Dangeti Jahnavi, an IASP alumna from India, is set to embark on a historic 2029 journey to the Titan Orbital Port Space Station. With a background in Electronics and Communication Engineering, she's a STEM advocate, contributing to asteroid discovery and space mission sustainability. Jahnavi's achievements have garnered awards and recognition, solidifying her role as a rising space pioneer.
The world's most powerful digital camera, LSST, has released its first images. Stationed in Chile, the camera captures cosmic scenes with unprecedented detail. The images reveal nebulae and galaxy clusters. Over the next decade, LSST will photograph the entire visible sky every three days. This will create a time-lapse view of the universe.
Nasa has confirmed that the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) to the International Space Station is now scheduled for launch on June 25, following earlier delays. Indian Air Force pilot Shubhanshu Shukla, representing Isro, will be the mission pilot, making him the second Indian in space after Rakesh Sharma. He will be accompanied by astronauts from Poland and Hungary.
Hawaii's native birds face extinction due to mosquito-borne diseases like avian malaria. Introduced in the 20th century, mosquitoes now threaten iconic species like honeycreepers. Climate change worsens the crisis, allowing mosquitoes to spread to higher elevations. Scientists are deploying drones to release mosquitoes as a novel solution. Conservation efforts include habitat restoration and captive breeding to save Hawaii's unique birdlife.
SpaceX is set to launch over 150 capsules containing cremated remains and DNA into low Earth orbit on June 23, in collaboration with Celestis and The Exploration Company (TEC). This 'Perseverance Flight' offers families a unique way to memorialize loved ones by sending them on a symbolic journey into space.
The Vera C Rubin Observatory in Chile has shared its initial images. These images showcase cosmic wonders like the Trifid and Lagoon Nebulas. The observatory has identified over 2,100 new asteroids. Scientists hope to find a ninth planet. The observatory will scan the sky for the next decade. It aims to understand dark matter and dark energy.
NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter has spotted the crash site of Japan's Resilience moon lander. The ispace lander aimed for a historic landing in Mare Frigoris. Communication was lost during descent. The image shows a dark smudge, indicating a high-speed impact. A microrover carrying art was also lost. This marks ispace's second failed lunar landing.
Astronomers at the European Southern Observatory created a detailed map of the Sculptor galaxy. The map covers 65,000 light years and reveals thousands of colors. Researchers used the MUSE instrument on the Very Large Telescope. The image led to the discovery of 500 new planetary nebulae. The map allows study of gas flows and star formation.
Research indicates dietary restriction extends lifespan, prompting exploration of alternatives like rapamycin and metformin. A recent study comparing these interventions revealed rapamycin's life-extending effects rivaled calorie restriction, while metformin showed inconsistent benefits. Further human clinical trials are underway to explore the potential of these drugs in promoting healthy aging and longevity.
A new study models a chilling scenario: a world where humans stop having children. The research indicates that within a century, the human species could face near extinction due to biological stagnation, leading to societal collapse. The absence of younger generations would cripple essential systems like food production, healthcare, and infrastructure, ultimately halting civilization.
The summer solstice marks the longest day in the Northern Hemisphere and the start of astronomical summer, while the Southern Hemisphere experiences its shortest day and the beginning of winter. Solstices occur due to Earth's tilt, causing unequal distribution of sunlight. Equinoxes, conversely, bring equal day and night, with the sun directly overhead at the equator.
Nasa's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter has captured images of the crash site of ispace's lunar lander, Resilience, which impacted Mare Frigoris on the moon's far north. The images reveal a dark smudge and a faint halo of lunar dirt, marking the second failed landing attempt for the Tokyo-based company in two years.
The James Webb Space Telescope has observed a surprising alignment in the spin directions of ancient galaxies, challenging the standard cosmological model. A significant portion of these galaxies rotate in the same direction, suggesting a hidden order in the early universe.
Nasa has delayed the Axiom Mission 4 launch to the ISS, which includes Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, due to the need for further assessment of recent repairs on the Zvezda service module. Engineers are ensuring the space station is fully prepared to support the new crew, which also includes astronauts from Poland and Hungary.
The Axiom-4 mission to the ISS, involving ISRO and international partners, is now set for June 22, 2025, following multiple postponements. The mission, featuring astronauts from India, Poland, and Hungary, along with Peggy Whitson, aims to conduct vital scientific experiments.
SpaceX Starship prototype faced a major issue during a test at Starbase, Texas. The incident occurred late Wednesday night. All personnel are safe. The team is working with local officials to secure the site. There are no hazards to nearby communities. The company has asked people not to approach the area.
SpaceX's Starship prototype faced another setback. A static fire test resulted in an explosion. The incident raises concerns about the rocket's reliability. This test follows previous failures, including a destroyed Super Heavy booster. Starship is crucial for missions to the Moon and Mars. SpaceX insists that these tests provide valuable data. The company aims to reduce space travel costs.
A new COVID-19 variant, NB.1.8.1 or "Nimbus," is spreading globally, causing painful sore throats, dubbed "razor blade throat." Primarily affecting the eastern Mediterranean, Southeast Asia, and western Pacific regions, it's been detected in the US. While some Western Pacific countries report increased cases and hospitalizations, current vaccines remain effective, and the WHO considers the public health risk low.
Chinese scientists achieved a milestone in space exploration. They successfully conducted satellite laser ranging in Earth-moon space during the day. The team beamed a laser to the Tiandu-1 satellite, about 130,000 kilometers away. They captured the return signal using an upgraded lunar laser ranging system. This enhances navigation in space. It supports future deep-space projects and lunar missions by 2030.
International Space Station astronauts celebrated with 'space sushi'. Jonny Kim shared the crew's creative meal on social media. They used rice, spam, fish, gochujang, and wasabi. Limited supplies didn't stop them. Astronauts taped surfaces to keep food from floating. The meal boosted morale and fostered connection. Social media users admired their resourcefulness and ingenuity.
NASA and ISRO are launching the NISAR satellite on June 18, 2025, from India. This $1.5 billion mission will use advanced radar to monitor Earth's surface with unprecedented precision, day or night. NISAR will provide critical data on farming, climate change, earthquakes, and floods.
Researchers in Japan have developed a novel plastic that dissolves in seawater within hours, potentially mitigating microplastic pollution. Created from sodium hexametaphosphate and guanidinium ions, this durable, non-flammable plastic can be customized for various applications. Its rapid disintegration in saltwater and the recyclability of its components offer a promising solution to the global plastic crisis.
Eshan Chattopadhyay, an Indian-origin computer scientist at Cornell University, has been awarded the prestigious 2025 Godel Prize for his groundbreaking solution to a decades-old problem in randomness extraction. His work, which builds upon the mentorship of David Zuckerman, has significant implications for cryptography, secure communications, and data compression.
European Space Agency's Proba-3 mission has successfully created artificial solar eclipses using two satellites flying in precise formation. This innovative approach allows scientists to study the sun's corona for extended periods, achieving up to six hours of totality per eclipse. The mission promises a wealth of data, potentially revolutionizing our understanding of the sun's behavior and its impact on Earth.
A recent government report suggests that numerous UFO sightings in the US may be attributed to military disinformation campaigns and covert operations rather than extraterrestrial encounters. The All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO) uncovered strategies used since the Cold War, including staged evidence and misleading briefings, to obscure classified aircraft programs.
A groundbreaking study in Dublin reveals the presence of environmental DNA (eDNA) in the air, encompassing genetic material from various organisms and even illicit substances. This innovative approach, utilizing simple air filters, enables scientists to monitor biodiversity, detect pathogens, and track human activities without direct contact. Ethical considerations regarding data privacy are crucial as this technology advances.
Nasa and Axiom Space delayed the Axiom-4 mission due to leaks in the ISS's Russian module, now deemed "small." Roscosmos is working on repairs, with a possible launch date of June 19. SpaceX has resolved Falcon-9 rocket LOX leak issues. The mission, including India's Shubhanshu Shukla, will proceed once ISS repairs are confirmed.
Scientists have achieved a groundbreaking feat by detecting a 13-billion-year-old microwave signal from the Cosmic Dawn using Earth-based telescopes in Chile. This discovery, made by the CLASS project, provides unprecedented insights into the early universe and the formation of the first stars and galaxies.
Astronomers have observed thick, mineral-rich clouds, potentially containing iron, enveloping the young exoplanet YSES-1b, leading to the possibility of iron rain. The YSES-1 system, only a million years old, features two gas giants, offering a unique opportunity to study planet formation. Researchers are intrigued by the persistent dust disk around YSES-1b, challenging existing planet formation theories.
NASA is embarking on the Sporadic-E ElectroDynamics (SEED) mission, launching rockets from Kwajalein Atoll to investigate unpredictable Sporadic-E layers in the ionosphere. These layers disrupt radio signals, impacting communication and navigation systems. The mission aims to understand their formation and behavior near the magnetic equator, enhancing prediction models to mitigate signal interruptions.
A rare black iceberg, spotted off Labrador, Canada, has captivated scientists and social media users. The dark coloration is likely due to sediment incorporated into the ice as a glacier moved over land. As the iceberg melted, these sediment-rich layers were revealed, creating a striking visual phenomenon and a scientific puzzle.
NASA's James Webb Space Telescope has captured an awe-inspiring image showcasing thousands of galaxies, forming part of the COSMOS-Webb survey. This profound window into the universe reveals star systems both near and far, including galaxies from the early universe. Webb's infrared capabilities enable scientists to study galaxy evolution and interactions across cosmic history, uncovering previously unseen structures.
NASA's GOLD mission made a surprising discovery. It observed X-shaped patterns in the ionosphere. These patterns occurred even during calm space weather. Previously, scientists thought they only happened during solar storms. The finding changes our understanding of the upper atmosphere. It also affects satellite communications and GPS signals. Scientists are now investigating the causes of these unexpected X-shapes.
In a groundbreaking discovery, researchers captured the first-ever live footage of a rare blood-red Antarctic gonate squid at a depth of 7,060 feet. Identified by its distinctive tentacle hooks, this elusive creature was observed in its natural bathypelagic habitat. This sighting, deemed "mission-critical," provides invaluable insights into the behavior and ecology of this deep-sea predator.
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla will become the first Indian astronaut to reach the ISS since 1984, aboard the Axiom-4 mission. Accompanying him is ‘Joy’, a white plush swan serving as the crew’s zero-gravity indicator and a symbolic tribute to Indian culture. Representing the vahana of Goddess Saraswati, Joy blends spirituality with space tradition. The mission highlights India’s growing role in global space exploration, backed by ISRO and SpaceX, and underscores the soft power of cultural symbolism in scientific frontiers.
In a groundbreaking discovery, scientists have observed nematodes, tiny worms, forming 'living towers' in natural settings for the first time. Researchers in Germany witnessed these worms cooperating to build towers on decaying fruit, a behavior previously only seen in labs. This collective action, where worms act as a 'superorganism,' helps them escape harsh conditions and seek new habitats.
NASA's James Webb Space Telescope has made a groundbreaking discovery in the YSES-1 system, 300 light-years away. It revealed gas giants, YSES-1 b and c, with atmospheres containing 'sand clouds' made of silicates. These clouds, composed of minerals like pyroxene and forsterite, offer insights into exoplanet chemistry. The young system, only 16.
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla's anticipated space journey is delayed as SpaceX postpones the Axiom-4 launch indefinitely due to a liquid oxygen leak detected in the Falcon-9 rocket. Despite favorable weather conditions initially, engineers couldn't resolve the issue promptly. SpaceX is working to repair the leak and address a thrust vector control issue, prioritizing safety and precision before rescheduling the launch.
Indian-origin food scientist Professor Suresh Pillai is revolutionising space cuisine, ensuring astronauts enjoy nutritious and culturally relevant meals. As Shubhanshu Shukla prepares to be the first Indian astronaut on the ISS with Axiom Mission 4, Pillai's work takes center stage. His lab's eBeam technology sterilises food without heat, crucial for long-duration missions. NASA's meticulously crafted Indian-style barramundi fish curry exemplifies this innovation. Shukla will savor home-style Indian dishes alongside standard NASA fare, enhancing well-being in microgravity.
China has released the first image from its Tianwen 2 spacecraft. The spacecraft is on a mission to collect samples from a quasi-moon. The mission launched on May 29. The spacecraft is already millions of kilometers from Earth. Tianwen 2 will approach Kamo'oalewa in July 2026. Kamo'oalewa is a small asteroid. Scientists believe it may have originated from the Moon.
NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory has detected powerful black hole jets emanating from a galaxy 11.6 billion light-years away. These jets, formed during the universe's "cosmic noon," are illuminated by cosmic microwave background radiation. Analysis reveals particles in the jets travel at 92% to 99% the speed of light, offering insights into black hole behavior and galactic development.
Stargazers in the United States are in for a treat as the annual Strawberry Moon will grace the skies on June 10. This year's event is special because it coincides with a rare Major Lunar Standstill, a phenomenon not seen again until 2043. The best viewing spots are areas with minimal light pollution, offering a unique visual spectacle.
SpaceX has postponed the Axiom-4 mission launch to the International Space Station due to a Liquid Oxygen (LOx) leak discovered during post-static fire booster inspections. The launch, which was scheduled for Wednesday at 5:30 pm IST, was delayed to allow SpaceX teams time for repairs. A new launch date will be announced pending the completion of repairs and range availability.
Archaeologists in Spain have unearthed a groundbreaking discovery within the Treasure of Villena: two artifacts made from meteoritic iron. These 3,000-year-old objects, a bracelet and a hemisphere, predate the Iberian Iron Age by centuries. This finding reveals early humans' sophisticated use of extraterrestrial materials and redefines the timeline of Iberian metallurgy, showcasing a unique connection to 'metal from the heavens.'
Get ready for the Strawberry Moon in June 2025. This full moon, named after the strawberry harvest season, will be a sight to behold. It will be the lowest full moon in almost two decades. Skywatchers in India can view it after sunset on June 11. Find a spot away from city lights to enjoy the warm, golden glow.
Recent observations from NASA's James Webb Space Telescope indicate that asteroid 2024 YR4, initially a concern for Earth, now poses a potential collision risk to the Moon. While the probability is currently at 4.3% for lunar impact in 2032, scientists are closely monitoring its trajectory. Astronomers will restudy its orbit in 2028 to ensure humanity is prepared.
SpaceX is targeting June 11 for the Ax-4 mission launch, closely monitoring weather conditions with a slight increase in probability violation. Technical snags, including a liquid oxygen leak and a thrust vector control issue, have been resolved. The mission features a new, improved Dragon capsule with enhanced systems and marks the second flight for the Falcon-9 booster.
Baba Vanga's 2025 prediction about a 'new light in the sky' during a globally viewed sports event has resurfaced, fueling speculation about extraterrestrial contact. With events like Wimbledon, the World Series, and Formula 1 still to come, believers watch for a sign. Recent UFO disclosures and South American alien DNA claims add to the intrigue, though some suggest the 'light' could be a celestial event like a supernova.
China has initiated a high-stakes mission, employing the Meng Xiang vessel to drill into the Earth's crust, aiming to reach the Moho. This ambitious project seeks to unlock geological secrets, secure deep-sea resources, and assert China's technological and maritime dominance. The mission's location in the South China Sea raises geopolitical concerns, potentially impacting international relations and resource control.
NASA's Mars Odyssey spacecraft has captured a breathtaking image. The image shows Arsia Mons, a massive Martian volcano. The volcano is seen piercing through morning haze. Arsia Mons is twice the height of Earth's tallest mountain. The image provides insights into Mars' volcanic past. It also helps in understanding atmospheric behavior.