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.
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Dr. Malur Ramasamy Srinivasan, a key figure in India's nuclear energy program, passed away at 95. As former Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission, he spearheaded the development of India's nuclear capabilities. His work with Dr. Homi Bhabha on the Apsara reactor and his leadership in building Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors were crucial.
A vibrant blue poison dart frog, *Ranitomeya aetherea*, has been identified as a new species in the western Amazon. Discovered near the Juruá River, this frog boasts striking copper highlights on its limbs and distinctive pale blue stripes. Its unique call patterns and specific habitat preferences make it a significant find, highlighting the vulnerability of such species to environmental changes.
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.
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.
Scientists have engineered innovative contact lenses that grant humans the ability to see in the dark by converting infrared light into visible images. These nanoparticle-infused lenses offer potential applications in rescue operations, security, and medicine, eliminating the need for bulky, powered goggles.
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.
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.
Scientists have made a surprising discovery: penguin droppings in Antarctica may contribute to cooling the continent. Ammonia released from penguin guano combines with compounds from phytoplankton, boosting the formation of cloud-seeding aerosols. These aerosols then create low-lying clouds that reflect sunlight, potentially offsetting some warming effects, highlighting the intricate link between ecosystems and climate.
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.
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.