Connect with us

Published

3 weeks ago

on

Earth might gain another Moon, a miniature one, due to a rare phenomenon called gravitational trapping. Carlos de la Fuente Marcos and Raúl de la Fuente Marcos, researchers from Universidad Complutense de Madrid, have announced an intriguing celestial event. A small asteroid, named 2024 PT5, is set to become Earth’s temporary mini-moon for approximately two months starting later this month. Their findings, published in the Research Notes of the AAS, reveal that Earth frequently captures asteroids, albeit briefly. This new mini-moon is expected to make one orbit around our planet before continuing its journey through the solar system.

Details of the Asteroid

2024 PT5, a small asteroid with a diameter of about 10 metres, was first detected last month by the Asteroid Terrestrial-Impact Last Alert System. Despite initial concerns, it has been confirmed that this asteroid is not on a collision course with Earth. The researchers used current measurements of its size, speed, and trajectory to predict that it will come close enough to Earth to be temporarily bound by its gravity.

The asteroid will complete one full orbit around Earth in 53 days, beginning at the end of this month and concluding around mid-November.

Origin and Characteristics

The researchers also estimated the asteroid’s origins, suggesting it is likely from the Arjuna asteroid belt. This belt is known for containing asteroids with orbits similar to Earth’s. The analysis indicates that 2024 PT5 is not space debris but rather an object of natural origin, given its trajectory resembles that of other natural celestial bodies.

Significance of the Discovery

The temporary capture of the Asteroid 2024 PT5 offers valuable insights into the dynamics of small asteroids and their interactions with Earth’s gravity. Historically, Earth has captured asteroids in similar ways; for instance, an asteroid orbited Earth for about a year in 2006, and another for several years before leaving in 2020.

This brief encounter with 2024 PT5 provides a unique opportunity for researchers to study such interactions and enhance our understanding of asteroid behaviour in our solar system.

Related Topics:
Continue Reading

Science

Is the US ready for a space rescue service?

Published

12 hours ago

on

October 9, 2024

By

Is the US ready for a space rescue service?

A recent discussion among experts highlights a critical gap in the United States’ capacity for in-space rescues. As human spaceflight missions become more common, the absence of a dedicated “space rescue service” raises concerns about the safety of astronauts in distress. The historical lessons from missions like Apollo and the space shuttle seem to have faded, with current efforts primarily focused on launching and returning crews safely. The recent difficulties encountered by Boeing’s Starliner, which experienced thruster issues during its first crewed flight, underline the need for proactive measures to ensure astronaut safety in emergencies.

The Urgent Need for a Rescue Service

Grant Cates, Senior Project Leader at The Aerospace Corporation, emphasises the importance of establishing a robust in-space rescue capability before emergencies occur. He states, “The U.S. has the resources to implement space rescue capabilities, but planning must begin now, rather than waiting until a crisis arises.” The discussions around this topic have gained momentum since a workshop held by The Aerospace Corporation and RAND, where various stakeholders explored strategies for developing a long-term vision for space rescue.

Addressing the Rescue Gap

While there is agreement on the necessity of a space rescue capability, Jan Osburg, a Senior Engineer at RAND, notes the lack of a clear mandate. He believes that a collaborative approach, possibly involving private industry, could lead to effective solutions. Osburg suggests that a modest team could begin initial planning for a rescue service, requiring minimal investment compared to the overall costs associated with space missions.

Potential for International Collaboration

Osburg’s insights draw parallels between the need for a space rescue service and the existing frameworks for underwater rescue, such as the International Submarine Escape and Rescue Liaison Office. He argues that establishing an effective rescue service would not only enhance astronaut safety but also foster international goodwill. A well-designed service could significantly mitigate risks in human spaceflight, potentially leading to an expansion of human activities in space and enhancing the United States’ reputation in space exploration.

In conclusion, the establishment of a space rescue service is critical to ensuring the safety of astronauts and advancing human exploration of space. As discussions continue, it is clear that both governmental and private sectors must collaborate to address this pressing issue.

For the latest tech news and reviews, follow Gadgets 360 on X, Facebook, WhatsApp, Threads and Google News. For the latest videos on gadgets and tech, subscribe to our YouTube channel. If you want to know everything about top influencers, follow our in-house Who’sThat360 on Instagram and YouTube.


Meta Testing New Feature That Allows You to Post Instagram Reels Directly on Threads



Resident Evil 2 Remake Is Coming to iPhone, iPad and Mac in December

Continue Reading

Science

NASA sends Europa Clipper to find life signs on Jupiter’s moon Europa

Published

2 days ago

on

October 8, 2024

By

NASA sends Europa Clipper to find life signs on Jupiter's moon Europa

In the next few weeks, NASA will embark on a significant mission to Europa, the fourth-largest moon of Jupiter. Named Europa Clipper, this spacecraft is designed to search for potential signs of life. While Mars is often the focal point in the quest for life beyond Earth, Europa presents a promising alternative due to its potential liquid water, which is considered essential for life as we understand it. Although delays have occurred due to Hurricane Milton, NASA’s plan to launch the mission remains intact.

Why Europa Holds Potential for Life

Mars may be the easiest target to explore for life, but Europa, along with some of Saturn’s moons, could be better candidates. Liquid water is crucial for life, and on Earth, it supports the chemical reactions that allow living organisms to exist. Scientists believe that Europa, like Saturn’s moons Titan and Enceladus, has vast subsurface oceans beneath its icy exterior. This possibility makes Europa a compelling target for the search for extraterrestrial life.

What the Europa Clipper Will Do

Equipped with nine sophisticated instruments, the Europa Clipper will closely examine the moon’s surface, searching for signs of life beneath the thick ice sheet. The spacecraft will use thermal imaging, spectrometers, and cameras to detect any unusual heat or chemical activity. One of its key objectives is to locate and study potential water plumes erupting from the surface, giving insight into the moon’s subsurface oceans.

Although it will take the spacecraft over five years to reach Jupiter’s orbit, this mission marks a crucial step in exploring Europa. While the Clipper won’t be able to confirm life itself, its findings could lead to more in-depth future missions, bringing us closer to discovering life beyond Earth.

Continue Reading

Science

MicroRNA Discovery Earns 2024 Nobel Prize in Physiology

Published

2 days ago

on

October 8, 2024

By

MicroRNA Discovery Earns 2024 Nobel Prize in Physiology

An unexpected discovery concerning gene regulation has earned Victor Ambros from the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School and Gary Ruvkun from Harvard Medical School the 2024 Nobel Prize in physiology or medicine. The duo’s research identified small RNA segments, known as microRNAs, which play a significant role in regulating protein production in the body. This discovery, originating from their work with a tiny worm, has provided crucial insights into biological processes linked to health and disease.

MicroRNA’s Role in Gene Regulation

MicroRNAs are tiny RNA molecules that help regulate gene expression by affecting the production of proteins. In this process, microRNAs latch onto messenger RNA (mRNA), which carries instructions from DNA to make proteins. By clinging to mRNA, microRNAs prevent the translation of those instructions, reducing the amount of protein produced. Instead of acting as an on/off switch, these molecules function more like dimmers, subtly reducing protein production.

Early Discoveries in Worms

Ambros and Ruvkun’s research began in Caenorhabditis elegans, a small, transparent worm. Their focus was on two genes, lin-4 and lin-14, which played a key role in the worm’s development. Ambros initially discovered a small RNA segment associated with the lin-4 gene. It turned out to be the first identified microRNA. Ruvkun later demonstrated that the lin-4 microRNA binds to the mRNA of the lin-14 gene, reducing the production of its corresponding protein.

Impact on Human Health

MicroRNAs were initially thought to be specific to worms, but subsequent research revealed they are present across the animal kingdom, including humans. This discovery has opened up new avenues of research into how these small RNAs impact human health, with potential applications in treating diseases like cancer, heart disease, and neurodegenerative conditions.

Continue Reading

Trending