Prof Murthy expresses delight at having an asteroid named after him for his work on NASA's New Horizons mission. (IIA)

Space

Indian professor honored by IAU with asteroid named after him for his contributions to astronomy

Adarsh V.KMarch 22, 24Space

The International Astronomical Union (IAU) has recognized Prof Jayant Murthy, a distinguished Indian astrophysicist from the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) in Bengaluru, by naming an asteroid after him. The asteroid, formerly known as “2005 EX296,” has been officially renamed “(215884) Jayantmurthy” by the IAU’s Working Group on Small Bodies Nomenclature. Located between Mars and Jupiter, this asteroid completes a full orbit around the Sun every 3.3 years. Professor Murthy’s contributions to the New Horizons mission Professor Murthy, who will retire from IIA in 2021 but will continue as an…

With Pushpak viman's successful launch, ISRO enters the realm of reusable rockets, aiming to reduce costs and minimize space debris. The craft has been dubbed as Swadeshi space shuttle. (PTI)

Space

ISRO launches Pushpak Viman, a Swadeshi space shuttle, marking a significant move into reusable rocket technology

Adarsh V.KMarch 22, 24ISRO

ISRO has reached a major milestone by successfully launching and landing the Pushpak viman, a winged rocket the size of an SUV that is commonly referred to as the “Swadeshi space shuttle.” The test, which took place in Karnataka, involved the precise landing of the Pushpak viman on a runway after being released from an Air Force helicopter. This achievement represents a significant step forward in India’s efforts to enter the reusable rocket market, indicating a promising development in the country’s space exploration initiatives. ISRO chief S Somanath expressed satisfaction…

Asteroid 2024 EU4 belongs to the Aten group of Near-Earth Asteroids (NEAs), says NASA. (Pixabay)

Space

NASA reveals massive 420-foot asteroid approaching Earth; Find out its proximity

Adarsh V.KMarch 22, 24asteroid, NASA

There has been a high number of asteroids passing near Earth recently, with up to four space rocks flying past in a single day. Although most of these asteroids do not pose a danger, it is important to track them to reduce uncertainties. NASA has shared information about a 420-foot wide asteroid that will have a close encounter with Earth tomorrow, March 23. Asteroid 2024 EU4 Asteroid 2024 EU4 is just one of many space rocks orbiting the Sun’s main asteroid belt, which lies between the orbits of Jupiter and…

NASA’s James Webb Telescope and Hubble Space Telescope to study the Universe’s expansion rate and reveal the truth behind the discrepancy indicated by the so-called Hubble Tension. (ESA/Hubble & NASA, M. Sun⁣)

Space

NASA’s James Webb Telescope and Hubble Space Telescope to investigate the truth behind the Universe’s expansion rate in Hubble Tension.

Jim HendlerMarch 22, 24NASA

Scientists are grappling with a puzzling discrepancy known as the “Hubble Tension,” which suggests that the universe is expanding at a faster rate than previously thought. To address this issue, NASA’s James Webb Telescope and Hubble Space Telescope are teaming up to analyze high-resolution data and uncover the root of the problem. Cosmologists are working to resolve the inconsistencies and improve the accuracy of our understanding of the universe’s expansion. The expansion rate of the universe According to a NASA report, the Hubble Space Telescope has been studying the current…

A CME grazed Earth’s magnetic field during today’s early hours, NASA has revealed. (NASA)

Space

Alert issued for geomagnetic storm as Earth grazes CME; Stay informed about today’s solar storm risk

Adriana MaraisMarch 22, 24geomagnetic storm, Solar storm

As Earth enters the Vernal Equinox, solar activity is becoming more frequent and impactful. As we near the solar maximum, these occurrences are expected to increase. Recently, the Sun released a massive Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) towards Earth, dubbed the ‘Canyon of Fire’ by NASA. This CME posed a potential threat of a solar storm. Now, experts have confirmed that the CME has reached Earth, prompting a geomagnetic storm alert. Geomagnetic storm alert NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory captured the CME’s ejection on March 17, according to a SpaceWeather report. It…

Asteroid 2024 FK1 belongs to the Aten group of Near-Earth Asteroids (NEAs), says NASA. (Pixabay)

Space

NASA reveals a 60-foot asteroid will pass by Earth at a distance of 1.03 million kilometers; Learn about its approaching speed

Febin MathewMarch 21, 24asteroid, NASA

NASA reported that up to four asteroids flew by Earth yesterday, with the largest one measuring nearly 140 feet wide, similar in size to an aircraft. These near misses by Near-Earth Objects (NEOs) highlight the ongoing risk posed by celestial bodies and emphasize the importance of tracking their paths. Utilizing its sophisticated telescopes, NASA has identified another asteroid set to pass by Earth on March 22. Stay informed about this upcoming celestial event. Asteroid 2024 FK1: Details According to NASA, this asteroid is just one of many in the main…

Excitement and fascination abound as NASA scientists analyze samples from asteroid Bennu, offering glimpses into the ancient history of our solar system. (NASA)

Space

Study reveals building blocks of life found in samples collected from asteroid Bennu by NASA’s OSIRIS-REx

Sanjay PatilMarch 21, 24NASA

NASA’s OSIRIS-REx mission has made a groundbreaking discovery by collecting samples from asteroid Bennu, revealing valuable insights into the origins of life. Analysis of the ancient sample has revealed the presence of carbon and water, indicating that the building blocks of life on Earth may also be found within this celestial body. Ingredients of life found in asteroid Bennu samples The OSIRIS-REx mission exceeded expectations by not only meeting but exceeding its goal of collecting 60 grams of asteroid material. The bonus material found on the end of the collector,…

From vibrant X-ray hues to intricate spiral arms, NASA's images of the Whirlpool Galaxy invite us to marvel at the mysteries of deep space. (NASA)

Space

Chandra and Hubble telescopes capture stunning image of Whirlpool Galaxy shared by NASA

Adriana MaraisMarch 20, 24NASA

NASA has released a breathtaking collection of photos displaying the stunning beauty of the Whirlpool Galaxy, offering a glimpse into the mesmerizing mysteries of our universe. These captivating images, posted on Instagram, provide a fresh perspective of this celestial wonder, captured by different space telescopes like the Chandra X-ray Observatory and the Hubble Telescope. NASA captured the Whirlpool Galaxy The Whirlpool Galaxy, located about 30 million light-years from Earth, stands out as one of the brightest spiral galaxies in the night sky. NASA’s composite images, made from data collected by…

NASA's MESSENGER mission provides crucial insights into Mercury's polar regions, uncovering the presence and characteristics of ice deposits. (NASA)

Space

NASA’s Messenger mission discovers ice on Mercury, revealing unexpected facts about the planet.

Sanjay PatilMarch 20, 24NASA

New findings from NASA’s MESSENGER mission have raised questions about what we thought we knew about Mercury, the tiniest planet in our solar system. Despite its close proximity to the Sun and blistering surface temperatures, recent radar images suggest that there may be ice near Mercury’s poles, challenging previous assumptions. This discovery is similar to what has been found on the Moon, shaking up our understanding of these celestial bodies. Observations from the NASA MESSENGER mission These surprising discoveries enabled ground-based studies using advanced tools such as the Arecibo radio…

Asteroid 2024 EY3 belongs to the Aten group of Near-Earth Asteroids (NEAs), as per NASA. (Pixabay)

Space

NASA reveals that an asteroid the size of an aircraft will pass close to Earth today; Find out more information

Febin MathewMarch 20, 24asteroid, NASA

Over the past few days, there have been multiple instances of asteroids approaching Earth closely. Just yesterday, up to four space rocks passed by the planet at a near distance. While none of them collided with the surface, their close flybys serve as a reminder of the importance of monitoring these asteroids for potential impact threats. This responsibility falls on NASA’s Center for Near-Earth Object Studies (CNEOS), which tracks Near-Earth Objects (NEOs) like asteroids and comets. Using advanced technology, NASA predicts that an asteroid the size of an aircraft will…

Asteroid 2024 BD7 belongs to the Apollo group of Near-Earth Asteroids (NEAs), as per NASA. (Pixabay)

Space

NASA reveals that a building-sized asteroid will pass Earth today at a close distance

Sanjay PatilMarch 19, 24asteroid, NASA

According to NASA, four asteroids flew past Earth yesterday, with the largest being Asteroid 2024 BD7, nearly 140 feet wide, comparable in size to an aircraft. Today, March 19, the US Space Agency has identified one asteroid on a trajectory towards Earth, larger than any of yesterday’s asteroids. Learn more about this asteroid, which is the size of a building, including its speed, size, and proximity to Earth. Asteroid 2024 BD7 NASA’s Center for Near-Earth Object Studies, or CNEOS, has named the incoming asteroid as Asteroid 2024 BD7. This organization…

SpaceX is building a network of hundreds of spy satellites under a classified contract with a U.S. intelligence agency.

Space

SpaceX, owned by Musk, is constructing a network of spy satellites for a US intelligence agency.

Adarsh V.KMarch 19, 24Elon Musk, SpaceX

WASHINGTON: SpaceX is building a network of hundreds of spy satellites under a classified contract with the US intelligence agency, five sources familiar with the program said, signaling deepening ties between billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk’s space company and national security agencies. The network will be built by SpaceX’s Starshield business unit in a 2021 $1.8 billion contract with the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), the intelligence agency that manages spy satellites, sources said. The plans show SpaceX’s involvement in U.S. intelligence and military projects and illustrate the Pentagon’s deeper investment in…

TikTok users spread bizarre conspiracy theories about asteroids, vampires, and mythical monsters like King Kong, aiming to profit from viral videos. (AFP)

Space

TikTok inundated with conspiracy theories about asteroids, wendigos, monsters, and vampires linked to Artificial Intelligence

Adarsh V.KMarch 19, 24Artificial Intelligence, TikTok

According to researchers, TikTok users are spreading bizarre conspiracy theories about the end of the world, ranging from asteroids to mythical creatures like vampires and wendigos. The trend, highlighted by the nonprofit Media Matters, involves users creating viral videos with unfounded claims about the US government capturing or preserving these monsters, including the absurd suggestion of King Kong being involved. This misinformation trend adds to the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the fate of TikTok in the United States. It’s the latest example of misinformation swirling on the platform — a stubborn…

Asteroid 2024 EN belongs to the Apollo group of Near-Earth Asteroids (NEAs), NASA says. (Pixabay)

Space

NASA reveals that a 140-foot asteroid will pass close to Earth today; Find out its approaching speed

Adarsh V.KMarch 19, 24asteroid, NASA

Yesterday, Earth had close encounters with two asteroids as they passed at the closest points in their orbit. NASA has now announced that four more asteroids are set to pass by Earth today, March 18. These asteroids often come near Earth due to interactions with the gravitational field of planets like Jupiter, potentially leading to a collision. It is important to closely monitor and track these asteroids in order to predict any potential impacts. Learn more about the upcoming close encounter with a 140-foot asteroid today. Asteroid 2024 FI NASA’s…

With the Starship rocket, SpaceX sets its sights on a new era of interplanetary civilization, pushing the boundaries of space exploration (REUTERS)

Space

Elon Musk’s bold plan seeks to achieve Mars colonization within 5 years.

Adriana MaraisMarch 18, 24SpaceX

Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX, has revealed ambitious plans to advance humanity into a new era of interplanetary civilization. Musk’s recent announcement centers on the Starship rocket, which he plans to land on Mars within the next five years. This daring initiative follows a successful third test flight of the Starship, boosting Musk’s belief in its potential. Importantly, Musk foresees the Starship as a key component in manned missions to the Moon by 2026. The Starship rocket represents a major leap in space exploration, and Musk emphasizes its potential to…

NASA shared mesmerizing views of Jupiter's stormy weather and shrinking Great Red Spot that was captured by the Hubble Space Telescope. (NASA, ESA, STScI, Amy Simon (NASA-GSFC))

Space

High-resolution images from NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope provide a detailed view of Jupiter’s turbulent atmosphere

Adarsh V.KMarch 17, 24NASA

The latest images of Jupiter taken by the Hubble Space Telescope have captivated astronomers and space fans once more, showcasing the gas giant’s ever-changing atmosphere with swirling storms and the famous Great Red Spot. These stunning portraits, captured on January 5-6, 2024 and released by NASA, offer a peek into the turbulent weather patterns and atmospheric events happening on Jupiter on a massive scale. The Hubble Telescope’s remarkable clarity and accuracy have given us unprecedented views of the planet’s different hemispheres, each displaying its own distinct traits and qualities. In…

NASA and ESA-run Hubble Space Telescope's keen eye reveals LEDA 42160, a dwarf galaxy navigating the cosmic currents of ram pressure in the Virgo cluster. (ESA/Hubble & NASA, M. Sun)

Space

NASA releases image taken by Hubble Space Telescope of LEDA 42160 galaxy located 52 million light-years away

Adriana MaraisMarch 16, 24NASA

Galaxies travel through space, facing incredible obstacles such as ram pressure caused by gas and dust. The Hubble Space Telescope, operated by NASA and ESA, recently captured an image illustrating the impact of this force on the distant galaxy LEDA 42160. Located about 52 million light-years away in the constellation Virgo, LEDA 42160 is a dwarf galaxy navigating the dense gas of the Virgo cluster. This intergalactic gas creates a pressure known as the piston pressure, which directly affects the star formation processes in LEDA 42160. Ram pressure can have…

Asteroid 2024 EK3 belongs to the Apollo group of Near-Earth Asteroids (NEAs), as per NASA. (Pexels)

Space

NASA reveals Apollo group asteroid to pass within 622,000 km of Earth – find out its size

Febin MathewMarch 16, 24asteroid, NASA

Over the past few weeks, Earth has had several close encounters with asteroids. These space rocks have orbits that bring them near enough to be tracked by space agencies like NASA and ESA. By monitoring their paths, scientists can reduce uncertainties and prevent any potential impacts. Ground and space telescopes, including NEOWISE, Pans-STARRS1, and Catalina Sky Survey, are used to keep an eye on these asteroids. Thanks to these advanced technologies, NASA has shared information about an Apollo asteroid that will pass by Earth today, March 15, at a very…

Asteroid 2024 EH3 belongs to the Apollo group of Near-Earth Asteroids (NEAs), as per NASA. (Pixabay)

Space

NASA reveals that an aircraft-sized space rock will closely pass Earth today during an asteroid flyby.

Adarsh V.KMarch 14, 24asteroid, NASA

Two asteroids, one the size of a house measuring 56 feet wide and the other smaller but almost as big as a bus, passed by Earth yesterday. NASA had been tracking both space rocks in their orbit and confirmed that they posed no threat of impacting the planet. This was made possible by the use of telescopes like Pans-STARRS1 in Maui, Hawaii, and Catalina Sky Survey near Tucson, Arizona, to detect near-Earth objects such as asteroids and comets. Ground-based radar technology was also utilized to gather precise information about the…

Asteroid 2024 belongs to the Apollo group of Near-Earth Asteroids, says NASA. (Pixabay)

Space

NASA reveals that an asteroid from the Apollo group is expected to come within 3.2 million km of Earth today.

Adriana MaraisMarch 13, 24asteroid, NASA

Two Near-Earth Asteroids (NEAs) narrowly missed Earth yesterday, with NASA monitoring their movements to ensure they posed no threat. The agency’s telescopes track new NEAs, with astronomers reporting their positions to the Minor Planet Center. The Center for Near-Earth Object Studies (CNEOS) then analyzes the data to determine the asteroid’s orbit. Using this method, NASA has identified an asteroid expected to pass close to Earth on March 13. Asteroid 2024 EL1 NASA CNEOS has named the asteroid set to pass Earth today as asteroid 2024 EL1. During its approach, it…