A study published in Nature has provided new insights into the environment during the time when dinosaurs began to dominate the Earth. The analysis, conducted on samples of fossilised feces, or coprolites, has revealed undigested remnants of food, plants, and prey, offering evidence of the dietary habits and ecological role of dinosaurs approximately 200 million years ago. The findings address a 30-million-year gap in understanding the evolutionary rise of dinosaurs during the Late Triassic period.

Key Discoveries from Coprolite Analysis

The research focussed on the northern regions of the supercontinent Pangea, with material gathered over 25 years. Advanced imaging techniques were utilised to examine the internal structures of coprolites, revealing well-preserved remains of fish, insects, and larger prey. Notably, evidence was found of bones consumed and digested by predators into salts and marrow, mirroring behaviours observed in species like hyenas today.

Coprolites from herbivorous dinosaurs, such as early sauropods, were found to contain tree ferns and other plants. Researchers were intrigued by the discovery of charcoal in these samples, suggesting these dinosaurs ingested it to neutralise toxins found in certain ferns.

Adaptability as a Survival Mechanism

In the study, the dietary diversity of these early dinosaurs was highlighted as a significant factor in their evolutionary success. Grzegorz Niedźwiedzki, co-author of the research, told in a statement that the ability to adapt to changing environments through plant consumption was crucial for their survival. According to the findings, these herbivorous dinosaurs displayed a preference for fresh plant shoots, which enabled them to endure environmental upheavals during the Late Triassic.

The study contributes to understanding how adaptability in diet and behaviour allowed dinosaurs to thrive amidst climatic challenges, paving the way for their dominance on the planet.

NASA has confirmed in a press release that a contract valued at approximately $20.5 million (173.2 crore) has been awarded to the Johns Hopkins University’s Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) in Maryland. The contract, which was issued on behalf of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), encompasses the development of two Suprathermal Ion Sensor instruments for the Lagrange 1 Series project under NOAA’s Space Weather Next Programme. According to the space agency, the performance period for the contract is expected to extend until January 31, 2034.

Project Objectives and Responsibilities

The contract includes a broad scope of responsibilities such as designing, analysing, fabricating, integrating, and testing the Suprathermal Ion Sensors, as per reports. The instruments are intended to support NOAA’s satellite operations by supplying critical data for space weather forecasting. Post-launch operations and maintenance of ground support equipment are also part of the agreement.

Work will be conducted at APL’s facility in Maryland, NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Centre in Greenbelt, Maryland, and the Kennedy Space Centre in Florida.

Critical Role of Suprathermal Ion Sensors

The instruments being developed are designed to monitor ions and electrons across an extensive energy range. Sources have stated that this data will assist NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Centre in issuing forecasts and alerts to mitigate the effects of space weather phenomena such as power outages and disruptions to communication and navigation systems.

The sensors will also help detect and analyse coronal mass ejections, co-rotating interaction regions, and interplanetary shocks, which are vital for estimating the impact of solar wind shocks.

NOAA and NASA Collaboration

The Lagrange 1 Series project is overseen jointly by NOAA and NASA, with NOAA managing the programme, funding and dissemination of data products. NASA, alongside its commercial partners, is tasked with the development and launch of instruments and spacecraft. This collaboration aims to strengthen early warning systems and enhance space weather prediction capabilities.

This development has been seen as a significant step forward in advancing the tools required for understanding and responding to space weather events effectively.

China’s Tianzhou 7 cargo spacecraft has ended its mission after delivering essential supplies to the Tiangong space station. According to the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA), the spacecraft re-entered Earth’s atmosphere on November 17 at 8:25 am EST (6:55 pm IST), marking the conclusion of its operations. The spacecraft, launched on January 17 aboard a Long March 7 rocket from Wenchang, was designed to support Tiangong’s ongoing activities, including the delivery of food, experiments, materials, and propellant.

Mission Details and Controlled Reentry

A Space.com report, quoting CMSA, revealed that Tianzhou 7 was undocked from Tiangong on November 10 after being loaded with waste from the station. The deorbiting process was conducted in a controlled manner, with the spacecraft’s engines fired to ensure its descent over the South Pacific Ocean, commonly used for spacecraft reentry due to its remoteness. While CMSA released visuals of Tianzhou 7’s atmospheric entry showing intense flashes caused by heat and friction, specific details of the landing zone remain undisclosed.

Deployment of a Cubesat Pre-Reentry

Ahead of its controlled descent, Tianzhou 7 reportedly released a 6U cubesat named Bayi-08 on November 16. The satellite, developed by the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), carries a medium-resolution Earth observation camera and an optical communication payload. It is part of a science outreach programme aimed at promoting understanding of space technology.

Operations at Tiangong Ongoing

While Tianzhou 7 concluded its mission, operations at Tiangong continue. The report stated that Tianzhou 8 was launched on November 15, carrying supplies to sustain astronauts aboard the station. Preparations are also underway for the Shenzhou 20 mission, scheduled for spring 2025. The cargo included lunar soil simulant bricks for experimental purposes and materials to support the Shenzhou.

China’s advancements in its space programme remain a focal point, with the Tiangong station playing a critical role in supporting long-term human spaceflight and research objectives.