Asteroid 2024 YR4, though not an Earth threat, now poses a collision risk to the Moon. Scientists estimate a 4.3% chance of impact, potentially ejecting 100 million kilograms of lunar debris into space. This debris could endanger satellites in low Earth orbit, crucial for communication, GPS, and climate monitoring, necessitating international attention and preparedness.
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International Space Station astronauts celebrated with 'space sushi'. Jonny Kim shared the crew's creative meal on social media. They used rice, spam, fish, gochujang, and wasabi. Limited supplies didn't stop them. Astronauts taped surfaces to keep food from floating. The meal boosted morale and fostered connection. Social media users admired their resourcefulness and ingenuity.
Astronomers have observed thick, mineral-rich clouds, potentially containing iron, enveloping the young exoplanet YSES-1b, leading to the possibility of iron rain. The YSES-1 system, only a million years old, features two gas giants, offering a unique opportunity to study planet formation. Researchers are intrigued by the persistent dust disk around YSES-1b, challenging existing planet formation theories.
NASA is embarking on the Sporadic-E ElectroDynamics (SEED) mission, launching rockets from Kwajalein Atoll to investigate unpredictable Sporadic-E layers in the ionosphere. These layers disrupt radio signals, impacting communication and navigation systems. The mission aims to understand their formation and behavior near the magnetic equator, enhancing prediction models to mitigate signal interruptions.
Researchers in Japan have developed a novel plastic that dissolves in seawater within hours, potentially mitigating microplastic pollution. Created from sodium hexametaphosphate and guanidinium ions, this durable, non-flammable plastic can be customized for various applications. Its rapid disintegration in saltwater and the recyclability of its components offer a promising solution to the global plastic crisis.
In a groundbreaking discovery, researchers captured the first-ever live footage of a rare blood-red Antarctic gonate squid at a depth of 7,060 feet. Identified by its distinctive tentacle hooks, this elusive creature was observed in its natural bathypelagic habitat. This sighting, deemed "mission-critical," provides invaluable insights into the behavior and ecology of this deep-sea predator.
Scientists have achieved a groundbreaking feat by detecting a 13-billion-year-old microwave signal from the Cosmic Dawn using Earth-based telescopes in Chile. This discovery, made by the CLASS project, provides unprecedented insights into the early universe and the formation of the first stars and galaxies.
NASA's James Webb Space Telescope has captured an awe-inspiring image showcasing thousands of galaxies, forming part of the COSMOS-Webb survey. This profound window into the universe reveals star systems both near and far, including galaxies from the early universe. Webb's infrared capabilities enable scientists to study galaxy evolution and interactions across cosmic history, uncovering previously unseen structures.
A new COVID-19 variant, NB.1.8.1 or "Nimbus," is spreading globally, causing painful sore throats, dubbed "razor blade throat." Primarily affecting the eastern Mediterranean, Southeast Asia, and western Pacific regions, it's been detected in the US. While some Western Pacific countries report increased cases and hospitalizations, current vaccines remain effective, and the WHO considers the public health risk low.
SpaceX's Starship prototype faced another setback. A static fire test resulted in an explosion. The incident raises concerns about the rocket's reliability. This test follows previous failures, including a destroyed Super Heavy booster. Starship is crucial for missions to the Moon and Mars. SpaceX insists that these tests provide valuable data. The company aims to reduce space travel costs.
NASA has postponed the Axiom-4 mission to the ISS due to ongoing air leak investigations in the Russian segment, in collaboration with Roscosmos. Recent repairs showed initial success, but a new pressure anomaly requires further assessment. The delay impacts Axiom Space's mission, intended to transport four private astronauts via SpaceX, while prioritizing safety and structural integrity.