NASA has once again captivated the internet by releasing stunning photos of the Red Spider Nebula, a remarkable celestial object located 3,000 light-years away in the constellation of Sagittarius. The fiery red nebula has captured the imagination of space enthusiasts and social media users alike with its vivid colours and distinctive spider-like shape.

A Closer Look at the Red Spider Nebula

This extraordinary nebula is home to one of the hottest stars in the universe. The intense heat generated by the star causes the surrounding gas to form gigantic shockwaves, stretching up to 62 billion miles (100 billion kilometres) in height. These arcs of gas give the nebula its unique spider-leg appearance, while the bright pink core resembles the hourglass figure of a black widow spider. Set against a backdrop of twinkling stars, the nebula presents a magnificent and eerie visual spectacle.

NASA’s description of the Red Spider Nebula highlights its intriguing characteristics, with the orange waves of hot gas adding to its dramatic presentation. The gas, heated by the central star, radiates across space, creating patterns that are both striking and ethereal.

The Internet’s Fascination with the Nebula

Since NASA shared the images, social media has been buzzing with excitement. The post has amassed nearly six lakh likes, with thousands of users sharing their admiration. Many comments reflected awe at the nebula’s appearance, with one user noting that it looked like a “baby dragon,” while others described it as “breathtaking” and “amazing.” Some users even wondered what the nebula would look like up close, sparking discussions about the mysteries of space.

In a groundbreaking discovery, researchers have identified a previously unknown Neanderthal lineage based on DNA from a fossil found in the Grotte Mandrin rock shelter in France. This lineage, belonging to an individual referred to as “Thorin,” reportedly evolved in isolation from other Neanderthal populations for nearly 50,000 years. The finding has offered a fresh perspective on the complexity of Neanderthal evolution and their varying survival strategies across Europe.

Evidence of Genetic Separation

The genetic analysis of Thorin’s DNA revealed that he belonged to a distinct Neanderthal population, separated from other European Neanderthals for tens of thousands of years. Unlike other Neanderthal fossils that show signs of interbreeding with both Neanderthals and early humans, Thorin’s DNA reportedly does not carry such markers, suggesting that his group remained isolated.

Interestingly, Thorin’s genetic profile shows a high percentage of identical gene pairs, a sign of a small, closely related population. This points to the likelihood of inbreeding, which was likely common in his isolated community.

A Separate Evolutionary Journey

Thorin’s lineage is believed to have diverged from other Neanderthal populations approximately 105,000 years ago. Despite living in the same region as other Neanderthal groups, Thorin’s DNA is reportedly more closely aligned with much older Neanderthal populations, suggesting his ancestors took a different evolutionary path.

This highlights the diverse evolutionary experiences of Neanderthal groups across Europe and suggests that while some populations were blending with early humans or other Neanderthals, others, like Thorin’s, remained separate.

The Mystery of Thorin’s Lineage

Although Thorin’s remains were discovered in a relatively well-preserved condition, researchers are still investigating how this lineage managed to remain isolated. The genetic uniqueness of this individual has led experts to believe that more discoveries in the future could help untangle the mysteries surrounding Neanderthal evolution. Further excavations at the Grotte Mandrin site may provide additional clues about Thorin’s group and why they avoided contact with other Neanderthals.

Voyager 1, the farthest human-made object from Earth, has recently undergone a critical adjustment to its thruster system as it navigates the vast expanse of interstellar space. Despite being operational for 47 years, the spacecraft required a clever fix to maintain its alignment and continue sending valuable data back to Earth.

Voyager 1’s Thruster Issue

Voyager 1, launched in 1977, faced difficulties with its thrusters, which are essential for keeping the spacecraft oriented correctly. The problem stemmed from a fuel tube clogging issue, a known problem that has affected the spacecraft for over two decades. The ageing spacecraft, which relies on a dwindling power supply, needed a strategic switch to a different set of thrusters to avoid potential communication loss.

The Complex Fix

Due to the spacecraft’s advanced age and diminished power, engineers at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) had to approach the problem with extra caution. The team decided to repurpose one of Voyager 1’s attitude thruster branches, which had been inactive due to severe cold and power constraints.

To address this, they briefly activated a heater to warm the thruster before switching it on. This manoeuvre was critical to ensure the spacecraft remained properly oriented and capable of relaying data.

Voyager’s Ongoing Mission

Voyager 1, along with its twin Voyager 2, was originally launched to explore the outer reaches of the solar system. Over time, both spacecraft have provided invaluable information about distant planets and the space beyond our solar system. Despite the technical hurdles, Voyager 1 continues to send data and is expected to remain operational through at least the 50th anniversary of its mission in 2027.

Future Prospects

Engineers at JPL are committed to maintaining the spacecraft’s functionality as long as possible. The recent adjustments demonstrate the ongoing ingenuity required to manage and extend the life of these historic missions. As Voyager 1 ventures further into interstellar space, its ability to adapt to new challenges will continue to be proof of the longevity and resilience of human space exploration.