A viral rumour about total darkness on August 2, 2025, is creating panic. NASA clarifies no such event is scheduled. The rumour is a confusion with the August 2, 2027, total solar eclipse. This eclipse will be visible across Spain, North Africa, and the Middle East. It is expected to last over six minutes.
Australia's first attempt to launch a domestically built rocket into orbit ended in failure as the Eris vehicle crashed shortly after liftoff from Queensland. Despite the setback, Gilmour Space Technologies, the company behind the launch, hailed it as a milestone, noting the successful ignition of all four engines.
Lucid Motors, a Saudi-backed electric vehicle manufacturer, set a new Guinness World Record by driving its Lucid Air Grand Touring 1,205 km (749 miles) on a single charge from St. Moritz, Switzerland to Munich, Germany. This surpasses the previous record by 160 km and demonstrates the car’s real-world range and efficiency in diverse conditions.Lucid Motors, a Saudi-backed electric vehicle manufacturer, set a new Guinness World Record by driving its Lucid Air Grand Touring 1,205 km (749 miles) on a single charge from St. Moritz, Switzerland to Munich, Germany. This surpasses the previous record by 160 km and demonstrates the car’s real-world range and efficiency in diverse conditions.
NASA and ISRO are set to launch the NISAR satellite on July 30, 2025, aboard the GSLV-F16 rocket. This collaborative mission will employ advanced radar technology to monitor Earth's environmental changes, including land deformation, glacier movement, and ecosystem health. NISAR's data will benefit global climate research, disaster management, and agricultural planning.
Brain scans in your 40s might reveal lifespan. Duke University research shows brain structure changes indicate biological aging. The DunedinPACE tool analyzes these changes. It helps predict cognitive decline and diseases. Early detection enables preventative care. This promotes longer, healthier lives. Brain imaging could become a routine health assessment. It helps in slowing age-related decline.
The possibility of human reproduction in space raises significant biological and technological challenges. Microgravity impacts fetal development and poses logistical difficulties for childbirth, while cosmic radiation threatens DNA and increases the risk of miscarriage and developmental abnormalities. Protecting against radiation and understanding the effects of weightlessness on fetal and infant development are crucial before attempting space pregnancy.
Growing plants in space, once a distant dream, is now vital for long-duration missions. Astronauts have successfully cultivated zinnias, sunflowers, and wheat on space stations, offering fresh food, psychological comfort, and life-support benefits. NASA's Veggie project and earlier Soviet experiments demonstrate the feasibility of space farming, paving the way for sustainable deep space exploration and reducing reliance on Earth-based supplies.
The Nasa-Isro Synthetic Aperture Radar (Nisar) satellite is scheduled to launch on July 30 aboard the GSLV-F16 rocket from Sriharikota. Following launch, a meticulous deployment sequence will unfold over several weeks, including the deployment of a massive 12-meter radar antenna. After a 90-day commissioning phase, Nisar will commence its science operations, capturing crucial data on Earth's surface changes using its L-band and S-band frequencies.
Get ready for a celestial treat. Two meteor showers, Southern Delta Aquariids and Alpha Capricornids, will peak together. The event is expected on July 29–30, 2025. Skywatchers can see up to 25 meteors per hour. The Southern Hemisphere will have the best view. A moonless sky will ensure great visibility. Do not miss this natural light show.
The joint NASA-ISRO mission, NISAR, is set to launch, revolutionizing Earth observation with its advanced radar technology. Scanning the planet every 12 days, it will detect subtle changes, aiding in flood warnings, coastal erosion monitoring, and disaster response. This collaboration, fifty years after the SITE project, marks a significant advancement in Indo-US space cooperation, providing invaluable data to scientists worldwide.
NASA faces significant upheaval as nearly 20% of its workforce departs following funding cuts under the Trump administration's downsizing plan. The Deferred Resignation Program, intended to streamline the agency, sparks widespread protests and concerns over a critical loss of expertise. With mission readiness threatened and leadership in question, the future of U.S. space exploration hangs in the balance.
A new study suggests the universe might collapse in 20 billion years. This challenges the idea of endless expansion. Scientists analyzed data from the Dark Energy Survey and Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument. They propose dark energy may not be constant. Gravity could eventually reverse expansion, leading to a Big Crunch. This is the opposite of the Big Bang.
Lightning strikes kill 320 million trees yearly worldwide. This causes significant carbon emissions, almost matching wildfires. The Amazon and Congo Basin are high-risk zones. Climate change increases lightning frequency, threatening forests in Canada, Russia, and the United States. These silent deaths impact biodiversity and climate stability. The loss equals 8,000 square kilometers of forest, an area larger than Sikkim.
Germany explores bio-robotics for defence. Cyborg cockroaches are the new surveillance bots. Swarm Biotactics develops these insect-based robots. They carry cameras and sensors for real-time data. These robots can operate individually or in swarms. The aim is to gather intelligence from enemy areas. This reduces risk to human soldiers. Germany is embracing innovative military technology.
A recent study reveals a growing trend among teenagers using AI for companionship, advice, and emotional support, raising concerns about its impact on social development and mental health. Teens are increasingly turning to platforms like ChatGPT for personal guidance, sometimes even over real-life interactions.
A groundbreaking study reveals the alarming presence of 27 million tons of nanoplastics in the North Atlantic Ocean, posing significant threats to marine ecosystems and human health. These microscopic particles, originating from plastic breakdown and other sources, infiltrate the food chain and can penetrate tissues. Experts emphasize the urgent need to prevent further plastic pollution to mitigate this pervasive threat.
In March 2025, a magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck central Myanmar, marking the strongest seismic event in over a century. A nearby CCTV camera captured the fault's rupture in real time, revealing a 2.5-meter ground slip in just 1.3 seconds. This unprecedented footage offers scientists a unique opportunity to study earthquake mechanics and improve future predictions.
The Trump administration is exploring alternatives to SpaceX for the $175 billion Golden Dome missile defense system due to a fallout between Trump and Elon Musk. This shift aims to reduce reliance on a single company, with Amazon's Project Kuiper now a contender. Despite tensions, SpaceX remains in the running, though Musk has expressed a preference for Mars exploration.
Scientists in Switzerland are cryogenically freezing human feces in a Microbiota Vault, aiming to safeguard microbial diversity for future generations. This initiative addresses the alarming decline in gut microbes due to modern lifestyles, which is linked to increased health issues. The vault seeks to preserve these microbes for potential medical and ecological restoration applications.
A recent study, analyzing the Newall Boulder fragment, reinforces the theory that Stonehenge's builders transported massive stones from Wales using human effort and basic tools. Dismissing the glacial transport theory, geochemical evidence links the stones to quarries over 200 kilometers away. This highlights the ingenuity and endurance of Neolithic people in constructing the iconic monument.
In the waters of Kumejima Island, Japan, scientists have identified a new marine species: the skeleton panda sea squirt (Clavelina ossipandae). This tiny, transparent creature, resembling a panda skeleton, was discovered through social media posts by divers. Its unique appearance and vital role in coral reef ecosystems highlight the importance of marine biodiversity and conservation efforts.
NASA studies vision problems in astronauts on the International Space Station. This condition is Space-Associated Neuro-Ocular Syndrome or SANS. Fluid shifts in zero gravity cause SANS. NASA tests thigh cuffs to manage fluid shifts. Advanced imaging and VR help monitor SANS. Research explores genetic impacts and potential treatments. This work is vital for future Moon and Mars missions.
German researchers have identified freshwater fungi capable of breaking down synthetic plastics, offering a potential natural solution to plastic pollution. These fungi thrive by consuming certain plastics, particularly polyurethane, though they struggle with tougher plastics. While not a complete solution, scientists believe these fungi could complement recycling efforts, especially in controlled environments like wastewater plants.
A new study identifies Amazonis Planitia, particularly the AP-8 region, as a promising landing site on Mars. This location offers a safe landing area and crucial access to subsurface water ice, essential for in-situ resource utilization.
An asteroid named 2025 ME92 is set to fly past Earth on July 31. It will maintain a safe distance of 3.19 million kilometers. NASA and ISRO are monitoring this near-Earth object. Although not hazardous, its trajectory is under observation. ISRO plans to collaborate internationally on planetary defense. This event highlights the importance of tracking asteroids and protecting our planet.
NASA's X-59 supersonic jet, dubbed the "son of Concorde," has completed low-speed taxi tests, advancing toward its first flight. Engineered with "quiet supersonic technology," it aims to minimize sonic booms, potentially revolutionizing air travel by significantly reducing flight times between major cities. This progress could pave the way for commercial supersonic flight over land.
India achieved a milestone in its human spaceflight program. The country validated astronaut selection and training protocols. This was done through the 'Anugami' experiment in Bengaluru. The experiment simulated space mission conditions. It involved diverse participants, including military personnel and civilian researchers. The mission tested medical emergency responses and psychological monitoring systems. Future simulations will occur in extreme environments.
Astronomers observe a dramatic event on exoplanet TOI 1227 b. This young gas planet is losing its atmosphere quickly. Intense X-ray radiation from its red dwarf star is the cause. NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory helps in the discovery. Scientists believe this offers insights into planetary evolution. The planet is unlikely to support life.
On August 2, 2027, a remarkable total solar eclipse will grace Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East, plunging regions into darkness for up to 6 minutes and 23 seconds. Dubbed the "Great North African Eclipse," this celestial event promises an extended period of totality, making it a once-in-a-lifetime spectacle for millions, with ideal viewing conditions expected in North Africa.
Indian astronaut Shubanshu Shukla (Shux) safely returned from the ISS after the Axiom-4 mission and is undergoing post-flight rehabilitation in Houston. Initial medical evaluations show no immediate health concerns as he begins a week-long recovery program. The mission facilitated international cooperation in space and supported over 60 scientific experiments from 31 countries, contributing to a thriving low-Earth orbit economy.
SpaceX is gearing up for Starship's tenth test flight in early August, as confirmed by Elon Musk on July 14, 2025. Despite a recent upper-stage explosion and previous flight failures, the Super Heavy booster has shown promise. This mission aims to improve reusability and reliability, crucial for lunar missions, space station resupply, and Mars colonization.
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the first Indian astronaut to visit the ISS, has returned home after an 18-day mission. His emotional reunion with his wife and son, captured in heartwarming photos, has resonated deeply across India. Shukla's message emphasizes the importance of human connection, reminding everyone to cherish their loved ones amidst life's fast pace.
A University of Lincoln study reveals that red-footed tortoises exhibit long-term mood states, indicating optimism and emotional resilience. Challenging the perception of reptiles as purely instinctual, the research used cognitive bias tests, showing that tortoises in enriched environments displayed more optimistic behaviors. These findings advocate for improved reptile welfare, urging consideration of their mental wellbeing in care and policy.
Astrophysicist Adam Becker has strongly criticized Elon Musk's Mars colonization plan, labeling it as utterly unrealistic. In his recent book and interviews, Becker argues that billionaires' space settlement dreams are detached from scientific and ethical considerations. He insists that even a devastated Earth would be more habitable than Mars, citing the planet's harsh conditions.
Asteroid 2022 YS5, a building-sized space rock, will safely pass Earth on July 17, prompting NASA and ISRO to emphasize the importance of planetary defense. While not hazardous, this event underscores the need for continuous monitoring of near-Earth objects. ISRO is preparing for future asteroid encounters, particularly Apophis in 2029, through international collaborations and technology development.
A recent study reveals a growing trend of AI chatbot usage in writing biomedical paper abstracts. Researchers identified specific words favored by AI, like "delves" and "crucial," to detect AI-generated content. They estimate that at least 13.5% of biomedical abstracts show signs of AI assistance, sparking debate about the ethical use of AI in scientific writing.
Asteroid 2025 MA90 is set to pass today, that is July 15, 2025; however,, it is reportedly to safely pass by Earth. Scientists are monitoring it closely. This event allows the study of near-Earth objects. NASA confirms no impact risk. ISRO focuses on asteroid Apophis's 2029 flyby. Global cooperation is essential for planetary defence. Agencies are developing missions for asteroid study. Vigilance against cosmic hazards remains crucial.
In Kerala's Western Ghats, scientists have discovered a new butterfly species, Zographetus mathewi, highlighting the region's underexplored biodiversity. This rare skipper butterfly, found in low-elevation forests, is the 15th species in its genus and the fifth from India. The discovery emphasizes the importance of conserving these fragile lowland ecosystems and raises awareness about India's hidden biodiversity.
A recent study unveils the extraordinary 26-million-year global journey of seemingly ordinary grass-yellow butterflies, known as 'Eurema.' These delicate tropical fliers, with their lemon-hued wings, have circumnavigated the world without modern technology or even a fixed body plan. Biologists have pieced together this incredible story, highlighting the remarkable resilience and adaptability of these often-overlooked creatures.
Scientists are working on a novel solution to combat the Himalayan cold. They are developing a thermochemical reactor using strontium bromide. This salt stores summer heat and releases it during winter. The aim is to provide sustainable heating for homes. Field trials are planned with the Indian Army. This innovation could reduce reliance on diesel and firewood.
Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla and his Ax-4 mission crewmates are set to undock from the ISS on July 14, targeting a California coast splashdown around July 15. The Crew Dragon, "Grace," will execute a series of maneuvers, including a critical deorbit burn and atmospheric re-entry with peak heating.
Shubhanshu Shukla sent a patriotic message from the ISS. He used a famous line from Rakesh Sharma. NASA and Axiom Space hosted a farewell for the Axiom-4 crew. The crew conducted over 60 experiments in 17 days. Shukla performed materials research for ISRO. The astronauts shared dishes from their home countries. Shukla may advise India's Gaganyaan program after his return.
Elon Musk's SpaceX has invested $2 billion in xAI. This move integrates AI deeper into Musk's ecosystem. xAI merged with X, valuing the company at $113 billion. Grok, xAI's chatbot, will power Starlink customer support. It will also integrate with Tesla's Optimus robots. SpaceX's investment raises financial risk concerns. The company is already investing heavily in Starship.