Latest news with #JamesWebb
UAE Moments
a day ago
- Science
- UAE Moments
Asteroid 2024 YR4 Could Smash Into the Moon in 2032
An asteroid the size of a 15-story building is now the center of cosmic gossip — and it might just punch the Moon in the face. NASA has confirmed that asteroid 2024 YR4, famously dubbed the 'city killer,' has a rising chance of colliding with the Moon on December 22, 2032. The odds? A not-so-comforting 4.3% — and that's after the latest precision tracking by the James Webb Space Telescope and ground observatories. So, is Earth safe? Thankfully, yes — at least from a direct hit. When 2024 YR4 first appeared on NASA's radar in late 2024, it was flagged as a potential Earth impactor. But after crunching the numbers, scientists have ruled out a planetary collision. Still, an impact on the Moon could be a messy cosmic event with real consequences for Earth. What happens if it slams into the Moon? If the 60-meter-wide asteroid collides with the Moon, scientists predict it would unleash the energy of 6.5 megatons of TNT. That's enough to carve out a crater 1 kilometer wide and hurl up to 100 million kilograms of lunar dust into space. Even more concerning? Some of that debris could rocket toward Earth, possibly damaging satellites and interrupting GPS, internet, and weather systems — not exactly great news for your weekend TikTok scroll or ride-share directions. Where is the asteroid now? NASA says 2024 YR4 is too far out to be tracked by most Earth-based telescopes. However, the James Webb Space Telescope managed to lock onto it one last time before it slipped into solar orbit, helping scientists sharpen its projected path by nearly 20%. That data is what nudged the lunar impact risk up from 3.8% to 4.3%. Could satellites be in danger? Absolutely. If the Moon gets hit, a storm of mini-meteors could be sent flying toward Earth. That means trouble for man-made satellites — the unsung heroes managing everything from weather reports to food deliveries and late-night video calls. When will we know more? Astronomers will keep tracking the asteroid, with more accurate predictions expected by 2028, when 2024 YR4 makes another flyby near our planet. Until then, stargazers can look forward to a potential once-in-a-decade lunar drama — and space agencies will be crossing their fingers that it's more fireworks show than orbital nightmare. Stay tuned. The Moon might just have a date with destiny.
Mint
3 days ago
- Science
- Mint
A cosmic mystery: Is China building the world's biggest telescope?
Astronomer Robert Kirshner investigates some of the universe's biggest questions: What happens when a star explodes? Is the universe still expanding? He recently added a new mystery to the list: Is China quietly building the world's biggest telescope? He would like to know, because he leads a rival telescope project in the U.S. There are clues. In January, state-owned Nanjing Astronomical Instruments said on social media that it won a $22 million bid for a dome to surround a 48-foot telescope. In an April social-media post, students visiting a science institute mentioned researchers showing them mirror arrangements for such a telescope. And a top Chinese astronomer told state media he wanted to finish the telescope before he retires. Yet Chinese officials haven't directly acknowledged the observatory, which would threaten American technological leadership and potentially give Beijing a military advantage. 'You would expect, normally, some kind of chest thumping," said Kirshner, a Harvard emeritus professor. The leading Chinese astronomer and his institute, a national research organization that appears to be in charge of the telescope, didn't return requests for comment for this article. If China is building the big scope, that raises another question. 'Why the hell are they doing that?" said Matt Mountain, head of the nonprofit organization that manages observatories, as well as the Hubble and James Webb space telescopes, for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. Mountain has two hypotheses. First, astronomical advances benefit both scientific and military purposes, as astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson highlighted in his book 'Accessory to War." Huge telescopes can look at military satellites, not just stars and planets. The second hypothesis: Beijing is investing in astronomy to inspire children to enter the sciences—so it can surpass the U.S. in a couple of decades. 'Astronomy is an entry-level drug for science, technology, engineering and math," said Mountain. American institutes are the New York Yankees of modern astronomy. By Kirshner's count, 18 of the 23 astrophysics-focused Nobel Prize winners in the last half-century worked in the U.S. While space telescopes such as the James Webb get more attention these days, those on the ground still matter. They are easier to service and much bigger, offsetting disadvantages such as light pollution and atmospheric distortions. Bigger telescopes mean sharper images, making it easier to determine the distance between faraway objects, Kirshner said. Astronomers can then discover more planets orbiting stars in the Goldilocks temperature range that could support life. The Hubble and Webb space telescopes have mirrors with diameters of about 8 feet and 21 feet, respectively. The four biggest ones currently on Earth—one in Spain and three in the U.S.—are all roughly 33 feet in diameter. If China completes a 48-foot telescope soon, it would be the world's biggest, unless a delayed 128-foot European telescope in Chile is finished first. Kirshner's Thirty Meter Telescope group, an international project with U.S., Canadian, Indian and Japanese institutions, proposes a 98-foot telescope on Hawaii's Big Island. Instead of making one massive mirror, which would require mountain transport and the construction of an unfeasibly huge furnace, it would use 492 hexagonal segments, each 4.7 feet wide. These giant telescopes cost roughly $1 billion to $2 billion, Mountain said, and costs rise with size. They also take years to build. Drawing on political rather than scientific wisdom, Kirshner realized it would help make the case in Washington for big-telescope funding if he could show China was building one too. Kirshner's best sources have been Chinese-speaking peers who informally confirmed the development of a telescope site in the Tibetan Plateau, in China's southwest. Mountain says Chilean astronomers told him China was also exploring a Southern Hemisphere observatory in Chile. Armed with the information, Kirshner met congressional staffers and National Science Foundation officials. He ran into a roadblock in May, when President Trump proposed to Congress that the NSF's annual budget be cut to $4 billion from $9 billion. Trump's science and technology adviser said then that scientific progress had stalled in some fields and more federal money wouldn't necessarily mean more scientific impact. In its budget request, the NSF proposed advancing only the Giant Magellan Telescope, which is backed by a California-headquartered consortium. At 83 feet wide, the Magellan would be bigger than China's but smaller than Kirshner's proposed telescope. Like the European telescope, this observatory would be in Chile. The Magellan's location would leave China with the Northern Hemisphere's biggest telescope. Earth's curvature means each hemisphere offers different views. Kirshner got a reprieve in mid-July. A Senate spending committee recommended minimal cuts to the NSF, and said it supported both the Magellan project and Kirshner's Thirty Meter Telescope. Kirshner called on Congress to endorse what he called a 'vigorous response to China's efforts." Write to Stu Woo at
Daily Record
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Baba Vanga and Living Nostradamus predict 'turning point' 2025 event
Psychics Baba Vanga and the so-called Living Nostradamus, Athos Salomé, have both predicted 2025 will be the year we see a groundbreaking moment in extra-terrestrial activity. Two famous psychics, known for chillingly predicting the coronavirus pandemic, Princess Diana's death, and the 9/11 attacks, are now forecasting extra-terrestrial contact for this year. Baba Vanga and the so-called Living Nostradamus have both predicted that 2025 will be the year aliens make contact with Earth. The blind Bulgarian mystic Baba Vanga, who passed away in 1996 aged 84, envisioned Earth establishing communication with alien life during a "major sporting event". Speculation is mounting about when we might witness this otherworldly encounter with numerous significant events approaching, such as the Women's Euro final, Women's Rugby World Cup, and Formula 1 races, reports the Mirror. Athos Salomé, 38, from Brazil - nicknamed the Living Nostradamus - has meanwhile pinpointed the James Webb telescope as the instrument through which we'll uncover alien life. Launched on Christmas Day in 2021, NASA proclaimed it as "the largest, most powerful and most complex telescope ever launched into space". "Thanks to the James Webb telescope, humanity might finally get the answer to the existence of alien life, while governments like the US may declassify UFO files," Salomé told Femail. "If true, these discoveries could revolutionise one's view about the universe in which we exist - and about ourselves." The James Webb telescope has been revealing the mysteries of space, illuminating the universe's first moments following the Big Bang. Despite Vanga passing away almost three decades ago, her predictions for 2025 are generating widespread discussion. She predicted that this year would witness humanity establishing contact with alien life forms and experiencing breakthroughs in medical technology through laboratory-grown human organs, potentially ending transplant waiting lists and substantially prolonging human life. According to Sky History, such medical progress could drastically boost lifespans, potentially extending them beyond 120 years. Vanga's additional predictions for 2025 include multiple earthquakes and a devastating European conflict. She once declared: "Russia will not only survive, it will dominate the world." Salomé has warned 2025 could mark the year when "humanity may lose control of technology." The psychic stressed that whilst the coming year holds promise for revolutionary breakthroughs, it simultaneously presents unprecedented dangers. He proposed that the advent of artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and medical advancements could signify either a revolutionary leap forward or an impending disaster, dubbing 2025 as a "turning point". Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Get all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you. We're also on Facebook - your must-see news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day from the Daily Record, Sunday Mail and Record Online
Daily Mirror
22-07-2025
- Science
- Daily Mirror
Baba Vanga and Living Nostradamus both have 'turning point' prediction for 2025
Psychics Baba Vanga and the so-called Living Nostradamus, Athos Salomé, have both predicted 2025 will be the year we see a groundbreaking moment in extraterrestrial activity A pair of celebrated psychics, famous for their chillingly precise predictions of world events including the coronavirus pandemic, Princess Diana's death, and the 9/11 attacks, are now forecasting a groundbreaking moment in extraterrestrial contact for this year. Baba Vanga and the so-called Living Nostradamus predict that 2025 will be the year aliens make contact with Earth. The late blind Bulgarian mystic Baba Vanga, who passed away in 1996 aged 84, envisioned Earth establishing communication with alien life during a "major sporting event". With numerous significant events approaching, such as the Women's Euro final, Women's Rugby World Cup, and Formula 1 races, speculation is mounting about when we might witness this otherworldly encounter. Athos Salomé, 38, from Brazil - nicknamed the Living Nostradamus - has meanwhile pinpointed the James Webb telescope as the instrument through which we'll uncover alien life. Launched on Christmas Day in 2021, NASA proclaimed it as "the largest, most powerful and most complex telescope ever launched into space". "Thanks to the James Webb telescope, humanity might finally get the answer to the existence of alien life, while governments like the US may declassify UFO files," Salomé told Femail. "If true, these discoveries could revolutionise one's view about the universe in which we exist - and about ourselves." The James Webb telescope has been revealing the mysteries of space, illuminating the universe's first moments following the Big Bang. Despite Vanga passing away almost three decades ago, her predictions for 2025 are generating widespread discussion. She predicted that this year would witness humanity establishing contact with alien life forms and experiencing breakthroughs in medical technology through laboratory-grown human organs, potentially ending transplant waiting lists and substantially prolonging human life. According to Sky History, such medical progress could drastically boost lifespans, potentially extending them beyond 120 years. Vanga's additional predictions for 2025 include multiple earthquakes and a devastating European conflict. She once declared: " Russia will not only survive, it will dominate the world." Salomé has warned 2025 could mark the year when "humanity may lose control of technology." The psychic stressed that whilst the coming year holds promise for revolutionary breakthroughs, it simultaneously presents unprecedented dangers. He proposed that the advent of artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and medical advancements could signify either a revolutionary leap forward or an impending disaster, dubbing 2025 as a "turning point".
Yahoo
19-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Carlisle school pupils' petition read out in parliament
Stoneraise School in Durdar, near Carlisle, is replacing its traditional school council with a pupil parliament. The project recently caught the attention of Markus Campbell-Savours, Carlisle MP, during a visit to the school, where he fielded questions from pupils about politics, and leadership. Mr Campbell-Savours said: "After a busy week in the House of Commons, I love getting back into the constituency and visiting schools. Stoneraise Primary School's Pupil Parliament (Image: Supplied) "There's something refreshing about the innocence and directness of their questions. "I am grateful that they gave me a petition to hand in on their behalf." During his visit, the MP explained how the UK Parliament works and described the practice of "bobbing"—a way MPs signal their wish to speak during debates. Markus Campbell-Savours, Carlisle MP, talks to Stoneraise Primary School Pupils (Image: Supplied) James Webb, deputy headteacher at Stoneraise School, said: "We were delighted to welcome Markus to Stoneraise School. "He spent an afternoon talking to the pupils in Year 6 who shared a petition with him linked to enabling more school-aged children across the UK to be able to visit Westminster. "The children were absolutely thrilled that Markus shared the petition in the House of Commons and even said each of their names. "It has been brilliant to partner with Markus to demonstrate how Parliament really does work for them, that their voices can be heard, and they really can make a difference." During his visit, the MP explained how the UK Parliament works and described the practice of 'bobbing'—a way MPs signal their wish to speak during debates (Image: Supplied) The petition called for more opportunities for school children to visit Parliament. Mr Campbell-Savours presented it in the House of Commons, naming each of the pupils involved. George, a Year 6 pupil, said: "I felt powerful and important that our petition was read out in Parliament. "It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. "I feel like we need more people to go on residential to London and get the feeling that we got when we went." Ethan, another pupil, said: "I feel pretty happy that MPs help with schools and children. "It was pretty exciting having my name read out in Parliament. "Everyone should go to Parliament because many people don't get the chance in their life to go with schools." Isla said: "It made me feel excited because if people look back in 100 years, they will see our names in Hansard. "The petition is important because it means people who can't go to Parliament could maybe be able to experience it." Maymi added: "I think it's a good opportunity because if I go there again, I'll be able to point out that my name was read out. "It was very cool to meet Markus because he says a lot of things for his constituents in Parliament. "We have seen him talk about local farmers."
