OBSERVATORIES

NASA's Chandra telescope reveals stunning details of Milky Way's super star cluster

In a groundbreaking study, NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory has revealed new insights into Westerlund 1, the largest and closest 'super' star cluster to Earth. Led by astronomers from the Italian National Institute of Astrophysics in Palermo, the Extended Westerlund 1 and 2 Open Clusters Survey (EWOCS) project marks a significant milestone in understanding this cosmic phenomenon. Chandra's observations, combined with data from other NASA telescopes, show a vibrant star cluster with active star formation and a halo of hot gas surrounding its core.

Brand-new space telescope launched in 2023 has 'damaged doors', says NASA

Observational plans around an expensive and state-of-the-art space telescope launched just last year in September, has now taken a back seat, as one of the aperture doors that covers a crucial instrument has stayed jammed for long. NASA is currently contemplating backup options around the issue, say reports.

Is there a lighthouse in space pointing towards the Earth?

An image from the James Webb Telescope and the Chandra X-Ray reveals a nebula that has a lighthouse shape and this is pointed towards the earth. This star exploded in the 11th century and is a remnant of it.

Hubble Space Telescope faces setback, here's what happened

There seems to be some trouble with one of the Hubble Space Telescope's three gyroscopes, the last working ones in its arsenal, prompting mission managers to approach a new way of keeping it functioning efficiently.

Portugal to use golden visa scheme to help migrants, build affordable homes

Portugal plans a 'solidarity visa' to allow wealthy foreigners to invest in affordable housing for locals or migrants, complementing the golden visa scheme attracting over 7.3 billion euros since 2012.

Why immigration is a major issue in Britain's election

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak pledges to cut immigration if Conservative Party wins election, aiming to distinguish from Labour. Immigration has long been a key issue in UK politics, impacting public services and society. Recent efforts to reduce immigration have resulted in decreased numbers but sparked debate over benefits and costs.

Hawaii's Kilauea volcano erupts in places after 50 years. What we know so far

Hawaii's Kilauea volcano has begun erupting, as warning levels rise from orange to red in the region. The volcanic region had not seen any eruption for almost 50 years, surprising scientists.

NASA tracks 160-foot asteroid approaching Earth at 37,070 km/h

NASA has alerted the public about an asteroid, 2024 JY1, approaching Earth. Although large and fast, it poses no threat due to its distant trajectory. Part of the Apollo asteroids, 2024 JY1 provides a valuable opportunity for scientific study and public engagement. NASA's ongoing monitoring efforts ensure our safety and expand our knowledge of space, with future prospects for asteroid mining.

NASA's new finding: 126 rare exoplanets, some capable of supporting life. Pics here

A new catalog featuring 126 exoplanets discovered through NASA's TESS and the Keck Observatory has been released, revealing diverse planet types beyond our solar system.

Flower Moon May 2024: Here’s how you can have the best view in US tonight

The Flower Moon of May 2024 offers a spectacular viewing opportunity for skywatchers across the U.S. and around the world. Here’s how you can watch the event from New York, Miami, Lagos, or Melbourne.

Sun shoots out biggest solar flare in almost 2 decades

Florida witnessed its strongest sun flare in almost 20 years, part of the 11-year solar cycle peak. The X8.7-rated flare, captured by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory, followed severe solar storms. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration played a crucial role in monitoring the event. Bryan Brasher at NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center in Boulder, Colorado highlighted the flare's intensity.

NASA’s new simulation video unravels mysteries linked to blackhole. See what is it?

NASA releases a new simulation video enabling its viewers to experience what it feels to get close to a blackhole and beyond. The users can either be at the center of the video and actually experience traveling close to a blackhole or simply watch it as an enlightening video.

To achieve our full potential in space, there is a requirement for greater public-private participation: Air Chief Marshal

Iran's attacks bring long shadow war with Israel into the open

Israel and Iran have engaged in a long-standing conflict across the Middle East, using various means such as drones, missiles, and cyber attacks. While Iran has typically used proxies like Hezbollah to target Israel, Israel has employed targeted assassinations against Iranian military leaders. A recent escalation saw Iran directly launching a barrage of drones and missiles at Israel from its own territory, a significant development in the conflict. The history of the conflict includes airstrikes, assassinations, and retaliatory attacks, showcasing the ongoing tensions between the two nations.

Surya Grahan Sutak Time: When and where to watch NASA's total solar eclipse live stream on YouTube

An upcoming total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, will darken the skies over North America, offering a rare spectacle for skywatchers. The event, known as totality, will be visible from a 185-kilometer stretch spanning Mexico, the US, and Canada, but not from India. Observers are advised to wear protective eyewear and follow safety guidelines to view the eclipse safely.

'Cannibal', 'zombie' star spotted. Know in detail about the startling discovery in space science

What is a 'cannibal' star and why it is called so? The scientists at the European Southern Observatory’s Very Large Telescope (VLT) in Chile have answered to these questions. Know in detail.

Five dead including civilians in Israeli strikes on Syria: monitor

Israeli airstrikes in Syria's Homs killed five, including three civilians, with seven injured. Syria's defense ministry reported casualties and shared footage of rescue efforts. Last week, US strikes on Iran-backed groups in Syria and Iraq, alongside Israeli attacks in Syria, heightened tensions. Israel aims to prevent Iranian influence in Syria. The strikes occurred amidst the ongoing civil war, which has claimed over half a million lives and displaced millions since 2011.

An Israeli airstrike on the Syrian capital killed at least 4 Iranian advisers, officials say

Israeli strikes destroy Iranian paramilitary building in Damascus and target Hezbollah members in Tyre. At least 4 Iranians killed in the strike. Israeli air force fires missiles over Golan Heights. Israeli military does not comment. Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reports at least 6 people killed. Search for survivors underway. Israel has targeted Palestinian and Lebanese operatives in Syria. Recent tensions in the region include rockets fired from Syria and attacks on ships by Yemen's Houthi rebels.

Confident of Aditya L1’s insertion in halo orbit around L1: Nigar Shaji

Aditya was launched from the Sriharikota spaceport on September 2 and the spacecraft has traversed a distance of 1.5 million km from Earth. The final manoeuvre will involve firing a group of thrusters for a short period of time till 4 pm on Saturday. Aditya L1 has 12 thrusters.

Aditya L1, India's first space-based solar observatory, reaches destination

Aditya L1, India's first space-based solar observatory has successfully reached an orbit around its intended destination: the Sun-Earth Lagrangian Point L1, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on microblogging platform X at 4:11 pm.

Aditya-L1, ISRO'S first solar spacecraft enters Sun's final orbit

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has achieved a major milestone as they successfully completed the last manoeuvre to position the Aditya-L1 spacecraft into its designated orbit. Aditya-L1 is India's first space-based observatory dedicated to studying the Sun. The spacecraft has now reached its final destination, a distance of approximately 1.5 million kilometres from the Earth.

Aditya-L1 reaches it destination: PM Modi lauds ISRO scientists

Aditya-L1: ISRO’s mission to study Sun, set to be placed in final orbit on Jan 6