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.
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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.
The deep ocean, covering most of Earth, remains largely unexplored, with only 0.001% visually studied. It regulates climate, harbors unique ecosystems, and holds potential resources. However, human activities like climate change, pollution, and overfishing threaten this vital environment before its true value is understood, necessitating urgent conservation efforts and sustainable practices.
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals is set to acquire 23andMe for $256 million following its bankruptcy filing due to declining demand and a significant data breach in 2023. The acquisition excludes Lemonaid Health, which will be shut down. Regeneron pledges to uphold privacy commitments and legal safeguards for the genetic data of 15 million users, with a court-appointed overseer monitoring data use.
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.
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.
Researchers in the United States and Japan have discovered the genetic basis for ginger cats' orange fur. The ARHGAP36 gene is responsible for this unique coloration. A missing DNA segment in this gene causes lighter pigments. This explains why most ginger cats are male due to X chromosome genetics. Professor Hiroyuki Sasaki led the research, funded by cat enthusiasts.
Scientists have identified *Ikaria wariootia*, a tiny wormlike creature from 555 million years ago, as the earliest known bilaterian. This discovery from South Australia reveals the origin of bilateral body structure, a key feature in most animals today. The fossil's characteristics and burrowing behavior provide insights into early animal evolution and locomotion.
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.
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is preparing for the Axiom-4 mission to the ISS, now launching no sooner than June 8, 2025. This joint ISRO, NASA, and ESA mission marks a significant step for India's space program. Shukla will conduct experiments, including space agriculture research, and engage with Indian students via live broadcast.
Get ready for Summer 2025. It promises amazing celestial events. Stargazers can look forward to meteor showers and full moons. Planetary alignments and eclipses will also occur. The Perseid Meteor Shower and a total lunar eclipse are highlights. The Autumnal Equinox also provides a unique experience. Knowing when and where to look is important. Don't miss these awe-inspiring moments.