Science

A powerful solar storm is predicted to reach Earth on Thursday, 10th October, according to forecasters from the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The storm could generate stunning auroras and affect radio communications, power grids, and satellites. NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Centre (SWPC) has issued a G4-class geomagnetic storm warning, the second-highest level

NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope and New Horizons spacecraft have joined forces to observe Uranus, a planet known for its mysterious atmosphere. Hubble, from its position in low-Earth orbit, captured detailed images of Uranus‘ atmosphere, including clouds and storms, while New Horizons, located 6.5 billion miles away, observed the planet as a small dot. These combined

NASA astronaut Matthew Dominick recently shared a breathtaking timelapse video featuring vivid red and green auroras from space. The mesmerising footage was captured aboard the Dragon Endeavor spacecraft on 8 October, as it orbited the Earth. These natural light displays, known as auroras, occur due to solar activity interacting with Earth’s atmosphere, creating stunning visuals

Hurricane Milton, which intensified from a tropical storm on Sunday to a Category 5 hurricane by Monday, is a prime example of how quickly hurricanes can escalate. With sustained winds reaching 180 mph (298 km/h), Milton weakened slightly before potentially making landfall on the Florida coast around 9th or 10th October 2024. This leads to

On 7th October 2024, an active sunspot, AR 3842, fired an X2.1-class solar flare, causing temporary radio blackouts across parts of North and South America and over the Pacific Ocean. This event followed another powerful flare from the same sunspot just days earlier. On 3rd October, AR 3842 unleashed the strongest solar flare of Solar

Look up to the night sky this October, as a remarkable celestial event is unfolding. Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS, also known as C/2023 A3, is drawing nearer to Earth and is expected to brighten significantly. Astronomers anticipate this comet will become visible to the naked eye, potentially rivaling the brightness of Jupiter. The comet was first detected

A recent discussion among experts highlights a critical gap in the United States’ capacity for in-space rescues. As human spaceflight missions become more common, the absence of a dedicated “space rescue service” raises concerns about the safety of astronauts in distress. The historical lessons from missions like Apollo and the space shuttle seem to have

In the next few weeks, NASA will embark on a significant mission to Europa, the fourth-largest moon of Jupiter. Named Europa Clipper, this spacecraft is designed to search for potential signs of life. While Mars is often the focal point in the quest for life beyond Earth, Europa presents a promising alternative due to its

An unexpected discovery concerning gene regulation has earned Victor Ambros from the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School and Gary Ruvkun from Harvard Medical School the 2024 Nobel Prize in physiology or medicine. The duo’s research identified small RNA segments, known as microRNAs, which play a significant role in regulating protein production in the body.

The Draconid Meteor Shower, known for its connection to the constellation Draco, is set to peak on October 8th and 9th this year. This annual meteor shower provides a rare opportunity for skywatchers to witness meteors during the evening hours. The constellation Draco lies in the northern sky, making the shower visible throughout the night.

Recent research has provided a deeper understanding of the mysterious craters appearing in Siberia. These craters, some as deep as 160 feet (50 meters) and wide as 230 feet (70 meters), form when thawing permafrost triggers sudden methane gas explosions. The permafrost thaw causes cracks, releasing methane gas stored deep underground, leading to these dramatic

NASA has chosen two mission proposals to further investigate X-ray and far-infrared wavelengths, marking the start of a new class of astrophysics missions. These missions fall within NASA’s Explorers Programme and have been allocated $5 million each for a 12-month concept study. A final decision will be made in 2026, with the selected mission launching

NASA has shut off one of Voyager 2’s scientific instruments to preserve its remaining power as it journeys through interstellar space. The spacecraft, launched on 20 August 1977, is currently positioned 12.8 billion miles from Earth and is exploring beyond the solar system. Since leaving the heliosphere on 5 November 2018, Voyager 2 has been

A fascinating study suggests that Mount Everest, standing at 29,031.69 feet (8,848.86 m), may be taller than expected due to an ancient river “capture” event. This geological phenomenon occurred approximately 89,000 years ago and involved a river located around 46 miles (75 kilometres) from the mountain. Researchers propose that the erosion resulting from this event

A recent study by astrophysicists suggests that advanced alien civilisations might only have a thousand years before their planets become uninhabitable due to climate change. This alarming finding stems from simulations exploring the trajectory of technological growth and energy consumption of these hypothetical societies. Even those relying on renewable energy could face dire consequences, as

October offers a fascinating opportunity for skywatchers with a new comet making its appearance and several planets visible throughout the month. A particularly intriguing comet, known as C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS), will grace the evening skies after October 14. It remains to be seen whether it will be the brightest comet of the year, as it