A recent study unveiled by NASA's InSight lander has found a massive reservoir of liquid water beneath Mars' surface, potentially capable of covering the planet in a global ocean. Seismic data suggest this water, located 7.2 to 12.4 miles deep, may indicate conditions favorable for microbial life. "Temperatures on present-day Mars become warm enough for stable liquid water near the top of mid-crust, and pores are expected to have closed at the bottom of the layer," the study said.from Science News - Times of India https://ift.tt/KvBDgQA
Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore's missions on the ISS were extended following issues with the Boeing Starliner spacecraft. Due to a helium leak, their return, initially planned for June 2024, is now uncertain. Nasa has indicated an alternative return plan using SpaceX's Crew Dragon capsule, potentially in February 2025, posing challenges for Boeing.
A researcher from the University of Edinburgh uncovered the earliest lunisolar calendar at Göbekli Tepe, an ancient site in Turkey. Martin Sweatman linked markings on a pillar to a comet impact 13,000 years ago, suggesting ancient people recorded this event. The discovery hints at advanced astronomical understanding of that time.
A Falcon 9 rocket launched from Cape Canaveral successfully placed 21 Starlink satellites in orbit on Saturday. Of these, 13 have direct-to-cell capability. This marks the 187th Starlink mission, bringing the total to 6,854 satellites. SpaceX plans two more launches on Sunday, deploying additional Starlink satellites and Arctic broadband relay stations.