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The Hill
an hour ago
- Science
- The Hill
Should we stop Asteroid 2024 YR4 from hitting the moon?
Asteroid 2024 YR4 has popped up on the news again, offering both peril and opportunities, A few months ago, NASA noted that 2024 YR4 had a 3.1 percent chance of hitting the Earth in 2032. Since the rock is 50 to 90 meters in diameter, if it were to hit the Earth, it would cause an explosion equivalent to a nuclear bomb with the accompanying devastation. Subsequently, NASA dialed down the threat 2024 YR4 posed to the Earth and everyone breathed a sigh of relief. Now, the Earth approaching asteroid has a new target. A small chance exists that it will hit the moon in 2032. The prospect presents new dangers, though not as great as the destruction of a city. According to ZME Science, new data from the James Webb Space Telescope, 2024 YR4 has a 4.3 percent chance of hitting the moon on December 22, 2032. 'If 2024 YR4 hits, it will create a blast equivalent to 6.5 million tons of TNT. The resulting crater would stretch about a kilometer across — bigger than almost any the Moon has seen in the last 5,000 years.' Depending on whether the asteroid hits the near side of the moon —a 50-50 chance assuming it hits it at all — about 10 percent of the debris, about 100 million kilograms, ranging in size from flecks of dust to a small pebbles, could be captured by the Earth's gravity and reach the atmosphere in perhaps three to five days. Little if any debris kicked up by a lunar impact would threaten the Earth's surface. At most, it would cause a spectacular meteor shower unlike anything in our lifetimes. Both scientists and casual sky watchers will be intrigued at this once in several millennia event. The effects on space assets are another matter, however. Satellites, ranging from relatively small Comsats to commercial space stations expected to be in operation by the 2030s, will be subjected to tiny objects traveling at tens of thousands of meters per second. SpaceX's Starlink constellation will be at particular risk. 'This debris won't likely destroy spacecraft and satellites, but it adds wear and tear,' writes ZME. 'In rare cases, a lucky — or unlucky — piece of rock could disable a satellite or trigger a cascade of debris collisions.' Both NASA and Chinese astronauts may be living and working on the moon at the time 2024 YR4 hits and will be in jeopardy due to falling debris or other hazards. The Lunar Gateway, if it exists in seven years, could also be subject to impacts. What, if anything, can be done about it? The option exists of doing nothing. After all, a four percent chance of the asteroid hitting the moon means a 96 percent chance of it not hitting the moon. However, if the powers that be were to decide to divert 2024 YR4 so that it doesn't hit the moon, the technical task should be relatively easy. NASA has already tested asteroid deflection with its DART mission, which diverted an asteroid named Dimorphos with a kinetic impactor. The economic and political problems facing the diversion of 2024 YR4 are another matter. NASA is currently in turmoil due to proposed draconian budget cuts and a lack of a permanent administrator. The Space Force, which is being lavished with money compared to NASA, might be assigned the task. Indeed, an asteroid diversion mission could be good practice for space operations by America's newest military branch. The other alternative is to perform a redirection mission to 2024 YR4 privately. One of the things that Jared Isaacman, the billionaire entrepreneur whose nomination to be NASA administrator President Trump abruptly withdrew, is contemplating is private science missions. An asteroid redirect mission might fit into that model. One can see SpaceX's Elon Musk financing such a mission. Musk has deep pockets and an incentive to divert 2024 YR4 if it threatens his Starlink constellation. Asteroid diversion might become a good business for private launch companies such as SpaceX. If a really big space rock threatens the Earth, the nations of the world might be willing to pay a lot of money to ward it off. Someone like Elon Musk or Jeff Bezos, founder of SpaceX competitor Blue Origin, might literally save the world for a profit. If such an asteroid is rich in useful natural resources, its diversion to a safe, stable orbit around the Earth would be even more profitable. Access to such a source of minerals could spark a space-based industrial revolution. Save the world and get fabulously wealthy doing so. Someone really should make a movie out of that scenario, before it becomes true life. Mark Whittington, who writes frequently about space policy, has published a political study of space exploration titled 'Why is It So Hard to Go Back to the Moon?' as well as 'The Moon, Mars and Beyond,' and, most recently, 'Why is America Going Back to the Moon?' He blogs at Curmudgeons Corner.
Sustainability Times
an hour ago
- Science
- Sustainability Times
'They're Hiding in the Sun's Glare': Astronomers Detect Giant Asteroids Near Venus That Could Someday Strike Earth
IN A NUTSHELL 🌌 Recent studies reveal that a hidden population of co-orbital asteroids near Venus might eventually shift closer to Earth. near Venus might eventually shift closer to Earth. 🔭 These asteroids, residing in gravitationally stable Lagrange points , exhibit unpredictable orbits over millennia. , exhibit unpredictable orbits over millennia. 🚀 The upcoming Vera Rubin Observatory and NASA's NEO Surveyor are expected to enhance detection capabilities. and NASA's are expected to enhance detection capabilities. 🌍 Understanding and monitoring these asteroids is crucial for assessing any potential long-term risks to our planet. In the vast expanse of our solar system, hidden populations of celestial bodies often go unnoticed. Among these are a group of asteroids known as co-orbitals, which share their path with Venus around the Sun. While their existence has been acknowledged for years, recent studies suggest that some of these asteroids might eventually take a course leading them closer to Earth. Although there is no immediate threat, this revelation emphasizes the importance of keeping a vigilant eye on these elusive objects. Unpredictable Orbits The co-orbital asteroids of Venus reside in gravitationally stable regions known as Lagrange points. According to simulations, these asteroids can develop unstable trajectories over periods exceeding 12,000 years, potentially adopting elongated orbits that increase their likelihood of intersecting with Earth's orbit. Among the 20 identified co-orbitals, three have been projected to approach our planet. These projections, shared in the journal Icarus, pertain to asteroids measuring between 984 and 1,312 feet in diameter. While their size categorizes them as potentially hazardous, none pose a threat for several millennia. The gravitational disturbances these asteroids experience lead to chaotic paths over the long term. A secondary study, currently under review, reinforces this instability even for orbits that initially appear to be less eccentric. This unpredictable nature makes understanding their movements critical for assessing any future risk they might pose to Earth. 'NASA Unveils Cosmic Spectacle': Stunning New Images and Sounds of Andromeda Galaxy Leave Astronomers in Absolute Awe Complex Detection Challenges Detecting these asteroids is a challenging endeavor due to their proximity to the Sun. Terrestrial telescopes can only observe them briefly during twilight hours, with solar brightness and atmospheric distortion significantly hindering detection efforts. However, future advancements in technology promise to revolutionize this search. The upcoming Vera Rubin Observatory in Chile is poised to transform asteroid detection. With its extensive field of view and enhanced sensitivity, it could uncover thousands of new asteroids, including those concealed near Venus. Complementing these efforts, a space-based infrared telescope like NASA's NEO Surveyor would bypass atmospheric interference, providing a clearer picture. These tools are expected to offer a more accurate assessment of any potential risks. Currently, scientists reiterate that there is no immediate threat from these celestial wanderers. 'We Finally Found It': Scientists Reveal the Missing Half of the Universe's Matter Was Hiding in Plain Sight All Along Future Implications and Preparedness The potential for these co-orbital asteroids to alter their paths and come closer to Earth raises important questions about planetary defense and preparedness. While the immediate danger is non-existent, understanding their movements could be crucial in the distant future. The unpredictable nature of their orbits suggests that continued monitoring and research are necessary. By expanding our observational capabilities and refining our understanding of these celestial objects, we can better prepare for any eventualities. The studies underscore the need for international collaboration in tracking and analyzing these asteroids. As we advance our technological capabilities, the hope is to mitigate any long-term risks they might pose to our planet. 'Trees Are Poisoning the Air': Shocking New Study Reveals Natural Plant Defenses May Be Making Pollution Worse Enhancing Our Observational Arsenal To effectively monitor these elusive asteroids, the astronomical community is turning to innovative technologies and methods. The combination of ground-based observatories like the Vera Rubin Observatory and space-based instruments such as the NEO Surveyor is expected to significantly enhance our ability to detect and track these asteroids. These advancements will not only improve our understanding of the asteroids' trajectories but also help refine models predicting their future paths. With a more comprehensive observational arsenal, scientists aim to provide earlier warnings of any potential threats and formulate strategies to address them. This proactive approach is essential for ensuring the safety of our planet in the centuries to come. As we continue to explore the mysteries of our solar system, the presence of these hidden asteroids reminds us of the dynamic nature of the cosmos. While current observations assure us of no imminent threat, the question remains: how can we further enhance our capabilities to safeguard Earth from the unknowns of space? Our author used artificial intelligence to enhance this article. Did you like it? 4.7/5 (29)
India.com
2 hours ago
- Science
- India.com
Ever wonder how Indian astronauts communicate with Earth without a signal? they use...
Ever wonder how Indian astronauts communicate with Earth without a signal? they use... In a historic moment for India's space sector, Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla reached the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the Axiom-4 mission. The Ax-4 mission was launched on June 25 from NASA's Kennedy Space Center, which is located in Florida. Group Captain Shukla, along with other astronauts, took a 28-and-a-half-hour journey on the Dragon spacecraft to reach the ISS. He held a video call with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and also interacted with several Indian students. But do you know how astronauts communicate with Earth when space has no network or mobile towers? Sound Waves Cant Travel As Space Has No Air As we all know, space has no air, and sound waves cannot travel without air, making conventional voice communication impossible. Since sound waves can't be used, astronauts rely on radio waves to communicate with Earth. Notably, sound is a mechanical wave that cannot travel on its own and needs a medium like air or water. The Only Mode Of Communication Is Radio Waves In order to communicate with Earth, astronauts use radio frequencies which is a type of electromagnetic radiation. These waves don't need any medium such as air or water to travel. Astronauts use microphones and transmitters, which are fitted in their helmets, that convert speech into radio signals. These signals then transmitted to Earth through satellite antennas. The ground stations catch these frequencies and convert them back into audio. NASA's Global Communication Network NASA's Space Communications and Navigation (SCaN) system maintains constant contact with spacecraft. This network uses large, strategically placed antennas to ensure uninterrupted communication. Astronauts Use Relay Satellites ISS uses relay satellites to communicate with the Earth. These satellites hover in high Earth orbit and act as intermediaries, catching signals from astronauts and sending those signals to ground stations. The same pattern will be followed whether it's a voice message, video call or an image. Laser-Based Space Communication Is The Future NASA is exploring laser communication technology as a faster, higher-quality alternative to the current radio-based system used for space communication. While radio waves and antenna networks currently maintain contact with spacecraft, laser systems, employing infrared beams, are being developed to significantly improve data transmission speed and clarity.
The Print
2 hours ago
- Health
- The Print
It's official: New object zipping through our solar system is the 3rd known interstellar visitor
Astronomers are gearing up to observe it across different wavelengths to learn about its composition, shape, and origin. Findings could offer insights into planetary formation in other star systems. With advanced telescopes like the Vera C. Rubin Observatory in Chile, scientists said that more such interstellar visitors may soon follow. Its open, hyperbolic path confirms its origin beyond our Sun's gravitational grip. Currently, it is just inside Jupiter's orbit and will pass through the inner solar system in October, providing us a brief but exciting window for study. Signs of a tail visible in it suggest it's behaving like a comet, venting gas and dust as it heats up. New Delhi: Astronomers have spotted a rare celestial visitor: 3I/ATLAS, the third confirmed object from outside our solar system. Discovered on July 1 by a telescope in Chile that's part of NASA's ATLAS project, this object is moving at a record 68 km per second, which is faster than any interstellar body seen before. The discovery was described in a circular by the France-based International Astronomical Union on 2 July. New gene therapy holds promise for the hearing impaired Gene therapy is showing real promise for people with congenital deafness, according to a new international study involving Sweden's Karolinska Institute. In a peer-reviewed paper published on 2 July in Nature Medicine Journal, researchers described how they treated 10 patients, aged 1 to 24, in five different hospitals, who had severe hearing loss caused by mutations in the OTOF gene. This gene affects a protein called otoferlin, which is needed to send sound signals from the ear to the brain. The researchers injected a healthy copy of the gene directly into the inner ear. The results were remarkable with most patients regaining some hearing within a month, and all showed significant improvement after six months. The best responses came from children aged 5 to 8. One seven-year-old even began holding conversations within four months. The treatment was also deemed to be safe, with no serious side effects reported in the first 12 months. Researchers are now looking to expand this approach to treat other genetic causes of deafness, using the same gene therapy method. Also Read: That morning brew could be doing more than just jumpstarting your day—helping your cells age gracefully Forest collapse some 252 million years ago A new study has revealed that the worst extinction event on the Earth, 252 million years ago, led to the collapse of tropical forests, whose effects were felt for millions of years after. During what is known as the Permian-Triassic 'Great Dying' event, there was a lot of global warming caused by volcanic activity in Siberia. This global warming was seen as the main reason why most of the living beings died off. But scientists were confused about why the Earth's temperature remained so high even millions of years after the eruptions. Now, researchers from the University of Leeds and the China University of Geosciences in a new peer-reviewed study published 2 July in Nature Communications Journal suggest that the destruction of tropical forests due to the extinction event drastically slowed down carbon sequestration—the process by which plants trap carbon dioxide. Without forests, CO₂ built up and stayed in the atmosphere, keeping the planet hot. They studied ancient fossils and rocks to reconstruct changes in plant life and climate. Their data matched simulations showing how forest loss could explain the prolonged warming. The findings, according to the study, serve as a stark warning: if today's tropical forests collapse due to climate change, we might trigger a similar long-term climate crisis. The first ever complete human genome sequenced from Egypt In a new breakthrough, Italian and British scientists have sequenced the first complete human genome from ancient Egypt, using DNA extracted from a 4,500 to 4,800-year-old skeleton. The study was published in Nature Journal on 2 July. The man whose genome was sequenced lived during the era of the first pyramids and was buried in a hillside tomb in southern Egypt. Genetic analysis shows his ancestry was about 80 percent North African and 20 percent West Asian, which shows the first ever DNA-based evidence of human movement between Egypt and Mesopotamia. The remains reveal signs of hard physical labour, possibly as a potter, though the elaborate burial suggests a higher social status. Extracting ancient DNA from Egypt has long been a challenge due to heat-related degradation of the samples, but new techniques have made this feat possible. This individual's genome opens a new window into Egypt's early history and human migration. Researchers hope future collaborations with Egyptian institutions will expand understanding of ancestry and movement in the ancient world. (Edited by Tony Rai) Also Read: Where no humanoid has gone before: Italian scientists develop world's first flying robot
Washington Post
4 hours ago
- Science
- Washington Post
Citizen scientists pinpoint 10,000 eclipsing star pairs
Citizen scientists have successfully located thousands of previously unknown pairs of 'eclipsing binary' stars, NASA announced in June. The ongoing initiative helps space researchers hunt for 'eclipsing binary' stars, a rare phenomenon in which two stars orbit one another, periodically blocking each other's light. These star pairs offer important data to astrophysicists, who consider the many measurable properties of eclipsing binaries — and the information they bear about the history of star formation and destruction — as a foundation of the field.
