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In mid-January 2025, comet C/2024 G3 (ATLAS) was observed as it approached within 8 million miles of the Sun, offering a stunning display recorded by the ESA and NASA Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO). The spacecraft captured images of the comet brightening and its tail extending dramatically as it passed through the Sun’s intense environment. This celestial event provided scientists with a valuable opportunity to study the interaction between the solar wind and the comet’s tail, revealing insights into solar activity.

Details of the Observation

According to reports from the SOHO mission, the comet was tracked from January 11 to January 2025, using the Large Angle and Spectrometric Coronagraph (LASCO) instrument. The Sun’s light was blocked by a disk in the images, allowing fainter details of the solar corona to be seen. The head of the comet became so luminous during its perihelion on 13 January that LASCO’s sensors were briefly overwhelmed, creating horizontal streaks known as “bleeding” in the imagery.

Scientific Significance

Karl Battams, the principal investigator of LASCO at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, stated in a press release that the comet’s tail demonstrated noticeable responses to fluctuations in the solar wind. These reactions are being studied to understand the Sun’s influence on nearby objects. LASCO, which has contributed to the discovery of over 5,000 comets since its launch, continues to play a vital role in solar and heliospheric studies.

Visibility and Current Status

Reports from an official press release of NASA indicate that comet ATLAS was briefly visible in the Northern Hemisphere after sunset during its closest approach. However, the comet is now receding and is best observed from the Southern Hemisphere. Astronomers have suggested that the comet may have fragmented after its solar encounter, raising the possibility of a rapid dimming in the coming days.

The SOHO mission is a collaborative project managed by NASA and ESA, with mission operations led by NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center.

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Further reading:
Comet C/2024 G3, ATLAS, Solar and Heliospheric Observatory, SOHO, Sun, Solar Wind, Astronomical Events, Cometary Tail, Space Science, Perihelion, NASA, ESA

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India’s Gaganyaan project takes a big step with Crew Module launch

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January 24, 2025

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India’s Gaganyaan project takes a big step with Crew Module launch

India’s journey toward human space exploration marked a critical step with the dispatch of the Crew Module for the first uncrewed mission under the Gaganyaan project. The module, integrated with a liquid propulsion system at the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) in Bengaluru, has been sent to the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. This development, achieved on 21 January 2025, is part of India’s efforts to attain human spaceflight capabilities.

Liquid Propulsion System Details

As reported by the Economic Times, according to ISRO, the Crew Module Propulsion System (CMPS) incorporates a bi-propellant Reaction Control System (RCS). This system is essential for precise three-axis control—pitch, yaw, and roll—during the descent and re-entry phases. Control operations will commence after the separation of the service module and continue until the parachute-based deceleration system is deployed. The propulsion system includes 12 thrusters, each delivering 100 Newtons of thrust, along with high-pressure gas bottles, a propellant feed mechanism, and associated fluid control components.

Assembly and Integration

The module’s development also involved the integration of the Crew Module Uprighting System (CMUS), designed by the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC). The module will now undergo further assembly processes, including avionics installation, electrical harnessing, and a series of checks at VSSC before its dispatch to the U R Rao Satellite Centre in Bengaluru. The final phase will focus on integrating the Crew Module with the Orbital Module.

ISRO has emphasised that the uncrewed G1 mission is a preparatory step for sending humans to space, enabling the validation of systems and technologies critical to the Gaganyaan project. With this milestone, India edges closer to joining the league of nations with human spaceflight capabilities.

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1.95-Million-Year-Old Evidence of Hominin Activity Discovered in Romania

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January 24, 2025

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1.95-Million-Year-Old Evidence of Hominin Activity Discovered in Romania

Evidence of hominin activity has been discovered in Romania, dating back approximately 1.95 million years, significantly altering the timeline of human presence in Europe. Fossil remains, found at the Grăunceanu site in the Olteț River Valley, have provided the earliest known proof of hominin activity in the region. This discovery indicates that early humans reached Europe around half a million years earlier than previously believed. The findings suggest early hominins adapted to temperate and seasonal environments long before earlier evidence suggested.

Findings from Grăunceanu Fossil Site

According to a study published in Nature Communications, faunal remains from Grăunceanu, part of the Tetoiu Formation, were analysed, showing cut marks consistent with hominin butchery techniques. The research team, led by the Department of Sociology & Anthropology at Ohio University, examined over 4,500 specimens for modifications, including anthropogenic marks. Of these, 20 bones displayed surface marks, with seven being identified as cut-marked with high confidence. These marks were found on animal tibiae and mandibles, demonstrating defleshing practices.

Dating Techniques and Environmental Insights

As reported by phys.org, high-precision laser ablation U-Pb dating was used on dentine samples from the site, providing minimum fossil ages ranging from 2.01 to 1.87 million years, with an average age of 1.95 million years. These findings align with biochronological estimates, establishing Grăunceanu as Europe’s oldest evidence of hominin activity. Isotope analysis of a horse molar suggested a temperate woodland-grassland environment with heavy seasonal rainfall, and faunal remains indicated mild winters, which would have supported hominin habitation during interglacial periods.

Implications for Hominin Migration

The evidence from Grăunceanu challenges previous theories that hominins first established themselves in Georgia, as seen at the Dmanisi site. This discovery implies that early humans dispersed across a broader range of environments earlier than previously understood, demonstrating significant ecological adaptability. The presence of warm-adapted species, such as pangolins and ostriches, further highlights the favourable conditions that may have facilitated this migration.

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.

Further reading:
Hominin Activity, Romania, Grăunceanu, Early Humans, Fossil Discoveries, Human Migration, Prehistoric Europe, Anthropology, Nature Communications, Ohio University, Dmanisi, Human Evolution

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SpaceX Achieves 400 Orbital Rocket Landings with Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy

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January 24, 2025

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SpaceX Achieves 400 Orbital Rocket Landings with Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy

SpaceX marked a significant achievement during the launch of 27 Starlink satellites from California on January 21, 2025. The mission, conducted from Vandenberg Space Force Base, witnessed the Falcon 9 rocket completing a successful return of its first stage to a drone ship positioned at sea. This marked the 400th orbital-class rocket landing for the company, a milestone that underscores the advancements made in reusable spaceflight technology.

Falcon 9 Leads SpaceX’s Reusability Milestones

According, the majority of these 400 landings have been achieved through the Falcon 9 rocket. This workhorse has been central to the company’s missions, with several boosters performing multiple flights. One of the Falcon 9’s first stages holds the record for 25 launches and landings. The focus on reusability has been a cornerstone of SpaceX’s approach to reducing costs and increasing the frequency of space missions.

Falcon Heavy’s Contribution to the Milestone

SpaceX’s powerful Falcon Heavy has also contributed to this achievement. The Falcon Heavy’s design integrates three Falcon 9 boosters, enabling it to execute up to three landings in a single mission. Although the rocket has flown only 11 times to date, it has played a crucial role in advancing the company’s capabilities in heavy-lift missions.

Starship’s Development and Next Steps

As per the reports by space.com, while the milestone did not include landings by SpaceX’s next-generation Starship rocket, progress on the fully reusable vehicle has been noteworthy. The Starship system aims to support human missions to the moon, Mars, and beyond. Recent test flights have showcased the potential of the vehicle, though challenges remain. On January 16, 2025, the Super Heavy booster was successfully caught by the launch tower’s “chopstick” arms, but issues during the upper stage’s flight highlighted areas for improvement.

This achievement reflects SpaceX’s focus on reusable technology, which continues to redefine possibilities in space exploration.

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