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Science/Tech / The Times of India

NASA and Hubble reveal IRAS 04302, the Butterfly Star: Understanding how new stars and planets develop | Watch video

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.

4 Sep 2025 4:17 pm
NASA shares alarming map of US sinking cities: Millions at risk; urgent action needed

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.

4 Sep 2025 3:50 pm
What happens when Earth stops spinning: Science explains

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.

4 Sep 2025 3:28 pm
Lizards carrying deadly lead levels: They should be dead, but they are surviving

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.

4 Sep 2025 2:51 pm
Amit Kshatriya: An Indian-American appointed as Associate Administrator and COO at NASA leading Moon and Mars mission

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.

4 Sep 2025 11:34 am
Watch: Hawaiis Kilauea volcano erupts again; crowds gather to witness molten lava

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.

4 Sep 2025 11:12 am
Why plastic-filled Neptune balls are washing up on beaches: Seagrass and ocean pollution explained

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.

3 Sep 2025 12:59 pm
Solar storm hits Earth with 21 lakh kmph winds; power grids and satellites on high alert

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.

3 Sep 2025 1:14 am
James Webb Space Telescope captures evidence of black hole birth via direct collapse

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.

2 Sep 2025 5:17 pm
Lets get spinning: Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla gives rare look at NASAs multi-axis trainer and space training

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.

2 Sep 2025 4:23 pm
Who is Luo Weiwei? Former NASA scientist now building Chinas semiconductor empire

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.

2 Sep 2025 12:26 pm
NASA once celebrated her, then fired her, and then tried to erase her story: The rise and fall of Rose Ferreira

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.

2 Sep 2025 7:00 am
The silent demise of turtles and tortoises: Struggling to survive in the modern world

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.

1 Sep 2025 4:22 pm
Lunar eclipse 2025: Over 7 billion people to witness rare Chandra Grahan on September 7; how to watch the blood moon and essential tips

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.

1 Sep 2025 2:51 pm
AI bringing dinosaurs to life: How scientists are turning Jurassic Park into reality

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.

1 Sep 2025 2:27 pm
Who is Megan McArthur? NASA astronaut and first woman to pilot SpaceX Dragon retires after two decades

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.

1 Sep 2025 1:15 pm
Canadas lunar dream: First-ever moon rover unveiled for launch

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.

1 Sep 2025 11:02 am
The mysterious giant behind binary black holes revealed by astronomers

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.

1 Sep 2025 10:34 am