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Scientists have recently uncovered a rare geological event occurring beneath the Central Anatolian Plateau in Türkiye. This phenomenon, known as “crustal dripping,” has been shaping the Konya Basin, sparking intrigue among geologists. Satellite imagery and detailed geological data have played a significant role in revealing the intricate process behind this event.

The Process Behind Crustal Dripping

Crustal dripping occurs when dense fragments of Earth’s crust detach and sink into the semi-fluid mantle below. This process leads to surface subsidence, forming basins and reshaping the landscape. The subsidence of the Konya Basin is attributed to this multi-stage lithospheric dripping, a relatively new concept in geology.

The Role of Plate Tectonics

At its core, the phenomenon relates to Earth’s tectonic activity. Tectonic plates, which make up the lithosphere, shift and interact, leading to various geological events such as earthquakes, mountain formation, and volcanic activity. The detachment and sinking of crustal materials into the mantle highlight a new dynamic in the study of plate tectonics.

Researchers utilised satellite data to identify a distinct circular pattern of subsidence in the Konya Basin. Further analysis revealed anomalies in the mantle and crust, indicating the presence of high-density materials sinking deeper into the planet’s mantle. These findings were supported by seismic data, confirming the occurrence of lithospheric dripping.

Global Implications of the Study

Interestingly, similar geological processes have been observed in other parts of the world, including the Arizaro Basin in South America. This suggests that crustal dripping is not limited to Türkiye but may occur in various tectonic regions across the globe. The findings are expected to offer insights into tectonic processes on planets like Mars and Venus, where tectonic systems differ from Earth.

Conclusion: A New Frontier in Geological Research

The discovery of crustal dripping beneath Türkiye offers new perspectives on Earth’s tectonic processes. Türkiye’s unique geological landscape is now a focal point for understanding the deeper workings of our planet’s interior.

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Rocket Lab’s Neutron Rocket to Land at Sea, First Launch Set for 2025

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March 11, 2025

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Rocket Lab’s Neutron Rocket to Land at Sea, First Launch Set for 2025

Rocket Lab has confirmed that its reusable Neutron rocket is set for its first launch in the latter half of 2025. The announcement was made during the company’s earnings call on 26 February, where Peter Beck, Founder and CEO, outlined plans to address increasing demand for medium-lift launch services. He stated that rapid development efforts are underway to bring the rocket online as quickly as possible. The Neutron rocket has been designed to serve defence, security, and scientific missions, filling a gap in the market where launch options remain limited. A new offshore barge, named “Return on Investment,” is set to be used for rocket recovery, expanding mission possibilities.

Sea-Based Landing Platform Revealed

According to Rocket Lab, a modified offshore barge will be utilised as a landing platform for the Neutron rocket’s recovery. Peter Beck highlighted that this addition will enhance operational flexibility by allowing for greater mission efficiency. The company aims to improve accessibility to space while ensuring the maximum performance of Neutron’s capabilities.

Flatellite: Rocket Lab’s New Satellite Platform

Rocket Lab has also introduced “Flatellite,” a flat satellite system engineered for large-scale deployment. Sources have reported that these satellites will be manufactured in high volumes to support large constellations. The design enables efficient stacking, allowing for multiple satellites to be launched together, optimising payload capacity. Peter Beck stated that this initiative aligns with Rocket Lab’s vision of establishing an end-to-end space service, extending its role beyond launch services to satellite operations.

Electron Launches Continue

Rocket Lab’s Electron rocket remains active, with an upcoming launch scheduled for this month. Reports indicate that an agreement has been signed with the Japanese company Institute for Q-shu Pioneers of Space (iQPS) for multiple missions over the next two years. According to Shunsuke Onishi, CEO of iQPS, the reliability and frequency of Electron missions align with their objectives for building a satellite constellation.

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Boeing Starliner Astronauts Set To Return on March 16 After 10-Month ISS Stay

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March 11, 2025

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Boeing Starliner Astronauts Set To Return on March 16 After 10-Month ISS Stay

A mission initially planned for ten days has stretched into nearly ten months, with two NASA astronauts finally set to return to Earth. Astronauts Barry Wilmore and Sunita Williams, who launched aboard Boeing’s Starliner on June 5, 2024, were meant to conduct a short-duration test flight to the International Space Station (ISS). However, issues with the spacecraft resulted in their prolonged stay. Their return is now scheduled for March 16, 2025, following the arrival of their relief crew.

Details of The Return

According to NASA’s flight schedule, Starliner was originally expected to bring the astronauts back, but after assessing its performance, the decision was made to return it uncrewed in September 2024. As reported, NASA instead adjusted its crew rotation plan, allocating seats for Wilmore and Williams on the SpaceX Crew Dragon, which launched as part of Crew-9. The return mission was initially scheduled for February but was delayed further due to operational constraints. The ISS program has now confirmed that their journey back will take place this month.

Crew-10 Mission Prepares for Launch

Four astronauts are set to launch aboard SpaceX’s Crew-10 mission on March 12, 2025, from Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The mission, commanded by NASA astronaut Anne McClain, includes pilot Nichole Ayers, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) astronaut Takuya Onishi, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Kirill Peskov. Their arrival at the ISS will facilitate the Crew-9 team’s return, including Wilmore and Williams.

Adjustments in Spacecraft Selection

NASA officials have confirmed that Crew-10 will travel aboard the previously flown Dragon capsule, Endurance. The switch from a newly manufactured spacecraft was prompted by battery-related delays, leading to the decision to use a flight-proven alternative. Steve Stich, NASA’s Commercial Crew Program manager, stated during a briefing that changes in vehicle assignments are a routine part of mission planning.

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ISS Captures Rare Gigantic Jet, a Massive Upward Lightning Over New Orleans

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March 11, 2025

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ISS Captures Rare Gigantic Jet, a Massive Upward Lightning Over New Orleans

A rare “gigantic jet” of lightning was captured in a newly released image taken from the International Space Station (ISS). The photograph, dated November 19, 2024, shows a powerful discharge of blue light extending from a thunderstorm, likely reaching around 50 miles (80 kilometers) above Earth’s surface. The image, originally not publicised by NASA or any other space agency, surfaced after photographer Frankie Lucena identified it on the Gateway to Astronaut Photography of Earth website. The striking phenomenon was later shared by Spaceweather.com on February 26, bringing renewed attention to these elusive atmospheric events.

Gigantic Jet Confirmed by Analysis

According to reports, the ISS had captured four photographs of lightning around the time of the event, with only one displaying a clear upward-shooting jet. The exact location of the phenomenon remains uncertain due to cloud cover, but ISS tracking data suggests it likely occurred just off the coast of New Orleans. Gigantic jets are rarely observed, with only a limited number of documented cases since their discovery in 2001.

How Gigantic Jets Form

These towering lightning bolts occur when electrical charge distributions within a thunderstorm are disrupted, causing energy to be released upwards rather than toward the ground. The distinctive blue hue results from interactions with nitrogen in the upper atmosphere. Most gigantic jets extend into the ionosphere, the electrically charged layer of Earth’s atmosphere starting around 50 miles above the surface.

Energetic Nature of Upward Lightning

Previous studies have shown that gigantic jets can carry significantly more energy than standard lightning bolts. A record-breaking event over Oklahoma in May 2018 was found to have 60 times the energy of an average strike. In addition to the main jet, faint branching red discharges, similar to sprites, can be seen in the recent ISS image, highlighting the complexity of these high-altitude electrical events.

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