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Mysterious Interstellar Object Might Have Shifted Four Planets’ Paths, Study Finds
A mysterious interstellar object, estimated to be eight times the mass of Jupiter, may have significantly altered the orbits of Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune billions of years ago. A study suggests that this body passed remarkably close to the Sun, potentially influencing planetary trajectories. Simulations conducted by researchers indicate ...
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New Supercomputer Set to Propel Electric Spacecraft Technology Forward
Electric propulsion technology, powered by ion engines, is gaining traction for its efficiency in space travel. However, challenges such as back-scattered electrons from the ion plume threaten spacecraft components like solar arrays and antennas. Recent research by scientists from the University of Virginia and the University of Southern California...
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Interstellar Object Could Have Shifted Trajectories of Four Planets, New Research Shows
A recent study suggests that an interstellar object, possibly as massive as eight times Jupiter, may have passed through the solar system billions of years ago, significantly altering the orbits of its outer planets—Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. Using computer simulations, researchers found that in about 1% of the scenarios, such a close ...
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Alien Cosmic Visitor Might Have Completely Rearranged Our Solar System, Study Finds
The research, yet to be peer-reviewed, sheds light on what could have changed the orbits of several planets in the solar system.
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NASA's Solar Observatories Resume Data Operations After Flood Disruption
NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) and Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph (IRIS) have resumed data operations following a flood at Stanford University on November 26, 2024. The incident damaged systems at the Joint Science Operations Center (JSOC), impacting access to critical solar data. Despite challenges, partial database restoration h...
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Stunning Images Of Mercury's Surface Captured By ESA Spacecraft
Barely larger than our own Moon, Mercury orbits precariously close to the Sun at an average distance of roughly 58 million kilometres.
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AI Enhances Northern Lights Classification and Geomagnetic Storm Forecasting
A breakthrough in auroral research, powered by artificial intelligence, has allowed scientists to classify over 700 million auroral images. This effort, using NASA's THEMIS dataset, will significantly enhance the prediction of geomagnetic storms, which can disrupt Earth's communication and security systems. Led by the University of New Hampshire, t...
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Seven Planets To Align During Rare Celestial Event. When And How To Watch
While the grand spectacle takes place next month, six of the seven planets will appear in the sky at once in a large alignment, starting January 21.
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Rubin Observatory’s 2025 Debut Could Unveil Hidden Dark Comets in Space
The Vera Rubin Observatory, set to begin operations in 2025, is expected to revolutionise the study of dark comets. These elusive objects, which lack visible tails but exhibit non-gravitational acceleration, have already been identified in our solar system, but their true numbers remain unknown. The observatory's advanced technology, including a po...
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Solar Missions in 2025: Heliophysics Projects and Spacecrafts That Will Study the Sun
The study of the sun, its activity, and effects across the solar system will advance in 2025. With Solar Cycle 25 peaking, six NASA missions planned, and new research priorities outlined, scientists are poised to address long-standing questions about solar dynamics and their impacts. Missions such as IMAP, ESCAPADE, and PUNCH will investigate solar...
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Mars' Hidden Methane Deposits Could Be Underneath the Crust, Host Alien Life
Scientists have identified regions on Mars where conditions might support microbial life beneath the surface. Seasonal methane variations and Earth-based studies of similar environments suggest underground habitats such as Acidalia Planitia could hold the key. Methanogens, microbes that produce methane, thrive in extreme conditions on Earth, like s...
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Massive Solar Flare Closes 2024 With Radio Blackouts and Auroral Possibilities
An X1.1-class solar flare on December 29, 2024, caused strong radio blackouts on Earth, marking another significant event in the increasingly active Solar Cycle 25. Detected by NOAA's GOES-16 satellite, the eruption raises questions about a potential coronal mass ejection, which could amplify auroras during New Year celebrations. While impactful, t...
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Solar Cycle 25: How the Sun’s Peak Activity Will Impact Earth in 2025
Solar Cycle 25 continues with high activity levels in 2025. Increased solar flares and geomagnetic storms are anticipated, with risks to satellite systems and power grids. Widespread auroras could also light up low-latitude skies. Partial solar eclipses are scheduled for March and September in select regions. Observations indicate strong solar phen...
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SpaceX and Firefly Team Up to Launch Firefly Blue Ghost with 10 NASA Payloads
Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost lunar lander will launch on SpaceX Falcon 9 in mid-January with 10 NASA payloads designed to test cutting-edge technologies. The mission includes tools like a radiation-resistant computer system, a GPS-like navigation system for lunar use, and dust-repelling technology for equipment maintenance. These payloads aim t...
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Chiron's Unique Surface and Coma: Key Insights from Recent Space Research
Recent research has provided critical insights into Chiron, a celestial body between Jupiter and Neptune. Through observations by the James Webb Space Telescope, scientists discovered volatile ices and gases such as carbon dioxide and methane on its surface. Chiron’s gaseous coma offers researchers the opportunity to study gases from below its su...
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Mysterious Interstellar Object Might Have Shifted Four Planets’ Paths, Study Finds
A mysterious interstellar object, estimated to be eight times the mass of Jupiter, may have significantly altered the orbits of Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune billions of years ago. A study suggests that this body passed remarkably close to the Sun, potentially influencing planetary trajectories. Simulations conducted by researchers indicate ...
-
New Supercomputer Set to Propel Electric Spacecraft Technology Forward
Electric propulsion technology, powered by ion engines, is gaining traction for its efficiency in space travel. However, challenges such as back-scattered electrons from the ion plume threaten spacecraft components like solar arrays and antennas. Recent research by scientists from the University of Virginia and the University of Southern California...
-
Interstellar Object Could Have Shifted Trajectories of Four Planets, New Research Shows
A recent study suggests that an interstellar object, possibly as massive as eight times Jupiter, may have passed through the solar system billions of years ago, significantly altering the orbits of its outer planets—Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. Using computer simulations, researchers found that in about 1% of the scenarios, such a close ...
-
Alien Cosmic Visitor Might Have Completely Rearranged Our Solar System, Study Finds
The research, yet to be peer-reviewed, sheds light on what could have changed the orbits of several planets in the solar system.
-
NASA's Solar Observatories Resume Data Operations After Flood Disruption
NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) and Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph (IRIS) have resumed data operations following a flood at Stanford University on November 26, 2024. The incident damaged systems at the Joint Science Operations Center (JSOC), impacting access to critical solar data. Despite challenges, partial database restoration h...
-
Stunning Images Of Mercury's Surface Captured By ESA Spacecraft
Barely larger than our own Moon, Mercury orbits precariously close to the Sun at an average distance of roughly 58 million kilometres.
-
AI Enhances Northern Lights Classification and Geomagnetic Storm Forecasting
A breakthrough in auroral research, powered by artificial intelligence, has allowed scientists to classify over 700 million auroral images. This effort, using NASA's THEMIS dataset, will significantly enhance the prediction of geomagnetic storms, which can disrupt Earth's communication and security systems. Led by the University of New Hampshire, t...
-
Seven Planets To Align During Rare Celestial Event. When And How To Watch
While the grand spectacle takes place next month, six of the seven planets will appear in the sky at once in a large alignment, starting January 21.
-
Rubin Observatory’s 2025 Debut Could Unveil Hidden Dark Comets in Space
The Vera Rubin Observatory, set to begin operations in 2025, is expected to revolutionise the study of dark comets. These elusive objects, which lack visible tails but exhibit non-gravitational acceleration, have already been identified in our solar system, but their true numbers remain unknown. The observatory's advanced technology, including a po...
-
Solar Missions in 2025: Heliophysics Projects and Spacecrafts That Will Study the Sun
The study of the sun, its activity, and effects across the solar system will advance in 2025. With Solar Cycle 25 peaking, six NASA missions planned, and new research priorities outlined, scientists are poised to address long-standing questions about solar dynamics and their impacts. Missions such as IMAP, ESCAPADE, and PUNCH will investigate solar...
-
Mars' Hidden Methane Deposits Could Be Underneath the Crust, Host Alien Life
Scientists have identified regions on Mars where conditions might support microbial life beneath the surface. Seasonal methane variations and Earth-based studies of similar environments suggest underground habitats such as Acidalia Planitia could hold the key. Methanogens, microbes that produce methane, thrive in extreme conditions on Earth, like s...
-
Massive Solar Flare Closes 2024 With Radio Blackouts and Auroral Possibilities
An X1.1-class solar flare on December 29, 2024, caused strong radio blackouts on Earth, marking another significant event in the increasingly active Solar Cycle 25. Detected by NOAA's GOES-16 satellite, the eruption raises questions about a potential coronal mass ejection, which could amplify auroras during New Year celebrations. While impactful, t...
-
Solar Cycle 25: How the Sun’s Peak Activity Will Impact Earth in 2025
Solar Cycle 25 continues with high activity levels in 2025. Increased solar flares and geomagnetic storms are anticipated, with risks to satellite systems and power grids. Widespread auroras could also light up low-latitude skies. Partial solar eclipses are scheduled for March and September in select regions. Observations indicate strong solar phen...
-
SpaceX and Firefly Team Up to Launch Firefly Blue Ghost with 10 NASA Payloads
Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost lunar lander will launch on SpaceX Falcon 9 in mid-January with 10 NASA payloads designed to test cutting-edge technologies. The mission includes tools like a radiation-resistant computer system, a GPS-like navigation system for lunar use, and dust-repelling technology for equipment maintenance. These payloads aim t...
-
Chiron's Unique Surface and Coma: Key Insights from Recent Space Research
Recent research has provided critical insights into Chiron, a celestial body between Jupiter and Neptune. Through observations by the James Webb Space Telescope, scientists discovered volatile ices and gases such as carbon dioxide and methane on its surface. Chiron’s gaseous coma offers researchers the opportunity to study gases from below its su...
