Mysterious object may have crashed into Saturn, astronomers still searching for clues
NASA
employee Mario Rana captured footage that appears to show a mysterious object crashing into the gas giant. If confirmed, this would be the first-ever recorded impact event on Saturn, a planet known for its turbulent atmosphere but elusive when it comes to visible cosmic collisions. Now, both professional and amateur astronomers are racing to analyze the footage and gather more data in hopes of solving this rare celestial puzzle.
Saturn's elusive collisions make this discovery stand out
Unlike rocky planets like Earth or Mars, Saturn's outer layer is made of gas, primarily hydrogen and helium. This makes it extremely difficult to observe visible signs of impact, like craters. But on July 5, a faint flash on the left side of the planet was caught in video footage during routine observation by Mario Rana. The brief glow resembled an atmospheric entry or explosion, prompting widespread speculation that a comet or asteroid may have struck Saturn.
Why this event is unusual
Studies suggest that large objects more than a kilometer wide hit Saturn roughly once every 3,000 years. While smaller meteoroids may collide with the gas giant more frequently, about 7 or 8 times a year, such impacts are rarely, if ever, directly observed. Unlike Jupiter, where previous impacts have been captured and analyzed, Saturn's dense atmosphere tends to absorb and obscure evidence before scientists can confirm it.
Global astronomers asked to help confirm Saturn impact
The potential impact is now under review by PVOL (Planetary Virtual Observatory and Laboratory), which includes a network of professional and amateur astronomers. They have issued a public call for footage taken between 9:00 and 9:15 AM UT on July 5, 2025, urging astronomers worldwide to share any video or image data. Professor Leigh Fletcher of the University of Leicester amplified the appeal, noting that amateur footage could be crucial to verifying this rare event.
Until more data is gathered, the flash remains officially unconfirmed. However, projects like DeTeCt, which uses software to scan planetary footage for possible impacts, will continue to analyze submissions. If verified, this could be a breakthrough moment for planetary science, offering insights into how often large objects strike the gas giants in our solar system and how these planets absorb such impacts.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Economic Times
8 hours ago
- Economic Times
Is there a Solar Eclipse on August 2, 2025? Here's what astronomers and skygazers can watch out for
A solar eclipse takes place when the Moon moves between the Earth and the Sun, obstructing sunlight and casting a shadow over parts of the Earth. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads No Solar Eclipse on August 2, 2025 An annular solar eclipse on February 28, 2025, visible from parts of the South Pacific Ocean. A partial solar eclipse on August 23, 2025, expected to be visible across areas of Canada, Greenland, and the Arctic. What's Fueling the Confusion? A Glimpse at 2027 Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Solar Eclipse 2027: What Makes It Special? Earth will be at aphelion, its farthest point from the Sun. This makes the Sun appear slightly smaller. The Moon will be at perigee, its closest point to Earth, appearing larger in the sky. The eclipse will also pass close to the equator, where the Moon's shadow moves more slowly across the Earth's surface. Who Will Witness the 2027 Event? Southern Spain and Gibraltar North African countries including Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, and Egypt Parts of the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia, Yemen, and Somalia Clear Skies Expected in Key Locations Solar Eclipse: Why Does It Matter? Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Clarifying the Date: 2025 vs 2027 FAQs Is there a solar eclipse happening on August 2, 2025? Why are people asking about a solar eclipse on that date? With heightened public curiosity around astronomical events in recent years, a question has gained momentum among skywatchers and social media circles alike: is there a solar eclipse on August 2, 2025? The anticipation is understandable, especially as global enthusiasm builds for a monumental solar eclipse scheduled for August 2, 2027. However, when it comes to the year 2025, astronomers confirm that no solar eclipse will take place on August the buzz around the query reveals the growing public appetite for space phenomena. Here's what we know, and why the date is being confused with an extraordinary cosmic occurrence set to happen two years to astronomical records maintained by NASA and verified by national observatories, there is no solar eclipse slated for August 2, 2025. In fact, only two solar eclipses are expected that year:Neither of these matches the August 2 timeline that has gone viral in online discussions. Therefore, any expectation of a celestial blackout on that particular summer day in 2025 is speculation likely stems from the much-anticipated total solar eclipse scheduled for August 2, 2027 — a rare and extraordinary event astronomers around the world are already preparing for. Unlike typical eclipses, this one is predicted to be the longest total eclipse visible from land between the years 1991 and its peak, the totality, the phase where the Moon completely covers the Sun, will last an astonishing 6 minutes and 23 seconds, more than twice as long as most total solar experts explain, several rare astronomical conditions will converge to create this unusually long eclipse:These three factors combined ensure a prolonged period of total darkness — a phenomenon that has excited scientists and eclipse chasers total eclipse of 2027 will be visible across a vast swath of the globe. The path of totality, where the eclipse will be visible in full, begins over the Atlantic Ocean and then moves to forecasts, the Moon's shadow will pass through:In Luxor, Egypt, observers will enjoy the longest duration of totality, over six uninterrupted minutes of mid-day to the excitement is the fact that several countries on the eclipse's path, including Libya and Egypt, typically enjoy clear, sunny weather in August, increasing the chances of unobstructed views. Many amateur astronomers and tourists are already planning expeditions to these regions, with some tour operators offering eclipse-themed packages well in the uninitiated, a solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, blocking all or part of the Sun's light. While partial and annular eclipses are relatively common, a total solar eclipse, especially one of this duration and visibility, is a rare cosmic the world counts down to that rare astronomical moment, educators, scientists, and skywatchers alike are working to raise awareness, encourage responsible viewing practices, and promote the wonder of space while 2025 will not see any celestial blackout on August 2, it certainly sets the stage, both in excitement and education, for what lies ahead in astronomers confirm there is no solar eclipse on August 2, 2025. This date has gone viral online, but it does not correspond to any real astronomical event that confusion stems from August 2, 2027, which will feature a rare total solar eclipse. Enthusiasm for that event may be leading people to mistakenly reference Used: Solar eclipse, is there a sol
Time of India
8 hours ago
- Time of India
Is there a Solar Eclipse on August 2, 2025? Here's what astronomers and skygazers can watch out for
With heightened public curiosity around astronomical events in recent years, a question has gained momentum among skywatchers and social media circles alike: is there a solar eclipse on August 2, 2025? The anticipation is understandable, especially as global enthusiasm builds for a monumental solar eclipse scheduled for August 2, 2027. However, when it comes to the year 2025, astronomers confirm that no solar eclipse will take place on August 2. Still, the buzz around the query reveals the growing public appetite for space phenomena. Here's what we know, and why the date is being confused with an extraordinary cosmic occurrence set to happen two years later. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Select a Course Category healthcare MCA Others Data Analytics Data Science Public Policy Degree Digital Marketing others Technology Operations Management CXO Leadership PGDM Healthcare Cybersecurity Data Science Artificial Intelligence Finance Project Management Product Management MBA Management Design Thinking Skills you'll gain: Duration: 11 Months IIM Lucknow CERT-IIML Healthcare Management India Starts on undefined Get Details No Solar Eclipse on August 2, 2025 According to astronomical records maintained by NASA and verified by national observatories, there is no solar eclipse slated for August 2, 2025. In fact, only two solar eclipses are expected that year: by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 15 Most Beautiful Female Athletes in the World Click Here Undo An annular solar eclipse on February 28, 2025, visible from parts of the South Pacific Ocean. A partial solar eclipse on August 23, 2025, expected to be visible across areas of Canada, Greenland, and the Arctic. Neither of these matches the August 2 timeline that has gone viral in online discussions. Therefore, any expectation of a celestial blackout on that particular summer day in 2025 is unfounded. What's Fueling the Confusion? A Glimpse at 2027 The speculation likely stems from the much-anticipated total solar eclipse scheduled for August 2, 2027 — a rare and extraordinary event astronomers around the world are already preparing for. Unlike typical eclipses, this one is predicted to be the longest total eclipse visible from land between the years 1991 and 2114. Live Events At its peak, the totality, the phase where the Moon completely covers the Sun, will last an astonishing 6 minutes and 23 seconds, more than twice as long as most total solar eclipses. Solar Eclipse 2027: What Makes It Special? As experts explain, several rare astronomical conditions will converge to create this unusually long eclipse: Earth will be at aphelion, its farthest point from the Sun. This makes the Sun appear slightly smaller. The Moon will be at perigee, its closest point to Earth, appearing larger in the sky. The eclipse will also pass close to the equator, where the Moon's shadow moves more slowly across the Earth's surface. These three factors combined ensure a prolonged period of total darkness — a phenomenon that has excited scientists and eclipse chasers alike. Who Will Witness the 2027 Event? The total eclipse of 2027 will be visible across a vast swath of the globe. The path of totality, where the eclipse will be visible in full, begins over the Atlantic Ocean and then moves eastward. According to forecasts, the Moon's shadow will pass through: Southern Spain and Gibraltar North African countries including Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, and Egypt Parts of the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia, Yemen, and Somalia In Luxor, Egypt, observers will enjoy the longest duration of totality, over six uninterrupted minutes of mid-day darkness. Clear Skies Expected in Key Locations Adding to the excitement is the fact that several countries on the eclipse's path, including Libya and Egypt, typically enjoy clear, sunny weather in August, increasing the chances of unobstructed views. Many amateur astronomers and tourists are already planning expeditions to these regions, with some tour operators offering eclipse-themed packages well in advance. Solar Eclipse: Why Does It Matter? For the uninitiated, a solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, blocking all or part of the Sun's light. While partial and annular eclipses are relatively common, a total solar eclipse, especially one of this duration and visibility, is a rare cosmic spectacle. Clarifying the Date: 2025 vs 2027 As the world counts down to that rare astronomical moment, educators, scientists, and skywatchers alike are working to raise awareness, encourage responsible viewing practices, and promote the wonder of space science. So, while 2025 will not see any celestial blackout on August 2, it certainly sets the stage, both in excitement and education, for what lies ahead in 2027. FAQs Is there a solar eclipse happening on August 2, 2025? No, astronomers confirm there is no solar eclipse on August 2, 2025. This date has gone viral online, but it does not correspond to any real astronomical event that year. Why are people asking about a solar eclipse on that date? The confusion stems from August 2, 2027, which will feature a rare total solar eclipse. Enthusiasm for that event may be leading people to mistakenly reference 2025. Keywords Used: Solar eclipse, is there a sol
Time of India
13 hours ago
- Time of India
Moon Day 2025: What makes it so special, and why is it celebrated
There is always something special about gazing at the moon in its full charm. Be it a child who is watching at the Moon through the window, wanting to be an astronaut one day or an experienced astronomer mapping its surface The Moon has inspired innumerable poets and helped to design ancient calendars throughout history. But more than anything, it has stood as a symbol of hope and possibility. For thousands of years, humans wondered what was up there. And then, in 1969, they finally stepped onto its surface. To mark this leap, the International Moon Day is celebrated every year. But it isn't just about the past. It's also about the future of lunar science, the growing role of space missions from countries around the world, and a shared vision for peaceful exploration. Why do we celebrate International Moon Day? International Moon Day is celebrated on July 20 every year to pay respect to the historic Apollo 11 mission, when Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin became the first humans to walk on the Moon. According to NASA, Armstrong said, 'That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind' and it was broadcast to millions across the globe as a symbol of human achievement. International Moon Day was officially recognised by the United Nations in 2021 through Resolution 76/76. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like JAIN Online MBA – Empowering Future Leaders JAIN Online Learn More Undo While it honours the historic moment when humans first landed on the Moon, it's not just about looking back. The day is also meant to keep alive the public interest in lunar science, support the astronomical missions globally in space exploration, and inspire young people to become the next generation of scientists, astronauts, and space researchers. What makes Moon Day 2025 so special? As announced by the UN Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA), the theme for Moon Day 2025 is "One Moon, One Vision, One Future." This message is symbolic of global unity in space missions. It also shows the belief that the Moon doesn't belong to one nation; instead, it belongs to all of humanity. According to UNOOSA, the theme is meant to "encourage international collaboration and shared goals for lunar exploration. " Moon Day 2025 is also important, taking into consideration the pace of recent lunar missions. From NASA's Artemis program to India's Chandrayaan-3 and China's Chang'e missions. The celebration aims to identify these collective efforts and open more dialogue on peaceful, cooperative Moon exploration. What are the goals of International Moon Day 2025 ? The goals of International Moon Day 2025 are all about raising awareness, promoting learning, and bringing people together through the path of space exploration. This year, the focus remains on helping more people understand the Moon's scientific, historical, and cultural value. It also highlights the important lunar missions from the past and present, including the Soviet Union's Luna 2 in 1959 to recent projects like NASA's Artemis and India's Chandrayaan. Another big part of this day is about getting people to think about what the Moon could mean for our future, like the possibility of people living there one day, using it for energy, or making new discoveries. The day also reminds us how important it is for countries across the world to work together peacefully in space, following agreements like the 1967 Outer Space Treaty, which says the Moon belongs to everyone. According to the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS), International Moon Day also helps to inspire young people to get involved in space science and consider careers in space exploration. How is Moon Day celebrated around the world? Around the world, Moon Day is celebrated through a wide variety of events that reflect local enthusiasm and global shared curiosity. People gather for astronomy nights and public telescope sessions, where new astronomers share views of the Moon. Experts involved in space missions also give talks and presentations to offer firsthand information on Moon missions. This year, the main international event will be held in Dubai, UAE, hosted by the University of Dubai, and will bring together space professionals, educators, and students from around the world in celebration of our shared vision for the Moon.
