Science/Tech / The Times of India
Archaeologists have discovered a 42,000-year-old yellow ochre stick in Crimea and Ukraine, suggesting Neanderthals possessed artistic capabilities. This ancient tool, meticulously shaped and reused, indicates symbolic behavior and creativity, challenging the long-held perception of Neanderthals as less sophisticated than early humans. The find suggests a rich Neanderthal art scene predating Homo sapiens.
A rare cosmic visitor, 3I/ATLAS, the third confirmed interstellar object, was discovered in July 2025. This object, on a hyperbolic orbit, originated from beyond our solar system and will depart permanently. Visible only through powerful telescopes as a faint blue-green dot, it offers a unique opportunity to study material from another star system.
SpaceX has submitted a simplified Starship mission plan to NASA, aiming for a faster and safer lunar landing. This comes amid NASA's concerns about the rocket's readiness for Artemis III, with the agency reportedly facing internal pressures. SpaceX highlighted its development milestones and upcoming tests, including crucial in-space refuelling demonstrations.
A rare interstellar visitor, comet 3I/ATLAS, is currently traversing our solar system, offering scientists a unique chance to study an object from another star. This comet, unlike those orbiting our Sun, follows a one-time hyperbolic path. Best viewing opportunities are in the eastern predawn sky mid-to-late November 2025, requiring at least an eight-inch telescope.
NASA's new research reframes orbital debris as a financial risk, quantifying the economic impact of collisions and mission losses. This cost-benefit analysis prioritizes efficient mitigation strategies like rapid deorbiting. Furthermore, studies reveal space debris holds latent resource potential, suggesting a dual approach of removal and in-space recycling for metals like aluminum and titanium.
Astronomers have identified 3I/ATLAS, an ancient, ice-rich interstellar comet potentially older than our solar system. Discovered by the University of Oxford, its origin in the Milky Way's thick disk offers a unique glimpse into early galactic processes. Scientists anticipate studying its composition as it nears the Sun, providing vital clues about the formation of stars and planetary systems.
Scientists are investigating a mysterious pulse signal from interstellar object 3I/ATLAS. The signal reportedly follows a Fibonacci pattern and is detected at a frequency linked to interstellar communication. Researchers are cautiously exploring the possibility of an intelligent transmission. This discovery has sparked global curiosity about extraterrestrial life and potential signals from space.
Sardinian spiders are decorating their webs with elaborate patterns, baffling scientists for years. New research suggests these 'stabilimenta' aren't just for show but act as acoustic architecture, redirecting vibrations to help spiders detect prey faster. This discovery could inspire advanced vibration sensors for human technology.
Scientists have discovered the oldest directly dated ice and air on Earth in East Antarctica, dating back six million years. This ancient ice, found near the surface, offers unprecedented insights into Earth's past climate, revealing significantly warmer temperatures and higher sea levels. The findings provide crucial context for understanding modern global warming by showcasing natural climate fluctuations.
A rare visitor from deep space, comet 3I/ATLAS, is now in our solar system. Scientists worldwide are observing this interstellar comet. It offers a unique chance to study material from other star systems. This observation will help improve our ability to detect and track potential threats from space. Lessons learned will strengthen Earth's planetary defence.
NASA's experimental X-59 aircraft has successfully completed its first flight, demonstrating the ability to break the sound barrier with a quiet hump instead of a sonic boom. This breakthrough, developed with Lockheed Martin's Skunk Works, could pave the way for silent supersonic passenger travel, potentially revolutionizing long-haul flights within the next decade.
Scientists have identified two new marine species off Western Australia: a small, glowing West Australian Lanternshark and a delicate porcelain crab living symbiotically with sea-pen corals. These discoveries, made during a 2022 research voyage, highlight the vast, unexplored biodiversity of Australia's deep-sea ecosystems and the remarkable adaptations of its inhabitants.
Astronomers have discovered three Earth-sized planets orbiting two stars in the TOI-2267 binary system, 190 light-years away. This marks the first known binary system with planets transiting both stars, challenging previous beliefs about planetary formation in such environments. The discovery offers a unique natural laboratory to study how rocky planets emerge and survive under extreme dynamical conditions.
Earth is set to host a rare visitor, interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS, on October 29, 2025. Discovered in July 2025, this celestial object, originating from beyond our solar system, will pass by at a safe distance of 1.8 AU. Scientists are eager to study its ancient composition, offering insights into planetary formation elsewhere in the galaxy.
Imagine a world without humans. A study suggests octopuses could take over. These marine creatures show remarkable intelligence and adaptability. They solve puzzles, escape enclosures, and even recognize faces. With their unique distributed nervous system, octopuses can process information in each arm independently. As oceans recover, octopus populations may expand rapidly.
For over a century, the Southern Ocean has absorbed vast amounts of carbon and heat, delaying global warming. However, new research warns that once emissions fall, this ocean could release its stored heat in a massive burp, potentially reigniting global warming for over a century and delaying the planets cooling despite reaching net-zero emissions.
A mysterious streak of light dazzled residents across Delhi, Noida, and Gurgaon, sparking speculation about its origin. Eyewitnesses reported a fiery trail fragmenting in the night sky around 1:20 AM on Saturday. While some suspected a meteor shower or satellite debris, a Grok comment suggested it could be space debris from a Chinese rocket re-entering the atmosphere.

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