Space

In a groundbreaking study published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters, researchers have made an astonishing discovery using data obtained by the James Webb Space Telescope’s (JWST) Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI). They have identified the presence of quartz nanocrystals in the upper atmosphere of an exoplanet known as WASP-17 b. This exoplanet, located approximately 1,324 light-years from

The detection of a significant quake on Mars by NASA’s InSight lander on 4 May 2022 has led to a remarkable revelation. A team of international researchers, led by planetary physicist Benjamin Fernando of the University of Oxford, has determined that the quake, registering at 4.7 magnitude, was the result of colossal tectonic activity in

As humans, we have always been intrigued by the mysteries of space and the planets beyond our own. Mars, in particular, has captured our imaginations with its potential for future exploration and scientific discoveries. Among the many fascinating features on the Red Planet, one stands out in its complexity and beauty – the Noctis Labyrinthus,

In the vast expanses of space, planets with magnetospheres generate a mesmerizing phenomenon known as chorus waves. Resembling the delightful chirping and whistling of birds at dawn and dusk, these ethereal sounds have been detected on celestial bodies such as Earth, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. Surprisingly, recent research led by astronomer Mitsunori Ozaki of

In a remarkable discovery, astronomers have potentially detected the afterglow of a massive collision between two giant planets. This finding offers a unique opportunity to witness the birth of a new planet and gain insights into the formation of planetary systems. The events unfolded in December 2021 when scientists noticed a flickering phenomenon in the

In a groundbreaking announcement, NASA revealed that a sample collected from the 4.5-billion-year-old asteroid Bennu contains a significant amount of water and carbon. This discovery adds more weight to the theory that life on Earth was potentially seeded from outer space. The revelation came after the completion of the OSIRIS-REx mission, a seven-year journey to

Pulsars, the fast-rotating neutron stars, have always captivated astronomers with their regularity and stability. These celestial objects emit radio waves in such precise pulses that they are often referred to as cosmic clocks. However, a recent mind-boggling event occurred when a pulsar emitted gamma rays of an unprecedented magnitude. The gamma rays detected from the

The Russian segment of the International Space Station (ISS) experienced its third coolant leak in less than a year, raising concerns about the reliability of the country’s space program. While officials assured that the crew members were not in danger, the incident has sparked questions about the overall integrity and effectiveness of the Russian space

A recent breakthrough in scanning telescope images for faint signs of rock beyond Pluto has led to an intriguing discovery about our Solar System. For decades, astronomers believed that the Kuiper Belt, a field of icy boulders extending 48 times the distance between Earth and the Sun, suddenly thinned out. However, new evidence suggests that

On July 4, 2023, the Perseverance Rover celebrated its 842nd Martian day on Mars. As the red sky above began to grow dark, the adventurous robot turned its left navigation camera to the hazy horizon. With one snap, it captured a spectacularly alien sunset, around which the red planet’s sky glowed a brilliantly strange cool

Astronomers have recently discovered a perplexing cosmic phenomenon known as luminous fast blue optical transients (LFBOTs). These bizarre explosions, with their exceptional brightness and short duration, have left scientists scratching their heads. Initially believed to be massive supernovae confined within galaxies, a rare LFBOT named the Finch (AT2023fhn) has now been observed in intergalactic space,

In 2009, the astronomical community was captivated by the sudden disappearance of a massive star, N6946-BH1, which had been expected to erupt into a supernova. However, instead of a grand explosion, the star underwent a period of intense brightening, reaching a luminosity equivalent to a million Suns, only to fade away into obscurity. The inability

Space debris has become a growing concern, as the number of satellites and space missions continues to increase. In a milestone decision, US authorities have imposed a $150,000 fine on satellite television provider Dish for failing to properly deorbit a satellite named EchoStar-7. This is the first-ever fine issued for space debris and highlights the

In the vastness of our Solar System, Mercury has always been a planet of intrigue. As the closest planet to the Sun, scientists have long been aware of its unique characteristics, one of which is its gradual shrinkage over billions of years. Mercury’s interior, despite its scorching proximity to the Sun, has been slowly cooling

Determining the mass of the Milky Way is no easy task. It’s like a single cell in your body attempting to measure your total mass. Despite the difficulty, a recent study has managed to calculate a more accurate mass for our galaxy, and the results are surprising. One way to estimate a galaxy’s mass is