Know whether another solar storm is headed our way. (NASA)

Space

Solar Flare of Magnitude 8 Causes Unease on Earth

Sanjay PatilSeptember 21, 23Earth, Solar storm

The Sun’s intense activity continues without signs of stopping. This week has been particularly eventful, with frequent solar flare eruptions and daily radio blackouts. Additionally, three separate solar storm incidents occurred, including a powerful G3-class storm on September 18-19, resulting in stunning aurora displays as far south as France. However, a new threat looms as another solar storm is brewing. Yesterday, on September 20, an M8-class solar flare erupted, releasing a coronal mass ejection (CME) cloud in the direction of Earth. Scientists are currently investigating whether this CME will impact…

With the lunar sunrise looming on the Moon, ISRO scientists are working to revive Chandrayaan 3's Vikram Lander and the Pragyaan rover.

Space

ISRO to Attempt Reviving Vikram Lander and Pragyaan Rover at Lunar Sunrise with Chandrayaan-3 Mission

Nitin MisraSeptember 21, 23Chandrayaan 3, ISRO

As sunrise is expected on the Moon, ISRO scientists are working to revive Chandrayaan 3’s Vikram Lander and Pragyaan rover, which have remained dormant for about half a month at the Moon’s Shiv Shakti point and have endured sub-zero temperatures of -200 degrees Celsius. ISRO officials have clarified their plans to try to reactivate the lander and rover on Thursday and Friday, taking advantage of the Moon’s increased sunlight. However, they admit that the ability to restore the hardware to full functionality is limited. but they may be able to…

Asteroid 2023 SJ belongs to the Apollo group of asteroids. (Pixabay)

Space

NASA Alert: Near-Earth Asteroid Passes by Earth – Details on Size, Speed, and More

Adriana MaraisSeptember 21, 23asteroids, Earth, NASA

Discovering and tracking asteroids is crucial due to their frequent close approaches to Earth and the potential for impacts. Although the chances of these space rocks actually colliding with our planet are slim, their size and history of impacts still instill fear in the scientific community. Interestingly, asteroids seem to be causing trouble not only in reality but also in the virtual world of video games. Players of Bethesda’s new open-world RPG, Starfield, have reported encountering persistent asteroids that follow them wherever they go, even when they land on a…

Know whether the Chandrayaan-3 mission can begin again as ISRO prepares to establish contact with Vikram Lander and Pragyan Rover. (ANI)

Space

ISRO to Revive Vikram Lander and Pragyan Rover in Chandrayaan-3 Mission with India Aiming for Success

Adarsh V.KSeptember 21, 23India, ISRO, moon, Space

India’s historic lunar mission, Chandrayaan-3, which aims to land on the Moon and explore its South Pole, is currently in a critical phase. Today, a decision will be made on whether the mission will continue or be deemed unsuccessful. The fate of the mission rests on the Vikram Lander and Pragyan Rover. In early September, both were put into a dormant state as the lunar night arrived, preventing them from charging their batteries. Originally planned for a 14-day duration, the mission can now be revived as sunlight has returned to…

Know all about the G3-class solar storm that struck the Earth yesterday, September 19. (Pixabay)

Space

Earth HIT by Solar Storm! CME Impact Causes Widespread Blackouts

Nitin MisraSeptember 20, 23Earth, Solar storm

In terms of alarming solar storms, the past 24 hours have been among the most severe since March 2023. This particular solar storm was initiated by a coronal mass ejection (CME) that was propelled towards the Earth’s vulnerable area on September 18. There were uncertainties regarding its impact on our planet, but not only did it strike Earth, it also arrived a day ahead of schedule. Additionally, Earth experienced multiple solar flare eruptions that resulted in significant radio disruptions. Gain a comprehensive understanding of the consequences of this solar storm.…

Asteroid 2023 SN1 belongs to the Apollo group of near-Earth Asteroids. (Pixabay)

Space

Asteroid to Make Closer Approach to Earth than the Moon Today – Learn More About the Alarming Encounter

Febin MathewSeptember 20, 23asteroids, Earth, NASA

Asteroids, according to NASA, are ancient celestial bodies that originated during the early formation of our solar system approximately 4.6 billion years ago. While the majority of these space rocks are situated within the main asteroid belt, which lies between the orbits of Jupiter and Mars, certain asteroids have orbits that bring them nearer to Earth. In addition to the asteroid belt, the Kuiper belt also contains a significant number of comets and asteroids. Notably, in recent times, there have been multiple instances where asteroids have come close to colliding…

Asteroid 2023 RF13 belongs to the Amor group of near-Earth asteroids. (Pixabay)

Space

NASA Warns of Asteroid Approaching Earth at 25785 kmph

Adarsh V.KSeptember 19, 23asteroids, Earth, NASA

In addition to NASA, various organizations are working together to establish protocols for protecting our planet from asteroids, as they pose a constant danger. The International Asteroid Warning Network (IAWN) and the Space Mission Planning Advisory Group (SMPAG) have collaborated to address this threat. IAWN focuses on creating protocols and communication plans to assist decision-making, while SMPAG is responsible for selecting the necessary technology to deflect Near-Earth Objects (NEOs) such as asteroids and determining the measures for planetary defense. Meanwhile, in a separate development, NASA has issued a warning about…

This feat of Parker Solar Probe is the first for the NASA spacecraft and has revealed some crucial data on these by-products of dangerous solar activity. (NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center)

Space

NASA Parker Solar Probe Enters Risky CME Whirlwind

Adarsh V.KSeptember 19, 23ISRO, NASA, Solar storm, Space

Solar activity has been increasing significantly, resulting in frequent solar storms that are affecting not only Earth but also other celestial bodies. Recently, NASA released alarming footage of the Parker Solar Probe navigating through a powerful coronal mass ejection (CME) cloud. This marked the first time the spacecraft had encountered such a challenging situation, but fortunately, it emerged unharmed and gathered valuable data in the process. However, it is important to note that these events can cause severe damage to satellites and spacecraft. With ISRO’s Aditya-L1 mission spacecraft set to…

Asteroid Dimorphos' mysterious behavior after NASA collision puzzles scientists. (AP)

Space

NASA Stunned by Unusual Behaviour of Asteroid Dimorphos

Sanjay PatilSeptember 18, 23asteroid, NASA

NASA successfully altered the orbit of an asteroid named Dimorphos by crashing a spacecraft into it as part of the DART mission. However, the asteroid’s behavior has become peculiar, capturing the attention of astronomers and even high school students. Surprisingly, these students made an unexpected finding while studying NASA’s DART mission in the Didymos System. It is worth noting that Dimorphos is one of two asteroids in a double asteroid system, with the larger one being called Didymos, around which Dimorphos orbits. Special orbital changes At first, after the accident,…

NASA's independent study team released a report on UFOs, now called UAPs, finding no evidence of extraterrestrial origin. (AP)

Space

NASA Study Finds No Proof of Alien Life in UFOs

Adriana MaraisSeptember 18, 23NASA

On September 14, 2023, NASA’s eagerly awaited report on UFOs was published by its autonomous research team. In part to overcome the stigma often attached to UFOs, where military pilots fear ridicule or job sanctions if they report them, the U.S. government now characterizes UFOs as UAPs, or Unidentified Abnormal Phenomena. Bottom line: The research team found no evidence that the reported UAP sightings were extraterrestrial. I am a professor of astronomy who has written extensively on astrobiology and scientists searching for life in the universe. I have long been…

In just a few days, Chandrayaan-3’s Vikram lander is expected to be up and running again. (ISRO/X)

Space

Will ISRO be Able to Revive Vikram Lander? What Lies Ahead for Chandrayaan-3 Mission?

Nitin MisraSeptember 18, 23ISRO, moon

The Chandryaan-3 mission made its inaugural flight on July 14, 2023, and successfully landed its Vikram lander on the lunar surface on August 23. This remarkable achievement has placed the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) in the history books. India now joins the ranks of four nations that have successfully landed on the Moon, and notably, it is the first country to do so on the lunar South Pole. The Vikram lander has spent 14 lunar days conducting studies in this region before entering sleep mode as the lunar night…

NOAA forecasters have warned of a G2-class geomagnetic storm impact on Earth. (Unsplash)

Space

G2 Geomagnetic Storm to Generate Spectacular Auroras on Earth Thanks to CME

Sanjay PatilSeptember 18, 23Earth, NASA

Today, a geomagnetic storm is occurring as a result of the Sun’s recent increase in volatility. Over the past few months, the Sun has been emitting solar matter such as flares, CMEs, and other particles. This heightened activity is a result of the approaching peak of the Sun’s 11-year solar cycle, also known as the solar maximum. During this period, solar activity is at its highest, posing a potential threat to various planets, including Earth, as they become susceptible to solar storms and geomagnetic storms. As we approach the solar…

Asteroid 2023 RV9 belongs to the Amor group of asteroids. (NASA JPL)

Space

Amor Asteroid to Make a Nearby Flyby Today – Learn Its Velocity, Dimensions and More

Adarsh V.KSeptember 18, 23asteroids, ISRO, NASA

Today, September 18, an asteroid known as Asteroid 2023 RV9, identified by NASA’s Center for Near Earth Object Studies (CNEOS), will reach its nearest point to Earth. Utilizing their advanced telescopes, NASA is able to detect and monitor asteroids in the sky. Through their observations, NASA has determined that this particular asteroid will approach Earth at a distance of approximately 3.8 million kilometers, hurtling towards us at an astonishing velocity of 25,872 kilometers per hour. Asteroid 2023 RV9 details Although this asteroid is traveling at a shockingly fast speed, it…

This house-sized asteroid belongs to the Apollo group. (Unsplash)

Space

NASA Uncovers Details on Asteroid Racing Towards Earth at 53 Feet

Nitin MisraSeptember 17, 23asteroids, NASA, Space

The danger of asteroids is an ongoing threat to Earth that has persisted for millions of years. Throughout history, these ancient celestial objects have periodically impacted our planet, shaping its past and leading to the extinction of countless species. It was on January 1, 1801, when asteroids were initially identified and acknowledged as such. To deepen our understanding of asteroids, especially those beyond the asteroid belt, NASA launched the Lucy mission on October 16, 2021. As previously announced, it was launched from the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida.…

Solar storm fears were raised after a CME struck a glancing blow to the Earth. In fact, as solar activity peaks, solar flares and coronal mass ejection (CME) threaten Earth. (Pixabay)

Space

Alert Issued for Solar Storms: Earth Hit by CME, More on the Way

Nitin MisraSeptember 17, 23Earth, Solar storm

Solar activity has been increasing, causing worries about the potential consequences for our planet. As anticipated, on September 17th, Earth experienced a Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) emitted by the Sun. Although the initial impact did not result in a geomagnetic storm, there is a chance that minor G1-class storms may occur today as Earth continues to move through the CME. According to NASA forecasts, this CME is expected to reach the Earth’s magnetic field late on September 19th. This effect can cause G2 geomagnetic storms, leading to the mesmerizing aurora…

This breathtaking image of Jupiter and Io was taken on July 30, 2023, just hours before NASA's Juno mission completed its 53rd close flyby of Jupiter (NASA/JPL-Caltech/SwRI/MSSS)

Space

Stunning Image of Jupiter and its Moon Io Captured by NASA’s Juno Probe

Adarsh V.KSeptember 17, 23Jupiter, NASA, Space

Jupiter, the largest planet in our solar system, continues to astound with its vastness and numerous moons. Its immense size never fails to captivate, as everything within it is on a monumental scale. Recently, NASA’s Juno mission delighted space enthusiasts with a breathtaking image of Jupiter and its volcanic moon, Io, showcasing the celestial beauty of this awe-inspiring duo. This breathtaking image was captured on July 30, 2023, just hours before NASA’s Juno mission completed its 53rd flyby of Jupiter on July 31, 2023. According to NASA, the Juno spacecraft…

The solar flares erupted on the sunspot AR3429 on the northeastern side of the Sun. It is now being determined whether a CME was released during the eruption that could spark a solar storm that could, in turn, hit Earth. (Representative Photo) (Pixabay)

Space

Solar Flares Cause Widespread Blackouts on Earth; Is Another Solar Storm Imminent?

Nitin MisraSeptember 16, 23Earth, Solar Flare, Solar storm

Increased solar activity has been observed on the Sun, which may have negative implications for Earth. Presently, a coronal mass ejection (CME) is heading towards our planet and is expected to impact on Sunday, September 17. However, prior to its arrival, additional solar flares have occurred on the Sun. Specifically, two separate M-class solar flares erupted in the well-known sunspot region AR3429, which has already generated numerous solar flares. The intense radiation emitted by these solar flares caused disruptions in radio communication on Earth. Scientists are now investigating the possibility…

Know all about the solar storm that is predicted to strike the Earth on September 17. (Representative Image) (nasa.gov)

Space

Alert Issued: Potential Solar Storm to Impact Earth this Weekend – Get the Latest Information

Febin MathewSeptember 15, 23Earth, Solar storm

An unforeseen coronal mass ejection (CME) cloud struck the Earth on September 12, resulting in a strong G2-class solar storm. Although the storm was of moderate strength, it managed to disrupt wireless communication and cause vibrant aurora lights in regions with higher latitudes. However, the solar storm activity is expected to persist. Another CME has been released from the Sun and is currently directed towards our planet. According to predictions, it is anticipated to arrive on September 17, potentially causing a minor impact. Be aware of the potential hazards that…

The inclusion of NavIC in iPhones and other smartphones is expected to make it easier for users in India to get accurate location-based services, such as navigation, mapping, and tracking

Space

Explained: How the New Apple iPhone Series Incorporating ISRO’s NavIC Will Impact India’s GPS System

Adriana MaraisSeptember 15, 23Apple, iPhone, Oneplus, Oppo, Poco, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, vivo, Xiaomi

After the launch of the latest iPhone series, Apple has confirmed that the premium smartphones will support India’s indigenous navigation system NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation). Addressing this milestone during India’s ‘Techade’, Minister of State for Electronics and IT Rajeev Chandrasekhar said that all smartphones will be powered by NavIC by the end of 2025. Apple has introduced NavIC after other brands such as Xiaomi, Poco, Oppo, Vivo and OnePlus have already included the system in some of their models. Chandrasekhar hinted that the government may offer cashback incentives to…