Scientists have unveiled a revolutionary new technology that promises to transform space travel, opening new possibilities for interplanetary exploration.

Revolutionary Propulsion: The future of space travel

NASA astronaut captures stunning images of the Northern Lights from space, showcasing the beauty of Earth's auroras from a unique vantage point.

NASA astronaut capture northern lights from space

Comet visits to the inner solar system continue in 2025. An icy space rock from the Oort cloud will come extremely close to the Sun in the second week of January, and if it manages to survive the trip, it would make for a wonderful spectacle from Earth as well.
Comet ATLAS (C/2024) G3 will reach its closest point to the sun on Jan 13, 2025. At perihelion, the comet will be just 8.3 million miles (13.5 million kilometres) from the sun. On the same day, Comet G3 will also appear at its brightest from Earth. Notably, Mercury is nearly 29 million miles (47 million kilometres) from the sun.
It was discovered on April 5, 2024, by the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) system of telescopes.
However, whether or not it will survive the heat of the sun is still not clear. If it does, it would be the brightest comet of 2025.
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But it would be visible to the naked eye only in the Southern Hemisphere. In 2024, when Comet A3 travelled to the inside of the solar system, it was spotted by several stargazers in both the Southern and Northern Hemispheres.
Comet G3 is expected to become as bright as Venus. According to The Planetary Society, the comet's brightness would be at a magnitude of -4.5 during January 2025 and it will travel in the constellation Sagittarius.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-spacecraft-makes-history-by-getting-closest-ever-to-sun-8571631">NASA spacecraft makes history by getting closest-ever to Sun</a>
<h2>Will Comet G3 survive the Sun?</h2>
The comet will get too close to the sun, making experts wonder whether it will survive the trip. Experts are hopeful since its orbital path suggests that the last time it visited the inner solar system was about 160,000 years ago. This means that it likely escaped unscathed at the time.&nbsp;
"It will be strongly heated and may not survive," said Nick James, director of the British Astronomical Association's comet section, as per Space.com.
"But if it does, it may be an impressive object in the evening sky from the southern hemisphere after perihelion."
James also cautioned that since the comet will be extremely close to the sun, only "experienced observers" should attempt to view it as otherwise it might prove dangerous.
The bright moon around the time of comet G3's perihelion will also make viewing it tough. January's full "Cold Moon" will rise opposite the comet on the eastern horizon on Jan 13.

Comet ATLAS (C/2024) G3 is the latest visitor to the solar system and might become visible on January 13. But experts are worried that the sun might kill it.

Comet visits to the inner solar system continue in 2025. An icy space rock from the Oort cloud will come extremely close to the Sun in the second week of January, and if it manages to survive the trip, it would make for a wonderful spectacle from Earth as well. Comet ATLAS (C/2024) G3 will reach its closest point to the sun on Jan 13, 2025. At perihelion, the comet will be just 8.3 million miles (13.5 million kilometres) from the sun. On the same day, Comet G3 will also appear at its brightest from Earth. Notably, Mercury is nearly 29 million miles (47 million kilometres) from the sun. It was discovered on April 5, 2024, by the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) system of telescopes. However, whether or not it will survive the heat of the sun is still not clear. If it does, it would be the brightest comet of 2025. Also Read: Another 'devil' comet? Volcanic icy body witnesses multiple violent explosions But it would be visible to the naked eye only in the Southern Hemisphere. In 2024, when Comet A3 travelled to the inside of the solar system, it was spotted by several stargazers in both the Southern and Northern Hemispheres. Comet G3 is expected to become as bright as Venus. According to The Planetary Society, the comet's brightness would be at a magnitude of -4.5 during January 2025 and it will travel in the constellation Sagittarius. Also Read: NASA spacecraft makes history by getting closest-ever to Sun Will Comet G3 survive the Sun? The comet will get too close to the sun, making experts wonder whether it will survive the trip. Experts are hopeful since its orbital path suggests that the last time it visited the inner solar system was about 160,000 years ago. This means that it likely escaped unscathed at the time. "It will be strongly heated and may not survive," said Nick James, director of the British Astronomical Association's comet section, as per Space.com. "But if it does, it may be an impressive object in the evening sky from the southern hemisphere after perihelion." James also cautioned that since the comet will be extremely close to the sun, only "experienced observers" should attempt to view it as otherwise it might prove dangerous. The bright moon around the time of comet G3's perihelion will also make viewing it tough. January's full "Cold Moon" will rise opposite the comet on the eastern horizon on Jan 13.

Comet G3 whose last trip was when an extinct human species roamed Earth is returning

New Delhi: In 2012, it was found that Kepler-52, the Sun-like yellow dwarf star has three exoplanets in its orbit. Each of those exoplanets turned out to be with a density higher than cotton candy. This led to putting them in a category called super puff world.&nbsp;
Now reports came that scientists have found a fourth one in the category.&nbsp;
Jessica Libby-Roberts, a planetary scientist at Pennsylvania State University, said in a statement, "Super puff planets are fairly rare, and when they do occur, they tend to be the only one in a planetary system."&nbsp;
She further reported adding, "If trying to explain how three super puffs formed in one system wasn't challenging enough, now we have to explain a fourth planet, whether it's a super puff or not. And we can't rule out additional planets in the system either."
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It was 2019 when the strange nature of the three exoplanets orbiting Kepler-51 was established and observations were made by astronomers to create measurements of the radii and masses of the exoplanets. The acquired measurements were used to calculate their densities, which were found to be less than 0.1 grams per cubic centimetre.&nbsp;
When a team of astronomers co-led by Libby-Roberts and Kento Masuda of Osaka University set out to catch one of the discovered exoplanets, they found that there might be more exoplanets than do not get caught in the eyes.&nbsp;
The team then further pored out data on transit timings obtained by NASA's planet-hunting telescope TESS, and observations from several ground-based telescopes as well.&nbsp;
After they carefully went back to their data to ensure no errors were made, the conclusion said there was an unseen exoplanet.&nbsp;
The newly found fourth exoplanet will be named Kepler-51e as the other previous found were named Kepler-51b, Kepler-51c, and Kepler-51d.&nbsp;
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Masudsa explained, "We conducted what is called a 'brute force' search, testing out many different combinations of planet properties to find the four-planet model that explains all of the transit data gathered over the past 14 years."&nbsp;
She further said, "We found that the signal is best explained if Kepler-51e has a mass similar to the other three planets and follows a fairly circular orbit of about 264 days &ndash; something we would expect based on other planetary systems. Other possible solutions we found involve a more massive planet on a wider orbit, though we think these are less likely."
(With inputs from agencies)

She further reported adding, "If trying to explain how three super puffs formed in one system wasn't challenging enough, now we have to explain a fourth planet, whether it's a super puff or not. And we can't rule out additional planets in the system either."



New Delhi: In 2012, it was found that Kepler-52, the Sun-like yellow dwarf star has three exoplanets in its orbit. Each of those exoplanets turned out to be with a density higher than cotton candy. This led to putting them in a category called super puff world. Now reports came that scientists have found a fourth one in the category. Jessica Libby-Roberts, a planetary scientist at Pennsylvania State University, said in a statement, "Super puff planets are fairly rare, and when they do occur, they tend to be the only one in a planetary system." She further reported adding, "If trying to explain how three super puffs formed in one system wasn't challenging enough, now we have to explain a fourth planet, whether it's a super puff or not. And we can't rule out additional planets in the system either." Also read | 42 killed as Azerbaijan Airlines plane bursts into flames after emergency landing in Kazakhstan It was 2019 when the strange nature of the three exoplanets orbiting Kepler-51 was established and observations were made by astronomers to create measurements of the radii and masses of the exoplanets. The acquired measurements were used to calculate their densities, which were found to be less than 0.1 grams per cubic centimetre. When a team of astronomers co-led by Libby-Roberts and Kento Masuda of Osaka University set out to catch one of the discovered exoplanets, they found that there might be more exoplanets than do not get caught in the eyes. The team then further pored out data on transit timings obtained by NASA's planet-hunting telescope TESS, and observations from several ground-based telescopes as well. After they carefully went back to their data to ensure no errors were made, the conclusion said there was an unseen exoplanet. The newly found fourth exoplanet will be named Kepler-51e as the other previous found were named Kepler-51b, Kepler-51c, and Kepler-51d. Also read | Afghanistan: Taliban government spokesperson claims 46 killed in Pakistan's overnight strike Masudsa explained, "We conducted what is called a 'brute force' search, testing out many different combinations of planet properties to find the four-planet model that explains all of the transit data gathered over the past 14 years." She further said, "We found that the signal is best explained if Kepler-51e has a mass similar to the other three planets and follows a fairly circular orbit of about 264 days – something we would expect based on other planetary systems. Other possible solutions we found involve a more massive planet on a wider orbit, though we think these are less likely." (With inputs from agencies)

Milky Way's fluffiest system found a new planet

California, United States
Christmas will be full of brightness for NASA's Parker Solar Probe as it will fly closest to the fiery surface of the sun ever in human history on Christmas Eve.
This is the closest any man-made machine will travel to the burning star. Parker will be at a distance of 3.8 million miles from the surface of the star. 
It will zoom towards the star at around 430,000 mph while cutting through the plumes of plasma while encircling it, said the space agency in a statement.
During its closest approach, the probe will lose contact with the 110-pound spacecraft, which is the fastest object ever created on Earth. 
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/earth-to-be-hit-by-devastating-solar-flare-which-will-be-equal-to-billions-of-atomic-bombs-warn-scientists-784116">Earth to be hit by devastating solar flare which will be equal to billions of atomic bombs, warn scientists</a>
On December 27, a beacon tone will be transmitted by Parker to mission operators at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) in Maryland to confirm its health after the flyby.
Speaking about the NASA probe, Parker programme scientist Arik Posner said, “We can’t wait to receive that first status update from the spacecraft and start receiving the science data in the coming weeks."
<h2>NASA's Parker probe and its ambitious plan</h2>
In 2018, the Parker probe was launched by NASA as part of its Living With a Star programme, which is aimed at “touching” the sun. 
Since then, the Parker probe has circled the flaming hot sun more than 20 times to explore its outermost layer called the corona, which can uncover how life is affected by the sun-earth system.
The study of the corona provides them with insight into topics which include solar wind and space weather that can interact with the magnetic field of Earth and can damage the satellites, supercharge the northern lights, and knock out power grids.
Watch: ISRO Successfully Launches ESA’s Proba-3 Mission To Study Sun’s Corona
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The flyby on Christmas Eve will be among the first of three last close swings planned as part of the mission.
“No human-made object has ever passed this close to a star, so Parker will truly be returning data from uncharted territory,” explained Nick Pinkine, Parker Solar Probe mission operations manager at APL.
“We’re excited to hear back from the spacecraft when it swings back around the Sun,” he said.
The mission was renamed to honour American physicist Eugene Parker in 2017, making it the first NASA spacecraft to have been named after a living person.
(With inputs taken from agencies)

For the first time, a man-made machine will travel to the closest to the burning surface of the sun and will remain at a distance of 3.8 million miles

 



California, United States Christmas will be full of brightness for NASA's Parker Solar Probe as it will fly closest to the fiery surface of the sun ever in human history on Christmas Eve. This is the closest any man-made machine will travel to the burning star. Parker will be at a distance of 3.8 million miles from the surface of the star. It will zoom towards the star at around 430,000 mph while cutting through the plumes of plasma while encircling it, said the space agency in a statement. During its closest approach, the probe will lose contact with the 110-pound spacecraft, which is the fastest object ever created on Earth. Also Read: Earth to be hit by devastating solar flare which will be equal to billions of atomic bombs, warn scientists On December 27, a beacon tone will be transmitted by Parker to mission operators at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) in Maryland to confirm its health after the flyby. Speaking about the NASA probe, Parker programme scientist Arik Posner said, “We can’t wait to receive that first status update from the spacecraft and start receiving the science data in the coming weeks." NASA's Parker probe and its ambitious plan In 2018, the Parker probe was launched by NASA as part of its Living With a Star programme, which is aimed at “touching” the sun. Since then, the Parker probe has circled the flaming hot sun more than 20 times to explore its outermost layer called the corona, which can uncover how life is affected by the sun-earth system. The study of the corona provides them with insight into topics which include solar wind and space weather that can interact with the magnetic field of Earth and can damage the satellites, supercharge the northern lights, and knock out power grids. Watch: ISRO Successfully Launches ESA’s Proba-3 Mission To Study Sun’s Corona The flyby on Christmas Eve will be among the first of three last close swings planned as part of the mission. “No human-made object has ever passed this close to a star, so Parker will truly be returning data from uncharted territory,” explained Nick Pinkine, Parker Solar Probe mission operations manager at APL. “We’re excited to hear back from the spacecraft when it swings back around the Sun,” he said. The mission was renamed to honour American physicist Eugene Parker in 2017, making it the first NASA spacecraft to have been named after a living person. (With inputs taken from agencies)

NASA probe to make closest approach ever in human history to fiery surface of sun on Christmas Eve

NASA on Wednesday (Dec 18) announced that astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, who have been stuck in space for more than 180 days now, will now stay on the International Space Station (ISS) at least till March 2025.&nbsp;

Their return has been delayed many times now. Previously, they were scheduled to fly back in February 2025.

However, the agency now said that Williams and Willmore would now return to Earth along with astronaut Nick Hague and Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov after the four-member Crew-10 mission reaches the space station.

"The agency’s SpaceX Crew-9 mission with NASA astronauts Nick Hague, Suni Williams, Butch Wilmore, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov will return to Earth following the arrival of Crew-10 to the orbital laboratory," NASA said in a statement.&nbsp;

"NASA’s SpaceX Crew-10 now is targeting no earlier than late March 2025 to launch four crew members to the International Space Station," the agency stated.&nbsp;

They further added, "Known as a handover period, it allows Crew-9 to share any lessons learned with the newly arrived crew and support a better transition for ongoing science and maintenance at the complex."

<h2>Sunita Williams and her condition in space</h2>

William, 58, and Wilmore, 61, have been stuck in space for more than six months now. They got to the ISS on the Boeing Starliner spacecraft.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/another-day-another-sleigh-sunita-williams-and-fellow-iss-crew-prepare-to-celebrate-christmas-in-space-784705">Also read:&nbsp;‘Another day, another sleigh’: Sunita Williams and fellow ISS crew prepare to celebrate Christmas in space</a>

Initially, the craft was meant to depart for home on June 26. However, it faced several glitches, including leaks in the propulsion system and some of its thrusters shutting down, before reaching the ISS.&nbsp;

Despite making several attempts, NASA and Boeing could not trust it to bring the astronauts back safely to Earth.&nbsp;

<h2>Why was it delayed?</h2>

The agency said the launch was delayed to give teams time to complete processing on a new Dragon spacecraft for the mission. "The new spacecraft is set to arrive at the company’s processing facility in Florida in early January."

Steve Stich, manager of NASA’s Commercial Crew Programme, said, "Fabrication, assembly, testing, and final integration of a new spacecraft is a painstaking endeavour that requires great attention to detail. We appreciate the hard work by the SpaceX team to expand the Dragon fleet in support of our missions and the flexibility of the station program and expedition crews as we work together to complete the new capsule’s readiness for flight.”

Watch |&nbsp;Sunita Williams' Return Delayed: NASA Announces Extended ISS Stay for Stranded Astronauts

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After careful consideration, the team has reached a decision that launching Crew-10 in late March would be the best option for meeting NASA's requirements and achieving space station objectives for 2025.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

NASA on Wednesday (Dec 18) announced that astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, who have been stuck in space for more than 180 days now, will now stay on the International Space Station (ISS) at least till March 2025.

NASA on Wednesday (Dec 18) announced that astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, who have been stuck in space for more than 180 days now, will now stay on the International Space Station (ISS) at least till March 2025. Their return has been delayed many times now. Previously, they were scheduled to fly back in February 2025. However, the agency now said that Williams and Willmore would now return to Earth along with astronaut Nick Hague and Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov after the four-member Crew-10 mission reaches the space station. "The agency’s SpaceX Crew-9 mission with NASA astronauts Nick Hague, Suni Williams, Butch Wilmore, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov will return to Earth following the arrival of Crew-10 to the orbital laboratory," NASA said in a statement. "NASA’s SpaceX Crew-10 now is targeting no earlier than late March 2025 to launch four crew members to the International Space Station," the agency stated. They further added, "Known as a handover period, it allows Crew-9 to share any lessons learned with the newly arrived crew and support a better transition for ongoing science and maintenance at the complex." Sunita Williams and her condition in space William, 58, and Wilmore, 61, have been stuck in space for more than six months now. They got to the ISS on the Boeing Starliner spacecraft. Also read: ‘Another day, another sleigh’: Sunita Williams and fellow ISS crew prepare to celebrate Christmas in space Initially, the craft was meant to depart for home on June 26. However, it faced several glitches, including leaks in the propulsion system and some of its thrusters shutting down, before reaching the ISS. Despite making several attempts, NASA and Boeing could not trust it to bring the astronauts back safely to Earth. Why was it delayed? The agency said the launch was delayed to give teams time to complete processing on a new Dragon spacecraft for the mission. "The new spacecraft is set to arrive at the company’s processing facility in Florida in early January." Steve Stich, manager of NASA’s Commercial Crew Programme, said, "Fabrication, assembly, testing, and final integration of a new spacecraft is a painstaking endeavour that requires great attention to detail. We appreciate the hard work by the SpaceX team to expand the Dragon fleet in support of our missions and the flexibility of the station program and expedition crews as we work together to complete the new capsule’s readiness for flight.” Watch | Sunita Williams' Return Delayed: NASA Announces Extended ISS Stay for Stranded Astronauts × After careful consideration, the team has reached a decision that launching Crew-10 in late March would be the best option for meeting NASA's requirements and achieving space station objectives for 2025. (With inputs from agencies)

Sunita Williams's return further delayed until March 2025. Here's why

Washington, United States
NASA on Wednesday (Dec 18) announced that astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, who have been stuck in space for more than 180 days now, will now stay on the International Space Station (ISS) at least till March 2025. 
Their return has been delayed many times now. Previously, they were scheduled to fly back in February 2025.
However, the agency now said that Williams and Willmore would now return to Earth along with astronaut Nick Hague and Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov after the four-member Crew-10 mission reaches the space station.
"The agency’s SpaceX Crew-9 mission with NASA astronauts Nick Hague, Suni Williams, Butch Wilmore, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov will return to Earth following the arrival of Crew-10 to the orbital laboratory," NASA said in a statement. 
"NASA’s SpaceX Crew-10 now is targeting no earlier than late March 2025 to launch four crew members to the International Space Station," the agency stated. 
They further added, "Known as a handover period, it allows Crew-9 to share any lessons learned with the newly arrived crew and support a better transition for ongoing science and maintenance at the complex."
<h2>Sunita Williams and her condition in space</h2>
William, 58, and Wilmore, 61, have been stuck in space for more than six months now. They got to the ISS on the Boeing Starliner spacecraft. 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/another-day-another-sleigh-sunita-williams-and-fellow-iss-crew-prepare-to-celebrate-christmas-in-space-784705">Also read: ‘Another day, another sleigh’: Sunita Williams and fellow ISS crew prepare to celebrate Christmas in space</a>
Initially, the craft was meant to depart for home on June 26. However, it faced several glitches, including leaks in the propulsion system and some of its thrusters shutting down, before reaching the ISS. 
Despite making several attempts, NASA and Boeing could not trust it to bring the astronauts back safely to Earth. 
<h2>Why was it delayed?</h2>
The agency said the launch was delayed to give teams time to complete processing on a new Dragon spacecraft for the mission. "The new spacecraft is set to arrive at the company’s processing facility in Florida in early January."
Steve Stich, manager of NASA’s Commercial Crew Programme, said, "Fabrication, assembly, testing, and final integration of a new spacecraft is a painstaking endeavour that requires great attention to detail. We appreciate the hard work by the SpaceX team to expand the Dragon fleet in support of our missions and the flexibility of the station program and expedition crews as we work together to complete the new capsule’s readiness for flight.”
Watch | Sunita Williams' Return Delayed: NASA Announces Extended ISS Stay for Stranded Astronauts
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After careful consideration, the team has reached a decision that launching Crew-10 in late March would be the best option for meeting NASA's requirements and achieving space station objectives for 2025. 
(With inputs from agencies)

Their return has been delayed many times now. Previously, they were scheduled to fly back in February 2025. 



Washington, United States NASA on Wednesday (Dec 18) announced that astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, who have been stuck in space for more than 180 days now, will now stay on the International Space Station (ISS) at least till March 2025. Their return has been delayed many times now. Previously, they were scheduled to fly back in February 2025. However, the agency now said that Williams and Willmore would now return to Earth along with astronaut Nick Hague and Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov after the four-member Crew-10 mission reaches the space station. "The agency’s SpaceX Crew-9 mission with NASA astronauts Nick Hague, Suni Williams, Butch Wilmore, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov will return to Earth following the arrival of Crew-10 to the orbital laboratory," NASA said in a statement. "NASA’s SpaceX Crew-10 now is targeting no earlier than late March 2025 to launch four crew members to the International Space Station," the agency stated. They further added, "Known as a handover period, it allows Crew-9 to share any lessons learned with the newly arrived crew and support a better transition for ongoing science and maintenance at the complex." Sunita Williams and her condition in space William, 58, and Wilmore, 61, have been stuck in space for more than six months now. They got to the ISS on the Boeing Starliner spacecraft. Also read: ‘Another day, another sleigh’: Sunita Williams and fellow ISS crew prepare to celebrate Christmas in space Initially, the craft was meant to depart for home on June 26. However, it faced several glitches, including leaks in the propulsion system and some of its thrusters shutting down, before reaching the ISS. Despite making several attempts, NASA and Boeing could not trust it to bring the astronauts back safely to Earth. Why was it delayed? The agency said the launch was delayed to give teams time to complete processing on a new Dragon spacecraft for the mission. "The new spacecraft is set to arrive at the company’s processing facility in Florida in early January." Steve Stich, manager of NASA’s Commercial Crew Programme, said, "Fabrication, assembly, testing, and final integration of a new spacecraft is a painstaking endeavour that requires great attention to detail. We appreciate the hard work by the SpaceX team to expand the Dragon fleet in support of our missions and the flexibility of the station program and expedition crews as we work together to complete the new capsule’s readiness for flight.” Watch | Sunita Williams' Return Delayed: NASA Announces Extended ISS Stay for Stranded Astronauts × After careful consideration, the team has reached a decision that launching Crew-10 in late March would be the best option for meeting NASA's requirements and achieving space station objectives for 2025. (With inputs from agencies)

Ladakh, India
Indian space agency ISRO is creating "Habitat-1 or Hab-1" which is its first-ever "analogue mission" in which space conditions are simulated to prepare astronauts before they go for real space missions. 
Scientists recently tested it for three weeks in the Himalayan mountain ranges of India's Union Territory of Ladakh.
Speaking to the BBC, Gujarat-based firm Aaka's space architect Aastha Kacha-Jhala said that the simulations help in identifying and addressing the issues that equipment and astronauts may face before space missions. 
<h2>All about Habitat-1</h2>
Habitat-1 has been built using space-grade Teflon and is insulated with industrial-use foam.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/isro-postpones-pslv-xl-proba-3-mission-launch-to-thursday-due-to-anomaly-781487">ISRO postpones PSLV-XL Proba-3 mission launch to Thursday due to anomaly</a>
It has a bed as well as a stowaway tray which one can pull out and use like a workstation. There is storage space for keeping emergency kits, supplies, a toilet as well as a kitchenette for heating meals. 
The astronauts remained holed up in the simulation for three weeks. 
"Hab-1 is designed keeping in mind that space is going to be very limited on the Moon or Mars. The astronaut will also have very limited water so we designed a dry toilet. We also put in place a system for a proper disposal of waste and ensured that the habitat remained odour-free," said Kacha-Jhala. 
Kacha-Jhala is now holding talks with ISRO for constructing the country's first permanent simulation space facility in Ladakh. This is happening at a time when India is making preparations for sending its first astronauts into space.
ISRO's Gaganyaan mission has decided to place its three astronauts for three days into low-Earth orbit. The orbit is at an altitude of 400 km (248 miles). 
If everything happens as per the plan, ISRO will launch the mission next year. India is planning to set up the country's first space station by 2035 and send its first astronaut to the Moon by 2040.
Watch: Isro Rocket Successfully Places Europe's Proba-3 Into Orbit 
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Dozens of simulation missions are carried out by space programmes of NASA, European Space Agency, Russia, China, and other countries. Meanwhile, two Indian astronauts were selected for the Gaganyaan mission and are receiving their training at NASA currently.
"Once we have our own simulation mission, we won't have to depend on foreign space agencies to train our astronauts," said Prof. Subrat Sharma, Dean of Research Studies at Ladakh University. The university has collaborated with ISRO on the project.
Speaking to BBC, Prof. Sharma said that the experiment is being carried out in Ladakh because "from a geographical perspective, its rocky, barren landscape and soil have similarities with the material and rocks found on Mars and some parts of the lunar terrain, which make it ideal for space research".
(With inputs from agencies)

Indian space agency ISRO plans to send its first astronaut to the moon soon amid experiments in Habitat-1

 



Ladakh, India Indian space agency ISRO is creating "Habitat-1 or Hab-1" which is its first-ever "analogue mission" in which space conditions are simulated to prepare astronauts before they go for real space missions. Scientists recently tested it for three weeks in the Himalayan mountain ranges of India's Union Territory of Ladakh. Speaking to the BBC, Gujarat-based firm Aaka's space architect Aastha Kacha-Jhala said that the simulations help in identifying and addressing the issues that equipment and astronauts may face before space missions. All about Habitat-1 Habitat-1 has been built using space-grade Teflon and is insulated with industrial-use foam. Also Read: ISRO postpones PSLV-XL Proba-3 mission launch to Thursday due to anomaly It has a bed as well as a stowaway tray which one can pull out and use like a workstation. There is storage space for keeping emergency kits, supplies, a toilet as well as a kitchenette for heating meals. The astronauts remained holed up in the simulation for three weeks. "Hab-1 is designed keeping in mind that space is going to be very limited on the Moon or Mars. The astronaut will also have very limited water so we designed a dry toilet. We also put in place a system for a proper disposal of waste and ensured that the habitat remained odour-free," said Kacha-Jhala. Kacha-Jhala is now holding talks with ISRO for constructing the country's first permanent simulation space facility in Ladakh. This is happening at a time when India is making preparations for sending its first astronauts into space. ISRO's Gaganyaan mission has decided to place its three astronauts for three days into low-Earth orbit. The orbit is at an altitude of 400 km (248 miles). If everything happens as per the plan, ISRO will launch the mission next year. India is planning to set up the country's first space station by 2035 and send its first astronaut to the Moon by 2040. Watch: Isro Rocket Successfully Places Europe's Proba-3 Into Orbit Dozens of simulation missions are carried out by space programmes of NASA, European Space Agency, Russia, China, and other countries. Meanwhile, two Indian astronauts were selected for the Gaganyaan mission and are receiving their training at NASA currently. "Once we have our own simulation mission, we won't have to depend on foreign space agencies to train our astronauts," said Prof. Subrat Sharma, Dean of Research Studies at Ladakh University. The university has collaborated with ISRO on the project. Speaking to BBC, Prof. Sharma said that the experiment is being carried out in Ladakh because "from a geographical perspective, its rocky, barren landscape and soil have similarities with the material and rocks found on Mars and some parts of the lunar terrain, which make it ideal for space research". (With inputs from agencies)

ISRO simulates space conditions for astronauts in 'Habitat-1'. Here's what it is

China's space program achieved a milestone as two astronauts aboard the Tiangong space station set a new world record for the longest spacewalk. The 9-hour extra-vehicular activity by Shenzhou 19 crew members surpassed the 20-year-old record held by the United States. Watch in for more details!

Shenzhou 19 Crew Completes 9-Hour Spacewalk

Indian space agency ISRO is creating "Habitat-1 or Hab-1" which is its first-ever "analogue mission" in which space conditions are simulated to prepare astronauts before they go for real space missions.&nbsp;

Scientists recently tested it for three weeks in the Himalayan mountain ranges of India's Union Territory of Ladakh.

Speaking to the BBC, Gujarat-based firm Aaka's space architect Aastha Kacha-Jhala said that the simulations help in identifying and addressing the issues that equipment and astronauts may face before space missions.&nbsp;

<h2>All about Habitat-1</h2>

Habitat-1 has been built using space-grade Teflon and is insulated with industrial-use foam.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/isro-postpones-pslv-xl-proba-3-mission-launch-to-thursday-due-to-anomaly-781487">ISRO postpones PSLV-XL Proba-3 mission launch to Thursday due to anomaly</a>

It has a bed as well as a stowaway tray which one can pull out and use like a workstation. There is storage space for keeping emergency kits, supplies, a toilet as well as a kitchenette for heating meals.&nbsp;

The astronauts remained holed up in the simulation for three weeks.&nbsp;

"Hab-1 is designed keeping in mind that space is going to be very limited on the Moon or Mars. The astronaut will also have very limited water so we designed a dry toilet. We also put in place a system for a proper disposal of waste and ensured that the habitat remained odour-free," said Kacha-Jhala.&nbsp;

Kacha-Jhala is now holding talks with ISRO for constructing the country's first permanent simulation space facility in Ladakh. This is happening at a time when India is making preparations for sending its first astronauts into space.

ISRO's Gaganyaan mission has decided to place its three astronauts for three days into low-Earth orbit. The orbit is at an altitude of 400 km (248 miles).&nbsp;

If everything happens as per the plan, ISRO will launch the mission next year. India is planning to set up the country's first space station by 2035 and send its first astronaut to the Moon by 2040.

Watch:&nbsp;Isro Rocket Successfully Places Europe's Proba-3 Into Orbit&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/isro-rocket-successfully-places-europes-proba-3-into-orbit-world-news-wion-781753/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Dozens of simulation missions are carried out by space programmes of NASA, European Space Agency, Russia, China, and other countries. Meanwhile, two Indian astronauts were selected for the Gaganyaan mission and are receiving their training at NASA currently.

"Once we have our own simulation mission, we won't have to depend on foreign space agencies to train our astronauts," said Prof. Subrat Sharma, Dean of Research Studies at Ladakh University. The university has collaborated with ISRO on the project.

Speaking to BBC, Prof. Sharma said that the experiment is being carried out in Ladakh because "from a geographical perspective, its rocky, barren landscape and soil have similarities with the material and rocks found on Mars and some parts of the lunar terrain, which make it ideal for space research".

(With inputs from agencies)

Indian space agency ISRO is creating "Habitat-1 or Hab-1" which is its first-ever "analogue mission" in which space conditions are simulated to prepare astronauts before they go for real space missions.

Indian space agency ISRO is creating "Habitat-1 or Hab-1" which is its first-ever "analogue mission" in which space conditions are simulated to prepare astronauts before they go for real space missions. Scientists recently tested it for three weeks in the Himalayan mountain ranges of India's Union Territory of Ladakh. Speaking to the BBC, Gujarat-based firm Aaka's space architect Aastha Kacha-Jhala said that the simulations help in identifying and addressing the issues that equipment and astronauts may face before space missions. All about Habitat-1 Habitat-1 has been built using space-grade Teflon and is insulated with industrial-use foam. Also Read: ISRO postpones PSLV-XL Proba-3 mission launch to Thursday due to anomaly It has a bed as well as a stowaway tray which one can pull out and use like a workstation. There is storage space for keeping emergency kits, supplies, a toilet as well as a kitchenette for heating meals. The astronauts remained holed up in the simulation for three weeks. "Hab-1 is designed keeping in mind that space is going to be very limited on the Moon or Mars. The astronaut will also have very limited water so we designed a dry toilet. We also put in place a system for a proper disposal of waste and ensured that the habitat remained odour-free," said Kacha-Jhala. Kacha-Jhala is now holding talks with ISRO for constructing the country's first permanent simulation space facility in Ladakh. This is happening at a time when India is making preparations for sending its first astronauts into space. ISRO's Gaganyaan mission has decided to place its three astronauts for three days into low-Earth orbit. The orbit is at an altitude of 400 km (248 miles). If everything happens as per the plan, ISRO will launch the mission next year. India is planning to set up the country's first space station by 2035 and send its first astronaut to the Moon by 2040. Watch: Isro Rocket Successfully Places Europe's Proba-3 Into Orbit Dozens of simulation missions are carried out by space programmes of NASA, European Space Agency, Russia, China, and other countries. Meanwhile, two Indian astronauts were selected for the Gaganyaan mission and are receiving their training at NASA currently. "Once we have our own simulation mission, we won't have to depend on foreign space agencies to train our astronauts," said Prof. Subrat Sharma, Dean of Research Studies at Ladakh University. The university has collaborated with ISRO on the project. Speaking to BBC, Prof. Sharma said that the experiment is being carried out in Ladakh because "from a geographical perspective, its rocky, barren landscape and soil have similarities with the material and rocks found on Mars and some parts of the lunar terrain, which make it ideal for space research". (With inputs from agencies)

New Delhi, India
Scientists believed that Saturn did not always have rings and they had been created more than 100 to 400 million years ago. 
Now in a new study, researchers from the French National Centre for Scientific Research and the Institute of Science Tokyo have found that the rings of Saturn may not have been ancient but as old as the Solar System.
"Data from the Cassini spacecraft suggested the rings might be young because they appear so clean, and many people simply accepted that conclusion. However, our theoretical work now shows that a clean appearance does not necessarily mean the rings are young," said planetary scientist Ryuki Hyodo of the Institute of Science Tokyo, while speaking to ScienceAlert.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nasa-warns-asteroids-2024-xy5-and-2024-xb6-race-toward-earth-but-are-they-really-a-threat-784185">NASA warns, asteroids 2024 XY5 and 2024 XB6 race toward Earth — but are they really a threat?</a>
"So, I think this is an important insight for guiding future planetary exploration missions; you better not be fooled by its first glance," he added. 
<h2>Saturn and its rings</h2>
In the Solar System, other giant planets also have rings, but they are not as majestic as that of Saturn.
The ethereal rings are present around Jupiter, Uranus, and Neptune, however, they are not visible till seen from the right wavelengths.
However, in the case of Saturn, its extensive rings define the planet. There is a high possibility that the rings could be a common phenomenon outside the Solar System because there are a large number of gas giant exoplanets present in the universe. 
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/jeff-bezos-will-spend-100000000000-on-a-new-space-station-that-will-also-host-tourists-781639">Jeff Bezos will spend $100,000,000,000 on a new space station that will also host tourists</a>
If the rings of Saturn are relatively short-lived, they will last only a few hundred million years before they collapse. 
However, if the rings of Saturn exist for a longer duration, they will not have any implications on the Solar System. 
Scientists had assumed that the age of Saturn's rings is less on the basis of the absence of dust because of high-speed meteoroids' constant bombardment which slammed the ice and converted them to rings. 
(With inputs from agencies)

The age of Saturn's rings was assumed on the basis of the absence of dust which happened because of constant bombardment of high-speed meteoroids which slammed the ice and converted them to rings



New Delhi, India Scientists believed that Saturn did not always have rings and they had been created more than 100 to 400 million years ago. Now in a new study, researchers from the French National Centre for Scientific Research and the Institute of Science Tokyo have found that the rings of Saturn may not have been ancient but as old as the Solar System. "Data from the Cassini spacecraft suggested the rings might be young because they appear so clean, and many people simply accepted that conclusion. However, our theoretical work now shows that a clean appearance does not necessarily mean the rings are young," said planetary scientist Ryuki Hyodo of the Institute of Science Tokyo, while speaking to ScienceAlert. Also Read: NASA warns, asteroids 2024 XY5 and 2024 XB6 race toward Earth — but are they really a threat? "So, I think this is an important insight for guiding future planetary exploration missions; you better not be fooled by its first glance," he added. Saturn and its rings In the Solar System, other giant planets also have rings, but they are not as majestic as that of Saturn. The ethereal rings are present around Jupiter, Uranus, and Neptune, however, they are not visible till seen from the right wavelengths. However, in the case of Saturn, its extensive rings define the planet. There is a high possibility that the rings could be a common phenomenon outside the Solar System because there are a large number of gas giant exoplanets present in the universe. Also Read: Jeff Bezos will spend $100,000,000,000 on a new space station that will also host tourists If the rings of Saturn are relatively short-lived, they will last only a few hundred million years before they collapse. However, if the rings of Saturn exist for a longer duration, they will not have any implications on the Solar System. Scientists had assumed that the age of Saturn's rings is less on the basis of the absence of dust because of high-speed meteoroids' constant bombardment which slammed the ice and converted them to rings. (With inputs from agencies)

Saturn's rings may have existed since the Solar System was created: Study

New Delhi, India
In the entire Solar System, the most volcanic celestial body is Jupiter's moon Io. Extensive lava flows on this moon and is spread across its surface. There are nearly 400 volcanoes on it. 
However, in a new study, scientists have found that this geographical situation on the moon is not because of a global and moonwide ocean of magma that flows beneath the surface. 
An international team of researchers used images snapped by NASA's Juno spacecraft and also looked into the moon's historical data and gravitational measurements about tidal deformations of Io to determine that the volcanoes of the moon are powered by scattered magma chambers that are present in the solid mantle. 
The new findings have countered the earlier theories, which had said that the volcanoes of Io are powered by the mostly solid mantle of the moon. 
According to scientists, magma oceans are present in different worlds, especially during their earlier formation. This also includes our own Moon.
"Since Morabito's discovery, planetary scientists have wondered how the volcanoes were fed from the lava underneath the surface," said space physicist Scott Bolton, who is from the Southwest Research Institute in San Antonio.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nasa-warns-asteroids-2024-xy5-and-2024-xb6-race-toward-earth-but-are-they-really-a-threat-784185">NASA warns, asteroids 2024 XY5 and 2024 XB6 race toward Earth — but are they really a threat?</a>
"Was there a shallow ocean of white-hot magma fuelling the volcanoes, or was their source more localised? We knew data from Juno's two very close flybys could give us some insights on how this tortured moon actually worked," he added. 
<h2>All about volcanic eruptions on Io</h2>
Jupiter's moon Io circles the planet every 42.5 hours and gets pulled and pushed by the massive gravitational forces present in the planet's elliptical orbit, which reshapes the moon constantly. 
This phenomenon is called tidal flexing and leads to the production of a huge amount of internal heat. 
In the new study, the deformations mentioned by the scientists are not enough to support the idea of the presence of a global magma ocean. 
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/jeff-bezos-will-spend-100000000000-on-a-new-space-station-that-will-also-host-tourists-781639">Jeff Bezos will spend $100,000,000,000 on a new space station that will also host tourists</a>
"This constant flexing creates immense energy, which literally melts portions of Io's interior," Bolton said.
"If Io has a global magma ocean, we knew the signature of its tidal deformation would be much larger than a more rigid, mostly solid interior," he added.
The lava flows and eruptions on Jupiter's moon cover hundreds of kilometres of area. 
Speaking about the findings, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory's (JPL) astronautical engineer Ryan Park said, "It has implications for our understanding of other moons, such as Enceladus and Europa, and even exoplanets and super-Earths." 
(With inputs from agencies)

Jupiter's moon Io has extensive lava flowing across its surface and around 400 volcanoes on it 



New Delhi, India In the entire Solar System, the most volcanic celestial body is Jupiter's moon Io. Extensive lava flows on this moon and is spread across its surface. There are nearly 400 volcanoes on it. However, in a new study, scientists have found that this geographical situation on the moon is not because of a global and moonwide ocean of magma that flows beneath the surface. An international team of researchers used images snapped by NASA's Juno spacecraft and also looked into the moon's historical data and gravitational measurements about tidal deformations of Io to determine that the volcanoes of the moon are powered by scattered magma chambers that are present in the solid mantle. The new findings have countered the earlier theories, which had said that the volcanoes of Io are powered by the mostly solid mantle of the moon. According to scientists, magma oceans are present in different worlds, especially during their earlier formation. This also includes our own Moon. "Since Morabito's discovery, planetary scientists have wondered how the volcanoes were fed from the lava underneath the surface," said space physicist Scott Bolton, who is from the Southwest Research Institute in San Antonio. Also Read: NASA warns, asteroids 2024 XY5 and 2024 XB6 race toward Earth — but are they really a threat? "Was there a shallow ocean of white-hot magma fuelling the volcanoes, or was their source more localised? We knew data from Juno's two very close flybys could give us some insights on how this tortured moon actually worked," he added. All about volcanic eruptions on Io Jupiter's moon Io circles the planet every 42.5 hours and gets pulled and pushed by the massive gravitational forces present in the planet's elliptical orbit, which reshapes the moon constantly. This phenomenon is called tidal flexing and leads to the production of a huge amount of internal heat. In the new study, the deformations mentioned by the scientists are not enough to support the idea of the presence of a global magma ocean. Also Read: Jeff Bezos will spend $100,000,000,000 on a new space station that will also host tourists "This constant flexing creates immense energy, which literally melts portions of Io's interior," Bolton said. "If Io has a global magma ocean, we knew the signature of its tidal deformation would be much larger than a more rigid, mostly solid interior," he added. The lava flows and eruptions on Jupiter's moon cover hundreds of kilometres of area. Speaking about the findings, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory's (JPL) astronautical engineer Ryan Park said, "It has implications for our understanding of other moons, such as Enceladus and Europa, and even exoplanets and super-Earths." (With inputs from agencies)

Jupiter's most volcanic moon Io doesn't have an ocean of magma beneath it: Study

Washington, D.C, United States 
<meta charset="utf-8"/>As 2024 comes to a close, the Ursid Meteor Shower gives skywatchers one last chance to see shooting stars. It will peak on the night of 21–22 December, right around the winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere, marking a beautiful end to the year's sky events.
Though not as big as the earlier Geminid Meteor Shower, the Ursids still promise bright fireballs that can be seen even with the moon in the sky. If you missed the Geminids, this is your chance to catch some stunning shooting stars before the year ends.
The Ursid Meteor Shower will be visible from December 17 to 26, with the best viewing on the night of December 21-22. The Geminid Meteor Shower, active from December 2 to 21, features meteors that are typically yellow but may also appear white or green, according to NASA.
<h2 dir="ltr">What are the Ursids?</h2>
The Ursid Meteor Shower happens every year between 17 and 26 December, with its peak this year expected to bring up to 10 meteors per hour, according to EarthSky.org. This gentle shower is caused by debris from Comet 8P/Tuttle, which is about 5 kilometres wide and orbits the Sun every 13.6 years.
The meteors seem to come from the Ursa Minor constellation, also known as the Little Dipper. Since this constellation is circumpolar, meaning it's visible all night in the Northern Hemisphere, the meteors can be seen throughout the night.
Watch: Stunning Perseid Meteor shower dazzles in night sky over Bosnia
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<h2 dir="ltr">When and where to watch</h2>
The best time to view the Ursids will be around midnight on 21 December, just before the Moon rises higher in the sky. On this night, the Moon will be slightly less than full (approximately 52% to 62% full) and may outshine some meteors, but the brightest fireballs should remain visible.
To get the best viewing experience:
&gt; Experts recommend finding a spot away from city lights for the best view
&gt; Head to a location far from artificial lights.
&gt; Look up around midnight, before the Moon rises fully.
&gt; Avoid using telescopes or binoculars—the naked eye offers the best view of meteor showers.
“The Ursids' radiant point is high in the night sky before dawn, giving stargazers an extended window to catch the display,” according to EarthSky's meteor experts.
Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/meteor-that-fell-over-north-carolina-packed-force-of-10-tonnes-of-tnt-755431"> Meteor that fell over North Carolina packed force of 10 tonnes of TNT</a>
<h3 dir="ltr">Looking ahead to 2025</h3>
As the Ursids conclude the year’s meteor showers, stargazers can look forward to the Quadrantid Meteor Shower, which will peak on the night of 2–3 January 2025. Until then, make the most of the Ursid Meteor Shower to witness the final chapter of 2024's celestial events.
(With inputs from agencies)

The best time to see the Ursids is around midnight on December 21, just before the Moon rises. The Moon will be partly full, which might hide some of the meteors, but the brightest ones will still be easy to spot.



Washington, D.C, United States As 2024 comes to a close, the Ursid Meteor Shower gives skywatchers one last chance to see shooting stars. It will peak on the night of 21–22 December, right around the winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere, marking a beautiful end to the year's sky events. Though not as big as the earlier Geminid Meteor Shower, the Ursids still promise bright fireballs that can be seen even with the moon in the sky. If you missed the Geminids, this is your chance to catch some stunning shooting stars before the year ends. The Ursid Meteor Shower will be visible from December 17 to 26, with the best viewing on the night of December 21-22. The Geminid Meteor Shower, active from December 2 to 21, features meteors that are typically yellow but may also appear white or green, according to NASA. What are the Ursids? The Ursid Meteor Shower happens every year between 17 and 26 December, with its peak this year expected to bring up to 10 meteors per hour, according to EarthSky.org. This gentle shower is caused by debris from Comet 8P/Tuttle, which is about 5 kilometres wide and orbits the Sun every 13.6 years. The meteors seem to come from the Ursa Minor constellation, also known as the Little Dipper. Since this constellation is circumpolar, meaning it's visible all night in the Northern Hemisphere, the meteors can be seen throughout the night. Watch: Stunning Perseid Meteor shower dazzles in night sky over Bosnia When and where to watch The best time to view the Ursids will be around midnight on 21 December, just before the Moon rises higher in the sky. On this night, the Moon will be slightly less than full (approximately 52% to 62% full) and may outshine some meteors, but the brightest fireballs should remain visible. To get the best viewing experience: > Experts recommend finding a spot away from city lights for the best view > Head to a location far from artificial lights. > Look up around midnight, before the Moon rises fully. > Avoid using telescopes or binoculars—the naked eye offers the best view of meteor showers. “The Ursids' radiant point is high in the night sky before dawn, giving stargazers an extended window to catch the display,” according to EarthSky's meteor experts. Also Read: Meteor that fell over North Carolina packed force of 10 tonnes of TNT Looking ahead to 2025 As the Ursids conclude the year’s meteor showers, stargazers can look forward to the Quadrantid Meteor Shower, which will peak on the night of 2–3 January 2025. Until then, make the most of the Ursid Meteor Shower to witness the final chapter of 2024's celestial events. (With inputs from agencies)

Ursid Meteor Shower 2024: How to catch the last celestial show of the year

As 2024 comes to a close, the Ursid Meteor Shower gives skywatchers one last chance to see shooting stars. It will peak on the night of 21–22 December, right around the winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere, marking a beautiful end to the year's sky events.

As 2024 comes to a close, the Ursid Meteor Shower gives skywatchers one last chance to see shooting stars. It will peak on the night of 21–22 December, right around the winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere, marking a beautiful end to the year's sky events. Though not as big as the earlier Geminid Meteor Shower, the Ursids still promise bright fireballs that can be seen even with the moon in the sky. If you missed the Geminids, this is your chance to catch some stunning shooting stars before the year ends. The Ursid Meteor Shower will be visible from December 17 to 26, with the best viewing on the night of December 21-22. The Geminid Meteor Shower, active from December 2 to 21, features meteors that are typically yellow but may also appear white or green, according to NASA. What are the Ursids? The Ursid Meteor Shower happens every year between 17 and 26 December, with its peak this year expected to bring up to 10 meteors per hour, according to EarthSky.org. This gentle shower is caused by debris from Comet 8P/Tuttle, which is about 5 kilometres wide and orbits the Sun every 13.6 years. The meteors seem to come from the Ursa Minor constellation, also known as the Little Dipper. Since this constellation is circumpolar, meaning it's visible all night in the Northern Hemisphere, the meteors can be seen throughout the night. Watch: Stunning Perseid Meteor shower dazzles in night sky over Bosnia When and where to watch The best time to view the Ursids will be around midnight on 21 December, just before the Moon rises higher in the sky. On this night, the Moon will be slightly less than full (approximately 52% to 62% full) and may outshine some meteors, but the brightest fireballs should remain visible. To get the best viewing experience: > Experts recommend finding a spot away from city lights for the best view > Head to a location far from artificial lights. > Look up around midnight, before the Moon rises fully. > Avoid using telescopes or binoculars—the naked eye offers the best view of meteor showers. “The Ursids' radiant point is high in the night sky before dawn, giving stargazers an extended window to catch the display,” according to EarthSky's meteor experts. Also Read: Meteor that fell over North Carolina packed force of 10 tonnes of TNT Looking ahead to 2025 As the Ursids conclude the year’s meteor showers, stargazers can look forward to the Quadrantid Meteor Shower, which will peak on the night of 2–3 January 2025. Until then, make the most of the Ursid Meteor Shower to witness the final chapter of 2024's celestial events. (With inputs from agencies)

Scientists in Australia have gathered evidence that our universe is constantly vibrating. They used the largest gravitational wave detector to confirm the earlier reports that there is an ongoing rumble which is likely caused by black holes at the centre of galaxies colliding with each other.

The detector looked at several rapidly spinning neutron stars across the galaxy and discovered that the gravitational wave background might be louder than previously thought, The Conversation reported.

The study carried out by Matthew Miles, Swinburne University of Technology and Rowina Nathan, Monash University, was published in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society.

Gravitational waves are ripples in the fabric of space and time. The collision of incredibly dense and massive objects, such as black holes, creates these waves. To study black holes, scientists look for these gravitational waves which are emitted when the black holes orbit around or near each other.

The biggest black holes emit the slowest and most powerful waves. Scientists didn't know about their existence until last year. The current detector on Earth can notice high-frequency gravitational waves which occur when smaller black holes collide.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/asteroid-that-hit-us-had-a-surprising-effect-on-earth-study-finds-781661">Asteroid that hit US had a surprising effect on Earth, study finds</a>

In their latest paper published on Dec 3, scientists say that they found more evidence hinting at the existence of low-frequency gravitational waves. They say their findings suggest that the universe is more active than anticipated.

<h2>Supermassive black holes</h2>

Supermassive black holes, directly observed once for the first time in 2019, are believed to exist at the centre of most galaxies. They are billions of times the mass of our sun, and hard to study.

"When two galaxies merge, the black holes at their centres begin to spiral toward each other. In this process they send out slow, powerful gravitational waves that give us an opportunity to study them," the authors said.

They did so using another cosmic wonder&nbsp;called pulsars. These are like lighthouses in space that spin hundreds of times per second and send out pulses of radiation from far away. They used the MeerKAT radio telescope in South Africa to observe these spinning lighthouses.

The authors said, "If we observe many pulsars over the same period of time, and we’re wrong about when the pulses hit us in a very specific way, then we know a gravitational wave is stretching or squeezing the space between the Earth and the pulsars."

"Instead of seeing just one wave, we expect to see a cosmic ocean full of waves crisscrossing in all directions: the echoing ripples of all the galactic mergers in the history of the universe."

MeerKAT helped them find a pattern associated with a gravitational wave background and led them to something never seen before.&nbsp;"The pattern representing how space and time between Earth and the pulsars changes due to gravitational waves passing between them is more powerful than we expected," they said.

This led them to conclude that there are a lot more supermassive black holes than earlier imagined. They created detailed maps of the gravitational wave background using their data. Scientists also think that these waves might be coming from other sources, such as the early universe, or other cosmic events.

The team is undertaking further studies to learn more about these waves.

Scientists in Australia have gathered evidence that our universe is constantly vibrating. They used the largest gravitational wave detector to confirm the earlier reports that there is an ongoing rumble which is likely caused by black holes at the centre of galaxies colliding with each other.

Scientists in Australia have gathered evidence that our universe is constantly vibrating. They used the largest gravitational wave detector to confirm the earlier reports that there is an ongoing rumble which is likely caused by black holes at the centre of galaxies colliding with each other. The detector looked at several rapidly spinning neutron stars across the galaxy and discovered that the gravitational wave background might be louder than previously thought, The Conversation reported. The study carried out by Matthew Miles, Swinburne University of Technology and Rowina Nathan, Monash University, was published in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society. Gravitational waves are ripples in the fabric of space and time. The collision of incredibly dense and massive objects, such as black holes, creates these waves. To study black holes, scientists look for these gravitational waves which are emitted when the black holes orbit around or near each other. The biggest black holes emit the slowest and most powerful waves. Scientists didn't know about their existence until last year. The current detector on Earth can notice high-frequency gravitational waves which occur when smaller black holes collide. Also Read: Asteroid that hit US had a surprising effect on Earth, study finds In their latest paper published on Dec 3, scientists say that they found more evidence hinting at the existence of low-frequency gravitational waves. They say their findings suggest that the universe is more active than anticipated. Supermassive black holes Supermassive black holes, directly observed once for the first time in 2019, are believed to exist at the centre of most galaxies. They are billions of times the mass of our sun, and hard to study. "When two galaxies merge, the black holes at their centres begin to spiral toward each other. In this process they send out slow, powerful gravitational waves that give us an opportunity to study them," the authors said. They did so using another cosmic wonder called pulsars. These are like lighthouses in space that spin hundreds of times per second and send out pulses of radiation from far away. They used the MeerKAT radio telescope in South Africa to observe these spinning lighthouses. The authors said, "If we observe many pulsars over the same period of time, and we’re wrong about when the pulses hit us in a very specific way, then we know a gravitational wave is stretching or squeezing the space between the Earth and the pulsars." "Instead of seeing just one wave, we expect to see a cosmic ocean full of waves crisscrossing in all directions: the echoing ripples of all the galactic mergers in the history of the universe." MeerKAT helped them find a pattern associated with a gravitational wave background and led them to something never seen before. "The pattern representing how space and time between Earth and the pulsars changes due to gravitational waves passing between them is more powerful than we expected," they said. This led them to conclude that there are a lot more supermassive black holes than earlier imagined. They created detailed maps of the gravitational wave background using their data. Scientists also think that these waves might be coming from other sources, such as the early universe, or other cosmic events. The team is undertaking further studies to learn more about these waves.

Scientists say the universe is constantly vibrating. What's causing it?

#Gravitas | According to research, galaxies crashing together 12 billion years ago. also known as 'cosmic collisions' could have caused some of the universe’s biggest galaxies to form. Watch this video to find out more!

New Research Finds Scientists Close To Finding Out How Giant Galaxies Formed | GRAVITAS | WION

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched the PSLV-C59/PROBA-3 mission on Thursday. Originally scheduled for launch on Wednesday, December 4, the mission was postponed due to an anomaly detected in the spacecraft. Following rectifications, the mission proceeded smoothly, further demonstrating ISRO's robust problem-solving capabilities and commitment to mission safety and success. Watch to know more!

Isro Rocket Successfully Places Europe's Proba-3 Into Orbit | World News | WION

ISRO's PSLV rocket is scheduled to launch the European Space Agency's PROBA-3 satellite, designed for precise formation flying. The satellite is expected to be placed into orbit just 18 minutes after liftoff, marking a significant milestone for both ISRO and international space collaboration.

ISRO PSLV-XL Proba-3 Launch: Europe's Solar Mission To Lift-Off Today | World News | WION

Italy's minister of Enterprises Adolfo Urso, who is on an India visit, has said that India&nbsp;and Italy are working together in space and the nuclear domains. Italy will soon nominate a space attache at its consulate in the southern Indian city of Bengaluru.&nbsp;

Speaking to WION's Sidhant Sibal, Minister Adolfo who is also minister for "Made in Italy" said, "We believe that Italy and India, who already have major roles in space, could cooperate on what is most important and meaningful for its economic and civil consequences."

He was also hopeful about the development of the India-Middle East Europe corridor, which the Italians also call the "Cotton Route". The corridor was announced at the Delhi G20 summit and aims to link India with Europe via West Asia through a series of infrastructure projects.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-jaishankar-set-for-3-day-italy-visit-to-join-g7-foreign-ministers-meet-778800">Also read:&nbsp;India and Italy strengthen ties with Indo-Mediterranean initiative</a>

The comment&nbsp;comes a month after India and Italy unveiled the Joint Strategic Action Plan for 2025-2029 after the meeting of PM Modi and Italian PM Giorgia Meloni at the G20 Brazil summit.&nbsp;

The action plan calls for regular political dialogue, economic cooperation, connectivity, defence, and expansion of cooperation between the Italian Space Agency (ASI) and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

 
Sidhant Sibal: Italy's view on India Middle East Europe Corridor?

Adolfo Urso: &nbsp;It is essential and crucial for Italy and India both, representing two natural docks for Europe and for the wider Indo-Pacific continent that will be able to get access through Italy and India. It is central for goods, for maritime traffic&nbsp;but central also to connecting through optical fiber wires and spreading information and data. It is the economy of the future.&nbsp;

Sidhant Sibal: But do you see challenges, with the war in Gaza, Syria?

Adolfo Urso: We obviously work as G7 President&nbsp;towards de-escalation aiming at turning down tensions to get back to co-exist. It is with no doubt of paramount importance in those territories but for us all too. In order to build with them through the cotton route, the route of development, peace and coexistence.

Sidhant Sibal: Italy has decided to appoint a space attache at its consulate in Bengaluru&nbsp;if you can elaborate on it?

Watch |&nbsp;Italian Navy's Amerigo Vespucci Anchors In Mumbai For A Five-Day Visit

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Adolfo Urso: We believe that Italy and India, which already have major roles in space, could cooperate on what is most important and meaningful for its economic and civil consequences. Earth observation is crucial for the territory's governance and the exploration of space, first on the moon and then on Mars. Also to understand what best can be used for the development of our planet. We can and we have to do it together because we believe that this could be the way forward towards development.

Sidhant Sibal: And are you looking at nuclear cooperation?

Adolfo Urso: Italy, the Italian government has decided to revive the nuclear journey in a major way, characterized by Italian science to build the new plants, the small reactors, the fourth generation nuclear reactors, such plants on an industrial scale which are compatible, easy to move. This for sure can be done in synergy with India that plans to use nuclear energy production in order to build the energy of the future. This is safe, clean, compatible and industrially advanced.&nbsp;

Italy's minister of Enterprises Adolfo Urso, who is on an India visit, has said that India and Italy are working together in space and the nuclear domains. Italy will soon nominate a space attache at its consulate in the southern Indian city of Bengaluru.

Italy's minister of Enterprises Adolfo Urso, who is on an India visit, has said that India and Italy are working together in space and the nuclear domains. Italy will soon nominate a space attache at its consulate in the southern Indian city of Bengaluru. Speaking to WION's Sidhant Sibal, Minister Adolfo who is also minister for "Made in Italy" said, "We believe that Italy and India, who already have major roles in space, could cooperate on what is most important and meaningful for its economic and civil consequences." He was also hopeful about the development of the India-Middle East Europe corridor, which the Italians also call the "Cotton Route". The corridor was announced at the Delhi G20 summit and aims to link India with Europe via West Asia through a series of infrastructure projects. Also read: India and Italy strengthen ties with Indo-Mediterranean initiative The comment comes a month after India and Italy unveiled the Joint Strategic Action Plan for 2025-2029 after the meeting of PM Modi and Italian PM Giorgia Meloni at the G20 Brazil summit. The action plan calls for regular political dialogue, economic cooperation, connectivity, defence, and expansion of cooperation between the Italian Space Agency (ASI) and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). Sidhant Sibal: Italy's view on India Middle East Europe Corridor? Adolfo Urso: It is essential and crucial for Italy and India both, representing two natural docks for Europe and for the wider Indo-Pacific continent that will be able to get access through Italy and India. It is central for goods, for maritime traffic but central also to connecting through optical fiber wires and spreading information and data. It is the economy of the future. Sidhant Sibal: But do you see challenges, with the war in Gaza, Syria? Adolfo Urso: We obviously work as G7 President towards de-escalation aiming at turning down tensions to get back to co-exist. It is with no doubt of paramount importance in those territories but for us all too. In order to build with them through the cotton route, the route of development, peace and coexistence. Sidhant Sibal: Italy has decided to appoint a space attache at its consulate in Bengaluru if you can elaborate on it? Watch | Italian Navy's Amerigo Vespucci Anchors In Mumbai For A Five-Day Visit × Adolfo Urso: We believe that Italy and India, which already have major roles in space, could cooperate on what is most important and meaningful for its economic and civil consequences. Earth observation is crucial for the territory's governance and the exploration of space, first on the moon and then on Mars. Also to understand what best can be used for the development of our planet. We can and we have to do it together because we believe that this could be the way forward towards development. Sidhant Sibal: And are you looking at nuclear cooperation? Adolfo Urso: Italy, the Italian government has decided to revive the nuclear journey in a major way, characterized by Italian science to build the new plants, the small reactors, the fourth generation nuclear reactors, such plants on an industrial scale which are compatible, easy to move. This for sure can be done in synergy with India that plans to use nuclear energy production in order to build the energy of the future. This is safe, clean, compatible and industrially advanced.

Italy to work with India in space, nuclear domains

United States President Joe Biden jokingly made lighthearted comments about the possibility of him being sent to space to rescue the two NASA astronauts stranded at the International Space Station (ISS).

During the APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation)&nbsp;economic conference meeting with Peruvian President Dina Boluarte, Biden shared a personal anecdote about his wife's playful threats to send him to space when he becomes unmanageable.&nbsp;

Upon noticing NASA administrator Bill Nelson there, Biden said, “Every time my wife thinks I’m getting out of hand, she says, ‘I’m going to call NASA Administrator Bill Nelson and have him send you to space."&nbsp;

“And I’m a little concerned he may want to send me to space because we got to get some folks back home!" he added.&nbsp;

The joke comes in the context of astronauts Barry Wilmore and Sunita Williams, who have been&nbsp;stranded on the ISS in June after facing complications with Boeing's Starliner spacecraft.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/stranded-astronauts-welcome-aboard-spacex-rescue-crew-at-space-station-763435">Also read:&nbsp;Stranded astronauts welcome aboard SpaceX rescue crew at space station</a>

Indian-origin astronaut Sunita Williams and her NASA counterpart Barry Wilmore have been at the ISS for nearly five months. &nbsp;

Initially, the plan was for eight days, however, the mission extended significantly, with their return now scheduled for February 2025.&nbsp;

According to NASA, it is too risky to bring them back to Earth currently in the malfunctioned capsule.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, there were also reports of William's health deteriorating after images of her "gaunt" appearance in space went viral. However, earlier this week, she put the rumours to rest in a video interview shared by NASA.

Williams emphasised that her weight was the same as when she arrived at the ISS.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Astronaut's Health Concerns NASA: Williams Seen Undergone Excessive Weight Loss In Latest Pictures

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"I think my body has changed a little bit but I weigh the same. There are a lot of changes that go on here...It's funny, I think there are some rumors around that I am losing weight and stuff...No, I am actually right at the same amount. We go weigh ourselves, we have a spring mass...Butch and I weigh ourselves the same way that I was when I got up here," she said.

Elon Musk's SpaceX deployed its Crew Dragon capsule in September, which is set to facilitate the astronauts' return following its scheduled February mission.&nbsp;

Biden's remarks also highlighted the space collaboration between Washington and Lima, as Peru recently signed the US-led Artemis Accords on space exploration.

(With inputs from agencies)

United States President Joe Biden jokingly made lighthearted comments about the possibility of him being sent to space to rescue the two NASA astronauts stranded at the International Space Station (ISS).

United States President Joe Biden jokingly made lighthearted comments about the possibility of him being sent to space to rescue the two NASA astronauts stranded at the International Space Station (ISS). During the APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) economic conference meeting with Peruvian President Dina Boluarte, Biden shared a personal anecdote about his wife's playful threats to send him to space when he becomes unmanageable. Upon noticing NASA administrator Bill Nelson there, Biden said, “Every time my wife thinks I’m getting out of hand, she says, ‘I’m going to call NASA Administrator Bill Nelson and have him send you to space." “And I’m a little concerned he may want to send me to space because we got to get some folks back home!" he added. The joke comes in the context of astronauts Barry Wilmore and Sunita Williams, who have been stranded on the ISS in June after facing complications with Boeing's Starliner spacecraft. Also read: Stranded astronauts welcome aboard SpaceX rescue crew at space station Indian-origin astronaut Sunita Williams and her NASA counterpart Barry Wilmore have been at the ISS for nearly five months. Initially, the plan was for eight days, however, the mission extended significantly, with their return now scheduled for February 2025. According to NASA, it is too risky to bring them back to Earth currently in the malfunctioned capsule. Meanwhile, there were also reports of William's health deteriorating after images of her "gaunt" appearance in space went viral. However, earlier this week, she put the rumours to rest in a video interview shared by NASA. Williams emphasised that her weight was the same as when she arrived at the ISS. Watch | Astronaut's Health Concerns NASA: Williams Seen Undergone Excessive Weight Loss In Latest Pictures × "I think my body has changed a little bit but I weigh the same. There are a lot of changes that go on here...It's funny, I think there are some rumors around that I am losing weight and stuff...No, I am actually right at the same amount. We go weigh ourselves, we have a spring mass...Butch and I weigh ourselves the same way that I was when I got up here," she said. Elon Musk's SpaceX deployed its Crew Dragon capsule in September, which is set to facilitate the astronauts' return following its scheduled February mission. Biden's remarks also highlighted the space collaboration between Washington and Lima, as Peru recently signed the US-led Artemis Accords on space exploration. (With inputs from agencies)

Biden jokes his wife wishes to send him to space, shows concern for stranded astronauts

Recent discoveries on Uranus' moons reveal potential conditions for life, suggesting these distant moons might hold environments where alien life could exist.

Could Uranus’ Moons Harbor Alien Life? New Findings Spark Hope

Starlink, SpaceX’s satellite internet service, is setting its sights on India’s booming space economy, with plans to tap into the country’s rapidly expanding demand for broadband connectivity. As India continues to emerge as a key player in global space exploration and technology, Starlink’s move signals an increasing interest in the region's potential for growth in both satellite communications and space-related innovations.

Indian Space Economy On Starlink’s Radar as Company Eyes Expansion In Growing Market

NASA has highlighted new health concerns for astronaut Sunita Williams as she continues her unexpectedly long mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Originally scheduled for an eight-day trip, Williams' stay was extended to 150 days due to technical challenges with the Boeing Starliner spaceship.

Astronaut's Health Concerns NASA: Williams Seen Undergone Excessive Weight Loss In Latest Pictures

The universe is full of mysteries, some of which have still not been decoded by scientists. One such astonishing cosmic feature is the missing solid ground on the planet Jupiter.

Jupiter has no solid ground, any grass or dirt and no one can either walk&nbsp;on it or land on it through a spaceship.

But how is it possible? If not the surface, then what is holding Jupiter together?

<h2>Here's what Jupiter comprises of</h2>

Jupiter is the fifth planet from the Sun, which is between Mars and Saturn. It is the solar system's largest planet and is big enough to fit more than&nbsp;1,000 Earths.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nasas-europa-clipper-successfully-lifts-off-to-hunt-life-on-jupiters-moon-767435">NASA's Europa Clipper successfully lifts off to find alien life on Jupiter's moon</a>

Although four planets of the solar system—Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars—have a solid surface, that is not the case with Jupiter.

Jupiter is a ball of turbulent and stormy gas.&nbsp;On planet Jupiter, some places have winds with a speed of more than 400 mph, which is three times faster in comparison to the Category 5 hurricane on Earth.

On Jupiter, the top layer is mostly covered with hydrogen and helium atmosphere and the pressure in the gas giant increases as one moves deeper and deeper.

The pressure is very intense deep inside the planet and its intensity is so high that a human body can implode.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/cosmic-giant-300-light-years-away-in-great-bear-is-11-times-more-massive-than-jupiter-759348">Cosmic giant 300 light-years away in Great Bear is 11 times more massive than Jupiter</a>

The gas eventually forms liquid hydrogen and creates what is believed to be the largest ocean in the solar system, but one without water.

In this liquid metallic hydrogen, the atoms remain squeezed so tightly that the electrons are free to roam.

The nature of the material present at the core of Jupiter has remained a mystery for scientists. It is not solid but like a hot and dense metallic mixture of liquid and solid. The pressure also remains very high at the core of the planet.

(With inputs from agencies)

The universe is full of mysteries, some of which have still not been decoded by scientists. One such astonishing cosmic feature is the missing solid ground on the planet Jupiter.

The universe is full of mysteries, some of which have still not been decoded by scientists. One such astonishing cosmic feature is the missing solid ground on the planet Jupiter. Jupiter has no solid ground, any grass or dirt and no one can either walk on it or land on it through a spaceship. But how is it possible? If not the surface, then what is holding Jupiter together? Here's what Jupiter comprises of Jupiter is the fifth planet from the Sun, which is between Mars and Saturn. It is the solar system's largest planet and is big enough to fit more than 1,000 Earths. Also Read: NASA's Europa Clipper successfully lifts off to find alien life on Jupiter's moon Although four planets of the solar system—Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars—have a solid surface, that is not the case with Jupiter. Jupiter is a ball of turbulent and stormy gas. On planet Jupiter, some places have winds with a speed of more than 400 mph, which is three times faster in comparison to the Category 5 hurricane on Earth. On Jupiter, the top layer is mostly covered with hydrogen and helium atmosphere and the pressure in the gas giant increases as one moves deeper and deeper. The pressure is very intense deep inside the planet and its intensity is so high that a human body can implode. Also Read: Cosmic giant 300 light-years away in Great Bear is 11 times more massive than Jupiter The gas eventually forms liquid hydrogen and creates what is believed to be the largest ocean in the solar system, but one without water. In this liquid metallic hydrogen, the atoms remain squeezed so tightly that the electrons are free to roam. The nature of the material present at the core of Jupiter has remained a mystery for scientists. It is not solid but like a hot and dense metallic mixture of liquid and solid. The pressure also remains very high at the core of the planet. (With inputs from agencies)

THIS planet doesn't have a surface and no one can walk or land on it. Here's why

Space experts have unveiled a chilling revelation, a zombie star is poised to rise from the dead, they say prepare for the cosmic horror. Watch to know more.

Cosmic Horror To Awaken After 80 Years

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is all set to launch the Proba-3 satellite in December. Proba-3 includes two satellites that will circle the Earth. Watch this report for more details!

Proba-3: World's First Precision Formation Flying Mission

Proba-3 Satellites To Be Launched In December

Japan is set to test the world's first wooden satellite, a pioneering effort aimed at reducing space debris and promoting sustainability in space exploration. This innovative project highlights the country's commitment to environmentally friendly technology while pushing the boundaries of satellite design.

Japan To Launch World's First Wooden Satellite In Groundbreaking Green Space Initiative

China has successfully launched a three-person crew to the Tiangong space station for a six-month mission. Watch this report for more details!

China Sends Three Astronauts To Tiangong Space Station

China has successfully launched a three-person crew, carrying the country's third female astronaut, to the Tiangong space station for a six-month mission.

China's Youngest Astronauts Reach Space

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