Science
Plastic surgeries not painful or expensive: AIIMS doctors bust myths
Doctors at AIIMS Delhi have addressed growing concerns and myths surrounding plastic surgery as its popularity rises. They clarified that procedures aimed at enhancing appearance are generally safer and less painful than commonly believed, attributing this to advancements in anaesthetic techniques. While some surgeries like liposuction and abdominoplasty may cause discomfort, modern pain management methods have significantly reduced the perceived pain associated with these procedures.
Exploring lunar caves: Scientists discover potential homes for future
Scientists have detected a large underground cave near the Apollo 11 landing site on the moon. The cave, potentially 130 feet wide, could offer protection from cosmic radiation and other hazards for future lunar missions. NASA and other countries are eyeing the moon for exploration and research.
Scientists have confirmed a cave on the moon that could be used to shelter future explorers
Scientists have confirmed the existence of a cave on the moon near the Apollo 11 landing site, potentially offering shelter for future astronauts. Located at the Sea of Tranquility, 250 miles from where Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin landed, the cave is accessible from the deepest known pit on the moon. This discovery, led by an Italian team using NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter data, suggests there could be hundreds of similar pits and lava tubes. These natural shelters could protect astronauts from cosmic rays, solar radiation, and micro-meteorites, offering an alternative to building habitats from scratch.
Union Budget: Space industry demands tax holidays, PLI scheme
The private space sector has high expectations from Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's upcoming budget, including import holidays, tax exemptions, PLI, and government support. Industry bodies are urging for increased government expenditure and adoption of space technology solutions in various sectors. Budget also seen as crucial for regulatory framework and startup growth.
NASA's Parker Solar Probe is the fastest object ever made by humans, and it's speeding towards new frontiers
NASA's Parker Solar Probe has set a new record as the fastest human-made object, reaching a staggering speed of 635,266 km per hour (394,736 miles per hour) on June 29. This achievement matches its own previous speed record from 2018. The probe's mission focuses on exploring the Sun's outer corona, a region with temperatures reaching 1-3 million degrees Celsius, hotter than the Sun's surface. It aims to advance space weather forecasting and gather crucial data on solar wind, protected by a robust carbon-composite shield designed to withstand extreme temperatures up to 1,377 degrees Celsius (2,500 degrees Fahrenheit).
Penguin and the Egg: NASA celebrates two years of James Webb telescope with dancing galaxies; Here are visuals
To commemorate two years of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) James Webb Telescope, the U.S.-based agency has released a stunning visual of dancing galaxies where the two formations are interacting with each other. The interacting galaxies together are named "Penguin and the Egg."
Two meteor showers to light up skies this month: Here's where, when & how to watch the celestial event
In July, view Southern Delta Aquariids and Alpha Capricornids meteors, peaking late month. Alpha Capricornids on July 29 show bright fireballs, best viewed in dark, moonless skies in the Southern Hemisphere. NASA defines meteors as shooting stars. Southern Delta Aquariids run mid-July to August 15. Next Alpha Capricornids peak July 28-29, 2024. Tips: bring blanket, sleeping bag; be patient.
Climate change causing more frequent and deadly lightning strikes: Scientists
Scientists highlight the link between climate change and the rise in lightning strikes in India, with recent incidents claiming many lives. The warming climate is fueling more thunderstorms, increasing the risk of deadly lightning strikes. As temperatures continue to climb, the frequency of these events is expected to escalate, particularly in vulnerable areas.
India has been very successful in space sector in last 20 yrs: Former NASA astronaut
NAS Over Mars and landing on the moon. He expressed excitement for India's upcoming manned space mission, with two astronauts set to be trained by NASA. Additionally, India is developing its own space station, the Bharatiya Antariksha Station, expected to be operational by 2035.
Meteorites from Mars help scientists understand the red planet's interior
Of the over 74,000 known meteorites on Earth, only around 385 originate from Mars. Scientists can determine that these meteorites come from Mars through various pieces of evidence, including the unique composition of Mars' atmosphere and its distinct oxygen isotopes.
Must Watch
Stranded in Space: What Sunita Williams said about her extended stay
Astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, currently aboard the ISS, are confident in their return on Boeing Starliner despite thruster malfunctions and helium leaks delaying their departure. The return is now aimed for late July as NASA and Boeing work to resolve technical problems. Meanwhile, the astronauts continue their research and maintenance tasks aboard the station.
Astronomers find massive black hole closest to Earth that is 8,200 times the size of the Sun. Watch Nasa video here
Black Hole Omega Centauri (Google Trends): Astrophysicists using Hubble Space Telescope images have identified a potential intermediate-mass black hole in the Centauri star cluster, possibly 8,200 times the mass of the Sun. This could be the second-largest black hole in our Galaxy if confirmed. The discovery is based on the unusual movement of stars near the cluster’s center, suggesting a massive object's gravitational pull.
Space regulator nod must from April 1 next year for use of non-Indian satellites
The Indian government has issued an advisory requiring satellite television broadcasters to obtain authorisation from IN-SPACe, India's space regulator, for using non-Indian satellites starting from April 1, 2025. This directive aligns with the Indian Space Policy-2023 implemented by IN-SPACe, which mandates that only authorised non-Indian satellites can provide services in India.
Astronauts confident Boeing space capsule can safely return them to Earth, despite failures
Helium leaks and thruster failures almost derailed their arrival at the International Space Station, and has kept them there much longer than planned. Now the earliest they could return may be the end of July, officials said. In their first news conference from orbit, the pair said they expect to return once thruster testing is complete here on Earth. They said they're not complaining about getting extra time in orbit, and are enjoying helping the station crew. Both have previously spent stints at the orbiting lab, which is also home to seven others.
NASA astronaut captures stunning moonrise from ISS, captivating millions
NASA astronaut Matthew Dominick's breathtaking photo of a moonrise from the International Space Station (ISS) has left millions in awe. The image, depicting a crescent moon above Earth's atmosphere, has garnered over 5.4 million views and numerous comments. Dominick, part of NASA’s SpaceX Crew-8 mission, has been aboard the ISS for four months. The photograph showcases the beauty of space, drawing widespread admiration from social media users.
Statue of Liberty-sized asteroid zooms towards Earth at breakneck speed; NASA issues warning
NASA has issued a warning about asteroid 2024 MT1, a large object heading towards Earth at 65,215 km/h. Despite its size—about as big as the Statue of Liberty—NASA assures no immediate collision threat. Monitored closely by NASA's JPL, it will pass 937,000 miles away on July 8, 2024. Classified as potentially hazardous, efforts like NASA's DART mission aim to redirect such asteroids. Astronomers are eager to study it, hoping to learn more about early solar system formation.
