Trees will turn to ash..., scientists say life on Earth will end sooner than expected, oxygen will vanish in...
Researchers from Japan's Tohoku University have made a striking new prediction about the future of Earth based on simulations run on a supercomputer. According to their study, oxygen on our planet might disappear in about one billion years. Without oxygen to breathe, life as we know it won't be able to survive, leading to the eventual end of life on Earth.
The scientists used NASA's planetary climate models to conduct their research. Interestingly, earlier studies had predicted that Earth's oxygen would last for two billion more years, but this new analysis shortens that timeline significantly.
The study focused on how Earth's atmosphere might change over time. For this, the team ran around 400,000 simulations. The results showed that as the Sun continues to age, it will get hotter. This increased heat will have serious effects on Earth's climate. Higher temperatures will cause water to evaporate more quickly, surface temperatures will rise, and Earth's carbon cycle which helps keep plants alive will weaken. As a result, plants will start to die off, stopping the production of oxygen.
Eventually, the atmosphere will become filled with methane instead of oxygen. This future Earth will look very similar to what it was like before oxygen first appeared in the atmosphere, a time known as the 'Great Oxidation Event.'
Titled 'The Future Lifespan of Earth's Oxygenated Atmosphere' , the research suggests that our planet's oxygen-rich atmosphere may only last for another 1 billion years. According to Kazumi Ozaki, an assistant professor from Japan who led the study, scientists have long debated how long Earth's biosphere (the zone of life) might survive. These discussions have been based on various factors like the Sun's brightness and Earth's long-term geochemical carbon-silicate cycles.
Ozaki explained that one major outcome of these models is a steady drop in atmospheric CO2 levels over time. Combined with increasing heat, this could eventually lead to conditions where photosynthesis, the process plants use to make oxygen, can no longer occur.
In simple words, Earth may become too hot and low on oxygen much sooner than we thought — and that could bring the end of life as we know it.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
News18
21 minutes ago
- News18
'Sky Is Not The Limit': Lucknow Celebrates As Shubhanshu Shukla Prepares To Script Space History
Last Updated: Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is set to become the second Indian to travel to space after Rakesh Sharma and the first to dock with the International Space Station (ISS). As the final countdown begins at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, nearly 12,500 miles away, the narrow lanes of Lucknow's Aliganj locality are brimming with colour, pride, and prayers. The air at the house of Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, set to visit the International Space Station (ISS), is electric. His house is wrapped in the Indian tricolour, its facade decked with larger-than-life posters, banners, and a life-size cutout of the astronaut himself. With every second ticking closer to his historic flight aboard the Axiom-4 mission, the family has turned to devotion — organising a Satyanarayan Katha, while neighbours light lamps and whisper silent prayers for his safe journey to the stars and back. Though the mission was initially scheduled for June 10, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has now confirmed that the launch has been rescheduled to June 11 due to technical and scheduling adjustments. Shubhanshu will now fly to space on Wednesday evening, bringing him one step closer to achieving the childhood dream he once shared with his family — of 'roaming among the stars." A Neighbourhood in Celebration Back home in Lucknow, this delay hasn't dampened the festive spirit. Neighbours and well-wishers have been arriving with flowers, offerings, and heartfelt wishes. His sisters personally arranged posters and banners bearing Shubhanshu's image and patriotic quotes. From rooftop to roadside, Aliganj looks like it's hosting its very own festival of the cosmos. Streets are strung with flags, children walk around with 'We are proud of you, Shubhanshu" badges, and the 20-feet hoardings flutter with patriotic slogans. Thematically styled in saffron, white, green, and Air Force blue, every corner echoes with emotion and excitement. Cutouts read, 'ALL THE BEST, GROUP CAPTAIN SHUX" and 'Shubhanshu Shukla Creates History." For the locals, it's not just a space mission — it's a neighbourhood's dream soaring into orbit. Beneath the celebration lies deep sentiment. 'He is not just a pilot going to space, he is our boy from the next lane," says a local shopkeeper. Children, when asked who Shubhanshu is, respond with pride, 'He's the one going to space tomorrow — and he's from our mohalla!" Prayers and Promises Inside the Shukla household, the atmosphere is more spiritual than celebratory. Shubhanshu's family has performed the Satyanarayan Katha, a traditional Hindu ritual for auspicious beginnings. His mother, visibly emotional, sat through the prayers holding a framed photo of her son in his flight suit. His sisters have adorned the home with cutouts, lights, and garlands, while neighbours have committed to holding special prayer gatherings on both June 10 and 11. 'This is not just a mission; it is the culmination of a child's lifelong dream," says Shubhanshu's elder sister, Shuchi Mishra. 'He would often say, 'One day I'll roam among the stars.' Now, that boy is about to do exactly that." India's Man in Space – Again Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is set to become the second Indian to travel to space after Rakesh Sharma and the first to dock with the International Space Station (ISS). He is also the pilot of the prestigious Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) — a private mission conducted by Axiom Space in collaboration with NASA and SpaceX. The mission is now scheduled for launch on June 11, 2025, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Kennedy Space Center. The spacecraft — the Dragon capsule — will ferry four astronauts representing India, the US, Poland, and Hungary. A Mission Beyond Borders Shubhanshu is joined by Hungary's Tibor Kapu, Poland's Slawosz Uznanski, and American astronaut Peggy Whitson. All four are part of the 14-day research mission designed to carry out critical experiments in microgravity, including seven Indian scientific payloads and five from NASA. These studies will aid India's upcoming Gaganyaan program and contribute to global research in medicine, material science, and space technology. A Decorated Pilot's Journey Hailing from a modest background in Lucknow, Shubhanshu's academic journey began at City Montessori School in Aliganj. He later cleared the highly competitive NDA entrance exam and graduated from the National Defence Academy, which trains cadets for the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Commissioned into the Indian Air Force on June 17, 2006, he rose through the ranks to become a Group Captain and a fighter test pilot. Over the years, he has logged more than 2,000 flying hours, commanding aircraft like the Sukhoi-30 MKI, MiG-21, MiG-29, Jaguar, Hawk, Dornier, and An-32. His technical excellence, composure, and passion for aviation made him an ideal candidate for Ax-4. In his rehearsal on Sunday, wearing the full astronaut suit, Shubhanshu was seen following the launch protocols at the Kennedy Space Center. After the simulation, he remarked, 'It's been an incredible journey. These moments remind you that you're becoming part of something much bigger than yourself. I just feel grateful." Axiom and the New Frontier The Ax-4 mission is part of Axiom Space's broader vision to establish the world's first private commercial space station. Building on the success of its previous missions launched in April 2022, May 2023, and January 2024, this fourth mission marks another leap forward in the realm of commercial human spaceflight and international space cooperation. The scientific objectives of Ax-4 encompass a wide spectrum, including microgravity research across multiple disciplines, technology demonstrations in low-Earth orbit, the promotion of space education and public awareness, and the strengthening of multinational partnerships in space exploration. The International Space Station (ISS), where the Ax-4 crew will conduct their experiments, orbits the Earth at a speed of 28,000 km/h and completes a revolution every 90 minutes. This unique environment provides an unparalleled platform for research, and the findings from this mission are expected to significantly contribute to the future of both Indian and global space programs. A City's Pride, A Nation's Moment As the engines of Falcon 9 ignite and the rocket climbs into the sky, it will carry more than astronauts and experiments — it will carry the hopes of a family, the prayers of a neighbourhood, and the pride of a nation. Shubhanshu Shukla's journey from a quiet boy in Lucknow to the threshold of the stars is a reminder that no dream is too distant. As one banner in his lane says: 'We are proud of you, Shubhanshu. The sky is not the limit." Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : International Space Station nasa space mission Location : Lucknow, India, India First Published: June 10, 2025, 13:05 IST News india 'Sky Is Not The Limit': Lucknow Celebrates As Shubhanshu Shukla Prepares To Script Space History
&w=3840&q=100)
First Post
an hour ago
- First Post
From test pilot to astronaut: How Shubanshu Shukla becomes first Indian to travel to ISS
IAF Group Captain Shubanshu Shukla, 39, is set to pilot the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft on Wednesday (June 11) from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida as part of Nasa's Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS). But how did Shukla go from flying aircraft to becoming an astronaut? read more Shubhanshu Shukla was named the 'Prime' astronaut for the Indo-US mission to the International Space Station in August last year. Image: Axiom Space Indian astronaut Shubanshu Shukla is set to create history on Wednesday (June 11). Shukla, 39, is set to pilot the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida as part of Nasa's Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS). Shukla, known as 'Shux' to his near and dear ones, will thus become the first Indian to travel to the ISS and just the second Indian to travel to space. He will be joined by ex-Nasa astronaut Peggy Whitson, who is the mission commander, Tibor Kapu of Hungary and Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski from Poland. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD But what do we know about Group Captain Shukla's journey from being a test pilot in the Indian Air Force (IAF) to an astronaut? Let's take a closer look Early beginnings Shukla was born on October 10, 1985. Shukla's sister Suchi Mishra said his fascination with aircraft began when he was just a child. Shukla, who attended an air show, later told his sister the speed and sound of the aircraft left him entranced. He did his schooling at the City Montessori School (CMS) in Lucknow. Shukla took the National Defence Academy (NDA) exam by chance. 'Some of his CMS classmates had brought up a form for NDA. One of them realized that he was overage by a few days and inquired from Shubhanshu if he would like to apply instead. That's how it all started,' his father Shambhu said. Test pilot Shukla graduated from Pune's National Defence Academy (NDA) in 2005 and from the Air Force Academy (AFA) the next year. As per India Today, Shukla as a test pilot trialled several planes including the SU-30 MKI, Dornier, AN-32, Mig-21, and MiG-29. He logged over 2,000 hours in the air over a period of two to three years. Shubhanshu Shukla became an IAF Group Captain in 2024. 'Fighter flying is highly dynamic, so is a space mission that requires you to think on your feet and make split-second decisions, build strong instincts and have the courage to mitigate issues no matter the situation. The Air Force Test Pilot School has prepared Shubhanshu for it well. Therefore, he was one of the first to volunteer for the Gaganyaan Mission to become an astronaut when the news came,' a retired IAF Air Marshal told STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Journey to space Shukla's journey to space began in 2018 when Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that an Indian would go to space very soon. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) selected Shukla as an astronaut in 2019. His wife Kamna, a dentist, told The Times of India the first inkling they had that his dream might become a reality was in 2020. 'It was in the beginning of 2020,' Kamna said. 'One of the criteria for Gaganyaan aspirants was that they had to be test pilots. It's such a small community that we were elated, because whoever it may be, he would be known to us. That small idea has become an incredible reality now.' Shukla did his basic astronaut training at the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Russia's Moscow in 2021. He worked further on his skills at the Astronaut Training Facility in Bengaluru after he returned from Russia. Shukla became an IAF Group Captain in 2024. Shukla in January 2025 was chosen as the pilot for the Axiom Space's Mission 4 – a joint undertaking of NASA and ISRO. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'Amazing journey' Shukla in a video ahead of the launch called the mission an 'amazing journey' and said he was lucky to be part of something 'much larger than yourself'. 'It has been an amazing journey; these are the moments that really tell you that you are getting to be a part of something that is much larger than yourself. I can only say how extremely fortunate I am to be a part of this,' Shukla said. Shukla is following in the footsteps of his idol Rakesh Sharma – the first Indian to go to space in 1984 aboard the Soyuz spacecraft of the then Soviet Union. Shukla said he hopes to use his 'journey to inspire this entire generation to pursue their careers in the field of space' – just as he 'was extremely inspired and motivated' by Sharma's visit to space in 1984. 'Although it's a very exciting place to be, I understand the kind of responsibility it puts on me. It is a kind of representation of the entire nation, and, so this is the beginning of a long journey,' Shukla said earlier this year. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Shubanshu Shukla will be one of four astronauts taking part in the Axiom-4 mission. X/@NASASpaceOps 'It's true that as our son stands on the brink of history and is set to represent India in NASA's Axiom-4 mission to the ISS. It's an immensely proud moment not just for us but for the country, and we are praying for the success of this space mission each day,' Shambhu told PTI. Shukla has also been chosen for the Gaganyaan mission – India's first human spaceflight mission. 'He has immense responsibility. The Axiom mission is a stepping stone for India's Gaganyaan programme. Whatever he learns will help the country. He'll be quite busy once he returns,' Kamna told The Times of India. With inputs from agencies
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
NASA warns ‘city killer' asteroid 2024 YR4 may impact Moon in 2032; Earth stays safe for now
Asteroid 2024 YR4 : NASA James Webb Space Telescope recent observations reveal the potential that asteroid 2024 YR4 could be a small yet growing risk of collision, despite being no threat to the Moon. The new data reveals the potential danger to the lunar surface, prompting increased scientific interest in the asteroid's trajectory. The Moon remains under the potential threat of asteroid YR4 while Earth can breathe easy. This underscores the need for continued investment in space observation technologies and planetary defence strategies. According to reports, as the asteroid reappears in 2028, astronomers will once again study its orbit, ensuring that if a threat ever does emerge, humanity will be prepared. Asteroid 2024 YR4 poses growing lunar threat, reveals NASA's James Webb Space Telescope In May 2025, NASA's James Webb Space Telescope captured a detailed observation of asteroid 2024 YR4. The space rock, large enough to destroy a city, was last spotted before it disappeared behind the Sun, making this observation humanity's final view until 2028. According to the reports, the new data has refined predictions about YR4's path and revealed a 4.3% chance of it colliding with the Moon in 2032. This may seem like a low probability, but it's worth noting that such figures previously caused concern for Earth when the asteroid was first discovered. Asteroid 2024 YR4 impact from threat to Earth to lunar concern by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Thị trường có dấu hiệu suy thoái không? IC Markets Đăng ký Undo When asteroid 2024 YR4 was discovered in December 2024 and reported to the Minor Planet Center, it made headlines due to its unusually high 3.1% chance of impacting Earth; the highest ever recorded for a known asteroid at the time. This risk placed it prominently on NASA's Sentry Impact Risk Table, a list that tracks potential asteroid threats to Earth. Over the next few months, astronomers refined their observations and calculations, gradually reducing YR4's impact probability with Earth to near-zero. However, attention has since shifted to the Moon, where the impact probability has increased steadily, now standing at 4.3%. Reasons behind scientists watching asteroid YR4 closely Size of the city killer asteroid 2024 YR4 NASA and ESA estimate that asteroid 2024 YR4 measures between 174 and 220 feet in diameter approximately the size of a 10-story building. Its destructive potential, combined with its shifting trajectory, makes it a significant object of interest for planetary defense. Observation challenges Due to its orbit around the Sun, YR4 is now out of view and will remain hidden until it returns to a visible range in 2028. Until then, the data gathered by the Webb telescope in March and May 2025 offers the most accurate prediction models currently available. What if asteroid YR4 2024 hits the Moon Although the idea of a Moon impact may sound dramatic, NASA reassures the public that such a collision would not alter the Moon's orbit or significantly affect Earth. The Moon has withstood numerous asteroid impacts over its lifetime, and its mass and orbital stability are robust enough to handle another. Still, a collision would be a rare and scientifically valuable event, giving researchers a close look at how asteroids interact with large celestial bodies. YR4 and the larger threat of near-Earth asteroids Asteroid 2024 YR4 joins a short list of space rocks that have triggered global concern in recent years, the most notable being Apophis, a much larger asteroid once believed to have a small chance of impacting Earth. Though both YR4 and Apophis are now considered safe for Earth, their close calls have emphasized the importance of preparedness and proactive monitoring. Future of planetary defense NASA's DART mission and its success In 2022, NASA successfully conducted the Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) — the first mission to deliberately alter an asteroid's trajectory by crashing a spacecraft into it. This mission demonstrated that we can, in principle, deflect a threatening asteroid from a collision course with Earth. NASA upcoming missions and tools NASA and the European Space Agency plan to launch additional missions to observe Apophis in detail. However, some of these plans face uncertainty due to funding constraints under the Trump administration's budget proposal. Meanwhile, NASA is also developing the NEO Surveyor, a powerful infrared space telescope designed to detect 90% of near-Earth objects (NEOs) that are 460 feet or larger and pass within 30 million miles of Earth. Scheduled for launch no earlier than 2027, it will play a crucial role in future planetary defense strategies. Also Read | NASA captures image of Mars' Arsia Mons volcano, nearly twice the height of Earth's tallest mountain
