Aliens: Scientists want new mission to seek out non-human life in space
What is an exo-planet?
Exoplanets are planets that are outside our solar system and orbit a different star to our Sun. Our solar system is made up of the Sun, eight planets, five officially named dwarf planets, hundreds of moons, and thousands of asteroids and comets.It sits in our galaxy which is called the Milky Way. Thousands of exoplanets have been discovered in our galaxy, but Nasa believes billions exist. In a study published in the journal Astronomical Journal, physicist Dr Daniel Angerhausen from ETH Zurich said more should be done to explore them for clues about alien life."A single positive detection would change everything," he said, but even if a mission didn't find signs of life, he argued it would help data experts work out "how rare - or common" planets with signs of life actually are, to help with future missions.
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Daily Mail
an hour ago
- Daily Mail
NASA astronaut who was stranded in space retires
He famously spent more than nine months stuck in space alongside fellow astronaut, Suni Williams. Now, Butch Wilmore, 62, has dramatically retired from NASA – less than five months after returning to solid ground. Williams and Wilmore returned to Earth on March 19 aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule which splashed down off the coast of Florida. The pair had left Earth in June last year, planning to undertake an eight–day test flight of the new Boeing Starliner capsule. However, after the Starliner capsule developed numerous technical issues during the flight, the astronauts were forced to wait until the next crew rotation to return to Earth. In total, the pair spent 286 days in space – 278 days more than they had initially planned. Many fans have flocked to social media to wish Wilmore well, with one joking: 'I wouldn't test my luck either.' Another added: 'Being up there that long did all kinds of things to their bodies. He probably had no choice.' Wilmore announced his retirement via NASA last night. 'From my earliest days, I have been captivated by the marvels of creation, looking upward with an insatiable curiosity,' he said. 'This curiosity propelled me into the skies, and eventually to space, where the magnificence of the cosmos mirrored the glory of its creator in ways words can scarcely convey. 'Even as I ventured beyond Earth's limits, I remained attuned to the beauty and significance of the world below, recognizing the same intricate design evident among the stars is also woven into the fabric of life at home.' Wilmore served as a test pilot before being selected as a NASA astronaut in 2000. 'Butch's commitment to NASA's mission and dedication to human space exploration is truly exemplary,' said Steve Koerner, acting director of NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. 'His lasting legacy of fortitude will continue to impact and inspire the Johnson workforce, future explorers, and the nation for generations. On behalf of NASA's Johnson Space Center, we thank Butch for his service.' In total, he spent 464 days in space – 286 of which were accumulated during his most recent mission. After his return, Mr Wilmore's daughter, Daryn, 19, spoke out about her father's health challenges after spending more than nine months in space. She explained that while her dad had readjusted to gravity well, he struggled with his muscles, joints and inner ears. That was 'because [he's] not used to gravity or having to hold up weight,' she said in response to a comment in a TikTok video. Research has shown that astronauts who complete long–term mission on the ISS — which usually last six months — experience muscle and bone loss as well as fluid shifts inside the inner ear due to low gravity. While it typically only takes a few days for the inner ear to readjust to Earth's gravity, regaining physical strength can take weeks to months. Some former astronauts have found that it can take up to 1.5 times the length of their mission to really feel like themselves again. On X, several users have speculated that his exended stint in space may have sparked his retirement. 'Smart move if you stranded me in space for 9 months I would not fly for you either,' one user tweeted. Another added: 'Well hell can you blame him. 'They were stuck in space for damn near a year. I'd never take another mission after that.'
Wales Online
an hour ago
- Wales Online
A meteor shower is coming to Wales, and this is the best place to see it
A meteor shower is coming to Wales, and this is the best place to see it Welsh stargazers are in for a celestial spectacle as the annual Perseid meteor shower will light up the night sky next week Known for being one of the brightest and fastest meteor showers of the year, the Perseids never fail to impress. (Image: Daily Record) Welsh stargazers are in for a real treat next week, as the annual Perseid meteor shower is set to dazzle the night sky. Known for being one of the brightest and fastest meteor showers of the year, the Perseids never fail to impress. The spectacle happens as Earth passes through the trail of debris left behind by Comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle. Tiny meteoroids, some no bigger than a grain of sand, hit our atmosphere at a blistering 36 miles per second, burning up and streaking across the sky in an epic display of shooting stars. According to NASA, with swift and bright meteors, Perseids frequently leave long "wakes" of light and colour behind them as they streak through Earth's atmosphere. They also explain that Meteors come from leftover comet particles and bits from broken asteroids. When comets come around the Sun, they leave a dusty trail behind them, which we can view from Earth. The Perseids are one of the most reliable and active meteor showers of the year, delivering an impressive 50 to 100 meteors per hour at their peak. (Image: Daily Record) The Perseids are one of the most reliable and active meteor showers of the year, delivering an impressive 50 to 100 meteors per hour at their peak. They arrive right on schedule each summer with warm, clear nights, offering ideal conditions for late-night skywatching. This year, the Perseids will be active from July 17 to August 24, with the peak night falling on August 12–13. For the best view, head somewhere dark, give your eyes time to adjust, and settle in for one of the sky's most consistent shows, especially if you're in the Northern Hemisphere. Here in Wales, we're lucky to have some of the best stargazing spots in the world. We proudly boast the highest percentage of protected dark skies anywhere on the planet, as around 18% of the land is officially certified as a dark sky area. One of the best places to catch the meteor show is the Elan Valley in mid-Wales. Spanning 70 square miles of dramatic landscapes, reservoirs, and historic dams, this remote spot offers some of the darkest skies in the country. With barely any light pollution and wide, open views, it's a perfect setting for stargazing and spotting celestial events like meteor showers. Milky Way view during the Perseids meteor shower (Image: Pascal Laverdiere) With its 45,000 acres of protected land and clear night skies, the Elan Valley achieved its International Dark Sky Park status in 2015, becoming the first privately owned but publicly accessible park in the world to do so. A Dark Sky Park is a protected area recognised for its exceptional starry nights and nocturnal environment, which is specifically safeguarded for its scientific, natural, educational, cultural heritage, or public enjoyment. This special status now protects the Elan Valley against light pollution, allowing you to enjoy inky black skies and ideal stargazing and meteor viewing conditions. The Elan Valley Estate has several prime locations for stargazing. (Image: Portia Jones / Dafydd Wyn Morgan ) You don't need to be an astronomer or have fancy equipment to enjoy the night sky in the Elan Valley. All you need is a sense of curiosity and a willingness to wrap up and seek out the darkest spots. To locate the Perseid meteor shower, it's best to look for the point in the sky where they seem to originate from - known as the radiant, which for this shower is in the constellation of Perseus. The best time to spot a meteor in the northern hemisphere is between midnight and an hour before sunrise, but of course, this is all dependent on cloud cover. Therefore, it's worth checking the weather in your area on the BBC Weather app or website first. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What's On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here The Elan Valley has one of the darkest, clearest, and most unpolluted skies in the world. (Image: Portia Jones / Dafydd Wyn Morgan ) The meteor count will escalate each night until the Perseids hit their zenith on August 12. However, the full moon on August 9 might make the showers more challenging to spot due to the heightened light. For beginner star and comet chasers, a star map or a free smartphone app like SkySafari can help you identify constellations, planets, and other celestial objects. Apps like Clear Outside or MOON can also help you plan your trip around optimal conditions. The Perseids are best viewed when the sky is extremely dark, so dress warmly. Temperatures drop significantly after sunset, so bring a thermos of hot drinks to keep yourself comfortable. And if you're planning a longer session, a portable chair or blanket can make all the difference. The Elan Valley is the perfect place to try astrophotography (Image: Dafydd Wyn Morgan ) The Elan Valley Estate is home to several prime locations for meteor shower viewing and stargazing. Some of the best spots include: Craig Goch Dam Car Park : This popular spot has wide open views, making it ideal for seeing the Milky Way or setting up for long-exposure photography. : This popular spot has wide open views, making it ideal for seeing the Milky Way or setting up for long-exposure photography. Claerwen Dam : Known for its dramatic backdrop, this site combines the grandeur of Victorian engineering with the infinite beauty of the stars above. : Known for its dramatic backdrop, this site combines the grandeur of Victorian engineering with the infinite beauty of the stars above. Teifi Pools : Remote and serene, these pools reflect the starlight, creating a mesmerising experience. : Remote and serene, these pools reflect the starlight, creating a mesmerising experience. Pont ar Elan: Easily accessible yet wonderfully secluded, it's a fantastic spot to gaze at constellations or catch a meteor shower. Where to stay To fully immerse yourself in the Elan Valley's dark sky experience, consider staying overnight. Y Beudy, a rustic Grade II* listed longhouse, is a top choice. Dating back to the 16th century, it combines historic charm with an unparalleled stargazing location. On clear nights, you can step outside your door and see a sky full of stars. Nearby in Rhayader, Mid Wales Holiday Lets is a great choice for groups. These reasonably priced holiday lets can sleep up to 44 people, with Glandwr House, Afonwy House, The Old Drapers, The Bakehouse, and The Cwtch. The handsome red-brick townhouses are perfect for friends or families who want to travel and stargaze together in the Elan Valley area. After a long day of hitting the hiking trails and finding the best night sky spots, you can unwind in the bubbly outdoor hot tub, perfect for soothing those aching muscles. How to get to the Elan Valley Reaching the Elan Valley is part of the adventure, as the journey takes you through some of Wales' most scenic landscapes. Located in mid-Wales, the Elan Valley is easily accessible by car, and several routes offer beautiful drives through the countryside. By Car If you're driving, the Elan Valley is just off the A470, the main road that runs through Wales from Cardiff to the north. From Rhayader, the gateway town to the Elan Valley, it's a straightforward 3-mile drive along the B4518. The roads are well-maintained, and plenty of signs guide you to the Elan Valley Visitor Centre, a good starting point for exploring the area. There's ample parking available at the visitor centre and at various points around the reservoirs. By Public Transport Article continues below If you're relying on public transport, the nearest train stations are in Llandrindod Wells (approximately 13 miles away) and Caersws (about 20 miles away). You can catch a local bus or taxi to Rhayader from either station. Once in Rhayader, the Elan Valley Visitor Centre can be reached by taxi. Use transport apps to help plan your journey.
The Independent
an hour ago
- The Independent
Sturgeon full moon to coincide with arrival of Perseids meteor shower
August's full moon will coincide with the arrival of the annual Perseids meteor shower, offering a rare chance to witness the two celestial spectacles alongside each other. The full moon, known as the Sturgeon Moon, will rise just after 9pm BST on Saturday, 9 August, with the Perseids reaching their peak on the night of 12-13 August. Astronomers consider the Perseids meteor shower to be the best of the year, producing a dazzling display of ' shooting stars '. 'With swift and bright meteors, Perseids frequently leave long 'wakes' of light and colour behind them as they streak through the Earth's atmosphere,' Nasa's Monika Luabeya noted in a blog post. 'The Perseids are one of the most plentiful showers with about 50 to 100 meteors seen per hour.' The meteors will emanate from an area of the night sky where the constellation Perseus is situated, which will be visible in the north east. Smartphone astronomy apps are the best way for casual observers to locate the point of origin, known as the radiant. The waning full moon during the Perseids peak on Tuesday night means viewing conditions will not be ideal, as the light from the Moon will wash out some of the duller meteors. The Moon will be 84 per cent full on the peak night, with the pre-dawn hours offering the best time to see bright meteors. The latest forecast from the UK Met Office suggests there will be clear skies throughout most of the country on Saturday night, providing a great opportunity to see the full moon. Tuesday is currently forecast to be partially cloudy across northern parts of the UK and Ireland, with England and Wales predicted to be the best place to the Perseids meteor shower. Astronomers recommend finding a place with minimal light pollution and allowing up to 30 minutes for eyes to adjust to the darkness.
