New research challenges the long-held belief that asteroid Vesta is a protoplanet. Scientists at Michigan State University suggest Vesta is a fragment of a larger, extinct planet shattered in a massive collision 4.5 billion years ago. Gravity data from NASA's Dawn mission reveals no metal-rich core, contradicting earlier assumptions and redefining planetary evolution.
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Mega tsunamis are colossal waves triggered by geological events. Lituya Bay saw the tallest tsunami ever recorded. Hawaii faces threat from volcanic landslides. Cumbre Vieja volcano poses Atlantic tsunami risk. Cascadia subduction zone is a ticking time bomb. Melting glaciers increase landslide risks. Early warning systems and preparedness are crucial. These events highlight nature's power and the need for vigilance.
For Narlikar, it was his way of saying that the universe couldn’t have appeared all at once. The Big Bang theory, he felt, was too sudden, too convenient—and too close to the idea of a divine creation. He also pointed out that the theory had strong support from the Church: after all, it was first proposed by a Catholic priest, Georges Lemaître, and even endorsed by the Pope.
A large asteroid, 2003 MH4, will pass by Earth on May 24. It is about the size of the Eiffel Tower. The asteroid will travel at 30,060 kilometers per hour. NASA considers this a close encounter. Continuous monitoring of near-Earth objects is important. Even small gravitational changes can alter an asteroid's path.
President Trump unveiled the Golden Dome, a $175 billion missile defense program integrating ground- and space-based technologies. Led by General Michael Guetlein, the system aims to neutralize threats at all stages, offering unprecedented security. While initial costs range from $25 billion to $35 billion, long-term expenses could reach $831 billion, potentially nearing $1 trillion within two decades.
Recent intense solar flares, originating from sunspot AR4087, have triggered global concerns about potential space weather impacts. A FEMA-led drill simulating a solar superstorm exposed critical preparedness gaps across agencies. Recommendations from SWORM emphasize enhanced monitoring, interagency cooperation, and public education to bolster resilience against future solar events, safeguarding essential infrastructure and national security.
A recent European study involving over 349,000 participants reveals a strong link between urban environments and asthma development. High air pollution, limited green spaces, and concrete-dominated areas significantly elevate asthma risk, especially in children. The research highlights that almost 12% of asthma cases can be attributed to these urban environmental factors, emphasizing the need for healthier urban planning.
Researchers propose a lunar space elevator using existing materials, potentially revolutionizing space travel within decades. Anchored on the moon and extending to Earth's orbit, this "spaceline" could drastically cut mission costs and fuel needs. It would also enable a sustainable human presence in space, facilitating lunar bases and interplanetary missions.
ISRO Chairman Dr. N. Narayanan declared 2025 as 'Gaganyaan Year,' highlighting India's ambitious human spaceflight program. The uncrewed Gaganyaan mission, featuring the Vyommitra robot, is set for December 2025, paving the way for a manned mission in early 2027. ISRO is also advancing lunar exploration with Chandrayaan-4, aiming to return lunar samples, and Chandrayaan-5, a collaborative mission with Japan.
NASA and SpaceX have rescheduled the undocking of the Dragon cargo capsule from the ISS to May 23 due to adverse weather. Part of the CRS-32 mission, the Dragon will return scientific experiments and supplies to Earth. The mission delivered 6,700 pounds of cargo to the ISS. NASA will livestream the undocking, but the splashdown will not be webcast.
A major solar storm is approaching Earth. NASA and other agencies issued warnings. This storm may cause radio blackouts and GPS issues. Vivid auroras are expected. The Sun's activity is increasing. Scientists are monitoring sunspot regions. The storm might affect power grids and satellites. The UK and Ireland could see Northern Lights. People should prepare for communication disruptions.