Connect with us

Published

on

SpaceX’s highly anticipated launch of four “MicroGEO” communications satellites was called off at the final second on December 21. A Falcon 9 rocket, prepared for liftoff from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida at midnight EST (0500 GMT), faced an abrupt halt as its engines ignited. The reason for the mission’s suspension remains undisclosed, with the company yet to confirm a rescheduled launch date.

As per a report by Space.com, an initial statement by SpaceX indicated an attempt to relaunch on December 22, which was later reconsidered following detailed inspections of the rocket.The event marked an unexpected delay for a mission designed to deploy Astranis’ advanced satellites, highlighting the complexities inherent in space missions.

Mission Overview and Satellite Objectives

The satellites onboard were developed by Astranis, a San Francisco-based firm aiming to expand its satellite portfolio. Two satellites will serve Anuvu, a Colorado-based provider of in-flight connectivity for travellers. Another is destined for operations in the Philippines, while the fourth, named UtilitySat, will cater to diverse customers over its operational lifespan.

John Gedmark, Chief Executive Officer of Astranis, underscored the importance of this mission, in a statement, describing it as a pivotal step in expanding their satellite operations. He stated that the launch was to demonstrate the capability of deploying multiple satellites simultaneously, a milestone for the company.

Planned Deployment and Falcon 9 Reusability

Once launched, the Falcon 9’s upper stage was expected to place the satellites in geosynchronous transfer orbit approximately 35 minutes after liftoff. Meanwhile, the rocket’s first stage was scheduled to land on the droneship “A Shortfall of Gravitas,” marking its 17th flight. Astranis’ mission, titled “From One to Many,” reflects its ambition to expand geostationary broadband services. The next launch schedule is pending confirmation, as per the report.

Continue Reading

Science

New discovery explains how gold forms in Earth’s volcanic zones!

Published

on

By

New discovery explains how gold forms in Earth's volcanic zones!

A breakthrough discovery by an international team of scientists has highlighted the role of a gold-sulfur complex in the formation of gold deposits on Earth. The study, co-authored by Adam Simon, Professor of Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of Michigan, was recently . It details the previously unknown conditions under which gold is transported from deep within the Earth’s mantle to the surface.

Role of the Gold-Trisulfur Complex

According to the research, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (2024), a unique gold-trisulfur complex forms under specific pressure and temperature conditions in the mantle, situated 30 to 50 miles beneath active volcanic zones. This complex, which has been debated in scientific circles, plays a significant role in the enrichment of gold in magma that travels to the surface. The findings shed light on why certain subduction zones, where tectonic plates converge, are particularly rich in gold deposits.

Volcanic Activity and Gold Deposits

The study highlights subduction zones around the Pacific Ring of Fire, where volcanic activity is prevalent, as key areas for gold formation. These regions, including locations such as New Zealand, Japan, Alaska, and Chile, provide the ideal geological environment for magma to carry gold from the mantle to surface deposits. The researchers link the processes behind volcanic eruptions to the mechanisms that concentrate gold in these zones.

Scientific Findings and Practical Applications

The researchers developed a thermodynamic model to simulate mantle conditions and confirm the existence of the gold-trisulfur complex. This model not only validates earlier theories about gold-sulfur interactions but also provides a clearer picture of the conditions required for gold-rich mineral systems to form.

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.


Study Reveals Genetic and Linguistic Roots of Indo-European Populations



Samsung’s Galaxy Ring 2 May Show Up Alongside Galaxy S25 Series at the Upcoming Unpacked Event

Continue Reading

Science

First Perentie Lizards Hatched at Los Angeles Zoo: A Major Breeding Milestone

Published

on

By

First Perentie Lizards Hatched at Los Angeles Zoo: A Major Breeding Milestone

Two perentie lizards, among the largest species of lizards globally, have hatched at the Los Angeles Zoo, marking the first time this species has been bred there. Native to Australia, these carnivorous reptiles are known for their impressive size, often exceeding 8 feet in length and weighing over 40 pounds. The zoo, which is one of the few facilities outside Australia to successfully breed them, is now home to the newly hatched pair, who are being carefully monitored in a controlled environment.

First Breeding Success Highlighted by Experts

According to reports from usnews.com, the perentie lizards were bred and hatched for the first time in the facility’s history. Byron Wusstig, curator at the Los Angeles Zoo, shared with the Associated Press that achieving this milestone is a significant accomplishment for the team. These lizards, classified as Varanus giganteus, are rarely seen in zoos outside their native Australia, despite not being endangered.

Special Care for Hatchlings in Early Stages

Reports confirm that the hatchlings are thriving under close observation by the zoo’s staff. They are being kept off-exhibit in a specially managed setting to ensure their health during these crucial initial months. The lizards will eventually join the Australia section of the zoo, near the Komodo dragon habitat, where the father is currently on display.

This species is characterised by its distinct brown skin adorned with cream or yellow markings. Their diet, as stated in reports, includes turtle eggs, insects, birds, small mammals, marsupials, and other reptiles, all of which are consumed whole. As per zoo officials, this breeding success highlights the capabilities of the institution in conserving and caring for unique species, contributing to the understanding of their behaviour and needs in captivity.

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.


Nvidia Executive Claims AI-Powered Robots in the Future Will Be Trained on Simulation, Share a Hive Mind



Study Reveals Genetic and Linguistic Roots of Indo-European Populations

Continue Reading

Science

Study Reveals Genetic and Linguistic Roots of Indo-European Populations

Published

on

By

Study Reveals Genetic and Linguistic Roots of Indo-European Populations

A comprehensive study involving 91 researchers, including Eske Willerslev from the Lundbeck Foundation GeoGenetics Centre at the University of Copenhagen, has provided critical insights into the genetic and linguistic origins of Indo-European populations. The findings, identify two significant migrations during the Bronze Age that contributed to the spread of steppe ancestry across the Mediterranean. The genetic research links Spanish, French and Italian populations to Bell Beaker ancestry, while Greek and Armenian populations have been connected directly to Yamnaya ancestry from the Pontic Steppe region.

Analyses of Steppe Ancestry Distribution

According to the study published on the preprint server bioRxiv, steppe ancestry in Western Europe is attributed to Bell Beaker populations, who combined their genetic profile with local Neolithic farmers. These migrations align with linguistic theories suggesting a shared origin for Italo-Celtic languages. In contrast, Greek and Armenian ancestry reflects direct Yamnaya influence, with no significant local admixture. This divergence between Eastern and Western Mediterranean populations aligns with the Italo-Celtic and Graeco-Armenian linguistic hypotheses.

Genomic and Strontium Isotope Studies

As per reports, the study sequenced 314 ancient genomes dated between 2,100 and 5,200 years ago from regions including Spain, Italy, Greece, and Turkey. A total dataset of 2,403 genomes was analysed, alongside 224 strontium isotope assessments to trace human mobility. Results showed active migration patterns during the Bronze Age, with non-local individuals identified in Greece, Cyprus and Italy. A notable finding was a Scandinavian individual in Cyprus, suggesting Mediterranean trade routes extended far beyond local boundaries.

Implications for Linguistic Migration Models

These findings substantiate linguistic theories connecting Italic and Celtic languages to Bell Beaker ancestry and Greek and Armenian languages to Yamnaya ancestry. The research contradicts alternative hypotheses, including Indo-Greek and Italo-Germanic models. This study provides a clearer understanding of the genetic and linguistic history of Indo-European populations, offering a vital reference for future investigations into ancient human migrations

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.


Nvidia Executive Claims AI-Powered Robots in the Future Will Be Trained on Simulation, Share a Hive Mind



Samsung’s Galaxy Ring 2 May Show Up Alongside Galaxy S25 Series at the Upcoming Unpacked Event

Continue Reading

Trending