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The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will deploy the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Proba-3 mission on December 4, 2024, using its Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) from Sriharikota, as per multiple sources. The mission, designed to examine the Sun’s corona, marks a significant collaboration between India and Europe. Proba-3 will attempt precision formation flying, where two satellites will operate in tandem to create a solar coronagraph, enabling detailed studies of the Sun’s outer atmosphere.

What Proba-3 Aims to Accomplish?

Proba-3’s primary focus is the solar corona, the Sun’s outermost layer, known for its extreme temperatures reaching up to 2 million degrees Fahrenheit. This region is critical for understanding phenomena such as solar storms and winds that influence space weather and disrupt Earth-based technologies, including power grids and satellite communications.

The mission is equipped with three instruments. The ASPIICS coronagraph will simulate solar eclipses, providing an unprecedented view of the Sun’s inner and outer corona. The Digital Absolute Radiometer (DARA) will measure total solar irradiance, while the 3D Energetic Electron Spectrometer (3DEES) will monitor electron fluxes within Earth’s radiation belts, offering valuable insights into space weather.

Why Proba-3 is Pioneering?

Proba-3 will utilise two satellites—the 200 kg Occulter Spacecraft and the 340 kg Coronagraph Spacecraft—which will align precisely to mimic an artificial eclipse. The Occulter will cast a shadow, allowing the Coronagraph to capture images of the corona uninterrupted for six hours at a time. This system surpasses the brief observation window of natural solar eclipses and is expected to yield data equivalent to 50 such events annually.

India’s Role and Benefits

The selection of ISRO for this high-profile mission underscores the reliability of its launch infrastructure. Indian solar physicists are expected to gain exclusive access to Proba-3 data, enhancing research opportunities alongside ESA’s scientists. According to reports, collaborative studies with data from India’s Aditya-L1 mission are also being planned, fostering advancements in solar physics.

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Antarctica’s Pyramid-Shaped Peak: A Geological Masterpiece

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January 13, 2025

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Antarctica’s Pyramid-Shaped Peak: A Geological Masterpiece

A peak resembling a man-made pyramid, situated in the snow-covered expanse of Antarctica, has captured widespread attention due to its striking symmetry. Located within the southern Ellsworth Mountains, this natural formation features four steep, symmetrical faces, drawing comparisons to ancient Egyptian pyramids. Rising approximately 4,150 feet (1,265 meters), the mountain has become a focal point of speculation since it gained internet fame in 2016, with many questioning whether its shape could be the work of ancient civilizations or extraterrestrial beings.

Natural Formation Through Erosion

As reported by Live Science, the unique geometry of the mountain is attributed to natural erosion processes. Experts suggest that the peak was likely sculpted by freeze-thaw erosion over millions of years. Mauri Pelto, a professor of environmental science at Nichols College, explained to Live Science that during this process, water fills rock crevices during the day, freezes at night, and expands, causing chunks of rock to break off gradually. This slow but consistent erosion is believed to have given the mountain its distinct pyramidal shape. Pelto noted that while three of the mountain’s sides appear to have eroded evenly, the fourth side—the eastern ridge—formed separately.

Conspiracy Theories and Expert Opinions

Speculation about the mountain’s origin surged when its images circulated online. Claims involving forgotten civilizations or extraterrestrial construction have been widely shared by conspiracy theorists. However, Eric Rignot, professor of Earth system science at the University of California, Irvine, and senior research scientist at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, dismissed these ideas while talking to Live Science. Rignot stated that pyramid-like shapes are not uncommon in nature, citing that peaks with one or two steep faces are often observed, though fully symmetrical formations are rare.

Historical and Geological Significance

First observed during a 1935 flight by American aviator Lincoln Ellsworth, the Ellsworth Mountains hold significant geological history, including 500-million-year-old fossils. The pyramid-shaped peak adds to the intrigue of this remote region but is regarded by scientists as a testament to nature’s sculpting power rather than evidence of advanced or extraterrestrial involvement.

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Mark Your Calendars! The Next Blue Moon Arrives on May 31, 2026

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January 13, 2025

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Mark Your Calendars! The Next Blue Moon Arrives on May 31, 2026

A Blue Moon, a term often associated with rarity, will next occur on May 31, 2026. This event refers to the second full moon within a single calendar month, a phenomenon that arises due to the lunar cycle of approximately 29.5 days. Typically, 12 full moons are observed annually; however, the slight mismatch between the lunar cycle and the calendar year results in a 13th full moon approximately every two to three years, earning it the designation of a Blue Moon.

Types of Blue Moons Explained

As reported by NASA, there are two classifications of Blue Moons: seasonal and monthly. A seasonal Blue Moon is defined as the third full moon in a season containing four full moons, while a monthly Blue Moon occurs when two full moons appear within the same calendar month. The upcoming Blue Moon in May 2026 will be of the monthly variety.

Despite its name, the moon does not turn blue during this occurrence. The term has historical roots and is now widely accepted to describe these rare lunar events.

Historical Occurrences of Blue Moons

The last Blue Moon was recorded on August 19, 2024. Such events, while uncommon, are predictable and occur at intervals due to the alignment of lunar phases with the Gregorian calendar. The next seasonal Blue Moon is anticipated on August 21, 2032.

Can the Moon Actually Appear Blue?

Instances of the moon appearing blue are exceedingly rare and are attributed to atmospheric conditions rather than lunar phenomena. Volcanic eruptions, such as Krakatoa in 1883, and large-scale forest fires have caused atmospheric particles to scatter red light, giving the moon a bluish tint.

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Southern California’s Drought Crisis Fuels Wildfire Threats and Water Shortages

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January 13, 2025

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Southern California's Drought Crisis Fuels Wildfire Threats and Water Shortages

Unusually dry conditions have been persisting across Southern California, creating an environment prone to destructive wildfires. In early January 2025, multiple wind-driven fires swept through the Los Angeles region, destroying thousands of homes and other structures. The lack of sufficient rainfall, combined with warm and dry weather, has severely impacted soil moisture levels, leaving vegetation parched and vulnerable. These factors have intensified fire risks, posing significant challenges for residents and emergency responders alike.

Critical Water Shortages Highlighted by Studies

According to a study by the Center for Western Weather and Water Extremes at the University of California, San Diego, soil moisture in parts of Southern California was recorded in the lowest 2 percent of historical levels for January. As reported by The Conversation, this deficit was mapped to a depth of around 40 inches, underlining the severity of the region’s drought. Hydrologists closely monitoring the state’s water supplies noted that most atmospheric rivers during this water year have bypassed Southern California, favouring northern regions instead.

Northern and Southern California’s Contrasting Water Conditions

Reports further indicate that Northern California’s reservoirs and snowpacks remain in relatively stable conditions. Meanwhile, the Southern Sierra snowpack has begun to decline, contributing to a worsening water storage outlook for the region. Data from October 2024 through early January 2025 revealed precipitation levels in Southern California trailing far behind the 1991–2020 average, creating a stark contrast with the north.

Future Drought Risks Predicted

Projections from the U.S. Climate Prediction Center suggest drought development across Southern California in the coming months, influenced by La Niña conditions. While these patterns often result in drier weather, variations remain unpredictable. Experts have noted that one or two significant rainfall events could alter the trajectory, as was witnessed in prior years. Residents and authorities are being urged to remain vigilant, with a focus on fire prevention and water conservation.

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