<p>The intense solar wind streams which have been slamming the magnetic field of Earth - also known as the magnetosphere - have led to some major changes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The solar winds have formed the sunward side of the magnetosphere which is called a bow shock and has stretched the magnetic field in the shape of a wind sock with a long tail&nbsp;on the nightside.</p>

<p>The solar wind went through dramatic changes and has altered the dynamics and structure of the magnetosphere.</p>

<h2><strong>Powerful CMEs disrupting Earth's magnetosphere&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>In an article published&nbsp;in&nbsp;Geophysical Research Letters, Li‐Jen Chen and his colleagues reported that there were unprecedented observations of a rare phenomenon which has been created during a&nbsp;coronal mass ejection&nbsp;(CME).</p>

<p>It was observed that CMEs move faster in comparison to the Alfvén speed, which is the speed at which vibrating&nbsp;magnetic field lines move across magnetized plasma that can vary with the plasma environment.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/strictly-speaking-earth-is-not-revolving-around-the-sun-currently-heres-what-it-means-740359">Strictly speaking, Earth is not revolving around the Sun currently. Here's what it means</a></p>

<p>In 2023, a CME disrupted the normal configuration of the magnetosphere of Earth for nearly two hours.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The observations from NASA's Magnetospheric Multiscale Mission (MMS) were analysed by the researchers.</p>

<p>The MMS spacecraft on April 24, 2023, observed that although the solar wind's streaming speed was fast, the Alfvén speed noticed amid strong CME was even faster. Generally, solar wind&nbsp;travels faster in comparison to Alfvén's speed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This anomaly causes the&nbsp;bow shock in Earth to temporarily disappear and let the plasma and magnetic field from the Sun interact directly with the magnetosphere.</p>

<h2><strong>What did the CMEs do to Earth's wind sock tail?</strong></h2>

<p>It was observed by scientists that the wind sock tail of the Earth was replaced by structures called Alfvén wings which formed a connection between the magnetosphere of the Earth to the recently erupted region of the sun.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This connection worked like a highway which was transporting plasma between the Sun and the magnetosphere.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Gravitas: Mysterious dark oxygen found on ocean floor</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-mysterious-dark-oxygen-found-on-ocean-floor-743594/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>The unique CME event gave new insights into how the formation and evolution of the Alfvén wings took place, said the authors.</p>

<p>A similar process can take place near other magnetically active bodies in our solar system and universe and the observations of the researchers suggested that the auroras were formed on the moon of Jupiter, Ganymede, because of these Alfvén wings.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The intense solar wind streams which have been slamming the magnetic field of Earth - also known as the magnetosphere - have led to some major changes. The solar winds have formed the sunward side of the magnetosphere which is called a bow shock and has stretched the magnetic field in the shape of a wind sock with a long tail on the nightside.

The intense solar wind streams which have been slamming the magnetic field of Earth - also known as the magnetosphere - have led to some major changes. The solar winds have formed the sunward side of the magnetosphere which is called a bow shock and has stretched the magnetic field in the shape of a wind sock with a long tail on the nightside. The solar wind went through dramatic changes and has altered the dynamics and structure of the magnetosphere. Powerful CMEs disrupting Earth's magnetosphere In an article published in Geophysical Research Letters, Li‐Jen Chen and his colleagues reported that there were unprecedented observations of a rare phenomenon which has been created during a coronal mass ejection (CME). It was observed that CMEs move faster in comparison to the Alfvén speed, which is the speed at which vibrating magnetic field lines move across magnetized plasma that can vary with the plasma environment. Also Read: Strictly speaking, Earth is not revolving around the Sun currently. Here's what it means In 2023, a CME disrupted the normal configuration of the magnetosphere of Earth for nearly two hours. The observations from NASA's Magnetospheric Multiscale Mission (MMS) were analysed by the researchers. The MMS spacecraft on April 24, 2023, observed that although the solar wind's streaming speed was fast, the Alfvén speed noticed amid strong CME was even faster. Generally, solar wind travels faster in comparison to Alfvén's speed. This anomaly causes the bow shock in Earth to temporarily disappear and let the plasma and magnetic field from the Sun interact directly with the magnetosphere. What did the CMEs do to Earth's wind sock tail? It was observed by scientists that the wind sock tail of the Earth was replaced by structures called Alfvén wings which formed a connection between the magnetosphere of the Earth to the recently erupted region of the sun. This connection worked like a highway which was transporting plasma between the Sun and the magnetosphere. Watch: Gravitas: Mysterious dark oxygen found on ocean floor The unique CME event gave new insights into how the formation and evolution of the Alfvén wings took place, said the authors. A similar process can take place near other magnetically active bodies in our solar system and universe and the observations of the researchers suggested that the auroras were formed on the moon of Jupiter, Ganymede, because of these Alfvén wings. (With inputs from agencies)

Sun's coronal mass ejection bombarded Earth, changed its magnetic field. Here's how

<p>The Sun is approaching its&nbsp;maximum which is leading to more solar flares and stronger geomagnetic storms hitting the Earth. In its 11-year-long cycle, the Sun reaches the peak of its activity which is called "approaching the maximum".</p>

<p>When it reaches the maximum, the Sun has more sunspots which releases more flares towards the Earth. These sunspots are comparatively colder regions on the surface of the Sun with especially intense magnetic field.</p>

<p>These extreme magnetic regions emit coronal mass ejections (CMEs) and solar flares. CMEs are huge waves of plasma (electrically charged particles) which are emitted by the Sun in interplanetary space at high speed.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/sun-is-slowly-penetrating-and-changing-earths-core-heres-how-743956">Sun is slowly penetrating and changing Earth's core. Here's how</a></p>

<p>Now Earth is to face a high-intensity geomagnetic storm because a cannibal CME, ejected from the Sun, has hit the planet.</p>

<p>According to the researchers, two CMEs were released by the Sun and quickly merged into one which struck our planet on July 27.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Our latest modeling - as shown in this animation - indicates Earth's outer atmosphere may begin to feel impacts from the recent coronal mass ejections around 06-12 UTC July 30. A G3 Watch Remains in effect for Tuesday with G2 conditions possible through August 1. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SpaceWeather?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SpaceWeather</a> <a href="https://t.co/S5z9iJlqGr">pic.twitter.com/S5z9iJlqGr</a></p>
— NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center (@NWSSWPC) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSSWPC/status/1818079157789860250?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 30, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>On July 28, a third CME was emitted by the Sun and slammed the Earth. The planet was hit by another one on July 29 as waves of plasma moved past Earth.</p>

<p>A sunspot known as AR 3764 released an&nbsp;X1.5 flare which further led to radio blackouts across half of the world. Meanwhile, the scientists recorded six other flares of weaker intensity (M-class) in the same region.</p>

<h2><strong>Here's what will happen to Earth after slamming by CMEs</strong></h2>

<p>The NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center said that the Earth is likely to face a&nbsp;strong geomagnetic storm&nbsp;(G3 level). The storm which had embroiled the planet was classified as severe (G4) and later upgraded to extreme (G5) when it evolved.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Earth slows down by 1.33 milliseconds</strong></p>

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<p>Scientists have now predicted that the storm will lead to auroras in the night sky across the Northern Hemisphere as well as northern California in the US and Central Germany in Europe.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The celestial event is likely to decorate the skies in the Southern Hemisphere, South Island of New Zealand, Tasmania and Victoria in mainland Australia.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:938,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2688}"><em bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:938,&quot;w&quot;:182,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2688}">(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Sun is approaching its maximum which is leading to more solar flares and stronger geomagnetic storms hitting the Earth. In its 11-year-long cycle, the Sun reaches the peak of its activity which is called "approaching the maximum".

The Sun is approaching its maximum which is leading to more solar flares and stronger geomagnetic storms hitting the Earth. In its 11-year-long cycle, the Sun reaches the peak of its activity which is called "approaching the maximum". When it reaches the maximum, the Sun has more sunspots which releases more flares towards the Earth. These sunspots are comparatively colder regions on the surface of the Sun with especially intense magnetic field. These extreme magnetic regions emit coronal mass ejections (CMEs) and solar flares. CMEs are huge waves of plasma (electrically charged particles) which are emitted by the Sun in interplanetary space at high speed. Also Read: Sun is slowly penetrating and changing Earth's core. Here's how Now Earth is to face a high-intensity geomagnetic storm because a cannibal CME, ejected from the Sun, has hit the planet. According to the researchers, two CMEs were released by the Sun and quickly merged into one which struck our planet on July 27. Our latest modeling - as shown in this animation - indicates Earth's outer atmosphere may begin to feel impacts from the recent coronal mass ejections around 06-12 UTC July 30. A G3 Watch Remains in effect for Tuesday with G2 conditions possible through August 1. #SpaceWeather pic.twitter.com/S5z9iJlqGr — NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center (@NWSSWPC) July 30, 2024 × On July 28, a third CME was emitted by the Sun and slammed the Earth. The planet was hit by another one on July 29 as waves of plasma moved past Earth. A sunspot known as AR 3764 released an X1.5 flare which further led to radio blackouts across half of the world. Meanwhile, the scientists recorded six other flares of weaker intensity (M-class) in the same region. Here's what will happen to Earth after slamming by CMEs The NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center said that the Earth is likely to face a strong geomagnetic storm (G3 level). The storm which had embroiled the planet was classified as severe (G4) and later upgraded to extreme (G5) when it evolved. Watch: Earth slows down by 1.33 milliseconds Scientists have now predicted that the storm will lead to auroras in the night sky across the Northern Hemisphere as well as northern California in the US and Central Germany in Europe. The celestial event is likely to decorate the skies in the Southern Hemisphere, South Island of New Zealand, Tasmania and Victoria in mainland Australia. (With inputs from agencies)

Earth has been hit by cannibal CMEs as Sun reaches its maximum. Here's what will happen to our planet

<p>Delta Aquariids, the annual meteor showers that light up the sky from July to August, will peak on Tuesday (Jul&nbsp;30). The celestial event in which two meteor showers - Delta Aquariids and Presteids - become clearly visible in the sky and eventually come together has been going on since July and will end in August.</p>

<h2>What is the best time to watch Delta Aquariid meteor shower?</h2>

<p>This year, the whole meteor shower phenomenon runs from around July 18 to August 21.</p>

<p>The Delta Aquariid meteor shower has been happening through late July but is expected to peak at 15:16 UTC on Tuesday (Jul&nbsp;30). The most visible period for this is mid-evening to early morning. The best time to watch is before the moon rises. The Delta Aquariid meteor shower will eventually converge with the Perseids meteor shower in August.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/fleeting-meteors-auroras-feature-in-a-mesmerising-timelapse-video-shot-by-iss-astronaut-744706">Fleeting meteors, auroras feature in a mesmerising timelapse video shot by ISS astronaut</a></strong></p>

<p>At its peak, the Delta Aquariids meteor shower can reveal up to 20 meteors if the sky is dark and not cloudy, and not affected by moonlight.</p>

<p>It is most visible in the southern hemisphere, including the southern US. In the UK, the shooting stars will be most visible post-midnight on Tuesday, with the best visibility expected an hour or two after midnight.</p>

<h2>What is a meteor shower? Origins of Delta Acuariids meteor&nbsp;</h2>

<p>A meteor shower happens when dust particles left behind comets pass over the earth. These are very small particles and gases that produce light when vapourise in the atmosphere.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;NASA's rover uncovers startling finds on Mars</strong></p>

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<p>The Delta Aquariids, which gained its name from Aquarius, shooting stars are believed to have originated from the comet 96P/Machholz though it is not fully established.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Up to 20 'shooting stars' can be seen per hour at the peak of Delta Aquariids.</p>

<h2><strong>How to watch?</strong></h2>

<p>In places where it's likely to be visible, the best way to watch a meteor shower is through the naked eye, and not telescopes. But one has to 'practice' looking into the dark sky, as the eye takes up to 10 minutes to get adjusted to it. &nbsp;<br />
<br />
<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Delta Aquariids, the annual meteor showers that light up the sky from July to August, will peak on Tuesday (Jul 30). The celestial event in which two meteor showers - Delta Aquariids and Presteids - become clearly visible in the sky and eventually come together has been going on since July and will end in August.

Delta Aquariids, the annual meteor showers that light up the sky from July to August, will peak on Tuesday (Jul 30). The celestial event in which two meteor showers - Delta Aquariids and Presteids - become clearly visible in the sky and eventually come together has been going on since July and will end in August. What is the best time to watch Delta Aquariid meteor shower? This year, the whole meteor shower phenomenon runs from around July 18 to August 21. The Delta Aquariid meteor shower has been happening through late July but is expected to peak at 15:16 UTC on Tuesday (Jul 30). The most visible period for this is mid-evening to early morning. The best time to watch is before the moon rises. The Delta Aquariid meteor shower will eventually converge with the Perseids meteor shower in August. Also read | Fleeting meteors, auroras feature in a mesmerising timelapse video shot by ISS astronaut At its peak, the Delta Aquariids meteor shower can reveal up to 20 meteors if the sky is dark and not cloudy, and not affected by moonlight. It is most visible in the southern hemisphere, including the southern US. In the UK, the shooting stars will be most visible post-midnight on Tuesday, with the best visibility expected an hour or two after midnight. What is a meteor shower? Origins of Delta Acuariids meteor A meteor shower happens when dust particles left behind comets pass over the earth. These are very small particles and gases that produce light when vapourise in the atmosphere. Also watch | NASA's rover uncovers startling finds on Mars × The Delta Aquariids, which gained its name from Aquarius, shooting stars are believed to have originated from the comet 96P/Machholz though it is not fully established. Up to 20 'shooting stars' can be seen per hour at the peak of Delta Aquariids. How to watch? In places where it's likely to be visible, the best way to watch a meteor shower is through the naked eye, and not telescopes. But one has to 'practice' looking into the dark sky, as the eye takes up to 10 minutes to get adjusted to it. (With inputs from agencies)

Delta Aquariids meteor shower to peak this week. How, when and where to watch celestial event

<p>The rays of the Sun are not just impacting humans and the surface of the Earth, but also penetrating deep within the Earth and making changes in its core, as per a new study.</p>

<p>In a new paper, which was published in the journal Nature Communications, scientists explained how the ancient magma present inside the Earth's core has some chemical properties that show it is being impacted by the Sun's rays.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>How are the Sun's rays making their way to Earth's core?</strong></h2>

<p>The Sun's rays impact Earth's core when the dead marine life gets transported into the interior of the Earth and changes the magma's "redox" state.</p>

<p>The Sun has been heavily influencing the marine life around the world which has depended on its energy and warmth.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Because of the variety in solar radiation across the surface of the planet, marine life remains differently distributed in the fossil record.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/oxygen-is-depleting-from-earths-water-heres-how-it-is-threatening-lives-on-planet-742670">Oxygen is depleting from Earth's water. Here's how it is threatening lives on planet</a></p>

<p>After a wide span of time, these dead organisms reach into the magma-filled mantle of the Earth through the process called subduction, in which one plate of the crust of the Earth slowly gets sucked beneath another plate.</p>

<p>The paper suggested that the presence of these marine creatures in the magma is affecting the arc magma's "redox" state in which a balance is created between oxidised and reduced forms of molecules.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The researchers explained that the redox state of magma showed a gradient with latitude, which further explained how marine creatures are reducing the magma and the Sun is changing Earth's core.</p>

<p>"Previous studies mainly compared samples from the same longitudinal regions, such as the U.S. in the northern hemisphere and Mexico in the tropical zone, without finding significant differences. However, our samples from different latitudes showed varying redox responses, which piqued our curiosity. Trying to explain these differences led us to discover this unexpected pattern," said study author Wan Bo, who is a geologist at the Chinese Academy of Sciences,&nbsp;in a statement.</p>

<p>"This unexpected pattern suggests that the surface climate has a direct influence on the deep Earth. It also suggests that the Earth's surface environment and climate have a vital influence on the deep Earth," Wan added.</p>

<h2><strong>Carbon deposits on seafloors: study</strong></h2>

<p>The scientists also found more carbon deposits present on the seafloor at lower latitudes which have been interacting with sulfur and becoming sulfides. This is also suspected to have contributed to the redox of the magma.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;China proposes information superhighway between Earth and Moon</strong></p>

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<p>"The observed pattern suggests a strong link between the surface environment and the redox state of the deep Earth, providing new directions for exploring the resources and environmental impacts of subduction systems at different latitudes," said Hu Fangyang, who is a researcher at the Chinese Academy of Sciences.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The rays of the Sun are not just impacting humans and the surface of the Earth, but also penetrating deep within the Earth and making changes in its core, as per a new study.

The rays of the Sun are not just impacting humans and the surface of the Earth, but also penetrating deep within the Earth and making changes in its core, as per a new study. In a new paper, which was published in the journal Nature Communications, scientists explained how the ancient magma present inside the Earth's core has some chemical properties that show it is being impacted by the Sun's rays. How are the Sun's rays making their way to Earth's core? The Sun's rays impact Earth's core when the dead marine life gets transported into the interior of the Earth and changes the magma's "redox" state. The Sun has been heavily influencing the marine life around the world which has depended on its energy and warmth. Because of the variety in solar radiation across the surface of the planet, marine life remains differently distributed in the fossil record. Also Read: Oxygen is depleting from Earth's water. Here's how it is threatening lives on planet After a wide span of time, these dead organisms reach into the magma-filled mantle of the Earth through the process called subduction, in which one plate of the crust of the Earth slowly gets sucked beneath another plate. The paper suggested that the presence of these marine creatures in the magma is affecting the arc magma's "redox" state in which a balance is created between oxidised and reduced forms of molecules. The researchers explained that the redox state of magma showed a gradient with latitude, which further explained how marine creatures are reducing the magma and the Sun is changing Earth's core. "Previous studies mainly compared samples from the same longitudinal regions, such as the U.S. in the northern hemisphere and Mexico in the tropical zone, without finding significant differences. However, our samples from different latitudes showed varying redox responses, which piqued our curiosity. Trying to explain these differences led us to discover this unexpected pattern," said study author Wan Bo, who is a geologist at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, in a statement. "This unexpected pattern suggests that the surface climate has a direct influence on the deep Earth. It also suggests that the Earth's surface environment and climate have a vital influence on the deep Earth," Wan added. Carbon deposits on seafloors: study The scientists also found more carbon deposits present on the seafloor at lower latitudes which have been interacting with sulfur and becoming sulfides. This is also suspected to have contributed to the redox of the magma. Watch: China proposes information superhighway between Earth and Moon "The observed pattern suggests a strong link between the surface environment and the redox state of the deep Earth, providing new directions for exploring the resources and environmental impacts of subduction systems at different latitudes," said Hu Fangyang, who is a researcher at the Chinese Academy of Sciences. (With inputs from agencies)

Sun is slowly penetrating and changing Earth's core. Here's how

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidogzO468mzJsz" /></p>

<p>A NASA&nbsp;spacecraft recorded a video of two loops of "dark" plasma exploding on the surface of the Sun on Sunday (Jul&nbsp;21).</p>

<p>NASA's&nbsp;Solar Dynamics Observatory&nbsp;(SDO) observed the two loops of cool, dense plasma eruption from the surface of the sun.</p>

<p>These black-coloured loops of plasma were found to be coronal mass ejection's&nbsp;(CME) beginning stages which is considered to be a solar magnetic mess that releases solar storms&nbsp;towards Earth.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-suggest-our-solar-system-was-shaped-like-donut-in-the-beginning-736475">Scientists suggest our Solar System was shaped like donut in the beginning</a></p>

<p>In the fast-forwarded video, two wispy black plumes of plasma are seen erupting from sunspot AR3757 along with an M1-class solar flare.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Watch two plumes of 'dark' plasma explode from the sun and send solar storm towards Earth (video) <a href="https://t.co/WKtcTmLQ0U">https://t.co/WKtcTmLQ0U</a> <a href="https://t.co/JSxDWcgcOF">pic.twitter.com/JSxDWcgcOF</a></p>
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<p>The active sunspot regions are capable of releasing electromagnetic energy from the corona of the sun at any moment and these plumes move away from the atmosphere of the sun, then collect more and more plasma which eventually consolidates into the inner making of the CME.</p>

<h2><strong>Why is the solar plasma dark?</strong></h2>

<p>According to scientists, when the plasma is spewed from the sunspot and moves away from the sun, it is at a comparatively lower density and temperature than when it is inside the Sun. This makes it appear dark in the imagery of the SDO.</p>

<p>After the CME is born, the images from the&nbsp;SOHO coronagraph are used by the scientists to spot the halo, which is its signature and understand if it is propagating toward Earth and can impact our planet.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Indian astronauts to train at NASA from August</strong></p>

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<p>According to the forecast of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC)<u>,</u> the CME is likely to reach Earth later on Wednesday&nbsp;(Jul&nbsp;24) and begin another geomagnetic activity.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A NASA spacecraft recorded a video of two loops of "dark" plasma exploding on the surface of the Sun on Sunday (Jul 21). NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) observed the two loops of cool, dense plasma eruption from the surface of the sun.

A NASA spacecraft recorded a video of two loops of "dark" plasma exploding on the surface of the Sun on Sunday (Jul 21). NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) observed the two loops of cool, dense plasma eruption from the surface of the sun. These black-coloured loops of plasma were found to be coronal mass ejection's (CME) beginning stages which is considered to be a solar magnetic mess that releases solar storms towards Earth. Also Read: Scientists suggest our Solar System was shaped like donut in the beginning In the fast-forwarded video, two wispy black plumes of plasma are seen erupting from sunspot AR3757 along with an M1-class solar flare. Watch two plumes of 'dark' plasma explode from the sun and send solar storm towards Earth (video) https://t.co/WKtcTmLQ0U pic.twitter.com/JSxDWcgcOF — All About Space (@spaceanswers) July 22, 2024 × The active sunspot regions are capable of releasing electromagnetic energy from the corona of the sun at any moment and these plumes move away from the atmosphere of the sun, then collect more and more plasma which eventually consolidates into the inner making of the CME. Why is the solar plasma dark? According to scientists, when the plasma is spewed from the sunspot and moves away from the sun, it is at a comparatively lower density and temperature than when it is inside the Sun. This makes it appear dark in the imagery of the SDO. After the CME is born, the images from the SOHO coronagraph are used by the scientists to spot the halo, which is its signature and understand if it is propagating toward Earth and can impact our planet. Watch: Indian astronauts to train at NASA from August According to the forecast of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC), the CME is likely to reach Earth later on Wednesday (Jul 24) and begin another geomagnetic activity. (With inputs from agencies)

WATCH: NASA captures Sun's 'dark' plasma wildly exploding, hitting Earth with solar storm

<p>The scientists are puzzled to observe that the Sun has started another solar cycle without completing the current one.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It appears to be moving ahead of its time as solar cycle 25 has been only halfway through and solar cycle 26 has only started.</p>

<h2><strong>Here's why the Sun has started another solar cycle</strong></h2>

<p>Research fellow at the&nbsp;University of Birmingham Dr&nbsp;Rachel Howe, who was working with international analysts, spotted this change in the solar cycle while tracking the internal sound waves of the sun and their contribution to its rotation cycle.</p>

<p>The activity cycle of the Sun, which is called the solar cycle, ends in approximately 11 years. The solar cycle goes like a celestial rollercoaster and then reaches ‘solar maximum’ which represents the peak of its activity.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/strictly-speaking-earth-is-not-revolving-around-the-sun-currently-heres-what-it-means-740359">Strictly speaking, Earth is not revolving around the Sun currently. Here's what it means</a></p>

<p>In this phase, scientists have observed an increase in sunspots, solar flares and coronal mass ejections, which marks a phase of heightened solar phenomena.</p>

<p>When it reaches the solar maximum, the magnetic field of the Sun undergoes a polar flip, similar to swapping poles.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In this natural process, the space weather was influenced and is likely to have significant impacts on the magnetic field and satellite operations of the Earth.</p>

<p>As of now, Sun is in Cycle 25 which started in 2019 and is not likely to end at least for another six years.</p>

<p>Dr Howe and her research team were left puzzled to have found that the subsequent solar cycle Cycle 26's preliminary signs appear to be emerging earlier&nbsp;it was expected.</p>

<p>These indicators included subtle shifts in the magnetic field of the Sun and the formation of new sunspots, which include the arrival of the next cycle.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;The danger posed by Chinese space debris</strong></p>

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<p>These observations have left the scientists puzzled as to what this premature activity hints at.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>How will the early solar cycle impact Earth?</strong></h2>

<p>If the Sun actually starts its 26th cycle early, scientists are trying to understand if there will be frequent displays of the Northern and Southern lights or if it will lead to more significant solar-related phenomena.</p>

<p>“With more data, I hope we can understand more about the part these flows play in the intricate dance of plasma and magnetic fields that form the solar cycle,” Dr Howe said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The scientists are puzzled to observe that the Sun has started another solar cycle without completing the current one. It appears to be moving ahead of its time as solar cycle 25 has been only halfway through and solar cycle 26 has only started.

The scientists are puzzled to observe that the Sun has started another solar cycle without completing the current one. It appears to be moving ahead of its time as solar cycle 25 has been only halfway through and solar cycle 26 has only started. Here's why the Sun has started another solar cycle Research fellow at the University of Birmingham Dr Rachel Howe, who was working with international analysts, spotted this change in the solar cycle while tracking the internal sound waves of the sun and their contribution to its rotation cycle. The activity cycle of the Sun, which is called the solar cycle, ends in approximately 11 years. The solar cycle goes like a celestial rollercoaster and then reaches ‘solar maximum’ which represents the peak of its activity. Also Read: Strictly speaking, Earth is not revolving around the Sun currently. Here's what it means In this phase, scientists have observed an increase in sunspots, solar flares and coronal mass ejections, which marks a phase of heightened solar phenomena. When it reaches the solar maximum, the magnetic field of the Sun undergoes a polar flip, similar to swapping poles. In this natural process, the space weather was influenced and is likely to have significant impacts on the magnetic field and satellite operations of the Earth. As of now, Sun is in Cycle 25 which started in 2019 and is not likely to end at least for another six years. Dr Howe and her research team were left puzzled to have found that the subsequent solar cycle Cycle 26's preliminary signs appear to be emerging earlier it was expected. These indicators included subtle shifts in the magnetic field of the Sun and the formation of new sunspots, which include the arrival of the next cycle. Watch: The danger posed by Chinese space debris These observations have left the scientists puzzled as to what this premature activity hints at. How will the early solar cycle impact Earth? If the Sun actually starts its 26th cycle early, scientists are trying to understand if there will be frequent displays of the Northern and Southern lights or if it will lead to more significant solar-related phenomena. “With more data, I hope we can understand more about the part these flows play in the intricate dance of plasma and magnetic fields that form the solar cycle,” Dr Howe said. (With inputs from agencies)

Sun starts next solar cycle, without completing current one. Here's how it will impact Earth

<p>Scientists have discovered a new planet with the most elongated orbit ever seen in any of the 5,600 planets spotted till now.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The planet stands strangely unique because it appears to be orbiting the wrong way. The planet can help scientists find the missing link between planetary formation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The planet, which has been given the name TIC 241249530 b, has been seen orbiting a star which was nearly 1,100 light years from Earth.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It has been observed that the planet has been moving in a highly "eccentric" orbit as it circles its star in a way that it comes extremely close to the star before it slings out and then doubles back in a narrow, elliptical circuit.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/strictly-speaking-earth-is-not-revolving-around-the-sun-currently-heres-what-it-means-740359">Strictly speaking, Earth is not revolving around the Sun currently. Here's what it means</a></p>

<p>The orbit of the new planet also has a unique "retrograde" orientation. Unlike other planets in the solar system, including Earth, which orbit around the Sun in the same direction, this planet orbits in the direction which is opposite to the direction in which the star is rotating. &nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Eccentric planet turning into 'hot Jupiter'</strong></h2>

<p>The most extreme planets in the galaxy are said to be hot Jupiters, as they are as big as Jupiter and have the characteristic of wildly swinging close to their star. Now, scientists believe that this eccentric planet is also turning into a hot Jupiter.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Assistant professor of physics at MIT's Kavli Institute for Astrophysics and Space Research Sarah Millholland said, "This new planet supports the theory that high eccentricity migration should account for some fraction of hot Jupiters."</p>

<p>"We think that when this planet formed, it would have been a frigid world. And because of the dramatic orbital dynamics, it will become a hot Jupiter in about a billion years, with temperatures of several thousand kelvin. So it's a huge shift from where it started," Millholland said, as reported by phys.org.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Scientists find underground caves on moon</strong></p>

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<p>"It's a pretty extreme process in that the changes to the planet's orbit are massive. It's a big dance of orbits that's happening over billions of years, and the planet's just going along for the ride," Millholland added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The simulations of the planet's evolution and the observations of the team support the theory that hot Jupiters can be formed by high eccentricity migration.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Scientists have discovered a new planet with the most elongated orbit ever seen in any of the 5,600 planets spotted till now. The planet stands strangely unique because it appears to be orbiting the wrong way.

Scientists have discovered a new planet with the most elongated orbit ever seen in any of the 5,600 planets spotted till now. The planet stands strangely unique because it appears to be orbiting the wrong way. The planet can help scientists find the missing link between planetary formation. The planet, which has been given the name TIC 241249530 b, has been seen orbiting a star which was nearly 1,100 light years from Earth. It has been observed that the planet has been moving in a highly "eccentric" orbit as it circles its star in a way that it comes extremely close to the star before it slings out and then doubles back in a narrow, elliptical circuit. Also Read: Strictly speaking, Earth is not revolving around the Sun currently. Here's what it means The orbit of the new planet also has a unique "retrograde" orientation. Unlike other planets in the solar system, including Earth, which orbit around the Sun in the same direction, this planet orbits in the direction which is opposite to the direction in which the star is rotating. Eccentric planet turning into 'hot Jupiter' The most extreme planets in the galaxy are said to be hot Jupiters, as they are as big as Jupiter and have the characteristic of wildly swinging close to their star. Now, scientists believe that this eccentric planet is also turning into a hot Jupiter. Assistant professor of physics at MIT's Kavli Institute for Astrophysics and Space Research Sarah Millholland said, "This new planet supports the theory that high eccentricity migration should account for some fraction of hot Jupiters." "We think that when this planet formed, it would have been a frigid world. And because of the dramatic orbital dynamics, it will become a hot Jupiter in about a billion years, with temperatures of several thousand kelvin. So it's a huge shift from where it started," Millholland said, as reported by phys.org. Watch: Scientists find underground caves on moon "It's a pretty extreme process in that the changes to the planet's orbit are massive. It's a big dance of orbits that's happening over billions of years, and the planet's just going along for the ride," Millholland added. The simulations of the planet's evolution and the observations of the team support the theory that hot Jupiters can be formed by high eccentricity migration. (With inputs from agencies)

Scientists spot eccentric, backwards-orbiting planet which is turning into 'hot Jupiter'

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<p>It is very well known that there are eight planets in our Solar System and then a dwarf planet - Pluto.</p>

<p>But now the astronomers are suspecting there is a 7 per cent chance that another planet is hiding in the Oort cloud near Earth.</p>

<p>Oort cloud is a spherical region in space which is filled with ice chunks and rocks and is tens of thousands of times far from the Sun.</p>

<p>Co-author of the study and astronomer at the Planetary Science Institute Nathan Kaib said, “It’s completely plausible for our solar system to have captured such an Oort cloud planet."&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>He added that hidden worlds like this are “a class of planets that should definitely exist but have received relatively little attention” until now.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/strictly-speaking-earth-is-not-revolving-around-the-sun-currently-heres-what-it-means-740359"><strong>&nbsp;</strong>Strictly speaking, Earth is not revolving around the Sun currently. Here's what it means</a></p>

<p>In case, there is a planet in the Oort cloud, it is likely to be an ice giant. Generally, large planets like Saturn and Jupiter come into existence as twins.</p>

<p>However, such planets have huge gravitational pulls and can even destabilise another planet.</p>

<p>This can lead to the nudging of a planet from the Solar System and moving it entirely to the outer reaches where the Oort Cloud is present.</p>

<p>University of Bordeaux’s Astrophysics Laboratory researcher and lead author Sean Raymond said, “The survivor planets have eccentric orbits, which are like the scars from their violent pasts."</p>

<h2><strong>How is an Oort cloud planet different from other planets?</strong></h2>

<p>So a planet inside the Oort Cloud is likely to have a significantly elongated orbit, which is very different from the near-perfect circular shape of the Earth.</p>

<p>The scientists find it difficult to spot such planets because they are far away.</p>

<p>“It would be extremely hard to detect,” said Raymond.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;NASA releases Webb telescope images of a galactic merger</strong></p>

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<p>Meanwhile, an astronomer at MIT Malena Rice said, “If a Neptune-sized planet existed in our own Oort cloud, there’s a good chance that we wouldn’t have found it yet."</p>

<p>“Amazingly, it can sometimes be easier to spot planets hundreds of light-years away than those right in our own backyard," the astronomer said, reported indy100.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


It is very well known that there are eight planets in our Solar System and then a dwarf planet - Pluto. But now the astronomers are suspecting there is a 7 per cent chance that another planet is hiding in the Oort cloud near Earth.

It is very well known that there are eight planets in our Solar System and then a dwarf planet - Pluto. But now the astronomers are suspecting there is a 7 per cent chance that another planet is hiding in the Oort cloud near Earth. Oort cloud is a spherical region in space which is filled with ice chunks and rocks and is tens of thousands of times far from the Sun. Co-author of the study and astronomer at the Planetary Science Institute Nathan Kaib said, “It’s completely plausible for our solar system to have captured such an Oort cloud planet." He added that hidden worlds like this are “a class of planets that should definitely exist but have received relatively little attention” until now. Also Read: Strictly speaking, Earth is not revolving around the Sun currently. Here's what it means In case, there is a planet in the Oort cloud, it is likely to be an ice giant. Generally, large planets like Saturn and Jupiter come into existence as twins. However, such planets have huge gravitational pulls and can even destabilise another planet. This can lead to the nudging of a planet from the Solar System and moving it entirely to the outer reaches where the Oort Cloud is present. University of Bordeaux’s Astrophysics Laboratory researcher and lead author Sean Raymond said, “The survivor planets have eccentric orbits, which are like the scars from their violent pasts." How is an Oort cloud planet different from other planets? So a planet inside the Oort Cloud is likely to have a significantly elongated orbit, which is very different from the near-perfect circular shape of the Earth. The scientists find it difficult to spot such planets because they are far away. “It would be extremely hard to detect,” said Raymond. Watch: NASA releases Webb telescope images of a galactic merger Meanwhile, an astronomer at MIT Malena Rice said, “If a Neptune-sized planet existed in our own Oort cloud, there’s a good chance that we wouldn’t have found it yet." “Amazingly, it can sometimes be easier to spot planets hundreds of light-years away than those right in our own backyard," the astronomer said, reported indy100. (With inputs from agencies)

Unknown planet lurking in our Solar System? Scientists say Earth may have a new neighbour

<p>It has been taught to us from school days that Earth orbits around the Sun, which results in the cycle of day and night.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, if we try to understand the movement of Earth currently in the Solar System from the point of view of scientists,&nbsp;our planet is not currently orbiting the Sun.</p>

<h2><strong>So, what's happening between Earth and the Sun?</strong></h2>

<p>In the Solar System, the Sun is the largest object and has 1,048 times the mass of Jupiter. However, the gravitational pull which Earth exerts on the celestial body is exerted in the same or smaller amount on the planet.</p>

<p>"Kepler's third law describes the relationship between the masses of two objects mutually revolving around each other and the determination of orbital parameters,"&nbsp;explained NASA.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/house-for-astronauts-indian-startup-discusses-launch-of-space-habitat-by-2027-with-spacex-739929">House for astronauts? Indian startup discusses launch of 'space habitat' by 2027 with SpaceX</a></p>

<p>"Consider a small star in orbit about a more massive one. Both stars actually revolve about a common centre of mass, which is called the&nbsp;barycentre. This is true no matter what the size or mass of each of the objects involved. Measuring a star's motion about its barycenter with a massive planet is one method that has been used to discover planetary systems associated with distant stars," it added.</p>

<p>So, Earth orbits a barycentre and not exactly the Sun. Generally, the barycentre of the bodies in the Solar System is near the Sun, however, because of the mass, and influence of gas giants Jupiter and Saturn and orbits, it is rarely inside the Sun.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Where is the barycentre currently?</strong></h2>

<p>Currently, the barycentre is outside the Sun and not inside it and hence, Earth is not currently orbiting it. So, the planet is revolving around a point in space and not the Sun.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Explaining this positioning of the planet, planetary astronomer and science communicator&nbsp;James O'Donoghue said, "Planets orbit the Sun in general terms", "but *technically* they don't orbit the Sun alone because the gravitational influence of (mainly) Jupiter means planets must orbit a new point in space."</p>

<p>"The planets do orbit the Sun of course, we are just being pedantic about the situation," he&nbsp;added. "The natural thinking is that we orbit the Sun's centre, but that very rarely happens, i.e. it's very rare for the solar system's centre of mass to align with the Sun's centre," he added.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Indian astronauts to train at NASA from August</strong></p>

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<p>This also applies to the smaller objects, like the&nbsp;planets and their moons.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Earth and Moon orbit a point which is 5,000 kilometres&nbsp;(3,100 miles) from the Earth's centre, however, this keeps changing as the Moon slowly moves away from the Earth.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


It has been taught to us from school days that Earth orbits around the Sun, which results in the cycle of day and night. However, if we try to understand the movement of Earth currently in the Solar System from the point of view of scientists, our planet is not currently orbiting the Sun.

It has been taught to us from school days that Earth orbits around the Sun, which results in the cycle of day and night. However, if we try to understand the movement of Earth currently in the Solar System from the point of view of scientists, our planet is not currently orbiting the Sun. So, what's happening between Earth and the Sun? In the Solar System, the Sun is the largest object and has 1,048 times the mass of Jupiter. However, the gravitational pull which Earth exerts on the celestial body is exerted in the same or smaller amount on the planet. "Kepler's third law describes the relationship between the masses of two objects mutually revolving around each other and the determination of orbital parameters," explained NASA. Also Read: House for astronauts? Indian startup discusses launch of 'space habitat' by 2027 with SpaceX "Consider a small star in orbit about a more massive one. Both stars actually revolve about a common centre of mass, which is called the barycentre. This is true no matter what the size or mass of each of the objects involved. Measuring a star's motion about its barycenter with a massive planet is one method that has been used to discover planetary systems associated with distant stars," it added. So, Earth orbits a barycentre and not exactly the Sun. Generally, the barycentre of the bodies in the Solar System is near the Sun, however, because of the mass, and influence of gas giants Jupiter and Saturn and orbits, it is rarely inside the Sun. Where is the barycentre currently? Currently, the barycentre is outside the Sun and not inside it and hence, Earth is not currently orbiting it. So, the planet is revolving around a point in space and not the Sun. Explaining this positioning of the planet, planetary astronomer and science communicator James O'Donoghue said, "Planets orbit the Sun in general terms", "but *technically* they don't orbit the Sun alone because the gravitational influence of (mainly) Jupiter means planets must orbit a new point in space." "The planets do orbit the Sun of course, we are just being pedantic about the situation," he added. "The natural thinking is that we orbit the Sun's centre, but that very rarely happens, i.e. it's very rare for the solar system's centre of mass to align with the Sun's centre," he added. Watch: Indian astronauts to train at NASA from August This also applies to the smaller objects, like the planets and their moons. The Earth and Moon orbit a point which is 5,000 kilometres (3,100 miles) from the Earth's centre, however, this keeps changing as the Moon slowly moves away from the Earth. (With inputs from agencies)

Strictly speaking, Earth is not revolving around the Sun currently. Here's what it means

<p>Crafted by humans nearly 2,600 to 2,900 years ago, the oldest map of the world Imago Mundi - which is also called the “Babylonian Map of the World" still exists in the form of a tablet.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The map helps in drawing a picture of ancient Babylonians and how they saw the world around them.</p>

<p>The map was created when the world was being led by the Neo-Babylonian Empire in the fields of architecture, culture, mathematics, and science.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>How did archaeologists discover the map?</strong></h2>

<p>The map was rediscovered in the 19th century. It was found by renowned archaeologist Hormuzd Rassam, who has excavated a few of the world's finest Assyrian and Babylonian antiquities.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/pig-hunt-painting-emerges-as-oldest-artwork-of-humans-in-indonesian-cave-737902">THIS animal was painted in first artwork created by humans in Indonesian cave</a></p>

<p>In these antiquities was the table which contained the&nbsp;Epic of Gilgamesh, which is the oldest piece of literature in the world.</p>

<p>In 1881, while excavating Sippar in present-day Iraq, Rassam discovered the Babylonian Map of the World.</p>

<p>Currently, the British Museum&nbsp;in London has the map which is a cracked tablet, that measures 12.2 by 8.2 centimetres (4.8 by 3.2 inches) and contains a circular map along with pieces of text which are written in&nbsp;cuneiform.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Because the map is in poor condition, some of the information is missing from the artefact.</p>

<h2><strong>How map depicts Mesopotamia?</strong></h2>

<p>Mesopotamia, which is called the "cradle of civilisation", has been shown as a historical region in the Middle East.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a rectangle strip, the city of Babylon is marked. The parallel lines which cross this rectangle are said to be the Euphrates River.</p>

<p>Other cities and kingdoms like Assyria, Der, and Urartu are also marked on the map. A near-perfect circular band encloses all these settlements which represent “Bitter Water” or “Bitter River", which means the ocean.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Greece: Athens Acropolis closes due to heatwave</strong></p>

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<p>Beyond the ocean, at the top of the map is labelled a place “where the Sun is not seen.” It is said that they believed that this was a land of everlasting darkness.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A part of the text included various monsters as well as different creatures which live in the different regions, these included a great sea serpent, a scorpion-man, a winged horse and and a bull-man.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, it also mentions animals like gazelle, panthers, deer, monkeys,&nbsp;ibex, water buffalo, and wolves.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Crafted by humans nearly 2,600 to 2,900 years ago, the oldest map of the world Imago Mundi - which is also called the “Babylonian Map of the World" still exists in the form of a tablet.

Crafted by humans nearly 2,600 to 2,900 years ago, the oldest map of the world Imago Mundi - which is also called the “Babylonian Map of the World" still exists in the form of a tablet. The map helps in drawing a picture of ancient Babylonians and how they saw the world around them. The map was created when the world was being led by the Neo-Babylonian Empire in the fields of architecture, culture, mathematics, and science. How did archaeologists discover the map? The map was rediscovered in the 19th century. It was found by renowned archaeologist Hormuzd Rassam, who has excavated a few of the world's finest Assyrian and Babylonian antiquities. Also Read: THIS animal was painted in first artwork created by humans in Indonesian cave In these antiquities was the table which contained the Epic of Gilgamesh, which is the oldest piece of literature in the world. In 1881, while excavating Sippar in present-day Iraq, Rassam discovered the Babylonian Map of the World. Currently, the British Museum in London has the map which is a cracked tablet, that measures 12.2 by 8.2 centimetres (4.8 by 3.2 inches) and contains a circular map along with pieces of text which are written in cuneiform. Because the map is in poor condition, some of the information is missing from the artefact. How map depicts Mesopotamia? Mesopotamia, which is called the "cradle of civilisation", has been shown as a historical region in the Middle East. In a rectangle strip, the city of Babylon is marked. The parallel lines which cross this rectangle are said to be the Euphrates River. Other cities and kingdoms like Assyria, Der, and Urartu are also marked on the map. A near-perfect circular band encloses all these settlements which represent “Bitter Water” or “Bitter River", which means the ocean. Watch: Greece: Athens Acropolis closes due to heatwave Beyond the ocean, at the top of the map is labelled a place “where the Sun is not seen.” It is said that they believed that this was a land of everlasting darkness. A part of the text included various monsters as well as different creatures which live in the different regions, these included a great sea serpent, a scorpion-man, a winged horse and and a bull-man. Meanwhile, it also mentions animals like gazelle, panthers, deer, monkeys, ibex, water buffalo, and wolves. (With inputs from agencies)

Monsters, Bitter River, No Sun Region: Here's all about mysterious elements in world's oldest map

<p>A team of international researchers is inching closer to solving a solar mystery that has puzzled scientists for centuries. Astronomers have been stuck by the sun’s magnetic field while striving to understand where it originates.</p>

<p>This magnetic field is crucial as it drives various solar phenomena, including sunspots, solar flares and coronal mass ejections, which can impact Earth’s space weather. It also has the potention to disrupt radio transmissions and power grids on Earth.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The first key observations of the sun’s magnetic activity date back to the early 17th century, with Galileo Galilei’s pioneering work on sunspots. But pinpointing the exact source of the sun’s magnetic field has remained an elusive goal.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasas-voyager-1-resumes-full-ops-transmits-valuable-data-after-overcoming-malfunctions-732009">NASA's Voyager 1 resumes full ops, transmits valuable data after overcoming malfunction</a></p>

<p>However, in the study led by Geoffrey Vasil from Edinburgh University which involved conducting a series of calculations on a NASA supercomputer, the researchers pinpointed the origin of the sun’s magnetic field to be nearly 30,000 km below the sun's surface.&nbsp;The study was published in the journal Nature.</p>

<p>This finding challenges earlier theories that placed the source much deeper, around 200,000 km beneath the surface.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/first-major-lunar-standstill-in-more-than-18-years-to-occur-this-year-heres-how-to-see-it-731784">First 'major lunar standstill' in more than 18 years to occur this year. Here's how to see it</a></p>

<p>The paper's co-author Daniel Lecoanet from Northwestern University, said “This work proposes a new hypothesis for how the sun’s magnetic field is generated that better matches solar observations and, we hope, could be used to make better predictions of solar activity."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The team developed advanced numerical simulations to model the sun's magnetic field.</p>

<h2><strong>Torsional oscillations</strong></h2>

<p>Unlike previous models, this new model included torsional oscillations, a pattern of gas and plasma movement within and around the sun.</p>

<p>Since the sun is not solid, its rotation varies with latitude, and both the magnetic cycle and torsional oscillations share an 11-year cycle.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Cancer rate in younger people rising sharply as per new research</strong></p>

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<p>“Because the wave has the same period as the magnetic cycle, it has been thought that these phenomena were linked,” Lecoanet explained.</p>

<p>“However, the traditional ‘deep theory’ does not explain where torsional oscillations come from. An intriguing clue is that these are only near the surface of the sun. Our hypothesis is that the magnetic cycle and the torsional oscillations are different manifestations of the same physical process," he further said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A team of international researchers is inching closer to solving a solar mystery that has puzzled scientists for centuries. Astronomers have been stuck by the sun’s magnetic field while striving to understand where it originates.

A team of international researchers is inching closer to solving a solar mystery that has puzzled scientists for centuries. Astronomers have been stuck by the sun’s magnetic field while striving to understand where it originates. This magnetic field is crucial as it drives various solar phenomena, including sunspots, solar flares and coronal mass ejections, which can impact Earth’s space weather. It also has the potention to disrupt radio transmissions and power grids on Earth. The first key observations of the sun’s magnetic activity date back to the early 17th century, with Galileo Galilei’s pioneering work on sunspots. But pinpointing the exact source of the sun’s magnetic field has remained an elusive goal. Also Read | NASA's Voyager 1 resumes full ops, transmits valuable data after overcoming malfunction However, in the study led by Geoffrey Vasil from Edinburgh University which involved conducting a series of calculations on a NASA supercomputer, the researchers pinpointed the origin of the sun’s magnetic field to be nearly 30,000 km below the sun's surface. The study was published in the journal Nature. This finding challenges earlier theories that placed the source much deeper, around 200,000 km beneath the surface. Also Read | First 'major lunar standstill' in more than 18 years to occur this year. Here's how to see it The paper's co-author Daniel Lecoanet from Northwestern University, said “This work proposes a new hypothesis for how the sun’s magnetic field is generated that better matches solar observations and, we hope, could be used to make better predictions of solar activity." The team developed advanced numerical simulations to model the sun's magnetic field. Torsional oscillations Unlike previous models, this new model included torsional oscillations, a pattern of gas and plasma movement within and around the sun. Since the sun is not solid, its rotation varies with latitude, and both the magnetic cycle and torsional oscillations share an 11-year cycle. Watch | Cancer rate in younger people rising sharply as per new research × “Because the wave has the same period as the magnetic cycle, it has been thought that these phenomena were linked,” Lecoanet explained. “However, the traditional ‘deep theory’ does not explain where torsional oscillations come from. An intriguing clue is that these are only near the surface of the sun. Our hypothesis is that the magnetic cycle and the torsional oscillations are different manifestations of the same physical process," he further said. (With inputs from agencies)

Researchers close in on centuries-old solar mystery of Sun's magnetic field

<p>A major release of intense solar flare from the Sun, which created a dazzling spectacle, was captured in detail by a NASA solar observatory.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, when the eruption was closely observed, it appeared that a lot of solar material in the vast plasma plume had not been able to escape the grasp of&nbsp;the sun and the explosion turned into a failure.</p>

<p>In the video which was captured by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory during an M-class&nbsp;solar flare, a huge plasma plume was seen rising from the surface of the sun, however, only to go back in an apparent "failed eruption".</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/sun-fires-massive-solar-flares-directly-at-earth-australia-japan-and-china-witness-radio-blackouts-718609">Sun fires massive solar flares directly at Earth; Australia, Japan and China witness radio&nbsp;blackouts</a></p>

<p>Taking to X, solar astrophysicist&nbsp;Ryan French wrote about the event, "A gorgeous #SolarFlare on the Sun today! &nbsp;Just look at how the falling plasma impacts and flows down the magnetic field - physics in action." &nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">It looks like nearly all of the plasma associated with the M4 flare eruption fell back into the Sun and was reabsorbed with just a small puff appearing in coronagraph imagery. 🥱👎🏻 <a href="https://t.co/fYZ1kaxnI1">pic.twitter.com/fYZ1kaxnI1</a></p>
— ☀️ Sara Housseal ☀️ (@SNHWx) <a href="https://twitter.com/SNHWx/status/1797682794493288823?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 3, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>"As further data becomes available, it looks like this event is a prime example of a 'failed eruption'! Material attempted to leave the Sun, but didn't quite escape." French added.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">A gorgeous <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SolarFlare?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SolarFlare</a> on the Sun today! Just look at how the falling plasma impacts and flows down the magnetic field - physics in action. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/astronomy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#astronomy</a> <a href="https://t.co/1YAG9YHCSg">pic.twitter.com/1YAG9YHCSg</a></p>
— Dr. Ryan French (@RyanJFrench) <a href="https://twitter.com/RyanJFrench/status/1797666659534352764?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 3, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Solar flares refer to the bursts of electromagnetic radiation which were released from the&nbsp;surface of the sun.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per Spaceweather.com, electromagnetic radiation has been divided into different classes, which range from 1-10 (and beyond for X-class flares).</p>

<h2><strong>No northern lights with this solar flare</strong></h2>

<p>Since there was less eruptive material during the M-class solar flare, hence there were no chances of the appearance of northern lights.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Such solar eruptions can at times lead to impressive aurora across the world. On June 3, such powerful solar flares can be accompanied by a&nbsp;coronal mass ejection&nbsp;(CME), which is the release of plasma and magnetic field from the surface of the sun.&nbsp;</p>

<p>When Earth is hit by the CMEs, they can lead to geomagnetic storms which can create dynamic aurora that displays beyond their usual polar limits.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Sun launches strongest Solar flare of its current 11-year cycle</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/sun-launches-strongest-solar-flare-of-its-current-11-year-cycle-721926/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>However, the apparent "reeling in" of solar material noticed in the NASA&nbsp;Solar Dynamics Observatory&nbsp;footage showed no such eruption occurred.</p>

<p>"It looks like nearly all of the plasma associated with the M4 flare eruption fell back into the Sun and was reabsorbed with just a small puff appearing in coronagraph imagery," said space weather forecaster and meteorologist Sara Housseal,&nbsp;in a post on X.</p>

<p>"Just 4 CMEs detected by SOHO today. They seem to be very obscure ones - hard to see in the data shown here. They seem barely more than "puffs"!" physicist Keith Strong wrote on&nbsp;X post on June 3.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A major release of intense solar flare from the Sun, which created a dazzling spectacle, was captured in detail by a NASA solar observatory. However, when the eruption was closely observed, it appeared that a lot of solar material in the vast plasma plume had not been able to escape the grasp of the sun and the explosion turned into a failure.

A major release of intense solar flare from the Sun, which created a dazzling spectacle, was captured in detail by a NASA solar observatory. However, when the eruption was closely observed, it appeared that a lot of solar material in the vast plasma plume had not been able to escape the grasp of the sun and the explosion turned into a failure. In the video which was captured by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory during an M-class solar flare, a huge plasma plume was seen rising from the surface of the sun, however, only to go back in an apparent "failed eruption". Also Read: Sun fires massive solar flares directly at Earth; Australia, Japan and China witness radio blackouts Taking to X, solar astrophysicist Ryan French wrote about the event, "A gorgeous #SolarFlare on the Sun today! Just look at how the falling plasma impacts and flows down the magnetic field - physics in action." It looks like nearly all of the plasma associated with the M4 flare eruption fell back into the Sun and was reabsorbed with just a small puff appearing in coronagraph imagery. 🥱👎🏻 pic.twitter.com/fYZ1kaxnI1 — ☀️ Sara Housseal ☀️ (@SNHWx) June 3, 2024 × "As further data becomes available, it looks like this event is a prime example of a 'failed eruption'! Material attempted to leave the Sun, but didn't quite escape." French added. A gorgeous #SolarFlare on the Sun today! Just look at how the falling plasma impacts and flows down the magnetic field - physics in action. #astronomy pic.twitter.com/1YAG9YHCSg — Dr. Ryan French (@RyanJFrench) June 3, 2024 × Solar flares refer to the bursts of electromagnetic radiation which were released from the surface of the sun. As per Spaceweather.com, electromagnetic radiation has been divided into different classes, which range from 1-10 (and beyond for X-class flares). No northern lights with this solar flare Since there was less eruptive material during the M-class solar flare, hence there were no chances of the appearance of northern lights. Such solar eruptions can at times lead to impressive aurora across the world. On June 3, such powerful solar flares can be accompanied by a coronal mass ejection (CME), which is the release of plasma and magnetic field from the surface of the sun. When Earth is hit by the CMEs, they can lead to geomagnetic storms which can create dynamic aurora that displays beyond their usual polar limits. Watch: Sun launches strongest Solar flare of its current 11-year cycle However, the apparent "reeling in" of solar material noticed in the NASA Solar Dynamics Observatory footage showed no such eruption occurred. "It looks like nearly all of the plasma associated with the M4 flare eruption fell back into the Sun and was reabsorbed with just a small puff appearing in coronagraph imagery," said space weather forecaster and meteorologist Sara Housseal, in a post on X. "Just 4 CMEs detected by SOHO today. They seem to be very obscure ones - hard to see in the data shown here. They seem barely more than "puffs"!" physicist Keith Strong wrote on X post on June 3. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch: Sun captured firing off intense solar flare, then gulping it back

The world witnessed shimmering Northern Lights, unlike the name they were visible as far away as in the dark. While the solar storms didn't cause much damage except nudging some satellites a few hundred meters from their orbit the question of course is can we even predict them? Now a new study has thrown some exciting insights.

Unveiling the origin of the sun's magnetic field

The Sun's volatile activity peaked late Tuesday when the colossal sunspot AR3664 unleashed a massive solar flare, the most powerful eruption of the current solar cycle. Watch in for more details!

Beyond auroras: Solar flares impact Earth's core?

Biggest Solar flare in 10 years hits Earth

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<p>With the help of the James Webb Space Telescope, scientists have spotted the most ancient collision of a black hole,&nbsp;likely to have&nbsp;taken place&nbsp;when the universe was only 740 million years old.</p>

<p>For the first time, astronomers have spotted such a merger&nbsp;which&nbsp;also appears to be the first one to have taken place in the&nbsp;history of the universe. It occurred in the galaxy system called ZS7.</p>

<p>Black holes are massive cosmic items spread across our universe&nbsp;and&nbsp;their gravitational fields are strong enough to stop even light from escaping their event horizons.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/parasite-black-holes-devouring-stars-from-inside-says-study-670146">Parasite black holes devouring stars from inside, says study</a></p>

<p>When two black holes merge, they sound dreadful&nbsp;and&nbsp;the process takes place slowly as they&nbsp;coalesce&nbsp;into a single object.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>One black hole was 50 million times the mass of the Sun:&nbsp;Scientists</strong></h2>

<p>In an ESA&nbsp;(European Space Agency) release,&nbsp;the&nbsp;study’s&nbsp;lead author and an astronomer at the&nbsp;University of Cambridge&nbsp;Hannah&nbsp;Ubler&nbsp;said,&nbsp;“Our findings suggest that merging is an important route through which black holes can rapidly grow, even at cosmic dawn."&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Together with other Webb findings of active, massive black holes in the distant Universe, our results also show that massive black holes have been shaping the evolution of galaxies from the very beginning,"&nbsp;she said.</p>

<p>The vision of the James Webb Telescope was so sharp that the team spatially separated the two black holes&nbsp;which&nbsp;helped them understand some of their physical characteristics.</p>

<p>It was found&nbsp;that one of the Black Holes was nearly 50 million times&nbsp;the mass of the Sun&nbsp;and&nbsp;the other was hidden&nbsp;in a dense cloud of gas.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Gigantic sunspot wide enough to fill 15 worlds becomes visible&nbsp;</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gigantic-sunspot-wide-enough-to-fill-15-worlds-becomes-visible-trending-on-wion-720156/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>The&nbsp;full paper of the team&nbsp;on&nbsp;the discovery&nbsp;was&nbsp;published&nbsp;in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society.</p>

<p>The Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA),&nbsp;which is&nbsp;a&nbsp;space-based gravitational wave observatory, was formally adopted by the ESA in January&nbsp;which&nbsp;paved the way for the eventual operation and launch of the spacecraft.</p>

<p>In the press release,&nbsp;LISA’s&nbsp;lead&nbsp;project scientist at the European Space Agency&nbsp; Nora&nbsp; Luetzgendorf&nbsp; said, “Webb’s&nbsp; results are telling us that lighter systems detectable by LISA should be far more frequent than previously assumed."</p>

<p>“It will most likely make us adjust our models for LISA rates in this mass range.&nbsp;This&nbsp;is just the tip of the iceberg,"&nbsp;she added.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


With the help of the James Webb Space Telescope, scientists have spotted the most ancient collision of a black hole, likely to have taken place when the universe was only 740 million years old.

With the help of the James Webb Space Telescope, scientists have spotted the most ancient collision of a black hole, likely to have taken place when the universe was only 740 million years old. For the first time, astronomers have spotted such a merger which also appears to be the first one to have taken place in the history of the universe. It occurred in the galaxy system called ZS7. Black holes are massive cosmic items spread across our universe and their gravitational fields are strong enough to stop even light from escaping their event horizons. Also Read: Parasite black holes devouring stars from inside, says study When two black holes merge, they sound dreadful and the process takes place slowly as they coalesce into a single object. One black hole was 50 million times the mass of the Sun: Scientists In an ESA (European Space Agency) release, the study’s lead author and an astronomer at the University of Cambridge Hannah Ubler said, “Our findings suggest that merging is an important route through which black holes can rapidly grow, even at cosmic dawn." “Together with other Webb findings of active, massive black holes in the distant Universe, our results also show that massive black holes have been shaping the evolution of galaxies from the very beginning," she said. The vision of the James Webb Telescope was so sharp that the team spatially separated the two black holes which helped them understand some of their physical characteristics. It was found that one of the Black Holes was nearly 50 million times the mass of the Sun and the other was hidden in a dense cloud of gas. Watch: Gigantic sunspot wide enough to fill 15 worlds becomes visible The full paper of the team on the discovery was published in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society. The Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA), which is a space-based gravitational wave observatory, was formally adopted by the ESA in January which paved the way for the eventual operation and launch of the spacecraft. In the press release, LISA’s lead project scientist at the European Space Agency Nora Luetzgendorf said, “Webb’s results are telling us that lighter systems detectable by LISA should be far more frequent than previously assumed." “It will most likely make us adjust our models for LISA rates in this mass range. This is just the tip of the iceberg," she added. (With inputs from agencies)

Massive collision of black holes took place in ancient space. One had 50 million times mass of Sun

The sun's volatile activity peaked late Tuesday when the colossal sunspot AR3664 unleashed a massive solar flare, the most powerful eruption of the current solar cycle. Watch in for more details!

Sun launches strongest Solar flare of its current 11-year cycle

Sun launches strongest solar flare of current cycle

Furious sun unleashes massive solar flare, biggest flare hits Earth in 10 years

Sun has Unleashed a massive solar flare is one of the biggest the sun sports are also glowing and growing which experts say could unleash more such flares. Here's a report.

Sun leashes massive Solar flare

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<p>The sun emitted its biggest solar flare since 2005 on Tuesday (May 14), days after Earth was hit by severe solar storms and led to dazzling northern lights in different places.</p>

<p>According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's&nbsp;(NOAA) Space Weather Prediction Centre, the latest flare reached its peak just before 1 pm ET and had an X-class rating of X8.7.&nbsp;</p>

<p>X-class solar flares are the strongest solar flares, which according to NASA are "giant explosions on the sun&nbsp;that send energy, light and&nbsp;high speed&nbsp;particles into space."&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per the centre, the solar flare was an R3 or "strong" flare, which meant that it may have led to wide-area blackouts of high-frequency radio communications for nearly an hour on the Earth's sunlit side.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/gigantic-sunspot-wide-enough-to-fill-15-worlds-hits-earth-with-powerful-x-class-solar-flare-720050">Gigantic sunspot, wide enough to fill 15 worlds, hits Earth with powerful X-class solar flare</a></p>

<p>It may have also led to low-frequency navigation signal issues during the same&nbsp;period of time.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Sunspot, much larger than Earth, to soon explode into flares</strong></h2>

<p>"Flares of this magnitude are not frequent," said the&nbsp;centre&nbsp;in its update, as the NOAA also wrote, "Region 3664 not done yet!"</p>

<p>The solar flare was released from the sunspot named 3664. When that spot is combined with another sunspot dubbed 3663, it becomes "much larger than Earth," NOAA said.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The Sun emitted a strong solar flare on May 14, 2024, peaking at 12:51pm ET. NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory captured an image of the event, which was classified as X8.7. <a href="https://t.co/njaYS2IutE">https://t.co/njaYS2IutE</a> <a href="https://t.co/oIJn2gmIUF">pic.twitter.com/oIJn2gmIUF</a></p>
— NASA Sun &amp; Space (@NASASun) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASASun/status/1790437601473605907?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 14, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>The centre said that till last Thursday, 3664 was only continuing "to grow and increase in magnetic complexity and has&nbsp;evolved into a higher threat&nbsp;of increased solar flare risk."</p>

<p>Just before the massive solar flare, two other solar flares, rated X1.7 and X1.2,&nbsp;also erupted, even though they were not likely&nbsp;to have any major impact&nbsp;on Earth.</p>

<p>Even though the flare had intensity, the officials said that they were not concerned about coronal mass ejection.</p>

<p>Such coronal mass ejection had caused geomagnetic storms like the&nbsp;rare extreme storm&nbsp;which took place over the weekend and sent the&nbsp;northern lights&nbsp;to far lower latitudes than normal. It also jeopardised the GPS systems&nbsp;on which farmers rely during the planting season.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Strong solar storm hits earth; threatens to disrupt communication &amp; power grids</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/strong-solar-storm-hits-earth-threatens-to-disrupt-communication-power-grids-720548/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>"Due to its location, any CME associated with this flare&nbsp;will likely not&nbsp;have any geomagnetic impacts on Earth," the Space Weather Prediction Center said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Currently, Earth is in&nbsp;Solar Cycle 25 which started in 2020.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"While we are not predicting a particularly active Solar Cycle 25, violent eruptions from the Sun can occur at any time," said Doug Biesecker, a solar physicist at NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Centre.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The sun emitted its biggest solar flare since 2005 on Tuesday (May 14), days after Earth was hit by severe solar storms and led to dazzling northern lights in different places.

The sun emitted its biggest solar flare since 2005 on Tuesday (May 14), days after Earth was hit by severe solar storms and led to dazzling northern lights in different places. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction Centre, the latest flare reached its peak just before 1 pm ET and had an X-class rating of X8.7. X-class solar flares are the strongest solar flares, which according to NASA are "giant explosions on the sun that send energy, light and high speed particles into space." As per the centre, the solar flare was an R3 or "strong" flare, which meant that it may have led to wide-area blackouts of high-frequency radio communications for nearly an hour on the Earth's sunlit side. Also Read: Gigantic sunspot, wide enough to fill 15 worlds, hits Earth with powerful X-class solar flare It may have also led to low-frequency navigation signal issues during the same period of time. Sunspot, much larger than Earth, to soon explode into flares "Flares of this magnitude are not frequent," said the centre in its update, as the NOAA also wrote, "Region 3664 not done yet!" The solar flare was released from the sunspot named 3664. When that spot is combined with another sunspot dubbed 3663, it becomes "much larger than Earth," NOAA said. The Sun emitted a strong solar flare on May 14, 2024, peaking at 12:51pm ET. NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory captured an image of the event, which was classified as X8.7. https://t.co/njaYS2IutE pic.twitter.com/oIJn2gmIUF — NASA Sun & Space (@NASASun) May 14, 2024 × The centre said that till last Thursday, 3664 was only continuing "to grow and increase in magnetic complexity and has evolved into a higher threat of increased solar flare risk." Just before the massive solar flare, two other solar flares, rated X1.7 and X1.2, also erupted, even though they were not likely to have any major impact on Earth. Even though the flare had intensity, the officials said that they were not concerned about coronal mass ejection. Such coronal mass ejection had caused geomagnetic storms like the rare extreme storm which took place over the weekend and sent the northern lights to far lower latitudes than normal. It also jeopardised the GPS systems on which farmers rely during the planting season. Watch: Strong solar storm hits earth; threatens to disrupt communication & power grids "Due to its location, any CME associated with this flare will likely not have any geomagnetic impacts on Earth," the Space Weather Prediction Center said. Currently, Earth is in Solar Cycle 25 which started in 2020. "While we are not predicting a particularly active Solar Cycle 25, violent eruptions from the Sun can occur at any time," said Doug Biesecker, a solar physicist at NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Centre. (With inputs from agencies)

Sun releases strongest X-ray flares since 2005, scientists warn massive sunspot yet to burst

<p>Two supermassive black holes, which were discovered in collision-created 'fossil galaxies', are so huge in size that they do not collide and merge in the cosmic space.</p>

<p>This black hole system is present inside the elliptical galaxy B2 0402+379. When the two black holes were weighed jointly by the scientists, it was found that they were 28 billion times heavier than the sun. Hence, this one became the most massive black hole binary ever spotted.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also, the binary components of the black hole system are the closest in this supermassive black hole pair, with only a distance of 24 light-years between them.</p>

<p>Scientists for the first time have observed a supermassive black hole binary in such detail and tried to understand the two objects separately.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/fiery-red-supermassive-black-hole-found-when-universe-was-in-infancy-694718">Scientists find oldest fiery-red supermassive black hole from universe’s infancy</a></p>

<p>Interestingly, the proximity that the black holes share suggests that they should collide and merge, but they appear to remain locked in the same orbital dance close to each other for more than three billion years.</p>

<p>The team of scientists, who found the binary in the data which was collected by the Gemini North telescope in Hawaii, believe&nbsp;that the supermassive black holes are being stopped from merging because of their tremendous mass.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Normally, it seems that galaxies with lighter black hole pairs have enough stars and mass to drive the two together quickly," said Roger Romani, a member of the team and physics professor at Stanford University, in a statement.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Supermassive black holes filled with lots of stars, gas: Scientists&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>"Since this pair is so heavy, it required lots of stars and gas to get the job done. But the binary has scoured the central galaxy of such matter, leaving it stalled," he added.</p>

<p>B2 0402+379 is a "fossil cluster" which helps scientists understand what occurs when the stars and gas of an entire galaxy cluster merge and form one single massive galaxy.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Brightest and hungriest black hole ever detected; It eats one sun a day</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/brightest-and-hungriest-black-hole-ever-detected-it-eats-one-sun-a-a-day-692162/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>The huge amount of mass at the heart of the two supermassive black holes suggests that they were created by a chain of mergers between smaller black holes as multiple galaxies in the cluster merged together.</p>

<p>Scientists feel that at the heart of most of the galaxies is a supermassive black hole which has a mass equivalent to that of millions or billions of suns.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Two supermassive black holes, which were discovered in collision-created 'fossil galaxies', are so huge in size that they do not collide and merge in the cosmic space.

Two supermassive black holes, which were discovered in collision-created 'fossil galaxies', are so huge in size that they do not collide and merge in the cosmic space. This black hole system is present inside the elliptical galaxy B2 0402+379. When the two black holes were weighed jointly by the scientists, it was found that they were 28 billion times heavier than the sun. Hence, this one became the most massive black hole binary ever spotted. Also, the binary components of the black hole system are the closest in this supermassive black hole pair, with only a distance of 24 light-years between them. Scientists for the first time have observed a supermassive black hole binary in such detail and tried to understand the two objects separately. Also Read: Scientists find oldest fiery-red supermassive black hole from universe’s infancy Interestingly, the proximity that the black holes share suggests that they should collide and merge, but they appear to remain locked in the same orbital dance close to each other for more than three billion years. The team of scientists, who found the binary in the data which was collected by the Gemini North telescope in Hawaii, believe that the supermassive black holes are being stopped from merging because of their tremendous mass. "Normally, it seems that galaxies with lighter black hole pairs have enough stars and mass to drive the two together quickly," said Roger Romani, a member of the team and physics professor at Stanford University, in a statement. Supermassive black holes filled with lots of stars, gas: Scientists "Since this pair is so heavy, it required lots of stars and gas to get the job done. But the binary has scoured the central galaxy of such matter, leaving it stalled," he added. B2 0402+379 is a "fossil cluster" which helps scientists understand what occurs when the stars and gas of an entire galaxy cluster merge and form one single massive galaxy. Watch: Brightest and hungriest black hole ever detected; It eats one sun a day The huge amount of mass at the heart of the two supermassive black holes suggests that they were created by a chain of mergers between smaller black holes as multiple galaxies in the cluster merged together. Scientists feel that at the heart of most of the galaxies is a supermassive black hole which has a mass equivalent to that of millions or billions of suns. (With inputs from agencies)

Two supermassive black holes weigh 28 billion times more than sun: Scientists

Here, we bring you the news that is trending across WION's social media platforms: - Gigantic sunspot wide enough to fill 15 worlds becomes visible - Apple apologises for its controversial iPad pro ad of creative tools being crushed - NASA detects the farthest supermassive black hole ever observed - Elon Musk says aliens have never visited Earth

Gigantic sunspot wide enough to fill 15 worlds becomes visible | Trending on WION

<p>The sun released an extremely powerful solar flare on April 30 night which caused massive radio blackouts across the Pacific region. The flare peaked at 7:46 pm EDT (2346 GMT) and ended shortly after at 7:58 pm EDT (2358 GMT), Space.com reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A solar flare is a brief eruption of intense high-energy radiation from the sun's surface. The phenomenon is associated with sunspots and leads to radio and magnetic disturbances on the Earth.&nbsp;</p>

<p>There are different categories of solar flares labelled with different alphabets, with X-class being the most powerful. After that, there is M-class which is 10 times less powerful than X-class.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/surprise-scientists-discover-earliest-known-galaxies-since-about-beginning-of-time-717378">'Surprise'! Scientists discover earliest known galaxies since about beginning of time</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>C-class is after M-class and weaker too, but more powerful than &nbsp;B-class. The last one is A-class, which is 10 times the weakest of all and doesn't pose noticeable dangers to planet Earth.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Spaceweatherlive.com reported that the one that struck Earth on Tuesday clocked in at M9.53, which was measured by NASA's GOES-16 satellite. It put the solar flare in M-class, however, it was a range very close to X-class.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The last X-class solar flare, which had the capacity to ionise the part of Earth's atmosphere, was detected on March 28. The Space Weather had then reported that the explosion was so powerful that it led to a "deep shortwave radio blackout over the Pacific Ocean".&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/isro-captures-high-resolution-images-of-chandrayaan-3s-vikram-lander-pragyan-rover-resting-on-moon-717383">ISRO captures high-resolution images of Chandrayaan-3's Vikram lander, Pragyan rover resting on Moon</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Strong solar produces widespread radio blackouts due to the intense pulse of X-rays and high ultraviolet radiation pacing towards Earth.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Space.com reported that the April 30 solar flare emitted radiation that impacted the sunlit portion of Earth when it erupted, which in this case was the Pacific region.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Mariners and ham radio operators may have noticed a loss of signal below 20 MHz for as much as 30 minutes after the flare's peak,"&nbsp;Spaceweather.com reported.</p>

<p>While commenting on the recent flare, astrophysicist Ryan French posted on X: "Despite high sunspot numbers for the last couple of weeks, tonight's near X-class #SolarFlare is the first decent-sized flare in some time! When and where will the next X-class event come from?"&nbsp;</p>

<p>A solar scientist, Alex Young, also took to X to write: "It is always exciting when a sunspot region lives up to its potential. AR3654 has just done that."&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">😱Update Apr 30, 2024: Almost X flare!<br />
<br />
👏💥🤩It is always exciting when a sunspot region lives up to its potential. AR3654 has just done that. At 23:23 UTC on Apr 30, the region released a flare that almost made it to X with an M9.5.<br />
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🧐MORE at EarthSky: <a href="https://t.co/xD29wLfm4e">https://t.co/xD29wLfm4e</a> <a href="https://t.co/efGC1G2Rn8">pic.twitter.com/efGC1G2Rn8</a></p>
— Dr. C. Alex Young (@TheSunToday) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheSunToday/status/1785472799106011573?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 1, 2024</a></blockquote>
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The sun released an extremely powerful solar flare on April 30 night which caused massive radio blackouts across the Pacific region. The flare peaked at 7:46 pm EDT (2346 GMT) and ended shortly after at 7:58 pm EDT (2358 GMT), Space.

The sun released an extremely powerful solar flare on April 30 night which caused massive radio blackouts across the Pacific region. The flare peaked at 7:46 pm EDT (2346 GMT) and ended shortly after at 7:58 pm EDT (2358 GMT), Space.com reported. A solar flare is a brief eruption of intense high-energy radiation from the sun's surface. The phenomenon is associated with sunspots and leads to radio and magnetic disturbances on the Earth. There are different categories of solar flares labelled with different alphabets, with X-class being the most powerful. After that, there is M-class which is 10 times less powerful than X-class. Also read: 'Surprise'! Scientists discover earliest known galaxies since about beginning of time C-class is after M-class and weaker too, but more powerful than B-class. The last one is A-class, which is 10 times the weakest of all and doesn't pose noticeable dangers to planet Earth. Spaceweatherlive.com reported that the one that struck Earth on Tuesday clocked in at M9.53, which was measured by NASA's GOES-16 satellite. It put the solar flare in M-class, however, it was a range very close to X-class. The last X-class solar flare, which had the capacity to ionise the part of Earth's atmosphere, was detected on March 28. The Space Weather had then reported that the explosion was so powerful that it led to a "deep shortwave radio blackout over the Pacific Ocean". Also read: ISRO captures high-resolution images of Chandrayaan-3's Vikram lander, Pragyan rover resting on Moon Strong solar produces widespread radio blackouts due to the intense pulse of X-rays and high ultraviolet radiation pacing towards Earth. Space.com reported that the April 30 solar flare emitted radiation that impacted the sunlit portion of Earth when it erupted, which in this case was the Pacific region. "Mariners and ham radio operators may have noticed a loss of signal below 20 MHz for as much as 30 minutes after the flare's peak," Spaceweather.com reported. While commenting on the recent flare, astrophysicist Ryan French posted on X: "Despite high sunspot numbers for the last couple of weeks, tonight's near X-class #SolarFlare is the first decent-sized flare in some time! When and where will the next X-class event come from?" A solar scientist, Alex Young, also took to X to write: "It is always exciting when a sunspot region lives up to its potential. AR3654 has just done that." 😱Update Apr 30, 2024: Almost X flare! 👏💥🤩It is always exciting when a sunspot region lives up to its potential. AR3654 has just done that. At 23:23 UTC on Apr 30, the region released a flare that almost made it to X with an M9.5. 🧐MORE at EarthSky: https://t.co/xD29wLfm4e pic.twitter.com/efGC1G2Rn8 — Dr. C. Alex Young (@TheSunToday) May 1, 2024 ×

Massive, near X-class, solar flares led to radio blackouts across the Pacific

<p>The dazzling green auroras are illuminating Earth's planetary neighbour Mars as well. According to the data collected by a NASA spacecraft, the invisible "global auroras" have been covering Mars frequently in the recent past.</p>

<p>This is linked to a stage called solar maximum, the peak in the sun's roughly 11-year solar cycle.</p>

<h2><strong>Mars and Auroras: What are they?</strong></h2>

<p>Mars is often bombarded with high energy radiation from the Sun. These rays from the Sun are&nbsp;in the form of solar energetic particles (SEPs). They penetrate the thin atmosphere of Mars and react with the molecules of hydrogen. As a result, the light, seen as Auroras is&nbsp;emitted.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/bright-purple-and-green-lights-spotted-in-the-sky-are-not-auroras-but-steve-heres-what-they-are-664130">What's STEVE? After auroras, purple &amp; green lights in skies dazzle earthlings</a></strong></p>

<p>But notably, the auroras on Mars emit ultraviolet light instead of visible light. That is, unlike Earth, the auroras on Mars cannot be seen with the naked eye.</p>

<p>The Martian auroras are called the proton auroras.</p>

<h2><strong>How did NASA spot Auroras on Mars?</strong></h2>

<p>NASA's Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution (MAVEN) spacecraft has been orbiting the Red Planet since 2013.</p>

<p>It detected the first proton auroras on Mars in 2016.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But most of the auroras observed by MAVEN have been localised to specific regions. But once in a blue Moon, these invisible light shows cover an entire hemisphere that is facing the sun. Under this phenomenon, researchers call it a global aurora.</p>

<p>"Mars is experiencing its greatest level of auroral activity in the past 10 years," Nick Schneider, a planetary scientist at the University of Colorado Boulder and lead scientist of MAVEN's Imaging Ultraviolet Spectrograph instrument group, told Spaceweather.com.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;This study suggests ancient Mars was also hit by climate change</strong></p>

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<p>"In February alone, there were three episodes of global auroras — an 'aurora hat trick' we have never seen before."</p>

<p>The global aurora events can last several days; the triple February auroras occurred on Feb. 3-4, Feb. 7-10 and Feb. 15-16, <em>Live Science</em> reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Mars is not the only planet other than Earth to have auroras. Other light shows have been spotted on Mercury, Jupiter, Saturn and Uranus, according to Space.com. Scientists have also spotted aurora-like phenomena on the Sun for the first time.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The dazzling green auroras are illuminating Earth's planetary neighbour Mars as well. According to the data collected by a NASA spacecraft, the invisible "global auroras" have been covering Mars frequently in the recent past.

The dazzling green auroras are illuminating Earth's planetary neighbour Mars as well. According to the data collected by a NASA spacecraft, the invisible "global auroras" have been covering Mars frequently in the recent past. This is linked to a stage called solar maximum, the peak in the sun's roughly 11-year solar cycle. Mars and Auroras: What are they? Mars is often bombarded with high energy radiation from the Sun. These rays from the Sun are in the form of solar energetic particles (SEPs). They penetrate the thin atmosphere of Mars and react with the molecules of hydrogen. As a result, the light, seen as Auroras is emitted. Also read | What's STEVE? After auroras, purple & green lights in skies dazzle earthlings But notably, the auroras on Mars emit ultraviolet light instead of visible light. That is, unlike Earth, the auroras on Mars cannot be seen with the naked eye. The Martian auroras are called the proton auroras. How did NASA spot Auroras on Mars? NASA's Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution (MAVEN) spacecraft has been orbiting the Red Planet since 2013. It detected the first proton auroras on Mars in 2016. But most of the auroras observed by MAVEN have been localised to specific regions. But once in a blue Moon, these invisible light shows cover an entire hemisphere that is facing the sun. Under this phenomenon, researchers call it a global aurora. "Mars is experiencing its greatest level of auroral activity in the past 10 years," Nick Schneider, a planetary scientist at the University of Colorado Boulder and lead scientist of MAVEN's Imaging Ultraviolet Spectrograph instrument group, told Spaceweather.com. Also watch | This study suggests ancient Mars was also hit by climate change × "In February alone, there were three episodes of global auroras — an 'aurora hat trick' we have never seen before." The global aurora events can last several days; the triple February auroras occurred on Feb. 3-4, Feb. 7-10 and Feb. 15-16, Live Science reported. Mars is not the only planet other than Earth to have auroras. Other light shows have been spotted on Mercury, Jupiter, Saturn and Uranus, according to Space.com. Scientists have also spotted aurora-like phenomena on the Sun for the first time. (With inputs from agencies)

Chaos on Sun dazzles Mars with invisible Auroras

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidMhdjsZtE9vYt" /></p>

<p>In a rare event, four solar flares simultaneously exploded from four different points across the Sun's surface.</p>

<p>The "quadruple" solar flare might have also sent a solar storm towards Earth, which could reach our planet in the coming days, Spaceweather.com reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory, the tetrad eruption started at around 01:00 am EDT (10:30 am IST) on Tuesday (April 23). While three of the outbursts came from sunspots, one came from a magnetic filament, a large loop of plasma suspended over the solar surface between the three dark patches.</p>

<p>The eruption sites were hundreds of miles away. The area between them covered around a third of the solar surface facing Earth.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Such concurrent blasts, called sympathetic solar flares, are part of a single eruption. It occurs when massive magnetic field loops that arch above the solar surface link these sunspots or filaments with each other. When one of them erupts, the others quickly follow.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/from-gibberish-to-clarity-voyager-1-ends-radio-silence-thanks-to-nasa-engineers-ingenious-repair-714089">Voyager 1 ends 'radio silence' thanks to NASA's software repair 15 billion miles away from Earth</a></p>

<p>In most cases, sympathetic flares linked two sunspots, ranging in intensity from small outbursts to X-class flares, the&nbsp;strongest&nbsp;solar flares the Sun can produce. However&nbsp;this time, there were twice as many flares as usual, making it a "super-sympathetic" flare.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It is currently uncertain how powerful the blast was when the sunspots combined. However, due to the large area affected, there is a possibility that&nbsp;some of the debris could be directed&nbsp;towards Earth.&nbsp;This debris would likely be a massive&nbsp;cloud of&nbsp;plasma and&nbsp;radiation,&nbsp;called a coronal mass ejection (CME).&nbsp;If confirmed, the CME could hit our planet within the next few days and cause stunning auroras near the magnetic poles.</p>

<p>It is the third sympathetic solar flare of 2024. The first occurred in January, followed by an X-class flare duo in March.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to a study conducted in 2022, sympathetic solar flares are more likely to happen during or around solar maximum, the most active phase of the Sun's approximately 11-year solar cycle.</p>

<p>The study analysed almost 40 years of solar flare data. Some researchers think this explosive peak&nbsp;has already&nbsp;started about a year earlier than predicted.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In a rare event, four solar flares simultaneously exploded from four different points across the Sun's surface. The "quadruple" solar flare might have also sent a solar storm towards Earth, which could reach our planet in the coming days, Spaceweather.

In a rare event, four solar flares simultaneously exploded from four different points across the Sun's surface. The "quadruple" solar flare might have also sent a solar storm towards Earth, which could reach our planet in the coming days, Spaceweather.com reported. According to NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory, the tetrad eruption started at around 01:00 am EDT (10:30 am IST) on Tuesday (April 23). While three of the outbursts came from sunspots, one came from a magnetic filament, a large loop of plasma suspended over the solar surface between the three dark patches. The eruption sites were hundreds of miles away. The area between them covered around a third of the solar surface facing Earth. Such concurrent blasts, called sympathetic solar flares, are part of a single eruption. It occurs when massive magnetic field loops that arch above the solar surface link these sunspots or filaments with each other. When one of them erupts, the others quickly follow. ALSO READ | Voyager 1 ends 'radio silence' thanks to NASA's software repair 15 billion miles away from Earth In most cases, sympathetic flares linked two sunspots, ranging in intensity from small outbursts to X-class flares, the strongest solar flares the Sun can produce. However this time, there were twice as many flares as usual, making it a "super-sympathetic" flare. It is currently uncertain how powerful the blast was when the sunspots combined. However, due to the large area affected, there is a possibility that some of the debris could be directed towards Earth. This debris would likely be a massive cloud of plasma and radiation, called a coronal mass ejection (CME). If confirmed, the CME could hit our planet within the next few days and cause stunning auroras near the magnetic poles. It is the third sympathetic solar flare of 2024. The first occurred in January, followed by an X-class flare duo in March. According to a study conducted in 2022, sympathetic solar flares are more likely to happen during or around solar maximum, the most active phase of the Sun's approximately 11-year solar cycle. The study analysed almost 40 years of solar flare data. Some researchers think this explosive peak has already started about a year earlier than predicted. (With inputs from agencies)

Debris from rare 'super' explosion on Sun with four solar flares erupting simultaneously likely to hit Earth

<p>Scientists have discovered what they call “Milky Way's most massive" black hole yet. To put its size into perspective, it’s at least 33 times bigger than the Sun and located 2,000 light years away from us. Astronomers at the European Southern Observatory's Gaia mission spotted the gigantic black hole when they noticed a star wobbling as it orbited the area.</p>

<p>The black hole has been named Gaia BH3. It’s the second-closest black hole to Earth and sits in the Aquila constellation. Gaia is a Latin word which means “the eagle”.</p>

<p>"No one was expecting to find a high-mass black hole lurking nearby, undetected so far," said Pasquale Panuzzo, an astronomer from the National Centre for Scientific Research at the Observatoire de Paris. "This is the kind of discovery you make once in your research life," the astronomer added.</p>

<h2><strong>How are black holes formed?</strong></h2>

<p>Black holes are formed when stars reach the end of their lives. Most of these stars inflate, lose mass and cool down to become “white dwarfs” but others lose less mass that don’t contain heavy elements. These stars are called ‘metal-poor stars’ and instead of becoming white dwarfs, they collapse in on themselves and form a black hole.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;New evidence suggests size of the Sun could be smaller</strong></p>

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<p>It indicates that the star that collapsed to form a Gaia BH3 black hole must have been a metal-poor star. More clues can be derived from the "wobbly" star orbiting it as stars in pairs tend to be similar.</p>

<p>Interestingly, the wobbly star is also a metal-poor star.</p>

<h2><strong>50 stellar black holes in the Milky Way</strong></h2>

<p>Scientists at NASA believe there are more than 50 stellar black holes in the Milky Way galaxy.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwid7OjYyMaFAxW6VEEAHa4IBmQQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/science/brace-up-for-science-revision-children-scientists-just-identified-how-we-taste-it-bitter-711705" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/science/brace-up-for-science-revision-children-scientists-just-identified-how-we-taste-it-bitter-711705&amp;ved=2ahUKEwid7OjYyMaFAxW6VEEAHa4IBmQQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE">Brace up for science revision children. Scientists just identified how we taste it bitter</a></strong></p>

<p>Earlier in January, astronomers said they had discovered the oldest black hole ever, dating back to the early universe more than 13 billion years ago.</p>

<p>The black hole is located in an ancient galaxy called GN-z11, located 13.4 billion light years away, and was spotted using the James Webb Space Telescope.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Scientists have discovered what they call “Milky Way's most massive" black hole yet. To put its size into perspective, it’s at least 33 times bigger than the Sun and located 2,000 light years away from us.

Scientists have discovered what they call “Milky Way's most massive" black hole yet. To put its size into perspective, it’s at least 33 times bigger than the Sun and located 2,000 light years away from us. Astronomers at the European Southern Observatory's Gaia mission spotted the gigantic black hole when they noticed a star wobbling as it orbited the area. The black hole has been named Gaia BH3. It’s the second-closest black hole to Earth and sits in the Aquila constellation. Gaia is a Latin word which means “the eagle”. "No one was expecting to find a high-mass black hole lurking nearby, undetected so far," said Pasquale Panuzzo, an astronomer from the National Centre for Scientific Research at the Observatoire de Paris. "This is the kind of discovery you make once in your research life," the astronomer added. How are black holes formed? Black holes are formed when stars reach the end of their lives. Most of these stars inflate, lose mass and cool down to become “white dwarfs” but others lose less mass that don’t contain heavy elements. These stars are called ‘metal-poor stars’ and instead of becoming white dwarfs, they collapse in on themselves and form a black hole. Watch: New evidence suggests size of the Sun could be smaller × It indicates that the star that collapsed to form a Gaia BH3 black hole must have been a metal-poor star. More clues can be derived from the "wobbly" star orbiting it as stars in pairs tend to be similar. Interestingly, the wobbly star is also a metal-poor star. 50 stellar black holes in the Milky Way Scientists at NASA believe there are more than 50 stellar black holes in the Milky Way galaxy. Also read: Brace up for science revision children. Scientists just identified how we taste it bitter Earlier in January, astronomers said they had discovered the oldest black hole ever, dating back to the early universe more than 13 billion years ago. The black hole is located in an ancient galaxy called GN-z11, located 13.4 billion light years away, and was spotted using the James Webb Space Telescope. (With inputs from agencies)

Milky Way’s ‘most massive’ stellar black hole , 33 times bigger than Sun, found lurking near Earth

<p>Scientists, in a path-breaking discovery, have found a nearby alien planet which has&nbsp;one side locked in permanent darkness while the other side remains in endless sunshine.</p>

<p>This is the first major evidence which proves that the planets beyond our Solar System are also 'tidally locked' to their host stars and have an orbital period exactly similar to the rotational one.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This&nbsp;results in one side of the exoplanet always facing the star and not having any respite from the heat and the other side facing perpetual night.</p>

<p>The exoplanet, which is known as LHS 3844b, or Kua'kua, is close to its host star Batsu which is seen as uninhabitable to life.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/james-webb-telescope-spots-extraterrestrial-light-heres-what-nasa-said-about-it-707122">James Webb Telescope spots extraterrestrial light outside our solar system. Here's what NASA has to say</a></p>

<h2><strong>What are tidally locked exoplanets?</strong></h2>

<p>Tidal locking is a cosmic phenomenon which has been observed inside the Solar system, although it has not been found in any of the planets revolving around the Sun.</p>

<p>Tidal locking happens when the rotation cycle of two cosmic bodies slowly synchronises with their orbit because of gravitational interaction.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, the findings have finally confirmed that tidally locked exoplanets also exist outside our solar systems and may be common in the Milky Way.</p>

<p>"This thing that has been theoretical now feels real," said astronomer Nicolas Cowan of McGill University in Canada, while speaking to Nature. "This is actually what these planets look like," he added.</p>

<p>As per the research, Kua'kua also doesn't have an atmosphere which means that any temperature readings are related directly to its surface.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Gravitas | U.S. Streaming Service's campaign to restore Pluto's planetary status</strong></p>

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<p>Headed by astronomer Xintong Lyu of Peking University in China, a global thermal model of an exoplanet was developed by the researchers. It did not have an atmosphere&nbsp;and the model was compared to the observations of the system which were taken using the infrared Spitzer telescope.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The scientists were also searching for evidence of internal heating which is generated by the ever-changing distortion that takes place during an asynchronous orbit.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The exoplanets, which are not tidally locked, generate internal stress from the gravity of the star which constantly tries to change its shape and heats up the exoplanet from the inside. This heat inside the exoplanet is&nbsp;detected in infrared light.</p>

<p>It was discovered that the exoplanet is far too cool for anything apart from a tidally locked orbit.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Scientists, in a path-breaking discovery, have found a nearby alien planet which has one side locked in permanent darkness while the other side remains in endless sunshine.

Scientists, in a path-breaking discovery, have found a nearby alien planet which has one side locked in permanent darkness while the other side remains in endless sunshine. This is the first major evidence which proves that the planets beyond our Solar System are also 'tidally locked' to their host stars and have an orbital period exactly similar to the rotational one. This results in one side of the exoplanet always facing the star and not having any respite from the heat and the other side facing perpetual night. The exoplanet, which is known as LHS 3844b, or Kua'kua, is close to its host star Batsu which is seen as uninhabitable to life. Also Read: James Webb Telescope spots extraterrestrial light outside our solar system. Here's what NASA has to say What are tidally locked exoplanets? Tidal locking is a cosmic phenomenon which has been observed inside the Solar system, although it has not been found in any of the planets revolving around the Sun. Tidal locking happens when the rotation cycle of two cosmic bodies slowly synchronises with their orbit because of gravitational interaction. However, the findings have finally confirmed that tidally locked exoplanets also exist outside our solar systems and may be common in the Milky Way. "This thing that has been theoretical now feels real," said astronomer Nicolas Cowan of McGill University in Canada, while speaking to Nature. "This is actually what these planets look like," he added. As per the research, Kua'kua also doesn't have an atmosphere which means that any temperature readings are related directly to its surface. Watch: Gravitas | U.S. Streaming Service's campaign to restore Pluto's planetary status Headed by astronomer Xintong Lyu of Peking University in China, a global thermal model of an exoplanet was developed by the researchers. It did not have an atmosphere and the model was compared to the observations of the system which were taken using the infrared Spitzer telescope. The scientists were also searching for evidence of internal heating which is generated by the ever-changing distortion that takes place during an asynchronous orbit. The exoplanets, which are not tidally locked, generate internal stress from the gravity of the star which constantly tries to change its shape and heats up the exoplanet from the inside. This heat inside the exoplanet is detected in infrared light. It was discovered that the exoplanet is far too cool for anything apart from a tidally locked orbit. (With inputs from agencies)

Scientists discover first alien Super-Earth with permanent dark and sun-lit sides

A 'rare' total solar eclipse has millions of people across North America gazing toward the skies on April 8, as the moon completely blocks the sun for more than four minutes in some places.

Gravitas | Solar Eclipse 2024: Millions gather across N. America ahead of 'Once in Lifetime' Eclipse

Millions of sky gazers witnessed a total solar eclipse from the ground on April 8. However, some even saw it from the skies. Passengers aboard a Delta Airlines plane had a once in a once-in-a-lifetime viewing party.

Total Solar Eclipse 2024: Eclipse chasers take flight on eclipse totality path

Solar eclipses, which are arguably one of the most fascinating astronomical events to witness, can now be created on demand. The scientists in Europe have come up with a way to produce artificial eclipses. Watch to know more.

Scientists come up with project to create on-demand solar eclipses

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