Connect with us

Published

24 hours ago

on

The North Taurid meteor shower peaked on the night of November 11, offering skywatchers across the United States a chance to witness one of the year’s most unique meteor displays. This annual event is part of two overlapping meteor showers—the South and North Taurids—both originating from the debris trail of Comet 2P/Encke. These meteors, which peak in November, can produce exceptionally bright fireballs, lighting up the night sky.

Taurid Meteor Showers Bring Bright Fireballs

The North Taurids was active from October 13 to December 2, while the South Taurids began in late September and ended on November 12. While these meteor showers generally produce about five meteors per hour, they are best known for their “Halloween fireballs”—extraordinarily bright meteors that can be visible across large areas of the sky. The relative scarcity of meteors is compensated by their brightness, allowing onlookers a memorable viewing experience, especially during the peak.

Optimal Viewing Under the Night Sky

Despite the Moon being in its waxing gibbous phase, which can reduce visibility for faint meteors, these fireballs are expected to remain visible. The presence of the moon, approaching its full phase on November 15, may make it challenging to spot smaller meteors; however, the most luminous fireballs will remain visible. The South Taurids peaked earlier this month during a waxing crescent moon, making their display particularly striking under dark conditions.

Observing Tips and Origins of the Taurids

Originating from Comet 2P/Encke, which has an orbit around the sun every 3.25 years, both showers are created by the remnants left by this short-period comet. The North and South Taurids appear to emanate from the constellation Taurus, which rises in the eastern sky each November. Observers are encouraged to allow their eyes time to adjust to the dark, as viewing does not require any equipment like binoculars or telescopes.

This yearly meteor display provides a unique opportunity for both amateur and seasoned astronomers to enjoy bright fireballs illuminating the sky—an event best appreciated without additional light interference.

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.


Gigabyte 27-Inch Gaming Monitor With QHD Resolution, 180Hz Refresh Rate Launched in India



Vivo Y300 5G Confirmed to Launch in India; Rear Design Teased

Related Topics:
Continue Reading

Science

Will Earth’s Gravity Alter Apophis Asteroid in 2029? Find Out!

Published

46 mins ago

on

November 14, 2024

By

Will Earth’s Gravity Alter Apophis Asteroid in 2029? Find Out!

A close encounter between Earth and asteroid 99942 Apophis is expected to take place in April 2029. Named after an ancient Egyptian deity associated with darkness and disorder, Apophis will pass within 32,000 kilometres (20,000 miles) of Earth. According to recent simulations by Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, this event could cause significant shifts on the asteroid’s surface due to Earth’s gravitational influence.

Surface Disturbance Predicted by Simulation

The study was led by planetary scientist Dr Ronald Ballouz and was published The Planetary Science Journal. It suggests that Apophis‘ proximity to Earth might create seismic disturbances on its surface. These effects could cause surface movements that are measurable from Earth, giving scientists an unprecedented opportunity to observe near-Earth asteroids in a unique way. The asteroid, approximately 335 metres (1,100 feet) across, was initially calculated to be on a potential collision course with Earth upon its discovery in 2004. Current analysis has confirmed that there is no threat of impact in the foreseeable future.

Possible Impact on the Asteroid’s Rotation

As per a report by Space.com, another expected outcome is a change in Apophis’ rotational state. As it nears Earth, gravitational forces may alter its spin, which could result in surface reshaping as the asteroid continues orbiting the Sun over time. Past research has noted that asteroids showing less space-weathering than anticipated, like 25143 Itokawa, may owe these qualities to close planetary flybys. This particular flyby will thus allow scientists to study such transformations directly.

An Opportunity for Observation

As Apophis is projected to be visible without telescopes during its approach. As reported, researchers anticipate capturing detailed images of any changes. The findings from this study are expected to deepen understanding of how close encounters impact near-Earth objects, potentially influencing future research and asteroid-monitoring efforts.

Continue Reading

Science

NASA Astronaut Sunita Williams Refutes Health Concerns Amid ISS Mission

Published

12 hours ago

on

November 13, 2024

By

NASA Astronaut Sunita Williams Refutes Health Concerns Amid ISS Mission

NASA astronaut Sunita Williams has recently addressed speculations surrounding her health condition while on the International Space Station (ISS), discarding recent claims made by media outlets regarding her wellbeing. In response to reports that suggested she appeared “gaunt” due to an extended stay on the ISS, Williams clarified her status during a video interview on November 12, explaining that her weight has remained unchanged since her arrival in orbit.

Routine Exercise and Physical Adaptations

Williams, who commands Expedition 72 aboard the ISS, responded to health concerns publicly, indicating that any changes in her physical appearance are the result of rigorous exercise routines rather than health deterioration. Like all astronauts on extended missions, she has been following an intense workout regimen designed to counteract the muscle and bone density loss commonly associated with prolonged microgravity exposure. Williams stated that her routine includes running on a treadmill, riding an exercise bike and lifting weights. It is a form of exercise that has led to increased muscle mass, particularly in her thighs and glutes, while her overall weight remains consistent.

NASA’s Statement on Crew Health

NASA had previously denied the reports, emphasising that Williams and her fellow crew members, including NASA astronaut Butch Wilmore, are in good health. Williams and Wilmore, who arrived at the ISS on June 6 aboard Boeing’s Starliner capsule, were initially scheduled for a ten-day mission under the Crew Flight Test programme. Technical issues with Starliner’s thrusters led NASA to extend their stay on the ISS until early 2025, when they are expected to return with SpaceX’s Crew-9 mission astronauts.

Current ISS Crew Status

The current ISS team, led by Williams, includes three NASA astronauts and three Russian cosmonauts, all working collaboratively despite recent media scrutiny. Williams assured viewers that her health and morale remain robust as the crew carries out essential research and maintenance tasks on the orbiting laboratory showing NASA’s confidence in their well-being during extended missions.

Continue Reading

Science

Math reveals secrets to gaining height on a half-pipe

Published

15 hours ago

on

November 13, 2024

By

Math reveals secrets to gaining height on a half-pipe

A recent study reveals how skateboarders can use mathematical insights to increase their speed and height on half-pipes. Florian Kogelbauer, a mathematician from ETH Zurich, and his research team have examined how specific movements impact a skateboarder’s performance on U-shaped ramps. By alternating between crouching and standing in certain areas, skaters can generate extra momentum, leading to higher jumps and faster speeds. This research, published in Physical Review Research, could lead to more efficient techniques for skaters aiming to improve their skills.

Modelling Momentum on Half-Pipes

The research was published in American Physical Society Journal. The technique of “pumping,” or alternating between crouching and standing, is essential for building speed on half-pipes. Kogelbauer’s team created a model to show how the body’s centre of mass affects movement on a ramp, much like the mechanics of a swing. In their calculations, they found that crouching while moving downhill and standing while moving uphill helps skaters gain height more effectively. This rhythm, the team suggests, could help skaters reach higher elevations on the ramp in fewer motions.

Testing the Theory with Real Skaters

To test the model’s validity, researchers observed two skateboarders as they navigated a half-pipe. They were asked to reach a specific height as quickly as possible. Video analysis revealed that the more experienced skater naturally followed the model’s suggested pattern, reaching the target height with fewer motions. The less experienced skater, who did not follow the pattern as precisely, required more time to reach the same height. This contrast suggests that experienced skaters intuitively apply these principles for better performance.

Broader Applications Beyond Skateboarding

According to Sorina Lupu, an engineer at the California Institute of Technology, this simplified model may also have applications in robotics. By demonstrating how minimal adjustments in body position can impact speed and height, this study offers insights that could make robotic movement more efficient. For engineers, this research indicates that straightforward models of human movement could be used to enhance robotic performance, providing an alternative to complex machine-learning models often used in robotics.

Continue Reading

Trending