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Astronomers and amatuer skywatchers will get to see the longest lunar eclipse of this century this month. In two weeks from now, on November 19 (Kartik Purnima), Earth will pass between the Sun and Moon, creating a shadow on the Moon’s surface. The near-total lunar eclipse will peak just after 1:30pm IST, when the Earth will hide 97 percent of the full moon from the Sun’s rays, said NASA. During this spectacular celestial event, the moon will acquire a reddish hue. It will be visible in some parts of India.

Lunar eclipses are visible only in places where the Moon is above the horizon. Those in the northeastern states of India, including Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, should be able to see the event. People in North America will be best placed to witness the entire event. All 50 US states and Mexico will be able to see it. It will also be visible in Australia, East Asia, Northern Europe, and the Pacific Ocean region.

NASA said the lunar eclipse will last 3 hours, 28 minutes, and 23 seconds, which would be longer than any other eclipse in 100 years between 2001 and 2100. NASA said that Earth will witness a total of 228 lunar eclipses in the 21st century. Mostly, there will be two lunar eclipses in a month, but there can also be three eclipses.

Those unable to see the eclipse in their areas can watch a livestream of the event below:

Normally, the Moon’s face is illuminated by sunlight reflecting off its surface. But during a lunar eclipse, the Moon, Sun, and Earth align in a straight line. The Earth blocks the sunlight from reaching the moon and thus, the lunar object appears eaten from Earth. During a total lunar eclipse, 100 percent of the Moon is obscured by the Earth’s cone-shaped shadow, known as the umbra.

The next eclipse will take place on May 16, 2022.

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Earth’s Hottest Year on Record, Breaching Key Climate Threshold

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January 15, 2025

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Earth has experienced its hottest year on record in 2024, with temperatures significantly exceeding previous highs. This marked a temporary breach of the critical global warming limit of 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, a target outlined in international agreements. Scientists have warned that surpassing this limit over the long term could lead to severe environmental consequences, including increased sea levels, extreme weather events, and widespread ecological damage. Concerns have been raised about the implications for human lives, infrastructure, and ecosystems.

Record Temperatures and Their Impact

As reported by phys.org, according to reports from global weather monitoring agencies, the year 2024 witnessed temperatures exceeding the 1.5 degrees Celsius threshold, with some agencies reporting figures as high as 1.6 degrees Celsius. The accumulation of greenhouse gases, primarily due to the burning of fossil fuels, has been identified as the primary driver of this warming. Experts, including Samantha Burgess of the Copernicus Climate Service, have linked rising temperatures to phenomena such as melting glaciers, rising sea levels, and intensified weather patterns.

Global Climate Disasters in Focus

The United States alone recorded 27 weather-related disasters, each causing damages exceeding $1 billion, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Hurricane Helene, which caused over $79 billion in damage and claimed 219 lives, was the most devastating event of the year. Scientists, such as Katharine Hayhoe from Texas Tech University, have highlighted the increasing frequency of such disasters, with billion-dollar events now occurring every three weeks on average.

Future Outlook on Global Warming

Although some experts suggest a slight decrease in temperatures for 2025 due to natural climatic patterns, concerns persist about the broader trend of warming. The breach of the 1.5 degrees Celsius limit has been described as a dire warning of the accelerating impacts of climate change.

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Researchers Question Authenticity of Mosasaur Fossil in Morocco Mine

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January 15, 2025

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Researchers Question Authenticity of Mosasaur Fossil in Morocco Mine

Concerns have been raised over the authenticity of a fossil used to describe a mosasaur species that reportedly existed 72 to 66 million years ago. The fossil, discovered in a phosphate mine in Morocco, formed the basis for the classification of Xenodens calminechari, a marine predator with unique saw-like teeth. The 2021 study that introduced this species is now being questioned by researchers, citing inconsistencies in the fossil’s structure and provenance.

Questions Raised About Fossil Authenticity

According to the study published in The Anatomical Record, anomalies in the jawbone and teeth have cast doubt on whether the fossil is genuine. Two teeth were observed sharing a single tooth socket, a feature that contradicts the biology of mosasaurs, which typically have one tooth per socket. Dr. Michael Caldwell, a professor of biological sciences at the University of Alberta, noted that mosasaurs continuously replaced their teeth, leaving individual sockets formed by the surrounding bone. He explained this discrepancy to Live Science, emphasising that the overlap of material around the teeth also suggests potential tampering.

Fossil Provenance Under Scrutiny

The fossil was unearthed in a region known for fossils with forged elements, according to the study. Researchers have advocated for computed tomography (CT) scans to verify its authenticity. However, access to the fossil, held by Nick Longrich, a paleontologist at the University of Bath and lead author of the original study, has proven challenging. Henry Sharpe, the lead author of the latest paper, stated to Live Science that withholding information about a holotype specimen is unethical, as such specimens must be accessible for scientific scrutiny.

Calls for further investigation are growing, with researchers emphasizing the importance of verifying the fossil’s authenticity to preserve the integrity of scientific records.

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China tests 5 rocket engines in a single day for future space projects

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January 15, 2025

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China tests 5 rocket engines in a single day for future space projects

On January 2, China tested five new rocket engines, advancing its ambitious space exploration programmes. The tests, carried out by the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), took place at two locations: Beijing and Laiyuan County in Hebei Province. The engines, designed for various stages and purposes, underwent rigorous trials to evaluate their performance. These developments underscore China’s efforts to enhance its capabilities in both commercial and deep-space missions, with several major launches planned for the near future.

Advances in Hydrogen-Oxygen Engine Technology

According to a report by China Central Television (CCTV), the CASC’s 101 Institute conducted a 100-second trial of a hydrogen-oxygen upper-stage engine. This engine is believed to play a role in future lunar missions and other deep-space explorations. Engineers assessed the engine’s performance and coordination, declaring the trial a success. Xia Wei, an engineer with CASC, emphasised to China Central Television (CCTV) the importance of these tests in gathering critical performance data.

Methane-Fuelled Innovations

In Laiyuan County, a methane-liquid oxygen engine was successfully test-fired. Reports noted that methane-fuelled engines are being developed by both commercial entities and CASC for next-generation projects. CASC is also working on a full-flow staged combustion engine intended for the Long March 9 rocket, which is central to China’s heavy-lift capabilities.

Future Prospects for Space Exploration

Further testing was conducted in Beijing on main engines, upper-stage engines, and reaction control engines. Though specific applications were not disclosed, experts suggest these engines could be used for upcoming Long March rockets. According to CCTV, CASC is focusing on engines tailored for heavy-lift vehicles and deep-space exploration.
China’s progress in engine technology signals its determination to achieve milestones such as lunar landings and expanded commercial launches. Reports from SpaceNews suggest new rocket models and technologies could debut this year, further cementing China’s position as a leader in the space sector.

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