Latest news with #Mars-like
Daily Mirror
08-05-2025
- Daily Mirror
Canary Island stings Brit tourists with new fee as new brutal clampdown unveiled
Millions of Brits flocking to one of Spain's most popular, and natural, attractions will soon be hit with fresh charges as its popularity soars and officials worry it's at a "tipping point" One of Europe's most popular national parks is clamping down on crowds of tourists by introducing a new fee. Last year, around three million visitors flocked to the acclaimed Teide National Park in Tenerife, a 47,000 acre site that was awarded UNESCO World Heritage status back in 2007. Famed for its Mars-like landscape and Spain's highest peak (which makes it an incredible star gazing site) the national park is home to the eponymously named Teide-Pico Viejo stratovolcano. Tourists can scramble up some 4,718m to get to the peak - or take a cable car all the way to the top for some breathtaking views of the island. But, as one of the most visited National Parks in Europe, concern has rapidly grown amongst environmentalists - who have accused tourists of parking their vehicles illegally, straying from marked trails, clambering up 'fragile' rock formations and even stealing volcanic stones from the protected area as a free souvenir. As previously reported, this has lead to experts warning the site is facing a 'critical tipping point'. Jaime Coello, director of the Telesforo Bravo–Juan Coello Foundation, reportedly branded the behaviour as 'a disgrace', adding: "This is the crown jewel of our protected areas, imagine the state of the rest. Most are just as bad, or worse. The problem is not just the number of visitors, but the absence of any real will to protect this place. There's no one willing to enforce the rules or fix this disaster." After slamming the government for 'favouring' over-tourism over conservation, it appears Jaime's wishes have finally been granted. According to Canarian Weekly, starting next year, visitors wanting to enter the acclaimed Teide National Park will have to pay. The move was reportedly confirmed by President of the Tenerife Cabildo, Rosa Dávila during a regional debate this week, where proposals to limit private vehicle traffic into the national park where also announced. "Climbing to the peak should be an orderly privilege, not a risk to the environment," Rosa said. Local news states electric shuttle buses will eventually replace individual cars to 'reduce emissions and congestion', while the cabins of the Teide Cable Car will be 'fully renovated and powered by solar energy' by the end of the year. It is believed all profits made from the new entrance fees will be invested into conservation. "Additional environmental officers will be deployed, and a revised Park Management Plan will be implemented to cope with growing visitor numbers," Canarian Weekly added. "The Cabildo is also planning legal reforms to introduce tougher penalties for damaging protected natural areas." It is not confirmed how much the entrance fee to Teide will be, or how much money it would raise. While the rule may seem unfair for some cash-strapped travellers, Tenerife isn't the only destination that charges for its national parks. The stunning Timanfaya National Park in nearby Lanzarote charges €22 per adults and €11 per child, which includes a bus to the top of the volcano - while the United States charges around $20 for some single entries. The Mirror has contacted the Tenerife Cabildo for comment - and asked how much entrance to Teide National Park will cost in 2026.
Egypt Independent
02-05-2025
- Science
- Egypt Independent
Why scientists say this stunning ancient lake in Turkey might as well be on Mars
With its vivid turquoise, green and blue waters, it's no surprise Lake Salda is often promoted as the 'Maldives of Turkey.' Extraordinary to look at, peaceful and surrounded by an abundance of wildlife, it's little wonder if has become a significant, if lesser-known attraction, located deep in the country's southwest. But there's so much more to this gorgeous body of water and its white-sand beaches than just beauty to get tourists excited. According to scientists, Lake Salda is the only place on Earth that's analogous to the Jezero Crater on Mars. It's a fact that has piqued the interest in space scientists at a time when humankind is increasingly turning its attention to the Red Planet as a possible destination for a crewed mission. It's also helped increase environmental awareness around this fragile treasure, which is facing existential threats from pollution and decreasing water levels. Briony Horgan, a professor at Purdue University's Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences Department, traveled to Turkey in 2019 with NASA's Perseverance rover team to study the mysterious lake, and was struck by its resemblance to a distant planet. 'It's really just an incredibly unique place,' she tells CNN Travel. 'And in many ways, it actually felt like standing on the shores of ancient Lake Jezero on Mars.' In space exploration, a planetary analog is a place on Earth that's considered similar or comparable to the conditions found on another planet or moon. Horgan says finding a Mars analog here is particularly challenging because of the high levels of iron and magnesium that make up the composition of the Red Planet, and 'they're very primitive.' However, she says Lake Salda's basin is 'of that composition that was created at the bottom of an ocean when the oceanic crust ripped apart and made new crust straight out of the interior of the Earth.' This process, says Horgan, is to credit for Lake Salda's Mars-like environment. Greater protections needed, say experts A general view of an exposed island of old microbialites in Lake Salda. Umit Bektas/Reuters Last year, the International Commission on Geoheritage (IUGS) announced the inclusion of Lake Salda on its list of the world's Top 100 geological sites. Balcı was among the major contributors who presented evidence to support its addition to the list. 'We prepared a file (showing) that Salda contains important information about Mars and the early Earth and that if they are lost, we will have difficulty finding and understanding such information,' she explains. In recent years, environmentalists and lawyers have been vocal about the need to increase protections and awareness about the value of the lake beyond its physical beauty. While some experts are optimistic that being on the IUGS list will have a positive effect on these efforts, others are still skeptical, like retired lecturer Erol Kesici of Süleyman Demirel University's Eğirdir Water Resources Faculty. Founder of the Turkish Water Institute, Kesici is also a scientific advisor to two environmental associations, the Association for the Protection Of Turkey's Nature and the Nature and Sustainability Association. 'Despite Lake Salda having numerous sensitive and protected areas, such as natural conservation areas and other conservation statuses, there are serious issues in practice,' he says. 'The excessive pollution and contamination caused by the construction of ponds and dams are causing the lake's ecosystem, turquoise water, and (endemic) species to disappear gradually.' Professor Horgan expressed similar sentiments, noting that Lake Salda is 'a wonderful location that I hope many people get to see. But it's the kind of place we should make sure we appreciate responsibly.' A treasure trove for nature lovers all year long Hikers explore the trails around Lake Salda. Selcuk Oner/Lake Salda is home to 301 plant species, two of which are endemic and grow in the lake basin, as well three endemic fish species, and over 30 water bird species, among more common animals like wild boars and foxes. These make Lake Salda among the best places in Turkey for nature photography and hiking. 'The best season to visit Salda is spring and early summer,' notes Hasan Gülday, a tour guide based in western Turkey. 'The harmony of the green trees around, the white shores of the lake, and the turquoise color emerges best in this period.' However, you can visit Lake Salda at any time of the year, including the winter. In fact, the road to the nearby Salda Ski Center offers the best panoramic view of Lake Salda and its surroundings, so stunning many assume images taken there were photoshopped. If you plan your journey around July and early August, you can admire the purple lavender fields southwest of the lake, where locals make lavender-scented soap and fragrances, some of the best souvenirs to bring back home. People are permitted to swim in the lake, and many do, but opinions on how to best protect the body of water from these visitors are mixed. 'I want time restrictions and capacity limits to be set for activities like swimming,' says guide Gülday. Scientific advisor Kesici, meanwhile, is entirely against people getting into the water because 'it's a closed lake, all waste remains within (it).' Also, he says some people take mud baths, believing it can help heal some skin conditions, but this can damage the lake's delicate ecosystem as well. Exploring the area Lake Salda is located in Burdur, close to the city borders of Denizli, which hosts another gem of Turkey, Pamukkale — only about a 1.5-hour drive northeast. The region is referred to as the Turkish Lake District or Turkish Lakeland. Gülday also recommends visiting the ancient cities of Kibyra and Sagalassos, both of which are on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List. Kibyra is a settlement that dates back to the early Iron Age, about a 1.5-hour drive south of Salda. The city has been at the crossroads of important trade routes for centuries, and Hellenistic, Roman, Lydian, and Pisidian cultures influenced the settlement. Sagalassos's history dates back some 12,000 years, and it was left to its fate after the 6th century due to epidemics, raids and natural disasters, such as earthquakes. It's one of the best-preserved archeological sites in Turkey because its remote location prevented it from looting, and the settlement was quickly covered by vegetation and soil due to erosion. Getting there: Many travelers opt to rent a car to better explore the area's scenic drives. The trip from Antalya to Lake Salda takes about 2.5 hours. Tour companies also offer tours of the area, including the lake.
Time of India
30-04-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Elon Musk's SpaceX could make Jeff Bezos' $28 million space hotel vacation a reality
Elon Musk's SpaceX could make Jeff Bezos' $28 million space hotel vacation a reality For centuries, humanity has pursued the unknown—crossing oceans, climbing the highest peaks, and breaking the sound barrier to explore the skies. Today, that pioneering spirit is once again propelling society toward new horizons: outer space. What was once the exclusive domain of national space agencies and a select group of trained astronauts is now evolving into an industry led by private enterprise. Fueled by immense technological advancements and billionaire-driven innovation, space is no longer a final frontier—it is becoming a destination. With efforts to make commercial space travel as routine as international flights, a bold new concept is emerging: luxury hotels in orbit. Among these, Voyager Station stands out as the world's first planned space hotel , set to welcome guests as early as 2027. Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and the $28 million space hotel that could redefine travel Voyager Station is a pioneering project being developed by Orbital Assembly Corporation (OAC), a private aerospace startup headquartered in Sacramento, California. The station is envisioned as a rotating space structure capable of accommodating 280 guests and 112 crew members at once. This revolutionary facility aims to deliver all the comfort and extravagance expected of a premium resort—restaurants, bars, a cinema, a fitness center, and even a concert venue—only this time, in low Earth orbit. OAC's ambition is not just limited to comfort; it extends to redefining the experience of space living. Their primary goal is to make long-duration stays in space feasible for tourists, researchers, and commercial operators by introducing artificial gravity, a major breakthrough in space habitation. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Incrível: novo alarme com câmera custa quase nada (consulte o preço) Verisure Undo Design and technology: Artificial gravity and rotational innovation The most unique feature of Voyager Station is its rotating wheel-shaped design. This concept, dating back to the early 20th century and later refined by Wernher von Braun, uses centrifugal force to generate artificial gravity. OAC plans to create gravity levels comparable to the Moon (1/6th of Earth's gravity) initially, with the flexibility to increase to Mars-like gravity or even full Earth gravity, depending on guest adaptability. Guests will first arrive at a central zero-gravity docking hub before traveling to the rotating outer modules using specialized elevator systems. These modules—24 in total—will comprise 125,000 square feet of usable space. Apart from hotel suites, they will include luxury villas, retail stores, research laboratories, and even entertainment venues. The company is also constructing two ground-based prototype modules, the Gravity Ring and Pioneer Station, to test the feasibility of artificial gravity environments before full-scale orbital deployment. Elon Musk might help you book a ride to the $28 million space hotel Transporting guests to Voyager Station will be one of the major logistical challenges. Currently, space travel for civilians is expensive. For instance, a seat on a Blue Origin suborbital flight alongside Jeff Bezos in 2021 was auctioned for $28 million. However, the cost of space travel is expected to decrease as reusable launch systems become more efficient and widespread. Launch providers like SpaceX are developing powerful and cost-effective vehicles such as the Starship and Super Heavy booster, which could be instrumental in making commercial space travel more accessible. While SpaceX is not officially partnered with OAC for this project, the company acknowledged Voyager Station's ambitious goal with curiosity and even expressed interest on social media in offering transportation services once the station is operational. OAC aims to make space tourism a luxury choice, not a price barrier Despite the high initial costs, OAC maintains that the long-term viability of Voyager Station hinges on mass adoption and scalable transport. The company's leadership, including Chief Operating Officer Tim Alatorre, remains optimistic. Alatorre stated in an interview with The New York Times that the goal is to make space tourism a 'matter of preference, not affordability.' In line with this goal, the station's commercial infrastructure will include luxury residences, industrial space, and research labs, catering to more than just tourists. This mixed-use approach is expected to provide multiple revenue streams—tourism, commercial leasing, and scientific experimentation. Timelines and current progress Voyager Station is currently scheduled for launch and operation by 2027, pending successful construction and orbital testing of essential technologies. OAC has already begun foundational work on components such as: Structural engineering of rotating modules Artificial gravity simulation Docking and elevator systems If timelines are met, OAC's next steps will include orbital assembly, followed by partial module testing in space, and then full-scale operation. Challenges and unknowns While Voyager Station holds incredible promise, several challenges remain: High development and operational costs Safety protocols in microgravity and artificial gravity environments Regulatory approvals and space traffic management Psychological and physiological impacts of long-term space stays Furthermore, securing consistent launch access from providers like SpaceX or other aerospace players remains critical for the station's supply chain and guest turnover. The future of space tourism Voyager Station represents a larger trend in the commercialization of space. Alongside ventures like Blue Origin, Virgin Galactic, and SpaceX, Orbital Assembly's hotel concept signifies a shift from government-dominated space exploration to privately-funded space living. With increasing public interest and investment, the idea of vacationing in space, once considered science fiction, is inching closer to reality. Beyond tourism, such projects also lay the groundwork for interplanetary colonization and long-term space research. Also read | Airtel recharge plans | Jio recharge plans | BSNL recharge plans
Scottish Sun
22-04-2025
- Science
- Scottish Sun
Exact type of lifeform that could live on brutal Mars surface revealed – even surviving deadly radiation bombardment
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A TOUGH lifeform could survive the brutal conditions of Mars. That's the verdict from scientists who spent five hours blasting it with a year's worth of Martian radiation. 6 Mars is a brutal wasteland that is bombarded with dangerous radiation Credit: Nasa 6 Humans would need significant protection to survive on the red planet's surface Credit: Nasa 6 Scientists tested whether two forms of lichen – Cetraria aculeata and Diploschistes muscorum – could survive on Mars Credit: IMA Fungus Lichens are common on Earth, and is known for being hardy. And scientists now think that lichens could survive the ionising radiation that life experiences on Mars. This kind of radiation is extremely damaging, and is a serious threat to human plans for living on the red planet. But researchers writing in the journal IMA Fungus say they reckon lichens could survive on Mars today, despite the planet's barren surface. Lichens are a strange "symbiotic" relationship between fungus and algae (or cyanobacteria). Scientists were able to show that this lichen relationship remained "metabolically active" even with exposed to Mars-like atmospheric conditions. That included being in darkness, and high X-ray radiation levels. They tested two species of lichen: Diploschistes muscorum and Cetraria aculeata. And they found that the former was cabale or surviving those brutal conditions – giving hope for the survival of an alien off-Earth lichen colony. "Our study is the first to demonstrate that the metabolism of the fungal partner in lichen symbiosis remained active while being in an environment resembling the surface of Mars," said Kaja Skubała, of Jagiellonian University in Kraków, Poland, who led the research. Astronomer reacts to James Webb Space Telescope image of distant galaxies "We found that Diploschistes muscorum was able to carry out metabolic processes and activate defence mechanisms effectively. "These findings expand our understanding of biological processes under simulated Martian conditions. "And reveal how hydrated organisms respond to ionising radiation – one of the most critical challenges for survival and habitability on Mars. "Ultimately, this research deepens our knowledge of lichen adaptation and their potential for colonising extraterrestrial environments." 6 Sadly, this doesn't mean scientists have found – or will ever find – lichen already living on Mars. But it means that an alien colony of lichen could potentially survive Mars' harsh conditions. HUNTING FOR E.T. It comes in the same month as scientists revealing they're almost certain they've spotted a key sign of alien life on a faraway planet. Top astronomers at the University of Cambridge told The Sun they are 99.7% confident they've spotted the best-ever signal of biological activity on K2-18b. 6 This is what the ocean world of K2-18b might look like first-hand Credit: Amanda Smith And they revealed that the best scenario that explains the discovery is that the planet is "teeming with life". The alien world is 120 lightyears away, and about 2.5x the size of Earth. Astronomers spotted a molecule called DMS in the planet's atmosphere. Here on Earth, DMS is produced by the tiny algae that live in the ocean. 6 These microscopic phytoplankton can't be seen with the human eye individually, but show up as coloured patches on water. Similar – but alien – lifeforms might be responsible for the DMS detected with extreme confidence on K2-18b. Lead scientist Professor Nikku Madhusudhan said 'there is no mechanism in the literature that can explain what we are seeing without life'. He told The Sun: 'It's a question humanity has been asking for thousands of years. It's a shock to the system. It takes time to recover from the enormity of it.'
The Irish Sun
22-04-2025
- Science
- The Irish Sun
Exact type of lifeform that could live on brutal Mars surface revealed – even surviving deadly radiation bombardment
A TOUGH lifeform could survive the brutal conditions of Mars. That's the verdict from scientists who spent five hours blasting it with a year's worth of Martian radiation. 6 Mars is a brutal wasteland that is bombarded with dangerous radiation Credit: Nasa 6 Humans would need significant protection to survive on the red planet's surface Credit: Nasa 6 Scientists tested whether two forms of lichen – Cetraria aculeata and Diploschistes muscorum – could survive on Mars Credit: IMA Fungus Lichens are common on Earth, and is known for being hardy. And scientists now think that lichens could survive the ionising radiation that life experiences on Mars. This kind of But Read more on space discoveries Lichens are a strange "symbiotic" relationship between fungus and algae (or cyanobacteria). Scientists were able to show that this lichen relationship remained "metabolically active" even with exposed to Mars-like atmospheric conditions. That included being in darkness, and high X-ray radiation levels. They tested two species of lichen: Diploschistes muscorum and Cetraria aculeata. Most read in Science And they found that the former was cabale or surviving those brutal conditions – giving hope for the survival of an alien off-Earth lichen colony. "Our study is the first to demonstrate that the metabolism of the fungal partner in lichen symbiosis remained active while being in an environment resembling the surface of Mars," said Kaja Skubała, of Jagiellonian University in Kraków, Poland, who led the research. Astronomer reacts to James Webb Space Telescope image of distant galaxies "We found that Diploschistes muscorum was able to carry out metabolic processes and activate defence mechanisms effectively. "These findings expand our understanding of biological processes under simulated Martian conditions. "And reveal how hydrated organisms respond to ionising radiation – one of the most critical challenges for survival and habitability on Mars. "Ultimately, this research deepens our knowledge of lichen adaptation and their potential for colonising extraterrestrial environments." 6 Sadly, this doesn't mean scientists have found – or will ever find – lichen already living on Mars. But it means that an alien colony of lichen could potentially survive Mars' harsh conditions. HUNTING FOR E.T. It comes in the same month as scientists revealing they're almost certain they've spotted a Top astronomers at the University of Cambridge told The Sun they are 99.7% confident they've spotted the best-ever signal of biological activity on 6 This is what the ocean world of K2-18b might look like first-hand Credit: Amanda Smith And they revealed that the best scenario that explains the discovery is that the planet is "teeming with life". The alien world is 120 lightyears away, and about 2.5x the size of Earth. Astronomers spotted a molecule called DMS in the planet's atmosphere. Here on Earth, DMS is produced by the tiny algae that live in the ocean. 6 These microscopic phytoplankton can't be seen with the human eye individually, but show up as coloured patches on water. Similar – but alien – lifeforms might be responsible for the DMS detected with extreme confidence on K2-18b. Lead scientist Professor Nikku Madhusudhan said 'there is no mechanism in the literature that can explain what we are seeing without life'. He told The Sun: 'It's a question humanity has been asking for thousands of years. It's a shock to the system. It takes time to recover from the enormity of it.' WHAT IS A HYCEAN WORLD? THE STORY OF K2-18b SO FAR Here's what you need to know... A Hycean world is a type of exoplanet – or planet outside of our solar system. Specifically, it's a planet that has both a liquid water ocean and a hydrogen-rich atmosphere. That's where the name comes from: Hycean is 'hydrogen' and 'ocean' combined. It was coined as a term in 2021 by astronomers at the University of Cambridge. Scientists think they're a top location to hunt for alien life. They expect life on Hycean worlds to be aquatic – that means no land mammals like here on Earth. One of the best candidates for life is K2-18b, because it appears to have both a Hycean atmosphere and biosignatures, or signs of life. The planet is 120 lightyears away from Earth, orbiting the red dwarf start K2-18. It's about 2.6 times bigger than Earth and has a 33-day orbit. K2-18b gets about the same amount of sunlight from its star as Earth receives from the Sun. It was first discovered in 2015, and water vapour was found in the atmosphere in 2019. Then in 2023, the James Webb Space Telescope picked up carbon dioxide and methane in the atmosphere. Scientists later predicted that we might find potential biosignatures linked to life in the water ocean they believe to be on the planet. And in April 2025, scientists were finally able to say with 99.7% certainty the presence of a biosignature: a type of molecule called DMS, which is produced by marine phytoplankton here on Earth. It might mean that similar lifeforms exist on K2-18b too. Picture Credit: Nasa
