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A recent <a href="https://academic.oup.com/mnrasl/article/535/1/L18/7760380">study</a> has revealed an unexpected consequence of the global lockdowns imposed in 2020 to curb the spread of COVID-19: a measurable cooling of the <keyword id="19899207" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="moon" source="keywords">Moon</keyword>'s surface. Indian researchers from the <keyword id="20178202" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Physical-Research-Laboratory" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Physical Research Laboratory" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Physical Research Laboratory">Physical Research Laboratory</keyword> (PRL) analysed night-time temperatures at six different locations on the Moon's near side between 2017 and 2023. Using data from NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, they discovered a consistent temperature drop of 8-10 Kelvin during the strictest lockdown period of April-May 2020 compared to previous years. For instance, the coldest temperature was recorded in 2020, with a value of 96.2 K at one location. In contrast, post-lockdown years like 2021 and 2022 saw a gradual warming trend as human activity resumed. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="111772552" title="Newly discovered Moon caves could shelter astronauts as they set up lunar bases!" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>The researchers posit that this unusual cooling can be attributed to a reduction in Earth's outgoing radiation during the lockdowns. As human activity slowed down, <keyword id="20107362" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="greenhouse-gas-emissions" source="keywords">greenhouse gas emissions</keyword> and aerosols decreased significantly. This meant less heat was trapped and re-emitted by Earth's atmosphere, resulting in a measurable decrease in the radiation reaching the Moon. Further, the Moon's surface acts as an amplifier of Earth's radiation signature. And this unique global event provided a rare opportunity to observe how changes in human activity on Earth can affect our nearest celestial neighbour. While the study presents a compelling correlation, the authors acknowledge that more data is needed to definitively establish the link between Earth's radiation changes and <keyword id="23366659" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="lunar-surface-temperatures" source="keywords">lunar surface temperatures</keyword>. They suggest that future Moon-based observatories could play a crucial role in studying Earth's climate and environmental shifts. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="112222991" title="Scientists want to send our endangered species to the Moon to “save” them" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>This unexpected finding highlights the interconnectedness of our solar system and the far-reaching impacts of human activities on our planet. As we continue to grapple with the challenges of <keyword id="19907392" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="climate-change" source="keywords">climate change</keyword>, understanding these subtle interactions between Earth and the Moon can provide valuable insights into our planet's complex systems. (With inputs from TOI)

The Covid lockdowns did WHAT to the Moon?!

In our ongoing search for <keyword id="582933" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="alien-life" source="Orion">alien life</keyword>, astronomers have scoured the cosmos, longing for a connection beyond our own world. While the dream of encountering intelligent beings remains distant, we might just have chanced upon a planet that mirrors our own with uncanny familiarity. In a remarkable revelation, astronomers have pinpointed a potentially habitable Earth-like exoplanet merely 40 light-years away, with temperatures only slightly higher than those on our planet. This intriguing new world, named <keyword id="21786745" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Gliese-12-b" source="keywords">Gliese 12 b</keyword>, completes an orbit around its star every 12.8 days. Comparable in size to Venus and only slightly smaller than Earth, it boasts an estimated surface temperature of 42°C, cooler than most of the 5,000-plus confirmed exoplanets (planets outside our solar system). The key question now is its atmosphere. It might harbour an atmosphere like Earth’s, a nightmarish greenhouse scenario akin to Venus, or perhaps an entirely unique composition not observed within our solar system. Unravelling its atmospheric mysteries could unveil whether <keyword id="21786747" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Gliese-12" source="Orion">Gliese 12</keyword> b is capable of sustaining temperatures suitable for liquid water. This, in turn, would be indicative of its potential to harbour life. This discovery could also offer insights into why Earth and Venus, despite their similarities, have evolved to house such different environments. NASA has underscored the significance of Gliese 12 b, highlighting it as one of the select few Earth-like exoplanets deserving of closer examination. Described as “the nearest, transiting, temperate, Earth-size world located to date,” it stands as a prime candidate for further exploration by the <keyword id="145694" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="James-Webb-Space-Telescope" source="Orion">James Webb Space Telescope</keyword>. <div type="image" title="Gliese 12 b vs Earth" msid="110383855" hostid="261" sizebytes="23944" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;This artist&amp;#39;s concept compares Earth with different possible Gliese 12 b interpretations, from one with no atmosphere to one with a thick Venus-like one.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> Gliese 12 b orbits a cool red dwarf star named Gliese 12, located almost 40 light-years away in the constellation Pisces. The star is about 27% the size of our sun and has a surface temperature around 60% of the sun’s. The implications of this discovery extend beyond the confines of a single exoplanet. It has the potential to reveal whether most Milky Way stars, which are categorised as cool stars, can host temperate planets with atmospheres, which would make them habitable. Fascinatingly, the proximity between Gliese 12 b and its host star amounts to just 7% of the distance separating Earth and the sun. Consequently, the exoplanet receives 1.6 times more energy than Earth and experiences approximately 85% of Venus's solar radiation. This proximity also means the planet's surface temperature depends heavily on its atmospheric conditions. While estimates place Gliese 12 b's temperature at 42°C, Earth, in contrast, maintains an average surface temperature of 15°C. Reflecting on these discoveries, Larissa Palethorpe, co-lead of the research and a doctoral student at the University of Edinburgh and University College London, remarked: “It is thought that Earth's and Venus's first atmospheres were stripped away and then replenished by volcanic outgassing and bombardments from residual material in the solar system. “The Earth is habitable, but Venus is not due to its complete loss of water. Because Gliese 12 b is between Earth and Venus in temperature, its atmosphere could teach us a lot about the habitability pathways planets take as they develop.” This paper has been published in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society and can be accessed <a href="https://academic.oup.com/mnras/article/531/1/1276/7679807" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">here</a>.

Earth 2.0? Astronomers have discovered the nearest-yet potentially-habitable planet with Earth-like temperatures!

In the face of an escalating climate crisis, scientists are exploring increasingly unconventional ideas to cool the planet. One of the more intriguing — and surprising — proposals is the use of <keyword id="23626780" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="diamond-dust" source="keywords">diamond dust</keyword> injected into the atmosphere to reflect sunlight and reduce global temperatures. A team of climatologists, meteorologists, and <keyword id="19912640" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="earth" source="keywords">Earth</keyword> scientists found that injecting synthetic diamond particles might be the most effective way to combat <keyword id="19942740" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="global-warming" source="keywords">global warming</keyword>. <h2>Just chill, chill</h2>Global temperatures are rising rapidly, and scientists warn that we may have already reached a tipping point. Simply reducing <keyword id="19951337" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="carbon-emissions" source="keywords">carbon emissions</keyword> may no longer be enough. Some experts argue that we need active measures to cool the planet and prevent further catastrophic changes to global weather patterns. One potential solution? <keyword id="23626781" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="solar-geoengineering" source="keywords">Solar geoengineering</keyword> — a method that involves injecting <keyword id="23626782" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="reflective-particles" source="keywords">reflective particles</keyword>, or aerosols, into the atmosphere to bounce sunlight back into space. Historically, sulphur dioxide has been the leading candidate for this approach. Released naturally by volcanic eruptions, sulphur dioxide is known to have a cooling effect on the Earth by reflecting sunlight. However, the downside of injecting it artificially is significant: it could lead to acid rain, damage the ozone layer, and disrupt weather patterns. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="114118159" title="Delhi vs. air pollution: Minister pushes for ‘artificial rains’ in city ahead of Diwali as AQI remains worse than ever" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>The new study aimed to find a better alternative by modelling the impact of seven different materials: calcite, diamond, aluminium, silicon carbide, anatase, rutile, and sulphur dioxide. Their 3D <keyword id="19912529" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="climate-models" source="keywords">climate models</keyword> factored in light reflection, how long the particles would stay in the atmosphere, and whether they would clump together — something that could diminish their effectiveness. <h2>Why diamonds?</h2>The surprising result of the research was that diamond dust emerged as the most promising candidate. Tiny synthetic diamond particles proved to be highly effective at reflecting both sunlight and heat, while also remaining suspended in the atmosphere for a sufficient period. Unlike sulphur dioxide, diamonds are chemically inert, meaning they would not react with other atmospheric elements to cause harmful side effects like acid rain. The models suggested that injecting 5 million tons of synthetic diamond dust into the atmosphere annually could reduce global temperatures by 1.6°C over the course of 45 years. This kind of cooling would be enough to counteract some of the most severe effects of <keyword id="19907392" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="climate-change" source="keywords">climate change</keyword> and potentially buy time for other long-term solutions. <h2>The cost conundrum</h2>Despite the effectiveness of diamond dust in the simulations, the practical challenge of this approach lies in its cost. Producing and distributing the necessary amount of <keyword id="20001023" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="synthetic-diamonds" source="keywords">synthetic diamonds</keyword> would come with an astronomical price tag — an estimated $200 trillion. To put that into perspective, that’s roughly double the size of the global economy in 2023. While the benefits of <keyword id="23626783" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="cooling-the-planet" source="keywords">cooling the planet</keyword> are clear, such a high cost makes this solution far from feasible in the immediate future. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="97766424" title="A new climate solution involves shooting moon dust into space to create a &amp;#39;solar shield&amp;#39; around Earth, but scientists say it&amp;#39;s a risky last resort" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>While the diamond dust concept is still in the research phase, the study underscores the urgency of exploring all possible solutions to cool the planet. As temperatures rise and extreme weather events become more frequent, unconventional ideas like this could play a role in the global effort to mitigate climate change. The findings of this research have been published in Geophysical Research Letters and can be accessed <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1029/2024GL110575">here</a>.

Diamonds in the Sky: Scientists want to inject diamonds into our atmosphere to cool the planet!

The deadly landslides in Kerala's ecologically fragile Wayanad district were triggered by a heavy burst of rainfall, made 10 per cent heavier by <keyword id="19907392" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="climate-change" source="keywords">climate change</keyword>, according to a new rapid attribution study by a global team of scientists. Researchers from India, Sweden, the US and the UK warned that such events will become more common as the climate continues to warm. To measure the impact of human-caused climate change, the scientists from the <keyword id="12008149" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="World-Weather-Attribution" source="Orion">World Weather Attribution</keyword> (WWA) group analysed climate models with high enough resolution to accurately reflect rainfall in the relatively small study area. The models indicated that the intensity of rainfall has increased by 10 per cent due to climate change, they said. The models also predict a further four per cent increase in rainfall intensity if the average <keyword id="21951013" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="global-temperature" source="keywords">global temperature</keyword> rises by two degrees Celsius compared to the 1850-1900 average. The scientists, however, said there is a "high level of uncertainty" in the model results as the study area is small and mountainous with complex rainfall-climate dynamics. Having said that, the increase in heavy one-day rainfall events aligns with a growing body of scientific evidence on extreme rainfall in a warming world, including in India, and the understanding that a warmer atmosphere holds more moisture, leading to heavier downpours. According to scientists, the atmosphere's capacity to hold moisture increases by about 7 per cent for every one-degree Celsius rise in global temperature. The Earth's global surface temperature has already increased by around 1.3 degrees Celsius due to the rapidly rising concentration of greenhouse gases, primarily carbon dioxide and methane. Scientists say this is the reason behind worsening <keyword id="19912530" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="extreme-weather-events" source="keywords">extreme weather events</keyword>, such as droughts, heat waves and floods worldwide. The WWA scientists said that while the relationship between land cover, land use changes and landslide risk in Wayanad is not fully clear from existing studies, factors, such as quarrying for building materials and a 62 per cent reduction in forest cover may have increased the slopes' susceptibility to landslides during heavy rainfall. Other researchers have also linked the <keyword id="22597176" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Wayanad-landslides" source="keywords">Wayanad landslides</keyword> to a combination of forest cover loss, mining in fragile terrain and prolonged rain followed by heavy precipitation. S Abhilash, the director of the Advanced Centre for Atmospheric Radar Research at Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT), had earlier told PTI that the warming of the Arabian Sea is leading to the formation of deep cloud systems, resulting in extremely heavy rainfall in Kerala in a short period and increasing the risk of landslides. "Our research found that the southeast Arabian Sea is becoming warmer, causing the atmosphere above Kerala to become thermodynamically unstable. This instability is allowing the formation of deep clouds," he had said. According to the landslide atlas released by ISRO's National Remote Sensing Centre last year, 10 out of the top 30 landslide-prone districts in India are in Kerala, with Wayanad ranked at the 13th spot. A study published by Springer in 2021 said all landslide hotspots in Kerala are in the Western Ghats region and are concentrated in Idukki, Ernakulam, Kottayam, Wayanad, Kozhikode and Malappuram districts. It said about 59 per cent of total landslides in Kerala have occurred in plantation areas. A 2022 study on depleting forest cover in Wayanad showed that 62 per cent of forests in the district disappeared between 1950 and 2018, while plantation cover rose by around 1,800 per cent.

Wayanad landslides linked to 10% heavier rainfall due to climate change: Study

With millions of people across five continents experiencing scorching heat last month, the European Union's (EU) climate agency, Copernicus <keyword id="19907392" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="climate-change" source="keywords">Climate Change</keyword> Service (C3S), confirmed on Monday that June was the warmest on record. It also marked the 12th consecutive month of <keyword id="20524196" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="global-temperatures" source="keywords">global temperatures</keyword> reaching <keyword id="22325521" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="1-5-degrees-Celsius" source="keywords">1.5 degrees Celsius</keyword> above the pre-industrial average. According to scientists at C3S, every month since June last year has been the warmest such month on record. In January, the world completed an entire year with the mean surface air temperature exceeding the 1.5-degree Celsius threshold. June was the 12th consecutive month with monthly average temperatures above the 1850-1900 pre-industrial average. At the 2015 UN climate talks in Paris, world leaders committed to limiting the global average temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius above the pre-industrial period to avoid the worst impacts of climate change. However, a permanent breach of the 1.5-degree Celsius limit specified in the <keyword id="20104670" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Paris-Agreement" source="keywords">Paris Agreement</keyword> refers to long-term warming over a 20 or 30-year period. Earth's global surface temperature has already increased by around 1.2 degrees Celsius compared to the average in 1850-1900 due to the rapidly-increasing concentration of <keyword id="20649149" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="greenhouse-gases" source="keywords">greenhouse gases</keyword> -- primarily carbon dioxide and methane -- in the atmosphere. This warming is considered to be the reason behind record droughts, wildfires and floods worldwide. According to new data, June 2024 was the warmest on record, with an average surface air temperature of 16.66 degrees Celsius, 0.67 degrees Celsius above the 1991-2020 average for the month and 0.14 degrees Celsius above the previous high set in June 2023. "The month was 1.5 degrees Celsius above the estimated June average for 1850-1900, the designated pre-industrial reference period, making it the 12th consecutive month to reach or break the 1.5-degree threshold," C3S said in a statement. It was also the 13th consecutive month of <keyword id="21477127" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="record-high-temperatures" source="keywords">record-high temperatures</keyword>, a result of the combined effect of the 2023-24 El Nino event and human-caused climate change. While unusual, a similar streak of monthly global temperature records happened previously in 2015-16. "This is more than a statistical oddity and highlights a large and continuing shift in our climate. Even if this specific streak of extremes ends at some point, we are bound to see new records being broken as the climate continues to warm. This is inevitable, unless we stop adding greenhouse gases into the atmosphere and the oceans," said Carlo Buontempo, the director of C3S. The European climate agency said the global average temperature for the last 12 months (July 2023-June 2024) is the highest on record, at 0.76 degrees Celsius above the 1991-2020 average and 1.64 degrees Celsius above the 1850-1900 pre-industrial average. The world's sea surface in June was also the highest ever recorded for the month. Several countries experienced record-breaking heat and devastating floods and storms in June. According to an analysis by Climate Central, an independent group of scientists and communicators based in the United States, more than 60 per cent of the world population faced extreme heat that was made at least three times more likely by climate change during June 16-24. Climate Central said the blistering heat in June impacted 619 million (61.9 crore) people in India, 579 million (57.9 crore) in China, 231 million (23.1 crore) in Indonesia, 206 million (20.6 crore) in Nigeria, 176 million (17.6 crore) in Brazil, 171 million (17.1 crore) in Bangladesh, 165 million (16.5 crore) in the US, 152 million (15.2 crore) in Europe, 123 million (12.3 crore) in Mexico, 121 million (12.1 crore) in Ethiopia and 103 million (10.3 crore) in Egypt. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), northwest India recorded its warmest June since 1901. India, which experienced one of its hottest and longest heatwaves, recorded more than 40,000 suspected heatstroke cases and over 100 heat-related deaths. The intense heat overwhelmed the water supply system and power grids, with Delhi grappling with a severe water crisis. According to the IMD, 11 states recorded 20 to 38 heatwave days -- up to four times the usual number of such days -- during the April-to-June period. The mercury breached 50 degrees Celsius in parts of Rajasthan, with night temperatures hovering around 35 degrees Celsius in many places. Temperatures were most above average over eastern Canada, the western United States and Mexico, Brazil, northern Siberia, the Middle East, northern Africa, and western Antarctica. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/telecom/news/reliance-jio-ipo-mukesh-ambani-led-telco-might-be-gearing-up-for-indias-biggest-ipo/articleshow/111519009.cms">Reliance Jio IPO – Mukesh Ambani-led telco might be gearing up for India’s biggest IPO</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/telecom/news/jio-vs-airtel-vs-vi-prepaid-plans-comparison-plan-benefits-and-price-comparison-after-tariff-hike/articleshow/111512587.cms">Jio vs Airtel vs Vi recharge plans comparison – plan benefits and price comparison after tariff hike</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/hp-envy-x360-14-review/articleshow/111407165.cms">HP Envy x360 14 review – feature-packed laptop with a sleek design</a>

June warmest on record; every month since July 2023 breached 1.5 deg C threshold

If you’ve ever wondered whether fish can suffocate in water, the answer is yes. Our planet's waters, from the tiniest pond to the vast expanse of the ocean, are experiencing a silent crisis: a rapid and dramatic decline in <keyword id="21181078" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="oxygen-levels" source="keywords">oxygen levels</keyword>. This "<keyword id="22526914" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="aquatic-deoxygenation" source="keywords">aquatic deoxygenation</keyword>," as scientists call it, poses a major threat not just to marine ecosystems, but to the very fabric of human society and the stability of life on Earth. An international study in Nature Ecology &amp; Evolution, involving researchers from GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, urges world leaders to recognise this oxygen loss as a new planetary boundary. <keyword id="22526915" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="planetary-boundaries" source="keywords">Planetary boundaries</keyword> are critical thresholds that, if crossed, can trigger large-scale and irreversible environmental damage. Just like we need oxygen to breathe, so do <keyword id="22526918" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="aquatic-ecosystems" source="keywords">aquatic ecosystems</keyword> — from microscopic plankton to bigger fish. The decline in <keyword id="21809938" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="dissolved-oxygen" source="keywords">dissolved oxygen</keyword> (DO) threatens the survival of countless species at all levels of the food chain. The study reveals a disturbing trend. Across all aquatic environments, from lakes and rivers to coastal waters and the open ocean, dissolved oxygen levels have dropped substantially in recent decades. <keyword id="22526916" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="oceanic-oxygen-loss" source="keywords">Oceanic oxygen loss</keyword> may seem small at 2% since 1960, but due to the ocean's vast volume, this translates to a significant loss. Even more alarming is the case of specific regions, like the midwaters off Central California, where oxygen levels have plummeted by 40% in just a few decades. The research team warns that this isn't just an environmental concern; it's an economic and social one too. Billions of people rely on healthy aquatic ecosystems for food, income from fisheries and tourism, and clean drinking water. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="111566431" title="June warmest on record; every month since July 2023 breached 1.5 deg C threshold" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>The culprit behind this oxygen depletion is a combination of factors. <keyword id="19942740" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="global-warming" source="keywords">Global warming</keyword>, fueled by greenhouse gas emissions, raises water temperatures, decreasing the amount of oxygen water can hold. Additionally, nutrient runoff from land use changes stimulates massive <keyword id="22526917" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="algal-blooms" source="keywords">algal blooms</keyword>. These blooms, while initially appearing productive, consume vast amounts of oxygen as they decompose, creating oxygen-depleted dead zones. Dr Rose, lead author of the study from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, emphasises the urgency of addressing this issue. Adding aquatic deoxygenation to the list of planetary boundaries will focus global efforts on monitoring, research, and policy changes to protect our vital aquatic ecosystems and, in turn, human society. The root causes are global warming and nutrient runoff from land use, explains co-author Dr Andreas Oschlies of GEOMAR. Warmer water hinders oxygen exchange between deep and surface layers, and nutrient influx fuels algal blooms that deplete oxygen further. These oxygen-depleted zones aren't just lifeless wastelands; they have a ripple effect that threatens our planet's health. Microbes in these zones produce potent greenhouse gases like nitrous oxide and methane, contributing further to global warming and exacerbating the very problem they were created by. We are approaching critical thresholds, warns Professor Rose. Aquatic deoxygenation disrupts the delicate balance of Earth's climate system. Addressing the root causes, like climate change and unsustainable land practices, is crucial. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="111609639" title="Groundwater temperatures could rise several notches by 2100, making it too hot to drink for millions!" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>

Oxygen is disappearing from Earth’s water; this endangers marine life and human society!

In humanity's relentless quest to find <keyword id="21578132" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="life-beyond-Earth" source="keywords">life beyond Earth</keyword>, the key lies in discovering a world capable of hosting water. Excitingly, scientists may have pinpointed a <keyword id="46100" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="planet" source="Orion">planet</keyword> beyond our solar system that harbours vast oceans of this life-sustaining liquid! While thousands of exoplanets (worlds outside our solar system) have been identified so far, only a rare few lie within the ‘<keyword id="22426573" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Goldilocks-zone" source="keywords">Goldilocks zone</keyword>’—an area neither too hot, nor too cold, and thereby perfect to allow <keyword id="19997618" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="liquid-water" source="keywords">liquid water</keyword> to exist. Among these, <keyword id="22376712" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="LHS-1140-b" source="keywords">LHS 1140 b</keyword> stands out. Since its discovery in 2017, it has been subject to extensive examination. Located 48 light years (about 450 trillion kilometres) away from Earth, LHS 1140 b is relatively nearby in astronomical terms. This <keyword id="20349430" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="exoplanet" source="keywords">exoplanet</keyword> is 1.7 times larger than Earth and boasts 5.6 times its mass. Originally, scientists classified LHS 1140 b as a "mini-Neptune," a small gas giant with an atmosphere too thick in hydrogen and helium to support life. However, recent observations from the <keyword id="19899749" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="James-Webb-Space-Telescope" source="keywords">James Webb Space Telescope</keyword> (JWST) have revealed a surprising truth: LHS 1140 b is a rocky "super-Earth," altering our understanding of its potential to support life. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="The most promising ocean world candidate" comment="subhead" text="The most promising ocean world candidate">The most promising <keyword id="22426572" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="ocean-world" source="keywords">ocean world</keyword> candidate</cmsannotation> The <keyword id="20951574" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Webb-telescope" source="keywords">Webb telescope</keyword> recently achieved a breakthrough by analysing the planet's atmosphere during its transit across its star. The absence of hydrogen and helium signatures led to the conclusion that the planet is not a mini-Neptune. Instead, the planet's density suggests it houses large quantities of water, as per study co-author Martin Turbet from France's CNRS research centre. Lead study author Charles Cadieux, a PhD student at the University of Montreal, remarked that among all known temperate exoplanets, LHS 1140 b is possibly the most promising candidate for confirming liquid water on the surface of an alien world. Approximately 10 to 20 percent of the exoplanet's mass is estimated to be water. In stark contrast, Earth's oceans account for a mere 0.02 percent of its mass. The state of this water, whether liquid or ice, hinges on the planet's atmospheric composition, with gases like carbon dioxide playing a crucial role. One encouraging factor is the planet's gentle warming by its red dwarf star, which is only one-fifth the size of our Sun. This stellar relationship suggests that the exoplanet's surface temperature is likely comparable to that of Earth and Mars. One hypothesis is that the planet's surface is predominantly ice, but with a substantial liquid ocean in areas most exposed to the star's heat. This ocean could span approximately 4,000 kilometres in diameter, covering about half the surface area of the Atlantic Ocean, according to models. Alternatively, the liquid water might be concealed beneath a thick ice shell, similar to the icy moons orbiting Jupiter and Saturn. Webb's instruments have detected indications of “the presence of nitrogen,” Cadieux noted, emphasising that further research is required to confirm this finding. Nitrogen, ubiquitous on Earth, is considered another potential life-supporting ingredient. The researchers aim to secure additional observation time with the Webb telescope to gather more data on LHS 1140 b. They estimate it will take at least a year to determine whether the exoplanet has an atmosphere, and an additional two to three years to detect the presence of carbon dioxide. The study was recently published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters and can be accessed <a href="https://arxiv.org/abs/2406.15136" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">here</a>.

Using the Webb telescope, scientists may have found the ‘best bet’ for an ocean world outside our solar system!

A deadly heat wave gripped large regions of Asia for weeks in April and May 2024. As temperatures climbed past 110 degrees Fahrenheit (43.3 Celsius) in India on May 7, campaigning politicians, local news announcers and voters waiting in long lines passed out from the oppressive heat. From as far north as Japan to as far south as the Philippines, the relentless heat wreaked havoc on everyday life. Students and teachers in Cambodia were sent home from school, as their hand-held fans provided little protection against the stifling heat and humidity in their poorly ventilated classrooms. Farmers in Thailand saw their crops wither and mourned the loss of livestock that perished under the punishing sun. Hundreds of people died from the heat. Most of the planet has suffered the dire effects of <keyword id="20563038" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="extreme-heat" source="keywords">extreme heat</keyword> in recent years. A weekslong heat wave in the southwestern United States in 2023 was described as "hell on earth" in Phoenix, where temperatures hit 110 F (43.3 C) or higher for 31 straight days. At the same time, Europe saw unprecedented high temperatures that killed hundreds and contributed to devastating wildfires in Greece. Regardless of where or when a heat wave strikes, one pattern is a constant: Older adults are the most likely to die from extreme heat, and this crisis will worsen in the coming years. We study <keyword id="19907392" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="climate-change" source="keywords">climate change</keyword> and population aging. Our research documents two global trends that together portend a dire future. More older adults will be at risk of heat stress First, temperatures are hotter than ever. The nine-year period from 2015 and 2023 had the highest average temperatures since global records began in 1880. Second, the population is aging worldwide. By 2050, the number of people ages 60 and older will double to nearly 2.1 billion, making up 21 per cent of the <keyword id="21055680" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="global-population" source="keywords">global population</keyword>. That proportion is 13 per cent today. These combined forces mean that ever-rising numbers of vulnerable older adults will be exposed to intensifying heat. To understand the risks ahead, we developed population projections for different age groups and combined them with climate change scenarios for the coming decades. Our analyses show that by 2050, more than 23 per cent of the world population ages 69 and older will be living in regions where peak temperatures routinely surpass 99.5 degrees F (37.5 degrees C), compared with just 14 per cent today. That means that as many as 250 million additional older adults will be exposed to dangerously high temperatures. Mapping the data shows that most of these older adults live in lower- and middle-income countries with insufficient services and limited access to electricity, cooling appliances and safe water. In historically cooler regions in the Global North, including North America and Europe, <keyword id="20707229" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="rising-temperatures" source="keywords">rising temperatures</keyword> will be the main force driving older adults' heat exposure. In historically hotter regions in the Global South such as Asia, Africa and South America, population growth and increases in longevity mean that steeply rising numbers of older adults will be exposed to intensifying heat-related risks. Policymakers, communities, families and older residents themselves need to understand these risks and be prepared because of older adults' special vulnerabilities to heat. Extreme heat is especially harmful to older adults High temperatures are oppressive for everyone, but for older adults they can be deadly. Extreme heat worsens common age-related health conditions such as heart, lung and kidney disease and can cause delirium. Older people don't sweat as much as younger people, which makes it harder for their bodies to cool down when temperatures spike. These problems are intensified by common prescription medications, such as anticholinergics, which further reduce the capacity to sweat. Spending time outdoors in hot humid weather can cause dehydration, a problem worsened by the side effects of prescription medications such as diuretics and beta-blockers. Dehydration can make older adults weak and dizzy, increasing their risk of falls and injury. These threats are even worse in regions lacking access to safe and affordable drinking water. Poor air quality makes it difficult to breath, especially for those who already have lung problems such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD. For older adults with physical health problems, temperatures as low as 80 F (26.7 C) can pose significant danger. And when humidity is as high as 90 per cent, even 78 F (25.6 C) can be hazardous to older adults. Nighttime heat is especially harmful for older adults whose homes lack air conditioning or who can't afford to run their air conditioners for long periods. The ideal temperature for older adults' restful sleep is between 68 and 77 F (20 and 25 C), and sleep quality diminishes as temperatures rise. A night of restless sleep can make an older adult more depressed and confused during their waking hours. Medications also can lose their effectiveness if stored in places much warmer than 77 F (25 C). Older adults also may suffer emotionally during stifling <keyword id="20472420" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="heat-waves" source="keywords">heat waves</keyword> Being stuck indoors when temperatures are unbearable can make older adults bored, depressed and isolated. People with cognitive impairments may underestimate the dangers of extreme heat or may not understand the heat advisories. Those who have physical mobility limitations or lack access to transportation can't easily travel to public cooling centers - if there is one nearby - or find relief in nearby "green and blue areas," such as parks and lakes. These threats are especially dire in low- and middle-income nations, where older adults are more likely to live in substandard housing and lack access to high-quality health care or ways to cool down in the heat. We talk about this as "systemic cooling poverty." What can be done? Policymakers can work to cut greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels in vehicles, power plants and factories, which drive global warming, and develop effective plans to protect older people from heat risk. Older adults and their caregivers also can take steps to adapt. But efforts to help need to be tailored to each region and population. Wealthy municipalities can increase public investments in early warning systems and ride services to cooling centers and hospitals. They can use geographic information systems to identify neighborhoods with high concentrations of older adults and expand power grids to manage increasing demand for air conditioning. In regions with substandard housing, limited access to clean water and few public supports such as cooling centers, much larger changes are necessary. Providing better health care, water and housing and reducing air pollution that can mitigate health problems during heat waves require significant changes and investments many countries struggle to afford. The World Health Organization and Pan American Health Organization warn that this decade will be critical for preparing communities to handle rising heat and the risk to aging populations. Across all regions, researchers, practitioners and policymakers could save lives by heeding their call. 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Heat waves can be deadly for older adults: An aging global population and rising temperatures mean millions are at risk

<ul class="summary-list"><li>NASA approved the $19.5 million Landolt Space Mission to send an artificial star into Earth's orbit.</li><li>It will be the first astronomical tool of its kind that could revolutionize the way we study space.</li></ul>Astronomers typically deal with the very, very large — <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/blueprints-giant-telescopes-moon-nasa-astronomers-2024-2">big telescopes</a>, giant galaxies, and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/rare-cosmic-explosion-visible-naked-eye-nasa-space-2024-3">massive exploding stars</a>.But one of the more <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/nasa-james-webb-space-telescope-best-images-from-first-year-2022-12">revolutionary astronomy tools</a> of the decade is a mini satellite about the size of a bread box. The satellite will act as an artificial star for <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/astronomers-discover-fastest-runaway-stars-in-milky-way-galaxy-2023-6">astronomers to observe from the ground,</a> allowing them to more accurately measure a space object's brightness and better understand some of the biggest mysteries in our universe, like dark energy.NASA recently approved the $19.5 million Landolt Space Mission to launch the mini satellite into Earth's orbit."This is some really awesome science that NASA is supporting," Tyler Richey-Yowell, a postdoctoral researcher at Lowell Observatory who studies stellar astronomy and exoplanets, told Business Insider. "It's something that's going to help out all astronomers."<h2 id="850dab02-cefa-4f6a-b198-ab2890924c14">A revolutionary new tool for astronomers</h2><div type="image" title="illustration of Landalt satellite firing lasers at an observatory on Earth" height="1030" width="2048" msid="111091999" hostid="261"></div>The mini satellite, called <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/planet-mars-image-nasa-marco-cubesat-2018-10">CubeSat</a>, is designed to orbit Earth from 22,236 miles away. At that distance, its speed will match Earth's spin so the satellite will appear fixed in the night sky and be an easy target for telescopes to track.You won't be able to see it with the naked eye. But to telescopes, it'll look like a star. The mission is scheduled to launch in 2029. It will be the first tool of its kind."This is really new for us to have some sort of artificial star, quote, unquote, up there that we can go and rely on and use," Richey-Yowell told BI.What makes this "<a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/china-fusion-artificial-star-hotter-sun-2016-2">artificial star</a>" better than a real one is that astronomers will know exactly how much light it's emitting.The CubeSat, named Landolt for the late astronomer Arlo Landolt, will <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/nasa-laser-beam-message-10-million-miles-away-streaming-mars-2023-11">fire lasers</a> with a specific number of light particles, or photons, which astronomers can use to calibrate their telescopes for measuring light.This can help eliminate a lot of the guesswork that astronomers do now when using real stars to calibrate their instruments.The problem is that there's no way of knowing exactly how much light real stars emit, because we can't send a probe to one to accurately measure its brightness, Richey-Yowell said. Moreover, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/stratosphere-shrinking-greenhouse-gas-emissions-climate-change-2021-5">Earth's atmosphere</a> absorbs a lot of light from space, which can also affect astronomers' calibrations."That's why this Landolt mission is so important," Richey-Yowell said, adding that "if we send up a mission like this one where we know exactly how many photons, how much light per second, is coming from this CubeSat," then it could be used to compare and more precisely measure the light from other objects, like real stars.<a target="_blank" href="https://www.livescience.com/space/astronomy/nasa-will-put-a-new-star-in-the-sky-by-the-end-of-the-decade-in-1st-of-its-kind-mission">Live Science reported</a> that the mission is expected to help astronomers measure the light emitted from stars with 10 times the accuracy of current estimates.It's like if you were given a 1,000-piece puzzle with only half the pieces and then someone gifted you a few hundred more pieces. Landolt can help astronomers catch minute details they've otherwise been missing in the data.<h2 id="497f43a9-311c-42dd-b3e3-da5a0877850f">How Landolt could revolutionize astronomy</h2><div type="image" title="Illustration of an exoplanet floating in space surrounded by clouds of white and blue cosmic gas and dust" height="1322" width="2266" msid="111091996" hostid="261"></div>"All of our astronomy is <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/flare-billion-times-sun-baffles-scientists-2023-11">based on light</a>, and so we really need to know how much light we are actually receiving," Richey-Yowell said.You can learn a lot from a ray of light: a star's temperature, its mass, the types of exoplanets orbiting it and whether they could harbor life.For example, knowing how hot a host star is can tell you how far an exoplanet must be in order to sustain liquid water on its surface, Richey-Yowell said. Water is a main ingredient of life as we know it and a key feature astrobiologists search for when scoping out potential planets that could harbor life.Finding more <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/astronomers-find-earth-like-planet-sun-like-star-2020-6">Earth-like planets</a> is just the beginning. Astronomers can also use Landolt to measure light from distant exploding stars, called supernovae, that can help calculate the expansion rate of the universe.Right now, cosmologists studying the universe's expansion face a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/cosmic-glitch-makes-scientists-rethink-einstein-greatest-theory-2024-5">huge challenge</a>: They can't settle on a single value for the expansion rate. Some methods lead to one value, while others lead to a slightly different one. This conundrum could be key to figuring out some of the biggest mysteries of the universe, like understanding the invisible force ripping our universe apart that we call <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/largest-cosmic-map-new-understanding-dark-energy-universe-expansion-einstein-2024-4">dark energy</a>."So really anything from small, tiny planets to the whole scale of the universe relies on our understanding of stars and how bright they are and what kind of light they're emitting," Richey-Yowell said. "I really do think it will be revolutionary for astronomy."

NASA is putting an 'artificial star' in orbit around Earth

Despite its barren and unforgiving environment, <keyword id="19905161" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Saudi-Arabia" source="keywords">Saudi Arabia</keyword> has emerged as a blazing beacon of infrastructural development. Remarkably enough, this story of resilience extends far into the past, as the region may also be where the first bits of life on Earth originated. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Earliest forms of life" comment="subhead" text="Earliest forms of life">Earliest forms of life</cmsannotation> <keyword id="20004656" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="scientists" source="keywords">Scientists</keyword> have unearthed living <keyword id="21922967" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Stromatolites" source="keywords">stromatolites</keyword> — ancient geological structures made from algae — on <keyword id="21922969" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Sheybarah-Island" source="keywords">Sheybarah Island</keyword>, nestled on the northeastern shelf of the Red Sea in Saudi Arabia. These ancient <keyword id="21922968" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="life-forms" source="keywords">life forms</keyword>, dating back 3.48 billion years, were previously thought to thrive only in select modern environments like Shark Bay, Australia, and the Exuma Islands in the Bahamas. The reason this is such a crucial discovery is because Stromatolites are the earliest geological indicators of life on Earth. Further, these biotic structures were instrumental in the Great <keyword id="20075793" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="oxygen" source="keywords">Oxygen</keyword>ation Event over two billion years ago, introducing oxygen into the atmosphere and transforming the planet's habitability. The oxygenation event initially wiped out many of their competitors, allowing stromatolites to dominate the biosphere during the Archean eon, when life had just begun to bud. However, as life forms adapted to the oxygen-rich atmosphere, stromatolites began to decline, only reappearing in the geological record after mass extinctions or in extreme environments. "The bacteria are always around, but they don't usually get the chance to make stromatolites," explains study author Volker Vahrenkamp. "They are largely outcompeted by corals." <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="An accidental discovery" comment="subhead" text="An accidental discovery">An accidental discovery</cmsannotation> The Sheybarah Island’s several hundred stromatolites formations were accidentally found when the researchers were studying tepee structures — massive salt crust domes visible from space. Some stromatolites were well-developed and textbook-perfect, while others were more sheet-like with low relief. This diversity intrigued the researchers, hinting that they may be at different stages of development. The island's harsh environment — characterised by extreme temperature swings, alternating wet and dry conditions, and nutrient-poor waters — mirrors the conditions of the Bahamas, suggesting that similar stromatolite fields might exist elsewhere on the Al Wajh carbonate platform. However, the small size of stromatolites, about 15 cm across, makes them challenging to detect without close inspection. Understanding stromatolite growth rates remains a significant scientific challenge because dating these structures is complicated by the presence of two indistinguishable carbonate components: the newly microbe-precipitated material and environmental carbonate sand. To overcome this, Vahrenkamp's team conducts monthly monitoring, documenting any visual changes. Future plans include experimental attempts to cultivate stromatolites in aquarium settings, aiming to unlock the secrets of their growth and development. The rediscovery of stromatolites on Sheybarah Island not only provides a unique glimpse into Earth’s ancient history but also offers potential insights into the search for extraterrestrial life, particularly on Mars. By studying stromatolites, which thrived before Earth had an oxygenated atmosphere, scientists can develop models to recognise potential signs of life on other planets. The findings of this research have been published in <keyword id="6438753" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="geology" source="Orion">Geology</keyword> and can be accessed <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1130/G51793.1" data-type="tilCustomLink">here</a>.

The first life forms on Earth might have come from Saudi Arabia, scientists find new proof

The onset of a strong El Niño event led to an unusual winter season, with <keyword id="6355648" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="summer" source="Orion">summer</keyword>-like conditions arriving prematurely as early as February this year. Although the El Niño phenomenon has now moderated and is transitioning towards a neutral phase, the country must prepare for an exceptionally harsh summer ahead. If you've been struggling with the heat already, the news isn't comforting. The <keyword id="19895063" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="india" source="keywords">India</keyword> Meteorological Department (<keyword id="19933636" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="imd" source="keywords">IMD</keyword>) has issued a stark warning for the upcoming summer season spanning from April to June, anticipating scorching temperatures and prolonged heatwaves across most regions of the country. Expect both daytime and nighttime temperatures to remain higher than usual in many areas, except for parts of northeast and northwest India. Extended periods of intense heatwaves are forecasted to affect South, Central, and East India, as well as the northwestern plains, throughout April, May, and June. Moreover, there's a significant likelihood of heatwaves lasting 10-20 days, surpassing the typical duration of 4-8 days. Central and western regions, including Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha, are anticipated to experience the brunt of these extreme heatwaves. In terms of pre-monsoon rainfall, April is expected to see normal rains, with increased precipitation predicted for May and June in Northwest, Central, North Peninsular, East, and Northeast India. However, coastal areas in both the East and West, as well as West-central India, can expect below-normal rainfall, offering little relief from the sweltering conditions. Heatwaves pose serious risks, particularly for vulnerable groups such as the elderly, young children, and individuals with health issues, who are more susceptible to heat-related illnesses like heatstroke, heat exhaustion, and dehydration. Additionally, extreme heat can strain power grids, transportation, and other infrastructure. To mitigate these risks, proactive measures such as establishing cooling centres, issuing heat advisories, and implementing strategies to reduce urban heat buildup are crucial. Furthermore, this period of intense heat coincides with the <keyword id="19895394" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="lok-sabha" source="keywords">Lok Sabha</keyword> elections (April 19th - June 1st), where nearly a billion people are expected to participate. Union Earth Sciences Minister Kiren Rijiju emphasised the need for India to prepare adequately due to its large population and extreme weather conditions. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a <keyword id="6371478" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="heatwave" source="Orion">heatwave</keyword> advisory for the elections, urging electoral bodies to work with states to prevent heat-related incidents during public gatherings. In summary, India is bracing for a challenging summer characterised by above-normal temperatures and prolonged heatwaves. Remaining informed and taking necessary precautions will be vital for navigating this period safely.

India in for brutal heatwave conditions from April to June; likely to have sizzling impact on Lok Sabha elections

Pluto’s departure from its title as a <keyword id="20111358" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="planet" source="keywords">planet</keyword> not only hurt fans of the now dwarf, but it also changed the pecking order of planets within our <keyword id="52393" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="solar-system" source="Orion">solar system</keyword>. At only a third the size of the <keyword id="19912640" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Earth" source="keywords">Earth</keyword>, <keyword id="19901068" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Mercury" source="keywords">Mercury</keyword> had automatically become the smallest planet in our solar system, ripe for bullying by Jupiter and the other giants patrolling around our Sun. But alas, while Mercury’s minuscule appearance might make it an easy target, it wasn’t always this tiny, it turns out. Mercury, the smallest and closest planet to the Sun, has long captivated scientists with its extreme conditions and mysterious features. With temperatures swinging from scorching heat to freezing cold and a surface scarred by craters, understanding Mercury's composition and formation has proved challenging. Further, to actually get to Mercury is a mammoth task by itself. Since the planet is so close to the Sun, it takes a tremendous amount of effort to oppose the star’s gravity when near the planet. This also means a mountain of fuel is needed to decelerate spacecrafts enough so they can insert themselves into Mer-dog’s gravity without suffering a meteor’s fate. But that doesn’t mean we’ve stopped trying. <keyword id="19935155" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="NASA" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="NASA" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="NASA">NASA</keyword> has managed to fly two missions close enough to map the planet, which just made things even curiouser. For starters, they found that, for whatever reason, Mercury has an absurdly gigantic <keyword id="20060547" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="core" source="keywords">core</keyword> compared to its <keyword id="1609094" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="mantle" source="Orion">mantle</keyword>, while its crust is paper-thin — relatively speaking. The other nearby rock-based planets, such as Venus, Earth and Mars, all sport baby cores surrounded by a thick molten mantle. Further, analysis of Mercury revealed that it has an unusually high concentration of thorium, an element that should have evaporated in the extreme heat of the planet. Last, but not least, scientists found that, similar to Earth, Mercury too is surrounded by a magnetic field. This suggests that its inner workings might be very similar to ours, and even be made of the same stuff as our core. To keep himself from pulling his hair out, planetary researcher Nicola Mari decided to take a closer look at the planet. Forgoing fancy space-faring rockets and opting for cars and planes instead, his journey took him to Cyprus, a Mediterranean island that used to be at the bottom of the ocean 90 million years ago. The area’s rugged terrain unearthed a geological treasure trove: boninite rocks, born from our Earth’s oozing mantle. Through meticulous analysis, Mari and his team confirmed that these rocks suspiciously mirrored Mercury's chemical makeup almost exactly. The composition of elements such as magnesium, aluminum and iron was the exact same as that seen on the crust of the big-cored planet. The reason this is so significant is because boninites are formed from lava that erupts from a shallow point in our Earth’s crust. If Mercury’s rocks were also formed from its mantle in similar ways to our own, it means that something could have happened that blew away the majority of its crust, leaving behind the thin exterior we see now. Something catastrophic like an interplanetary <keyword id="19979441" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="collision" source="keywords">collision</keyword>, perhaps. This catastrophic clashing theory has been in the works for a while now, and planetary scientists think that Mercury might have started off being as big as the Earth. Most of its crust was wiped away post-collision, leaving what we see today. The journey to decipher Mercury's secrets is far from over. With <keyword id="21312858" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="BepiColombo" source="keywords">BepiColombo</keyword>'s — a joint space endeavor by the <keyword id="20681418" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="European-Space-Agency" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="European Space Agency" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="European Space Agency">European Space Agency</keyword> and Japan — scientific operations on the horizon, the stage is set for a new era of discovery. As Mari ventures forth to explore other terrestrial analogues, the cosmos awaits with its myriad secrets, ready to be unveiled one rock at a time. These findings are based on a BBC article that can be accessed <a href="https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20240410-mercury-the-solar-systems-smallest-planet-may-once-have-been-as-large-as-earth" data-type="tilCustomLink">here</a>.

You Searched For "earth temperature" and got 12 results

The Covid lockdowns did WHAT to the Moon?!

Ashmita Gupta

Earth 2.0? Astronomers have discovered the nearest-yet potentially-habitable planet with Earth-like temperatures!

Kunal Kambli

Diamonds in the Sky: Scientists want to inject diamonds into our atmosphere to cool the planet!

BI India Bureau