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Explore the vast cosmos with our space news blog. Stay updated with the latest cosmic discoveries, space missions, and astronomical wonders.

Blue Origin to launch its rocket, Big Shepard. Know what the company has planned. (AFP) Space 

Blue Origin, led by Jeff Bezos, set to return to space with Big Shepard rocket following previous mishap

Nitin Misra,

Blue Origin, the American company founded by billionaire Jeff Bezos, is set to launch its rocket, Big Shepard, on Monday, marking its return to space after a year-long hiatus following an accident. The launch is scheduled for 8:30 am local time (14H30 GMT) from the west Texas pad, and Blue Origin intends to live stream the event. This mission, called NS-24, does not carry a crew, but rather equipment for scientific experiments, more than half of which Blue Origin developed in collaboration with NASA. In an accident in September 2022,…

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NASA's latest discovery unveils 17 distant exoplanets potentially hiding subsurface oceans that may harbour extraterrestrial life. ( Representative image) (Pixabay) Space 

NASA finds evidence of potential extraterrestrial oceans on 17 distant exoplanets

Nitin Misra

NASA has made a significant discovery that broadens the scope of the quest for alien life. A recent study has identified 17 exoplanets located outside our solar system that could potentially harbor hidden oceans beneath their icy surfaces. What makes this finding particularly fascinating is the potential occurrence of periodic eruptions, similar to geysers, which could breach the frozen exteriors of these distant planets. Subterranean oceans The study, conducted by scientists at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, included a careful analysis of geyser activity on these exoplanets. Remarkably, two of…

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According to NASA, a Brown dwarf is a celestial object straddling the line between stars and planets. (NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI, K. Luhman (Penn State University), and C. Alves de Oliveira (ESA) Space 

Learn about the groundbreaking discovery of a record-breaking small Brown Dwarf by NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope

Nitin Misra

The James Webb Space Telescope, operated by NASA, has aided scientists in unraveling the enigmas of the cosmic realm, reaching a time period remarkably near the Big Bang. In a remarkable breakthrough, this telescope has now detected the tiniest known free-floating brown dwarf, shedding light on the formation of star-like objects. To learn more about this newly discovered brown dwarf, click here. What are brown dwarfs? As NASA explains, brown dwarfs are celestial bodies that straddle the boundary between stars and planets. They are born like stars. They grow dense…

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Asteroid 2023 XZ11 belongs to the Apollo group of Near-Earth Asteroids, according to NASA. (Pixabay) Space 

NASA confirms that Asteroid 2023 XZ11 will have a close encounter with Earth today; Find out the proximity of its approach

Nitin Misra,

Scientists are studying asteroids to gain insights into the early solar system and the conditions during planet formation. Additionally, asteroids hold potential resources like water, metals, and minerals. This research is crucial as it provides valuable information about the early stages of the solar system and planetary development. Moreover, these celestial bodies may contain resources that can be utilized in future space missions. Recently, NASA has used its advanced telescopes to track an asteroid that will pass Earth on December 15, gathering data on its speed, distance, and other details.…

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The research paper by Melamed and Heinsheimer introduces a concept of material ejection to gradually alter an asteroid's trajectory unlike NASA's Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART). (NASA/Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab) Space 

NASA reveals its thoughts on improving the DART mission for asteroid deflection

Adriana Marais,

Scientists have been diligently monitoring and developing strategies for decades to address the ongoing risk of asteroids colliding with Earth. One approach involves redirecting the path of these celestial bodies as they approach our planet. While the likelihood of an actual impact remains relatively low, the potential devastation necessitates ongoing vigilance and tracking efforts. One such mission is NASA’s DART mission. It was NASA’s first ever mission with the main objective of investigating and demonstrating a method to bend an asteroid by altering its motion in space through a kinetic…

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NASA PACE mission is gearing up for its 2024 launch. It will use advanced instruments to explore Earth's atmosphere. (NASA) Space 

NASA’s PACE mission scheduled for 2024, seeks to uncover the enigmas of Earth’s atmosphere

Sanjay Patil

NASA is preparing to launch the PACE mission in 2024, which aims to improve our knowledge of Earth’s atmosphere. The mission will utilize advanced polarimeters to investigate the relationship between light, aerosols, and clouds, providing a better understanding of their effects on air quality and climate. Despite their small size, aerosols such as smoke, dust, and pollutants have a significant impact on our climate by absorbing and scattering sunlight, ultimately determining the amount of solar energy that reaches the Earth’s surface. PACE’s Ocean Color Instrument (OCI) The PACE mission not…

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Asteroid 2023 XB12 belongs to the Apollo group of Near-Earth Asteroids (NEA), NASA says. (Pixabay) Space 

Get the details of the first-ever close encounter as NASA announces Asteroid 2023 XB12’s approach to Earth

Sanjay Patil,

NASA has a range of space telescopes and ground-based observatories, including the NEOWISE telescope, ALMA, Pans-STARRS1, Catalina Sky Survey, the Hubble Space Telescope, and the new James Webb Space Telescope, dedicated to discovering, monitoring, and studying asteroids in space. Additionally, spacecraft like Dawn, OSIRIS-REx, and Hayabusa2 have played a crucial role in uncovering the secrets of these ancient space rocks. Although these asteroids are typically located millions or billions of kilometers away in the main asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter, their orbits occasionally bring them close to Earth. Today,…

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ISRO to develop an environmental control and life support system for the Gaganyaan mission. (ISRO) Space 

Somanath states that ISRO will create ECLSS for Gaganyaan mission due to unsuccessful attempts to acquire it from other nations.

Sanjay Patil

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has announced that it will develop its own environmental control and life support system (ECLSS) for the Gaganyaan mission, after failing to obtain it from other countries. The Gaganyaan project aims to demonstrate India’s human spaceflight capability by sending a crew into orbit and safely returning them to Earth. ISRO Chairman S Somanath stated that the agency initially expected to acquire the ECLSS knowledge from other nations, but no country was willing to provide it. As a result, ISRO has decided to develop the…

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Asteroid 2023 XH7 belongs to the Apollo group of Near-Earth Asteroids (NEAs), says NASA. (Pixabay) Space 

NASA reveals details of close encounter as bus-sized asteroid narrowly passes Earth

Nitin Misra,

Yesterday, Earth had a close encounter with four asteroids that passed by the planet due to their orbits. The most significant one, known as Asteroid 2023 XO1, was identified by NASA using their advanced telescopes like NEOWISE, ALMA, Pans-STARRS1, and Catalina Sky Survey. Thanks to these cutting-edge technologies, NASA has now detected another asteroid, named Asteroid 2023 XH7, which is predicted to come close to Earth today, December 13. Find out more about this near encounter with Asteroid 2023 XH7. Asteroid 2023 XH7: Close approach data According to details revealed…

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After historic success of Chandrayaan-3 mission, ISRO is looking to send an Indian astronaut to the Moon by a certain date. (PTI) Space 

ISRO aims to land an Indian astronaut on the Moon by 2040 following the success of the Chandrayaan-3 mission.

Adarsh V.K,

ISRO is preparing to continue its achievements with the Chandrayaan-3 mission, which successfully landed the Vikram Lander and Pragyan Rover on the moon. The research conducted during this mission has provided valuable information about the composition of the Moon and has paved the way for future lunar landings. The mission lasted for 14 days and resulted in the discovery of various elements in the lunar soil, including aluminium, calcium, iron, chromium, titanium, sulphur, manganese, silicon, and oxygen. This significant finding was made at the South Pole of the Moon, now…

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The rocket, standing tall at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida, experienced an unexpected delay, throwing a wrench into the meticulously planned operation. (AFP) Space 

Launch of US military’s secretive X-37B spaceplane delayed by SpaceX

Febin Mathew,

According to SpaceX, the highly anticipated Monday night launch of the U.S. military’s secretive X-37B robot spaceplane has been unexpectedly delayed for at least 24 hours. The mission, which will mark the mysterious space plane’s seventh trip into orbit, had been preparing for a historic moment when it was set to launch its maiden flight atop a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket. However, the launch was abruptly aborted just 25 minutes before the expected takeoff. Targeted launch window, originally scheduled to open at 8:14 p.m. EST (0114 GMT Tuesday), left viewers…

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Know what ISRO's Chandrayaan-4 mission will look like - from the technology to objectives, know it all. (ISRO twitter) Space 

India’s ISRO plans to explore new frontiers in space research with Chandrayaan-4 mission

Adarsh V.K, , ,

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has showcased an exceptional capability to surpass mission objectives, particularly with the Chandrayaan-3 mission, in the realm of space exploration where careful planning typically guides the course of action. There was a time when ISRO’s GSLV Mk II saw 4 failures and 2 partial failures out of a total of 16 launches, and cartoons depicted ISRO’s efforts in a humorous way, showing established space forces in the “ELITE SPACE CLUB” and a character called “INDIA” knocking around. at the door with the bull. However,…

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Asteroid 2023 XO1 belongs to the Apollo group of asteroids, as per NASA. (Pixabay) Space 

NASA reports that an Apollo group asteroid measuring 43 feet will approach Earth at a distance as close as 1.6 million kilometers.

Jim Hendler,

NASA’s Defense Coordination Office (PDCO), responsible for monitoring the skies and observing various Near-Earth Objects (NEOs), has provided information on an asteroid that will pass Earth closely today, December 12. This particular space rock has been identified by NASA’s Center for Near-Earth Object Studies (CNEOS) as Asteroid 2023 XO1. To detect, monitor, and classify these celestial objects, NASA utilizes advanced ground and space-based telescopes such as NEOWISE, ALMA, Pans-STARRS1, and Catalina Sky Survey. Find out more about the specifics of this near encounter with Asteroid 2023 XO1. Asteroid 2023 XO1:…

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ISRO jobs: There are 54 vacancies for the ISRO technician posts, know how to apply. (ISRO) Space 

Learn how to apply online for ISRO technician positions

Jim Hendler,

Are you interested in working with the prestigious Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)? Imagine the excitement of being involved in upcoming space missions like Chandrayaan-4 and Gaganyaan. Well, now you have the opportunity to join ISRO as they are currently recruiting for 54 vacancies. If you are passionate about India’s space exploration journey, you can apply for various ISRO jobs, specifically focusing on technician positions. To be eligible, you must be aged between 18 and 35. Each technician position has specific educational requirements, so make sure you meet the criteria…

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Two sunspots pose M-class solar flare threat. Know details, as per NASA. (NASA) Space 

Details of two sunspots that NASA warns could release M-class solar flares towards Earth

Sanjay Patil, ,

Solar activity has been consistently bombarding Earth in recent months. In July, it was discovered that 2023 had already surpassed a 21-year record for the highest number of sunspots, exceeding scientists’ initial predictions. The increasing number of sunspots directly correlates with the intensity of the solar peak, indicating a higher likelihood of solar storms. These storms are triggered by the release of coronal mass ejections (CME) particles during solar eruptions, also known as solar flares, which originate from the unstable magnetic fields within sunspots. In a noteworthy development, the NASA…

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The experiment saw the engine blast out a blue-and-orange flame 10-15 metres (30-50 feet) horizontally out of an open hangar door for around 10 seconds in the rural northern town of Taiki. (Representative image) (JAXA) Space 

New Space Chapter: Heading to the Moo-n in an Udder-ly Unique Way!

Sanjay Patil,

A start-up in Japan’s space industry has embarked on an innovative venture by conducting a test on a prototype rocket engine that utilizes fuel derived solely from cow dung, potentially marking a significant development. The experiment took place in the rural town of Taiki, where the engine emitted a blue-and-orange flame horizontally for approximately 10 seconds, covering a distance of 10-15 meters (30-50 feet) through an open hangar door. According to Interstellar Technologies CEO Takahiro Inagawa, the liquid “biomethane” needed was made entirely from cow manure from two local dairy…

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Asteroid 2010 XF3 belongs to the Aten group of asteroids, says NASA and it will come close to Earth. (Pixabay) Space 

NASA reveals that a large asteroid, comparable in size to an aircraft, will come close to Earth today.

Febin Mathew,

NASA has a range of advanced technology equipment that is used to observe and monitor Near-Earth Objects (NEOs) like asteroids and comets. In November, there were many instances of asteroids coming close to Earth, and this trend seems to be continuing in December with another asteroid expected to pass by today, December 11. The asteroid was discovered by NASA’s Defense Coordination Office (PDCO), which is responsible for monitoring the skies and using various telescopes like NEOWISE, ALMA, Pans-STARRS1, and Catalina Sky Survey. Find out more about its close approach. Asteroid…

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The solar flare eruption took place on the southeastern limb of the Sun, as per NASA. A CME might have been released that can trigger a solar storm on Earth in the coming days. (NASA SDO) Space 

NASA reveals massive M5-class solar flare on Sun causing blackouts on Earth, warns of impending solar storm

Sanjay Patil, ,

Today, December 9, the Earth once again takes center stage in the ongoing solar activity on the Sun, following yesterday’s focus on Mars. Recent data from NASA reveals that just four hours ago, a significant solar flare eruption occurred on Sunspot AR3511. This eruption, measuring M5.49, marks the most intense flare witnessed in the past three months. As a result, a short-wave radio blackout was experienced on Earth. Additionally, there is a possibility that the flare also released a coronal mass ejection (CME) cloud aimed at our planet. If this…

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Asteroid 2023 WG belongs to the Amor group of asteroids. (WikiMedia Commons) Space 

Asteroid 2023 WG being monitored by NASA; expected to approach Earth at a distance of 6.7 million km today

Adriana Marais,

NASA has classified asteroids as ancient celestial bodies that originated during the early stages of our solar system’s formation approximately 4.6 billion years ago. The majority of these asteroids are concentrated in the main asteroid belt, which lies between Mars and Jupiter. However, occasionally, the paths of these asteroids intersect with Earth’s orbit, resulting in what is known as a “Close approach.” Utilizing its state-of-the-art space and ground-based telescopes, NASA has recently disclosed that an asteroid, named 2023 WG, is projected to pass by Earth at a relatively close distance…

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A solar storm will strike Mars on December 11, triggered by a halo CME, shows NASA model. Shockingly, it is expected to erode a small portion of the red planet’s atmosphere. (Pixabay) Space 

NASA model reveals CME’s potential to trigger solar storm on Mars and degrade its atmosphere; Get more information

Febin Mathew, ,

Not only is the Sun’s continuous solar activity impacting Earth, but it is also affecting neighboring planets. In October, Venus experienced the effects of a powerful coronal mass ejection (CME) cloud, causing electromagnetic fluctuations that led to the erosion of its atmosphere, which escaped into space. Now, according to NASA’s model, a complete halo CME is projected to strike Mars on December 11, resulting in a solar storm. This event is anticipated to have a similar impact on the red planet, causing a minor loss of its atmosphere. Intriguingly, the…

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