Category: World

NASA has successfully reestablished communication with Voyager 1 after a temporary pause, allowing the interstellar spacecraft to resume its scientific operations from over 15 billion miles away.

NASA has confirmed that communications with Voyager 1 have resumed following a brief interruption in late October. The spacecraft, which is currently located approximately 15.4 billion miles from Earth, switched to a lower-power communication mode due to a fault protection system activation.

During the communication pause, Voyager 1 unexpectedly turned off its primary radio transmitter, known as the X-band, and activated its much weaker S-band transmitter. This switch to the S-band, which had not been utilized in over 40 years, limited the mission team’s ability to download scientific data and assess the spacecraft’s status.

Earlier this month, NASA engineers successfully reactivated the X-band transmitter, allowing for the collection of data from the four operational science instruments aboard Voyager 1. With communications restored, the team is now focused on completing several remaining tasks to return the spacecraft to its previous operational state.

One of the critical tasks involves resetting the system that synchronizes Voyager 1’s three onboard computers. The S-band was activated by the spacecraft’s fault protection system when engineers turned on a heater on Voyager 1. The system determined that the probe lacked sufficient power and automatically disabled nonessential systems to conserve energy for critical operations.

As a result, all nonessential systems were turned off, including the X-band transmitter, while the S-band was activated to maintain communication with Earth. Notably, Voyager 1 had not used the S-band for communication since 1981.

Voyager 1’s mission began in 1977 when it was launched alongside its twin, Voyager 2, to explore the gas giant planets of the solar system. The spacecraft has since transmitted stunning images of Jupiter’s Great Red Spot and Saturn’s iconic rings. Voyager 2 continued its journey to Uranus and Neptune, while Voyager 1 utilized a gravitational slingshot around Saturn to propel itself toward Pluto.

Each Voyager spacecraft is equipped with ten science instruments, four of which are currently operational on Voyager 1. These instruments are being used to study the particles, plasma, and magnetic fields present in interstellar space.

As the Voyager mission continues, NASA remains committed to monitoring the spacecraft and ensuring its continued success in exploring the far reaches of our solar system and beyond, according to NASA.

Source: Original article

A private lunar lander, Blue Ghost, successfully landed on the moon on Sunday, delivering equipment for NASA and marking a significant milestone for commercial space exploration.

A private lunar lander carrying equipment for NASA successfully touched down on the moon on Sunday. The landing was confirmed by the company’s Mission Control based in Texas.

Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost lander made its descent from lunar orbit on autopilot, targeting the slopes of an ancient volcanic dome located in an impact basin on the moon’s northeastern edge. The successful landing was celebrated by the team at Mission Control, who announced the achievement with excitement.

“You all stuck the landing. We’re on the moon,” said Will Coogan, the chief engineer for the lander at Firefly Aerospace.

This upright and stable landing marks Firefly Aerospace as the first private company to successfully place a spacecraft on the moon without crashing or tipping over. Historically, only five countries—Russia, the United States, China, India, and Japan—have achieved successful lunar landings, with some government missions experiencing failures.

The Blue Ghost lander, named after a rare U.S. species of firefly, stands 6 feet 6 inches tall and is 11 feet wide, providing enhanced stability during its lunar operations. Approximately half an hour after landing, Blue Ghost began transmitting images from the lunar surface, with the first being a selfie that was somewhat obscured by the sun’s glare.

Looking ahead, two other companies are preparing to launch their landers on missions to the moon, with one expected to arrive later this week. This surge in commercial lunar exploration reflects a growing interest in utilizing the moon for scientific research and potential resource extraction.

As the landscape of lunar exploration evolves, the successful landing of Blue Ghost represents a significant step forward for private companies aiming to establish a presence on Earth’s natural satellite.

Source: Original article

NASA’s Perseverance rover has discovered a shiny metallic rock on Mars, potentially a meteorite from an ancient asteroid, containing high levels of iron and nickel.

NASA’s Perseverance rover has made an intriguing discovery on the Martian surface: a shiny metallic rock that scientists believe could be a meteorite originating from an ancient asteroid. This rock, nicknamed “Phippsaksla,” stands out against the flat, broken terrain surrounding it, prompting further investigation by NASA scientists.

Recent tests conducted on the rock revealed high concentrations of iron and nickel, elements commonly found in meteorites that have impacted both Mars and Earth. While this is not the first instance of a rover identifying a metallic rock on Mars, it could mark Perseverance’s inaugural discovery of such a specimen. Previous missions, including Curiosity, Opportunity, and Spirit, have uncovered iron-nickel meteorites scattered across the Martian landscape, making it noteworthy that Perseverance had not encountered one until now.

Located just beyond the rim of Jezero Crater, Phippsaksla is perched on ancient bedrock formed by past impacts. If confirmed as a meteorite, this finding would align Perseverance with its predecessor rovers that have examined fragments of cosmic visitors to the red planet.

To analyze the rock further, the team directed Perseverance’s SuperCam—a sophisticated instrument that employs a laser to assess a target’s chemical composition—at Phippsaksla. The readings indicated unusually high levels of iron and nickel, a combination that NASA suggests strongly points to a meteorite origin.

SuperCam, mounted on the rover’s mast, vaporizes tiny bits of material with its laser, allowing sensors to detect elemental compositions from several meters away. This capability is crucial for understanding the geological history of Mars and the materials that exist on its surface.

The significance of this discovery lies in the fact that iron and nickel are typically found together only in meteorites formed deep within ancient asteroids, rather than in native Martian rocks. If Phippsaksla is confirmed as a meteorite, it would join a notable list of meteorites identified by earlier missions, including Curiosity’s “Lebanon” and “Cacao,” as well as metallic fragments discovered by Opportunity and Spirit. Each of these discoveries has contributed to scientists’ understanding of how meteorites interact with the Martian surface over time.

Given that Phippsaksla is situated atop impact-formed bedrock outside Jezero Crater, NASA scientists believe its location could provide insights into the rock’s formation and its journey to its current position.

As the agency continues to study Phippsaksla’s unique composition, they aim to confirm whether it indeed originated from beyond Mars. If validated as a meteorite, this find would represent a significant milestone for Perseverance and serve as a reminder that even on a planet 140 million miles away, there are still unexpected discoveries waiting to be uncovered.

Perseverance, NASA’s most advanced robotic explorer to date, traveled 293 million miles to reach Mars after launching aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Station in Florida on July 30, 2020. It successfully landed in Jezero Crater on February 18, 2021, where it has spent nearly four years searching for signs of ancient microbial life and exploring the Martian surface.

Constructed at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California, Perseverance is a $2.7 billion rover measuring approximately 10 feet long, 9 feet wide, and 7 feet tall—making it about 278 pounds heavier than its predecessor, Curiosity. Powered by a plutonium generator, Perseverance is equipped with seven scientific instruments, a seven-foot robotic arm, and a rock drill that enables it to collect samples that could eventually be returned to Earth. This mission also plays a crucial role in NASA’s preparations for future human exploration of Mars, anticipated in the 2030s.

Source: Original article

A stunning blue spiral light, likely from a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, illuminated the night skies over Europe on Monday, captivating viewers and sparking widespread discussion online.

A mesmerizing blue light, reminiscent of a cosmic whirlpool, brightened the night skies over Europe on Monday. This extraordinary phenomenon was captured in time-lapse video from Croatia, showing the glowing spiral moving gracefully across the sky.

Experts believe the light was created by the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket booster as it fell back toward Earth. The event occurred around 4 p.m. EST, or 9 p.m. local time, and the full video, when played at normal speed, lasts approximately six minutes.

The Met Office in the U.K. reported numerous sightings of an “illuminated swirl in the sky.” They indicated that the spectacle was likely the result of the SpaceX rocket launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida, at around 1:50 p.m. EST. This mission was part of the government’s classified NROL-69 project, which involved a payload for the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), the United States government’s intelligence and surveillance agency.

In a post on X, the Met Office stated, “This is likely to be caused by the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, launched earlier today. The rocket’s frozen exhaust plume appears to be spinning in the atmosphere and reflecting the sunlight, causing it to appear as a spiral in the sky.”

This glowing phenomenon is often referred to as a “SpaceX spiral,” according to Space.com. Such spirals typically occur when the upper stage of a Falcon 9 rocket separates from its first-stage booster. As the upper stage continues its ascent into space, the lower stage descends back to Earth, releasing any remaining fuel. At high altitudes, this fuel freezes almost instantly, and sunlight reflects off the frozen particles, creating the striking visual effect.

Fox News Digital reached out to SpaceX for further comment but did not receive an immediate response. The spectacular display in the sky came just days after a SpaceX team, in collaboration with NASA, successfully returned two stranded astronauts from space.

This event serves as a reminder of the remarkable capabilities of modern space exploration and the visual wonders it can produce, captivating audiences around the world.

Source: Original article

NASA’s twin ESCAPADE spacecraft successfully launched aboard Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket, marking the beginning of their journey to Mars, with an expected arrival in 2027.

NASA’s twin ESCAPADE spacecraft successfully launched aboard Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket on Thursday afternoon from Cape Canaveral, initiating their journey to Mars. The spacecraft are expected to arrive at the Red Planet in 2027.

The New Glenn rocket, which stands at an impressive 321 feet (98 meters), lifted off during the second mission of Blue Origin’s NG-2 program. This launch was previously postponed due to extreme solar activity and inclement weather conditions.

The mission aims to support the scientific objectives of the ESCAPADE spacecraft as they progress toward Mars. In addition to the ESCAPADE payload, the rocket also carried a technology demonstration from Viasat, which is part of NASA’s Communications Services Project.

As the rocket ascended, thousands of Blue Origin employees celebrated with cheers and chants when the booster successfully separated and landed on its ocean platform offshore. This successful launch highlights Blue Origin’s growing capabilities in the space industry.

Founded in 2000 by Jeff Bezos, Blue Origin has secured a NASA contract for the third moon landing by astronauts under the Artemis program. Meanwhile, United Launch Alliance (ULA) is also preparing for a nighttime launch from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. ULA’s Atlas V rocket is scheduled to lift off from Space Launch Complex 41 at 10:04 p.m. EST, carrying a ViaSat broadband satellite.

ULA’s mission has faced its own delays, having been postponed twice due to a vent valve issue with its booster’s liquid-oxygen tank. If both the New Glenn and Atlas V launches are successful, they will mark the ninety-fifth and ninety-sixth launches of the year on Florida’s Space Coast. This achievement brings the region closer to a record 100 launches anticipated in 2025.

This milestone follows SpaceX’s recent Starlink mission, which set a new annual record for launches. The increasing frequency of launches from Florida underscores the region’s pivotal role in the future of space exploration.

According to Fox News, the successful launch of the ESCAPADE spacecraft represents a significant step forward in NASA’s ongoing efforts to explore Mars and enhance communication technologies for future missions.

Source: Original article

The potential discovery of a new dwarf planet, 2017OF201, challenges existing theories about the Kuiper Belt and suggests the possibility of a theoretical Planet Nine in our solar system.

A team of scientists from the Institute for Advanced Study School of Natural Sciences in Princeton, New Jersey, has announced the potential discovery of a new dwarf planet, designated 2017OF201. This finding could provide further evidence for the existence of a theoretical super-planet known as Planet Nine.

The object, classified as a trans-Neptune Object (TNO), is located beyond the icy expanse of the Kuiper Belt. TNOs are minor planets that orbit the Sun at distances greater than that of Neptune. While many TNOs exist within our solar system, 2017OF201 stands out due to its significant size and unusual orbital characteristics.

Leading the research team, Sihao Cheng, along with colleagues Jiaxuan Li and Eritas Yang, utilized advanced computational methods to analyze the object’s unique trajectory in the sky. Cheng noted that the aphelion—the farthest point in its orbit from the Sun—exceeds 1,600 times the distance of Earth’s orbit. In contrast, its perihelion, the closest point to the Sun, is approximately 44.5 times that of Earth’s orbit, which is comparable to Pluto’s orbit.

2017OF201 takes an estimated 25,000 years to complete one orbit around the Sun. Yang suggested that the object’s long orbital period indicates it may have undergone close encounters with a giant planet, which could have led to its ejection into a wide orbit.

Cheng further elaborated on the object’s potential migration history, proposing that it may have initially been ejected into the Oort Cloud—the most distant region of our solar system, known for its many comets—before being drawn back toward the inner solar system.

This discovery has profound implications for our understanding of the outer solar system’s structure. In January 2016, astronomers Konstantin Batygin and Mike Brown from the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) presented research suggesting the existence of a planet approximately 1.5 times the size of Earth in the outer solar system. However, the existence of this so-called Planet Nine remains purely theoretical, as neither Batygin nor Brown has directly observed such a planet.

The theory posits that Planet Nine could be similar in size to Neptune and located far beyond Pluto, within the Kuiper Belt region where 2017OF201 was found. If it exists, it is theorized to possess a mass up to ten times that of Earth and to orbit the Sun at a distance up to 30 times greater than that of Neptune. Such a planet would take between 10,000 and 20,000 Earth years to complete a single orbit.

Previously, the area beyond the Kuiper Belt was thought to be largely empty, but the discovery of 2017OF201 suggests otherwise. Cheng emphasized that only about 1% of the object’s orbit is currently visible from our vantage point.

Despite advancements in telescope technology that have allowed for the exploration of distant regions of the universe, Cheng remarked that much remains to be discovered within our own solar system. NASA has indicated that if Planet Nine does exist, it could help explain the peculiar orbits of certain smaller objects found in the distant Kuiper Belt.

As it stands, Planet Nine remains a theoretical concept, with its existence inferred from gravitational patterns observed in the outer solar system.

Source: Original article

Harvard physicist Dr. Avi Loeb suggests that the interstellar object 3I/ATLAS, larger than Manhattan, may be a technological probe on a reconnaissance mission due to its unusual characteristics.

A remarkable interstellar object, designated 3I/ATLAS, has recently been observed passing through our solar system, prompting speculation about its origins and purpose. Dr. Avi Loeb, a science professor at Harvard University, has raised the possibility that this object could be more than just a typical comet, suggesting it might be on a reconnaissance mission.

“Maybe the trajectory was designed,” Loeb told Fox News Digital. “If it had an objective to sort of be on a reconnaissance mission, to either send mini probes to those planets or monitor them… It seems quite anomalous.”

3I/ATLAS was first detected in early July by the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) telescope located in Chile. This discovery marks only the third time an interstellar object has been observed entering our solar system, according to NASA.

While NASA has classified 3I/ATLAS as a comet, Loeb pointed out that an image of the object revealed an unexpected glow in front of it, rather than the typical tail that comets exhibit. “Usually with comets, you have a tail, a cometary tail, where dust and gas are shining, reflecting sunlight, and that’s the signature of a comet,” he explained. “Here, you see a glow in front of it, not behind it.”

Measuring approximately 20 kilometers across, 3I/ATLAS is larger than Manhattan and is unusually bright for its distance from the sun. However, Loeb emphasized that its most peculiar characteristic is its trajectory. He noted that if one imagines objects entering the solar system from random directions, only one in 500 would be aligned so well with the orbits of the planets.

The interstellar object originates from the center of the Milky Way galaxy and is expected to pass near Mars, Venus, and Jupiter. Loeb highlighted the improbability of such an alignment occurring randomly, stating, “It also comes close to each of them, with a probability of one in 20,000.”

According to NASA, 3I/ATLAS will reach its closest point to the sun—approximately 130 million miles away—on October 30. Loeb remarked on the potential implications of the object being technological in nature, saying, “If it turns out to be technological, it would obviously have a big impact on the future of humanity. We have to decide how to respond to that.”

In an interesting twist, the object’s discovery comes seven years after SpaceX CEO Elon Musk launched a Tesla Roadster into orbit. Astronomers from the Minor Planet Center at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics initially confused the vehicle with an asteroid.

A spokesperson for NASA did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding 3I/ATLAS.

Source: Original article

Nasa’s Voyager 1 has resumed communications and operations after a temporary switch to a lower-power mode, allowing the spacecraft to continue its journey through interstellar space.

NASA has confirmed that Voyager 1 has regained its voice and resumed regular operations following a pause in communications that occurred in late October. The interstellar spacecraft unexpectedly switched off its primary radio transmitter, known as the X-band, and activated its much weaker S-band transmitter.

Currently located approximately 15.4 billion miles from Earth, Voyager 1 had not utilized the S-band for communication in over 40 years. This switch to a lower power mode hindered the Voyager mission team’s ability to download scientific data and assess the spacecraft’s status, leading to intermittent communication issues.

Earlier this month, NASA engineers successfully reactivated the X-band transmitter, enabling the collection of data from the four operational science instruments onboard Voyager 1. With communications restored, engineers are now focused on completing several remaining tasks to return the spacecraft to its previous operational state.

One of the critical tasks involves resetting the system that synchronizes Voyager 1’s three onboard computers. The S-band was activated by the spacecraft’s fault protection system when engineers turned on a heater on Voyager 1. The system determined that the probe lacked sufficient power and automatically disabled nonessential systems to conserve energy for critical operations.

In this process, the fault protection system turned off all nonessential systems except for the science instruments, which allowed Voyager 1 to maintain some level of functionality. NASA noted that the X-band was deactivated while the S-band, which consumes less power, was brought online.

Voyager 1 had not communicated via the S-band since 1981, making this recent switch a significant moment in the spacecraft’s long history. Launched in 1977 alongside its twin, Voyager 2, Voyager 1 embarked on a mission to explore the gas giant planets of the solar system.

During its journey, Voyager 1 has transmitted stunning images of Jupiter’s Great Red Spot and Saturn’s iconic rings. Utilizing Saturn’s gravity as a slingshot, it propelled itself past Pluto, continuing its exploration of interstellar space.

Each Voyager spacecraft is equipped with ten science instruments, and currently, four of these instruments are operational on Voyager 1. These instruments are being used to study particles, plasma, and magnetic fields in the vastness of interstellar space.

As NASA continues to monitor Voyager 1’s progress, the mission team is optimistic about the spacecraft’s ability to provide valuable scientific data for years to come, despite the challenges posed by its immense distance from Earth.

According to NASA, the successful reactivation of the X-band transmitter marks a crucial step in ensuring that Voyager 1 can continue its groundbreaking scientific mission.

Source: Original article

Astronomers have identified asteroid 2025 SC79, a skyscraper-sized object orbiting the sun every 128 days, making it the second-fastest known asteroid in the solar system.

Astronomers have made a significant discovery with the identification of asteroid 2025 SC79, a skyscraper-sized space rock that is racing through our solar system at an impressive speed. This celestial body completes an orbit around the sun in just 128 days, ranking it as the second-fastest known asteroid in our solar system.

The asteroid was first observed by Scott S. Sheppard, an astronomer at Carnegie Science, on September 27. According to a statement from Carnegie Science, 2025 SC79 is notable not only for its speed but also for its unique orbit, which is situated inside that of Venus. During its 128-day journey, the asteroid crosses the orbit of Mercury.

“Many of the solar system’s asteroids inhabit one of two belts of space rocks, but perturbations can send objects careening into closer orbits where they can be more challenging to spot,” Sheppard explained. He emphasized that understanding how these asteroids arrive at their current locations is crucial for planetary protection and offers insights into the history of our solar system.

Currently, 2025 SC79 is positioned behind the sun, rendering it invisible to telescopes for several months. This temporary obscurity highlights the challenges astronomers face when monitoring such fast-moving objects.

Sheppard’s ongoing search for “twilight” asteroids is part of a broader effort to identify objects that may pose a risk of colliding with Earth. This research is partially funded by NASA and employs the Dark Energy Camera on the National Science Foundation’s Blanco 4-meter telescope. The aim is to detect “planet killer” asteroids that could be hidden in the sun’s glare.

To confirm the sighting of 2025 SC79, astronomers utilized the NSF’s Gemini telescope and Carnegie Science’s Magellan telescopes. Sheppard, who specializes in studying solar system objects—including moons, dwarf planets, and asteroids—previously discovered the fastest known asteroid in 2021, which orbits the sun in 133 days.

The discovery of 2025 SC79 adds to our understanding of the dynamic nature of our solar system and the potential threats posed by asteroids. As research continues, astronomers hope to gain further insights into these fascinating celestial bodies.

Source: Original article

Mars’ distinctive red color may be linked to its ancient, habitable past, according to a new study that identifies ferrihydrite as a key mineral in its dust.

A recent study has revealed that the mineral ferrihydrite, found in the dust of Mars, is likely responsible for the planet’s characteristic reddish hue. This mineral forms only in the presence of cool water, suggesting that Mars may have once had an environment capable of sustaining liquid water before it transitioned from a wet to a dry state billions of years ago.

The study, published in the journal Nature Communications, was partially funded by NASA and involved an analysis of data collected from various Mars missions, including data from several rovers. Researchers compared these findings with laboratory experiments that simulated Martian conditions to test how light interacts with ferrihydrite particles and other minerals.

“The fundamental question of why Mars is red has been considered for hundreds, if not thousands, of years,” said Adam Valantinas, the study’s lead author and a postdoctoral fellow at Brown University. Valantinas began this research while pursuing his Ph.D. at the University of Bern in Switzerland. He noted, “From our analysis, we believe ferrihydrite is present throughout the dust and likely in the rock formations as well. While we are not the first to propose ferrihydrite as the reason for Mars’ red color, we can now better test this hypothesis using observational data and innovative laboratory methods to replicate Martian dust.”

Senior author Jack Mustard, a professor at Brown University, described the study as a “door-opening opportunity.” He emphasized the importance of the ongoing Mars sample return mission, stating, “When we get those samples back from the Perseverance rover, we can actually verify our findings.”

The research indicates that Mars likely had a cool, wet, and potentially habitable climate in its ancient past. While the planet’s current atmosphere is too cold to support life, evidence suggests that it once had an abundance of water, as indicated by the presence of ferrihydrite in its dust.

Geronimo Villanueva, Associate Director for Strategic Science at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center and a co-author of the study, remarked, “These new findings point to a potentially habitable past for Mars and highlight the value of coordinated research between NASA and its international partners in exploring fundamental questions about our solar system and the future of space exploration.”

Valantinas expressed the researchers’ desire to understand the ancient Martian climate and the chemical processes that occurred on the planet, both in the past and present. He stated, “There’s also the habitability question: Was there ever life? To answer that, we need to comprehend the conditions present during the formation of this mineral. Our findings indicate that ferrihydrite formed under conditions where oxygen from the atmosphere or other sources could react with iron in the presence of water. These conditions were vastly different from today’s dry and cold environment. As Martian winds spread this dust, it contributed to the planet’s iconic red appearance.”

This study not only sheds light on the mineral composition of Mars but also raises intriguing questions about the planet’s history and its potential to have supported life.

Source: Original article

A private lunar lander, Blue Ghost, successfully touched down on the moon, delivering equipment for NASA and marking a significant achievement for commercial space exploration.

A private lunar lander carrying equipment for NASA successfully touched down on the moon on Sunday, with Mission Control confirming the landing from Texas.

Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost lander made its descent from lunar orbit on autopilot, targeting the slopes of an ancient volcanic dome located in an impact basin on the moon’s northeastern edge. The company’s Mission Control, situated outside Austin, Texas, celebrated the successful landing.

“You all stuck the landing. We’re on the moon,” said Will Coogan, chief engineer for the lander at Firefly.

This upright and stable landing marks Firefly as the first private company to successfully place a spacecraft on the moon without crashing or tipping over. Historically, only five countries—Russia, the United States, China, India, and Japan—have achieved successful lunar landings, with some government missions having failed in the past.

Blue Ghost, named after a rare species of firefly found in the United States, stands 6 feet 6 inches tall and spans 11 feet wide, providing enhanced stability for its operations on the lunar surface.

Approximately half an hour after landing, Blue Ghost began transmitting images from the moon’s surface, with the first photo being a selfie, albeit somewhat obscured by the sun’s glare.

Two other companies are preparing to launch their landers on missions to the moon, with the next expected to join Blue Ghost later this week.

Source: Original article

Athena lunar lander successfully reached the moon, but mission controllers remain uncertain about its condition and exact landing location.

Mission controllers confirmed that the Athena lunar lander successfully touched down on the moon earlier on Thursday. However, they are currently unable to ascertain the spacecraft’s status following its landing, according to the Associated Press.

The precise location of the lander remains unclear. Athena, which is owned by Intuitive Machines, was equipped with an ice drill, a drone, and two rovers for its mission. While the lander reportedly established communication with its controllers, details about its condition are still pending.

Tim Crain, mission director and co-founder of Intuitive Machines, was heard instructing his team to “keep working on the problem,” despite receiving apparent “acknowledgments” from the spacecraft in Texas.

The live stream of the mission was concluded by NASA and Intuitive Machines, who announced plans to hold a news conference later on Thursday to provide updates regarding Athena’s status.

This landing marks a significant moment for Intuitive Machines, especially following last year’s experience with their Odysseus lander, which landed sideways and created additional challenges for this mission. Athena is the second lunar lander to successfully reach the moon this week, following Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost, which made its landing on Sunday.

Will Coogan, chief engineer for Firefly, celebrated the achievement, stating, “You all stuck the landing. We’re on the moon.” The successful landing of Blue Ghost has positioned Firefly Aerospace as the first private company to successfully deploy a spacecraft on the moon without it crashing or tipping over.

As the situation with Athena unfolds, the space community eagerly awaits further updates from mission controllers regarding the lander’s condition and operational capabilities.

Source: Original article

Soviet spacecraft Kosmos 482 reentered Earth’s atmosphere on Saturday after 53 years in orbit following a failed attempt to launch to Venus.

A Soviet-era spacecraft made a dramatic return to Earth on Saturday, marking the end of its 53-year journey in orbit. Kosmos 482, which was originally intended for a mission to Venus, reentered the atmosphere after being stranded in orbit due to a rocket malfunction shortly after its launch in 1972.

The European Union Space Surveillance and Tracking confirmed the spacecraft’s uncontrolled reentry, noting that it had not appeared on radar during subsequent orbits. The European Space Agency’s space debris office corroborated this information, indicating that the spacecraft had reentered after failing to show up over a German radar station.

As the spacecraft descended, it was unclear where it would land or how much, if any, of the half-ton craft would survive the fiery reentry. Experts had warned that some or all of the spacecraft might crash to Earth, as it was designed to withstand the extreme conditions of a landing on Venus, the hottest planet in our solar system.

Despite the potential for debris to cause harm, scientists emphasized that the likelihood of anyone being struck by falling spacecraft was exceedingly low. The U.S. Space Command, which monitors numerous reentries each month, had not yet confirmed the spacecraft’s demise as it continued to collect and analyze data from orbit.

Kosmos 482 was part of a series of Soviet missions aimed at exploring Venus. However, unlike its predecessors, this particular spacecraft never escaped Earth’s gravitational pull due to a malfunction during its launch. Much of the spacecraft had already fallen back to Earth within a decade of its failed launch, but the spherical lander, measuring approximately 3 feet (1 meter) across and encased in titanium, remained in orbit for decades.

Weighing over 1,000 pounds (495 kilograms), the lander was the last component of the spacecraft to succumb to gravity’s pull. As scientists and military experts tracked its downward spiral, they faced challenges in predicting the exact time and location of its reentry. The uncertainty was compounded by solar activity and the spacecraft’s deteriorating condition after so many years in space.

What distinguished Kosmos 482 from other reentering objects was the expectation that it might survive the descent. Officials noted that it was coming in uncontrolled, without the usual interventions from flight controllers, who typically aim to direct old satellites and space debris toward vast oceanic expanses to minimize risk.

As of Saturday morning, the U.S. Space Command continued its efforts to analyze the situation, monitoring the spacecraft’s trajectory and gathering data to confirm its reentry status.

According to experts, the reentry of Kosmos 482 serves as a reminder of the challenges posed by space debris and the importance of ongoing monitoring efforts to ensure safety as more objects return to Earth.

Source: Original article

Scientists at the Institute for Advanced Study have potentially discovered a new dwarf planet, 2017OF201, which could provide insights into the elusive theoretical Planet Nine.

A team of scientists from the Institute for Advanced Study School of Natural Sciences in Princeton, New Jersey, has announced the potential discovery of a new dwarf planet, designated 2017OF201. This finding could challenge existing beliefs about the Kuiper Belt and offer further evidence for the existence of a theoretical super-planet known as Planet Nine.

The object, classified as a trans-Neptune Object (TNO), is located beyond the icy and desolate region of the Kuiper Belt. TNOs are minor planets that orbit the sun at distances greater than that of Neptune. While many TNOs exist within our solar system, 2017OF201 stands out due to its considerable size and unusual orbit.

The discovery was made by a team led by Sihao Cheng, along with Jiaxuan Li and Eritas Yang, all affiliated with Princeton University. Utilizing advanced computational techniques, the researchers identified the object’s unique trajectory pattern in the sky.

“The object’s aphelion — the farthest point in its orbit from the Sun — is more than 1,600 times that of Earth’s orbit,” Cheng explained in a news release. “Meanwhile, its perihelion — the closest point in its orbit to the Sun — is 44.5 times that of Earth’s orbit, which is similar to Pluto’s orbit.” The orbital period of 2017OF201 is estimated to be around 25,000 years.

This long orbital period led Yang to suggest that 2017OF201 may have undergone close encounters with a giant planet, which could have resulted in its ejection into a more distant orbit. Cheng further speculated that the object might have initially been expelled to the Oort Cloud, the farthest region of our solar system, before being drawn back into its current position.

The implications of this discovery are significant for our understanding of the outer solar system’s structure. In January 2016, astronomers Konstantin Batygin and Mike Brown from the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) proposed the existence of a planet approximately 1.5 times the size of Earth, located in the outer solar system. However, this so-called Planet Nine remains a theoretical concept, as neither Batygin nor Brown has directly observed the planet.

The theory suggests that Planet Nine could be similar in size to Neptune, positioned far beyond Pluto, possibly within the Kuiper Belt where 2017OF201 was found. If it exists, Planet Nine is theorized to have a mass up to ten times that of Earth and could be located up to 30 times farther from the Sun than Neptune. Its orbital period would range between 10,000 and 20,000 Earth years.

Previously, the area beyond the Kuiper Belt was thought to be largely empty. However, the discovery of 2017OF201 indicates that this region may be more populated than previously believed. Cheng noted that only about 1% of 2017OF201’s orbit is currently visible from Earth.

“Even though advances in telescopes have enabled us to explore distant parts of the universe, there is still a great deal to discover about our own solar system,” Cheng remarked.

NASA has stated that if Planet Nine does exist, it could help explain the peculiar orbits of some smaller objects found in the distant Kuiper Belt. As it stands, the existence of Planet Nine remains a theoretical proposition, with its potential reality resting on the gravitational patterns observed in the outer solar system.

Source: Original article

A new theory surrounding the interstellar object 3I/ATLAS suggests it may not just be a comet, prompting speculation about its potential origins, including the possibility of alien technology.

A mysterious interstellar object known as 3I/ATLAS has once again sparked intrigue among scientists and the public alike. A newly proposed theory suggests that this object might be more than just a comet; some researchers speculate it could even be a form of alien technology in disguise. This idea, introduced as a thought experiment, highlights the unusual properties of 3I/ATLAS and raises questions about whether conventional explanations adequately account for its behavior.

3I/ATLAS is notable for being only the third confirmed interstellar visitor to traverse our solar system. Its trajectory indicates that it is not gravitationally bound to the Sun, suggesting it originated from outside our solar system. Observations have revealed a coma—a fuzzy cloud of gas and dust—surrounding the object, which is characteristic of comets. However, certain anomalies associated with 3I/ATLAS have captured the attention of scientists, prompting more speculative hypotheses.

In a recent paper published on a preprint server, a group of scientists proposed an intriguing hypothesis: if 3I/ATLAS is not purely a natural object, it could potentially be a probe sent by an advanced civilization. The authors of the paper describe this notion as a pedagogical exercise, intended to provoke thought rather than serve as a definitive claim. They point to features such as the object’s trajectory and its deviations from typical comet behavior as aspects worthy of further investigation.

Despite the excitement surrounding this theory, mainstream astronomers remain skeptical about the possibility of alien origins for 3I/ATLAS. Many experts emphasize that the object exhibits numerous traits typical of comets. Its fuzzy envelope and its interactions with solar radiation strongly support the case for a natural origin. Critics of the alien theory argue that while exploring unconventional ideas can be beneficial to scientific discourse, extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence.

The debate surrounding 3I/ATLAS is significant for several reasons. Beyond the allure of potential extraterrestrial origins, studying this interstellar object provides a rare opportunity to gain insights into materials from outside our cosmic neighborhood. Regardless of whether it shows signs of intelligent design, each new data point—from its composition to its trajectory—contributes to humanity’s understanding of exoplanetary systems, cosmic dust, and the mechanics of objects traversing deep space.

As researchers continue to analyze 3I/ATLAS, the conversation around its origins will likely evolve. The intersection of science and speculation often leads to groundbreaking discoveries, and this case is no exception. Whether the object is a natural comet or something more enigmatic, it serves as a reminder of the vast mysteries that still exist beyond our planet.

Source: Original article

NASA’s Voyager 1 has resumed communications and operations after a brief pause, reconnecting with Earth using a lower-power communication system for the first time in over 40 years.

NASA has confirmed that Voyager 1 has regained its voice and resumed regular operations following a pause in communications that occurred in late October. The interstellar spacecraft, which is currently located approximately 15.4 billion miles from Earth, unexpectedly switched off its primary radio transmitter, known as the X-band, and activated its weaker S-band transmitter.

This switch to the S-band, which had not been utilized in over four decades, was initiated by Voyager 1’s fault protection system. The system automatically activated the S-band to conserve power after engineers turned on a heater on the spacecraft. As a result, nonessential systems were powered down to ensure that critical systems remained operational.

During this period, communication between NASA and Voyager 1 became sporadic, preventing the mission team from downloading vital science data and information regarding the spacecraft’s status. The S-band transmitter, while functional, limited the team’s ability to gather comprehensive data from the spacecraft’s instruments.

Earlier this month, engineers successfully reactivated the X-band transmitter, allowing for the collection of data from the four operating science instruments onboard Voyager 1. With communications restored, the engineering team is now focused on completing several remaining tasks to return the spacecraft to its previous operational state. One of these tasks includes resetting the system that synchronizes Voyager 1’s three onboard computers.

Voyager 1’s journey began in 1977, when it, along with its twin Voyager 2, was launched on a mission to explore the gas giant planets of the solar system. The spacecraft has since transmitted stunning images of Jupiter’s Great Red Spot and Saturn’s iconic rings. Voyager 2 continued its journey to Uranus and Neptune, while Voyager 1 used Saturn’s gravity to propel itself past Pluto.

NASA has equipped both Voyager spacecraft with ten science instruments each, four of which are currently operational on Voyager 1. These instruments are being utilized to study the particles, plasma, and magnetic fields present in interstellar space.

As Voyager 1 continues its historic mission, the recent restoration of communications marks a significant milestone in the ongoing exploration of the cosmos. The spacecraft remains a testament to human ingenuity and the quest for knowledge beyond our solar system.

According to NASA, the successful reestablishment of communication with Voyager 1 highlights the resilience of the mission team and the enduring capabilities of the spacecraft.

Source: Original article

Astronomers recently misidentified Elon Musk’s Tesla Roadster, launched into space in 2018, as an asteroid before correcting the mistake just a day later.

A curious case of mistaken identity unfolded earlier this month when astronomers confused a Tesla Roadster, launched into orbit by SpaceX in 2018, for an asteroid. The incident highlights the complexities of tracking artificial objects in space.

Elon Musk’s Tesla Roadster was sent into orbit during the maiden flight of SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy rocket in February 2018. The vehicle was intended to enter an elliptical orbit around the sun, extending slightly beyond Mars before returning toward Earth. However, it appears that the roadster has exceeded the orbit of Mars and ventured into the asteroid belt.

On January 2, 2023, astronomers from the Minor Planet Center at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics registered the object as 2018 CN41. Just a day later, they deleted the entry after realizing that the object in question was, in fact, Musk’s roadster. The center announced on its website that the registry for 2018 CN41 was removed after it was determined that the orbit matched that of an artificial object, specifically the Falcon Heavy upper stage carrying the Tesla Roadster.

The Minor Planet Center stated, “The designation 2018 CN41 is being deleted and will be listed as omitted.” This quick correction underscores the challenges astronomers face when tracking unmonitored objects in space.

At the time of the misidentification, the roadster was located less than 150,000 miles from Earth, which is closer than the moon’s orbit. This proximity raised concerns among astronomers about the need to monitor such objects, as they could pose risks if their trajectories change.

Astrophysicist Jonathan McDowell from the Center for Astrophysics commented on the implications of the error, noting, “Worst case, you spend a billion launching a space probe to study an asteroid and only realize it’s not an asteroid when you get there.” His remarks highlight the potential consequences of misidentifying celestial objects.

The Tesla Roadster, equipped with a mannequin named “Starman” in the driver’s seat, has become a symbol of SpaceX’s innovative spirit and Musk’s penchant for blending technology with entertainment. As it continues its journey through space, the roadster serves as a reminder of the intersection between human ingenuity and the vastness of the cosmos.

As the field of astronomy evolves, the need for improved tracking systems for both natural and artificial objects in space becomes increasingly critical. The recent incident serves as a wake-up call for astronomers and space agencies to enhance their monitoring capabilities to avoid similar mix-ups in the future.

Fox News Digital has reached out to SpaceX for further comment regarding the incident.

Source: Original article

Mars’ red color may be linked to its potentially habitable past, according to a new study that identifies ferrihydrite as a key mineral responsible for the planet’s distinctive hue.

A recent study suggests that the reddish hue of Mars is primarily due to a mineral known as ferrihydrite, which forms in the presence of cool water. This finding indicates that Mars may have once had conditions suitable for sustaining liquid water before transitioning to its current dry state billions of years ago.

The research, published in the journal Nature Communications, was partially funded by NASA. It draws on data collected from various Mars missions, including information from several rovers. The study’s authors compared these findings with laboratory experiments that simulated Martian conditions, examining how light interacts with ferrihydrite particles and other minerals.

Adam Valantinas, the lead author of the study and a postdoctoral fellow at Brown University, noted that the question of why Mars is red has intrigued scientists for centuries. “From our analysis, we believe ferrihydrite is everywhere in the dust and also probably in the rock formations,” he stated. Valantinas began this research during his Ph.D. studies at the University of Bern in Switzerland.

While ferrihydrite has been previously considered as a contributor to Mars’ color, this study provides a more robust framework for testing the hypothesis using both observational data and innovative laboratory techniques. “We can essentially make Martian dust in the lab,” Valantinas explained.

Jack Mustard, the study’s senior author and a professor at Brown University, described the research as a “door-opening opportunity.” He emphasized the importance of the ongoing sample collection by the Perseverance rover, which will allow scientists to verify their findings once the samples are returned to Earth. “When we get those back, we can actually check and see if this is right,” Mustard said.

The study’s findings suggest that Mars had a cool, wet, and potentially habitable climate in its ancient past. Although the planet’s current atmosphere is too cold to support life, evidence points to an abundance of water existing billions of years ago, as indicated by the presence of ferrihydrite in Martian dust.

Geronimo Villanueva, Associate Director for Strategic Science of the Solar System Exploration Division at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center and a co-author of the study, remarked on the significance of the research. “These new findings point to a potentially habitable past for Mars and highlight the value of coordinated research between NASA and its international partners when exploring fundamental questions about our solar system and the future of space exploration,” he said.

Valantinas added that the researchers aim to deepen their understanding of the ancient Martian climate and the chemical processes occurring both in the past and present. He emphasized the importance of understanding the conditions that existed during the formation of ferrihydrite to address the habitability question: “Was there ever life?”

To answer this question, scientists need to investigate the environmental conditions that allowed for the reaction of oxygen with iron and water, which were markedly different from today’s dry and cold Martian environment. As winds on Mars spread this dust across the planet, they contributed to its iconic red appearance.

This research not only sheds light on Mars’ geological history but also enhances our understanding of the planet’s potential for past life, paving the way for future explorations and studies.

Source: Original article

Athena lunar lander successfully reached the moon, but its condition and landing location remain uncertain, according to mission controllers.

Mission controllers have confirmed that the Athena lunar lander has successfully touched down on the moon. However, they are currently unable to determine the spacecraft’s condition following its landing.

The lander, which is operated by Intuitive Machines, made its descent earlier on Thursday. Despite the successful touchdown, ground controllers have not been able to ascertain the status of Athena or the precise location of its landing site. According to reports from the Associated Press, the lander was equipped with an ice drill, a drone, and two rovers.

Officials indicated that Athena was able to establish some communication with its controllers, although details about its condition remain unclear. Mission director and co-founder Tim Crain was heard instructing the team to “keep working on the problem,” even as the craft appeared to send “acknowledgments” back to the team based in Texas.

The uncertainty surrounding Athena’s status comes on the heels of a successful lunar landing by another private company. Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost successfully landed on the moon on Sunday, marking a significant achievement as it became the first private company to deploy a spacecraft on the lunar surface without it crashing or landing sideways.

NASA and Intuitive Machines concluded their online live stream shortly after Athena’s landing and announced plans to hold a news conference later on Thursday to provide updates on the lander’s status.

This week has been notable for lunar exploration, with Athena being the second craft to land on the moon in just a few days. Last year, Intuitive Machines faced challenges when its Odysseus lander landed sideways, which has added pressure to the current mission.

As the situation develops, the space community eagerly awaits further information regarding Athena’s condition and the implications of its landing.

Source: Original article