<p>Scientists have discovered a new species of ghost shark in the waters of New Zealand. The fish is rare and extremely hard to spot as it lives in the deep Pacific Ocean.</p>

<p>When it was first discovered the scientists from the National Institute for Water and Atmospherics (NIWA), New Zealand thought it to be an existing species. However, upon further examination, it was revealed that the species was new and genetically unique.</p>

<h2>The ghostly 'spookfish'</h2>

<p>Ghost sharks, also known as chimaera or spookfish, can be identified by their unusually long and sharp noses and whip-like tails. Often referred to as the ocean's butterfly for how they navigate in water with large pectoral fins, the species do not have scales and are closely related to sharks and rays. They have cartilage skeletons and feed on crustaceans like molluscs and shrimp.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/will-marine-life-disappear-in-the-oceans-as-they-continue-to-become-too-acidic-scientists-say-761470">Will marine life disappear in the oceans as they continue to become too acidic? Scientists say...</a></strong></p>

<p>The new species, Australasian Narrow-Nosed spookfish, only resides in New Zealand and Australian waters.</p>

<p>"Their habitat makes them hard to study and monitor, meaning we don't know a lot about their biology or threat status," said Dr Brit Finucci, one of the scientists who discovered Australasian Narrow-Nosed spookfish.</p>

<p>The fish is only found in New Zealand and Australian waters and is known to live at a depth of up to 2,600 metres.</p>

<p>"Chimaeras are quite cryptic in nature – they can be hard to find in the deep ocean … and they generally don’t get the same attention sharks do, when it comes to research."</p>

<p>The new species of ghost shark was found about 750 km east of New Zealand’s coast in Chatham Rise, an ocean floor area.</p>

<p>The fish can reach a length of up to a metre and has milky-coloured eyes. This chocolate-brown fish was identified for its elongated snout which can make up half of its body's length.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/creepy-sounds-are-echoing-through-mariana-trench-and-we-now-know-the-cause-760710">Creepy sounds are echoing through Mariana Trench, and we now know the cause</a></strong></p>

<p>About 55 species of ghost sharks have been identified across the world, 12 of which are found in South Pacific and New Zealand waters.</p>

<p>"It’s really neat to be able to contribute to science," she said. "Understanding the animal itself can feed into further research and whether they need conservation management."</p>

<h2>A homage to 'ancient relative'</h2>

<p>Finucci has named the species Harriota avia, giving her discovery a personal touch, Harriotta being the name of her grandmother.</p>

<p>"Avia means grandmother in Latin, I wanted to give this nod to her" Finucci explained, adding that her grandmother had supported her career throughout. "Sharks and ghost sharks are the old, ancient, relatives of fish, and I was naming the animal after an ancient relative of mine."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Scientists have discovered a new species of ghost shark in the waters of New Zealand. The fish is rare and extremely hard to spot as it lives in the deep Pacific Ocean.

Scientists have discovered a new species of ghost shark in the waters of New Zealand. The fish is rare and extremely hard to spot as it lives in the deep Pacific Ocean. When it was first discovered the scientists from the National Institute for Water and Atmospherics (NIWA), New Zealand thought it to be an existing species. However, upon further examination, it was revealed that the species was new and genetically unique. The ghostly 'spookfish' Ghost sharks, also known as chimaera or spookfish, can be identified by their unusually long and sharp noses and whip-like tails. Often referred to as the ocean's butterfly for how they navigate in water with large pectoral fins, the species do not have scales and are closely related to sharks and rays. They have cartilage skeletons and feed on crustaceans like molluscs and shrimp. Also read | Will marine life disappear in the oceans as they continue to become too acidic? Scientists say... The new species, Australasian Narrow-Nosed spookfish, only resides in New Zealand and Australian waters. "Their habitat makes them hard to study and monitor, meaning we don't know a lot about their biology or threat status," said Dr Brit Finucci, one of the scientists who discovered Australasian Narrow-Nosed spookfish. The fish is only found in New Zealand and Australian waters and is known to live at a depth of up to 2,600 metres. "Chimaeras are quite cryptic in nature – they can be hard to find in the deep ocean … and they generally don’t get the same attention sharks do, when it comes to research." The new species of ghost shark was found about 750 km east of New Zealand’s coast in Chatham Rise, an ocean floor area. The fish can reach a length of up to a metre and has milky-coloured eyes. This chocolate-brown fish was identified for its elongated snout which can make up half of its body's length. Also read | Creepy sounds are echoing through Mariana Trench, and we now know the cause About 55 species of ghost sharks have been identified across the world, 12 of which are found in South Pacific and New Zealand waters. "It’s really neat to be able to contribute to science," she said. "Understanding the animal itself can feed into further research and whether they need conservation management." A homage to 'ancient relative' Finucci has named the species Harriota avia, giving her discovery a personal touch, Harriotta being the name of her grandmother. "Avia means grandmother in Latin, I wanted to give this nod to her" Finucci explained, adding that her grandmother had supported her career throughout. "Sharks and ghost sharks are the old, ancient, relatives of fish, and I was naming the animal after an ancient relative of mine." (With inputs from agencies)

Scientists discover new species of rare ghost shark in New Zealand waters

<p>The European Space Agency's ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter has captured the intriguing but spooky 'smiley face'-shaped salt deposit on Mars, which has left the netizens stunned.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the scientists, this salt deposit may have concealed the remnants of the last surviving life forms on Mars.</p>

<p>Mars had vast lakes and rivers billions of years ago, which disappeared during a catastrophic global freeze.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The researchers have proposed that this emoticon-shaped salt deposit may be harbouring hardy microbes.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/mars-once-had-water-but-now-its-barren-heres-what-led-to-its-mysterious-disappearance-756902">Mars once had water but now it's barren. Here's what led to its mysterious disappearance</a></p>

<p>The image has been captured by the ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter of the European Space Agency.</p>

<p>The ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter is a Martian satellite which has been hunting signs of life on Mars and has taken stunning images of the chloride salt deposits on the arid surface of Mars.</p>

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<p>Scientists by studying these salt deposits can find clues regarding the past climate, geology, and potential habitability of the planet.</p>

<p>''Why so serious? Once a world of rivers, lakes, and possibly oceans, Mars now reveals its secrets through chloride salt deposits found by our ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter. These deposits, remnants of ancient water bodies, could indicate habitable zones from billions of years ago. The discovery of nearly a thousand potential sites offers new insights into Mars' climate and potential for past life. Explore the Martian landscape in this carousel,'' read the post shared by ESA.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;China advances deadline for launch of Mars mission by two years</strong></p>

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<p>Explaining the salt deposits on Mars, planetary scientist at the University of Bern in Switzerland Valentin Bickel said, ''A cold era began when Mars lost its magnetic field and could no longer hold its atmosphere, leading to water evaporating, freezing, or becoming trapped within the surface. As the water disappeared over time, it left mineral fingerprints on the surface. Very salty waters could have become a haven for life, a beacon for habitable places on Mars. High concentrations of salt allow water to remain liquid at temperatures as low as minus 40 degrees Celsius."</p>

<h2><strong>Here's how people reacted to the post</strong></h2>

<p>Reacting to the European Space Agency's post, one user said, ''That's so beautiful.'' "Why so cheesy," commented another.</p>

<p>''With this face shape, we have to wait for ridiculous theories,'' wrote a user.&nbsp;</p>

<p>''It would be great if there were some scale references to get the size of these craters," another commented.</p>

<p>“The first one reminds me of Jack Skeleton,” said an Instagram user.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Well, well, it looks familiar to me," wrote another. “Way too serious," said a user.&nbsp;</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:909,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2746}"><em bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:909,&quot;w&quot;:182,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2746}">(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The European Space Agency's ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter has captured the intriguing but spooky 'smiley face'-shaped salt deposit on Mars, which has left the netizens stunned.

The European Space Agency's ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter has captured the intriguing but spooky 'smiley face'-shaped salt deposit on Mars, which has left the netizens stunned. According to the scientists, this salt deposit may have concealed the remnants of the last surviving life forms on Mars. Mars had vast lakes and rivers billions of years ago, which disappeared during a catastrophic global freeze. The researchers have proposed that this emoticon-shaped salt deposit may be harbouring hardy microbes. Also Read: Mars once had water but now it's barren. Here's what led to its mysterious disappearance The image has been captured by the ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter of the European Space Agency. The ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter is a Martian satellite which has been hunting signs of life on Mars and has taken stunning images of the chloride salt deposits on the arid surface of Mars. View this post on Instagram A post shared by ESA - European Space Agency (@europeanspaceagency) × Scientists by studying these salt deposits can find clues regarding the past climate, geology, and potential habitability of the planet. ''Why so serious? Once a world of rivers, lakes, and possibly oceans, Mars now reveals its secrets through chloride salt deposits found by our ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter. These deposits, remnants of ancient water bodies, could indicate habitable zones from billions of years ago. The discovery of nearly a thousand potential sites offers new insights into Mars' climate and potential for past life. Explore the Martian landscape in this carousel,'' read the post shared by ESA. Watch: China advances deadline for launch of Mars mission by two years Explaining the salt deposits on Mars, planetary scientist at the University of Bern in Switzerland Valentin Bickel said, ''A cold era began when Mars lost its magnetic field and could no longer hold its atmosphere, leading to water evaporating, freezing, or becoming trapped within the surface. As the water disappeared over time, it left mineral fingerprints on the surface. Very salty waters could have become a haven for life, a beacon for habitable places on Mars. High concentrations of salt allow water to remain liquid at temperatures as low as minus 40 degrees Celsius." Here's how people reacted to the post Reacting to the European Space Agency's post, one user said, ''That's so beautiful.'' "Why so cheesy," commented another. ''With this face shape, we have to wait for ridiculous theories,'' wrote a user. ''It would be great if there were some scale references to get the size of these craters," another commented. “The first one reminds me of Jack Skeleton,” said an Instagram user. “Well, well, it looks familiar to me," wrote another. “Way too serious," said a user. (With inputs from agencies)

A 'spooky smiley face' appears on Mars. Scientists say it's hiding life forms...

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<p>Halloween at the White House, hosted by US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden, witnessed grey skies and light showers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Monday, President Joe Biden hosted the "Hallo-READ" event at the White House, where Jill Biden, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, Education Secretary Miguel Cardona and other authors read stories to the children dressed in colourful costumes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Jill Biden expressed her enthusiasm for the event by sporting feline ears, a tail and a black nose, like her cat, Willow, PBS News reported. After she read a counting book,&nbsp;<em>Ten Spooky Pumpkins</em>, to the children, she said, "Go have fun and eat lots of candy."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-jewish-students-at-cornell-university-receive-online-threats-police-deployed-for-safety-653515" target="_blank">Israel-Hamas war: Jewish students at Cornell University receive death threats, police deployed for safety</a></p>

<p>Jill Biden also posted glimpses of the events on X. She wrote, "Welcome to “Hallo-READ” at the White House!&nbsp;From famous literary tales and ghost stories to the spooktacular thrill of reading — we hope families and children pick out their favourite Halloween book, grab a flashlight, and take a moment to enjoy storytime together."</p>

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<p>Furthermore, Jean-Pierre wore a halo and angel wings. She said she chose that over a devil costume.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The son of US Secretary of State Antony Blinken dressed like Zelensky, said reports.</p>

<p>The president and the first lady spent at least 90 minutes welcoming the children from local public schools and military families. Biden dropped M&amp;M's and Hershey's Kisses in little boxes stamped with the presidential seal into the costume-clad children's bags and buckets. Jill Biden also handed out books with candies.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-was-just-lazy-ftxs-bankman-fried-defends-unkempt-genius-hair-persona-that-ex-gf-said-was-an-act-653525" target="_blank">I was just lazy: FTX's Bankman-Fried defends unkempt 'genius' hair, persona that ex-gf said was an 'act'</a></p>

<p>The event also featured a military band which played the instrumental versions of Thriller, Monster Mash, and other songs.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Over 8,000 guests attended the Halloween event. Many federal government departments and agencies also participated in the "Hallo-READ" event. The booths dotting the south grounds had all types of chocolate candy and other treats provided by the National Confectioners Association and its member companies. The books were by Scholastic.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Steve Herman, a correspondent with VOA, reported, "President Biden walked back into the White House residence at 6:58 after nearly 90 minutes handing out candy. It was a chilly 58 degrees, and he was likely soaked from the nonstop rain. Even those with umbrellas on the lawn were drenched and cold. No aid…"</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
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Halloween at the White House, hosted by US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden, witnessed grey skies and light showers. On Monday, President Joe Biden hosted the "Hallo-READ" event at the White House, where Jill Biden, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, Education Secretary Miguel Cardona and other authors read stories to the children dressed in colourful costumes.

Halloween at the White House, hosted by US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden, witnessed grey skies and light showers. On Monday, President Joe Biden hosted the "Hallo-READ" event at the White House, where Jill Biden, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, Education Secretary Miguel Cardona and other authors read stories to the children dressed in colourful costumes. Jill Biden expressed her enthusiasm for the event by sporting feline ears, a tail and a black nose, like her cat, Willow, PBS News reported. After she read a counting book, Ten Spooky Pumpkins, to the children, she said, "Go have fun and eat lots of candy." ALSO READ | Israel-Hamas war: Jewish students at Cornell University receive death threats, police deployed for safety Jill Biden also posted glimpses of the events on X. She wrote, "Welcome to “Hallo-READ” at the White House! From famous literary tales and ghost stories to the spooktacular thrill of reading — we hope families and children pick out their favourite Halloween book, grab a flashlight, and take a moment to enjoy storytime together." Biden celebrates Halloween wearing… Joe Biden ‘costume’ Follow us on Rumble: https://t.co/4vo0fYlfh5 pic.twitter.com/k5Ml0HqGN1 — RT (@RT_com) October 31, 2023 × Furthermore, Jean-Pierre wore a halo and angel wings. She said she chose that over a devil costume. The son of US Secretary of State Antony Blinken dressed like Zelensky, said reports. The president and the first lady spent at least 90 minutes welcoming the children from local public schools and military families. Biden dropped M&M's and Hershey's Kisses in little boxes stamped with the presidential seal into the costume-clad children's bags and buckets. Jill Biden also handed out books with candies. ALSO READ | I was just lazy: FTX's Bankman-Fried defends unkempt 'genius' hair, persona that ex-gf said was an 'act' The event also featured a military band which played the instrumental versions of Thriller, Monster Mash, and other songs. Over 8,000 guests attended the Halloween event. Many federal government departments and agencies also participated in the "Hallo-READ" event. The booths dotting the south grounds had all types of chocolate candy and other treats provided by the National Confectioners Association and its member companies. The books were by Scholastic. Steve Herman, a correspondent with VOA, reported, "President Biden walked back into the White House residence at 6:58 after nearly 90 minutes handing out candy. It was a chilly 58 degrees, and he was likely soaked from the nonstop rain. Even those with umbrellas on the lawn were drenched and cold. No aid…" (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

WATCH | President Joe Biden & First Lady Jill host Halloween event amid showers

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<p><strong>Friday the 13th:</strong>&nbsp;In Western culture, Friday the 13th is considered an inauspicious day. A few people know that the fear of Friday the 13th has a name, paraskevidekatriaphobia, which originates from the word Triskadekaphobia, meaning the fear of the number 13.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Several cultures consider 13 as an unlucky number. According to the Christian faith, there were 13 people at Jesus' Last Supper. Norse mythology also has a story of Loki, who ruined a dinner party by arriving as an uninvited 13th guest and causing mayhem. A superstition from the 1770s says that if 13 people were sitting at a table, one would die within a year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Furthermore, many cultures worldwide consider Friday as an unlucky day. Sailors strongly believe it is inauspicious to set sail on a Friday, as Jesus' crucifixion happened on Friday, and Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit on Friday.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-find-spinning-supermassive-black-hole-in-distant-galaxy-after-20-years-of-research-645158" target="_blank">A spinning supermassive black hole found in a distant galaxy reinforces one of Einstein's theories</a></p>

<p>Thus, putting the two together makes the epitome of unlucky. However, Friday the 13th did not become famous until the 19th century.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The first documented mention of Friday the 13th was in a play called&nbsp;<em>Les Finesses des Gribouilles</em>&nbsp;in 1834. A character says, "I was born on Friday, 13 December 1813, from which come all my misfortunes." Then, TW Lawson popularised the concept in his 1907 novel&nbsp;<em>Friday, the Thirteenth.&nbsp;</em></p>

<p>Although the origin of Friday the 13th is blurry, some believe it stems from the Code of Hammurabi. It is an ancient Babylonian text which omits 13 in its list of laws.</p>

<p>From natural disasters to murder, many horrible incidents happened on Friday the 13th. On 13 October 1307, King Philip Iv of France arrested hundreds of Knights Templar and executed them. On 13 September 1940, the Germans bombed the Buckingham Palace.</p>

<p>Other incidents include the murder of Kitty Genovese on 13 March 1964 and the disappearance of a Chilean Air Force Plane in the Andes on 13 October 1972.</p>

<p>The most recent Friday the 13th incidents include Tupac Shakur's murder in Las Vegas in 1996 and the Costa Concordia cruise ship crashing off in Italy in 2012.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, these might be coincidences. According to a study published in 2015, there was no statistical difference in employment, income or marital status among people born on Friday the 13th and people born on other days.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Friday the 13th: In Western culture, Friday the 13th is considered an inauspicious day. A few people know that the fear of Friday the 13th has a name, paraskevidekatriaphobia, which originates from the word Triskadekaphobia, meaning the fear of the number 13.

Friday the 13th: In Western culture, Friday the 13th is considered an inauspicious day. A few people know that the fear of Friday the 13th has a name, paraskevidekatriaphobia, which originates from the word Triskadekaphobia, meaning the fear of the number 13. Several cultures consider 13 as an unlucky number. According to the Christian faith, there were 13 people at Jesus' Last Supper. Norse mythology also has a story of Loki, who ruined a dinner party by arriving as an uninvited 13th guest and causing mayhem. A superstition from the 1770s says that if 13 people were sitting at a table, one would die within a year. Furthermore, many cultures worldwide consider Friday as an unlucky day. Sailors strongly believe it is inauspicious to set sail on a Friday, as Jesus' crucifixion happened on Friday, and Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit on Friday. ALSO READ | A spinning supermassive black hole found in a distant galaxy reinforces one of Einstein's theories Thus, putting the two together makes the epitome of unlucky. However, Friday the 13th did not become famous until the 19th century. The first documented mention of Friday the 13th was in a play called Les Finesses des Gribouilles in 1834. A character says, "I was born on Friday, 13 December 1813, from which come all my misfortunes." Then, TW Lawson popularised the concept in his 1907 novel Friday, the Thirteenth. Although the origin of Friday the 13th is blurry, some believe it stems from the Code of Hammurabi. It is an ancient Babylonian text which omits 13 in its list of laws. From natural disasters to murder, many horrible incidents happened on Friday the 13th. On 13 October 1307, King Philip Iv of France arrested hundreds of Knights Templar and executed them. On 13 September 1940, the Germans bombed the Buckingham Palace. Other incidents include the murder of Kitty Genovese on 13 March 1964 and the disappearance of a Chilean Air Force Plane in the Andes on 13 October 1972. The most recent Friday the 13th incidents include Tupac Shakur's murder in Las Vegas in 1996 and the Costa Concordia cruise ship crashing off in Italy in 2012. However, these might be coincidences. According to a study published in 2015, there was no statistical difference in employment, income or marital status among people born on Friday the 13th and people born on other days. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Friday the 13th: Why people consider it unlucky; know its weird history, evolution, and incidents

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