Category: 7. Science

SpaceX launched 24 more Starlink satellites into low Earth orbit early Sunday morning (July 27), on the company’s second flight in less than 24 hours dedicated to growing its megaconstellation.

A Falcon 9 rocket lifted off at 12:31 a.m. EDT (0431 GMT or 9:31 p.m. PDT local on July 26) from Space Launch Complex 4 East (SLC-4E) at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. The flight marked the 19th flight for the Falcon’s first stage (B1075), which successfully landed on the “Of Course I Still Love You” droneship positioned in the Pacific Ocean.

For many years, NASA has explored deep space using radioisotope power systems. These nuclear power systems generate electricity for spacecraft and scientific instruments by converting the heat released from the natural decay of radioactive materials.

The radioisotope plutonium-238 (plutonium oxide) has been NASA’s go-to heat source fuel. However, interest in using americium-241 has long existed. Now, NASA, in collaboration with the University of Leicester, is turning that interest into reality by putting americium-241 to the test.

The project centers around a free-piston Stirling convertor, which turns radioisotope heat into electricity. Unlike traditional engines that use crankshafts, the Stirling convertor operates with pistons that float freely inside the engine. This design minimizes wear since it doesn’t rely on piston rings or rotating bearings. As a result, the convertor can produce more energy over time, supporting longer, more demanding deep space exploration.

The test setup featured contributions from both collaborators. The University of Leicester supplied the heat source simulators and generator housing, while NASA Glenn’s Stirling Research Lab provided the test station, convertor hardware, and support equipment. The Stirling generator testbed was powered by two electrically heated americium-241 heat source simulators, which were the same size as the real ones.

The test yielded satisfactory results. One key strength of the testbed design, as witnessed from the test, is its ability to sustain electrical power even in the event of a Stirling convertor failure. This breakthrough points to a viable future for the Americium-Radioisotope Stirling generator as a dependable energy source for extended deep space missions.

I have always been fascinated by technology and digital devices my entire life and even got addicted to it. I have always marveled at the intricacy of even the simplest digital devices and systems around us. I have been writing and publishing articles online for about 6 years now, just about a year ago, I found myself lost in the marvel of smartphones and laptops we have in our hands every day. I developed a passion for learning about new devices and technologies that come with them and at some point, I asked myself, “Why not get into writing tech articles?” It is useless to say I followed up the idea — it is evident. I am an open-minded individual who derives an infinite amount of joy from researching and discovering new information, I believe there is so much to learn and such a short life to live, so I put my time to good use — learning new things. I am a ‘bookworm’ of the internet and digital devices. When I am not writing, you will find me on my devices still, I do explore and admire the beauty of nature and creatures. I am a fast learner and quickly adapt to changes, always looking forward to new adventures.

Earth’s underground networks of fungi need urgent protection, say researchers — the guardian

Scientists from the Society for the Protection of Underground Networks (Spun) have created the first high-resolution biodiversity maps of Earth’s underground mycorrhizal fungal ecosystems.

The research, published in the journal Nature on Wednesday, found that 90% of the biodiverse hotspots of mycorrhizal fungi were in unprotected ecosystems. Loss of the ecosystems could lead to reductions in carbon drawdown, crop productivity and ecosystem resilience to climate extremes.

Mycorrhizal fungi have “remained in the dark, despite the extraordinary ways they sustain life on land”, said Dr Toby Kiers, the executive director of Spun.

“They cycle nutrients, store carbon, support plant health, and make soil. When we disrupt these critical ecosystem engineers, forest regeneration slows, crops fail and biodiversity above ground begins to unravel … 450m years ago, there were no plants on Earth and it was because of these mycorrhizal fungal networks that plants colonised the planet and began supporting human life.

“If we have healthy fungal networks, then we will have greater agricultural productivity, bigger and beautiful flowers, and can protect plants against pathogens.”

Sex at birth is not always random — mum’s age and genetics can play a part — nature

In families with several children of the same sex, the odds of having another baby of that sex are higher than of having one of the opposite sex, according to a large study¹ that investigated the maternal and genetic factors that influence the sex of offspring.

The results, published in Science Advances today, find that in families with three boys, there is a 61% chance that the next sibling is male. For families with three girls, there was a 58% chance that the next child would be female. […]

The authors note that changes in vaginal pH as women age could explain this phenomenon. For instance, the changes could influence the sex of the child by affecting whether sperm carrying the X chromosome or the Y chromosome are more successful at fertilizing the egg, says Polyakov.

From Cochise to Congress: How Local Extremism Threatens Wolves—and the Endangered Species Act — counterpunch

This spring, after a few confirmed wolf-related livestock kills in Cochise County, Arizona, some ranchers claimed unverified additional losses and pushed county officials to take drastic action. Backed by industry groups and emboldened by national political shifts, they called for the Mexican gray wolf to be stripped of its endangered status and for the recovery program to be defunded—part of a broader nationwide campaign to weaken the Endangered Species Act (ESA). […]

There are now no wolves in Cochise County. And this fact is being celebrated by those pushing the false narrative that we cannot coexist with wolves.

Such power plays distort policy, intimidate decision-makers, and create a chilling effect on any meaningful enforcement of the ESA. These wolves were part of the most genetically valuable population in the recovery program. The removals were clearly aimed at appeasing livestock interests, even though the recovery of wolves is a broadly-valued federal mandate under the ESA. Why do the loudest and most extreme voices—those pushing misinformation and hostility—get outsized consideration over wildlife watchers, Indigenous leaders, scientists, and the majority of the public who support wolf recovery?

New global study shows freshwater is disappearing at alarming rates — phys.org

New findings from studying over two decades of satellite observations reveal that Earth’s continents have experienced unprecedented freshwater loss since 2002, driven by climate change, unsustainable groundwater use and extreme droughts. The study, led by Arizona State University and published today in Science Advances, highlights the emergence of four continental-scale “mega-drying” regions, all located in the northern hemisphere, and warns of severe consequences for water security, agriculture, sea level rise and global stability.

The research team reports that drying areas on land are expanding at a rate roughly twice the size of California every year. And, the rate at which dry areas are getting drier now outpaces the rate at which wet areas are getting wetter, reversing long-standing hydrological patterns.

Record marine heat waves in 2023 covered 96% of oceans, lasted four times longer than average — phys.org

Heat waves aren’t just getting worse on land, the majority of the world’s oceans are experiencing record-breaking temperatures too. These marine heat waves are getting longer, more intense and reaching farther than ever before. In particular, 2023’s marine heat waves (MHWs) exhibited the longest duration, widest extents, and highest intensities on record—and 2024 wasn’t any better.

While humans might feel the impact of land-based heat waves more directly, these MHWs are affecting human activities in alarming ways too. MHWs disrupt marine ecosystems, causing coral bleaching, mass migration and the die-off of various types of sea life. This leads to the reduced availability of seafood resources and, ultimately, job and economic losses in many marine-dependent industries.

Watch the Earth split in real time: Stunning footage reveals a 2.5-meter fault slip in seconds — SCIENCE DAILY PLUS YOUTUBE VIDEO

A colossal 7.7 magnitude earthquake rocked central Myanmar in March 2025, marking the strongest quake in over a century. What makes this event groundbreaking isn’t just the seismic power, it’s the unprecedented footage captured by a CCTV camera near the fault line.

Researchers at Kyoto University used this rare video to measure the fault’s movement in stunning detail, confirming a rapid, pulse-like rupture and a subtle curve in the slip path. This real-time visual data opens a new frontier in earthquake science, potentially transforming how we understand and predict seismic behavior.

Physicists discover new state of quantum matter — phys.org

Researchers at the University of California, Irvine have discovered a new state of quantum matter. The state exists within a material that the team reports could lead to a new era of self-charging computers and ones capable of withstanding the challenges of deep space travel.

“It’s a new phase of matter, similar to how water can exist as liquid, ice or vapor,” said Luis A. Jauregui, professor of physics & astronomy at UC Irvine and corresponding author of the new paper in Physical Review Letters.

“It’s only been theoretically predicted—no one has ever measured it until now.”

Ancient Voice Box Finally Reveals How Dinosaurs May Have Sounded — science alert

Despite what the movies tell us, dinosaurs probably didn’t roar at their prey. It’s more likely that they chirped like birds, based on a well-preserved new fossil with an intact voice box.

A team of researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences discovered an almost-complete skeleton of a new dinosaur species in northeastern China.

This two-legged, 72 centimeter (2.4 foot) long herbivore was named Pulaosaurus qinglong after Pulao, a tiny dragon from Chinese mythology that, the story goes, cries out loudly.

Why penguins ride the currents instead of swimming straight home — earth.com

The findings suggest that the birds keep track of the changing tidal cycle and use it to their advantage.

Magellanic penguins are expert navigators. A new study shows they don’t just head straight home from foraging trips. They ride ocean currents and tides, save energy, and grab snacks along the way. […]

The results showed that penguins don’t follow the shortest path. Instead, they adopt curved, S-shaped routes shaped by tidal flows. These winding paths help them conserve energy and find more food.

Record-breaking divers are pushing human limits and reshaping scientists’ view of our species — bbc

Fascinating article not easily summarized- it includes detailed stories about divers who go to great depths, the consequences, and what scientists have learned from studying them.

Humans have a long history of diving to forage from the seabed and today elite freedivers are reaching greater depths than ever. Some researchers argue humans belong in the sea.

NASA unveils incredibly precise new satellite tool that anyone can use: ‘You can zoom in to your country, your state, your city block’ — yahoo news

NASA’s new web portal reveals ground movements across North America with precision that captures tiny shifts smaller than an inch, reported NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

This tool helps people monitor the Earth’s movements, whether caused by natural phenomena such as earthquakes and volcanic activity or human activities such as the extraction of underground resources.

By converting complex satellite radar signals into user-friendly visual maps, NASA has made what was once specialist knowledge available to everyday users.

“You can zoom in to your country, your state, your city block, and look at how the land there is moving over time,” said David Bekaert, OPERA project manager and radar scientist. “You can see that by a simple mouse click.”

Right now, you can explore data for areas such as the American Southwest, parts of Mexico’s northern region, and greater New York. The portal displays information for millions of spots on the map. When you click anywhere, you’ll see a chart showing that location’s movement history back to 2016.

Using the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA), an international team of astronomers announced the detection of 17 complex organic molecules (COMs) in a protoplanetary disk surrounding a distant star. This includes the first tentative detection of ethylene glycol (CH₂OH)₂ and glycolonitrile (HOCH₂CN), which are believed to be building blocks of amino acids and their precursors. While these molecules have been detected in space before, this is the first time scientists have observed them in a planet-forming disk around a protostar, which offers tantalizing clues about the origin of life in the Universe.

The team was led by Abubakar Fadul, a visiting scientist with the Department of Planet and Star Formation at the Max Planck Institute for Astronomy (MPIA). He was joined by fellow MPIA members and researchers from the Harvard & Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, Columbia University, Purdue University, the University of California Berkeley, and the University of Michigan. The papers that describe their findings recently appeared online, in the Astronomical Journal, and the Astrophysical Journal (respectively).

The organic molecules they identified were found in the disk surrounding V883 Orionis, a protostar located about 1,350 light-years away in the constellation Orion. COMs are molecules with more than five atoms and at least one carbon atom. The detection of glycolonitrile is especially significant since it is a precursor in the amino acids glycine and alanine, and the nucleotide base adenine, one of the four that make up DNA and RNA. The discovery of COMs in the protoplanetary disk of V883 Orionis has helped resolve an enduring puzzle regarding the evolution of organic molecules in star systems.

Artist’s impression of the water snowline around the young star V883 Orionis, as detected with the Atacama Large Millimeter Array (ALMA) in 2016. Credit: A. Angelich (NRAO/AUI/NSF)/ALMA (ESO/NAOJ/NRAO)

The transition of a cold protostar to a young star with a protoplanetary disk is accompanied by a phase characterized by intense shockwaves and radiation that disturb gas and dust in the disk. These violent processes were thought to destroy most complex molecules that would have assembled very early in a system’s history. This led scientists to propose the “reset scenario,” where COMs would have to be recreated in the disks from which a system of planets, asteroids, and comets forms. As Kamber Schwarz, an MPIA scientist and co-author, explained in an MPIA press release:

Now it appears the opposite is true. Our results suggest that protoplanetary discs inherit complex molecules from earlier stages, and the formation of complex molecules can continue during the protoplanetary disk stage.

The main issue with the “reset scenario” is that COMs would not have enough time to form in significant amounts during a star’s transition from the protostellar phase to a young star surrounded by a protoplanetary disk. In contrast, these findings suggest that the conditions that lead to biological processes are present early in solar evolution, rather than being restricted to individual planetary systems later. “Our finding points to a straight line of chemical enrichment and increasing complexity between interstellar clouds and fully evolved planetary systems,” added Abubakar Fadul.

These findings also suggest that the abundance and complexity of COMs increase as protoplanetary disks evolve to become planetary systems, meaning that the building blocks of life are present in star systems from the earliest stages. In previous studies, astronomers identified simple organic molecules (like methanol) in stellar nurseries, the dense clouds of dust and gas that give birth to new stars. Said Tushar Suhasaria, a co-author and the head of MPIA’s Origins of Life Lab, these same nurseries could contain complex compounds like those identified around V883 Orionis:

We recently found ethylene glycol could form by UV irradiation of ethanolamine, a molecule that was recently discovered in space. This finding supports the idea that ethylene glycol could form in those environments, but also in later stages of molecular evolution, where UV irradiation is dominant.

Comet C/2012 S1 (ISON). Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech

Meanwhile, amino acids, sugars, and nucleobases (which make up DNA and RNA) have been found in asteroids, meteorites, and comets within the Solar System. Since the chemical reactions that lead to COMs occur under cold conditions, these same molecules surely exist in greater abundances in their interiors. While these cannot be accessed without drilling, comets experience outgassing as they draw closer to the Sun. As they grow warmer from solar heating, comets will form tails (or haloes) of gas and dust, which astronomers can study to identify the spectral signatures of organic molecules.

This process also occurs in the V883 Orionis system, where the star is still accreting gas from the surrounding disk, eventually triggering a fusion reaction in its core. During this period, the gas is heated and releases intense bursts of radiation that are strong enough to heat the surrounding disk, releasing the organic molecules detected by the team. Said Schwartz:

Complex molecules, including ethylene glycol and glycolonitrile, radiate at radio frequencies. ALMA is perfectly suited to detect those signals. While this result is exciting, we still haven’t disentangled all the signatures we found in our spectra. Higher resolution data will confirm the detections of ethylene glycol and glycolonitril, and maybe even reveal more complex chemicals we simply haven’t identified yet.

These findings also present the opportunity for follow-up investigations that look for molecules in other parts of the electromagnetic spectrum. Astronomers could identify even more evolved molecules like amino acids. If this theory is confirmed, it would reveal how the ingredients for life were distributed throughout the early Solar System, which could provide clues as to where else it might be found.

Further Reading: MPG

Understanding a planet’s internal heat is crucial for mapping its formation and age. This corrected view of Uranus will not only help scientists better understand the history of our own solar system, but also aid in the study of the many similarly-sized exoplanets found throughout the galaxy.

For those interested in spotting Uranus and other distant planets, the Celestron NexStar 8 SE (curr. $1,749 on Amazon) is a powerful option. Its 203 mm (8-inch) aperture gathers ample light to reveal Uranus as a distinct blue-green disc — far clearer than the star-like dot seen through smaller telescopes. Under dark skies and with higher magnification, observers may even glimpse one or two of the planet’s largest moons.

Fun fact: The Voyager 2 was launched on August 20, 1977, but only managed the Uranus Flyby on January 24, 1986. Before that it flew by Jupiter (July 9, 1979) and Saturn (August 25, 1981), and Neptune after (August 25, 1989).

(Web Desk) – A stunning photo has captured a rare secret among the stars – and it could be the first time the phenomenon has ever been seen.

Astronomers believe they have photographed the first ever birth of a supermassive black hole.

While experts have gained an understanding of what these supersized giants are, they previously didn’t know how they were created.

A supermassive black hole weighs millions, to tens of billions, of Suns, and form the centre of almost every galaxy.

It forms the gravitational centre for everything else – including stars and planets – to revolve around.

However, scientists now believe they have seen a supermassive black hole being formed for the first time ever.

This could provide valuable insight into the space wonder.

The process was captured in a pair of galaxies whose light has travelled for 8.3 million years according to Science Alert.

The discovery was made by a Yale-led astronomy team, in a galaxy they’ve called “Infinity”.

Its name comes from its figure-eight shape, as three supermassive black holes can be seen as the galaxies collide.

Within each galaxy a supermassive black hole can be seen at its nucleus, with a third glowing at their overlap.

The team used a James Webb Space Telescope to observe the two recently-collided galaxies.

Within the cloud of gas at its centre, they identified a supermassive black hole.

Unusually, the black hole was not located at the nucleus of the vast galaxy, but rather in the middle of where they were colliding.

This gave them an indication that they might be witnessing an unprecedented event.

Yale astonomer Pieter van Dokkum said: “We think we’re witnessing the birth of a supermassive black hole – something that has never been seen before.”

There are currently a number of theories regarding the formation of black holes.

This includes the “light seeds” theory, in which small black holes are believed to have been formed when stars’ cores collapsed and exploded.

These smaller black holes are believed to have then merged into the supermassive versions.

However, this theory has been somewhat debunked by research that found supermassive black holes that were born too early for this long-term merging to have taken place.

Instead, the “heavy seeds” theory has been favoured by some astronomers.

This argues that larger black holes can form when large clouds of gas collapse, although typically this is known to form stars.

The Infinity galaxy could support the “heavy seeds” theory by showing how, in extreme conditions, a gas collapse could create a black hole.

The team is pursuing ongoing research to confirm the findings. 

Senegal is the 56th country to sign the Artemis Accords, which establish a practical set of principles to guide space exploration cooperation among nations participating in NASA’s Artemis programme.

Senegal has joined the Artemis Accords, becoming the 56th nation to endorse the global framework for peaceful and transparent space exploration. The signing took place during a ceremony hosted by NASA at its headquarters in Washington.

Maram Kairé, Director General of the Senegalese Agency for Space Studies (ASES), signed the accords on behalf of Senegal, with participation from Jonathan Pratt, senior bureau official for African Affairs at the US Department of State, and Abdoul Wahab Haidara, Senegal’s ambassador to the United States. The event follows a recent Washington meeting between Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and former US President Donald Trump, as part of broader discussions on US-Africa engagement.

Acting NASA Administrator Sean Duffy said: “Following a meeting between Senegal President Faye and President Trump, today, NASA built upon the strong relations between our two nations as the Senegalese Agency for Space Studies signed the Artemis Accords. With Senegal as the 56th signatory, I am proud to further President Trump’s strong legacy of global cooperation in space.”

“Senegal’s adherence to the Artemis Accords reflects our commitment to a multilateral, responsible, and transparent approach to space,” added Kairé. “This signature marks a meaningful step in our space diplomacy and in our ambition to contribute to the peaceful exploration of outer space.”

Senegal’s astronomers have previously collaborated with NASA on scientific missions, including a 2021 campaign to observe asteroid Orus from the ground. During the event, astronomers used telescopes to measure the asteroid’s dimensions as it passed in front of a star. This data will support NASA’s Lucy mission, which will fly by Orus in 2028 as part of its exploration of Jupiter’s Trojan asteroids.

The Artemis Accords, established in 2020 by the United States and seven founding partners, set forth guiding principles for civil space exploration. These include commitments to peaceful use, transparency, international cooperation, scientific data sharing, non-interference and the preservation of space heritage. The accords also encourage development of best practices for sustainable space activity.

With growing global interest in lunar and deep space missions, NASA anticipates that more countries will join the Artemis Accords, reinforcing the shared goal of a secure, cooperative and beneficial space environment for all humanity.

Mutnovsky Volcano, located on Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula, is a volcanic complex with numerous brown cinder cones and two large figure-eight-shaped craters. An astronaut aboard the International Space Station captured this high-resolution photograph of the volcano during the summer, yet the ridges radiating outward from the center cinder cone are topped by white snow and ice.

Most of the Kamchatka Peninsula, including Mutnovsky Volcano, lies at a latitude north of the space station’s orbital inclination, which is limited to latitudes 51.65 degrees north and south of the equator. To photograph regions at higher latitudes, an astronaut will typically use a high focal length lens with an oblique view.

Mutnovsky Volcano’s high latitude (52.4 degrees north of the equator), combined with its high elevation of over 7,000 feet (2,100 meters), helps it sustain glaciers and significant snow cover even during the region’s hotter months. Various hues of green vegetation fill the low-lying valleys, while the surrounding areas are covered by volcanic deposits.

Mutnovsky Volcano is one of the most active volcanoes in southern Kamchatka, with the most recent significant eruption occurring in 2000. The ridges and valleys of the volcanic complex visible in this image formed from material from past eruptions and subsequent erosion by rainfall and meltwater. The Vulkannaya, a river that flows out of the Northeast Crater, carries volcanic sediments downstream.

Along the northern flanks of Mutnovsky, lighter-brown to orange-tan hues are likely due to minerals deposited by the large fumarole field. Fumaroles are cracks that emit volcanic gases and steam, which can reach temperatures of several hundred degrees. The features typically host mineral deposits. The gas emissions enable people to harness the volcano’s geothermal energy. A geothermal power plant, visible as a circular feature north of the volcano, contributes significantly to the region’s power supply.

Astronaut photograph ISS069-E-71135 was acquired on August 19, 2023, with a Nikon D5 digital camera using a focal length of 1,150 millimeters. It is provided by the ISS Crew Earth Observations Facility and the Earth Science and Remote Sensing Unit, Johnson Space Center. The image was taken by a member of the Expedition 69 crew. The image has been cropped and enhanced to improve contrast, and lens artifacts have been removed. The International Space Station Program supports the laboratory as part of the ISS National Lab to help astronauts take pictures of Earth that will be of the greatest value to scientists and the public, and to make those images freely available on the Internet. Additional images taken by astronauts and cosmonauts can be viewed at the NASA/JSC Gateway to Astronaut Photography of Earth. Caption by Samantha Jacob, Barrios, JETS II Contract at NASA-JSC.