Science
What do a UP town, a physicist and a Bihar town have in common? Hint: Mars
Lal, Mursan and Hilsa are three craters on the surface of Mars, discovered by Ahmedabad's Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), that could hold proof that there was water on the red planet at some point in the past. The biggest crater of the three - Lal - has been named after the late Professor Devendra Lal, a legendary cosmic ray physicist from Varanasi and the director of PRL between 1972 and 1983.
Uncovering Mars' frosty secrets: How water behaves on the Red Planet
Scientists have discovered frost on Mars' Olympus Mons volcano, indicating a sparse yet active water cycle on the Red Planet. This phenomenon challenges previous assumptions about frost formation near Mars' equator due to its thin atmosphere and intense sunlight. Using data from Mars orbiters, researchers found that frost forms briefly each morning during colder seasons in the Tharsis volcanic region. This finding, involving meticulous analysis spanning five years, suggests a unique water activity cycle on Mars with implications for future exploration missions.
NASA's cutting-edge alloy investment set to drive Aerospace innovation
NASA's groundbreaking investment in superalloy GRX-810 is poised to revolutionize aerospace technology, offering superior durability and performance in extreme conditions. Developed under NASA's Technology Transfer Program, GRX-810 can endure temperatures exceeding 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit and withstand more stress and oxidation than traditional materials. Licensed to four American companies, this nickel-based alloy promises to enhance the competitiveness of American aerospace industries and improve overall fuel efficiency, marking a significant step forward in materials science.
Crypto Aliens: Harvard study claims extraterrestrials from outer space are living among humans
A Harvard University study suggests that alien beings, termed "cryptoterrestrials," might live covertly among humans on Earth. These entities could exist underground, on the moon, or disguised as humans. The study explores various forms of cryptoterrestrials and calls for open-minded consideration despite skepticism. The paper is pending peer review, continuing the intrigue about extraterrestrial life.
NASA accidentally broadcasts simulation of distressed astronauts on space station
A female voice asks crew members to "get commander back in his suit", check his pulse and provide him with oxygen, later saying his prognosis was "tenuous", according to copies of the audio posted on social media. NASA did not verify the recordings or republish the audio.
ISRO's Aditya-L1 spacecraft's two onboard instruments capture solar fury
ISRO's Aditya-L1 spacecraft, stationed at the Lagrangian point (L1) roughly 1.5 million km from Earth, captured recent solar activities using its SUIT and VELC instruments. The Sun's dynamic events, including X-class and M-class flares with associated CMEs, were recorded during May 2024, aiding in geomagnetic storm predictions.
Artificial sweetners in chewing gum and even toothpaste can give you blood clots, heart attacks or stroke: Study
Artificial sweeteners, particularly xylitol, may pose health risks by affecting platelets and blood clotting, leading to cardiovascular events. Caution is advised, with recommendations for natural sweeteners and occasional use of xylitol products for those at risk.
Former astronaut William Anders, who took iconic Earthrise photo, has died in Washington plane crash
Retired Maj. Gen. William Anders, renowned for the 'Earthrise' photo, passed away in a plane crash. Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly praised Anders for his impact on space exploration and environmental awareness, expressing condolences to his family and friends.
Sunita Williams breaks into impromptu dance as she enters ISS on her third space trip
Indian-origin astronaut Sunita Williams and her colleague Butch Wilmore entered the International Space Station with a celebratory dance and 'Bell Rings' welcome, making history as the first members aboard Boeing's Starliner spacecraft to the ISS.
Boeing Starliner's first astronaut crew welcomed aboard space station
Boeing's Starliner capsule, carrying NASA crew, safely docked with the ISS, proving its flight-worthiness and competing with SpaceX. Despite technical issues, the mission was successful.
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SpaceX's mega rocket completes its fourth test flight from Texas without exploding
SpaceX's mega Starship rocket completed its first full test flight from Texas to the Indian Ocean without exploding, marking a milestone for future missions.
World's most powerful rocket Starship set for next launch
Starship, SpaceX's massive prototype rocket that may one day send humans to Mars, is poised for its next flight on Thursday. Its Falcon 9 rockets have come to be workhorses for NASA and the commercial sector, its Dragon capsule sends astronauts and cargo to the International Space Station, and its Starlink internet satellite constellation now covers dozens of countries.
Boeing's Starliner capsule successfully deploys Sunita Williams, Butch Wilmore to ISS
Boeing launched astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore to the International Space Station (ISS) aboard their Starliner capsule after overcoming multiple delays and technical issues. The mission aims to test Starliner's capabilities, including manual control and serving as a safe haven during emergencies. The launch, from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, is a significant step for Boeing's Starliner program, which aims to provide crew transport to the ISS, competing with SpaceX's Crew Dragon capsule.
ISRO working on mission to advance high-resolution thermal imaging for climate, resource management
The TRISHNA mission, a collaboration between ISRO and the French space agency CNES, aims to monitor Earth's surface temperature, water stress, and water quality for energy budgeting. The launch schedule is undisclosed.
Carbon removal needs to quadruple to meet climate goals, researchers say
New policies are required to drive up demand for CDR, the authors said, with funding for new technologies falling since 2020. The $856 million invested in new startups last year accounted for around 1% of total climate tech spending.
NASA mission reveals asteroid's unusual double moon, scientists baffled
NASA sScientists suggest that the Dinkinesh asteroid fractured, causing pieces to separate and form a disk of material. And some of this material then fell back to the surface. Scientists believe that part of this disk material coalesced into the moon Selam, which consists of two touching objects but the specific process behind the formation of this unusual moon remains unclear.
