The Times of India

A record-breaking $44.6 million sale of a Stegosaurus fossil has ignited a global debate. While private collectors view these ancient remains as status symbols and investments, scientists fear losing crucial access for research. The booming trade, fueled by US laws allowing private ownership, risks locking away vital pieces of Earth's history.

We are targeting 2028 for Chandrayaan-4, Isro chairman V Narayanan had earlier said. According to Isro officials, they had zeroed in on four sites of the Mons Mouton (MM) and found one of them suitable for landing on the lunar surface. Mons Mouton is a region on the Moon. Officials said they had identified locations -- MM-1, MM-3, MM-4 and MM-5. Of them, MM-4 was chosen for the landing.

NASA's colossal Artemis II moon rocket, stretching nearly the length of a football field, is poised to send four astronauts on a 10-day lunar journey. This mission, a crucial step towards returning humans to the moon, faced a delay due to hydrogen leaks detected during a recent countdown rehearsal. The launch is now targeted for at least March.

SpaceX is now prioritizing a lunar settlement over Mars, according to Elon Musk, aiming for a self-sustaining city on the Moon within a decade. This strategic shift, driven by logistical advantages like more frequent launch windows, aligns with US lunar exploration goals. While Mars remains a long-term objective, the Moon offers faster progress for establishing a permanent human presence.

Covid-19 lockdownshas unexpectedly caused a surge in methane, a potent greenhouse gas. This has happened because pollution reductions weakened the atmosphere's natural methane-clearing ability. Methane levels then rose at a record pace. This gas is a major contributor to climate change. Many nations have pledged to cut methane emissions by 2030.

Indian-origin scientist Meha Jain has won the ASUScience Prize for Transformational Impact for her work using satellite imagery and AI to study how smallholder farmers adapt to climate stress. Her research highlights their adaptive strategies and environmental risks like groundwater depletion, linking advanced science with practical solutions for vulnerable communities.

Four astronauts are set for a 10-day deep-space journey aboard the Artemis II mission, marking humanity's return beyond low-Earth orbit after five decades. This lunar flyby will test new spacecraft and partnerships, validating crucial systems for future lunar landings and Mars missions. The mission prioritizes crew health and scientific observation, paving the way for sustained lunar exploration.

Nasa released stunning timelapse footage from the International Space Station showcasing vibrant green auroras illuminating Earth from space. This celestial display coincides with increased solar activity, including a strong solar flare, which can intensify these geomagnetic events.