Science / 26

The First Picture Of A Black Hole Was Taken By A Woman

April 11, 2019

The image of the black hole was revealed during a live-streamed press conference. But thanks to Stephen Hawking's groundbreaking work, we know that the colossal masses are not just black abysses. Einstein even predicted the object's neatly symmetrical shape. "We would never be able to see into the center of our galaxy in visible wavelengths because there's too much stuff in between".

Meet Katie Bouman, woman behind first black hole photo

April 11, 2019

Three years ago, Katie Bouman was an electrical engineering and computer science graduate student at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The 29-year-old worked with MIT's Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, the MIT Haystack Observatory and the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics for the last several years, leading to the development of the algorithm .

Ben-Gurion Airport? Make sure you don't accidentally land on the moon

April 11, 2019

ET Thursday and it was expected to be available on the SpaceIL YouTube channel for anyone to watch. Marked as "not final", Beresheet's touchdown is expected at Ben Gurion's Terminal 3 , according to the site. Beresheet is set to land in an area on the moon known as Mare Serenitatis because this region is supposed to have some "magnetic anomalies" that the Israeli teams hope to analyze using an onboard magnetometer.

The return of Cthulhu - the small sea critter

April 11, 2019

Lovecraft, though at a more manageable scale than its namesake. While the fossil is only 3cm wide (just over 1 inch), researchers say "its many long tentacles would have made it appear quite monstrous to other small sea creatures alive at the time".

Adani's Australian coal mine wins further environmental approval

April 10, 2019

These are the groundwater plan and another to manage the tiny and endangered black-throated finch. Adani Mining chief executive Lucas Dow has welcomed the Morrison government's decision on Tuesday, but environmentalists and the Greens say they are appalled.

Funded experiment has Norway locals anxious about 'alien attack'

April 10, 2019

The colorful clouds definitely look cool, but they're actually providing incredibly valuable data for NASA scientists. Flabbergasted locals reported having seen something like flying saucers flying in a oddly-shaped pattern as two orange dots appeared in the sky, followed by large expanding glowing clouds of purple and green lights on Saturday night.

International Space Station infested with bacteria "Like Gym on Earth", says NASA

April 10, 2019

Kasthuri also made it clear that determining the microbes in spacecraft will be quite crucial while conducting long space flights including future Mars missions. Samples taken during the second flight mission had higher microbial diversity than samples collected during the first and third missions. And numerous organisms detected on the ISS are known to form biofilms that belong to both bacterial (Acinetobacter, Sphingomonas, Bacillus , Burkholderia, Corynebacterium, and Klebsiella) and ...

SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket targeting new launch date from Kennedy Space Center

April 10, 2019

The maiden Falcon Heavy flight was essentially a test launch, with even Elon Musk saying that he wasn't sure how things were going to go. The payload is the Arabsat 6A communications satellite built by U.S. The second stage, the one that actually gets the cargo into orbit, comprises a Falcon 9-sourced Merlin engine. Upon descent, the three Falcon boosters detach and land separately back on Earth for future missions.

Astronauts take spacewalk to swap space station’s batteries

April 09, 2019

She took a scraper wrapped with sticky tape and picked up bits of tiny space debris attached to one section of the station. The two astronauts replaced nickel-hydrogen batteries with three newer, more powerful lithium-ion batteries for the power channel on one pair of the station's solar arrays.

Japan's spacecraft drops explosive on asteroid to form crater

April 09, 2019

At about 11 a.m. on April 5, the impactor used to make the crater separated from the probe, followed by the detachable "DCAM3" camera. "We are thrilled to see what will happen when the impactor collides with the asteroid", Takashi Kubota, engineering researcher at the Japanese space agency (JAXA), told reporters earlier this week.

1st-ever photo of a black hole to be revealed

April 09, 2019

Scientists will be "staring down the pipes of eternity" if, as expected, the first image of a black hole is released this week. . One of the objects sits at the center of the Milky Way galaxy, buried in the depths of interstellar dust and gas, and equivalent in mass to 4.1 million suns that otherwise have disappeared from the visible universe.

Beresheet spacecraft succeeds in latest maneuver, bringing it closer to moon

April 09, 2019

With four days left until the April 11 landing date, SpaceIL's engineers are attempting a series of maneuvers to transform Beresheet's elliptical orbit into a circular orbit 200 kilometers (125 miles) from the surface of the moon. It's expected that they will land on the moon on April 11th, 2019. Doing so entails a complicated maneuver in which the spacecraft must hop from earth's orbit to the moon's - as seen below in a demonstration video released by SpaceIL.

Curiosity watches as Mars' two moons eclipse the Sun

April 08, 2019

Then, on March 25, Curiosity captured an indirect glimpse of an eclipse. "Solar eclipses have been seen many times by Curiosity and other rovers in the past", NASA says. The rover's view of the Martian horizon at sunset showed the sky suddenly darkening, as the bigger and closer moon Phobos swept overhead and temporarily dimmed the setting sun's light.

SpaceX's Falcon Heavy Completes Engine Test Fire, Readies for First Commercial Launch

April 08, 2019

The highly anticipated test - originally estimated to take place on April 1 - appeared to go off without a hitch. The upcoming mission , dubbed Arabsat 6A, will launch a large communications satellite for Saudi Arabian corporation Arabsat.

SAT debris will decay in 45 days, says DRDO chief

April 08, 2019

Deputy national security advisor Pankaj Saran clarified that the NASA is continuing its cooperation with India, including in proposed the manned mission to space. "The satellite is tracked by many stations across the world". The DRDO chief said that a "mission of such nature" could not have been kept a secret technically, given the numerous satellites launched by different countries orbiting in space.

Biggest python EVER: Snake found in Florida Everglades had 73 eggs

April 08, 2019

Researchers use male pythons wearing radio transmitters to find breeding grounds. The team said it collects data, comes with new removal tools and learns about how the snakes are using the reserve. It weighed 132 pounds, the Tampa Bay Times reports. Hunter John Hammond caught the snake, which was subsequently euthanized, as part of the Python Elimination Program.

Suspected poacher killed by an elephant before being eaten by lions

April 07, 2019

Three of the victim's friends ran away after the victim was crushed by the elephant in Kruger National Park and rang his family, the Daily Mail reported. The accomplices fled the scene and were later arrested. "During the operation, two.375 hunting rifles and ammunition were seized", said Hlathi. Glenn Phillips, Managing Executive of Kruger National Park , has praised those who were part of the search party that helped the family find closure by finding the remains.

SpaceX’s Starhopper takes its first rocket hop, marking another step toward Mars

April 06, 2019

The post also embedded a video from Starship watcher @LabPadre, who tweeted: "All systems green". With a deafening roar that rattled windows, SpaceX - the rocket company founded by Elon Musk - fired up its new Mars rocket-ship prototype for the first time Wednesday.

Ancient four-legged whale from Peru walked on land, swam in sea

April 06, 2019

It had four limbs, like the whales that first evolved in present-day Pakistan and India more than 50 million years ago. The finding represents the first indisputable evidence of a four-legged whale from the Pacific Ocean , said lead study author Olivier Lambert, a vertebrate paleontologist at the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences in Brussels.

Manitoba is gearing up for a fight over Carbon Tax

April 06, 2019

The federal government intends to charge the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on top of the carbon tax, in effect a tax on a tax. It will increase the price of gasoline in Ontario by 4.4 cents per litre. In a statement in response, Winnipeg Liberal MP Terry Duguid says Pallister is wasting taxpayer money by going to court. Pallister would not say whether he will revive the $25 carbon tax he originally planned if the federal levy is struck down.

Japan probe drops explosive on asteroid

April 05, 2019

Friday's crater mission is the riskiest for Hayabusa2, as it had to immediately get away so it won't get hit by flying shards from the blast. A live webcast of the mission room on the southern island of Tanegashima showed Jaxa staff applauding as the probe successfully completed each stage of the most critical phase of its mission so far.

Bad Air Killed Over 1.2 Mn In India In 2017

April 05, 2019

Toxic air caused death of more than 1.2 million people in India in 2017, as per a global air pollution report released recently by a US-based organisation Health Effects Institute (HEI). "In much of the world, just breathing in an average city is the health equivalent to being a heavy smoker", he added in a statement. For household air pollution, the research determined the main causes included the burning of smoky fuels such as wood or coal for cooking.

We continue to collaborate with India on security and safety in space

April 05, 2019

That said, Bridenstine assured the town hall audience that the six people now on board the ISS aren't in any immediate danger. " That kind of activity is not compatible with the future of human spaceflight ". President Trump announced the creation of a U.S. Space Force last June, and China, India and other nations are also doubling down on defense-related space ambitions.

Industry key to Labor's climate plan

April 05, 2019

Federal Opposition Leader Bill Shorten wants a woman to be the next governor-general. Labor's climate policy extends the coalition's "safeguard mechanism" that limits pollution by big industries. This would lead to businesses being able to choose the most efficient and cost-effective manner to offset emissions, and would also let them sell their own credits if they cut pollution below their baseline, he said.

Sperm whale washes up with 49 pounds of plastic in stomach

April 05, 2019

Her stomach contained "garbage bags ... fishing nets, lines, tubes, the bag of a washing machine liquid still identifiable, with brand and barcode ..." "But then when we opened the stomach and saw all the plastic we realized, yet again, we were bearing witness to this very worrisome, sad situation".

SAT space debris means no harm to ISS or anyone

April 04, 2019

India says the debris is harmless and will not affect any other satellites or the ISS. Speaking at a recent Town Hall, the space agency's highest ranking official admonished the Indian government for shooting down a satellite in low orbit, calling the test "unacceptable".

Mars will become habitable with the presence of Methane gas

April 04, 2019

Marco Giuranna and colleagues at the National Institute of Astrophysics in Rome, Italy, presented spacecraft-based spectrometer observations of methane in the Martian atmosphere near Gale Crater , the landing site of the Curiosity rover. At the time of the Curiosity observation, scientists figured the methane originated north of the rover and was carried to the Gale Crater by southerly winds.

"What Have They Found?" ESO to Reveal Epic Black-Hole Discovery

April 04, 2019

It is believed that black holes have a mass of an estimated 4 million suns and can bend the fabric of space time. Now, researchers using a novel planet-wide imaging technique designed specifically to spot closer black holes are planning to make a major announcement and there's really only one thing it could be.

NASA And MIT Collaborate On Subsequent-Gen Versatile Airplane Wing Design

April 03, 2019

As such, the wing should make aircrafts it is installed on quite a bit more energy efficient. It looks like thousands of matchstick-type struts welded together in small triangle shapes. They've brought the time required to produce each part - a hollow cube with little struts along each edge - down from a few minutes to only 17 seconds.

Potential source of methane on Mars

April 03, 2019

Researchers have devoted considerable attention and resources to the search of methane on Mars, with the European Space Agency and Russia's Roscosmos even deploying a special Trace Gas Orbiter to the planet recently to seek out the compound, along with water vapor, and to find clues about what led to their formation.

NASA will pay you $19K to stay in bed

April 01, 2019

NASA are looking for healthy women between the ages of 24 & 55 for their Artificial Gravity Bed Rest Study . To get ready for any contingencies that may occur, scientists are creating a simulation to understand what the human body could go through.

New York State Poised To Ban Single-Use Plastic Bags

March 31, 2019

Lawmakers could not come to an agreement on recreational marijuana in the FY 2020 budget. NY lawmakers have reached an agreement to implement a state-wide ban on single-use plastic bags, due to take effect in March 2020. Lawmakers have also agreed on a measure that would close two yet-to-be-determined state prisons. A congestion-pricing plan for Manhattan is taking shape, and lawmakers are still considering whether to impose a pied-à-terre tax for non-primary residential luxury apartments ...

Quebec introduces bill banning religious symbols

March 31, 2019

Numerous advocacy groups have spoken out against the ban. President of World Sikh Organization of Canada , Mukhbir Singh told TOI on Friday "we are deeply disappointed that the Coalition Avenir Québec government has introduced legislation banning the wearing of religious clothing and symbols in Quebec".

Palace: Cut down on plastics use for Earth Hour

March 30, 2019

It has grown in stature over the years, as more than 180 countries and territories are now involved. "We live in an interconnected world". WWF says together we'll speak up for our wildlife and forests, and show support for rivers and oceans.

Huge rivers flowed on Mars

March 30, 2019

Louis", study author Edwin Kite, from the University of Chicago , told Newsweek . A preserved river channel on Mars appears in this photo taken by NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, with color overlaid to indicate elevation. The two scientists concluded that fractures within some of Mars' craters, enabled water springs to rise up to the surface as a result of pressure deep below.

US Vice President Outlines Ambitious Return to the Moon

March 30, 2019

Nasa's chief, Jim Bridenstine , recently said a woman would undoubtedly be the first human to set foot on the Moon since 1972, the last time there was a manned mission to the Moon . Donald Trump threw NASA for a loop shortly after taking office when he directed them to find a way to get humans back on the Moon . But the project has been hit by delays and cost overruns.

NASA's first all-female spacewalk scrapped over spacesuit sizes

March 29, 2019

McClain, Koch and Hague are part of NASA's Astronaut Class of 2013, the only time there have been the same number of women accepted as men. "Because only one medium-size torso can be made ready by Friday, March 29th, Koch will wear it", NASA explained.

Rivers on Mars Formed Over a Billion Years Ago

March 29, 2019

In the river basins for which there are the most data, Mars' rivers were about two times wider than those on Earth . Looking for a superior comprehension of Martian precipitation, scientists analyzed photographs and elevation models for more than 200 ancient Martian riverbeds spanning over a billion years.

More than 30 killed in Guatemala after truck ploughs into a crowd

March 29, 2019

A truck driver barreled into a group of indigenous Guatemalans on March 28, killing 18 before fleeing the scene as police began a manhunt. "From tomorrow we will declare national mourning for three days in memory of those who died". I express my condolences", Morales wrote on Twitter. The semi-trailer did not have its lights on when it struck the group of people, which may have been why the driver did not spot them, while the highway was also unlit, according to local media.

VP Pence Calls For Landing US Astronauts On Moon In 5 Years

March 29, 2019

USA astronauts have not walked on the moon since 1972. NASA administrator Jim Bridenstine assured Pence that NASA will do everything possible to meet the deadline. NASA recently has been shooting for another moon landing by 2028. "We will work to ensure we have a safe and reliable launch system that keeps its promise to the American people", he added.

Study pays $19000 to spend 60 days lying down

March 29, 2019

When astronauts are in space, the weightlessness caused by microgravity changes their body. The prolonged bed rest is part of a study that launched this week into the effects of weightlessness on the human body. Those chosen to participate in the study will be split into groups, but they'll all be in one room. The study will take place in DLR a medical research facility called the envihab (from the words environment and habitat).

NASA cancels all-female spacewalk due to spacesuit sizing issue

March 29, 2019

Still, Schierholz said , "We believe an all-female spacewalk is inevitable". Then there was a spacesuit problem. In what is essentially the "t-shirt" area of the Enhanced EMU suit astronauts wear on spacewalks, the Hard Upper Torso (H.U.T .) comes in three sizes: Medium, Large and XL.

Hubble captures birth of giant storm on Neptune

March 28, 2019

That observation happened in 2015 with the development of a small dark spot in the southern hemisphere of the planet. "It was certainly a surprise", said Amy Simon, a planetary scientist at NASA . In a span of almost 20 hours, the storm drifted westward, moving slightly slower than Neptune's high-speed winds. Neptune, as well as our other gaseous-if-somewhat-unfortunately-named neighbor Uranus also boast their own storms in the form of Great Spots.

NASA Administrator Defends Nixing All-Female Spacewalk

March 28, 2019

Both women, Christina Koch and Anne McClain, required a medium-sized suit for the small matter of being able to survive in space and carry out crucial maintenance on the International Space Station (ISS). "Shouldn't NASA's sizing be more specialised than a box of free T-shirts?" Earlier this month, Facciol, the lead flight controller, tweeted her support for an all-female spacewalk.

Pelosi unveils moderate alternative to Green New Deal

March 28, 2019

Most of the Democrats voted " present " in protest while Democratic Sens. The New York lawmaker made the remarks during a House Financial Services Committee meeting after Rep. Lee displayed an image of "Star Wars" hero Luke Skywalker riding a tauntaun on the icy planet of Hoth, jokingly suggesting that Alaskans would have to ride the snow-adapted creatures because of Green New Deal air travel restrictions.

Nasa releases images of meteor that went unnoticed

March 27, 2019

The report said a smoke cloud was spotted at 2350 GMT, which was the same time that NASA's monitoring sensors picked up on the meteor. The elusive meteor released about 173 kilotons of energy as it smashed through the Earth's atmosphere at about 115,200kph (71,600mph).

NASA cancels first all-female spacewalk due to lack of spacesuit sizes

March 26, 2019

As The Verge writes , the decision has been made to change the people walking/wear already prepared suits, rather than try to reconfigure the spacesuits they have by Friday - which would involve adding arms and legs segments to a second medium-size torso.

Northern lights: Where in Scotland will you be able to see them?

March 25, 2019

A G2 geomagnetic storm will be in effect starting Saturday night and will then project the famed lights across the night sky. One event coming up is a chance to view the Northern Lights here in Iowa. In 2011, the Northern Lights were even spotted as far down south as Alabama. Consult the weather forecast before leaving. Visibility can partly come down to chance-it's easier to see the aurora during a new moon, as the shine of a full moon can render the aurora invisible.

Astronauts take spacewalk to swap space station's batteries

March 24, 2019

She took a scraper wrapped with sticky tape and picked up bits of tiny space debris attached to one section of the station. This work will establish a redundant path of power to the Canadian-built robotic arm, known as Canadarm2. The live show can be watched on NASA Live . McClain is designated extravehicular crewmember 1 (EV 1), wearing the suit with red stripes, and with the helmet camera labeled #20.

Northern Lights set to be visible over Ireland this weekend

March 23, 2019

Scotland is where the Aurora is most likely to be seen, since it is further north. Star gazers in cities as far south as NY and Chicago may get a rare glimpse of the northern lights this weekend due to an unusual geomagnetic storm. The weather prediction center issued a geomagnetic storm watch on Wednesday after detecting a small solar flare , a high-energy burst fired by a sunspot, that was followed by a CME.

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