space disasters Archives - Page 2 of 4

Jun62024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Japan’s Obayashi Corporation Aims for 2050 Completion of Space Elevator to Revolutionize Space Travel

Imagine a long tether linking Earth to space, launching us to orbit at a fraction of the cost and slingshotting us to other worlds at record speed. That's the basic idea behind a space elevator. Instead of taking six to eight months to reach Mars, scientists have estimated a space elevator could get us there in three to four months or even as quickly as 40 days. The concept isn't new, but engineering such a structure is a monumental challenge, and many issues beyond technology stand in the way. Japan's Ambitious Plan The Japan-based Obayashi Corporation, known for constructing the world's tallest tower, the Tokyo Skytree, announced in 2012 its goal to build a space elevator. The company projected that construction on the $100-billion project would begin by 2025, with operations st...

Jun62024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Gamma-Ray Bursts: Unraveling the Mystery of Heavy Element Creation in the Universe

Breaking News, Idea & Innovations, Space

After its "birth" in the Big Bang, the Universe mainly consisted of hydrogen and a few helium atoms. These are the lightest elements in the periodic table. Over the past 13.8 billion years, stars have produced many heavier elements through nuclear fusion. However, fusion in stars only produces elements as heavy as iron. Creating heavier elements requires energy instead of releasing it, posing a significant mystery for scientists. One promising candidate for producing these heavier elements is gamma-ray bursts (GRBs), the most powerful explosions in the Universe. GRBs can emit a quintillion (10 followed by 18 zeros) times the luminosity of our Sun and are thought to originate from various catastrophic events. GRBs are divided into two categories: long bursts and short bursts. Long GRB...

Jun22024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Study Finds Severe Light Pollution at Major Astronomical Observatories Worldwide

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Space

A new study conducted by researchers from Italy, Chile, and Galicia reveals that light pollution is significantly affecting the skies above many of the world's major astronomical observatories. The study, published in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, emphasizes the urgent need for measures to reduce artificial light contamination to preserve the efficacy of ground-based astronomy. The research team examined light pollution levels at nearly 50 observatories globally, including both large professional facilities and smaller amateur observatories. Utilizing a model that simulates light propagation in the Earth's atmosphere and incorporating night-time satellite data, the study provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of light pollution at these sites. Tra...

May312024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Another Powerful Solar Storm from Sunspot AR3664 Headed Towards mother Earth, likely to happen Blackouts

Breaking News, Disasters, Space

A powerful stream of energized particles, known as a solar storm, is currently headed towards Earth, with potential to cause radio blackouts and the stunning aurora borealis, also known as the northern lights. According to NASA's spaceweather.com, this storm originated from the sunspot AR3664 on May 27 and has been classified as an X2.8 flare, marking it as one of the most intense solar events in recent years. X-class solar flares are the strongest solar flares, described by NASA as "giant explosions on the sun that send energy, light, and high-speed particles into space." These powerful flares have the capability to disrupt various forms of communication on Earth. Immediate Impact and Potential Threats Earth has already experienced interruptions in shortwave radio communications ...

May302024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Japan Unveils World’s First Wooden Satellite to Launch on SpaceX Rocket

Breaking News, Environment, Space

Kyoto: In a groundbreaking achievement, Japanese researchers have developed the world's first wooden satellite. The innovative cuboid craft, designed by scientists at Kyoto University in collaboration with Sumitomo Forestry, is scheduled to be launched aboard a SpaceX rocket in September. Measuring just 10 centimeters (four inches) per side, the experimental satellite, named LignoSat, aims to test the feasibility of using wood as a primary material in space technology. This initiative is driven by environmental concerns, as the wooden satellite is expected to burn up entirely upon re-entry into Earth's atmosphere, thereby eliminating the risk of creating harmful metal particles that could affect the environment and telecommunications. Key Features and Launch Details The satellit...

May252024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

NASA to Provide Advanced Training for Indian Astronauts, US Envoy Announces

Breaking News, Space

Washington, D.C. – NASA will soon begin providing advanced training to Indian astronauts as part of a collaborative effort to send them to the International Space Station (ISS), announced U.S. Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti. Speaking at the "US-India Commercial Space Conference: Unlocking Opportunities for US & Indian Space Startups," held in Bangalore, Garcetti outlined the plans for this significant collaboration. Garcetti emphasized the joint effort between the two nations, stating, "NASA will soon provide advanced training to Indian astronauts, with the goal of mounting a joint effort to the International Space Station, hopefully, this year or shortly thereafter, which was one of the promises of our leaders' visit together." In addition to astronaut training, Garcetti hig...

May242024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

SpaceX Launches First Batch of Spy Satellites for New U.S. Intelligence Network

Breaking News, Learning & Developments, Space

SpaceX successfully launched an inaugural batch of operational spy satellites on Wednesday, marking the first deployment of a new U.S. intelligence network aimed at enhancing the nation's space-based surveillance capabilities. The launch took place from Vandenberg Space Force Base in Southern California. The newly launched satellites are part of a vast system designed to significantly upgrade the United States' ability to rapidly detect and monitor ground targets globally. This development follows earlier reports revealing that SpaceX is constructing hundreds of satellites for the U.S. National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), an intelligence agency responsible for satellite reconnaissance. The Falcon 9 rocket lifted off at 4 a.m. EDT, carrying what the NRO described as the "first launch...

May152024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Sun Unleashes Monster Solar Flare, Radio Blackouts Expected On Earth

Breaking News, Environment, Space

The Sun has emitted its strongest flare of the current solar cycle, a category X8.7 storm, sending a powerful surge of energized particles hurtling towards Earth. The flare, originating from sunspot AR3664, is anticipated to cause radio blackouts upon impact, particularly affecting regions such as the United States. In a dramatic display of solar activity, the Sun has unleashed its most potent flare of the current solar cycle, sending shockwaves of energized particles hurtling towards Earth. Originating from an active sunspot designated AR3664, the flare, classified as a category X8.7 storm, represents a significant escalation in solar activity. According to reports from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the sunspot responsible for the flare is situated at t...

May152024 by Editor Desk1 Comment

Scientists Warn of Impending Solar Storm After Recent Sun Eruptions

Breaking News, Environment, Space

Scientists have issued a warning about a potent solar storm expected to strike Earth this week following powerful eruptions from the Sun. With a 60 percent chance of impact on Tuesday, the storm could cause geomagnetic disruptions and pose risks to power grids and astronauts in space. Despite concerns, no major disruptions have been reported so far. Recent eruptions from the Sun have raised concerns among scientists about the potential impact of an upcoming solar storm on Earth. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has issued a warning, indicating a 60 percent likelihood of the solar storm hitting Earth on Tuesday, with a lower possibility on Wednesday. The X handle of NASA Sun and Space also confirmed the occurrence of a M6.6-class solar flare on May 13, although ...

May142024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

FU Orionis Star System’s Violent Eruptions Explained After Decades of Speculation

Breaking News, Space

In the serene expanse of the Milky Way, most stars go about their business quietly, but one star refuses to conform to the norm. Enter FU Orionis, a binary system that has been erupting dramatically since 1936, puzzling astronomers with its erratic behavior. Now, after 88 years of speculation, a breakthrough has been made. Astronomers, led by Antonio Hales of the National Radio Astronomy Observatory, have finally uncovered the secret behind FU Orionis' relentless outbursts. Using observations from the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA), they have directly imaged a stream of material being devoured by the star – a crucial piece of the puzzle that has eluded scientists for decades. "This discovery provides the first direct observational evidence of the material fueling...