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Nasa

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New Aircraft Wing Undergoes Crucial NASA Icing Testing

  • NASA researchers are testing a concept for a transonic truss-braced wing to determine its susceptibility to ice buildup.
  • The design of transonic truss-braced wings generates less drag, resulting in reduced fuel consumption.
  • The research team has found that certain sections of the wing will require an ice protection system.
  • The testing and data collection will inform the safety, performance, and integration of these wings into future aircraft.

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NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Views IM-2 on Moon’s Surface

  • NASA’s LRO imaged Intuitive Machines’ IM-2 on the Moon’s surface on March 7
  • Intuitive Machines called an early end of mission for IM-2
  • The IM-2 mission lander is located closer to the Moon’s South Pole than any previous lunar lander
  • NASA’s LRO has collected a treasure trove of data with its seven powerful instruments

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Livescience

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Best solar eclipse glasses to stay safe when viewing the partial solar eclipse on March 29

  • Specialized solar eclipse glasses are crucial for safe viewing of the partial solar eclipse on March 29, offering thousands of times more protection than regular sunglasses.
  • Brands falsely labeling glasses as 'NASA-approved' should be avoided, as NASA does not approve solar eclipse glasses.
  • Recommended solar eclipse glasses are all ISO 12312-2:2015(E) certified for safety compliance.
  • The Celestron EclipSmart Safe Solar Power Viewers offer magnification while adhering to safety standards but require manual holding up.
  • The EclipSmart Solar Shades Observing Kit provides a cost-effective option with four pairs of glasses and safety guide.
  • Lunt Solar Eclipse Glasses offer 100% UV and infrared ray protection, though the frames may need additional support while wearing.
  • Lunt Junior-size Eclipse Glasses cater to children under 10, providing the same safety measures in smaller, kid-friendly frames.
  • Soluna Solar Eclipse Glasses offer affordability without compromising on safety, with authenticity verification through an Amazon transparency label.
  • Eclipsee Solar Eclipse Glasses are more durable with a plastic body, suitable for multiple eclipse events and certified by NASA.
  • It is crucial to use only ISO-certified solar eclipse glasses to prevent eye damage during solar eclipse events, as regular sunglasses do not provide sufficient protection.

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Guardian

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Doge cuts allow Musk to cash in with SpaceX and Starlink contracts, ex-workers warn

  • Former agency employees warn that Elon Musk may be working to privatize space and satellite operations currently under NOAA or direct contracts towards SpaceX and Starlink.
  • This move raises conflict of interest concerns given Trump's ties with Musk, who aims to reduce federal workforce and costs through his 'department of government efficiency' (Doge).
  • Critics suggest Musk might be leveraging his position to benefit his companies at the expense of government funding distribution.
  • Potential contracts from NOAA could provide SpaceX with a significant financial advantage in the growing US space market, valued at nearly $2tn over the next decade.
  • Former employees express concerns about Musk's access to competitors' confidential information at NOAA and the consolidation of control over essential communications infrastructure in the hands of a wealthy businessman.
  • Trump Jr.'s investment firm's purchase of $50m in SpaceX shares after a firing spree at NOAA raises speculation about potential conflicts of interest.
  • SpaceX and Starlink are central players in the satellite and space industries, with SpaceX praised as a reliable partner before Musk's attacks on NOAA operations.
  • New contracts being pushed towards Starlink by federal agencies like FAA and US Government Services Administration raise concerns about potential monopolies and conflicts of interest.
  • The privatization of NOAA weather forecasting data, potential monopolization of radio frequency spectrum, and influence over space traffic coordination by Musk's companies raise broader concerns about reliability and control.
  • Noaa employees highlight the critical role of Noaa's weather data and satellite operations in providing reliable forecasts and monitoring space weather to protect vital infrastructure and services.

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Earthsky

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Human evolution complexity revealed in astonishing new study

  • A recent study on human evolution suggests that early human ancestors split into two groups 1.5 million years ago, then merged 300,000 years ago to form modern humans.
  • Researchers utilized DNA from living individuals to trace human evolution and developed a new tool called cobraa to model population changes.
  • Genetic evidence indicates that one group contributed 80% of modern humans’ DNA, while the other contributed 20%, potentially influencing brain function.
  • Previously, it was believed that early modern humans descended from a single lineage, but genetic research now reveals a more complex origin story.
  • Findings show that distinct human populations diverged over a million years before merging to give rise to modern humans.
  • Around 50,000 years ago, modern humans interbred with Neanderthals and Denisovans, with modern humans outside Africa carrying about 2% of DNA from these ancient humans.
  • The study used genomes from the 1000 Genomes Project and a statistical method called cobraa to analyze genetic mixing between ancient human populations.
  • Major contributions to modern human genetics came from a population that split from the other group 1.5 million years ago and survived through genetic bottlenecks.
  • Some genes inherited from the population with a minor genetic contribution may have played key roles in human evolution, particularly in brain function.
  • The research highlights the complexity of human evolution and the rich history encoded in our DNA, revealing a previously unknown level of ancestral structure shared by all modern humans.

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Earthsky

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2024’s Hurricane Helene was deadliest in US since Katrina

  • The National Hurricane Center reported that Hurricane Helene, a Category 4 storm that hit Florida in late September 2024, caused the deaths of 249 people.
  • This makes Hurricane Helene the deadliest hurricane in the United States since Katrina in 2005, which claimed nearly 1,400 lives.
  • Of the 249 fatalities from Helene, 175 were direct deaths resulting from the storm's impacts like flooding, tornadoes, and high winds.
  • Ninety-four people died from freshwater flooding and landslides, with 77 fatalities occurring in North Carolina mountains.
  • Sixty-five deaths were attributed to direct wind impacts, with Georgia experiencing the most wind-related fatalities.
  • There were 14 storm surge-related fatalities, all recorded in Florida.
  • The hurricane caused an estimated $78.7 billion in damages, ranking it as the 7th costliest hurricane in U.S. history.
  • Georgia's agriculture and timber industry suffered a $5.5 billion loss, and North Carolina's timberland saw significant damage.
  • Helene's heavy rain triggered catastrophic flooding in Tennessee, North Carolina, and Virginia, leading to landslides and road destruction.
  • The aftermath of Hurricane Helene required the rescue of 2,700 people from high water, with significant rescues in Florida and North Carolina.

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Earthsky

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See colorful giant exoplanets in astonishing new Webb images

  • NASA's Webb space telescope captured images of five young, giant exoplanets in HR 8799 and 51 Eridani systems, all having carbon dioxide-rich atmospheres.
  • Direct imaging of exoplanets is challenging due to their distance and dimness but Webb's advancements enabled this feat.
  • The planets in HR 8799 and 51 Eridani systems were observed as bright dots in blue, green, and red.
  • All five planets analyzed by Webb were found to have atmospheres rich in carbon dioxide and heavy elements more than previously thought.
  • The findings suggest these exoplanets formed similar to Jupiter and Saturn through core accretion, attracting gas from protoplanetary disks.
  • Understanding the formation of other planetary systems aids in comprehending our own solar system's origin.
  • These observations can potentially help in determining how commonplace core accretion is for directly imaged planets.
  • Webb's images provide insights into the diversity of exoplanetary systems and their potential differences from our own solar system.
  • Further observations are planned to confirm the nature of observed objects in HR 8799 and 51 Eridani systems.
  • Studying these young, colorful giant exoplanets enhances our knowledge of planetary formation processes and their role in the universe.

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Livescience

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Best solar binoculars 2025: Observe the partial solar eclipse this week

  • A partial solar eclipse is set to occur on March 29, prompting recommendations for the best solar binoculars for safe observation, such as Celestron EclipSmart 10x42.
  • Regular binoculars are not suitable for solar viewing; solar binoculars have specialized solar-safe filters to protect the eyes from harmful rays during solar events.
  • The Celestron EclipSmart 10x42 is highlighted as the best overall solar binoculars, offering good build quality, affordability, and ISO-certified solar-safe filters.
  • Lunt 8x32 Sunoculars are recommended as the best compact solar binoculars, known for their bright, attractive design and portability.
  • For those on a budget, the Celestron EclipSmart 10x25 Solar Binoculars are a great option, providing adequate eye protection at a bargain price.
  • Seeking higher magnification? The Celestron EclipSmart 20x50 offers a closer view of the sun, requiring a tripod for steady views but delivering impressive magnification.
  • Children can enjoy solar viewing with the Lunt 6x30 Mini Sunoculars, designed for small hands and offering safe solar observation in vibrant color options.
  • Key considerations include magnification, objective lens diameter, field of view, eye relief, weight, and dimensions when selecting solar binoculars suitable for the purpose.
  • Testing of solar binoculars ensures they meet safety standards, offer good build quality, comfort, ease of use, and quality imaging for solar observations.

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Earthsky

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What fuels powerful winds? Answers from a weather scientist

  • Powerful winds that create dust storms, blizzards, and more are caused by changes in air pressure from high to low pressure regions.
  • Air moves based on pressure differentials, with greater differences resulting in faster winds.
  • Earth's rotation causes winds to spiral around areas of high and low pressure.
  • Pressure gradients, influenced by Earth's round shape and rotation, lead to strong winds.
  • The jet stream, strong winds at high altitudes, affects surface winds with its waves and variations.
  • Changes in pressure over distance create pressure gradients, which cause winds to spiral around pressure systems.
  • Strong winds from high to low pressure can lead to dust storms, wildfires, tornadoes, and blizzards.
  • Local factors like terrain and thunderstorms can intensify winds, with tornadoes having some of nature's strongest winds.
  • Tornado winds are associated with intense pressure gradients and may reach speeds of 300 mph.
  • Overall, powerful winds result from air seeking stability between high and low pressure areas.

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Guardian

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Alien hopes crash to earth as glowing spiral over UK traced to SpaceX rocket

  • A large, glowing spiral observed in the sky over the UK was believed to be caused by a SpaceX rocket.
  • The spiral was initially mistaken for an aircraft or extraterrestrial activity, but it was later attributed to a launch at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.
  • The display was caused by the frozen exhaust plume of the Falcon 9 rocket, which appeared to be spinning and reflecting sunlight.
  • The spiral was visible across Europe, with many people sharing footage and imagery on social media.

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Knowridge

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The most distant known galaxy already had oxygen

  • The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has discovered galaxies formed very early in the Universe, challenging our understanding of galactic evolution.
  • The most distant known galaxy, JADES-GS-z14-0, is seen at an age of less than 300 million years.
  • Observations from ALMA found the presence of oxygen in JADES-GS-z14-0, suggesting the galaxy had enough heavier elements to start forming the second generation of stars.
  • The detection of oxygen in the early galaxy indicates that within less than 300 million years, the Universe was forming diverse stars and had the elements necessary to form the building blocks of life.

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Earthsky

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Spring Triangle in the east at night, heralding the season

  • The Spring Triangle is an asterism of the 3 bright stars Arcturus, Spica, and Regulus at its corners, heralding the arrival of warmer weather in the Northern Hemisphere around the March equinox.
  • These stars rise in the east after dark, indicating the transition to shorter nights and springtime.
  • The Spring Triangle is entirely above the horizon before midnight in March and by early April, its stars are visible by mid-evening.
  • Comprising stars from Leo, Boötes, and Virgo, the Spring Triangle is not an official constellation but an asterism that guides stargazers towards the changing season.
  • Regulus, Arcturus, and Spica are the key stars in the Spring Triangle, each belonging to different constellations.
  • Regulus, a four-star system, marks the Lion's heart in Leo and is a bright yellowish star in the night sky.
  • Arcturus, a red giant star, is the brightest in the Spring Triangle and is visible in the evenings for those in northerly latitudes.
  • Spica, a bluish-white star in Virgo, appears lower in the sky than Arcturus and is part of the triangle that heralds the arrival of spring.
  • An additional triangle can be seen within the Spring Triangle, including Denebola, the second brightest star in Leo.
  • Stargazers can use the Big Dipper as a guide to locate the Spring Triangle in the night sky, which is larger than the Summer Triangle and nearly as big as the Winter Hexagon.

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Livescience

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We rate these as some of the best solar binoculars around — order them now just in time for the partial eclipse on March 29 and save 33%

  • The Celestron EclipSmart 10x42 Solar Binoculars are rated as some of the best solar binoculars for safe solar observing.
  • They offer excellent protection from the sun's rays, have 10x magnification, and are lightweight and slim.
  • The binoculars are currently on sale at Amazon for $58.95, saving 33% off the usual price of $87.95.
  • Reviews for the Celestron EclipSmart 10x42 Solar Binoculars are overwhelmingly positive, with an aggregate score of 4.1 out of 5.

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Digitaltrends

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New ISS astronaut meets Bumble, Honey, and Queen robots

  • NASA astronaut Nichole Ayers has introduced herself to three robots stationed aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
  • The Astrobee robots are a technology demonstration designed to assist ISS astronauts with routine duties.
  • These compact, cube-shaped flying robots come with various cameras, sensors, and a mechanical arm for attaching tools.
  • Robots like Astrobee have the capacity to become caretakers for future spacecraft and assist in deep space missions.

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Knowridge

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Scientists capture baby pictures of the universe

  • Astronomers have released the clearest and most detailed images ever of the universe when it was just a baby—only 380,000 years old.
  • The images come from the Atacama Cosmology Telescope (ACT) located in Chile, and show the brightness and polarization of the earliest light in detail.
  • Scientists confirmed the accuracy of the current model of the universe and the age of 13.8 billion years through the study of the cosmic microwave background (CMB).
  • The data supports a slower rate of universe expansion and provides vital insights into the formation of complex structures in the universe.

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