A recent study led by astronomers from the University of Michigan has shed light on a fascinating discovery: up to 60 percent of near-Earth objects may be “dark comets” containing ice within their rocky bodies. These dark comets have the potential to provide insights into the origins of Earth’s water, raising questions about the sources
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The concept of using mosses to terraform Mars is a fascinating idea proposed by ecologist Xiaoshuang Li and his team at the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Mosses, which are non-vascular plants, have historically proven to be resilient in harsh environments on Earth. Their ability to adapt and thrive in barren landscapes makes them a potential
The recent discovery made by Curiosity, the rover on Mars, has left scientists astounded. As the rover rolled over a seemingly ordinary rock on the surface of Mars, it inadvertently cracked it open, exposing a mesmerizing sight – yellow crystals of elemental sulfur, also known as brimstone. While sulfates are not uncommon on Mars, the
For the past 23 years, the International Space Station (ISS) has served as a vital research center and home for astronauts from around the world. However, its days are now numbered, with NASA recently announcing a plan to pay SpaceX up to $843 million to help decommission the ISS. This move marks a significant shift
Neutron stars are remarkable celestial bodies that push the boundaries of what we know about the universe. These incredibly dense objects, formed from the remnants of massive stars, possess a mass greater than that of our own Sun, yet are condensed into a sphere no larger than a city. Within the cores of neutron stars,
Novae are a rare and captivating phenomenon in the world of astronomy. One such nova, T Coronae Borealis (T CrB), is set to make a spectacular appearance in the night sky. While novae are not uncommon in the universe, the predictability and recurrence of T CrB make it a particularly intriguing subject for astronomers. Unlike
Sending humans to Mars has always been an ambitious goal, but one major obstacle standing in the way is the lengthy travel time. Currently, a round-trip journey to the red planet would take almost two years, exposing astronauts to significant health risks such as high levels of radiation, zero-gravity effects, and isolation. The exposure to
NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore have been facing unexpected challenges while on the International Space Station. Their initial plan was to stay for just eight days after flying into space aboard Boeing’s Starliner spaceship on June 5. However, due to glitches in the spacecraft, they have been stranded on the ISS while NASA
Uranus, the seventh planet from the Sun, has hydrogen sulfide in its atmosphere, giving it a smell reminiscent of rotten eggs. Recently, astronomers have discovered the same foul-smelling gas on an extreme exoplanet known as HD-189733b. This Jupiter-sized exoplanet, located in the Milky Way, exhibits a signature of hydrogen sulfide, shedding light on the role
As astronauts departed the lunar surface for the last time 52 years ago, the Moon has been patiently waiting for our return. A recent study conducted by NASA scientists revealed that the Moon’s time is slightly ahead of Earth’s time by approximately 1.1 seconds. This seemingly insignificant difference in time could have significant implications for
In 2017, scientists identified an exoplanet named LHS-1140b as one of the most promising places to find signs of life outside our Solar System. This alien world has now become even more peculiar. It appears to be an ‘eyeball’ planet, with a massive global ocean covered in ice, and a single, iris-like region measuring approximately
The mysteries of the early Universe have fascinated scientists for centuries, and recent research has shed light on the critical role played by small dwarf galaxies in bringing light to the dark void. Data from the Hubble and James Webb Space Telescopes has revealed the origins of the free-flying photons in the early cosmic dawn,
Martin Vargic, a talented graphic artist hailing from Slovakia, has always been captivated by the mysteries of space. From a young age, he found solace in gazing at the night sky through his family’s telescope, despite the challenges of light pollution in his area. This passion for astronomy has followed him throughout his life, leading
In recent years, researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery regarding the presence of organic material on Mars. This discovery has opened up a new realm of possibilities for understanding the potential origins of life on both Mars and Earth. One of the key findings of the research is the role of photolysis in the organic
Last week, Earth had the unique experience of witnessing not just one, but two large asteroids passing by at a relatively close distance. These asteroids, named 2024 MK and 2011 UL21, were not close enough to pose a threat to our planet, but they were within range for radar imaging systems to capture detailed images.