Scientists Discover Two New Supernova Remnants in a Surprising Location
Two mysterious light sources detected on the outskirts of the Large Magellanic Cloud have been identified as previously unknown supernova remnants. The discovery was made using the European Space Agency’s X-ray observatory, XMM-Newton after observations revealed unexpected X-ray emissions. Supernova remnants are formed when massive stars explode, creating shock waves that ionise and compress surrounding interstellar matter. The detection of these remnants in an area where supernovae are rarely found has raised new questions about the distribution of ionised gas in this dwarf galaxy.
Identification of J0624-6948 and J0614-7251
According to a study published in Astronomy & Astrophysics, the two supernova remnants, J0624-6948 and J0614-7251, were observed as distinct circular structures in visible-light imaging. The newly released images from ESA show these remnants in the lower-left portion of the Large Magellanic Cloud, with J0624-6948 appearing in orange and J0614-7251 in blue. As reported by space.com, previously identified supernova remnants in the galaxy were marked with yellow crosses. The study explains that for a supernova to leave behind a remnant, the explosion must occur in a region containing ionised gas, typically found in dense star-forming areas rather than in the outskirts of a galaxy. The brightness and size of the newly detected remnants align with other confirmed cases in the Large Magellanic Cloud.
Impact on Understanding of Galactic Structures
In an official statement ESA scientists noted that these findings suggest a higher concentration of ionised gas in the Large Magellanic Cloud than previously estimated. The research proposes that interactions between the Milky Way, the Small Magellanic Cloud, and the Large Magellanic Cloud could be influencing the movement and compression of interstellar material. It is suggested that gravitational forces between these galaxies may be altering gas distribution, leading to unexpected regions of star formation and supernova activity.
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The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) have successfully developed and booted an aerospace-grade semiconductor chip, marking a significant step towards self-reliance in space technology. The chip, named ‘IRIS’ (Indigenous RISCV Controller for Space Applications), has been designed based on the SHAKTI processor and is intended for use in IoT and compute systems. The project aligns with India’s efforts to reduce dependence on foreign semiconductor technology and is part of a broader initiative to strengthen indigenous capabilities in space applications.
Development and Testing of the IRIS Chip
According to reports, the ISRO Inertial Systems Unit (IISU) in Thiruvananthapuram collaborated with IIT Madras to define the specifications and develop the chip. The design incorporates fault-tolerant internal memories to improve reliability and includes custom functional and peripheral interface modules such as CORDIC, WATCHDOG Timers, and advanced serial buses. Testing of the semiconductor was conducted to ensure its suitability for space missions, with rigorous software and hardware evaluations carried out before finalising the chip.
Complete Indigenous Fabrication and Assembly
Professor V. Kamakoti, Director of IIT Madras, stated to India Today that the entire development process, including chip design, fabrication, packaging, motherboard assembly, and software booting, was carried out within India. The project is part of the ‘Digital India RISC-V’ initiative (DIRV), which supports domestic development of microprocessor-based products with high security standards.
ISRO and Industry Support for Indigenous Innovation
ISRO Chairman Dr. V Narayanan expressed satisfaction over the development of the IRIS Controller, highlighting its contribution to India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative. Kamaljeet Singh, Director General of the Semiconductor Laboratory (SCL) Chandigarh, mentioned that SCL remains committed to collaborating with academia and startups to further India’s self-reliance in niche semiconductor products.
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The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has been allocated emergency observation time to study asteroid 2024 YR4, which has been classified as potentially hazardous. The space rock was identified in December 2024 and has been placed on the asteroid watch list due to its estimated 2.3% chance of colliding with Earth in December 2032. The emergency decision has been made to improve the accuracy of its size estimation, which is currently based on ground-based observations. Scientists believe that a more precise measurement of its dimensions will provide better insight into the potential risk it poses.
Infrared Observations to Determine True Size
According to reports, the European Space Agency (ESA), the asteroid has an estimated width of 55 metres, but this figure is uncertain due to limitations in ground-based telescopic observations. The asteroid’s brightness has been used to approximate its size, though its actual dimensions may vary significantly depending on surface reflectivity. If the surface is highly reflective, the asteroid could be as small as 40 metres. If it is less reflective, its true size could be as large as 90 metres, significantly altering the potential impact risk assessment.
JWST has been selected for this task due to its ability to capture infrared emissions, which can provide a more accurate measurement of the asteroid’s size and surface composition. Unlike ground telescopes, which rely on reflected sunlight, JWST’s infrared capabilities will detect heat emitted by the asteroid, offering a clearer picture of its actual dimensions. The updated information will play a crucial role in refining impact probability models and informing future planetary defence strategies.
Scheduled Observations and Data Availability
Observations using JWST are planned for March and May. The first session will coincide with the asteroid reaching peak brightness, while the second will take place as it moves away from the Sun. These observations will be conducted using four hours of JWST’s director’s discretionary time, a reserve allocation used for urgent scientific inquiries.
The data collected during these observations will be publicly released once processed. ESA has highlighted the significance of this research, stating that refining the size estimation of 2024 YR4 is essential for determining its potential impact consequences. The results will contribute to ongoing research into near-Earth objects and planetary defence strategies.
Previous Impacts and Potential Consequences
Historical events have demonstrated the damage that asteroids of this size can cause. The Tunguska event of 1908, which flattened an estimated 80 million trees over a vast area of Siberia, is believed to have been caused by an asteroid of similar dimensions. While an impact from 2024 YR4 would not cause mass extinction, the regional consequences could be severe.
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An increase in seismic activity has been recorded at Mount Spurr, a stratovolcano located 124 kilometres west of Anchorage, Alaska. Over the past ten months, small earthquakes have been detected, with a noticeable rise in activity observed in recent weeks. Reports indicate that the earthquakes, which were initially concentrated near the summit, have shifted towards Crater Peak, a side vent that previously erupted in 1992 and 1953. Scientists suggest that this could signal the movement of magma beneath the volcano, potentially leading to an eruption. The likelihood of an eruption occurring at Crater Peak has been estimated at 50 percent, while the chances of an eruption at the volcano’s main crater remain low.
Potential Eruption Scenarios at Mount Spurr
According to the Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO), the ongoing seismic activity could either lead to an eruption or subside without significant volcanic activity. Matt Haney, Scientist-in-Charge at AVO, told Live Science that the earthquake pattern has intensified, with tremors now concentrated in an area approximately 3 kilometres down the slope. This shift aligns with previous eruptions from Crater Peak, which ejected ash plumes reaching 20,000 metres into the atmosphere. Despite similarities to past events, volcanic unrest observed in 2004 and 2005 did not result in an eruption, demonstrating that increased seismicity does not always lead to an explosive event.
Possible Impact of an Eruption
If an eruption occurs, hazards such as pyroclastic flows, lahars, and ashfall could impact surrounding areas. While no communities are directly in the path of potential lahars or pyroclastic flows, disruptions to air travel could be significant. The 1992 eruption of Crater Peak led to the temporary closure of Anchorage’s airport and covered parts of the city in ash. Given the current volume of air traffic passing through Alaska, a similar event could cause major disruptions to transcontinental flights. Scientists are monitoring the situation closely, particularly for signs of prolonged seismic tremors, which could indicate that an eruption is imminent.
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