Science/Tech / The Times of India
NASA's James Webb and Hubble telescopes have captured stunning images of a young star, IRAS 04302, revealing a butterfly-like structure. This protostar, hidden in gas and dust, offers insights into star and planet formation. The observations highlight a vast planet-forming disc, spanning 65 billion kilometers, and reflection nebulae, providing unprecedented details of early solar system development and material flows.
A recent NASA study reveals a concerning trend in US coastal cities: land subsidence. Urban areas like San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, and San Diego are sinking faster than sea levels are rising, exacerbating flood risks. Human activities, including groundwater extraction and urban development, contribute significantly to this problem.
A sudden halt to Earth's rotation, though improbable, would trigger catastrophic events. Inertia would cause widespread destruction, reshaping coastlines and disrupting climate patterns. The loss of the day-night cycle and magnetic field would further endanger life, demanding unprecedented adaptation for any survivors. This scenario underscores the vital role of Earth's spin in maintaining planetary stability.
Brown anoles in New Orleans exhibit extraordinary lead tolerance, surviving levels lethal to most vertebrates. A recent study reveals these invasive lizards accumulate high lead concentrations from contaminated urban environments, including soil and insects. Genetic analysis suggests unique biological mechanisms enable their resilience, offering insights into adaptation and heavy metal toxicity.
Amit Kshatriya, an Indian American and NASA veteran, is now associate administrator. Sean Duffy announced the appointment. Kshatriya will guide Artemis Moon missions and Mars exploration. He will advise Duffy and oversee NASA center directors. Kshatriya's career began in 2003. He contributed to the International Space Station. He also contributed to the Artemis I mission.
Kilauea volcano in Hawaii has erupted again, marking its 32nd eruption since December, delighting tourists and residents. The lava remains contained within the summit crater, posing no threat to populated areas. Scientists are closely monitoring the eruption, which features spectacular lava fountains, while advising visitors to stay safe and informed due to potential hazards.
Mediterranean beaches reveal a hidden battle against plastic pollution through Neptune balls, formed by seagrass. These natural bundles trap significant amounts of plastic, highlighting the crucial role of seagrass meadows in combating ocean waste. Protecting these vital ecosystems is essential for both biodiversity and mitigating the impact of plastic pollution.
A powerful solar storm, triggered by a rare cannibal CME on August 30, 2025, struck Earth, impacting power grids and satellites. The event, exceeding initial forecasts, caused geomagnetic disturbances and stunning auroras visible at unusually low latitudes. As Solar Cycle 25 peaks, experts warn of increased space weather events, posing risks to technology and daily life.
The James Webb Space Telescope has observed the Infinity Galaxy, a unique cosmic structure formed by colliding galaxies. At its center, astronomers have detected a supermassive black hole in an unusual location, suggesting it may have formed through direct collapse. This discovery offers a potential glimpse into a new way black holes can form, challenging existing theories.
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla shared a video of his NASA training. He used the Multi-Axis Trainer. This machine simulates spacecraft tumbling. It helps astronauts stay calm. Astronauts learn to manage stress. They also learn decision-making skills. This training prepares them for space missions. The trainer was first used in the Mercury program. It helped during the Gemini 8 mission too.
Luo Weiwei, a former NASA scientist, now leads China's semiconductor industry. She founded Innoscience after facing obstacles in the US. The company specializes in gallium nitride technology. It quickly became a global leader with government support. Innoscience now controls a significant portion of the GaN market. The company partners with Nvidia for AI data centers.
Rose Ferreira overcame extreme poverty, homelessness, and health challenges to achieve her dream of working at NASA. Despite facing gender expectations in the Dominican Republic and later setbacks, including termination amid shifting priorities, she earned an astronomy degree and contributed to space science. Now, she advocates for diversity in STEM, mentoring underrepresented students and driving policy changes to promote inclusivity.
A recent study reveals that over half of turtle and tortoise species face threats or extinction due to habitat loss, climate change, and human activities. The Indo-Malayan region is identified as a crisis hotspot, with several species and families at risk. While some turtles show adaptive nesting behaviors, immediate conservation efforts are crucial to protect these ancient reptiles.
On September 7, 2025, a total lunar eclipse will transform the Moon into a red orb, visible to over 7 billion people across Asia, Africa, the Americas, and Oceania. This rare event, featuring an 82-minute totality, offers a unique opportunity for astronomers, photographers, and skywatchers to witness a shared global spectacle.
Artificial intelligence is changing how we study dinosaurs. Scientists use AI to rebuild fossils and create realistic images. AI helps in understanding dinosaur genetics. Virtual reality brings dinosaurs to life. Machine learning speeds up fossil discovery. Cloning dinosaurs is still not possible. Future research will focus on digital dinosaurs and immersive experiences. Genetic engineering may create dinosaur-like species.
NASA astronaut Megan McArthur retires after two decades of remarkable contributions, including piloting the SpaceX Dragon and crucial work on the Hubble Space Telescope. McArthur's career highlights her technical expertise and leadership, notably as the final astronaut to operate Hubble with the space shuttle's robotic arm.
Canada has proudly introduced its first lunar rover, a collaborative project between the Canadian Space Agency and local tech firms, marking a significant advancement in its space exploration efforts. Scheduled for launch later this decade, the rover will explore the Moon's surface, conduct vital scientific experiments, and test technologies crucial for future lunar missions.
In a groundbreaking discovery, astronomers have found evidence suggesting that a hidden supermassive black hole influenced the merger of two black holes in the event GW190814. Researchers at the Shanghai Astronomical Observatory detected signs of a third compact object shaping the merger, challenging existing models of binary black hole formation.