Latest news with #extraterrestrial
Gizmodo
3 hours ago
- Science
- Gizmodo
What Whale Bubbles Can Teach Us About Alien Communication
A new study analyzes 12 events in which whales may have tried to communicate with humans. Researchers have decided that a potentially good way to prepare for future contact with extraterrestrial beings is by studying…whale bubbles. No, it's not a joke—researchers from the SETI Institute, the University of California, Davis (UC Davis), and several partner institutions recently published a paper describing humpback whales blowing bubble rings during friendly interactions with humans. While this might not seem like a shocking action, the behavior provides insight into non-human intelligence, with important implications for our ongoing search for alien life. 'Because of current limitations on technology, an important assumption of the search for extraterrestrial intelligence is that extraterrestrial intelligence and life will be interested in making contact and so target human receivers,' Laurance Doyle, SETI Institute scientist and co-author of the study published last month in the journal Marine Mammal Science, said in an institute statement. 'This important assumption is certainly supported by the independent evolution of curious behavior in humpback whales.' While researchers had previously documented humpback whales creating bubble nets to capture prey and using bubbles to vie for female whales, the study examines the cetaceans blowing bubble rings during amicable interactions with humans. Doyle and his colleagues studied 12 bubble ring events involving 11 whales and 39 rings, behaviors that may represent playfulness or an attempt at communication. Jodi Frediani, a co-lead author of the study and marine wildlife photographer affiliated with UC Davis, explained that humpback whales frequently interact with boats and even swimmers in a curious, friendly way. 'Humpback whales live in complex societies, are acoustically diverse, use bubble tools and assist other species being harassed by predators,' added Fred Sharpe, also a co-lead author of the study from UC Davis. 'Now, akin to a candidate signal [from extraterrestrial life], we show they are blowing bubble rings in our direction in an apparent attempt to playfully interact, observe our response, and/or engage in some form of communication.' Chances are that, should we ever establish contact with extraterrestrials, their form of communication won't be what we expect. By analyzing intelligent nonhuman communication systems—such as whales blowing bubbles while engaging with boats and people—scientists can broaden their understanding of unfamiliar forms of communication and refine what we should look for in our search for life beyond Earth. The goal is to be better prepared if or when contact occurs. Simply put, whale bubbles can be an analog for an alien language. Their approach is the latest in a host of efforts to simulate extraterrestrial scenarios and hypothesize how we might ultimately come into contact with an alien species.
Sustainability Times
2 days ago
- Science
- Sustainability Times
'We Are Finding Clues to Alien Existence': Robot Sent to Crack Jupiter's Frozen Shell in Wild Mission to Detect Life Beyond Earth
IN A NUTSHELL 🚀 NASA shifts focus from Europa to Enceladus, prioritizing more favorable exploration conditions. shifts focus from Europa to Enceladus, prioritizing more favorable exploration conditions. 🛰️ The Europa Clipper mission faced challenges due to intense radiation and harsh environments. mission faced challenges due to intense radiation and harsh environments. 🔧 Technological innovations developed for Europa can be adapted for Enceladus exploration. 🌊 Enceladus offers promising opportunities to search for biosignatures in its water plumes. In the ever-evolving landscape of space exploration, NASA's quest to uncover the mysteries of our solar system takes a fascinating turn. While the Europa Clipper mission was initially poised to unlock the secrets of Jupiter's icy moon, Europa, the focus has now shifted to another celestial body. Enceladus, Saturn's enigmatic moon, with its potential subsurface oceans and intriguing plumes, beckons scientists with the promise of discovering extraterrestrial life. This article delves into the journey of innovation and exploration that has led us to this pivotal moment in space exploration. The Allure of Icy Moons The allure of Europa and Enceladus lies in their potential to harbor life, hidden beneath their icy surfaces. These celestial bodies offer a tantalizing possibility of subsurface oceans, where life could potentially thrive. Europa, a moon of Jupiter, and Enceladus, a moon of Saturn, have captured the imagination of scientists for decades. Their icy crusts, concealing vast oceans, make them two of the most promising candidates for the search for extraterrestrial life within our solar system. Despite the initial excitement surrounding the Europa Clipper mission, NASA faced significant challenges. Europa's intense radiation, stemming from Jupiter, posed a severe threat to the mission's success. The lander's electronics would have been vulnerable, and communication would have been limited due to Europa's unique orbit. Moreover, the harsh cold and lack of communication satellites further complicated the mission. Nonetheless, NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) persevered, developing a prototype robot capable of withstanding Europa's icy terrain. This innovation laid the groundwork for future missions, albeit on a different moon. 'Tesla's Dream, Hyundai's Reality': Ten Years Later, the Electric Car King Faces a Brutal Fall From the Top Technological Innovations for Space Exploration The Europa Clipper mission, although redirected, brought forth remarkable technological advancements. The prototype lander designed for Europa was a marvel of engineering, equipped with legs for safe landings and a stereoscopic camera for navigation. One of its standout features was the 'ICEPICK' tool, capable of collecting samples from 7.87 inches deep, a crucial capability for analyzing potential biosignatures. Moreover, the lander boasted autonomous software, allowing it to make critical decisions with limited power and communication time. Rigorous field tests on Alaska's Matanuska Glacier validated the lander's capabilities, simulating the harsh conditions it would face on Europa. These innovations not only demonstrated NASA's prowess but also paved the way for exploring other icy worlds, such as Enceladus. These Creeping Vineyard Robots Use Insect-Like Legs to Annihilate Weeds With Ruthless Precision and Rock-Bottom Costs Enceladus: A New Frontier As NASA's decadal strategy shifted focus, Enceladus emerged as the next frontier for exploration. This moon of Saturn presents a more hospitable environment compared to Europa. Enceladus experiences lower radiation levels, making it a more viable candidate for detecting biosignatures. Its intriguing water plumes, potentially rich in molecules essential for life, offer an exciting opportunity for scientific discovery. The lessons learned from the Europa prototype are invaluable for a potential Enceladus mission. The robot's design and capabilities can be adapted to explore Enceladus's surface, where biosignatures could be preserved longer. While the dream of exploring Europa's deep ocean with a submersible remains, the technological leap required is substantial. For now, Enceladus promises a more accessible yet equally thrilling target for space exploration. 'They Morph Like Liquid Metal': Scientists Reveal Mini-Robot Swarm That Shape-Shifts Just Like in Sci-Fi Movies A Path Forward in Space Exploration The journey from Europa to Enceladus exemplifies the dynamic nature of space exploration. It showcases the resilience and adaptability of NASA's scientists and engineers, who continuously strive to unravel the mysteries of our solar system. While Europa remains a tantalizing prospect, the shift to Enceladus demonstrates a pragmatic approach, leveraging existing technology and expertise. As we look to the future, the exploration of icy moons like Enceladus holds the potential to redefine our understanding of life in the universe. The innovations developed for these missions not only enhance our knowledge but also inspire future generations to reach for the stars. What new discoveries await us on Enceladus, and how will they shape our quest to find life beyond Earth? Our author used artificial intelligence to enhance this article. Did you like it? 4.5/5 (22)
Gizmodo
2 days ago
- Science
- Gizmodo
NASA Pulls the Plug on Europa Lander, but Scientists Propose a Plan B
NASA engineers have spent the past decade developing a rugged, partially autonomous lander designed to explore Europa, one of Jupiter's most intriguing moons. The space agency got cold feet over the project, but engineers are now targeting a new destination for the probe: Enceladus. Europa has long been a prime target in the search for extraterrestrial biology because scientists suspect it harbors a subsurface ocean beneath its icy crust, potentially teeming with microbial life. But the robot—packed with radiation shielding, cutting-edge software, and ice-drilling appendages—won't be going anywhere anytime soon. In a recent paper in Science Robotics, engineers at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) outlined the design and testing of what was once the Europa Lander prototype, a four-legged robotic explorer built to survive the brutal surface conditions of the Jovian moon. The robot was designed to walk—as opposed to roll—analyze terrain, collect samples, and drill into Europa's icy crust—all with minimal guidance from Earth, due to the major communication lag between our planet and the moon 568 million miles (914 million kilometers) away. Designed to operate autonomously for hours at a time, the bot came equipped with stereoscopic cameras, a robotic arm, LED lights, and a suite of specialized materials tough enough to endure harsh radiation and bone-chilling cold. Temperatures on the moon range from about -210 degrees Fahrenheit (-134 degrees Celsius) at its equator to as low as -370 degrees F (-223 degrees C) at its poles. After years of development—including testing in JPL's labs, advanced simulations, and a final field trial on icy terrain in Alaska—the Europa Lander aced its tests. It was ready to take on the solar system's frosty frontier. But the space agency has now pulled the plug on the mission. According to the team, the challenges of getting to Europa—its radiation exposure, immense distance, and short observation windows—proved too daunting for NASA's higher-ups. And that's before you take into consideration the devastating budget cuts planned by the Trump administration, which would see the agency's funding fall from $7.3 billion to $3.9 billion. The lander, once the centerpiece of a bold astrobiology initiative, is now essentially mothballed. But the engineers aren't giving up. They're now lobbying for the robot to get a second shot—on Enceladus, Saturn's ice-covered moon, which also boasts a subsurface ocean and has proven more favorable for robotic exploration. Enceladus is still frigid, but has lower radiation and better access windows than Europa. Whether the ice-walker gets a new lease on its semi-autonomous life remains to be seen. But the robot was built for a moonwalk—albeit a relatively rigid and clanky one—and it deserves its moment.
CNN
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- CNN
No aliens here: Research disputes possible ‘signs of life' on another planet
No aliens here: Research disputes possible 'signs of life' on another planet In response to hints of "biosignatures" found on a world called K2-18b, new research suggests there's a lot of uncertainty surrounding the exoplanet. CNN's Ashley Strickland reports on the ongoing scientific discourse around the search for extraterrestrial life. 00:43 - Source: CNN Student works shift after graduation. Customer raises $200k High school senior Mykale Baker went to his high school graduation, and after, decided to get some food for his family at Burger King, which is where he works. After seeing how short staffed they were, he decided to help out the team. Maria Mendoza saw him at work and started a GoFundMe page for him, which has raised almost $200 thousand dollars towards his college fund. 01:35 - Source: CNN Fans wait for hours to buy Nintendo Switch 2 Eager gaming fans lined up for hours to buy the Nintendo Switch 2 after it hit shelves around the world on June 5. It's Nintendo's first major console launch since the original Switch arrived roughly eight years ago. 00:25 - Source: CNN Greta Thunberg sails to Gaza Greta Thunberg has set sail with eleven other activists to Gaza. The activist group they're part of, The Freedom Flotilla Coalition, is attempting to bring aid and raise international awareness over the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the territory. 00:59 - Source: CNN Judge threatens to remove 'Diddy' from his own trial US District Judge Arun Subramanian warned the defense team for Sean 'Diddy' Combs that he will be removed from the New York City court room where he is on trial facing charges that include racketeering, sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution. 01:18 - Source: CNN 'Good Night, and Good Luck's' scenic designer discusses how he created George Clooney's Broadway newsroom Scenic Designer Scott Pask recreated the CBS newsroom and Edward R. Murrow's set for "Good Night, and Good Luck," the play that brings the 1950s McCarthy-era drama to life. Pask tells CNN why architectural accuracy is important for a play that's about 'speaking truth to power.' Tune in to CNN on Saturday, June 7 at 7pm to watch the play broadcast live from Broadway's Winter Garden Theatre. 02:13 - Source: CNN Police shut down All-American Rejects backyard gig in college town The All-American Rejects played a backyard gig in Columbia, Missouri, as part of their House Party Tour protesting against expensive arena shows. Police eventually shut it down, but not before letting the band play one final song. 01:05 - Source: CNN Bringing 1950s style to Broadway Costume Designer Brenda Abbandandolo mixed vintage, thrifted clothing with precise recreations of 1950s style to bring the Broadway play Good Night, and Good Luck to life. She tells CNN how she approached dressing George Clooney and Ilana Glazer with historic authenticity. Tune in to CNN on Saturday, June 7 at 7pm to watch the play broadcast live from Broadway's Winter Garden Theatre. 01:53 - Source: CNN Cassie Ventura's friend testifies Diddy held her over a balcony Bryana Bongolan, a friend of Cassie Ventura who goes by Bana, testified today about an incident with Sean 'Diddy' Combs in 2016 when she said that she was 'held over a 17-story balcony' by the music mogul. CNN's Elizabeth Wagmeister reports. 01:48 - Source: CNN Trans high school athlete wins events amid controversy A transgender athlete, whose participation sparked a national controversy and a temporary rule change, took first place in two of her three events in the California High School Track and Field Championship. 01:09 - Source: CNN How fish skin saved this child's life Eliana DeVos received a dressing made with fish skin to help her recover from a serious bacterial infection that left an open wound on her neck. CNN's Jacqueline Howard spoke with Eliana's mom and her health team at Driscoll Children's Hospital about the healing process. 02:30 - Source: CNN Millions of bees buzz around Washington state roads after truck overturns Millions of bees escape after a truck carrying honeybee hives overturned in Whatcom County, Washington, and rolled into a ditch. Local beekeepers were called to the scene. 00:42 - Source: CNN Taylor Swift buys back her entire music catalogue Roughly six years after Taylor Swift protested the sale of her master recordings by her former record label, she now owns her entire catalog of music. Swift announced the news in a letter posted to her website. 01:28 - Source: CNN 108-year-old submarine wreck seen in new footage Researchers from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution captured close-up images of a WWI-era submarine lost at sea 108 years ago. 00:40 - Source: CNN Car flies off the road, crashes into a roof Video shows a car fly off the road and into a veterans hall in Missouri, police say as a result of speeding. This is the second time in three months a car crashed into the same building. The veterans hall will be closed for months for a second time after the latest crash, according to CNN affiliate KCTV. 00:38 - Source: CNN 'The Handmaid's Tale' star reacts to parting scene with June O-T Fagbenle reflects on wrapping "The Handmaid's Tale," Luke's evolution, and the emotional final scene with June as the series ends after six seasons. 02:04 - Source: CNN Elephant seal in Cape Town wanders into suburbia, stops traffic and wins the hearts of locals A Southern elephant seal makes a surprise visit to the residential neighborhood of Gordon's Bay in Cape Town, South Africa, and triggers an almost nine-hour rescue effort to return him to the coast. 00:57 - Source: CNN Why e.l.f. just bought Hailey Bieber's beauty brand for $1 billion e.l.f. Beauty is buying Hailey Bieber's makeup brand, Rhode, for $1 billion. Founded in 2022, Bieber's brand racked up $212 million in net sales in its last fiscal year. 01:11 - Source: CNN
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Science
- Daily Mail
Blind psychic Baba Vanga's world-changing 2025 prophecy set to occur at major televised event
A blind psychic, who allegedly foretold 9/11 and the COVID-19 pandemic, also made a world-changing prediction that humans will make contact with alien life this year. Baba Vanga, who died in 1996, was a Bulgarian mystic and clairvoyant who became a cult figure among conspiracy theorists after several of her pronouncements proved eerily true. This new prophecy for 2025 predicted that a 'new light in the sky' will appear during a major sporting event and people from the around the world would see it. Specifically, the Baba Vanga's vision described a UFO appearing over the event, allowing humanity to meet extraterrestrials for the first time - and the prophet said it would bring answers, not fear. Her 2025 prediction did not reveal which sporting event this would happen at, or what country it would take place in. Baba Vanga left no written records of her predictions. Most of the accounts come from her niece, Krasimira Stoyanova, or other followers who documented her alleged visions after her death who have been said to misinterpret what she said. News of the decades-old prediction comes as governments around the world have begun publicly discussing what they know about unidentified aerial phenomena (UAPs). In the US, the Trump Administration has ordered the declassification of several top-secret topics, including government investigations into UFO sightings and alien life. Although the 2025 prediction was left vague, those who have interpreted Baba Vanga's prophecy believe the light clearly refers to an extraterrestrial spacecraft appearing over an unnamed sports venue. There is also speculation that the light could refer to a meteor shower, the Northern Lights, or the expected supernova of T Coronae Borealis Nova 3,000 light years away, which would be visible from Earth. Many believers thought this event would take place during the Super Bowl in February, which is one of the most viewed television events worldwide, but that did not happen. Baba Vanga's track record as a seer of future events rivaled the centuries-old reputation of Nostradamus. She is credited with predicting the destruction of the Russian submarine Kursk, which sank in the Barents Sea in 2000. Baba Vanga also said that 'two metal birds will crash into American brothers, and blood will spill,' which believers said accurately described the 9/11 terror attacks. Other prophecies that came true include the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami that killed over 230,000, the election of Barack Obama in 2008, and the rise of the Islamic terror group ISIS in 2010. Baba Vanga even foretold her own death correctly, revealing that she would die on August 11, 1996 at the age of 85. However, there have been several misses along the way, including a prediction that there would be a nuclear war from 2010 to 2016. She also is said to have incorrectly predicted that Europe would be deserted by 2016 after many wars and chemical attacks, and that several world leaders would be assassinated during the same year in the 2000s. The question of whether UFOs exist appears to be reaching a boiling point, as more and more whistleblowers come forward to say that humans have already made contact with alien life. In the US, Arizona has become a major hotspot for UFO sightings, with one former Customs and Border Protection official saying over 100 agents have reported seeing unidentified objects flying over America in recent years. That includes a military fighter plane colliding with an alleged UFO over the US Air Force's Barry Goldwater Range in 2023. Meanwhile, scientists in South America have claimed that they are in possession of both alien bodies and a strange space probe. In Peru, scientists probing 'alien mummies' recently shared new findings that they claim proves the specimens are '100 percent real.' Dozens of these mysterious, mummified bodies were discovered in the Nazca desert by journalist and ufologist Jaime Maussan, sparking years of investigation into their origins. In Colombia, a so-called 'UFO' was spotted in March over the town of Buga, zig-zagging through the sky in a way that defies the movement of conventional aircraft. That same object was allegedly recovered shortly after it landed and has since been analyzed by scientists, who discovered it features three layers of metal-like material and 18 microspheres surrounding a central nucleus they are calling 'a chip.' Dr Jose Luis Velazquez, a radiologist who examined the sphere, reported finding 'no welds or joints,' which would typically provide a clue that humans made it. As for Baba Vanga's prediction, there are still several major sporting event still to come in 2025. Those include tennis Wimbledon championship in July, baseball's World Series in October, and the Formula 1 Championship in December.
