The prevailing theory regarding the origin of the Moon suggests that it was formed around 4.5 billion years ago as a result of a collision between Earth and a Mars-sized protoplanet called Theia. The impact caused debris to be ejected into orbit around the Earth, eventually coalescing to form the Moon. This theory is supported
Space
On a special evening this week, skywatchers are in for a treat as two meteor showers, the Southern Delta Aquariids and Alpha Capricornids, are set to peak simultaneously. According to planetary astronomer Nick Moskovitz, the best time to witness this cosmic event is between 2 am and 4 am local time. While individuals in the
A groundbreaking discovery has shaken the foundations of our current understanding of galaxy formation. Named JADES-GS-z14-0, this galaxy has shattered records as the earliest seen galaxy yet, appearing less than 300 million years after the Big Bang. Its brightness in the early Universe has left astronomers perplexed, prompting a reevaluation of existing models of galaxy
When considering the future of human settlements on planets like the Moon, Mars, and beyond, it’s essential to focus on the challenges that come with deep space exploration. Issues such as travel times, food sustainability, and radiation risk are at the forefront of discussions. However, some experts believe that genome editing could play a crucial
Ariel, one of the five moons of Uranus, has long been a subject of fascination for astronomers. Discovered in 1851 by William Lassell, this icy moon is known for its diverse geological features, including canyons, ridges, faults, and valleys. The surface of Ariel is constantly changing due to tectonic activity, with cryovolcanism playing a significant
The recent discovery made by the Perseverance rover on Mars has sparked renewed interest in the possibility of life beyond Earth. Named Chevaya Falls, this rock on the edge of an ancient river valley has presented scientists with compelling evidence that it may have hosted life-supporting chemistry billions of years ago. The presence of organic
Recent simulations of Mercury’s formation suggest that the planet may have a hidden treasure in the form of a thick layer of solid diamond. This layer, located between the core and the mantle, could have significant implications for our understanding of the planet’s development and its mysteriously persistent magnetic field. Diamonds in the Rough Scientists
Supermassive black holes, found at the hearts of galaxies, have always presented a significant challenge for astronomers. Unlike smaller black holes formed from dying massive stars, supermassive black holes are millions to billions of times the mass of the Sun. The existence of such massive black holes suggests that they must have merged with other
NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory has been a key player in unlocking the mysteries of the universe for the past 25 years. Launched in 1999, Chandra has provided astronomers with groundbreaking images and discoveries that have astounded the scientific community. Unlike visible light, X-rays allow astronomers to peer into extreme events in space, such as exploding
The discovery of the exoplanet Eps Ind Ab using the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) marks a new era in exoplanet science. This gas giant has been imaged directly, separate from its host star, making it a rare and valuable find. Previous methods of detecting exoplanets have been indirect, relying on observing the effects of
The recent discovery of an intermediate mass black hole near the center of the Milky Way galaxy has sparked excitement among astronomers. Named IRS 13, this cluster of stars is believed to house a black hole in its midst, providing valuable insights into the growth and evolution of black holes. IRS 13 is not just
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
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