13 C News
Others / The Times of India
A peculiar black fungus discovered in Chernobyl's reactor ruins exhibits an astonishing ability to survive and potentially thrive on extreme radiation. Scientists are exploring its potential as a natural radiation shield for future Mars missions, as experiments show it can block cosmic rays. This discovery offers a novel approach to protecting astronauts from harmful radiation.
The December 2025 Cold Moon, a supermoon, will be exceptionally large and bright, reaching a high point in the Northern Hemisphere sky. This celestial event, also known as the Long Nights Moon, occurs when the full moon coincides with perigee, its closest approach to Earth. Observers can best witness its impressive size and brightness at moonrise on December 5th.
The European Space Agency is planning an ambitious mission to Saturn's moon Enceladus, launching in the 2040s. Utilizing an orbiter and lander, the mission will directly sample material from the moon's subsurface ocean via its geysers. Scientists aim to analyze these plumes for clues to extraterrestrial life, making Enceladus a prime target in the search for life beyond Earth.
Scientists are observing a new ocean forming in Africa's Afar region, a unique geological hotspot. Early magnetic surveys from 1968, combined with recent data from the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, reveal how continental crust is breaking apart and transforming into oceanic crust. These findings offer a rare, real-time glimpse into the birth of a new ocean basin.
NASA's James Webb Telescope has unveiled stunning new details of the Red Spider Nebula, NGC 6537. The image reveals the nebula's central star, previously faint, now glowing red due to hot dust. Scientists are also seeing the full extent of the nebula's 'legs' and a fast-moving jet carving its intricate structure, offering fresh insights into stellar death.
Researchers are using Hollywood films in brain-scanning studies, revealing that viewers' brains synchronize during emotionally charged scenes. This approach captures genuine, immersive reactions, offering insights into empathy, anxiety, and how the brain constructs and predicts the world. The findings hold potential for personalized mental health treatments and understanding narrative impact.