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Archaeologists in Egypt unveiled significant discoveries throughout 2024, shedding new light on the lives, beliefs, and practices of this ancient civilisation. As reported by Live Science, these findings range from rare artefacts to evidence of advanced practices, reflecting the remarkable complexity of ancient Egyptian society. The discoveries have been made at various sites across Egypt, providing crucial insights into this iconic civilisation’s history and culture.

First Known Astronomical Observatory Identified

As per a report by the publication, a sixth-century B.C. structure believed to be the first astronomical observatory in ancient Egypt was uncovered. Spanning 850 square metres, the L-shaped structure features a gateway facing east, enabling the tracking of celestial bodies. A large stone sundial and a carving depicting an observer were also found. This discovery highlights the advanced astronomical knowledge held by the ancient Egyptians.

Rare Burial of a Governor’s Daughter Found

The intact tomb of Idi, daughter of a governor from the reign of Senwosret I (circa 1961–1917 B.C.), was discovered in Asyut. Idi’s body was buried within two coffins adorned with detailed inscriptions meant to guide her through the afterlife. Despite evidence of ancient looting, skeletal remains and intact artefacts provide a rare glimpse into burial practices during this period, as noted by researchers.

Gold Tongues Unearthed in Oxyrhynchus

At the Oxyrhynchus site, 15 gold tongues were discovered this year, adding to the previously found 14, bringing the total to 29. These artefacts, dating back approximately 2,000 years, were thought to enable the deceased to communicate in the afterlife. This ongoing discovery continues to intrigue archaeologists, as reported by Live Science.

Evidence of Hallucinogenic Rituals Discovered

Scientists examining a 2,200-year-old vase depicting the dwarf god Bes found traces of a blood-coloured substance believed to be part of a hallucinogenic ritual. The concoction, which blended alcohol with plant-based drugs, was possibly used in ceremonies reenacting mythological events. These findings provide insights into the spiritual and ritualistic practices of the time.

Ancient Cancer Treatment Attempted

A skull dating back 4,500 years revealed evidence of an unsuccessful attempt to surgically remove a tumour. This discovery suggests that ancient Egyptians made efforts to treat cancer using surgical tools. According to Live Science, the findings underscore the medical challenges faced by this early civilisation.

These discoveries, as detailed by Live Science, continue to shape our understanding of ancient Egypt’s sophisticated culture and its approaches to science, medicine and spirituality.

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Dead NASA Satellite Relay 2 May Have Caused Mysterious 2024 Radio Burst

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June 27, 2025

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Dead NASA Satellite Relay 2 May Have Caused Mysterious 2024 Radio Burst

In June 2024, scientists detected a mysterious, powerful burst of radio waves originating from within our galaxy. At first, they thought it was coming from a pulsar or another undiscovered cosmic object. However, an analysis revealed the origin of the signal was too close to the Earth. Astronomers think it was caused by a long-dead NASA satellite Relay 2, was launched in 1964 but ceased operations in 1967 after its communication systems failed. Yet, nearly 60 years later, it mysteriously emitted a powerful radio signal, the researchers said in a new preprint study, which was posted June 13 to the server arXiv and has not yet been peer-reviewed.

Relay 2: A Silent Satellite Sends a Loud Signal

According to the study, the signal was detected using the Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder (ASKAP) telescope array. These intense flashes typically originate from deep space and can carry more energy in milliseconds than the sun emits over several days.

But this signal, lasting just 30 nanoseconds, was traced back to the vicinity of Earth, too close for ASKAP to focus on clearly. After ruling out cosmic sources, the team traced the pulse to the orbit of Relay 2. Despite having no functioning systems, the satellite somehow emitted the brightest radio flash in the sky at that moment.

Researchers proposed two theories: a micrometeorite impact that created a radio-emitting plasma cloud, or an electrostatic discharge (ESD) caused by charge buildup on the satellite’s aging materials.

New Clues About Spacecraft Behavior and Space Debris

Though both mechanisms could produce similar signals, scientists lean toward electrostatic discharge as the likelier cause. According to space physicists, older spacecraft like Relay 2 may be especially prone to such energy releases due to outdated materials and limited shielding.

Karen Aplin told New Scientist that studying these accidental emissions could help monitor ESD events on today’s small satellites — many of which also lack advanced protection. In an increasingly crowded orbital environment, this detection method may offer a novel tool for evaluating space debris and satellite health.

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James Webb Telescope Captures First Direct Image of Saturn-Mass Exoplanet

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June 27, 2025

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James Webb Telescope Captures First Direct Image of Saturn-Mass Exoplanet

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has captured its first direct image of a newly discovered exoplanet. Astronomers announced that Webb imaged a Saturn-mass planet orbiting the nearby young star TWA 7. Dubbed TWA 7 b, the planet’s mass is only about 0.3 times that of Jupiter – roughly Saturn’s mass – making it the smallest planet ever seen via direct imaging. Most of the nearly 6,000 known exoplanets have been detected indirectly. To spot TWA 7 b, the JWST team used a coronagraph (like a solar eclipse) to block the star’s light and reveal the faint planet.

Detecting a Hidden World

According to the study published in the journal Nature, Webb’s team targeted TWA 7 because its dusty disk is viewed nearly face-on, revealing clear ring structures. They used Webb’s MIRI instrument with a coronagraph to mask the star’s glare. After processing the data, a faint infrared point source appeared roughly 1.5 arcseconds from TWA 7 (about 50 times the Earth–Sun distance).

This source lies in a gap of the star’s second dust ring. Its brightness and color match what theoretical models predict for a young, cold planet roughly Saturn’s mass. The object seems to be carving out the ring gap just as an orbiting planet would. Astronomers ruled out other explanations (like a background star) to confirm the signal is best explained by a planet.

A Step Toward Smaller Worlds

TWA 7 b’s Saturn-like mass makes it about ten times less massive than any exoplanet previously captured in a direct image. Its discovery shows that Webb can now image worlds far smaller than the giant exoplanets seen before. Scientists say the telescope may eventually detect planets as light as 10% of Jupiter’s mass, pushing toward Earth-like size.

This breakthrough “paves the way” to imaging truly terrestrial planets in the future. Astronomers even predict that upcoming observatories could dramatically increase the number of Earth-size planets seen by direct imaging. Next-generation telescopes – on the ground and in space – are being planned with even more powerful coronagraphs to hunt for the first directly photographed Earth analogues.

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James Webb Telescope Detects Methanol and Ethanol Near Young Stars, Hinting at Life’s Origins

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June 27, 2025

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James Webb Telescope Detects Methanol and Ethanol Near Young Stars, Hinting at Life’s Origins

In the recent research done by using the James Webb Telescope, in March 2024, scientists found that ethanol and other icy organic compounds near protostars IRAS 2A and IRAS 23385. The findings were published in the JOYS+ program. It can offer insights into the cosmic chemistry that can help in knowing the formation of the planet and the potential for life on it. This also suggests how the building blocks in life can travel in space. The scientists observed alcohol in the orbit of a young star, adding to the understanding of life on Earth.

Methanol and Its Isotopes Detected Around Star HD 100453

As per the recent study conducted by NASA’s JWST, Methanol and its isotopes have been found in gases around the star called HD 100453. It is about 330 light years away from our planet. It has been observed for the first time that scientists have found isotopes of methanol in the shape of a disk. This was reported on June 5, 2025, in the Astrophysical Journal Letters.

Methanol: A Building Block of Life

Methanol acts as a building block for organic compounds like amino acids, which are essential for life. Researchers had found that methanol, but not the rare isotopes, is star-forming structures. These isotopes of methanol give a valuable insight into the ingredients needed for building life on Earth.

HD 100453: A Star Bigger Than the Sun

HD 100453 is larger than the Sun, with more than 1.6 times the mass of the Sun. This signals that methanol and other molecules in the disk exist as gas and farther from the home star, which could be the case when the solar system was quite young. The smaller stars consist of cooler disks, and the molecules are frozen and undetectable.

Link Between Methanol and Comet Chemistry

The researchers found that the ratio of methanol to other organic molecules is similar to that of the comets in the solar system. The findings signal that the ices near the protoplanetary disks clump to form comets filled with organic molecules, which are the result of collisions. This research gives the idea that comets may have played a major role in offering important organic material to the Earth billions of years ago.

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