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On September 17, 2024, a fascinating asteroid named 2024 ON zipped past Earth, offering scientists a rare view of a snowman-shaped space rock. While the object was classified as a potentially hazardous asteroid due to its proximity to our planet, it posed no immediate threat and passed safely at a distance of 620,000 miles.

Radar images captured by NASA‘s Goldstone Solar System Radar in California revealed the asteroid’s unique structure. The asteroid, approximately 1,150 feet (350 meters) long, consists of two distinct lobes, with one lobe being about 50% larger than the other. This unusual shape, resembling a snowman, is known as a “contact binary” — a phenomenon that occurs when two smaller asteroids merge due to gravitational forces.

A High-Speed Journey

Asteroid 2024 ON travelled at a staggering speed of 19,842 mph (31,933 kph) as it passed Earth, about 26 times the speed of sound. Despite its size and speed, the asteroid posed no risk to our planet, passing over 2.5 times the distance between Earth and the moon.

Although classified as potentially hazardous, recent measurements have allowed scientists to predict the asteroid’s future trajectory with high accuracy. As a result, 2024 ON is not expected to pose any danger to Earth for many decades, offering reassurance despite its hazardous label.

The Prevalence of Contact Binary Asteroids

Asteroids like 2024 ON, known as contact binaries, make up an estimated 14% of near-Earth asteroids larger than 660 feet (200 meters). One of the most well-known contact binaries is Selam, a small moonlet orbiting the asteroid Dinkinesh. Such asteroids provide valuable insights into the formation and evolution of celestial bodies within our solar system.

As space agencies continue to observe near-Earth objects, radar and other tracking technologies allow for better predictions and understandings of their behaviour. In fact, 2024 has seen more than 60 asteroids pass between Earth and the moon, thanks to increased observational efforts using AI-powered algorithms.

While asteroid 2024 ON’s recent visit sparked interest due to its snowman-like appearance, it serves as a reminder of the importance of ongoing asteroid tracking. Fortunately, with no immediate threat, we can appreciate the cosmic beauty and scientific insights it offers without worry for Earth’s safety.

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Ancient Bronze Statues Unearthed from Etruscan Healing Spring in Italy

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December 20, 2024

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Ancient Bronze Statues Unearthed from Etruscan Healing Spring in Italy

Bronze statues, including depictions of snakes and a child priest, have been uncovered from a hot spring at San Casciano dei Bagni in Italy, according to the Italian Ministry of Culture, as per reports. The site, located around 120 kilometres northwest of Rome, has been excavated since 2019 and is believed to have been used for sacred rituals dating back to the third century B.C. The spring, originally used by the Etruscans and later adopted by the Romans, was a place where votive offerings were made in hopes of divine protection or healing, as per reports.

Discovery of Snake Statues and Other Artefacts

Bronze snake statues, some measuring up to 90 centimetres in length, were among the latest findings during the 2024 excavation, as reported by the excavation team. These statues were discovered in the deeper layers of the spring and are thought to have symbolised protection for the sacred waters. Other artefacts include a nude male figure inscribed with the name “Gaius Roscius” and a child priest holding a ball, which may have been used in divination rituals.

Preserved Organic Remains Found

The excavation also revealed well-preserved organic remains, such as eggs with visible yolks, pine cones, and plant matter. According to the Italian Ministry of Culture, in a statement, these items may have been used in rituals symbolising rebirth and regeneration. The preservation of these items is attributed to their rapid burial in sediment.

Expert Perspective

Alexandra Carpino, an art history professor at Northern Arizona University, commented in an email to Live Science that these findings are among the most significant discoveries of the 21st century. The range of artefacts provides insights into the role of healing sanctuaries in ancient societies.

Ongoing Research at the Site

Research continues at San Casciano dei Bagni, with scholars examining the inscriptions and artefacts to uncover more about the Etruscan and Roman use of the spring.

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Study Explores Sun’s Magnetic Field Changes and Solar Wind Acceleration

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Study Explores Sun’s Magnetic Field Changes and Solar Wind Acceleration

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December 20, 2024

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Study Explores Sun’s Magnetic Field Changes and Solar Wind Acceleration

In The Astrophysical Journal, a University of Michigan-led study detailed how the Sun’s magnetic field evolves as it moves through space, providing insights into solar wind acceleration. Using data from rare alignments of the Parker Solar Probe and Solar Orbiter, researchers observed that the Sun’s magnetic field transitions from sharp oscillations to smoother waves, with the surrounding solar wind gaining velocity. This discovery could enhance predictions of space weather, which impacts Earth’s technology and infrastructure.

Observations from Aligned Solar Probes

As per reports, the study focused on magnetic switchbacks—sharp bends in the Sun’s magnetic field. These phenomena influence the solar wind, a stream of charged particles that can disrupt power grids, communication systems, and satellites. The Parker Solar Probe, stationed within 30 solar radii (Rs) of the Sun, and the Solar Orbiter, located further out at 130 Rs, provided comparative measurements of magnetic fields and plasma moments.

The findings revealed that magnetic switchbacks smooth out into microstreams with 30 percent fewer reversals as they move outward, while the surrounding proton velocity increased by 10 percent. Researchers attributed this to magnetic relaxation, where magnetic energy is converted into kinetic energy, accelerating the solar wind.

Insights for Space Weather Forecasting

According to Shirsh Soni, research fellow in climate and space sciences at the University of Michigan and corresponding author of the study, in a statement, this marks the first direct observation of switchback magnetic energy decreasing with distance. He stated in reports that the collaboration between the Parker Solar Probe and Solar Orbiter has been crucial for understanding the Sun’s magnetic processes.

Mojtaba Akhavan-Tafti, associate research scientist at the University of Michigan, highlighted the broader implications, in his statement, noting that magnetic switchbacks reveal the Sun’s dynamic energy processes and their influence on the solar system. Researchers aim to investigate whether magnetic energy transfers also generate heat, potentially solving mysteries about the solar wind’s heating.

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FAST Telescope Detects New Pulsar PSR J1922+37 in Open Cluster NGC 6791

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December 20, 2024

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FAST Telescope Detects New Pulsar PSR J1922+37 in Open Cluster NGC 6791

A new pulsar, PSR J1922+37, has been discovered with a spin period of 1.92 seconds using the Five-hundred-metre Aperture Spherical Radio Telescope (FAST) in China, according to a report. The finding was made in the direction of the open cluster NGC 6791. If confirmed as a member of this cluster, it would be the first pulsar identified in an open cluster, a breakthrough in pulsar and stellar cluster research, according to sources.

Key Details of PSR J1922+37

The finding was reported in a paper published Dec. 11 on the arXiv preprint server. As per reports, the pulsar PSR J1922+37 has been observed with a dispersion measure of 85 pc/cm³ and a flux density of approximately 7.0 µJy. Its position aligns closely with the location of NGC 6791, with an offset of 14 arcminutes from the cluster’s centre. The estimated distance of the pulsar, 15,600 light-years, is consistent with the cluster’s distance range, which is calculated to be between 13,100 and 16,000 light-years.

According to the study, led by Xiao-Jin Liu of Beijing Normal University, the dense stellar environment of NGC 6791 increases the likelihood of pulsars being present within the cluster. Researchers have suggested that precise measurements of PSR J1922+37’s distance and proper motion will be necessary to confirm its association with NGC 6791.

Potential for Further Discoveries

The researchers indicated that NGC 6791’s compact and high surface brightness environment could host additional pulsars. An estimate provided in the study predicts that as many as nine pulsars may exist within this cluster. The team noted that further observations using advanced techniques could help verify these predictions.

The report further highlights that the discovery has been described as a significant development in the understanding of pulsars within open clusters, an area of study previously limited due to low stellar density in such regions. Verification of PSR J1922+37’s cluster membership will require additional studies, including proper motion analysis to establish a definitive connection.

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