Science/Tech / The Times of India
Indigenous Australians living on a string of climate-threatened islands on Tuesday lost a landmark court bid to hold the government responsible for lacklustre emissions targets. Australia's Federal Court found the government was not obliged to shield the Torres Strait Islands from climate change.
Asteroid 2025 MA90 is set to pass today, that is July 15, 2025; however,, it is reportedly to safely pass by Earth. Scientists are monitoring it closely. This event allows the study of near-Earth objects. NASA confirms no impact risk. ISRO focuses on asteroid Apophis's 2029 flyby. Global cooperation is essential for planetary defence. Agencies are developing missions for asteroid study. Vigilance against cosmic hazards remains crucial.
In Kerala's Western Ghats, scientists have discovered a new butterfly species, Zographetus mathewi, highlighting the region's underexplored biodiversity. This rare skipper butterfly, found in low-elevation forests, is the 15th species in its genus and the fifth from India. The discovery emphasizes the importance of conserving these fragile lowland ecosystems and raises awareness about India's hidden biodiversity.
A growing wildfire at the Grand Canyon's North Rim has now charred at least 50 structures, including a historic lodge inside the popular US tourist site and natural wonder, authorities said Monday. According to early assessments, the fire has burned down between 50 and 80 structures, including administrative buildings, a water treatment facility, and a historic building called Grand Canyon Lodge.
A 140,000-year-old skull discovered in Israel suggests a possible Neanderthal-Homo sapien hybrid child. Unearthed in Skhul Cave, the 5-year-old's remains display Homo sapien cranial features alongside a distinct Neanderthal-like jaw. Researcher Anne Dambricourt Malass's CT scan analysis challenges previous classifications.
A rare Martian meteorite and a dinosaur skeleton will headline Sothebys Geek Week 2025 auction in New York. The Martian meteorite, NWA 16788, weighs 54 pounds. It is the largest Martian rock ever found on Earth. A Ceratosaurus skeleton, over 6 feet tall, will also be auctioned. The event will feature 122 items, including rare meteorites and fossils.
NASA confirms the arrival of 3I/ATLAS, the third interstellar object. The ATLAS project spotted it in June 2025. Its speed and trajectory confirm it's not bound by the Sun. Scientists are eager to study this rare visitor from another star system. It will pass near Mars in October 2025.
The world's most powerful telescopes, including the James Webb Space Telescope and FAST, are revolutionizing our understanding of the universe. These advanced instruments, located on Earth and in space, capture light from distant galaxies and exoplanets, helping scientists explore cosmic origins and search for life.
Syria's civil defence agency on Sunday said wildfires in the country's west, which have burned vast tracts of forest and farmland and forced evacuations, had been brought under control after 10 days. The civil defence agency said rescue teams were carrying out operations to open pathways and firebreaks within the forests... in order to reduce the chances of fire spreading in case of reignition.
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is returning to Earth on July 15 after 18 days on the ISS, marking India's return to human spaceflight after 41 years. As part of Axiom Mission 4, he conducted over 60 experiments, including ISRO-designed projects for the Gaganyaan mission. Shukla honored ISRO and India's space legacy during his farewell, inspiring future generations.
A recent study unveils the extraordinary 26-million-year global journey of seemingly ordinary grass-yellow butterflies, known as 'Eurema.' These delicate tropical fliers, with their lemon-hued wings, have circumnavigated the world without modern technology or even a fixed body plan. Biologists have pieced together this incredible story, highlighting the remarkable resilience and adaptability of these often-overlooked creatures.
Scientists are working on a novel solution to combat the Himalayan cold. They are developing a thermochemical reactor using strontium bromide. This salt stores summer heat and releases it during winter. The aim is to provide sustainable heating for homes. Field trials are planned with the Indian Army. This innovation could reduce reliance on diesel and firewood.
Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla and his Ax-4 mission crewmates are set to undock from the ISS on July 14, targeting a California coast splashdown around July 15. The Crew Dragon, Grace, will execute a series of maneuvers, including a critical deorbit burn and atmospheric re-entry with peak heating.
Shubhanshu Shukla sent a patriotic message from the ISS. He used a famous line from Rakesh Sharma. NASA and Axiom Space hosted a farewell for the Axiom-4 crew. The crew conducted over 60 experiments in 17 days. Shukla performed materials research for ISRO. The astronauts shared dishes from their home countries. Shukla may advise India's Gaganyaan program after his return.
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla's journey from Lucknow to the International Space Station exemplifies India's rise in space exploration. Inspired by the Kargil War, he secretly joined the NDA, later becoming a distinguished fighter and test pilot. Selected for the Gaganyaan mission and Axiom Mission 4, Shukla conducted vital research on the ISS, marking a milestone for India.
Earth's rotation is currently experiencing some of its shortest days this year, with recent rotations clocking in milliseconds under 24 hours. This phenomenon is attributed to factors like core movements and atmospheric changes, despite a long-term trend of lengthening days.
Weather permitting, Shux & crew expected to undock at 4.35 pm IST on July 14
For many migraine sufferers, weather changes are a significant trigger, with shifts in barometric pressure, temperature, and humidity playing a role. These environmental factors can activate pain pathways in the brain, leading to debilitating headaches. While the weather is uncontrollable, tracking migraines, adopting healthy habits, and considering preventive treatments can help manage and reduce the impact of weather-related migraines.
Nasa's Parker Solar Probe has captured unprecedented close-range footage of a powerful coronal mass ejection (CME), revealing turbulent flows and Kelvin-Helmholtz instabilities near the Sun. Flying just 3.8 million miles from the solar surface, the probe provided the first direct visual proof of these fluid dynamics.
A large asteroid will pass close to Earth in July 2025. NASA and ISRO are closely monitoring its trajectory. The asteroid, named 2005 VO5, poses no immediate threat. However, its size and proximity warrant careful observation. ISRO is collaborating with global agencies to enhance planetary defence. These efforts aim to detect and potentially deflect dangerous asteroids.
Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, part of the Ax-4 mission, is set to return to Earth after an unforgettable evening on the ISS. The crew, including Shukla, shared a meal and stories, celebrating international collaboration in space. Shukla made history as the first Indian on a private ISS mission, contributing to over 60 experiments.
Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is set to return from the International Space Station on July 14. He is part of the Axiom-4 mission. The mission launched on June 25. The crew completed many orbits and experiments. Shukla's role highlights India's space ambitions. NASA confirmed the return date. The mission conducted many experiments.
After decades working as a fisherman on a high-altitude Mexican lake, Froylan Correa is now helping to save an endangered amphibian with gills resembling a lion's mane and a remarkable regenerative ability. After the hatchlings have grown enough, they are moved to the community's achoque protection reserve, where the fishermen care for them until they are ready to be released into the lake, said Israel Correa, a relative of Froylan Correa.
Europe and the Mediterranean basin has been hit by a long-lasting drought covering over 45 percent of the region since mid-analysis of European Drought Observatory (EDO) data made available on Tuesday. The EDO data -- up to June 20 -- shows that drought in the region has worsened.
Rescuers in Texas searched Monday for bodies swept away by flash floods that killed almost 90 people, including 27 girls and counselors at a summer camp that was destroyed by torrents of water. We've recovered 75 deceased bodies here in Kerr County, including 48 adults and 27 children, County Sheriff Larry Leitha told reporters Monday.
A volcano in eastern Indonesia erupted, spewing a colossal ash tower 18 kilometres (11 miles) into the sky on Monday, authorities said, just weeks after it caused dozens of flight cancellations to and from the popular resort island of Bali. Last month dozens of flights to and from Bali were cancelled after the volcano erupted.
Syrian authorities said some 100 square kilometres (40 square miles) of forest had urned to ash in wildfires as firefighters from neighbouring Jordan arrived Sunday to battle a fourth day of blazes in the province of Latakia. More than 80 teams including civil defence personnel have been helping battle the blaze, he said, noting local organisations and residents were also providing assistance, in addition to teams and firefighting aircraft from neighbouring Jordan and Turkey.
Poland's longest river, the Vistula, on Friday hit a record-low water level in Warsaw, as the country faces an unprecedented drought, the national weather agency said. Its level at one measuring station fell to 18 centimetres (7 inches), beating the previous record set last year, by two centimetres, according to the IMGW weather institute.
The International Seabed Authority (ISA) meets next week to continue debating rules for ocean floor mining in international waters, after the United States moved to unilaterally kick-start the controversial industry. The United States, which is not a signatory to the UN convention or an ISA member, disrupted the painstaking process this year when President Donald Trump issued an executive order calling for his government to speed up issuing permits for underwater mining, including in internation
The snow and ice accumulated last winter by Switzerland's glaciers has already melted away, a monitoring service said, with Friday marking the alarming second-earliest arrival on record of the tipping point known as glacier loss day. With no glacier loss day, the summer would simply melt away only the snow that accumulated over the previous winter.
The United States government's climate assessment reports are missing from official websites. These reports are crucial for local governments and the public. Scientists worry about the removal of this vital information. The White House claims the data will be moved to NASA. However, the reports are not currently accessible. Experts fear this action hinders climate change preparation efforts.
A severe east coast low, potentially a weather bomb, is developing off the NSW coast, fueled by unusually warm seas. Expected to intensify rapidly, it threatens heavy rains, strong winds, and huge waves, particularly impacting areas south of Coffs Harbour already devastated by recent floods. Residents are urged to prepare for potential damage to property, infrastructure, and significant coastal erosion.