Dr. Malur Ramasamy Srinivasan, a key figure in India's nuclear energy program, passed away at 95. As former Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission, he spearheaded the development of India's nuclear capabilities. His work with Dr. Homi Bhabha on the Apsara reactor and his leadership in building Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors were crucial.
Asteroid 2003 MH4, a large space rock about three football fields in length, will make a close approach to Earth around May 24, 2025. While not an immediate threat, its size and speed have prompted NASA to closely monitor its trajectory. This event highlights the importance of ongoing planetary defense efforts and the need for vigilance in tracking near-Earth objects.
A major solar storm is approaching Earth. NASA and other agencies issued warnings. This storm may cause radio blackouts and GPS issues. Vivid auroras are expected. The Sun's activity is increasing. Scientists are monitoring sunspot regions. The storm might affect power grids and satellites. The UK and Ireland could see Northern Lights. People should prepare for communication disruptions.
Researchers in the United States and Japan have discovered the genetic basis for ginger cats' orange fur. The ARHGAP36 gene is responsible for this unique coloration. A missing DNA segment in this gene causes lighter pigments. This explains why most ginger cats are male due to X chromosome genetics. Professor Hiroyuki Sasaki led the research, funded by cat enthusiasts.
Real Engineering's video about Isro faced criticism in India. The issue arose from an inaccurate map depicting India's borders. Indian viewers expressed outrage over the disrespect to the nation's territorial integrity. The channel's response and subsequent comments further fuelled the controversy. The incident highlights the importance of geopolitical sensitivity when discussing other countries.
Get ready for Summer 2025. It promises amazing celestial events. Stargazers can look forward to meteor showers and full moons. Planetary alignments and eclipses will also occur. The Perseid Meteor Shower and a total lunar eclipse are highlights. The Autumnal Equinox also provides a unique experience. Knowing when and where to look is important. Don't miss these awe-inspiring moments.
NASA's James Webb Space Telescope has achieved a groundbreaking feat by definitively detecting crystalline ice water in the young star system HD 181327, located 155 light-years away. This marks the first time frozen water has been found outside our solar system, offering crucial insights into the composition of distant planetary systems.
The NASA Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) spacesuit is a vital piece of equipment for astronauts performing spacewalks. It protects them from the harsh environment of space, providing thermal insulation, radiation shielding, and impact resistance. The EMU also includes a life support system with oxygen, carbon dioxide removal, water, and temperature control, ensuring astronauts' survival during long EVAs.
ISRO's PSLV-C61 mission faced a setback as the launch of Earth Observation Satellite EOS-09 failed due to a technical anomaly in the third stage. The mission, intended to place EOS-09 in a Sun Synchronous Polar Orbit for high-resolution imaging, encountered the issue after normal performance in the initial stages. Analysis is underway to determine the cause.
ISRO's PSLV-C61 mission, intended to deploy the EOS-09 earth observation satellite, failed after normal performance until the second stage. An observation during the third stage led to the mission's incompletion. This was the third failure for PSLV, despite the vehicle performing as expected in the initial phases. EOS-09 aimed to enhance India's earth observation capabilities with its advanced radar imaging.
Scientists have discovered "ice piracy" in Antarctica, where glaciers are stealing ice from their neighbors at an alarming rate. Kohler East Glacier is redirecting ice flow from Kohler West Glacier, causing it to slow down. This rapid shift, observed via satellite, contributes to sea-level rise, forcing a reevaluation of sea-level rise predictions.
A fatal shark attack in Hadera, Israel, has sparked concerns about human-wildlife conflict. The sharks are drawn to the area by warm water from a power station, leading to increased interaction with swimmers. Despite warnings and a previous deadly incident, people continue to enter the water, often disturbing the sharks.
NASA's GRAIL mission has unveiled significant differences between the moon's nearside and farside, attributing them to tidal deformation and varied volcanic activity. The nearside, warmer and more geologically active, experienced extensive lava flows due to a thinner crust and concentrated radioactive elements. These findings are crucial for future lunar missions and understanding the moon's influence on Earth.
Scientists at CERN have achieved a modern-day alchemy, transforming lead into gold, albeit fleetingly, during high-energy collisions. This breakthrough, while not yielding substantial quantities, highlights our advanced understanding of matter and the potential to manipulate elements. The experiment underscores the value of scientific exploration and the pursuit of knowledge, even as funding for research faces challenges.
A recent satellite survey reveals that several major US cities are sinking. Cities like New York, Chicago, and Houston are experiencing land subsidence. The sinking rate varies between 2 to 10 millimetres annually. Groundwater loss and urbanisation contribute to this issue. This subsidence poses a threat to infrastructure and public safety. Experts recommend increased monitoring and stricter groundwater controls.
The James Webb Space Telescope has made a groundbreaking observation of methane clouds in Titan's northern hemisphere, a region previously known to be cloud-free. This discovery, confirmed by the Keck Observatory, provides valuable insights into Titan's complex climate patterns and methane cycle. Furthermore, the telescope detected methyl radicals, crucial for understanding the moon's atmospheric chemistry and potential for prebiotic conditions.
Scientists have analysed a new Archaeopteryx fossil. This fossil reveals specialised feathers. These feathers aided in flight. Archaeopteryx lived 150 million years ago. It had features of both dinosaurs and birds. The fossil shows it could fly. This discovery helps understand bird evolution. It confirms Archaeopteryx was a legitimate flyer. The fossil was found in Germany.
Even Sheldon Cooper explained this in The Big Bang Theory: “Lois Lane is falling, accelerating at an initial rate of 32 feet per second per second. Superman swoops down to save her by reaching out two arms of steel. Miss Lane, who is now travelling at approximately 120 miles per hour, hits them, and is immediately sliced into three equal pieces.”
Indian Space Research Organisation's Aditya-L1 mission achieved a milestone. It captured a significant solar flare and plasma ejection. The event occurred on December 31, 2023. The mission observed the eruption in near-ultraviolet light. The plasma reached speeds of up to 1,500 kilometers per second. This data is crucial for understanding space weather. It will help predict potential impacts on Earth.
A groundbreaking study reveals that South Africa's rising landmass isn't due to volcanic activity, but rather the Earth's crust reacting to extensive groundwater loss from severe droughts. GPS and satellite data confirm a direct link between drought-induced water loss and ground uplift, offering a new method for monitoring groundwater levels and understanding climate change's impact on Earth's surface.
Axiom Space's Ax-4 mission, piloted by India’s Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, is scheduled to launch to the ISS on June 8. The mission, carried by a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, will include astronauts from India, Poland, and Hungary, marking a return to human spaceflight for each nation after over four decades.
A new study predicts Earth's oxygen will vanish in a billion years. Toho University researchers used NASA models for this finding. The aging sun will cause water evaporation and temperature rise. This will disrupt the carbon cycle and kill vegetation. Earth's atmosphere will then resemble its early state, rich in methane. Complex life will struggle to survive this deoxygenation event.
The remains of St. Teresa of Avila were recently displayed, drawing devotees after over a century. A 2024 examination revealed remarkable preservation of her body, with identifiable skin, tissue, and even hair after more than 400 years. While some see it as miraculous, scientists attribute it to the tomb's dryness, which slowed decomposition.
Astronomers have spotted a supermassive black hole eating a star. This happened far from the center of its galaxy. The event, called AT2024tvd, is 600 million light-years away. It challenges old beliefs about where such events occur. Scientists used telescopes like Hubble to confirm the discovery. This finding helps us locate wandering black holes.
Rose Ferreira's life is an inspiration. She overcame poverty in the Dominican Republic. She battled homelessness in New York. She survived cancer and accidents. Ferreira earned a degree and interned at NASA. She faced setbacks due to shifting priorities. She is now a STEM advocate. Ferreira empowers future scientists. Her story highlights resilience. She promotes diversity in science.
New research from Radboud University indicates the universe's end is approaching faster than previously thought, now estimated at 10 to the power of 78 years. Scientists calculated the evaporation time of white dwarf stars based on Hawking radiation. While this is a significant revision, the end remains far off, and humanity will likely be gone long before then.
An astronaut photo from space reveals the vastness of China's fishing fleet. The fleet's size raises concerns about overfishing and illegal practices. Vessels often disable tracking systems, leading to unregulated fishing. This impacts marine ecosystems and regional economies. Experts suggest the fleet has strategic, geopolitical roles. Satellite images highlight the need for international regulation of fishing activities.
In April 2025, a rare stellar occultation provided NASA scientists a unique opportunity to study Uranus' atmosphere, offering insights not possible in over three decades. By observing the light from a distant star as it passed behind Uranus, researchers gathered valuable data about the planet's atmospheric composition, climate, and ring system.
Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla has completed altitude exercises, a crucial part of his training for the Axiom-4 mission. These simulations mimic the low-pressure environment of space, preparing astronauts for extreme conditions. Shukla's training also benefits India's Gaganyaan mission, marking a significant milestone in both private and national space exploration.
NASA researchers have discovered evidence of tectonic activity on Venus by re-examining decades-old radar data. The findings suggest that Venus's surface is fragmented into crustal blocks that shift and rotate, indicating a mobile crust and internal heat. This discovery challenges the long-held belief that Venus is a geologically inactive planet and provides insights into Earth's habitability and planetary evolution.
In Chile's Atacama Desert, the European Southern Observatory is constructing the Extremely Large Telescope (ELT), poised to be the world's largest optical telescope. ESO's live webcam offers a global audience a front-row seat to this engineering marvel's creation. The ELT promises unprecedented views of the cosmos, exploring the origins of galaxies and the potential for life on exoplanets.
India's surveillance capabilities are poised for a significant boost with ISRO's upcoming launch of the EOS-09 (RISAT-1B) radar imaging satellite on May 18. Equipped with advanced C-band synthetic aperture radar, the satellite will provide high-resolution images regardless of weather conditions. This strengthens border surveillance along sensitive areas with Pakistan and China, while also aiding in anti-terror operations and coastal monitoring.
A Soviet-era spacecraft, Kosmos 482, launched in 1972, made an uncontrolled reentry into Earth's atmosphere after a failed Venus mission. While Russian authorities indicated it fell into the Indian Ocean, the exact location remains uncertain. Experts anticipated some debris might survive due to its robust design, though the risk to people was minimal.
Scientists have unlocked saliva's diagnostic potential, detecting diseases like cancer, diabetes, and even Alzheimer's through simple spit tests. This non-invasive method, unlike blood tests, offers painless and inexpensive screening. Raman spectroscopy, a light-based technique, identifies subtle molecular changes in saliva, enabling early detection.
North Atlantic Right Whales face threats. Scientists use NASA satellites to monitor their food source, Calanus finmarchicus. This helps predict whale migration. It reduces ship collisions and net entanglements. Satellites track astaxanthin, a pigment in copepods. NASA's PACE satellite will improve plankton detection. This will provide more accurate data. It will aid in whale conservation efforts.
NASA's Hubble captured a rare event 600 million light-years away: a black hole devouring a star in a Tidal Disruption Event (TDE). This "offset" TDE, named AT2024tvd, suggests the black hole isn't at a galaxy's center, potentially revealing a population of wandering black holes. Observations from multiple telescopes provide insights into black hole behavior and galactic evolution.
Astronomers have observed a tidal disruption event, AT2024tvd, revealing a rogue supermassive black hole devouring a star far from its galaxy's center. This discovery, aided by Hubble and other telescopes, challenges the conventional understanding of black hole locations and offers insights into galactic evolution. The event highlights the potential of TDEs in detecting hidden black holes.
An underwater volcano, Axial Seamount, located off the Oregon coast, is showing signs of renewed activity, with scientists predicting a potential eruption later this year or early 2026. Researchers have recorded increased earthquake activity and seafloor swelling, indicating magma accumulation.
The Global Space Exploration Conference 2025 in New Delhi achieved record attendance, yet NASA's absence due to budget cuts and internal transitions raised concerns. Despite India's successful hosting and the participation of numerous nations, NASA's non-attendance highlighted the impact of financial constraints on international space collaboration and discussions, impacting the agency's role in future space exploration.
India's ISRO successfully conducted a high-speed satellite rendezvous during its SPADEX mission, showcasing advanced orbital control and autonomous docking capabilities. This achievement, initially intended for satellite servicing, evolved into a demonstration of coordinated maneuvers, resembling a space-based dogfight. The mission underscores India's growing prowess in space security and its ability to protect its assets in orbit.
Researchers discovered Eos, a molecular cloud, using ultraviolet light. It is near Earth and lacks carbon monoxide. This cloud lies on the Local Bubble's edge. Eos's discovery helps understand star birth conditions. Scientists propose a NASA mission named Eos. This mission will chart ultraviolet radiation across the Milky Way. It aims to find more hidden molecular clouds.
India's ambitious Gaganyaan mission, aiming to send humans into space, is now slated for the first quarter of 2027, announced Union Minister Jitendra Singh. Key test missions, including TV-D1 and TVAM, have paved the way, with TV-D2 planned for 2025. The mission emphasizes crew safety, orbital competence, and involves rigorous astronaut training.
A new NASA and Toho University study, utilizing supercomputers, projects Earth's habitability timeline, revealing the eventual demise of life due to the Sun's increasing heat. This gradual process, unfolding over billions of years, will drastically alter the atmosphere and ecosystems. While distant, the research emphasizes the need for preparation through technological solutions and space colonization to ensure humanity's survival.
Asteroid 2025 HY2, an Apollo-class asteroid, will pass Earth on May 7, 2025, at a speed of 48,904 km/h. Though passing at a distance of 6.8 million kilometres, it's a close call in cosmic terms. While not a direct threat, its size, similar to a Boeing 737, highlights the potential devastation of undiscovered asteroids.
Scientists at Southampton University have made a significant advancement. They have successfully simulated the 'Black Hole Bomb' theory in a lab. This theory, proposed in the 1970s, explores tapping into a black hole's rotational energy. The experiment involved a rotating cylinder and magnetic fields. The results showed energy changes based on relative rotation speeds.
SpaceX is set to launch a Falcon 9 rocket carrying Starlink satellites from Florida's Space Coast on May 6, 2025. The launch window opens at 8:22 p.m. EDT, offering a spectacular nighttime display visible from Jacksonville Beach to West Palm Beach. This mission aims to expand SpaceX's Starlink broadband constellation, providing global high-speed internet access.
The eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD buried Pompeii and Herculaneum, preserving Roman life in ash. Recent discoveries, including exotic animal bones, vitrified brains, erotic art, and children's graffiti, offer insights into Roman cuisine, trade, medicine, and culture. Ongoing excavations continue to reveal tragic stories and expand our understanding of this ancient civilization.
Recent discoveries have challenged previous assumptions about the space near Earth, revealing a potential population of undiscovered "minimoons," some of which may be lunar debris. The identification of 2024 PT5, an asteroid-like object with lunar characteristics, supports this theory. These minimoons offer a unique opportunity to study the Moon's impact history and could serve as targets for future space missions.