Constellations have always required a bit of imagination to decipher. While some, like Leo or Orion, bear a resemblance to their namesakes, others, such as Pegasus or Telescopium, demand a powerful level of imagination to see their intended shapes. Even squinting or tilting our heads doesn’t always make them visible. This same challenge presented itself
Space
The distribution of dark matter in the Universe has long intrigued scientists, but recent observations have raised more questions than answers. These observations reveal that dark matter, an elusive substance that exerts a gravitational influence on the Universe, is distributed differently now compared to its early stages after the Big Bang. It appears to be
Neutron stars, the remnants of massive stars, have always fascinated scientists with their bizarre and extreme nature. These incredibly dense objects are believed to be supported by the quantum pressure of neutrons. However, recent studies suggest that some neutron stars might have an even more peculiar feature – a core made of quarks. This revelation
As humanity sets its sights on Mars, the challenges of speedy and long-distance space travel come to the forefront. NASA, taking a significant step forward, recently announced the successful testing of an innovative rocket engine that could propel us to the Red Planet. By putting the prototype Rotating Detonation Rocket Engine (RDRE) through rigorous testing
Jupiter’s moon, Io, has long captivated scientists and space enthusiasts with its volatile and tumultuous nature. Surpassing all other celestial bodies in the Solar System, Io is dubbed the most volcanic object to date. In a recent development, the Juno probe conducted its closest flyby of Io, capturing stunning images that have offered unprecedented insights
India has taken a significant stride in the field of space exploration by launching its first satellite dedicated to studying black holes. The X-ray Polarimeter Satellite marks a major milestone for India, making it the second country in the world after NASA to delve into the mysteries of black holes and other celestial objects using
The early Universe was a turbulent and dynamic era. In the aftermath of the Big Bang, star formation surged while galaxies emerged from the darkness, colliding and growing. However, interpreting the light that has traveled across vast distances and time poses a challenge, leading to occasional misinterpretations. Such is the case with the intriguing object
In the year 1931, the city of Tatahouine in Tunisia witnessed a spectacular event that left locals in awe – a fireball explosion followed by hundreds of meteorite fragments raining down on the city. Little did they know that this extraordinary occurrence would go on to inspire one of the world’s most beloved film franchises,
Arctic observers were recently treated to a mesmerizing phenomenon as rare rainbow-colored clouds adorned the skies ahead of the holiday season. For three consecutive days between December 18 and December 20, an extraordinary cold wave swept through the Arctic, bringing with it the captivating presence of polar stratospheric clouds. These ethereal clouds, also known as
Japan’s space exploration program took a significant leap forward as its Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM), also known as the “Moon Sniper,” successfully entered the Moon’s orbit on Monday. The SLIM probe is designed to achieve a highly precise landing within 100 meters of a specific target on the lunar surface. If the mission
The exploration of space has ignited a new “space race” between the United States and China, with Lagrange points emerging as a critical battleground. Named after the renowned astronomer Joseph-Louis Lagrange, these points in interplanetary space represent locations where the gravitational pull of two celestial bodies achieves equilibrium with the centripetal force required for a
Our planet, Earth, is undoubtedly extraordinary, with its numerous astonishing characteristics. However, it is important to remember that our neighboring planet, Mars, also possesses certain noteworthy features. One such remarkable occurrence is the eclipses that take place on Mars, where its moons cast shadows on its surface. Although similar to Earth, these Martian eclipses are
Planetary scientists have recently proposed the existence of a peculiar type of exoplanet known as “Eyeball Planets.” These fascinating celestial bodies bear a striking resemblance to giant eyeballs, seemingly gazing off into the vastness of space. At first glance, this concept may appear outlandish, but it is rooted in a scientific phenomenon called tidal locking.
China’s latest test mission of its reusable spacecraft, Shenlong, has raised many questions and sparked speculation among space enthusiasts. Launched on December 14 from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, the orbital plane has left amateur skywatchers intrigued by the presence of six small objects, unofficially referred to as ‘wingmen.’ These objects, observed during previous test
The belief of a desolate and sterile Mars has long been debunked with the revelation of new findings. A comprehensive survey employing satellite imagery and ground penetrating radar has disclosed evidence of volcanic activity on Mars that is much more recent than previously theorized. These findings challenge the conventional notion of Mars as a dead