Astronomers capture 1st close-up photograph of new interstellar visitor
On July 1, astronomers discovered an object near the orbit of Jupiter that was somewhat peculiar. It had a strange orbit, one that didn't take it around the sun like most asteroids or comets.
Eventually it was confirmed that this object — named 3I/ATLAS, or C/2025 N1 (ATLAS) — was an interstellar visitor.
Now, using the U.S. National Science Foundation's (NSF) Gemini North telescope in Hawaii, astronomers have captured the first detailed image of this cosmic interloper.
"We look forward to a bounty of new data and insights as this object warms itself on sunlight before continuing its cold, dark journey between the stars," Martin Still, NSF program director for the International Gemini Observatory, said in a statement.
The comet will continue to be visible in large telescopes until September, after which it will be lost in the sun's glare.
Learning more about the comet
"As this is only our third interstellar visitor ever discovered, we're excited to learn about this entirely new class of object," Paul Wiegert, an astronomy professor at Western University, told CBC News in an email.
Astronomers like to study comets and asteroids as they are left over from our solar system's earliest formation and can reveal what conditions were like at the time. Being able to study something from outside of our neighbourhood could potentially provide more knowledge about other star systems.
Current observations suggest the comet is roughly 20 kilometres in diameter, far larger than the previous two interstellar comets astronomers observed passing through our solar system.
The first comet was 'Oumuamua, which had a measly diameter of 200 metres. The second was 2I/Borisov, which was one kilometre in diameter.
The fact that 3I/ATLAS is so large is a boon to astronomers: It makes it easier to study, particularly as it nears Earth. It will make a close approach in December, but poses no threat.
A recent study presented by author Matthew Hopkins at the Royal Astronomical Society's National Astronomy Meeting 2025 in Durham, England, suggests that this new visitor may be the oldest comet ever seen.
He estimates its origin to be from a part of our galaxy that is home to ancient stars, and says that it could be seven billion years old, far older than our galaxy's 4.5 billion years.
And this new visitor is hustling: when it was discovered, it was travelling at roughly 61 kilometres per second.
How they know it's not from our neighbourhood
Astronomers can determine the origin of comets or asteroids based on their orbits' eccentricity, or how stretched out its path is.
An eccentricity of 0 means it is a perfectly circular orbit. An eccentricity greater than one means the orbit does not circle around the sun, and the higher the value, the more stretched out the orbit.
WATCH | Orbit of third-known interstellar object:
Orbit of third-known interstellar object
14 hours ago
In 3I/ATLAS's case, its orbit is 6.2, which is how astronomers knew that it came from beyond the solar system. For comparison, 'Oumuamua had an eccentricity of 1.2 and 2I/Borisov's eccentricity was 3.6.
Currently, this new comet is still within Jupiter's orbit, roughly 465 million kilometres from Earth. It will make its closest approach to our planet on Dec. 19, at a distance of roughly 270 million kilometres.
It will reach its closet point to the sun on Oct. 30 at a distance of 210 million kilometres, which will be just inside the orbit of Mars.
Though astronomers have quickly learned some things about this newest interloper, they hope to learn more over time.
"This one seems much like a comet from our own solar system. That is, mostly made of ice which has been frozen for billions of years as it wandered the galaxy, but now [is] starting to gently turn to vapour in the light of our sun. This makes 3I/ATLAS look fuzzy with a tail, visible in the image," Wiegert said.
"But we really don't know if it is like one of our comets (which are leftover building block from when the Earth and planets formed) or something completely different."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Globe and Mail
4 minutes ago
- Globe and Mail
HPQ's Pilot-Scale Fumed Silica Production Nears Commercial Viability
MONTREAL, July 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- HPQ Silicon Inc. ('HPQ' or the 'Company') (TSX-V: HPQ, OTCQB: HPQFF, FRA: O08), a technology company driving innovation in advanced materials and critical process development, is pleased to update shareholders on progress from its proprietary Fumed Silica Reactor (FSR) pilot project, developed in partnership with PyroGenesis Inc. (TSX: PYR, OTCQX: PYRGF, FRA: 8PY1). Following its July 3rd announcement, the Company has now received an independent Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) [1] analysis of materials produced during Phase 1 Tests #4 and #5. SEM RESULTS CONFIRM MAJOR TECHNICAL MILESTONE PyroGenesis' evaluation of the SEM report confirms that materials produced during Phase 1 Test #5 of HPQ Silica Polvere Inc.'s (HSPI) [2] pilot-scale FSR: Display morphological characteristics consistent with commercial-grade fumed silica previously produced at lab scale. Reflect improvements in particle structure and consistency following process optimizations implemented after Test #4, and Indicate that ongoing enhancements to the reactor process are likely to achieve lab-scale surface area performance at the pilot level. This latest data builds on the success of previous trials and further validates HPQ's transition from small-batch lab production to semi-continuous pilot-scale manufacturing. Figure 1. Images of Fumed Silica nanoparticles (a) from HPQ Silica Polvere lab-scale work in 2023, (b) commercially available material made with traditional process 'These SEM results are a strong technical validation of our Fumed Silica Reactor's scalability,' said Bernard Tourillon, President and CEO of HPQ Silicon and HPQ Silica Polvere Inc. 'They show we're not only reproducing the lab-scale properties at a larger scale, but we're doing so with improved process control and material quality. This sets the stage for Phase 2, where we aim to match—and eventually surpass—the performance of conventional commercial fumed silica, while doing it more cleanly, efficiently, and with fewer emissions.' WHAT'S NEXT: PHASE 2 AND COMMERCIAL TARGETING Phase 2 testing is scheduled to begin in early August 2025 and will focus on replicating and validating the surface area metrics achieved at lab scale. This is a critical step in preparing for sample qualification with commercial partners and in supporting ongoing discussions with off-takers. The FSR project aims to develop a new generation of low-carbon, plasma-based fumed silica production. Traditional methods rely on high-temperature flame hydrolysis of silicon tetrachloride (SiCl₄), a process that generates significant CO₂ and chlorine byproducts. In contrast, HPQ's plasma-based approach utilizes quartz as a feedstock, thereby eliminating toxic reagents and significantly reducing environmental impact. With global demand for fumed silica projected to reach US$ 3.54 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 7.46% [3], HPQ's innovative process is poised to provide a cleaner, cost-effective, and scalable alternative for industries such as batteries, sealants, construction materials, and personal care. REFERENCE SOURCES [1] Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) analysis done by leading global fumed silica manufacturer ('LGFSM'). [2] A wholly owned subsidiary of HPQ Silicon Inc., when technology supplier PyroGenesis announced its intention to exercise its option to acquire a 50% stake in HSPI in May 2024. [3] EXACTITUDE CONSULTANCY: Fumed Silica Market by Type (Hydrophobic, Hydrophilic), by Application (Paints and Coatings, Adhesives and Sealants, Pharmaceuticals, Personal Care, Food and Beverages, Gel batteries, Lighting) and Region, Global trends and forecast from 2023 to 2029. About HPQ Silicon HPQ Silicon Inc. (TSX-V: HPQ) is a Quebec-based TSX Venture Exchange Industrial Issuer. HPQ is a technology company focused on innovation in advanced materials and critical process development. In partnership with world-class technology leaders PyroGenesis Inc. and NOVACIUM SAS —of which HPQ is a shareholder—the company is developing the materials and process technologies essential to achieving net-zero goals. HPQ activities are centred around the following pillars: 1) Becoming a green, low-cost (Capex and Opex) manufacturer of Fumed Silica using the FUMED SILICA REACTOR, a proprietary technology owned by HPQ Silica Polvere Inc., being developed for HSPI by PyroGenesis. 2) Working with R&D partner NOVACIUM SAS, to become a producer of silicon-based anode materials for battery applications. 3) Developing Innovative processes to generate and use Hydrogen: a. METAGENE™, a low-carbon, chemical-based, on-demand, high-pressure autonomous hydrogen production system, is being developed by NOVACIUM SAS of which HPQ holds the exclusive North American (Canada, USA, and Mexico) license. b. WASTE TO ENERGY (W2E), a new process to transform black aluminum dross into a valuable resource, is being developed by NOVACIUM SAS, of which HPQ holds the exclusive North American (Canada, USA, and Mexico) license. HPQ is also a shareholder in NOVACIUM SAS. 4) Becoming a zero-CO 2 low-cost (Capex and Opex) producer of High Purity Silicon (2N+ to 4N) using our PUREVAP TM 'Quartz Reduction Reactors' (QRR), a proprietary technology owned by HPQ being developed for HPQ by PyroGenesis. For more information, please visit HPQ Silicon web site. About PyroGenesis Inc. PyroGenesis, a high-tech company, is a proud leader in the design, development, manufacture and commercialization of advanced plasma processes and sustainable solutions which reduce greenhouse gases (GHG) and are economically attractive alternatives to conventional 'dirty' processes. PyroGenesis has created proprietary, patented and advanced plasma technologies that are being vetted and adopted by multiple multibillion dollar industry leaders in four massive markets: iron ore pelletization, aluminum, waste management, and additive manufacturing. With a team of experienced engineers, scientists and technicians working out of its Montreal office, and its 3,800 m 2 and 2,940 m 2 manufacturing facilities, PyroGenesis maintains its competitive advantage by remaining at the forefront of technology development and commercialization. The operations are ISO 9001:2015 and AS9100D certified, having been ISO certified since 1997. PyroGenesis' shares are publicly traded on the TSX in Canada (TSX: PYR), the OTCQX in the US (OTCQX: PYRGF), and the Frankfurt Stock Exchange in Germany (FRA: 8PY). Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information This press release contains 'forward-looking information' and 'forward-looking statements' within the meaning of applicable securities legislation (collectively, 'forward-looking statements'), including, but not limited to, statements relating to future financial or operating events or future performance of the Company, and reflecting management's expectations and assumptions regarding the Company's growth, results, performance, and business prospects and opportunities. Such forward-looking statements reflect management's current beliefs and are based on information currently available to it. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as 'aim', 'anticipate', 'aspire', 'attempt', 'believe', 'budget', 'could', 'estimate', 'expect', 'forecast', 'intend', 'may', 'mission', 'plan', 'potential', 'predict', 'progress', 'outlook', 'schedule', 'should', 'study', 'target', 'will', 'would' or the negative of these terms or other similar expressions concerning matters that are not historical facts. In particular, forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the Company's ability to develop its low-cost (Capex and Opex) manufacturing of Fumed Silica using its Fumed Silica Reactor (FSR) and enter in commercial production within the timeline, to provide high-performing and reliable advanced materials while promoting sustainability and supply chain traceability, and to position its fumed silica operation in the capital markets, the expected results of the initiatives described in this press release, and those statements which are discussed under the 'About HPQ Silicon' paragraph and elsewhere in the press release which essentially describe the Company's outlook and objectives. Additionally, the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the Company's future results, the intended pilot plant testing and timeline of the Fumed Silica Reactor commercial scale up, the economic performance and product development efforts, as well as the Company's expected achievement of milestones, including the ability to conclude an offtake agreement and obtain sufficient financing for the future development on favorable terms for the Company. Further, these forward-looking statements include the Company's ability to achieve its Fumed Silica strategy and its intended results, market trends, the consumer demand for materials, the Company's competitive advantages, macroeconomic conditions, the impact of applicable laws and regulations, and any information as to future plans and outlook for the Company are or involve forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by the Company at the time of such statements, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. These estimates and assumptions are not guarantees of future performance and may prove incorrect. These statements rely on various factors, including current technological trends, safe and effective operations, timely delivery and installation of future production equipment at estimated prices, assumed Fumed Silica sale prices, future exchange and interest rates, political and regulatory stability, commodity prices and production costs, the receipt of necessary approvals, licenses, and permits on favorable terms, sustained labor stability, financial and capital market conditions, availability of critical supplies and equipment, tax assumptions, CAPEX and OPEX estimates, economic and operational projections, local infrastructure, and overall business prospects. Forward-looking statements are also subject to risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially, including the outcome of development, engineering, and planning activities, market conditions, competition, pricing pressures, risks inherent to mining exploration and development, the commercial viability of the Company's technology, project timelines, business continuity challenges, geopolitical instability, and other industry risks. Additionally, there can be no assurance that the conditions precedent of offtake agreements, product qualification requirements, and commercial operations will be met, nor that the Company will fulfill the expectations of financing partners and certifying bodies. Forward-looking statements are subject to known or unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated or implied in the forward-looking statements. Risk factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations include, among others, delays in the scheduled delivery times of the equipment, the ability of the Company to successfully implement its strategic initiatives and whether such strategic initiatives will yield the expected benefits, the availability of financing or financing on favorable terms for the Company, the dependence on commodity prices, the impact of inflation on costs, the risks of obtaining the necessary permits, the operating performance of the Company's assets and businesses, competitive factors in the graphite mining and production industry, changes in laws and regulations affecting the Company's businesses, political and social acceptability risk, environmental regulation risk, currency and exchange rate risk, technological developments, as well as earnings, capital expenditure, cash flow and capital structure risks and general business risks. A further description of risks and uncertainties can be found in HPQ's Annual Information Form dated March 21, 2025, including in the section thereof captioned 'Risk Factors', which is available on SEDAR+ at Unpredictable or unknown factors not discussed in this Cautionary Note could also have material adverse effects on forward-looking statements. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that may cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Forward-looking statements are provided for the purpose of providing information about management's expectations and plans relating to the future. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements or to explain any material difference between subsequent actual events and such forward-looking statements, except to the extent required by applicable law. Market and industry data presented throughout this press release was obtained from third-party sources and industry reports, publications, websites and other publicly available information, as well as industry and other data prepared by the Company or on the behalf of the Company based on the Company's knowledge of the markets in which the Company operates, including information provided by suppliers, partners, customers and other industry participants. The Company believes that the market and economic data presented throughout this press release is accurate as of the date of publication and, with respect to data prepared by the Company or on behalf of the Company, that estimates and assumptions are currently appropriate and reasonable, but there can be no assurance as to the accuracy or completeness thereof. The accuracy and completeness of the market and economic data presented throughout this press release are not guaranteed and the Company does not make any representation as to the accuracy of such data. Actual outcomes may vary materially from those forecast in such reports or publications, and the prospect for material variation can be expected to increase as the length of the forecast period increases. Although the Company believes it to be reliable as of the date of publication, the Company has not independently verified any of the data from third-party sources referred to in this press release, analyzed or verified the underlying studies or surveys relied upon or referred to by such sources, or ascertained the underlying market, economic and other assumptions relied upon by such sources. Market and economic data are subject to variations and cannot be verified due to limits on the availability and reliability of data inputs, the voluntary nature of the data gathering process and other limitations and uncertainties inherent in any statistical survey. Further information regarding the Company is available in the SEDAR+ database ( and on the Company's website at: Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This News Release is available on the company's CEO Verified Discussion Forum, a moderated social media platform that enables civilized discussion and Q&A between Management and Shareholders. For further information contact:
National Post
34 minutes ago
- National Post
Earth Fire Alliance Releases First Wildfire Images from FireSat Protoflight
Article content In partnership with Muon Space and Google Research, the Alliance unveils breakthrough wildfire imagery, signaling a new era of precision, data, and insights for fire response Article content SAN FRANCISCO — Earth Fire Alliance, the global nonprofit coalition committed to delivering transformative data and insights from all wildfires on Earth, in collaboration with Muon Space and Google Research, today released the first wildfire images captured by the FireSat Protoflight satellite. Collectively, these images demonstrate the powerful impact FireSat will have on communities and the firefighters who protect them worldwide. Article content Among the first images is a small fire in Oregon, USA, that was undetected by existing satellites, highlighting the opportunity FireSat presents to deliver insights missed by other space-based systems and to help first responders identify more fires in their early stages, assess their potential impact, and act before the fires escalate into public safety threats. Article content FireSat can detect fires as small as 5×5 meters, making it orders of magnitude more precise than existing satellites. Once fully operational, the FireSat constellation will scan Earth's most fire-prone regions every 20 minutes, enabling unprecedented detection, monitoring, and characterization. Article content The image collection spans diverse fire conditions across North America and Australia: Article content Oregon, USA: A small roadside fire undetected by existing space-based systems was identified by FireSat, showcasing the satellite's superior sensitivity for early-stage fire detection. Nipigon 6 Fire, Ontario, Canada: FireSat's multispectral sensor distinguishes active fire regions from land that has experienced prior fires and unaffected areas. Northern Territory, Australia: FireSat detected multiple active fires and revealed variations in surface temperatures across the landscape. Moran Fire and Chicken Fire, Alaska, USA: This capture of two fires in one image demonstrates FireSat's value for monitoring remote regions where it is challenging to conduct ground-based observation. Article content 'These images represent a turning point in how the world will see and respond to wildfires,' said Brian Collins, Executive Director of Earth Fire Alliance. 'FireSat is the result of extensive collaboration among engineers, researchers, frontline fire agencies, and philanthropies—and it's built to serve fire agencies around the world. Our goal is simple: ensure that every fire, anywhere on Earth, is visible and understood in near real time.' Article content Next-Generation Infrared Sensing Article content FireSat was purpose-built for the global wildfire challenge. Informed by close coordination with hundreds of national, regional, and local fire officials, as well as fire modelers and scientists, the satellite's advanced multispectral infrared sensors, designed and built by Muon Space, meet their real-world needs. FireSat can sense through smoke and clouds to reveal small fires and measure critical metrics such as fire perimeter, progression, and intensity. Article content 'These first images are a powerful demonstration of what we built FireSat to do,' said Jonny Dyer, CEO of Muon Space. 'We're seeing clear, actionable detection of wildfire activity across multiple regions, which will provide an invaluable tool for first responders. While early detection is important, what's equally critical is FireSat's ability to support ongoing fire management by tracking a fire's progression and behavior.' Article content Operating in low Earth orbit, FireSat has a 1,500 km observation swath and a ground sample distance of 50 meters from directly overhead. Its combination of resolution, thermal sensitivity, and broad dynamic range allows it to sense small, smoldering fires while simultaneously monitoring extreme wildfire events. Article content A World-Class Wildfire Dataset Article content Building on the successful Protoflight launched in March, Earth Fire Alliance and Muon Space will deploy the first three operational FireSats in mid-2026, which will deliver twice-daily global observation. The full constellation will comprise 50+ satellites by 2030. Article content Google Research plans to use AI to compare operational FireSat data with historical images of the same location, then take local weather and other factors into account to identify small fires with low false positive rates. AI applications will also reveal insights on fire behavior for predictive modeling. Article content 'Paired with advanced AI, this data will be invaluable for fire authorities and Earth science,' said Chris Van Arsdale, Google Research Climate & Energy Lead and Chair of the Earth Fire Alliance Board of Directors. 'FireSat's first wildfire images are precisely what we envisioned when we began this research and partnership.' Article content The Power of a Global Coalition Article content Projections show that the FireSat constellation will deliver significant public safety, economic, and environmental benefits. In the United States alone, even a one-hour FireSat revisit rate could annually save more than $1 billion in fire damage costs, protect 3,500 homes and properties, reduce burned land by 1.3 million acres, and prevent 21.9 million tons of carbon emissions. Article content In June, Earth Fire Alliance announced the first cohort of participants in its Early Adopter Program, which offers an opportunity for fire agencies and fire scientists to help refine data products, define data delivery mechanisms, and harness the potential for FireSat data when initial operational capability is reached in 2026. Article content Earth Fire Alliance is grateful to founding partners Google, the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, Environmental Defense Fund, Muon Space, and others that have contributed scientific expertise, leadership, and philanthropic support to make the FireSat program possible. The inaugural FireSat images represent a milestone in leveraging public-private-philanthropic partnerships to advance global wildfire detection, response, and understanding. Article content To access all four images in high-resolution, please visit: About Earth Fire Alliance Earth Fire Alliance is a California Nonprofit Public Benefit Corporation founded in 2024 on the belief that high-fidelity data, accessible on a global scale, will transform humanity's collective approach and relationship to fire. The Alliance shares a vision of expanding wildfire focus and funding from reactive suppression to proactive stewardship that includes better informed real-time decisions on the ground, data-driven resilience initiatives, and improved understanding about the positive and negative role of fire on the landscape. Committed to delivering transformative real-time data from all wildfires on Earth through user-driven technology and radical collaboration, Earth Fire Alliance champions the FireSat constellation. For more information, visit Article content Article content Article content Article content Article content Article content
CBC
2 hours ago
- CBC
These Ontario kids had their computer code sent to space
Project took photos of Earth to track space station speed ⭐️HERE'S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW⭐️ Four kids from Ontario wrote computer code that was used on the International Space Station. They worked for months on a code that could calculate the speed of the space station during orbit. Part of their project involved taking photos of Earth from space. Read on to find out how you can get into coding yourself.⬇️⬇️⬇️ Four kids from Ontario are celebrating after the experiment they ran on the International Space Station (ISS) went off without a hitch. The group — who are all 11 and 12 years old — wrote computer code that allowed a special computer aboard the ISS to calculate the station's speed as it orbited the Earth. It was part of the 2024-25 Astro Pi challenge — an annual contest run by the European Space Agency (ESA) in collaboration with the Raspberry Pi Foundation. A 'new era' in space? SpaceX launches 4 astronauts to ISS The Astro Pi challenge The challenge asks kids from around the world to submit computer code to be used on the Astro Pi — a type of educational computer specifically made for space. Computer code is written using specific text-based languages — like Python or HTML, for example — that give instructions to a computer to get it to perform a specific task. Participants in the challenge are asked to write computer code to conduct one of two experiments: The Mission Zero challenge — a beginner-level task that asks kids to instruct the Astro Pi to take a specific measurement and draw a pixelated picture on the LED screen for the astronauts aboard the ISS to see. The Mission Space Lab challenge — a more advanced challenge where students use a more complicated coding language to calculate the speed of the ISS as it orbits the Earth, in whichever creative way they see fit. This year, 68 teams from Canada were accepted to run their code for the Mission Space Lab challenge and more than 300 were accepted for the Mission Zero challenge. Ontario kids get involved One of the teams to try out the Mission Space Lab challenge was a team named Astrovel from Scarborough, Ontario. The team was made up of Theshmika Kasthurisinghe Danawardanalage, 12, Krishna Waran, 11, Hana Mohideen, 12, and Abdhul Ghafar, 11. Krishna, who has been coding since he was four years old, said his team got to work back in January after finding out about the challenge from their teacher. 'My goal is to be a NASA engineer one day, so it seemed like a great opportunity,' he told CBC Kids News. The four team members are all part of Scratch Coding for Kids — an after-school program that teaches kids about coding and robotics — as well as the Kids for Kids Toronto Coding Club. Krishna said they've all learned to love coding over the years. 'When you get good enough at coding to be confident, it gets really fun. When I work hard to code something and it actually works, it makes me super happy.' From January to March, they met several times a week with a coding mentor, dedicating dozens of hours to learn, develop and test their code for the mission. How did their code work? After submitting their final code in March, the team soon found out a fe weeks later that it was given flight status, meaning it was accepted to be tested on the ISS in April. Scientists successfully test robot's surgery skills in space 'When I got home and my mom showed me the email, I was shocked. We were so happy and had a little party to celebrate,' said Krishna. To calculate the speed of the ISS, their code asked the computer's camera to take two different pictures of Earth at two different times. It then asked the computer to analyze Earth's geographical features in order to determine where exactly the ISS was located when each photo was taken. From there, they could determine how far the ISS had travelled between the time the first and second photos were taken. Based on how much time went by between the first and second photos and how much distance the ISS had travelled in that time, they were able to calculate its speed. The kids determined the ISS was travelling 10.5 kilometers per second. Although the actual speed the ISS was travelling was 7.7 kilometers per second, their calculation was still one of the closest of the many kids who entered. The ESA sent the team a certificate congratulating them for their successful code. 'We were so excited and it makes us want to do more of these challenges,' said Krishna. Want to get into coding? Layne Turner is one of the managers of Code Club, a Canadian non-profit organization that helps create free coding programs for kids in their communities, like the Kids for Kids Toronto Coding Club. 'I'm so proud that the team was successful in this,' she told CBC Kids News. 'I think it's so amazing that young people can get their coding run on the ISS.' She said kids in Canada can contact Code Club if they want to start their own coding club at their school, library or local community hub. Alana Bartolini, an education outreach co-ordinator with the ESA, said that the Mission Zero challenge is a great way for kids who want to get their hand at coding. 'If you can type on a keyboard, then you can probably do mission zero,' she told CBC Kids News. 'It's really a step-by-step program that can give you the very first initial knowledge in programming.' She said kids can get started by visiting the Astro Pi website and having a parent, teacher or mentor help them get started. 'Through our challenges, kids not only learn coding, but teamwork, data collection and the scientific method,' she said.
