Arctic observers were fortunate witnesses to a breathtaking phenomenon as rare rainbow-colored clouds painted the skies in a mesmerizing display, just in time for the holiday season. The recent arrival of a cold wave in the Arctic allowed for the appearance of these extraordinary polar stratospheric clouds. Over a span of three days, from December
Space
Japan’s space exploration efforts have taken a significant step forward as its SLIM space probe successfully entered the Moon’s orbit. Nicknamed the “Moon Sniper,” this ambitious mission aims to achieve Japan’s first-ever successful lunar landing, which is expected to take place next month. The achievement would place Japan among an elite group of countries that
The quest for space dominance has ignited a new “space race” between the United States and China, with Lagrange points emerging as a critical battleground. These points, named after astronomer Joseph-Louis Lagrange, are locations in interplanetary space where the gravitational pull of two celestial bodies creates a balance with the centripetal force required for a
Our planet, Earth, is filled with extraordinary phenomena that constantly remind us of its distinctiveness. Surprisingly, these reminders are not limited to far-off locations; they can even occur in our neighboring planet, Mars. Mars, like Earth, experiences eclipses caused by its moons. However, the eclipses on Mars, as observed by NASA rovers Opportunity, Curiosity, and
The universe never fails to surprise us with its diverse and peculiar celestial phenomena. From hot Jupiters to mini-Neptunes and super-Earths, we have witnessed the existence of various exoplanets. However, there is one type of planet that stands out with its eerie appearance – the Eyeball Planets. Although the concept may sound bizarre, these planetary
China’s third test mission of a reusable, robotic spacecraft has caught the attention of the world, thanks to the appearance of several small objects in orbit alongside the spacecraft. Referred to as “wingmen” by fascinated amateur skywatchers, these objects have sparked curiosity and speculation about their purpose and function. This article delves into the details
Mars, often portrayed as a cold and lifeless planet, has proven time and again to be full of surprises. Recent research utilizing satellite imagery and ground penetrating radar has unveiled evidence of volcanic activity that challenges previous assumptions. The study conducted on a plain known as the Elysium Planitia not only reveals volcanic activity within
As one of Saturn’s many moons, Enceladus may seem inconspicuous and visually unimpressive. Standing in the shadows of Saturn’s magnificent rings and the enigmatic hexagon-shaped storm, Enceladus often goes unnoticed. However, appearances can be deceiving. Recent analysis of data captured by the Saturn Cassini probe has revealed a remarkable discovery – Enceladus is brimming with
Over the past few months, we have been fortunate enough to witness some breathtaking displays of auroras. These mesmerizing lights are generated when charged particles from the Sun collide with the gas in our atmosphere, causing it to glow. However, a recent study suggests that auroras may not be limited to our planet alone. Researchers
When it comes to the conditions necessary for life on a planet, we often think of water, warmth, and food as the primary factors. However, scientist Luigi Petraccone has introduced a new element called “entropy” into the equation. Entropy plays a crucial role in determining if a planet can sustain and foster complex life forms.
A recent discovery in space has left astronomers scratching their heads. A newly found brown dwarf, a failed star that is not massive enough to undergo hydrogen fusion, is causing a stir in the scientific community. With a mass of only 3 to 4 times that of Jupiter, it is the lowest-mass object of its
In a surprising turn of events, the atmosphere of Mars experienced a remarkable expansion as a powerful gust of solar wind swept through the planet’s vicinity. On 26 December 2022, the MAVEN spacecraft, on its mission to orbit Mars, observed a sudden decrease in solar particles coinciding with a peculiar transformation in the Martian atmosphere.
When the Sun gets rowdy, Earth’s sky lights up with beautiful dancing lights. Around the poles, colorful auroral streams dance and flicker across the sky. Closer to the equator, though, a different empyrean glow appears: the blushing, mauve-pink STEVE, and its attendant green-striped picket fence. What these lights are, and why they appear in our
Every year, astronomers and meteor enthusiasts eagerly await the arrival of the Geminid meteor shower. Dubbed as the best natural fireworks display of the year, this extraordinary celestial event never fails to captivate people from all corners of the world. As December approaches, anticipation grows as the Earth prepares to pass through streams of dust
The topic of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) has always piqued human curiosity, but recent developments have brought it into the spotlight once again. With the release of the Pentagon’s report on unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP) in 2021, the interest in UFOs has soared. Now in 2023, even NASA has taken notice and formed a panel