Volcanoes on the Moon
Recent analysis of three tiny glass beads returned by the Chinese Chang'e-5 mission has revealed that volcanoes were erupting on the moon when dinosaurs roamed the Earth. This groundbreaking discovery challenges the long-held belief that lunar volcanic activity ceased around two billion years ago. Scientists are now pondering whether the moon is still producing magma today, which could have significant implications for our understanding of the moon’s evolution.
Mysterious Cosmic Dance
Swedish researchers have unveiled a new exoplanet, TOI-1408, located approximately 455 light-years from Earth. This small, cold planet has a temperature similar to our sun but follows an erratic, unpredictable path around its star, resembling a “rhythmic dance.” The discovery of TOI-1408, positioned between a star and a gas giant, is rare and offers a unique opportunity to study the development of planetary systems. It may also help scientists identify other potentially habitable worlds.
Boeing’s Starliner Spacecraft Returns
Boeing's Starliner spacecraft successfully landed in New Mexico, marking a significant milestone for the company. The mission, which initially planned an eight-day journey for astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, faced technical issues that extended their stay on the International Space Station until February 2025. NASA confirmed that bringing Starliner back unmanned was the right decision. This mission serves as the final test flight before Boeing’s spacecraft receives certification for routine missions, paving the way for future commercial space travel.
Peering Back Billions of Years
An international team of astronomers has discovered merging galaxies from 12.8 billion years ago. These galaxies, rich in gas, are likely to trigger a rapid increase in star formation and quasar activity, eventually forming a monster galaxy—one of the brightest objects in the universe. This discovery provides valuable insights into the evolution of galaxies and black holes during the early history of the universe, helping scientists piece together the complex puzzle of cosmic development.
Reference(s):
Sci-Sat: Volcanoes on the moon, Boeing spacecraft and merging galaxies
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