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A powerful solar storm is set to bring the Northern Lights to lower latitudes on December 9th. Skywatchers across many US states could witness vibrant auroral displays, extending far beyond their usual northern zones. Experts advise seeking dark, clear skies for the best chance to see this rare celestial event.

Mysterious red lights falling from space, initially thought to be alien signals, have been identified by scientists as red sprites. These rare upper-atmosphere lightning phenomena occur high above thunderstorms, appearing as upward-traveling pillars or jellyfish-shaped glows. Captured by citizen scientists and astronauts, these striking electrical events are triggered by powerful ground lightning strikes.

Ancient Mars once teemed with flowing rivers, forming vast drainage systems. A new study has mapped these large basins, revealing they concentrated nutrients and sediments, making them prime locations for potential past life. These findings are crucial for guiding future missions in the search for evidence of ancient Martian habitability.

India's coastal communities stand to benefit from Sentinel-6B, a new satellite launched to monitor sea levels. This vital data aids in storm forecasting, infrastructure protection, and planning for vulnerable areas. A collaboration between NASA and international partners, the mission provides crucial insights into ocean changes, enhancing public safety and national security.

The astronaut also gave a straightforward reponse to the viral question circulating on social media on whether or not can people have sex in space? I don't see why not, he said with a smile.

NASA's Sentinel-6B satellite, launched in mid-November, is a significant advancement in climate monitoring. This new spacecraft will provide highly precise data on sea-level rise and atmospheric conditions, enabling scientists to track the growing impacts of climate change. Operating alongside its twin, Sentinel-6B will soon take over primary sea level measurements, continuing crucial climate research.

Scientists are exploring a mysterious third state between life and death. Cell clusters from dead organisms are showing new capabilities in labs. This discovery could revolutionize regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. It challenges our understanding of death and may impact organ donation and end-of-life care. Research continues to uncover hidden biological layers.

Scientists uncovered a massive dinosaur footprint site in Bolivia. Over 16,600 tracks from predatory theropods were found. This site is the largest ever discovered. The prints offer rare evidence of dinosaur swimming and tail dragging. Researchers are exploring reasons for this predator-only gathering. The findings are changing our understanding of prehistoric life.

Ancient Chinese astronomers observed a solar eclipse in 709 BCE with remarkable detail. These old records are now helping scientists understand Earth's rotation changes over thousands of years. They also reveal patterns in solar activity. This ancient data improves modern astronomical models and our understanding of planetary dynamics and climate links.

Skywatchers witnessed a spectacular Cold Moon on December 5, 2025, the year's final supermoon. Its proximity to Earth made it appear larger and brighter, enhanced by winter's clear skies and the Moon's high elevation. This celestial event, steeped in tradition, also influenced nocturnal wildlife, showcasing the interplay between astronomical phenomena and Earth's ecosystems.

A devastating collapse in sardine stocks led to the starvation of over 60,000 African penguins on South Africa's Dassen and Robben Islands between 2004 and 2012. This food shortage, exacerbated by environmental shifts and fishing pressure, wiped out 95% of colonies. The crisis highlights the species' critical endangerment, with urgent fishing limits now crucial for survival.

Satellite megaconstellations are increasingly impacting astronomical observations. Bright satellite streaks are compromising ground and space-based telescope images, while radio telescopes struggle with growing orbital radio noise. This crowded orbit challenges future missions and affects long-term research by increasing light scatter and debris, necessitating new strategies to preserve sky clarity for scientific discovery.

ESA's Juice spacecraft has captured striking new images of Comet 3I/ATLAS, revealing its active coma and distinct plasma and dust tails. While originally designed for Jupiter, Juice's navigation camera provided an early glimpse of the comet's activity. Full scientific data, gathered by five specialized instruments, is expected in February 2026, promising deeper insights into this interstellar visitor.

New research reveals ancient humans in southern Africa lived in isolation for nearly 100,000 years. This led to unique genetic traits not seen in modern populations. These findings show human evolution was complex, involving multiple isolated groups. The study analyzed genomes from 28 ancient individuals, offering insights into early human diversity and adaptation.