p>A detailed investigation pinpointed the exact chip causing the trouble and enabled the team to develop a workaround. Voyager 1 began sending coherent data again on April 20, 2024, although initially only from two of its instruments.</p>

<p>But now, all four scientific instruments are operational and communicating effectively with mission control.</p>

<p>The primary mission of the aircraft from 1977 to 1980 was conducting flybys of Jupiter and Saturn to collect data on these planets and their moons. However, from 1980 onwards after its primary mission, Voyager 1 continued its journey towards interstellar space. It is currently providing valuable information about the outer regions of the Solar System and the interstellar medium.</p>

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<p>With Voyager 1 back online, the team will focus on further restoration efforts. This will include resynchronising its timekeeping software and maintaining the digital tape recorder used to measure plasma waves.</p>

<h2><strong>Voyager 1&nbsp;journey&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>In 1979, Voyager 1 sent back detailed images and data of Jupiter, its rings and its moons, including volcanic activity on Io. The probe in 1980 provided unprecedented close-up images and data of Saturn, its rings and its largest moon, Titan.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Study: Secret aliens could be here on Earth already</strong></p>

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<p>In 1990, Voyager 1 took a famous photograph of Earth from a distance of about 6 billion kilometres that showed our planet as a tiny dot in the vastness of space. On August 25, 2012, Voyager 1 became the first human-made object to enter interstellar space by crossing the heliopause, the boundary where the Sun's influence wanes and the interstellar medium begins.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


NASA's Voyager 1 has resumed full operations and ended its silence period. Notably, the spacecraft, which stopped sending usable data in November 2023, is now once again transmitting valuable information from its four scientific instruments.

NASA's Voyager 1 has resumed full operations and ended its silence period. Notably, the spacecraft, which stopped sending usable data in November 2023, is now once again transmitting valuable information from its four scientific instruments. Voyager 1, launched on September 5, 1977, had been sending garbled data instead of its usual binary code. It is presently more than 15 billion miles from Earth. Given the spacecraft's 46-year journey, such malfunctions weren't entirely unexpected. However, Voyager 1 team traced the problem to the flight data subsystem (FDS) that was responsible for packaging and sending data back to Earth. Also Read | First 'major lunar standstill' in more than 18 years to occur this year. Here's how to see it A detailed investigation pinpointed the exact chip causing the trouble and enabled the team to develop a workaround. Voyager 1 began sending coherent data again on April 20, 2024, although initially only from two of its instruments. But now, all four scientific instruments are operational and communicating effectively with mission control. The primary mission of the aircraft from 1977 to 1980 was conducting flybys of Jupiter and Saturn to collect data on these planets and their moons. However, from 1980 onwards after its primary mission, Voyager 1 continued its journey towards interstellar space. It is currently providing valuable information about the outer regions of the Solar System and the interstellar medium. Also Read | Scientists say watery planets orbiting dead stars may be hosting alien life With Voyager 1 back online, the team will focus on further restoration efforts. This will include resynchronising its timekeeping software and maintaining the digital tape recorder used to measure plasma waves. Voyager 1 journey In 1979, Voyager 1 sent back detailed images and data of Jupiter, its rings and its moons, including volcanic activity on Io. The probe in 1980 provided unprecedented close-up images and data of Saturn, its rings and its largest moon, Titan. Watch | Study: Secret aliens could be here on Earth already × In 1990, Voyager 1 took a famous photograph of Earth from a distance of about 6 billion kilometres that showed our planet as a tiny dot in the vastness of space. On August 25, 2012, Voyager 1 became the first human-made object to enter interstellar space by crossing the heliopause, the boundary where the Sun's influence wanes and the interstellar medium begins. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA's Voyager 1 resumes full ops, transmits valuable data after overcoming malfunction

Are we alone in this universe? A recent study claims aliens could be living among us. Watch to know more!

Study: Secret aliens could be here on Earth already

<p>NASA&nbsp;administrator Bill Nelson says that at least a trillion 'Earth-like' planets are there in the entire universe which increases the possibility of alien life.</p>

<p>He said that NASA has been planning to send back the astronauts to the lunar surface in the days ahead. Four astronauts are set to orbit the moon next year.</p>

<p>"We don't need to go back to the moon just for the moon. We're going back to learn new things. In order for us to go to Mars and beyond," Administrator Bill Nelson said.</p>

<p>The Jezero Crater&nbsp;on Mars, which once existed as a lake on the red planet, was being explored by the Perseverance Rover. According to scientists, several findings suggest that Mars once hosted life and was teeming with rivers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It's getting samples and it's drilling with this drill, creating these core samples about the size of a cigar and sealing them up in these titanium tubes," explained Nelson.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/aliens-may-be-travelling-from-one-planet-to-another-via-meteorites-study-713790">Aliens may be travelling from one planet to another via meteorites: Study</a></p>

<p>"We're trying to figure out right now how we're going to go back and get them and bring them back to Earth so that we got an idea of whether or not there was life there," he added.</p>

<p>NASA has been working with various companies to develop a plan to bring them back which is likely to happen in the 2030s.</p>

<h2><strong>NASA's hunt for alien life</strong></h2>

<p>The agency, along with Firebird Diagnostics, has been hunting for signs of life on Mars. "NASA's mission is to go out, among other things, and discover whether or not we are alone," Firebird Diagnostics Founder Steven Benner said.</p>

<p>His company is selling a so-called alien DNA. The company uses synthetic properties and this has helped NASA understand the different forms of alternative DNA which might exist.</p>

<p>"It's a big question as to how molecular biology could be done if it was, done by an organism that does not share a common ancestor, a common origin, with you and me," said Benner.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Earth's inner core rotation slowing down; deceleration of core confirmed: study</strong></p>

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<p>Nelson said that they have been hunting for life on other planets. "If you ask me directly, do I think that there are aliens here&nbsp;on Earth? I don't think so. I don't absolutely know. And I don't think the US&nbsp;government is hiding anything from anybody. But if you ask me, 'do I think there's life out there in the cosmos?'"</p>

<p>"I ask our NASA scientists that question. 'How many possibilities in the vastness of this universe are there, that there's another planet like Earth that would be habitable for life as something like we know it?’ They said at least a trillion," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


NASA administrator Bill Nelson says that at least a trillion 'Earth-like' planets are there in the entire universe which increases the possibility of alien life.

NASA administrator Bill Nelson says that at least a trillion 'Earth-like' planets are there in the entire universe which increases the possibility of alien life. He said that NASA has been planning to send back the astronauts to the lunar surface in the days ahead. Four astronauts are set to orbit the moon next year. "We don't need to go back to the moon just for the moon. We're going back to learn new things. In order for us to go to Mars and beyond," Administrator Bill Nelson said. The Jezero Crater on Mars, which once existed as a lake on the red planet, was being explored by the Perseverance Rover. According to scientists, several findings suggest that Mars once hosted life and was teeming with rivers. "It's getting samples and it's drilling with this drill, creating these core samples about the size of a cigar and sealing them up in these titanium tubes," explained Nelson. Also Read: Aliens may be travelling from one planet to another via meteorites: Study "We're trying to figure out right now how we're going to go back and get them and bring them back to Earth so that we got an idea of whether or not there was life there," he added. NASA has been working with various companies to develop a plan to bring them back which is likely to happen in the 2030s. NASA's hunt for alien life The agency, along with Firebird Diagnostics, has been hunting for signs of life on Mars. "NASA's mission is to go out, among other things, and discover whether or not we are alone," Firebird Diagnostics Founder Steven Benner said. His company is selling a so-called alien DNA. The company uses synthetic properties and this has helped NASA understand the different forms of alternative DNA which might exist. "It's a big question as to how molecular biology could be done if it was, done by an organism that does not share a common ancestor, a common origin, with you and me," said Benner. Watch: Earth's inner core rotation slowing down; deceleration of core confirmed: study Nelson said that they have been hunting for life on other planets. "If you ask me directly, do I think that there are aliens here on Earth? I don't think so. I don't absolutely know. And I don't think the US government is hiding anything from anybody. But if you ask me, 'do I think there's life out there in the cosmos?'" "I ask our NASA scientists that question. 'How many possibilities in the vastness of this universe are there, that there's another planet like Earth that would be habitable for life as something like we know it?’ They said at least a trillion," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Are we alone in the cosmos? NASA chief says a trillion Earth-like planets are out there

On June 13, 1983, NASA'S Pioneer 10 became the first man-made object to cross the solar system. Here's a Gravitas recall.

Gravitas | The story of Pioneer 10: First man-made object to cross the solar system

<p>There's no solid proof that can verify numerous claims regarding aliens and unidentified flying object (UFO) sightings over the centuries, but enthusiasts will keep probing the existence of life beyond planet Earth.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the latest paper, a team of researchers from Harvard and Montana Technological University made a bizarre claim as they said that an unidentified and technologically advanced population could be living secretly among us.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The researchers have jotted down their hypothesis in a new paper published in June 2024 in ResearchGate, which is a European commercial social networking site for scientists and researchers to share papers.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/elephants-greet-each-other-using-distinctive-names-just-like-humans-study-730860">Elephants greet each other using distinctive names, just like humans: Study</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>The abstract of the paper mentioned that "...the notion that UAP may reflect activities of intelligent beings concealed in stealth here on Earth (e.g., underground), and/or its near environs (e.g., the moon), and/or even "walking among us" (e.g., passing as humans)."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The researchers admitted that the idea is likely to be regarded "sceptically" by most scientists, but they argued that such is the nature of some UAP and hence, the possibility should not be dismissed. They said that the idea deserves "genuine consideration in a spirit of epistemic humility and openness".&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/lost-in-space-nasas-webb-telescope-reveals-the-disappearance-of-dust-around-beta-pictoris-star-730763">Lost in space? NASA's Webb Telescope reveals the disappearance of dust around Beta Pictoris star</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Researchers said that hypotheses for Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAP) fall into two classes. First is a conventional terrestrial explanation, that is human-made technology). The second is an extraterrestrial explanation, that is advanced civilizations from elsewhere in the cosmos.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, they said that they focused on a third hypothesis, which is an "unconventional terrestrial explanation" and present outside the prevailing consensus view of the universe.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"This is the ultraterrestrial hypothesis, which includes as a subset the "cryptoterrestrial" hypothesis," researchers said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;NASA and Boeing push back Starliner's crewed return to June 18</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>News related to aliens and UFOs intrigues humans</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Despite a lack of credible information, people across the world are intrigued by news or conspiracy theories related to aliens and UFOs. In fact, the United States government has taken a serious interest in UFOs. Earlier this year in March, the Pentagon released a report outlining the government's historical record of UAP.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The report was the first of an expected two volumes by the Department of Defense's All-Domain Anomaly Resolution Office that examine and analyse information gathered by the US government about UAP sightings.</p>

<p>However, the report states that the office found no evidence that any government investigation, academic research or official review panel has confirmed that any UAP sighting "represented extraterrestrial technology."&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


There's no solid proof that can verify numerous claims regarding aliens and unidentified flying object (UFO) sightings over the centuries, but enthusiasts will keep probing the existence of life beyond planet Earth.

There's no solid proof that can verify numerous claims regarding aliens and unidentified flying object (UFO) sightings over the centuries, but enthusiasts will keep probing the existence of life beyond planet Earth. In the latest paper, a team of researchers from Harvard and Montana Technological University made a bizarre claim as they said that an unidentified and technologically advanced population could be living secretly among us. The researchers have jotted down their hypothesis in a new paper published in June 2024 in ResearchGate, which is a European commercial social networking site for scientists and researchers to share papers. Also read: Elephants greet each other using distinctive names, just like humans: Study The abstract of the paper mentioned that "...the notion that UAP may reflect activities of intelligent beings concealed in stealth here on Earth (e.g., underground), and/or its near environs (e.g., the moon), and/or even "walking among us" (e.g., passing as humans)." The researchers admitted that the idea is likely to be regarded "sceptically" by most scientists, but they argued that such is the nature of some UAP and hence, the possibility should not be dismissed. They said that the idea deserves "genuine consideration in a spirit of epistemic humility and openness". Also read: Lost in space? NASA's Webb Telescope reveals the disappearance of dust around Beta Pictoris star Researchers said that hypotheses for Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAP) fall into two classes. First is a conventional terrestrial explanation, that is human-made technology). The second is an extraterrestrial explanation, that is advanced civilizations from elsewhere in the cosmos. However, they said that they focused on a third hypothesis, which is an "unconventional terrestrial explanation" and present outside the prevailing consensus view of the universe. "This is the ultraterrestrial hypothesis, which includes as a subset the "cryptoterrestrial" hypothesis," researchers said. Watch: NASA and Boeing push back Starliner's crewed return to June 18 × News related to aliens and UFOs intrigues humans Despite a lack of credible information, people across the world are intrigued by news or conspiracy theories related to aliens and UFOs. In fact, the United States government has taken a serious interest in UFOs. Earlier this year in March, the Pentagon released a report outlining the government's historical record of UAP. The report was the first of an expected two volumes by the Department of Defense's All-Domain Anomaly Resolution Office that examine and analyse information gathered by the US government about UAP sightings. However, the report states that the office found no evidence that any government investigation, academic research or official review panel has confirmed that any UAP sighting "represented extraterrestrial technology." (With inputs from agencies)

'Aliens' and UFO civilisation could be living on Earth in 'stealth' mode: Report

<p>Travelling to outer space is no easy task but a tough female astronaut can conquer it all.</p>

<p>New research by scientists intended to study the ways in which a human body reacts to the challenges in outer space has suggested that women are more resilient to the physiological stresses of space travel than men.</p>

<p>The study helmed by Christopher Mason, a physiology professor at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York, also says that women space travellers quickly recover upon landing back to&nbsp;Earth as compared to men.</p>

<p>“Males appear to be more affected by spaceflight for almost all cell types and metrics,” the research paper mentioned.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Researchers examined data that they collected from over 60 astronauts (both male and female) who travelled to outer space to find out how their immune systems reacted to the spaceflight.&nbsp;</p>

<p>They also collected similar data from the four&nbsp;individuals who were a part of SpaceX's Inspiration4 mission and flew around Earth for three days in 2021 and compared the two.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/astronauts-may-suffer-permanent-kidney-damage-after-travelling-to-mars-study-731029">A trip to Mars might cost astronauts their kidneys, study on space flights reveals</a></p>

<p>The results demonstrated that the men experienced more disruptions in their gene activity as compared to women and took more time to come back to normal upon returning to Earth.</p>

<p>“The aggregate data thus far indicates that the gene regulatory and immune response to space flight is more sensitive in males,” the scientists wrote. “More studies will be needed to confirm these trends, but such results can have implications for recovery times and possibly crew selection, for example, more females, for high-altitude, lunar, and deep space missions.”</p>

<p>It is not yet known why women could be more resilient to spaceflight than men, however, Mason said that one of the contributing factors to this might be a female body's power to cope up with the demands of pregnancy.</p>

<p>“Being able to tolerate large changes in physiology and fluid dynamics may be great for being able to manage pregnancy but also manage the stress of spaceflight at a physiological level,” he said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><br />
&nbsp;</p>


Travelling to outer space is no easy task but a tough female astronaut can conquer it all. New research by scientists intended to study the ways in which a human body reacts to the challenges in outer space has suggested that women are more resilient to the physiological stresses of space travel than men.

Travelling to outer space is no easy task but a tough female astronaut can conquer it all. New research by scientists intended to study the ways in which a human body reacts to the challenges in outer space has suggested that women are more resilient to the physiological stresses of space travel than men. The study helmed by Christopher Mason, a physiology professor at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York, also says that women space travellers quickly recover upon landing back to Earth as compared to men. “Males appear to be more affected by spaceflight for almost all cell types and metrics,” the research paper mentioned. Researchers examined data that they collected from over 60 astronauts (both male and female) who travelled to outer space to find out how their immune systems reacted to the spaceflight. They also collected similar data from the four individuals who were a part of SpaceX's Inspiration4 mission and flew around Earth for three days in 2021 and compared the two. Also read: A trip to Mars might cost astronauts their kidneys, study on space flights reveals The results demonstrated that the men experienced more disruptions in their gene activity as compared to women and took more time to come back to normal upon returning to Earth. “The aggregate data thus far indicates that the gene regulatory and immune response to space flight is more sensitive in males,” the scientists wrote. “More studies will be needed to confirm these trends, but such results can have implications for recovery times and possibly crew selection, for example, more females, for high-altitude, lunar, and deep space missions.” It is not yet known why women could be more resilient to spaceflight than men, however, Mason said that one of the contributing factors to this might be a female body's power to cope up with the demands of pregnancy. “Being able to tolerate large changes in physiology and fluid dynamics may be great for being able to manage pregnancy but also manage the stress of spaceflight at a physiological level,” he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Women may be more resilient to physiological stresses of space travel than men, says study

SpaceX and its CEO Elon Musk is facing a lawsuit filed by eight engineers who claim they were fired illegally for raising concerns about alleged sexual harassment and discrimination. Lawsuit describes the hostile work environment at SpaceX.

Elon Musk accused of workplace misconduct; workers report harassment and discrimination

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<p>NASA's Indian-origin astronaut Sunita Williams along with the eight other crew members has landed in a new trouble on board the International Space Station (ISS).</p>

<p>A superbug&nbsp;has been detected inside the city in the International Space Station&nbsp;which is likely to become a problem for those currently inhabiting the orbiting station.</p>

<p>A multi-drug resistant bacteria&nbsp;called 'Enterobacter bugandensis'&nbsp;has been found by scientists which has evolved and turned more potent in the ISS' closed environment.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-indian-origin-astronaut-sunita-williams-dances-sprightly-on-arriving-at-intl-space-station-729741">Indian-origin astronaut Sunita Williams dances sprightly on arriving at Int’l Space Station</a></p>

<p>Because it is multi-drug resistant, the bacteria is often called a "superbug".</p>

<h2><strong>How can a 'superbug' trouble astronauts?</strong></h2>

<p>The 'superbug' bacteria can prove troublesome for the astronauts as it can affect their respiratory system.</p>

<p>Spacebugs are not extra-terrestrial life. These bugs travel like hidden co-passengers when the astronauts go to the ISS.</p>

<p>The superbug&nbsp;was discovered by scientists in samples isolated from the International Space Station. In the study, they found 13 strains of the bacterium&nbsp;Enterobacter bugandensis,<em>&nbsp;</em>which is said to be&nbsp;multidrug resistant.</p>

<p>“In a new scientific paper funded by an Ames Space Biology grant, Principal Investigator Dr Kasthuri Venkateswaran of NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory strains of Enterobacter bugandensis isolated from the International Space Station (ISS) were studied. Thirteen strains of E bugandensis, a bacterium notorious for being multi-drug resistant, were isolated from the ISS,” stated NASA&nbsp;in a report.</p>

<p>NASA cited Senior Research Scientist at JPL Dr Kasthuri Venkateswaran in its report as saying, "Our research uncovers how certain benign microorganisms help to adapt and survive opportunistic human pathogen, E. bugandensis, in the unfavourable conditions of the International Space Station."</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Indian-origin astronaut Sunita Williams set for third space mission</strong></p>

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<p>"The knowledge gained from this study would shed light on microbial behaviour, adaptation, and evolution in extreme, isolated environments that allow in designing novel countermeasure strategies to eradicate opportunistic pathogens, thus protecting the health of astronauts," he added.</p>

<p>Williams along with her colleague Astronaut Barry Eugene "Butch" Wilmore boarded the new Boeing Starliner spacecraft on June 6 and is set to spend nearly a week in the low Earth orbiting laboratory before coming back to Earth.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


NASA's Indian-origin astronaut Sunita Williams along with the eight other crew members has landed in a new trouble on board the International Space Station (ISS).

NASA's Indian-origin astronaut Sunita Williams along with the eight other crew members has landed in a new trouble on board the International Space Station (ISS). A superbug has been detected inside the city in the International Space Station which is likely to become a problem for those currently inhabiting the orbiting station. A multi-drug resistant bacteria called 'Enterobacter bugandensis' has been found by scientists which has evolved and turned more potent in the ISS' closed environment. Also Read: Indian-origin astronaut Sunita Williams dances sprightly on arriving at Int’l Space Station Because it is multi-drug resistant, the bacteria is often called a "superbug". How can a 'superbug' trouble astronauts? The 'superbug' bacteria can prove troublesome for the astronauts as it can affect their respiratory system. Spacebugs are not extra-terrestrial life. These bugs travel like hidden co-passengers when the astronauts go to the ISS. The superbug was discovered by scientists in samples isolated from the International Space Station. In the study, they found 13 strains of the bacterium Enterobacter bugandensis, which is said to be multidrug resistant. “In a new scientific paper funded by an Ames Space Biology grant, Principal Investigator Dr Kasthuri Venkateswaran of NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory strains of Enterobacter bugandensis isolated from the International Space Station (ISS) were studied. Thirteen strains of E bugandensis, a bacterium notorious for being multi-drug resistant, were isolated from the ISS,” stated NASA in a report. NASA cited Senior Research Scientist at JPL Dr Kasthuri Venkateswaran in its report as saying, "Our research uncovers how certain benign microorganisms help to adapt and survive opportunistic human pathogen, E. bugandensis, in the unfavourable conditions of the International Space Station." Watch: Indian-origin astronaut Sunita Williams set for third space mission "The knowledge gained from this study would shed light on microbial behaviour, adaptation, and evolution in extreme, isolated environments that allow in designing novel countermeasure strategies to eradicate opportunistic pathogens, thus protecting the health of astronauts," he added. Williams along with her colleague Astronaut Barry Eugene "Butch" Wilmore boarded the new Boeing Starliner spacecraft on June 6 and is set to spend nearly a week in the low Earth orbiting laboratory before coming back to Earth. (With inputs from agencies)

'Spacebug' found lurking on ISS. Here's how it endangers Sunita Williams and crew

<p>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.</p>

<h2><strong>Water under Mars surface</strong></h2>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/cryptoterrestrials-living-among-us-harvard-researchers-suggest-ancient-races-are-hiding-in-volcanoes-730464">'Cryptoterrestrials' living among us? Harvard researchers suggest ancient races are hiding in volcanoes</a></strong></p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>"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;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/meet-koleken-inakayali-scientists-discover-dinosaur-with-puny-arms-that-rival-tyrannosaurus-rex-730491">Meet Koleken inakayali: Scientists discover dinosaur with puny arms that rival Tyrannosaurus Rex</a></strong></p>

<p>"Just through random chance you can create the same observed signal in the radar."</p>

<p>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.</p>


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

<p>In a stunning discovery, a team of scientists has found that tiny primordial black holes were formed in the first few seconds after the Big Bang.&nbsp;</p>

<p>These black holes were smaller in size and "supercharged" and had the mass of a rhino which rapidly evaporated.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the researchers, these tiny "rhino"&nbsp;black holes represented an entirely new state of matter and were packed with "colour charge" to the brim.</p>

<p>This is a fundamental particle's property known as quarks and gluons which is related to their strong force interactions with each other and this is not related to "colour" in the everyday sense.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/a-rare-black-hole-is-lurking-6000-light-years-away-in-earths-cosmic-backyard-730507">A rare black hole is lurking 6,000 light-years away in Earth's cosmic backyard</a></p>

<p>Such supercharged black holes are likely to have been born with primordial black holes&nbsp;when there was a collapse of microscopic regions of ultradense matter in the first quintillionth of a second after the Big Bang.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Although these newly theorized black holes are said to have evaporated in a fraction of a second after they were created, they may have affected key cosmological transition, which is the first atomic nuclei's forging.</p>

<h2><strong>How did 'super-charged' black holes affect the universe?</strong></h2>

<p>According to the research, the team believes that super-colour-charged black holes are likely to have impacted the balance of&nbsp;fusing nuclei&nbsp;which took place in the infant universe.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Even though these short-lived, exotic creatures are not around today, they could have affected cosmic history in ways that could show up in subtle signals today," said study co-author David Kaiser, a professor of physics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT),&nbsp;in a statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Within the idea that all&nbsp;dark matter&nbsp;could be accounted for by black holes, this gives us new things to look for," he stated while speaking about the mysterious substance which makes up nearly 85 per cent of the material universe.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Scientists unveil Black Hole's plunge, bizarre region around black holes found</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/scientists-unveil-black-holes-plunge-bizarre-region-around-black-holes-found-722629/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>These black holes are present at the heart of galaxies and dominate the surroundings. They are created by a chain of&nbsp;mergers of larger pairs of black holes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The stellar-mass black holes, which have masses tens or hundreds of times that of the sun, are most common in the universe.</p>

<p>"People have studied what the distribution of black hole masses would be during this early-universe production but never tied it to what kinds of stuff would have fallen into those black holes at the time when they were forming," stated Kaiser.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


In a stunning discovery, a team of scientists has found that tiny primordial black holes were formed in the first few seconds after the Big Bang. These black holes were smaller in size and "supercharged" and had the mass of a rhino which rapidly evaporated.

In a stunning discovery, a team of scientists has found that tiny primordial black holes were formed in the first few seconds after the Big Bang. These black holes were smaller in size and "supercharged" and had the mass of a rhino which rapidly evaporated. According to the researchers, these tiny "rhino" black holes represented an entirely new state of matter and were packed with "colour charge" to the brim. This is a fundamental particle's property known as quarks and gluons which is related to their strong force interactions with each other and this is not related to "colour" in the everyday sense. Also Read: A rare black hole is lurking 6,000 light-years away in Earth's cosmic backyard Such supercharged black holes are likely to have been born with primordial black holes when there was a collapse of microscopic regions of ultradense matter in the first quintillionth of a second after the Big Bang. Although these newly theorized black holes are said to have evaporated in a fraction of a second after they were created, they may have affected key cosmological transition, which is the first atomic nuclei's forging. How did 'super-charged' black holes affect the universe? According to the research, the team believes that super-colour-charged black holes are likely to have impacted the balance of fusing nuclei which took place in the infant universe. “Even though these short-lived, exotic creatures are not around today, they could have affected cosmic history in ways that could show up in subtle signals today," said study co-author David Kaiser, a professor of physics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), in a statement. "Within the idea that all dark matter could be accounted for by black holes, this gives us new things to look for," he stated while speaking about the mysterious substance which makes up nearly 85 per cent of the material universe. Watch: Scientists unveil Black Hole's plunge, bizarre region around black holes found These black holes are present at the heart of galaxies and dominate the surroundings. They are created by a chain of mergers of larger pairs of black holes. The stellar-mass black holes, which have masses tens or hundreds of times that of the sun, are most common in the universe. "People have studied what the distribution of black hole masses would be during this early-universe production but never tied it to what kinds of stuff would have fallen into those black holes at the time when they were forming," stated Kaiser. (With inputs from agencies)

'Supercharged' black holes birthed and died in a split second after Big Bang

<p>For the first time since 1946, a dim star - which is 3,000 light-years from our&nbsp;solar system - &nbsp;will be visible in the night sky among other constellations and one will be able to see it with naked eyes.</p>

<p>The "Blaze Star", which is officially known as T Coronae Borealis&nbsp;(T CrB), is likely to brighten significantly from magnitude +10 (beyond naked-eye visibility) to magnitude +2 between now and September 2024, as per NASA.</p>

<p>That means its brightness will be similar to Polaris, which is the North Star and is the 48th-brightest star in the night sky.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-to-install-nuclear-powered-ufo-detectors-in-space-to-lure-aliens-to-earth-claims-expert-723913">Scientists to install nuclear-powered UFO detectors in space to lure aliens to Earth, claims&nbsp;expert</a></p>

<p>The Blaze Star is located in the constellation Corona Borealis, the "Northern Crown", which is between the constellations Hercules and Bootes.</p>

<p>The easiest process of spotting the Corona Borealis is by first locating some of the night sky's brightest stars.</p>

<h2><strong>How can you see the star with naked eyes?</strong></h2>

<p>The star gazers can see the stars of the Big Dipper shining high in the northern sky on a clear night.</p>

<p>When the Big Dipper's handle of stars is traced in a curve to Arcturus, one will observe a bright, reddish star located above the eastern horizon.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This is called the famous "arc to Arcturus" star-hop. In the east-northeast will rise the vega and when one looks between Arcturus and Vega (slightly closer to Arcturus) and tries to spot a faint curl of seven stars, one will observe Corona Borealis.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Boeing's Starliner launches its first crew to space</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/boeings-starliner-launches-its-first-crew-to-space-729236/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>The star will be high overhead after dark. The Blaze Star will become clearly visible before summer&nbsp;ends.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This star is a rare example of a recurrent nova, which in Latin means "new star". This is a binary star system which has a cool, red giant star as well a smaller and hotter white dwarf star - both of which are orbiting each other.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After the passing of every 80 years, the red giant star releases matter on the surface of the white dwarf which leads to an explosion.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


For the first time since 1946, a dim star - which is 3,000 light-years from our solar system - will be visible in the night sky among other constellations and one will be able to see it with naked eyes.

For the first time since 1946, a dim star - which is 3,000 light-years from our solar system - will be visible in the night sky among other constellations and one will be able to see it with naked eyes. The "Blaze Star", which is officially known as T Coronae Borealis (T CrB), is likely to brighten significantly from magnitude +10 (beyond naked-eye visibility) to magnitude +2 between now and September 2024, as per NASA. That means its brightness will be similar to Polaris, which is the North Star and is the 48th-brightest star in the night sky. Also Read: Scientists to install nuclear-powered UFO detectors in space to lure aliens to Earth, claims expert The Blaze Star is located in the constellation Corona Borealis, the "Northern Crown", which is between the constellations Hercules and Bootes. The easiest process of spotting the Corona Borealis is by first locating some of the night sky's brightest stars. How can you see the star with naked eyes? The star gazers can see the stars of the Big Dipper shining high in the northern sky on a clear night. When the Big Dipper's handle of stars is traced in a curve to Arcturus, one will observe a bright, reddish star located above the eastern horizon. This is called the famous "arc to Arcturus" star-hop. In the east-northeast will rise the vega and when one looks between Arcturus and Vega (slightly closer to Arcturus) and tries to spot a faint curl of seven stars, one will observe Corona Borealis. Watch: Boeing's Starliner launches its first crew to space The star will be high overhead after dark. The Blaze Star will become clearly visible before summer ends. This star is a rare example of a recurrent nova, which in Latin means "new star". This is a binary star system which has a cool, red giant star as well a smaller and hotter white dwarf star - both of which are orbiting each other. After the passing of every 80 years, the red giant star releases matter on the surface of the white dwarf which leads to an explosion. (With inputs from agencies)

Night skies to get a 'new star' soon. Here's how you can see Blaze Star with naked eyes

<p>Russian cosmonaut Oleg Kononenko has achieved a stunning world milestone by spending a total of 1,000 days in space. He achieved the remarkable feat by surpassing his own record.</p>

<p>The 59-year-old cosmonaut, who made history in February by surpassing fellow Russian Gennady Padalka's record of 879 consecutive days in space, has now broken the total time spent in orbit.</p>

<p>It was previously set by Padalka at 878 days, 11 hours, 29 minutes, and 48 seconds.</p>

<p>Kononenko's latest space flight&nbsp;began on September 15, 2023, when he launched aboard the Soyuz MS-24 spacecraft alongside cosmonaut Nikolai Chub and NASA astronaut Loral O’Hara.</p>

<p>Scheduled to return in September 2024, Kononenko will have spent 1,110 days in orbit by then.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/symphony-of-joy-deaf-kids-get-back-hearing-capability-in-both-ears-after-gene-therapy-729061">Symphony of joy: Deaf kids get back hearing capability in both ears after gene therapy</a></p>

<p>The Russian space agency Roscosmos announced the milestone on Telegram saying, "Today at 00:00:20 Moscow time, Roscosmos cosmonaut Oleg Kononenko for the first time in world history spent a total of 1,000 days in space flight."</p>

<p>Emmanuel Urquieta, former chief medical officer of the NASA-funded Translational Research Institute for Space Health (TRISH), reflected on Kononenko's achievement and told a media outlet, “It takes a special kind of person to be able to achieve such a record."</p>

<h2><strong>Astronauts celebrate&nbsp;Kononenko's feat&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Astronauts and cosmonauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) celebrated Kononenko's feat by forming a "1000" behind him for a photo.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a statement to the Russian state news agency TASS, Kononenko shared his sentiments while clinching the world record for maximum time in space flight.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/discovery-of-large-fossil-helps-scientists-uncover-200-million-year-old-dinosaur-ecosystem-729075">Discovery of large fossil helps scientists uncover 200-million-year-old dinosaur ecosystem</a></p>

<p>"There's this awareness that you have achieved something new and important, that you've overcome a certain milestone, touched the unknown. It gives you confidence, and pride in the work you've done."</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Cancer rate in younger people rising sharply as per new research</strong></p>

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<p>Kononenko also thanked his US colleagues on the ISS and NASA's mission control centre in Houston, who were among the first to congratulate him on his record-setting spaceflight.</p>

<p>Speaking on the importance of long-term space missions, Kononenko stressed on their role in expanding humanity's understanding of our capabilities, crucial for future interplanetary flights.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Russian cosmonaut Oleg Kononenko has achieved a stunning world milestone by spending a total of 1,000 days in space. He achieved the remarkable feat by surpassing his own record.

Russian cosmonaut Oleg Kononenko has achieved a stunning world milestone by spending a total of 1,000 days in space. He achieved the remarkable feat by surpassing his own record. The 59-year-old cosmonaut, who made history in February by surpassing fellow Russian Gennady Padalka's record of 879 consecutive days in space, has now broken the total time spent in orbit. It was previously set by Padalka at 878 days, 11 hours, 29 minutes, and 48 seconds. Kononenko's latest space flight began on September 15, 2023, when he launched aboard the Soyuz MS-24 spacecraft alongside cosmonaut Nikolai Chub and NASA astronaut Loral O’Hara. Scheduled to return in September 2024, Kononenko will have spent 1,110 days in orbit by then. Also Read | Symphony of joy: Deaf kids get back hearing capability in both ears after gene therapy The Russian space agency Roscosmos announced the milestone on Telegram saying, "Today at 00:00:20 Moscow time, Roscosmos cosmonaut Oleg Kononenko for the first time in world history spent a total of 1,000 days in space flight." Emmanuel Urquieta, former chief medical officer of the NASA-funded Translational Research Institute for Space Health (TRISH), reflected on Kononenko's achievement and told a media outlet, “It takes a special kind of person to be able to achieve such a record." Astronauts celebrate Kononenko's feat Astronauts and cosmonauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) celebrated Kononenko's feat by forming a "1000" behind him for a photo. In a statement to the Russian state news agency TASS, Kononenko shared his sentiments while clinching the world record for maximum time in space flight. Also Read | Discovery of large fossil helps scientists uncover 200-million-year-old dinosaur ecosystem "There's this awareness that you have achieved something new and important, that you've overcome a certain milestone, touched the unknown. It gives you confidence, and pride in the work you've done." Watch | Cancer rate in younger people rising sharply as per new research × Kononenko also thanked his US colleagues on the ISS and NASA's mission control centre in Houston, who were among the first to congratulate him on his record-setting spaceflight. Speaking on the importance of long-term space missions, Kononenko stressed on their role in expanding humanity's understanding of our capabilities, crucial for future interplanetary flights. (With inputs from agencies)

Russian Cosmonaut makes world history by spending 1,000 days in space

<p>In a stunning discovery, seven new rogue planets were identified by the Euclid space telescope which shed light on the mysteries of such dark, starless worlds which are freely floating in the universe.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Unlike planets which revolve around the stars, such rogue planets do not go through days or years and continue to exist in perpetual night.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Even though these rogue planets are isolated, scientists now think they are capable of hosting life. According to the researchers, trillions of rogue planets are present in the Milky Way.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/parasite-black-holes-devouring-stars-from-inside-says-study-670146">Parasite black holes devouring stars from inside, says study</a></p>

<p>In the first scientific results of the European Space Agency on Euclid's mission, it was mentioned that seven new free-floating gas giants are present in the universe, each of them being four times the mass of Jupiter.</p>

<h2><strong>Rogue planets with a habitable zone?</strong></h2>

<p>Astronomer at&nbsp;Queen Mary University of London Gavin Coleman, who was not among the researchers, spoke about the fascination with these rogue planets.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“We’ve all grown up with the sun in the sky, and so to think of a planet just drifting through space with no star on its horizon is fascinating,” he said.</p>

<p>As per the scientists, not all rogue planets are known to remain alone. Some are binary systems in which two planets orbit each other.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The rogue planets' potential&nbsp;habitability&nbsp;has significant implications in the hunt for extraterrestrial life. “Some of our closest neighbours are likely rogue planets,” said Martin.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It is believed that such planets are cold and have any life-supporting energy which comes from within rather than from a star.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Scientists unveil Black Hole's plunge, bizarre region around black holes found</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/scientists-unveil-black-holes-plunge-bizarre-region-around-black-holes-found-722629/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>There are geothermal vents on Earth which allow life to thrive in darkness. This hints at the possibility of living thriving in similar conditions on the rogue planets.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Coleman emphasised that such extreme isolation is likely to support bacterial and microbial life.</p>

<p>The rogue planets discovered were present in the Orion Nebula, which is the nearest star-forming region about 1,500 light-years away from Earth.</p>

<p>The&nbsp;Euclid telescope&nbsp;further confirmed that dozens of previously detected rogue planets were also existing.</p>

<p>Commenting on its discovery, Spanish astronomer Eduardo Martin said that this is likely just the “tip of the iceberg”.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In a stunning discovery, seven new rogue planets were identified by the Euclid space telescope which shed light on the mysteries of such dark, starless worlds which are freely floating in the universe.

In a stunning discovery, seven new rogue planets were identified by the Euclid space telescope which shed light on the mysteries of such dark, starless worlds which are freely floating in the universe. Unlike planets which revolve around the stars, such rogue planets do not go through days or years and continue to exist in perpetual night. Even though these rogue planets are isolated, scientists now think they are capable of hosting life. According to the researchers, trillions of rogue planets are present in the Milky Way. Also Read: Parasite black holes devouring stars from inside, says study In the first scientific results of the European Space Agency on Euclid's mission, it was mentioned that seven new free-floating gas giants are present in the universe, each of them being four times the mass of Jupiter. Rogue planets with a habitable zone? Astronomer at Queen Mary University of London Gavin Coleman, who was not among the researchers, spoke about the fascination with these rogue planets. “We’ve all grown up with the sun in the sky, and so to think of a planet just drifting through space with no star on its horizon is fascinating,” he said. As per the scientists, not all rogue planets are known to remain alone. Some are binary systems in which two planets orbit each other. The rogue planets' potential habitability has significant implications in the hunt for extraterrestrial life. “Some of our closest neighbours are likely rogue planets,” said Martin. It is believed that such planets are cold and have any life-supporting energy which comes from within rather than from a star. Watch: Scientists unveil Black Hole's plunge, bizarre region around black holes found There are geothermal vents on Earth which allow life to thrive in darkness. This hints at the possibility of living thriving in similar conditions on the rogue planets. Coleman emphasised that such extreme isolation is likely to support bacterial and microbial life. The rogue planets discovered were present in the Orion Nebula, which is the nearest star-forming region about 1,500 light-years away from Earth. The Euclid telescope further confirmed that dozens of previously detected rogue planets were also existing. Commenting on its discovery, Spanish astronomer Eduardo Martin said that this is likely just the “tip of the iceberg”. (With inputs from agencies)

Euclid spots seven new rogue planets. Here’s what is hidden in these dark worlds

<p>June is the month that saw a much-anticipated planetary alignment in which not just two or three, but six planets lined up in an awe-inspiring spectacle.</p>

<p>While the celestial alignment was not the awe-inspiring naked-eye event some expected, but it still offered incredible opportunities for astrophotography. An England-based astrophotographer has done just that.</p>

<h2><strong>Amazing spectacle</strong></h2>

<p>Josh Dury, an astrophotographer from Somerset, England, captured the celestial line up on June 1, 2024, from Crooks Peak in the Mendip Hills.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The alignment was over-hyped on social media and some planets were nearly impossible to spot without aid. However, Dury, using clever photography, brought the spectacle to life.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/chinas-change-6-probe-makes-history-begins-return-journey-to-earth-with-samples-from-moons-dark-side-728484">China's Chang'e-6 probe makes history, begins return journey to Earth with samples from Moon's dark side</a></strong></p>

<p>Using multiple exposures, he managed to photograph the six planets — Jupiter, Uranus, Mercury, Mars, Neptune, and Saturn, alongside a crescent moon.</p>

<p>Talking to space.com, Dury explained that capturing this image required different camera settings due to some planets being close to the sun in the early morning sky.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/planetaryparade?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#planetaryparade</a> capturing the six <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/planets?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#planets</a> and the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/moon?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#moon</a> from <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Somerset?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Somerset</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UK?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UK</a> 🪐<br />
<br />
Annotated image attached for reference. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/astrophotography?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#astrophotography</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/astronomy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#astronomy</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/planet?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#planet</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/BBCBreakfast?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BBCBreakfast</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/BBCNews?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BBCNews</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/itvnews?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@itvnews</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Forbes?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Forbes</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CNN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CNN</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/SkyNews?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SkyNews</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/LiveScience?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LiveScience</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AstronomyNow?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AstronomyNow</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/NatGeoUK?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NatGeoUK</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/StarWalk?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@StarWalk</a> <a href="https://t.co/sy4vD0uQKs">pic.twitter.com/sy4vD0uQKs</a></p>
— Josh Dury 🌌 (@Josh_Dury) <a href="https://twitter.com/Josh_Dury/status/1797498727223177324?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 3, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>"On Saturday morning when I captured this photograph, I was amazed to see Saturn, the moon, and Mars," Dury told Space.com.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I needed to capture separate exposures in order to capture the fainter planets as well as Jupiter, Uranus, and Mercury, closer to the glare of the sun; this image is therefore a composite to capture this perspective," he explained.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/astronauts-beware-sandblasts-on-the-moon-may-shred-you-in-pieces-728345">Astronauts beware! Sandblasts on the moon may shred you to pieces</a></strong></p>

<p>Dury said this experience offered him a moment to ponder humanity's place in the vast universe and the cosmos.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It is quite amazing in taking a moment to step back and appreciate the sheer scale and perspective of our place in the universe," he said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


June is the month that saw a much-anticipated planetary alignment in which not just two or three, but six planets lined up in an awe-inspiring spectacle. While the celestial alignment was not the awe-inspiring naked-eye event some expected, but it still offered incredible opportunities for astrophotography.

June is the month that saw a much-anticipated planetary alignment in which not just two or three, but six planets lined up in an awe-inspiring spectacle. While the celestial alignment was not the awe-inspiring naked-eye event some expected, but it still offered incredible opportunities for astrophotography. An England-based astrophotographer has done just that. Amazing spectacle Josh Dury, an astrophotographer from Somerset, England, captured the celestial line up on June 1, 2024, from Crooks Peak in the Mendip Hills. The alignment was over-hyped on social media and some planets were nearly impossible to spot without aid. However, Dury, using clever photography, brought the spectacle to life. Also read | China's Chang'e-6 probe makes history, begins return journey to Earth with samples from Moon's dark side Using multiple exposures, he managed to photograph the six planets — Jupiter, Uranus, Mercury, Mars, Neptune, and Saturn, alongside a crescent moon. Talking to space.com, Dury explained that capturing this image required different camera settings due to some planets being close to the sun in the early morning sky. The #planetaryparade capturing the six #planets and the #moon from #Somerset #UK 🪐 Annotated image attached for reference. #astrophotography #astronomy #planet @BBCBreakfast @BBCNews @itvnews @Forbes @CNN @SkyNews @LiveScience @AstronomyNow @NatGeoUK @StarWalk pic.twitter.com/sy4vD0uQKs — Josh Dury 🌌 (@Josh_Dury) June 3, 2024 × "On Saturday morning when I captured this photograph, I was amazed to see Saturn, the moon, and Mars," Dury told Space.com. "I needed to capture separate exposures in order to capture the fainter planets as well as Jupiter, Uranus, and Mercury, closer to the glare of the sun; this image is therefore a composite to capture this perspective," he explained. Also read | Astronauts beware! Sandblasts on the moon may shred you to pieces Dury said this experience offered him a moment to ponder humanity's place in the vast universe and the cosmos. "It is quite amazing in taking a moment to step back and appreciate the sheer scale and perspective of our place in the universe," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Planetary parade: Astrophotographer snaps 'out of this world' six-planet line-up

<p>China's Chang'e-6 lunar probe has successfully lifted off from Moon. The probe, as per an announcement from China's national space agency on Tuesday (June 4), is on its journey back to Earth after taking off from the far side of the moon, an area permanently hidden from our view.</p>

<h2><strong>Historic achievement</strong></h2>

<p>With this historic feat — launching from the moon's unexplored side — China is on the verge of being the first country to bring back samples from a part of the moon no other country has touched.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The probe, as per a Reuters report, left the moon's surface at 7:38 am local time (2338 GMT), after gathering samples over two days - June 2 and 3.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/boeing-nasa-target-june-5-for-starliners-debut-crew-flight-728166">Boeing, NASA target June 5 for Starliner's debut crew flight</a></strong></p>

<p>According to the China National Space Administration (CNSA), the Chang'e-6 managed to endure high temperatures during its mission on the far side of the moon.</p>

<p>Chang'e-6 "withstood the test of high temperature on the far side of the moon," said the space agency.</p>

<h2><strong>Remarkable mission</strong></h2>

<p>Unlike the previous Chang'e-5 mission, which collected samples from the moon's near side, Chang'e-6 operated under additional technical challenges — the probe had to operate without direct links to Earth.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Instead, it communicated through the Queqiao-2 satellite, launched in April to aid this mission.</p>

<p>Using a drill and a robotic arm, the Chang'e-6 probe collected soil from the moon's surface and just below it, as per reports from Xinhua, the state news agency.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/chinas-secret-spaceplane-ejects-mysterious-object-into-earths-orbit-us-hunts-it-down-726732">China’s secret spaceplane ejects mysterious object into Earth’s orbit. US hunts it down</a></strong></p>

<p>During its mission, Chang'e-6 also planted China's national flag on the moon's far side for the first time, reported Beijing Daily.</p>

<p>The probe is now orbiting the moon and will soon connect with another spacecraft in orbit, said the CNSA. From there, the moon soil samples will be moved to a return module, and travel back to Earth.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per reports, the landing is expected to happen in China's Inner Mongolia region around June 25.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


China's Chang'e-6 lunar probe has successfully lifted off from Moon. The probe, as per an announcement from China's national space agency on Tuesday (June 4), is on its journey back to Earth after taking off from the far side of the moon, an area permanently hidden from our view.

China's Chang'e-6 lunar probe has successfully lifted off from Moon. The probe, as per an announcement from China's national space agency on Tuesday (June 4), is on its journey back to Earth after taking off from the far side of the moon, an area permanently hidden from our view. Historic achievement With this historic feat — launching from the moon's unexplored side — China is on the verge of being the first country to bring back samples from a part of the moon no other country has touched. The probe, as per a Reuters report, left the moon's surface at 7:38 am local time (2338 GMT), after gathering samples over two days - June 2 and 3. Also read | Boeing, NASA target June 5 for Starliner's debut crew flight According to the China National Space Administration (CNSA), the Chang'e-6 managed to endure high temperatures during its mission on the far side of the moon. Chang'e-6 "withstood the test of high temperature on the far side of the moon," said the space agency. Remarkable mission Unlike the previous Chang'e-5 mission, which collected samples from the moon's near side, Chang'e-6 operated under additional technical challenges — the probe had to operate without direct links to Earth. Instead, it communicated through the Queqiao-2 satellite, launched in April to aid this mission. Using a drill and a robotic arm, the Chang'e-6 probe collected soil from the moon's surface and just below it, as per reports from Xinhua, the state news agency. Also read | China’s secret spaceplane ejects mysterious object into Earth’s orbit. US hunts it down During its mission, Chang'e-6 also planted China's national flag on the moon's far side for the first time, reported Beijing Daily. The probe is now orbiting the moon and will soon connect with another spacecraft in orbit, said the CNSA. From there, the moon soil samples will be moved to a return module, and travel back to Earth. As per reports, the landing is expected to happen in China's Inner Mongolia region around June 25. (With inputs from agencies)

China's Chang'e-6 probe makes history, begins return journey to Earth with samples from Moon's dark side

<p>A recently released clip shows how a Russian military named Luch Olymp K-2 or Luch-2 closely approached a geostationary satellite. Similar manoeuvres have been observed by the Russian satellite’s predecessor which were reportedly found eavesdropping on other countries’ satellites over the past decade or so.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Russian military&nbsp;satellite’s 'sudden close'&nbsp;approach</strong></h2>

<p>The clip, released by a French startup named Aldoria which tracks satellites in orbit using a network of ground-based telescopes, shows what is presumably the Russian satellite approaching a stationary object.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The visual shows Aldoria’s optical tracking of Luch-2, passing by the satellite in GEO. <a href="https://t.co/cv7IDCjhAd">pic.twitter.com/cv7IDCjhAd</a></p>
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<p>The company said that it alerted satellite operators last month after detecting a “sudden close approach” by Russia’s Luch-2 to a satellite positioned in geostationary orbit.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The incident occurred on April 12, and Aldoria said the Russian satellite is “known for its unusual manoeuvres” and it was predicted by them before the Luch-2 even made the move.</p>

<p>The French start-up did not disclose if the Russian satellite might have been spying or how close it was to the object.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/chinas-change-6-probe-makes-history-begins-return-journey-to-earth-with-samples-from-moons-dark-side-728484">China's Chang'e-6 probe makes history, begins return journey to Earth with samples from Moon's dark side</a></strong></p>

<p>However, Aldoria told Space.com, that the minimum distance between the two objects was 10 kilometres, but as of Monday (Jun 3) about 20 to 50 kilometres apart.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>‘Stakes are high’</strong></h2>

<p>The company, in a statement last month, said that the “stakes are high” and protecting public and private assets in orbit which “service fundamental economies is a necessity.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>“As #satelliteconstellations proliferate, so does the risk of collisions, amplifying the demand for #SpaceSituationalAwareness (#SSA) services,” it added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-accuses-us-of-planning-to-place-weapons-in-space-723908">Russia accuses US of planning to place weapons in space</a></strong></p>

<p>Notably, the clip came around the time when the United States intelligence and the Pentagon had accused Russia of trying to militarise space by deploying a different military inspector satellite into the same orbit as a US government satellite.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During a United Nations Security Council meeting, on May 20, US Ambassador Robert Wood speaking about the Russian military satellite, Cosmos 2576 said that it was “likely a counterspace weapon presumably capable of attacking other satellites in low Earth orbit.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, at the time Russia dismissed the claims calling it fake news. In recent months, Washington and Moscow have repeatedly accused each other of attempting to militarise space.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


A recently released clip shows how a Russian military named Luch Olymp K-2 or Luch-2 closely approached a geostationary satellite. Similar manoeuvres have been observed by the Russian satellite’s predecessor which were reportedly found eavesdropping on other countries’ satellites over the past decade or so.

A recently released clip shows how a Russian military named Luch Olymp K-2 or Luch-2 closely approached a geostationary satellite. Similar manoeuvres have been observed by the Russian satellite’s predecessor which were reportedly found eavesdropping on other countries’ satellites over the past decade or so. Russian military satellite’s 'sudden close' approach The clip, released by a French startup named Aldoria which tracks satellites in orbit using a network of ground-based telescopes, shows what is presumably the Russian satellite approaching a stationary object. The visual shows Aldoria’s optical tracking of Luch-2, passing by the satellite in GEO. pic.twitter.com/cv7IDCjhAd — AldoriaSpace (@AldoriaSpace) May 22, 2024 × The company said that it alerted satellite operators last month after detecting a “sudden close approach” by Russia’s Luch-2 to a satellite positioned in geostationary orbit. The incident occurred on April 12, and Aldoria said the Russian satellite is “known for its unusual manoeuvres” and it was predicted by them before the Luch-2 even made the move. The French start-up did not disclose if the Russian satellite might have been spying or how close it was to the object. Also Read | China's Chang'e-6 probe makes history, begins return journey to Earth with samples from Moon's dark side However, Aldoria told Space.com, that the minimum distance between the two objects was 10 kilometres, but as of Monday (Jun 3) about 20 to 50 kilometres apart. ‘Stakes are high’ The company, in a statement last month, said that the “stakes are high” and protecting public and private assets in orbit which “service fundamental economies is a necessity.” “As #satelliteconstellations proliferate, so does the risk of collisions, amplifying the demand for #SpaceSituationalAwareness (#SSA) services,” it added. Also Read | Russia accuses US of planning to place weapons in space Notably, the clip came around the time when the United States intelligence and the Pentagon had accused Russia of trying to militarise space by deploying a different military inspector satellite into the same orbit as a US government satellite. During a United Nations Security Council meeting, on May 20, US Ambassador Robert Wood speaking about the Russian military satellite, Cosmos 2576 said that it was “likely a counterspace weapon presumably capable of attacking other satellites in low Earth orbit.” However, at the time Russia dismissed the claims calling it fake news. In recent months, Washington and Moscow have repeatedly accused each other of attempting to militarise space. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch: Russian military satellite closely approaches spacecraft in orbit

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<p>As NASA prepares for a new cosmic journey to the moon which will be launched for the first time in more than 50 years, a new theory emerged that the astronauts might be facing the threat of sandblasts.</p>

<p>While speaking to the Scientific American, University of Central Florida physicist Phil Metzger said that the latest findings regarding the potential pitfalls of mega-toxic and rapidly moving lunar dust— known as "sandblasts"&nbsp;<strong>—</strong>&nbsp;meant that astronauts may have required better safety standards for survival.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-to-install-nuclear-powered-ufo-detectors-in-space-to-lure-aliens-to-earth-claims-expert-723913">Scientists to install nuclear-powered UFO detectors in space to lure aliens to Earth, claims&nbsp;expert</a></p>

<p>The researchers have already known that the equipment could be harmed by rocket sandblasts and lead to substantial erosion. However, while studying how they occurred, they figured out what are the best practices for the equipment and astronaut.</p>

<p>The new theory also raised questions regarding whether current protections are even adequate for surviving the blast impact.</p>

<h2><strong>What are the best ways to stay safe from sandblasts?</strong></h2>

<p>In a NASA policy, Metzger co-wrote that small lunar landers should not touch down within nearly 1.2 miles of the Apollo landing sites to protect the place from the sandblasts of the crafts.</p>

<p>According to a report published in Scientific American, the length cutoff was apparently arbitrary and was decided on the basis of what can be seen by a six-foot-tall person when looking out over the Moon's horizon.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Robot astronaut heading to Chinese space station</strong></p>

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<p>There were also theories regarding the danger of rocket sandblasts, however to Metzger, the numbers did not appear to be fitting.</p>

<p>As per the latest theory, which was&nbsp;published&nbsp;in the&nbsp;journal&nbsp;Icarus, Metzger said that instead of eroding the lunar surface and stirring up dust, the rocket's massive speed leads to the creation of kinetic force which kicks dust-up in a way which is more complicated than earlier believed.</p>

<p>According to the theory, the tiny accelerated rocks which are present in Moondust are likely to be moving at speeds which are four to ten times faster than what was earlier believed by the scientists. This further meant that the spacecraft and spacesuits needed to have extra reinforcements.</p>

<p>"The amount of damage [lunar dust] might cause to a spacecraft," warned Metzger, adding, "could be an order of magnitude worse than we believed."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


As NASA prepares for a new cosmic journey to the moon which will be launched for the first time in more than 50 years, a new theory emerged that the astronauts might be facing the threat of sandblasts.

As NASA prepares for a new cosmic journey to the moon which will be launched for the first time in more than 50 years, a new theory emerged that the astronauts might be facing the threat of sandblasts. While speaking to the Scientific American, University of Central Florida physicist Phil Metzger said that the latest findings regarding the potential pitfalls of mega-toxic and rapidly moving lunar dust— known as "sandblasts" — meant that astronauts may have required better safety standards for survival. Also Read: Scientists to install nuclear-powered UFO detectors in space to lure aliens to Earth, claims expert The researchers have already known that the equipment could be harmed by rocket sandblasts and lead to substantial erosion. However, while studying how they occurred, they figured out what are the best practices for the equipment and astronaut. The new theory also raised questions regarding whether current protections are even adequate for surviving the blast impact. What are the best ways to stay safe from sandblasts? In a NASA policy, Metzger co-wrote that small lunar landers should not touch down within nearly 1.2 miles of the Apollo landing sites to protect the place from the sandblasts of the crafts. According to a report published in Scientific American, the length cutoff was apparently arbitrary and was decided on the basis of what can be seen by a six-foot-tall person when looking out over the Moon's horizon. Watch: Robot astronaut heading to Chinese space station There were also theories regarding the danger of rocket sandblasts, however to Metzger, the numbers did not appear to be fitting. As per the latest theory, which was published in the journal Icarus, Metzger said that instead of eroding the lunar surface and stirring up dust, the rocket's massive speed leads to the creation of kinetic force which kicks dust-up in a way which is more complicated than earlier believed. According to the theory, the tiny accelerated rocks which are present in Moondust are likely to be moving at speeds which are four to ten times faster than what was earlier believed by the scientists. This further meant that the spacecraft and spacesuits needed to have extra reinforcements. "The amount of damage [lunar dust] might cause to a spacecraft," warned Metzger, adding, "could be an order of magnitude worse than we believed." (With inputs from agencies)

Astronauts beware! Sandblasts on the moon may shred you to pieces

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<p>In new research, scientists have found that elusive intermediate-mass black holes may have birthed in dense star clusters which are filled with tens of thousands to millions of tightly packed stars known as "globular clusters".</p>

<p>The mass of an intermediate-mass black hole&nbsp;is between 100 and 10,000 times that of the sun. They are heavier in comparison to solar-mass black holes which have a mass that ranges between 10 and 100 solar masses and still, they are lighter in comparison to the supermassive black holes.</p>

<p>The supermassive black holes have a mass which is equal to millions or even&nbsp;billions&nbsp;of suns. The astronomers found that these cosmic inbetweeners were elusive in 2012.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/giant-alien-power-plants-are-sucking-energy-from-seven-stars-in-outer-space-study-722646">Giant&nbsp;alien power plants are sucking energy from seven stars in outer space, claims study</a></p>

<p>The intermediate-mass black hole, which has been named GCIRS 13E, has a mass which is 1,300 times that of the sun and is situated 26,000 light-years away. It is located near the galactic centre of the Milky Way.</p>

<h2><strong>Here's how the intermediate-mass black holes are formed</strong></h2>

<p>The surroundings in which the intermediate-mass black holes have been formed have always remained a mystery.</p>

<p>The birth of stellar-mass black holes happens when massive stars collapse and the growth of supermassive black holes happens after subsequent mergers of larger black holes.</p>

<p>According to astronomers, a star which is massive enough to die and form a black hole with thousands of solar masses is incredibly rare and it must struggle to retain its mass when it is dying.</p>

<p>To understand how these intermediate-mass black holes are formed, the first-ever star-by-star simulation of massive clusters was performed by a team of researchers.</p>

<p>In the experiment, it was observed that a dense enough&nbsp;molecular cloud&nbsp;"birthing nest" which consists of globular clusters may have led to the creation of stars which are huge enough to collapse and release an intermediate-mass black hole.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;China 'militarising' space?</strong></p>

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<p>In a statement, University of Tokyo<strong>&nbsp;</strong>scientist and team leader Michiko Fujii said, "Previous observations have suggested that some massive star clusters, globular clusters, host an intermediate-mass black hole."</p>

<p>"So far, there has been no strong theoretical evidence to show the existence of intermediate-mass black hole with 1,000 to 10,000 solar masses compared to less massive (stellar mass) and more massive (supermassive) ones," he added.</p>

<p>"Our final goal is to&nbsp;simulate entire galaxies&nbsp;by resolving individual stars. It is still difficult to simulate Milky Way-size galaxies by resolving individual stars using currently available supercomputers. However, it would be possible to simulate smaller galaxies such as&nbsp;dwarf galaxies," Fujii further explained.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In new research, scientists have found that elusive intermediate-mass black holes may have birthed in dense star clusters which are filled with tens of thousands to millions of tightly packed stars known as "globular clusters".

In new research, scientists have found that elusive intermediate-mass black holes may have birthed in dense star clusters which are filled with tens of thousands to millions of tightly packed stars known as "globular clusters". The mass of an intermediate-mass black hole is between 100 and 10,000 times that of the sun. They are heavier in comparison to solar-mass black holes which have a mass that ranges between 10 and 100 solar masses and still, they are lighter in comparison to the supermassive black holes. The supermassive black holes have a mass which is equal to millions or even billions of suns. The astronomers found that these cosmic inbetweeners were elusive in 2012. Also Read: Giant alien power plants are sucking energy from seven stars in outer space, claims study The intermediate-mass black hole, which has been named GCIRS 13E, has a mass which is 1,300 times that of the sun and is situated 26,000 light-years away. It is located near the galactic centre of the Milky Way. Here's how the intermediate-mass black holes are formed The surroundings in which the intermediate-mass black holes have been formed have always remained a mystery. The birth of stellar-mass black holes happens when massive stars collapse and the growth of supermassive black holes happens after subsequent mergers of larger black holes. According to astronomers, a star which is massive enough to die and form a black hole with thousands of solar masses is incredibly rare and it must struggle to retain its mass when it is dying. To understand how these intermediate-mass black holes are formed, the first-ever star-by-star simulation of massive clusters was performed by a team of researchers. In the experiment, it was observed that a dense enough molecular cloud "birthing nest" which consists of globular clusters may have led to the creation of stars which are huge enough to collapse and release an intermediate-mass black hole. Watch: China 'militarising' space? In a statement, University of Tokyo scientist and team leader Michiko Fujii said, "Previous observations have suggested that some massive star clusters, globular clusters, host an intermediate-mass black hole." "So far, there has been no strong theoretical evidence to show the existence of intermediate-mass black hole with 1,000 to 10,000 solar masses compared to less massive (stellar mass) and more massive (supermassive) ones," he added. "Our final goal is to simulate entire galaxies by resolving individual stars. It is still difficult to simulate Milky Way-size galaxies by resolving individual stars using currently available supercomputers. However, it would be possible to simulate smaller galaxies such as dwarf galaxies," Fujii further explained. (With inputs from agencies)

Intermediate-mass black holes have a 'birthing nest' in cosmic world, suggests study

<p>Japan has lost contact with humanity's only active probe on the planet Venus, called Akatsuki or 'Dawn'.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) mission account for Akatsuki on Wednesday (May 29) took to X to announce that the Institute of Space and Astronautical Science (ISAS) lost contact with the spacecraft after an operation in late April.&nbsp;</p>

<p>ISAS "lost contact with Akatsuki after an operation in late April due to an extended period of low attitude stability control mode, and is currently making efforts to reestablish communication with the spacecraft," it said.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/your-childs-goo-goo-ga-ga-is-not-nonsense-babble-but-serves-this-purpose-727005">Your child's 'goo-goo-ga-ga' is not nonsense babble, but serves THIS purpose</a></strong></p>

<p>Efforts, it said, are currently underway to reestablish contact with Akatsuki. This, as per space.com requires maintaining a stable orientation to point its antenna towards Earth.</p>

<h2><strong>What happens next?</strong></h2>

<p>A subsequent post from the Akatsuki team expressed gratitude for the public's support and promised updates on future plans once they are determined.</p>

<p>"We will inform you about future plans once they are fixed. Thank you for your warm support," it said.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">[From the Akatsuki team](2/2)<br />
We will inform you about future plans once they are fixed. Thank you for your warm support.</p>
— 「あかつき」チーム (@Akatsuki_JAXA) <a href="https://twitter.com/Akatsuki_JAXA/status/1795713278997586344?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 29, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>The Akatsuki probe</strong></h2>

<p>Akatsuki, which translates to "dawn" in Japanese, as per the report, has already surpassed its primary mission objectives. The spacecraft began its extended operational phase in 2018.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/mysterious-hole-appears-on-surface-of-mars-whats-hiding-in-there-aliens-727237">Mysterious hole appears on surface of Mars. What's hiding in there? Aliens?</a></strong></p>

<p>Even if attempts to rescue Akatsuki fail, the mission has already significantly contributed to humanity's understanding of Venus' climate and atmospheric dynamics. It has also demonstrated the problem-solving capabilities of JAXA engineers.</p>

<p>In any case, even if Akatsuki is deemed irretrievable, the planet Venus will not remain unobserved for long.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Curiosity over Earth's sister planet's extreme greenhouse effect — which makes it the hottest planet in the solar system — and the intriguing potential biomarkers detected in its atmosphere, have sparked renewed scientific interest.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Already, NASA, the European Space Agency, India, and a private venture have announced future missions to explore Venus and continuing the quest to unravel its mysteries later in the decade.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Japan has lost contact with humanity's only active probe on the planet Venus, called Akatsuki or 'Dawn'. The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) mission account for Akatsuki on Wednesday (May 29) took to X to announce that the Institute of Space and Astronautical Science (ISAS) lost contact with the spacecraft after an operation in late April.

Japan has lost contact with humanity's only active probe on the planet Venus, called Akatsuki or 'Dawn'. The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) mission account for Akatsuki on Wednesday (May 29) took to X to announce that the Institute of Space and Astronautical Science (ISAS) lost contact with the spacecraft after an operation in late April. ISAS "lost contact with Akatsuki after an operation in late April due to an extended period of low attitude stability control mode, and is currently making efforts to reestablish communication with the spacecraft," it said. Also read | Your child's 'goo-goo-ga-ga' is not nonsense babble, but serves THIS purpose Efforts, it said, are currently underway to reestablish contact with Akatsuki. This, as per space.com requires maintaining a stable orientation to point its antenna towards Earth. What happens next? A subsequent post from the Akatsuki team expressed gratitude for the public's support and promised updates on future plans once they are determined. "We will inform you about future plans once they are fixed. Thank you for your warm support," it said. [From the Akatsuki team](2/2) We will inform you about future plans once they are fixed. Thank you for your warm support. — 「あかつき」チーム (@Akatsuki_JAXA) May 29, 2024 × The Akatsuki probe Akatsuki, which translates to "dawn" in Japanese, as per the report, has already surpassed its primary mission objectives. The spacecraft began its extended operational phase in 2018. Also read | Mysterious hole appears on surface of Mars. What's hiding in there? Aliens? Even if attempts to rescue Akatsuki fail, the mission has already significantly contributed to humanity's understanding of Venus' climate and atmospheric dynamics. It has also demonstrated the problem-solving capabilities of JAXA engineers. In any case, even if Akatsuki is deemed irretrievable, the planet Venus will not remain unobserved for long. Curiosity over Earth's sister planet's extreme greenhouse effect — which makes it the hottest planet in the solar system — and the intriguing potential biomarkers detected in its atmosphere, have sparked renewed scientific interest. Already, NASA, the European Space Agency, India, and a private venture have announced future missions to explore Venus and continuing the quest to unravel its mysteries later in the decade. (With inputs from agencies)

Humanity's only Venus mission in turmoil: Japan's Akatsuki probe vanishes on alien planet

On this day in 1971, Mariner 9, NASA's Mars orbiter, lifted off from Cape Canaveral, Florida. It beat the Soviet Mars 2 to the Red Planet, becoming the first spacecraft to orbit another planet. Mariner 9 was the first orbital mission to Mars. It arrived at the Red Planet in November of that year.

Gravitas Recall: NASA's Mariner 9 spacecraft beat Soviet Mars 2 to the red planet, in 1971

<p>To better track near-Earth asteroids (NEAs) and assess probable risks, a joint China-Ukraine research team has been using regular observations to pinpoint their location and precisely map their orbits.</p>

<p>The NEAs are asteroids whose routes are in close proximity to the Earth's orbit. The chance of it having an impact on our planet presents a serious threat, underscoring the imperative need for prompt follow-up observations of newly identified NEAs for rapidly assessing their orbital elements.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/researchers-find-genetically-altered-nidoviruses-may-trigger-the-next-pandemic-726070">Researchers find genetically altered Nidoviruses may trigger the next&nbsp;pandemic</a></p>

<p>However, for accurate astronomical measurements, observing rapidly moving objects requires short exposure times to avoid elongated streaks in the image.</p>

<p>The researchers from Shanghai Astronomical Observatory (SHAO) under the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Mykolaiv Astronomical Observatory found an innovative technique known as the rotating-drift-scan (RDS) charge-coupled device (CCD) technique, which allows the asteroid to be imaged as a point source, even with a long exposure time.</p>

<p>Their work leveraged an extensive dataset comprising more than 11,000 positional measurements of nearly 500 NEAs captured by the two 50-centimeter telescopes located, respectively, in the northwestern Chinese city of Xi'an from 2019 to 2023 and in Mykolaiv, Ukraine, from 2011 to 2022.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/study-reveals-how-ancient-viral-dna-in-human-genome-impacts-mental-health-726038">Study reveals how ancient viral DNA in human genome impacts mental health</a></p>

<p>A new study in the Astronomical Journal suggests a game-changer for asteroid detection. By leveraging a network of small telescopes with a clever technique, we can significantly improve global monitoring and protect Earth from potential asteroid impacts.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


To better track near-Earth asteroids (NEAs) and assess probable risks, a joint China-Ukraine research team has been using regular observations to pinpoint their location and precisely map their orbits.

To better track near-Earth asteroids (NEAs) and assess probable risks, a joint China-Ukraine research team has been using regular observations to pinpoint their location and precisely map their orbits. The NEAs are asteroids whose routes are in close proximity to the Earth's orbit. The chance of it having an impact on our planet presents a serious threat, underscoring the imperative need for prompt follow-up observations of newly identified NEAs for rapidly assessing their orbital elements. Also read: Researchers find genetically altered Nidoviruses may trigger the next pandemic However, for accurate astronomical measurements, observing rapidly moving objects requires short exposure times to avoid elongated streaks in the image. The researchers from Shanghai Astronomical Observatory (SHAO) under the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Mykolaiv Astronomical Observatory found an innovative technique known as the rotating-drift-scan (RDS) charge-coupled device (CCD) technique, which allows the asteroid to be imaged as a point source, even with a long exposure time. Their work leveraged an extensive dataset comprising more than 11,000 positional measurements of nearly 500 NEAs captured by the two 50-centimeter telescopes located, respectively, in the northwestern Chinese city of Xi'an from 2019 to 2023 and in Mykolaiv, Ukraine, from 2011 to 2022. Also read: Study reveals how ancient viral DNA in human genome impacts mental health A new study in the Astronomical Journal suggests a game-changer for asteroid detection. By leveraging a network of small telescopes with a clever technique, we can significantly improve global monitoring and protect Earth from potential asteroid impacts. (With inputs from agencies)

Astronomers from China and Ukraine team up to defend Earth against asteroids

North Korea’s latest attempt to put a spy satellite into orbit ended in failure. Soon after the launch, the satellite exploded in mid-air. The satellite exploded during the first flight stage and failed to launch.

North Korean spy satellite explodes soon after launch; what went wrong?

<p>Scientists have observed carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide ices in the far reaches of our solar system on trans-Neptunian objects (TNOs) for the first time.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The observations were made using the infrared spectral capabilities of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), which is the largest and most powerful telescope ever launched into space.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a study published in the journal Nature Astronomy earlier this week, scientists analysed the chemical composition of 59 trans-Neptunian objects (TNOs) and Centaurs.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-launches-satellite-to-monitor-and-mitigate-climate-change-725385">NASA launches satellite PREFIRE to monitor, predict and help mitigate climate change</a></strong></p>

<p>The groundbreaking study suggests that carbon dioxide ice was abundant in the cold outer parts of the protoplanetary disc,&nbsp;the enormous revolving disc of gas and dust from which the solar system began.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, a research team, led by planetary scientists Mário Nascimento De Prá and Noemí Pinilla-Alonso from the University of Central Florida's Florida Space Institute (FSI) also said that more investigation is required to understand the carbon monoxide ice's origins because it is also prevalent on the TNOs in the study.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasas-james-webb-may-have-found-answers-to-planets-extreme-puffiness-around-stars-725236">NASA's James Webb may have found answers to planets' extreme puffiness around stars</a></strong></p>

<p>As quoted by phys.org, De Prá, who co-authored the study, said, "It is the first time we observed this region of the spectrum for a large collection of TNOs, so in a sense, everything we saw was exciting and unique."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We did not expect to find that carbon dioxide was so ubiquitous in the TNO region, and even less that carbon monoxide was present in so many TNOs," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Experts believe that the study would help in understanding the formation of our solar system. It could also shed some light on how celestial objects may have migrated.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Trans-Neptunian Objects are relics from the process of planetary formation," de Prá said, further adding, "These findings can impose important constraints about where these objects were formed, how they reached the region they inhabit nowadays, and how their surfaces evolved since their formation. Because they formed at greater distances to the sun and are smaller than the planets, they contain the pristine information about the original composition of the protoplanetary disk."&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


Scientists have observed carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide ices in the far reaches of our solar system on trans-Neptunian objects (TNOs) for the first time. The observations were made using the infrared spectral capabilities of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), which is the largest and most powerful telescope ever launched into space.

Scientists have observed carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide ices in the far reaches of our solar system on trans-Neptunian objects (TNOs) for the first time. The observations were made using the infrared spectral capabilities of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), which is the largest and most powerful telescope ever launched into space. In a study published in the journal Nature Astronomy earlier this week, scientists analysed the chemical composition of 59 trans-Neptunian objects (TNOs) and Centaurs. Also read: NASA launches satellite PREFIRE to monitor, predict and help mitigate climate change The groundbreaking study suggests that carbon dioxide ice was abundant in the cold outer parts of the protoplanetary disc, the enormous revolving disc of gas and dust from which the solar system began. However, a research team, led by planetary scientists Mário Nascimento De Prá and Noemí Pinilla-Alonso from the University of Central Florida's Florida Space Institute (FSI) also said that more investigation is required to understand the carbon monoxide ice's origins because it is also prevalent on the TNOs in the study. Also read: NASA's James Webb may have found answers to planets' extreme puffiness around stars As quoted by phys.org, De Prá, who co-authored the study, said, "It is the first time we observed this region of the spectrum for a large collection of TNOs, so in a sense, everything we saw was exciting and unique." "We did not expect to find that carbon dioxide was so ubiquitous in the TNO region, and even less that carbon monoxide was present in so many TNOs," he added. Experts believe that the study would help in understanding the formation of our solar system. It could also shed some light on how celestial objects may have migrated. "Trans-Neptunian Objects are relics from the process of planetary formation," de Prá said, further adding, "These findings can impose important constraints about where these objects were formed, how they reached the region they inhabit nowadays, and how their surfaces evolved since their formation. Because they formed at greater distances to the sun and are smaller than the planets, they contain the pristine information about the original composition of the protoplanetary disk." (With inputs from agencies)

Scientists find CO2 and CO ice far away in our solar system for the first time

<p>SpaceX, the aerospace company founded by Elon Musk, made history on February 6, 2018, with the launch of the Falcon Heavy rocket. What made this particular launch even more unique and captured the world's imagination was the payload - Elon Musk's own cherry-red Tesla Roadster.</p>

<p>This was a big milestone not only for SpaceX but for space exploration as a whole. But do you know what is the current location of this space car?&nbsp;</p>

<p>The current location is "is 62,730,425 miles (100,954,865 km, 0.675 AU, 5.61 light minutes) from Earth, moving away from Earth at a speed of 16,461 mi/h (26,491 km/h, 7.36 km/s)," as checked by WION at 1:37 IST on Saturday (May 25), 2024. This location is as per a tracker named "WhereisRoadster".</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasas-james-webb-may-have-found-answers-to-planets-extreme-puffiness-around-stars-725236">NASA's James Webb may have found answers to planets' extreme puffiness around stars</a></p>

<p>It is interesting to note that in the car is Starman, a mannequin wearing a SpaceX spacesuit and positioned in the driver's seat of the Tesla Roadster. Starman,&nbsp;equipped with sensors represents the potential for human space exploration and its adventurous spirit.</p>

<p>It was launched "6 years, 3 months, 18 days, 11 hours, 22 minutes and 11 seconds" back (as checked at the time of writing this).&nbsp;</p>

<p>As the Falcon Heavy roared to life and lifted off from Kennedy Space Center's historic Launch Complex 39A in Florida, this sleek electric sports car soared into the cosmos and started drifting through space, with Earth as a backdrop.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/largest-ever-planet-forming-disk-found-heres-what-it-tells-us-about-earth-725235">Largest-ever planet-forming disk&nbsp;found. Here's what it tells us about Earth</a></p>

<p>By sending a payload into deep space, SpaceX was able to test the Falcon Heavy's capabilities in delivering payloads to destinations beyond Earth's orbit, such as Mars.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The car is 220,623,655 miles (355,059,466 km, 2.373 AU, 19.74 light minutes) from Mars, moving away from the planet at a speed of 8,538 mi/h (13,740 km/h, 3.82 km/s). The car is 107,530,103 miles (173,052,980 km, 1.157 AU, 9.62 light minutes) from the Sun, moving away from the star at a speed of 14,657 mi/h (23,588 km/h, 6.55 km/s)," as per the tracker.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The car boasts a fuel efficiency equivalent to 25,122.1 miles per gallon, based on an estimated consumption of 126,000 gallons of fuel.</p>

<h2><strong>Starman listening to 'Is There Life On Mars?'&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>If its battery were still operational, Starman, seated within, would have indulged in David Bowie's "Space Oddity" a staggering 624,700 times in one ear and "Is There Life On Mars?" 841,757 times in the other.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/six-die-as-climbers-scale-nepals-mount-everest-725257">Six die as climbers scale Nepal's Mount Everest</a></strong></p>

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<p>Since its launch, Starman has completed approximately 4.1280 orbits around the Sun. Observing it from Earth requires a colossal telescope roughly 14,816 ft (4,516 m) in diametre.</p>

<p>The Roadster's journey is equal to traversing all of the world’s roads for 79.2 times.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


SpaceX, the aerospace company founded by Elon Musk, made history on February 6, 2018, with the launch of the Falcon Heavy rocket. What made this particular launch even more unique and captured the world's imagination was the payload - Elon Musk's own cherry-red Tesla Roadster.

SpaceX, the aerospace company founded by Elon Musk, made history on February 6, 2018, with the launch of the Falcon Heavy rocket. What made this particular launch even more unique and captured the world's imagination was the payload - Elon Musk's own cherry-red Tesla Roadster. This was a big milestone not only for SpaceX but for space exploration as a whole. But do you know what is the current location of this space car? The current location is "is 62,730,425 miles (100,954,865 km, 0.675 AU, 5.61 light minutes) from Earth, moving away from Earth at a speed of 16,461 mi/h (26,491 km/h, 7.36 km/s)," as checked by WION at 1:37 IST on Saturday (May 25), 2024. This location is as per a tracker named "WhereisRoadster". Also Read | NASA's James Webb may have found answers to planets' extreme puffiness around stars It is interesting to note that in the car is Starman, a mannequin wearing a SpaceX spacesuit and positioned in the driver's seat of the Tesla Roadster. Starman, equipped with sensors represents the potential for human space exploration and its adventurous spirit. It was launched "6 years, 3 months, 18 days, 11 hours, 22 minutes and 11 seconds" back (as checked at the time of writing this). As the Falcon Heavy roared to life and lifted off from Kennedy Space Center's historic Launch Complex 39A in Florida, this sleek electric sports car soared into the cosmos and started drifting through space, with Earth as a backdrop. Also Read | Largest-ever planet-forming disk found. Here's what it tells us about Earth By sending a payload into deep space, SpaceX was able to test the Falcon Heavy's capabilities in delivering payloads to destinations beyond Earth's orbit, such as Mars. "The car is 220,623,655 miles (355,059,466 km, 2.373 AU, 19.74 light minutes) from Mars, moving away from the planet at a speed of 8,538 mi/h (13,740 km/h, 3.82 km/s). The car is 107,530,103 miles (173,052,980 km, 1.157 AU, 9.62 light minutes) from the Sun, moving away from the star at a speed of 14,657 mi/h (23,588 km/h, 6.55 km/s)," as per the tracker. The car boasts a fuel efficiency equivalent to 25,122.1 miles per gallon, based on an estimated consumption of 126,000 gallons of fuel. Starman listening to 'Is There Life On Mars?' If its battery were still operational, Starman, seated within, would have indulged in David Bowie's "Space Oddity" a staggering 624,700 times in one ear and "Is There Life On Mars?" 841,757 times in the other. Watch | Six die as climbers scale Nepal's Mount Everest × Since its launch, Starman has completed approximately 4.1280 orbits around the Sun. Observing it from Earth requires a colossal telescope roughly 14,816 ft (4,516 m) in diametre. The Roadster's journey is equal to traversing all of the world’s roads for 79.2 times. (With inputs from agencies)

Tesla car Roadster is in space. But do you know WHERE it is right now?

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<p>In a path-breaking discovery,&nbsp;scientists have spotted the largest-ever planet-forming disk - officially called IRAS 23077+6707 - nearly&nbsp;1,000 light-years away from Earth.&nbsp;</p>

<p>When the scientists initially spotted it in 2016, the planet-forming disk's true nature remained hidden for years.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the new research, which was carried out using advanced telescopes, it was found that this cosmic element is the largest&nbsp;planet-forming disk&nbsp;ever discovered.</p>

<h2><strong>A cosmic butterfly?</strong></h2>

<p>When the planet-forming disk was first observed by Ciprian T.&nbsp;Berghea from the&nbsp;U.S.&nbsp;Naval Observatory using the Panoramic Survey Telescope and Rapid Response System (Pan-STARRS),&nbsp;the disk's unique appearance made it look like a giant cosmic butterfly.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/another-milestone-in-alien-hunt-earth-size-exoplanet-may-be-hiding-life-in-goldilocks-zone-724909">Another milestone in alien hunt? Earth-size exoplanet may be hiding life in 'Goldilocks Zone'</a></p>

<p>“After finding out about this possible planet-forming disk from Pan-STARRS data,&nbsp;we were keen to observe it with the SMA,&nbsp;which allowed us to understand its physical nature,” said Kristina Monsch,&nbsp;an astrophysicist who headed the Submillimeter Array (SMA) campaign, as reported by Earth.com.</p>

<p>The SMA is&nbsp;an array of telescopes in Hawaii which is capable of detecting millimetre wavelengths that are important in unravelling the composition of cosmic objects like IRAS 23077.</p>

<h2><strong>Protoplanetary disks are nothing but 'nurseries' of&nbsp;planets</strong></h2>

<p>With the help of SMA, it was found that the massive&nbsp;protoplanetary disk is a cloud of dust and gas in which planets are born.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“What we found was&nbsp;incredible&nbsp;—&nbsp;evidence that this was the largest planet-forming disk ever discovered.&nbsp;It is extremely rich in dust and gas, which we know are the building blocks of planets,” Monsch explained.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Protoplanetary disks, in a way, are nurseries for planets. In these disks, giant planets like Jupiter and Saturn, and rocky planets like Earth and Mars are formed around young stars.&nbsp;</p>

<p>These disks are filled with dust and gas in abundance and rotate in a way which helps astronomers find their sizes as well as the masses of their central stars.</p>

<h2><strong>Here's what these disks contain</strong></h2>

<p>While observing the IRAS 23077, the astronomers were able to gather multiple information regarding the unique protoplanetary disk.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Gravitas: Most promising indication of life on another planet found</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-most-promising-indication-of-life-on-another-planet-found-716425/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>“The data from the SMA offer us the smoking-gun evidence that this is a disk,&nbsp;and coupled with the estimate of the system’s distance,&nbsp;that it is rotating around a star likely two to four times more massive than our&nbsp;own&nbsp;sun,” Monsch said.</p>

<p>Such information is important in understanding how the planets are formed in such extreme environments.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In a path-breaking discovery, scientists have spotted the largest-ever planet-forming disk - officially called IRAS 23077+6707 - nearly 1,000 light-years away from Earth.

In a path-breaking discovery, scientists have spotted the largest-ever planet-forming disk - officially called IRAS 23077+6707 - nearly 1,000 light-years away from Earth. When the scientists initially spotted it in 2016, the planet-forming disk's true nature remained hidden for years. In the new research, which was carried out using advanced telescopes, it was found that this cosmic element is the largest planet-forming disk ever discovered. A cosmic butterfly? When the planet-forming disk was first observed by Ciprian T. Berghea from the U.S. Naval Observatory using the Panoramic Survey Telescope and Rapid Response System (Pan-STARRS), the disk's unique appearance made it look like a giant cosmic butterfly. Also Read: Another milestone in alien hunt? Earth-size exoplanet may be hiding life in 'Goldilocks Zone' “After finding out about this possible planet-forming disk from Pan-STARRS data, we were keen to observe it with the SMA, which allowed us to understand its physical nature,” said Kristina Monsch, an astrophysicist who headed the Submillimeter Array (SMA) campaign, as reported by Earth.com. The SMA is an array of telescopes in Hawaii which is capable of detecting millimetre wavelengths that are important in unravelling the composition of cosmic objects like IRAS 23077. Protoplanetary disks are nothing but 'nurseries' of planets With the help of SMA, it was found that the massive protoplanetary disk is a cloud of dust and gas in which planets are born. “What we found was incredible — evidence that this was the largest planet-forming disk ever discovered. It is extremely rich in dust and gas, which we know are the building blocks of planets,” Monsch explained. Protoplanetary disks, in a way, are nurseries for planets. In these disks, giant planets like Jupiter and Saturn, and rocky planets like Earth and Mars are formed around young stars. These disks are filled with dust and gas in abundance and rotate in a way which helps astronomers find their sizes as well as the masses of their central stars. Here's what these disks contain While observing the IRAS 23077, the astronomers were able to gather multiple information regarding the unique protoplanetary disk. Watch: Gravitas: Most promising indication of life on another planet found “The data from the SMA offer us the smoking-gun evidence that this is a disk, and coupled with the estimate of the system’s distance, that it is rotating around a star likely two to four times more massive than our own sun,” Monsch said. Such information is important in understanding how the planets are formed in such extreme environments. (With inputs from agencies)

Largest-ever planet-forming disk found. Here's what it tells us about Earth

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<p>In continuation with the hunt for aliens, scientists have now found a new planet which may be habitable and have the capacity to sustain human life.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The new planet named Gliese 12 b has been brought to attention in the latest study published in&nbsp;Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society&nbsp;on Thursday (May 23).</p>

<p>Scientists said it is “the nearest, transiting temperate, Earth-sized planet found to date.”</p>

<p>The planet was discovered by an international team of scientists&nbsp;with the help of NASA’s Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS).</p>

<p>According to scientists, this is one of the few rocky planets which has the potential of carrying human lives.</p>

<p>The planet is only 40 light-years away from Earth, which makes it the closest one yet discovered.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/a-super-earth-exoplanet-has-its-own-atmosphere-scientists-now-hunt-for-life-719532">Is an ocean of magma creating atmosphere on this 'Super Earth'? The possibility has scientists excited</a></p>

<p>"The majorly interesting thing is that this is a planet that's&nbsp;really&nbsp;nearby; in fact, it's one of the closest transiting planets to Earth," said University College of London scientist Larissa Palethorpe, who was part of the team, while speaking to Space.com.</p>

<p>"It's either in the habitable zone of its star or it is right on the edge of it — so, it could be habitable," he added.</p>

<p>In size, Gliese 12 b is only a little smaller in comparison to Earth and has been found orbiting a small and cool red dwarf star.</p>

<p><img alt="nasa" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ad486c76-be85-419b-a65c-318ef9f0d3b1" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202024-05-24T141528.056.png" /></p>

<p><em>Artists concept of&nbsp;Gliese 12 b whose estimated size may be as large as Earth or slightly smaller. (Credits: NASA)</em></p>

<p>This means the exoplanet, even if its distance from its&nbsp;red dwarf parent is almost 7 per cent of the distance between the sun and Earth,&nbsp;still&nbsp;remains in the habitable zone of the planetary system.</p>

<p>This habitable zone is called the "Goldilocks Zone". This region around a star is neither too cold nor too hot for hosting liquid water, which is an important ingredient for life.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>A child of Venus and Earth?</strong></h2>

<p>This exoplanet also resembles Venus which is generally called Earth’s “twin” due to the similarities they share.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"To find it to be such a similar size to Earth was kind of a lovely surprise. So that was a&nbsp;really&nbsp;nice thing to be able to nail down, but I think especially knowing that, in terms of habitability, it could lie between Earth and Venus, is&nbsp;really&nbsp;exciting," Palethorpe said.</p>

<p>Gliese 12 b receives about 1.6 times more heat from its star in comparison to the energy Earth receives from the sun, said the scientists.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Gravitas: Most promising indication of life on another planet found</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-most-promising-indication-of-life-on-another-planet-found-716425/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>The average estimated surface temperature of the planet is only 50°F warmer than Earth’s.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Although both Earth and Venus are in the&nbsp;sun's habitable zone, one planet can support life and its atmosphere is favourable while the other planet is inhospitable&nbsp;in nature. The study of Gliese 12 b can help scientists understand why there is a difference between the two.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In continuation with the hunt for aliens, scientists have now found a new planet which may be habitable and have the capacity to sustain human life. The new planet named Gliese 12 b has been brought to attention in the latest study published in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society on Thursday (May 23).

In continuation with the hunt for aliens, scientists have now found a new planet which may be habitable and have the capacity to sustain human life. The new planet named Gliese 12 b has been brought to attention in the latest study published in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society on Thursday (May 23). Scientists said it is “the nearest, transiting temperate, Earth-sized planet found to date.” The planet was discovered by an international team of scientists with the help of NASA’s Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS). According to scientists, this is one of the few rocky planets which has the potential of carrying human lives. The planet is only 40 light-years away from Earth, which makes it the closest one yet discovered. Also Read: Is an ocean of magma creating atmosphere on this 'Super Earth'? The possibility has scientists excited "The majorly interesting thing is that this is a planet that's really nearby; in fact, it's one of the closest transiting planets to Earth," said University College of London scientist Larissa Palethorpe, who was part of the team, while speaking to Space.com. "It's either in the habitable zone of its star or it is right on the edge of it — so, it could be habitable," he added. In size, Gliese 12 b is only a little smaller in comparison to Earth and has been found orbiting a small and cool red dwarf star. Artists concept of Gliese 12 b whose estimated size may be as large as Earth or slightly smaller. (Credits: NASA) This means the exoplanet, even if its distance from its red dwarf parent is almost 7 per cent of the distance between the sun and Earth, still remains in the habitable zone of the planetary system. This habitable zone is called the "Goldilocks Zone". This region around a star is neither too cold nor too hot for hosting liquid water, which is an important ingredient for life. A child of Venus and Earth? This exoplanet also resembles Venus which is generally called Earth’s “twin” due to the similarities they share. "To find it to be such a similar size to Earth was kind of a lovely surprise. So that was a really nice thing to be able to nail down, but I think especially knowing that, in terms of habitability, it could lie between Earth and Venus, is really exciting," Palethorpe said. Gliese 12 b receives about 1.6 times more heat from its star in comparison to the energy Earth receives from the sun, said the scientists. Watch: Gravitas: Most promising indication of life on another planet found The average estimated surface temperature of the planet is only 50°F warmer than Earth’s. Although both Earth and Venus are in the sun's habitable zone, one planet can support life and its atmosphere is favourable while the other planet is inhospitable in nature. The study of Gliese 12 b can help scientists understand why there is a difference between the two. (With inputs from agencies)

Another milestone in alien hunt? Earth-size exoplanet may be hiding life in 'Goldilocks Zone'

Tensions between Russia and the United States are spilling over into the realm of space. WION's report explains how a Russian spacecraft tailed an American spy satellite in low earth orbit has ignited concerns over the militarisation of space.

US' new big claim against Russia, says 'Russia launched space weapons'

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