Space Exploration

Discovery challenges chemistry rules on Saturn's moon Titan

Researchers from NASA and Chalmers University have found that polar and nonpolar substances can mix on Titan's surface, defying the 'like dissolves like' principle. This occurs under the moon's extreme cold, where hydrogen cyanide forms stable crystals with methane and ethane. The finding could reshape understanding of Titan's geology and prebiotic chemistry.

James Webb telescope detects carbon-rich disk around young exoplanet

NASA's James Webb Space Telescope has observed a carbon-rich disk surrounding the exoplanet CT Cha b, 625 light-years from Earth, potentially serving as a moon factory. The disk, separate from the star's own disk, offers insights into early planet and moon formation. The young star system is just 2 million years old.

Dark matter may leave subtle color traces in passing light

Researchers at the University of York suggest that dark matter could subtly tint light red or blue as it passes through, challenging the idea that it is completely invisible. This indirect interaction might allow detection using next-generation telescopes. The finding could simplify the search for the mysterious substance that dominates the universe.

NASA acting administrator critiques SpaceX moon lander delay

NASA's acting administrator Sean Duffy has publicly questioned SpaceX's progress on a lunar lander, signaling potential changes to the agency's moon landing plans. In two television appearances on Monday morning, Duffy highlighted delays and openness to alternatives. This comes amid efforts to return humans to the moon.

Scientists create laptop tool to simulate universe structure

Researchers at the University of Waterloo have developed Effort.jl, a new tool that allows scientists to simulate the universe's large-scale structure using just a laptop. This innovation reduces computation time from days on supercomputers to hours, enabling faster analysis of vast cosmic datasets. The tool emulates complex models like the Effective Field Theory of Large-Scale Structure (EFTofLSS).

Scientists uncover ozone rise in Mars' polar vortex

Researchers have observed a dramatic buildup of ozone inside Mars' north polar vortex, where extreme cold and darkness freeze out water vapor. This phenomenon, detected using data from ESA and NASA orbiters, offers insights into the planet's ancient atmospheric chemistry and potential habitability. The findings were presented at a joint meeting in Helsinki.

Ryugu asteroid samples show late water activity

17 अक्टूबर 2025 Petra Hartmann

Scientists analyzing samples from asteroid Ryugu have discovered evidence of liquid water activity that persisted over a billion years after its formation. This finding, based on Japan's Hayabusa2 mission, challenges assumptions about water processes on asteroids and could reshape theories on how Earth acquired its oceans. The research highlights the role of carbon-rich asteroids in delivering water to our planet.

Rogue black hole produces fastest radio signals outside galaxy center

Astronomers have observed a black hole tearing apart a star far from its galaxy's center, producing the fastest-changing radio signals ever recorded from such an event. Named AT 2024tvd, this tidal disruption event reveals supermassive black holes can exist and remain active in unexpected locations. The discovery, led by an international team, suggests complex, delayed energy releases from black holes.

Elon Musk publicly criticizes NASA's acting administrator Sean Duffy

Elon Musk, founder of SpaceX, has sharply criticized NASA's interim administrator Sean Duffy, calling him 'Sean Dummy' and questioning his intelligence amid a contentious battle for permanent leadership. This outburst follows Duffy's public remarks on SpaceX's delays in developing a lunar lander. The feud highlights tensions in the race to lead NASA under President Trump.

CO2 ice blocks carve mysterious gullies on Mars

17 अक्टूबर 2025 Theo Klein

Scientists have uncovered how blocks of frozen carbon dioxide dig eerie channels into Martian dunes through explosive sublimation. Lab experiments replicating Martian conditions revealed the process, matching observed features on the Red Planet. The discovery explains a long-standing geological puzzle without needing water or life.

Japan's HTV-X cargo ship captured by space station

Japan's upgraded HTV-X cargo spacecraft was successfully captured by the International Space Station's robotic arm on Wednesday, soaring 260 miles over the South Atlantic Ocean. Japanese astronaut Kimiya Yui announced the capture, hailing it as a historic event for Japan's space program. The mission delivers supplies and experiments, representing a new era for the nation's contributions to the ISS.

Astronomers uncover gas bridge between two dwarf galaxies

Scientists at the University of Western Australia's ICRAR node have discovered a massive bridge of neutral hydrogen gas connecting the dwarf galaxies NGC 4532 and DDO 137. This structure spans 185,000 light-years and is located 53 million light-years from Earth. The finding, part of the WALLABY survey, reveals how interactions with the Virgo cluster strip gas from galaxies.