In 2025, Isro will have a significant year with several key missions, including the launch of NVS-02 navigation satellite, the unmanned Gaganyaan mission featuring Vyommitra, and the Indo-US NISAR satellite, among others. The space agency looks to bolster its commercial satellite launch revenue, enhancing its global space economy stature.
2024 was a year of tremendous breakthroughs in space exploration. From Isro's low-cost small satellite launch vehicle to Nasa's Perseverance rover discovering signs of ancient microbial life on Mars, the year was full of historic scientific achievements. China and other space agencies also made great strides in space missions this year.
A geomagnetic storm is expected to bring the northern lights into view across the northern US on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. The phenomenon, caused by solar particles hitting Earth's atmosphere, will be visible in parts of northern states from Alaska to Maine.
India neared joining nations with space-docking technology as Isro launched the SpaDeX mission, putting two satellites in space for docking attempts. The mission, crucial for Chandrayaan-4 and Bhartiya Antriksh Station, also included astrobiology experiments and payloads from private sector startups and educational institutions onboard POEM.
Conversational artificial intelligence (AI) tools may soon "covertly influence" users' decision making in a new commercial frontier called the "intention economy", University of Cambridge researchers warned in a paper published Monday. It characterises how this emergent sector -- dubbed the "intention economy" -- will profile users' attention and communicative styles and connect them to patterns of behaviour and choices they make.
In early 2025, Mars will be exceptionally bright due to Mars Opposition. The Red Planet will be closer to Earth, allowing skywatchers a rare view. The best sightings will occur on January 12 and 16. This event is also significant for space agencies launching missions to Mars because of the reduced travel distance.
Astrophiles can look forward to a rare Black Moon on December 30-31, 2024. This event, marked by two new moons in one calendar month, will darken the sky, enhancing star visibility. Though the moon is not visible, stargazing conditions will be ideal without moonlight interference.
In 2025, there will be two solar and two lunar eclipses, but India will only witness the full lunar eclipse in September, according to officials from Ujjain's Jiwaji Observatory. The first three eclipses will not be visible in India, including a total lunar eclipse in March and a partial solar eclipse in March and September.
Thousands of satellites and rockets have contributed to an increasing accumulation of space debris, posing significant risks. The Kessler Syndrome, a hypothetical scenario proposed by NASA scientist Donald Kessler in 1978, describes how space junk could create a cascading chain of collisions, jeopardizing satellite operations and space exploration efforts for future generations.
Space debris is an escalating problem, risking the onset of Kessler Syndrome, a cascade of collisions that could make Earth's orbit unusable. With thousands of tons of material in orbit and satellites like Starlink accelerating the issue, efforts focus on cleanup technologies and international regulations to prevent further damage.
Prehistoric sloths were massive creatures with large claws, suggesting early humans in the Americas might have coexisted with them for millennia. New findings from Brazil's Santa Elina site imply ancient humans arrived earlier than previously thought, using sloth bones for tools and ornaments, challenging the theory that humans quickly caused their extinction.
Nasa’s Parker Solar Probe reached an unprecedented closeness to the Sun, enduring intense temperatures while its advanced heat shield kept internal instruments cool. The probe's mission aims to deepen our understanding of solar behavior and improve space-weather forecasting, with anticipation growing as scientists await the success confirmation.
In a bold move to reduce reliance on foreign Earth observation (EO) data, 30 Indian companies have come together under IN-SPACe's call to build indigenous satellites. From startups like Pixxel to conglomerates like Tata, the initiative highlights India’s push for data sovereignty. The government plans to loan Rs 3.5 billion to kickstart this groundbreaking partnership.
The re-entry of a Chinese satellite created a fireball display over the southern United States on Sunday night. The SuperView-1 02 satellite burned up over New Orleans, causing sightings across several states. This event drew both awe and concern from the public regarding falling space debris.
A new study suggests the moon is 4.51 billion years old, 100 million years older than previously thought. This revised age is based on the re-melting of lunar rocks due to Earth's gravitational pull, not the moon's initial formation. The finding challenges previous assumptions and offers new insights into the early solar system's evolution.
India's ISRO and Europe's ESA have joined forces to boost human space exploration. The agreement covers astronaut training, joint research, and experiments on the International Space Station, including participation in the Axiom-4 mission. With India's own space station, BAS, on the horizon, the partnership aims to enhance interoperability between platforms.
The National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), United States, released an updated version of the World magnetic model (WMM2025), forecasting shifts in Earth's magnetic field over the next five years. This model, which will remain valid until 2029, tracks the gradual movement of the magnetic north pole toward Russia. It also introduces a high-resolution update to ensure greater accuracy for navigation systems worldwide.
Scientists found 27 new species in Peru's Amazon rainforest. The expedition happened in 2022. New species include an amphibious mouse and a dwarf squirrel. Researchers also found 48 possible new species. The team recorded 2,046 species in total. Some of these species are endangered. Protecting the rainforest is crucial for these species' survival.
Five asteroids are approaching Earth in the coming days, with the largest, the airplane-sized 2024 XN1, passing by on December 24th at a safe distance of over 4.4 million miles. Several smaller asteroids will also make closer passes before then, all monitored by NASA's Asteroid Watch. None of the asteroids pose a threat to Earth.
Sunita Williams' return from space is delayed. Safety concerns with the Boeing Starliner spacecraft caused the delay. NASA will use the SpaceX Crew Dragon instead. The Crew Dragon launch is scheduled for late March or April 2025. Williams will remain on the ISS until then. She continues her research and training in orbit.
NASA scientists have discovered a tilted black hole in galaxy NGC 5084, a finding made possible by a new image analysis technique called SAUNAS. This black hole, whose unusual orientation was hidden in old data, is surrounded by four plumes of hot gas, a rare phenomenon.
Nasa's James Webb and Chandra observatories have unveiled a stunning image of star cluster NGC 602, resembling a cosmic wreath. Located 200,000 light-years away, the cluster's ring of dust and gas, illuminated by young, massive stars emitting X-rays, offers insights into the early universe due to its low heavy element content.
A 7.3 magnitude earthquake devastated Vanuatu's capital, Port Vila, leaving it without water and causing widespread damage. At least nine deaths were confirmed, with the number expected to rise as rescue efforts continue for those trapped in collapsed buildings. Hundreds are injured, and communication remains limited. Aid is being mobilized as the country grapples with the aftermath.
Chinese astronauts Cai Xuzhe and Song Lingdong set a new world record for the longest spacewalk, spending over nine hours outside the Tiangong space station. This surpassed the previous record held by US astronauts. The Shenzhou-19 crew, including Wang Haozhe, utilized robotic arms and ground control support.
Astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore's ISS mission has been extended until late March due to technical glitches with Boeing's Starliner and delays in the next SpaceX Crew Dragon launch. Originally scheduled to return in February 2025 after their June 2024 arrival, the duo will now spend approximately ten months in space.
Sunita Williams and crew celebrated Christmas on the International Space Station. A SpaceX Dragon capsule delivered supplies, including gifts. The crew enjoyed special meals and connected with family. They also conducted educational outreach. Williams' mission was extended due to a spacecraft issue. The Dragon completed its 31st resupply mission. Williams and Wilmore will return to Earth in February.
A new study reveals that breathing acts as a conductor, coordinating brain waves during sleep to consolidate memories. Researchers found that slow spindle brain waves in the hippocampus, crucial for memory, synchronize with breathing rhythms during NREM sleep. This discovery suggests that breathing disruptions, like sleep apnea, could impair memory consolidation.
Scientists discovered a new damselfish species, Chromis abadhah, in the Maldives' mesophotic zone. This two-toned fish, found at depths of 30-150 meters, highlights the unique adaptations of marine life in low-light conditions. The discovery underscores the need to conserve these vulnerable ecosystems, threatened by human activities and climate change, and rich in undiscovered biodiversity.
The Geminid meteor shower, peaking Friday and Saturday, promises a dazzling display of up to 120 meteors per hour. Originating from the asteroid 3200 Phaethon, these bright, fast, yellow meteors are visible worldwide from 9 or 10 pm until dawn. Find a dark spot, look south, and enjoy the show!
Aboard the International Space Station, Commander Sunita Williams and her crew are preparing for their February 2025 return via SpaceX Dragon. Their training includes spacecraft departure procedures and essential maintenance, like spacesuit repairs and eye exams. The crew is also conducting research on micro-algae for sustainable life support in future deep-space missions.
NASA's Juno mission revealed that Jupiter's moon, Io, the most volcanic body in our solar system, doesn't possess a global magma ocean. Instead, separate magma chambers fuel its over 400 active volcanoes, solving a 44-year-old mystery. Juno's gravity data, collected during recent flybys, confirms this, impacting our understanding of other moons and exoplanets.
At its re:Invent conference, Amazon Web Services (AWS) launched new AI models and chips, including the Trainium2 and Nova, to compete with rivals like Microsoft and Google. CEO Andy Jassy emphasized AWS's customer-centric approach to AI, aiming to solve practical problems rather than chasing technological feats.
ISRO successfully hot-tested its CE20 cryogenic engine with an innovative nozzle protection system. The test validated a multi-element igniter, crucial for engine restart, and achieved all performance parameters. This enhanced engine, powering the LVM3, is set to boost India's space exploration capabilities for Gaganyaan and future missions.
NASA's Perseverance rover has unearthed a compelling clue in the hunt for past Martian life. A rock sample dubbed "Cheyava Falls," found in Jezero Crater, contains signs of ancient water and organic compounds. These building blocks of life, detected alongside potential energy sources, hint at an environment that may have once supported microbial life.
NASA's discovery of seven new "dark comets" doubles the known population of these asteroid-like objects with cometary behavior. These dark, elusive bodies, some near Earth and others further out, challenge our understanding of NEOs. Scientists believe they may hold clues to the origins of Earth's water and life, potentially delivering these vital ingredients during Earth's early formation.
IIT Madras has released the world's first 3D high-resolution images of the fetal brain. This groundbreaking work, a collaborative international effort, was conducted at a fraction of the cost of similar projects in Western countries. The research aims to advance neuroscience and improve understanding of brain development, potentially leading to new treatments for developmental disorders.
A new study reveals that autistic children may perceive faces differently. Researchers tracked eye movements in nearly 400 children, finding that autistic children exhibited more "exploratory" eye movements, focusing on non-social areas rather than key facial features. This difference may contribute to social challenges faced by autistic children and could inform future interventions.
"Our results have no clear or direct application right now. It's basic research that lays the foundation for future technologies in quantum information and quantum computers. There's enormous potential for complete discoveries in many different research fields," said Guilherme B Xavier, a researcher in quantum communication at Linkoping University, Sweden.
Mysterious drones have been spotted flying over New Jersey for weeks, sparking curiosity and concern among residents. Seen near critical infrastructure and residential areas, these large drones have even interfered with a medical helicopter rescue. While officials claim no public danger, the operators and purpose remain unknown, prompting an FBI investigation and official monitoring.
Astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore have marked six months aboard the International Space Station after their initial week-long mission was extended due to issues with the Boeing Starliner capsule. Despite the unexpected extended stay until February, the seasoned astronauts remain positive, contributing to station duties and scientific experiments while awaiting their SpaceX return flight.
Isro successfully launched ESA's Proba-3 mission using the PSLV-C59 rocket.
Scientists found a new planet in the Kepler-51 system. The planet is called Kepler-51e. It helps explain why other planets in the system seemed off schedule. Kepler-51e is the fourth planet found in this system. The system is far away, 2,615 light-years from Earth. Scientists used data from several telescopes. These include the James Webb Space Telescope, Kepler, and TESS.
German aerospace engineer, Rudiger Koch, is currently living 36 feet underwater off Panama's coast in a submersible capsule. He aims to spend 120 days submerged, breaking the current record. Koch's experiment explores the ocean's potential for human habitation, advocating for ocean-based communities. His capsule provides basic amenities, and he's monitored for health and safety.
