Space and Astronomy

Lunar Shock: Why is the Moon turning rusty? Is Earth to blame?

The Moon is turning rusty, and Earth may be the cause. Scientists suggest that our planet’s atmosphere could be behind the Moon’s rusting. Researchers have found hematite, a form of iron oxide also called rust, on the Moon’s surface, particularly near its poles. Earlier in 2020, scientists also confirmed that India’s Chandrayaan-1 mission had detected hematite in the same regions

History Today: When Nasa first lauched the Mars Observer to explore the Red Planet

On September 25, 1992, Nasa launched the Mars Observer, aiming to unlock the mysteries of the Red Planet, while in 1977, the first Chicago Marathon was held, ushering in a new era of long-distance running in the United States

India eyes to deploy ‘bodyguard’ satellites to protect spacecraft, counter threats in space: Report

India is reportedly working on a plan to develop “bodyguard” satellites and advanced tracking systems to protect its spacecraft

Is the Sun waking up faster than scientists expected?

Nasa research reveals that the Sun’s activity has been steadily increasing since 2008, reversing decades of decline. This unexpected surge is driving stronger solar winds and more frequent solar storms that could disrupt satellites, GPS systems, and power grids while posing challenges for upcoming lunar and deep space missions

History Today: When the first man-made object landed on the Moon in 1959

On September 14, 1959, the Soviet Union’s Luna 2 spacecraft became the first man-made object to reach the Moon. The mission, a major milestone for humanity, also was an inflection point in the space race between the US and the USSR

Life on Mars discovered? What rocks found on Red Planet reveals

Nasa’s Perseverance Rover has collected unusual reddish rocks thought to be billions of years old that present some of the strongest clues yet about possible past life on Mars. Researchers believe the markings on these rocks contain minerals formed through chemical reactions that could be connected to ancient Martian microbes

This Week in Explainers: Why GST reforms are making the middle class cheer

India has revamped its Goods and Services Tax structure. From September 22, the GST slab rates will be reduced from the current four to just two. Most food and grocery items will become cheaper. No tax will be imposed on health and life insurance. Smaller cars and bikes will also face reduced levies. Here’s all this and more in our weekly roundup

History Today: When the Washington-Moscow Hotline signalled a new chapter in Cold War diplomacy

On August 30, 1963, the United States and the Soviet Union established the Washington-Moscow Hotline, a secure channel to prevent nuclear war through miscommunication. The day also saw Lenin survive an assassination attempt and astronaut Guion S Bluford Jr become the first African American in space

In Graphics | From gunpowder to cat urine, the strange smells of outer space

Space does not have a smell. However, ask astronauts and they will say that it resembles anything from burned steak to rotting eggs, gunpowder and cat urine. This is because of the molecules in outer space that stick to the astronauts' bodysuits. Here's how it works

SpaceX calls Starship launch 'a success' as megarocket splashes down in Indian ocean 'as planned' | WATCH

SpaceX’s Starship, the world’s most powerful rocket, successfully launched on its 10th test flight Tuesday from Texas, a key step after past failures in Elon Musk’s push to make humanity a multiplanetary species.