Astronomers have captured the first detailed images of a star beyond our Milky Way galaxy on the verge of a supernova. The star, WOH G64, is surrounded by an egg-shaped cocoon of gas and dust, indicating it is shedding its outer layers. This discovery provides a rare glimpse into the final stages of a star's life cycle before it explodes.
Edwin Hubble, a renowned astronomer, revolutionized our understanding of the universe. He proved the existence of galaxies beyond the Milky Way and discovered that the universe is expanding. His groundbreaking work, including the Hubble Classification Scheme and Hubble's Law, laid the foundation for modern cosmology and continues to inspire exploration through the Hubble Space Telescope.
Elon Musk and President-elect Donald Trump showcased their alliance during Trump's visit to SpaceX's facility. Despite a Starship rocket booster failing to return to the launchpad, the event underscored their deepening relationship. Musk's influence within Trump's circle is evident through his advisory roles and presence at key events. This alliance carries significant implications for American politics, governance, and space exploration.
SpaceX achieved a global milestone by launching three Falcon 9 rockets in 20 hours, including one carrying India's advanced communication satellite, GSAT-20. This marked SpaceX's 112th, 113th, and 114th launches of the year. The GSAT-20, weighing 4,700kg, was launched from Cape Canaveral and will significantly enhance India's broadband connectivity.
India turned to SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket to launch its GSAT-N2 communication satellite due to the heavier payload exceeding the capabilities of ISRO's current launch vehicles, said ex-Isro chiefs. While Isro is working on enhancing its launch capacity, the 4,700 kg satellite required a more powerful rocket, highlighting the need for increased capabilities to handle future heavy payloads.
A recent study using NASA and German satellite data reveals a concerning decline in Earth's freshwater resources since 2014. Researchers discovered a 290 cubic mile reduction in freshwater storage, attributing it to climate change, extreme weather, and increased groundwater reliance. This depletion, evident in severe droughts worldwide, poses significant threats to global water security and highlights a potential future of water scarcity.