Science

Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket, the much-anticipated rival to SpaceX‘s Falcon Heavy, has taken a major step forward with a successful second-stage hot-fire test. This crucial test was conducted to validate key interactions between the rocket’s subsystems, its two BE-3U engines, and the ground control systems. The test, which lasted 15 seconds, represents a major

Semi-aquatic lizards, such as the water anole (Anolis aquaticus), have a unique ability to stay submerged for extended periods by creating an air bubble around their snout. This behaviour, first observed in 2018, has now been confirmed in 18 other anole species. The air bubble helps the lizards breathe while underwater, enabling them to remain

In 1859, when Charles Darwin published On the Origin of Species, the Earth experienced one of the most powerful solar storms in recorded history. Telegraph systems across Europe and North America malfunctioned, sparking fires in some places. This event, later known as the Carrington event, was preceded by the first confirmed observation of a solar

SpaceX‘s upcoming Crew-9 mission to the International Space Station (ISS) has been postponed because of the arrival of Tropical Storm Helene. Originally set to launch on September 26th from Florida’s Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, the launch is now delayed by at least two days. The tropical storm is expected to escalate into a Category 3

An asteroid, about the size of a city bus, will soon become a “mini-moon” as it will get caught in Earth’s gravitational pull. Named 2024 PT5, this asteroid is expected to enter Earth’s orbit on September 29, 2024, and will stay until November 25. While the term “mini-moon” may sound peculiar, it is used by

The traditional view of black holes, as proposed by Karl Schwarzschild in 1916, suggests they consist of two main features: a singularity and an event horizon. This model faces challenges when combined with quantum mechanics, especially following Stephen Hawking’s discovery of Hawking radiation in the 1970s. According to this theory, black holes emit radiation due

Recent mathematical research has unveiled a fascinating new class of shapes known as “soft cells.” These shapes, characterised by their rounded corners and pointed tips, have been identified as prevalent throughout nature, from the intricate chambers of nautilus shells to the way seeds arrange themselves within plants. This groundbreaking work delves into the principles of

The life of a Roman gladiator was filled with violence and danger, but the notion that these fighters always battled to the death is somewhat exaggerated. Historical evidence shows that while fatalities did occur, they were not as commonplace as popular media suggests. Researcher Alfonso Manas from the University of California, Berkeley, told LiveScience that

Chinese scientists have made a major breakthrough in lunar exploration by analysing samples from the far side of the Moon, collected during the Chang’e-6 mission. The study, conducted by the National Astronomical Observatories of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and other leading institutions, has revealed significant differences in the composition of this unexplored region, marking

An international team of researchers, led by scientists from Stockholm University’s Department of Astronomy, has discovered a higher number of black holes in the early universe than was previously recorded. Using the NASA Hubble Space Telescope, this team found black holes among faint galaxies formed shortly after the Big Bang event. These findings may help

Strange underwater noises, known as “biotwang” sounds, have puzzled scientists since they were first heard near the Mariana Trench in 2014. These odd noises, described as a combination of low grumbling and high-pitched metallic ringing, are reminiscent of eerie sounds from sci-fi movies. For years, the source of these noises was unknown, though they were

Chandrayaan-4 mission has received approval from the Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday. This marks another significant milestone in India’s lunar exploration efforts. Unlike previous missions, Chandrayaan-4 will not only aim for a successful landing on the Moon but will also focus on returning to Earth. This mission will demonstrate critical

A recent excavation in Egypt has uncovered a 3,200-year-old military barracks containing a treasure trove of ancient artefacts, including a sword inscribed with the name of Pharaoh Ramesses II. This discovery sheds light on Egypt’s military operations during Ramesses II’s reign, a time when threats from the Libyans were growing. The barracks also contained storerooms

MIT physicists have put forward a theory that the wobble in Mars’ orbit could be caused by primordial black holes, which may constitute dark matter. According to the research, these tiny black holes formed after the Big Bang and could be passing through our solar system, affecting the orbit of planets like Mars. David Kaiser,

Earth will have a close encounter with the asteroid Apophis, also known as the “God of Destruction” on Friday, April 13, 2029. Named after the Egyptian deity of chaos, this massive asteroid will come within 19,000 miles (30,600 kilometres) of our planet, close enough to be visible to the naked eye. However, recent research suggests that

Astronomers have reportedly detected an extraordinary event – a deep space radio signal that took 8 billion years to reach Earth. The radio burst, named FRB 20220610A, is one of the most powerful and distant signals ever captured. Fast radio bursts (FRBs) like this are brief but incredibly strong, leaving scientists questioning their origins. The burst