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Images captured by NASA’s Curiosity rover have shown rare iridescent clouds drifting across the Martian sky. These formations, observed in the planet’s twilight, were seen at high altitudes where sunlight still reaches them despite nightfall on the surface. The images were taken on January 17, using one of the rover’s onboard cameras, with individual frames stitched together to create a time-lapse video. Scientists are analysing these cloud patterns to gain insights into Mars’ atmospheric processes and climate conditions.

Details of the Findings

A report from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) detailed that these high-altitude clouds, composed of carbon dioxide ice, were seen floating between 60 and 80 kilometres above the surface. The cold temperatures at these heights cause the condensation of carbon dioxide, forming distinctive cloud structures. Some of the ice crystals were observed descending before evaporating at approximately 50 kilometres, where temperatures begin to rise.

As reported by space.com,that this is the fourth Martian year in which Curiosity has recorded these cloud formations. The phenomenon was first observed by NASA’s Pathfinder mission in 1997, which captured images from a location just north of the Martian equator.

Expert Analysis on Martian Clouds

In a statement to NASA’s JPL, Mark Lemmon, Atmospheric Scientist at the Space Science Institute in Colorado, remarked that the first sighting of these iridescent clouds was initially thought to be a colour anomaly. He highlighted that their seasonal recurrence has allowed researchers to predict their appearance and plan observations in advance.

Last year, scientists produced the most comprehensive cloud map of Mars, compiled from two decades of data gathered by the European Space Agency’s Mars Express orbiter. This study classified a range of cloud formations, including patterns not seen on Earth. Daniela Tirsch, Planetary Geologist at the German Aerospace Center, commented at the time that Martian clouds exhibit significant diversity.

Unanswered Questions About Cloud Formation

Observations have so far been limited to specific regions, with no twilight clouds detected by the Perseverance rover, which landed in Jezero Crater in 2021. This has led scientists to question what makes certain areas more conducive to their formation.

Lemmon explained that carbon dioxide was not expected to condense into ice at these altitudes, suggesting an unknown cooling mechanism at work. He pointed to atmospheric gravity waves as a possible factor, though their role in Martian weather patterns remains uncertain. Further studies are planned to better understand these cloud formations and their implications for the planet’s climate.

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Blue Origin Prepares Second New Glenn Launch, Aims for Better Landing

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February 15, 2025

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Blue Origin Prepares Second New Glenn Launch, Aims for Better Landing

The second launch of Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket is being targeted for late spring, as efforts are being made to enhance its landing capabilities. The 320-foot-tall rocket was first launched on January 16, 2025, from Florida’s Space Coast, successfully deploying a test version of the Blue Ring spacecraft into orbit. However, the booster stage failed to land on the recovery platform at sea. The company had anticipated this possibility and has since identified potential issues affecting the landing sequence. Adjustments to the booster are being made in preparation for the upcoming launch.

Landing Challenges Identified and Addressed

According to reports, the engines performed as expected during the descent, but issues in delivering fuel from the tanks prevented a successful touchdown. Blue Origin Chief Executive Officer Dave Limp stated at the 27th Annual Commercial Space Conference that a combination of factors contributed to the failed landing. While specific technical details were not disclosed, it was mentioned that modifications are being implemented on the second booster. These changes are expected to improve landing success without delaying the next flight.

Payload for the Second Flight Yet to Be Finalized

The payload for the upcoming launch has not been officially confirmed. Reports indicate that Blue Origin is considering several options, including potential commercial missions. If no suitable payload is available, the rocket may carry a mass simulator for testing purposes. Limp mentioned that the first three flights of New Glenn are regarded as developmental missions, while commercial launches are expected to begin from the fourth flight onward.

New Glenn’s Capabilities and Future Prospects

New Glenn, under development for nearly a decade, is designed to transport 50 tons of payload to low Earth orbit. Its payload fairing, measuring 23 feet in diameter, is larger than that of any operational rocket. The company aims to establish New Glenn as a competitive launch vehicle for commercial and government clients, with an emphasis on reusability and cost efficiency.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a press release)

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Genetic Mutations May Directly Influence Epigenetic Clocks and Aging

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February 15, 2025

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Genetic Mutations May Directly Influence Epigenetic Clocks and Aging

Scientists have identified a potential link between genetic mutations and epigenetic clocks, shedding new light on the mechanisms behind biological aging. This discovery could reshape how aging is understood and measured. The study explores how DNA mutations accumulating over time may directly influence epigenetic changes, which are often used to estimate biological age. Researchers have examined these connections in detail, aiming to determine whether these processes drive aging or merely reflect it. The findings suggest that a deeper relationship exists between these genetic alterations, which could have significant implications for longevity research.

Genetic and Epigenetic Changes in Aging

According to a study published in Nature Aging on January 13, a correlation has been observed between random genetic mutations and epigenetic modifications that contribute to biological aging. DNA mutations, which arise from cell replication errors, environmental factors, and the gradual decline of repair mechanisms, have long been associated with age-related diseases such as cancer and neurodegeneration. However, these mutations alone do not fully explain aging.

Epigenetic changes, which regulate gene activity without altering the DNA sequence, have been widely studied using “epigenetic clocks.” These clocks track specific DNA markers to estimate biological age. The study suggests that mutations influence these markers, and in turn, epigenetic modifications may affect mutation patterns. This bidirectional relationship has raised new questions about whether epigenetic changes are merely symptoms of aging or active participants in the process.

Scientific Perspectives on the Findings

Dr. Steven Cummings, Executive Director of the San Francisco Coordinating Center at the University of California, San Francisco, stated to Live Science, that a strong correlation between DNA mutations and epigenetic markers was identified. According to him, the study indicates that mutations at specific DNA sites result in distinct epigenetic changes, leading to cascading effects across the genome.
Professor Trey Ideker from the University of California, San Diego, added that a significant loss of DNA methylation was observed at mutated sites, while surrounding areas exhibited increased methylation. This ripple effect extended thousands of base pairs beyond the original mutation, though the precise mechanism remains unclear. He emphasized the need for further research to determine whether mutations trigger epigenetic shifts or vice versa.

Implications for Aging Research

The study’s findings suggest that genetic and epigenetic changes might be influenced by an underlying process that remains unidentified. Dr. Cummings proposed that DNA mutations could be the primary drivers of aging, while epigenetic changes may reflect this process rather than cause it. If confirmed, this would present a significant challenge for anti-aging research, as reversing mutations is considerably more complex than modifying epigenetic markers.

Experts have pointed out that additional studies are required to validate these conclusions, particularly in non-cancerous tissues. The data used in the study were primarily derived from cancer patients, making it necessary to examine whether the same patterns exist in healthy individuals. Longitudinal studies tracking genetic and epigenetic changes over time could provide a clearer picture of their relationship to aging.

Further investigations may include laboratory experiments where specific mutations are induced in cells to observe subsequent epigenetic modifications. These insights could help refine the use of epigenetic clocks and lead to a more comprehensive understanding of aging at the molecular level.

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Astronomers Spot a High-Speed Star That May Carry a Planet With It

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February 15, 2025

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Astronomers Spot a High-Speed Star That May Carry a Planet With It

A celestial object, possibly a small star with a massive exoplanet, has been observed moving through the Milky Way at an extraordinary speed of over 1.2 million mph. The discovery has led researchers to believe that this could be the fastest planetary system ever detected. The object was first identified in 2011 through microlensing, a technique where light is bent by gravitational fields. A new study has now linked this object to a recently identified star, though uncertainties remain about its exact nature and velocity.

Potential Star and Exoplanet System Analysed

According to a study published in The Astronomical Journal, the newly observed star is estimated to be around one-fifth the mass of the Sun and located approximately 24,000 light-years away in the galactic bulge. If it is the same object from the 2011 microlensing event, calculations suggest it is moving at an extreme speed. The presence of an exoplanet has not been confirmed, but based on mass estimates, researchers suggest it could be a “super-Neptune” orbiting the star at a distance comparable to Venus or Earth in the Solar System.

Possibility of Escape from the Milky Way

If the speed of the stellar object exceeds 1.3 million mph, scientists suggest it may eventually leave the Milky Way, potentially carrying its exoplanet into intergalactic space. Sean Terry, postdoctoral researcher at the University of Maryland and NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, stated to NASA that if confirmed, it would be the first planet ever detected orbiting a hypervelocity star. However, he emphasised that further observations are necessary to verify its identity and trajectory.

Uncertainties and Alternative Theories

David Bennett, senior research scientist at the University of Maryland, told NASA that additional observations are needed to confirm whether this is the same object spotted in 2011. The research team plans to monitor the star’s movement over the next year to verify its trajectory. Another possible explanation is that the 2011 observation detected a rogue planet with an exomoon rather than a star-exoplanet system. Aparna Bhattacharya, research scientist at the University of Maryland, explained to NASA that if the object does not move as expected, the rogue planet hypothesis may be favoured.

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