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Elon Musk’s Starlink satellites are causing significant disruption for astronomers worldwide. Scientists from the Netherlands, particularly the Netherlands Institute for Radio Astronomy (ASTRON), have reported that the growing network of Starlink satellites is interfering with radio waves used for vital space research. The satellites, designed to provide high-speed internet in remote areas across the globe, are blocking signals that allow astronomers to observe deep space objects, including black holes, exoplanets, and galaxies millions of light-years away.

Impact on Astronomical Research

According to Professor Jessica Dempsey, Director of ASTRON, the interference from Starlink’s second-generation satellites (V2) is much stronger than the earlier versions. She highlighted that the electromagnetic radiation emitted by these satellites is up to 32 times stronger than what was detected from previous models, making it increasingly difficult for scientists to gather important data.

The satellites, currently orbiting Earth at around 550 kilometres above the surface, are creating substantial noise in the radio spectrum, blinding radio telescopes from capturing faint signals from space. This unintended interference is threatening the ability to explore and study distant cosmic phenomena.

Scientists Urge Action from SpaceX

There are currently over 6,400 Starlink satellites in orbit, with numbers expected to surpass 100,000 by 2030. This rapid growth has raised concerns among astronomers. Cees Bassa, lead author of a study on Starlink’s effects, likened the radiation from the satellites to the brightness of the full Moon, drastically overpowering the faint stars astronomers aim to observe. Robert Massey, Deputy Executive Director of the Royal Astronomical Society in the UK, emphasised the urgency of addressing this issue, calling for SpaceX to take immediate action.

Astronomers suggest that simple steps, such as shielding the satellite batteries or improving the design to reduce radiation emissions, could significantly mitigate the interference. Without such measures, they warn that ground-based astronomy could face severe limitations, making it harder to study the universe.

Professor Dempsey noted that the situation is an existential threat to astronomical research if left unresolved. Scientists believe that as the largest satellite provider, SpaceX could set a precedent for responsible space operations.

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This Jupiter-Like Exoplanet Might Have Iron Winds and Molten Metal Rain

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September 22, 2024

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This Jupiter-Like Exoplanet Might Have Iron Winds and Molten Metal Rain

Astronomers have discovered that the exoplanet WASP-76b, located about 634 light-years away in the Pisces constellation, experiences extreme weather conditions unlike anything on Earth. With temperatures soaring to around 4,350 degrees Fahrenheit (2,400 degrees Celsius), the planet’s atmosphere is ravaged by high-speed iron winds and molten metal rain. These findings highlight how truly alien the atmospheres of exoplanets can be, especially on “hot Jupiters” like WASP-76b.

Unique Atmospheric Phenomena

The exoplanet’s close proximity to its star makes it tidally locked, meaning one side of WASP-76b is permanently facing the star. This dayside reaches extreme temperatures that vaporize iron, which is then carried to the planet’s cooler nightside by powerful winds. Once there, the iron condenses and falls as molten metal droplets, creating an intense and hostile environment.

The discovery was made by a team of scientists from the University of Geneva (UNIGE) and the PlanetS National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR PlanetS), led by Ana Rita Costa Silva, a doctoral student at the Instituto de Astrofísica e Ciências do Espaço.

New Insights into Exoplanetary Climates

Using the ESPRESSO instrument on the Very Large Telescope (VLT), the team was able to observe and measure the iron winds in the planet’s atmosphere. Christophe Lovis, an astronomer with UNIGE, noted that ESPRESSO’s precision allowed the team to gather detailed information on WASP-76b’s dynamic processes. The new findings will help scientists create 3D climate models, offering a better understanding of planetary climates beyond our solar system.

In conclusion, WASP-76b continues to reveal extraordinary details about exoplanet atmospheres, providing valuable insights into the weather patterns on planets outside our solar system. The discovery of iron winds and molten metal rain deepens our understanding of “hot Jupiter” planets, offering new perspectives on how extreme planetary climates can be.

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Chandrayaan-4 Mission Gets Approval, Will Return to Earth This Time

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September 19, 2024

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Chandrayaan-4 Mission Gets Approval, Will Return to Earth This Time

Chandrayaan-4 mission has received approval from the Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday. This marks another significant milestone in India’s lunar exploration efforts. Unlike previous missions, Chandrayaan-4 will not only aim for a successful landing on the Moon but will also focus on returning to Earth. This mission will demonstrate critical technologies that will allow for lunar samples to be collected, brought back to Earth, and studied. It represents an essential leap toward India’s long-term goal of landing on the Moon with humans by 2040.

Chandrayaan-4 to Develop Return Technologies

Chandrayaan-4 follows the successful Chandrayaan-3 mission and aims to further advance India’s capabilities in space. The mission will focus on developing technologies essential for docking, undocking, landing, and safe return from the Moon. Collecting lunar samples will also be a key feature, as India moves closer to a full-scale manned mission in the coming decades. The government’s vision includes an Indian Space Station by 2035, followed by human landings on the Moon by 2040.

Mission Details and Industry Involvement

The mission will be completed within 36 months of approval, with ISRO leading the development and launch. It will involve participation from both industry and academia. A budget of ₹2104.06 crore has been allocated for spacecraft development, launch vehicle missions, and deep space support.

This includes costs for special tests and design validation. High employment potential is expected in associated sectors due to this mission.

Aiming for Self-Sufficiency in Space Technologies

Chandrayaan-4 is set to make India self-reliant in crucial space technologies, helping the nation prepare for future manned missions and lunar explorations. The mission will also involve science meets and workshops to include Indian academia and ensure significant contributions to the analysis of lunar samples.

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Ancient Barracks Unearthed With Egyptian Pharaoh Inscribed Sword

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September 19, 2024

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Ancient Barracks Unearthed With Egyptian Pharaoh Inscribed Sword

A recent excavation in Egypt has uncovered a 3,200-year-old military barracks containing a treasure trove of ancient artefacts, including a sword inscribed with the name of Pharaoh Ramesses II. This discovery sheds light on Egypt’s military operations during Ramesses II’s reign, a time when threats from the Libyans were growing. The barracks also contained storerooms for grain, ovens for baking, and pottery filled with animal bones, including fish. Additionally, archaeologists found cow burials at the site, leading experts to suggest these animals were used for food.

Discovery of Bronze Sword and Limestone Blocks

Among the most significant finds was a bronze sword inscribed with Ramesses II’s name, discovered in a small room near what might have been a defensive position. According to Ahmed El Kharadly, an archaeologist with the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, this suggests the sword was intended for combat and not merely ceremonial use.

The excavation also uncovered two limestone blocks with hieroglyphic inscriptions, one bearing the name of Ramesses II and the other referring to an official named Bay.

Strategic Military Location

The barracks were located along a military road in the northwest Nile Delta, a strategic point where Egyptian forces could defend against potential invasions from the western desert and the Mediterranean. The location of this site aligns with historical accounts indicating rising tensions between Egypt and Libyan groups.

Professor Anthony Spalinger from the University of Auckland noted that the garrison likely played a key role in controlling access to Egypt during this period.

Significance of the Discovery

Peter Brand, a history professor at the University of Memphis, highlighted the importance of the find for understanding the military strategy of Ramesses II. This well-preserved barracks offers rare insights into the logistics of Egypt’s armed forces at the time.

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