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The timeline for NASA’s Artemis programme has been revised, delaying key missions to allow additional time for technical adjustments. Artemis 2, which aims to send four astronauts around the Moon, has been postponed from September 2025 to April 2026, according to recent NASA’s announcement. Similarly, Artemis 3, which involves a crewed lunar landing, has been rescheduled from late 2026 to mid-2027. These delays have been attributed to the need for further preparation of the Orion spacecraft and its systems.

Challenges Identified During Artemis 1

According to latest press release from NASA, the space agency Administrator Bill Nelson said that the adjustments are necessary to ensure safety and readiness for the crewed missions. He stated, as reported by multiple sources, “Space is demanding,” highlighting the challenges posed by deep space exploration.

Artemis 1, an uncrewed mission conducted in late 2022, revealed unexpected wear on Orion’s heat shield during reentry. Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy explained in the briefing that gases trapped in the heat shield due to its “skip” reentry trajectory caused uneven ablation. Although this did not compromise the safety of the spacecraft, adjustments have been planned for Artemis 2 to limit the time spent in critical temperature ranges.

Technical Preparations for Artemis 2

NASA officials, in a statement, also indicated that ongoing work on Orion’s environmental control and battery systems has also contributed to the revised schedule. The heat shield for Artemis 2, installed in mid-2023, will undergo testing to address concerns identified in the earlier mission. The spacecraft’s reentry path will also be modified to bring it closer to the Pacific recovery zone near San Diego, enhancing safety protocols.

Factors Affecting Artemis 3

Artemis 3’s timeline is influenced by the development of SpaceX’s Starship, which will serve as the lunar lander. While progress has been noted, Starship remains in the testing phase, necessitating alignment with Artemis programme objectives. Despite delays, NASA remains committed to advancing lunar exploration and maintaining a strategic lead in establishing a presence on the Moon.

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Astronomers Spot Galaxy NGC 3640 With a Past of Consuming Smaller Galaxies

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Astronomers Spot Galaxy NGC 3640 With a Past of Consuming Smaller Galaxies

An elliptical galaxy located 88 million light-years from Earth has been observed displaying unusual characteristics, with astronomers identifying it as a cosmic predator. The latest images captured by the Very Large Telescope (VLT) at the European Southern Observatory (ESO) indicate that the galaxy, designated NGC 3640, has a history of consuming smaller galaxies and may soon engulf another. The galaxy’s distorted structure and the faint, diffused light surrounding it serve as evidence of its turbulent past, as per reports. Positioned just above a smaller galaxy, NGC 3641, the larger body appears to be on a trajectory that could lead to a future merger. The study of such interactions provides insights into the evolutionary patterns of galaxies.

Evidence of Past Galactic Mergers

According to research published in Astronomy & Astrophysics, signs of previous mergers have been detected within NGC 3640. The structural distortions observed, coupled with the presence of older stellar populations, suggest that remnants of previously absorbed galaxies are embedded within its formation. Astronomers at the Italian National Institute for Astrophysics have analysed the remnants, with findings indicating that ancient stars from the original galaxy serve as markers of past collisions. The faint glow surrounding NGC 3640 is attributed to these past interactions, demonstrating the lasting effects of galactic mergers.

Upcoming Galactic Collision

Reports suggest that while NGC 3641 remains intact, its eventual fate may align with the ongoing patterns of NGC 3640. As galaxies interact, their gravitational forces distort their structures, often leading to eventual mergers. Current observations indicate no immediate impact on NGC 3641, implying that significant interactions have yet to begin. ESO officials have stated that galaxies undergo structural changes over time due to the absorption of gas and stars from their surroundings. This process has been linked to the unique shape and features displayed by NGC 3640.

Gravitational Influence and Cosmic Evolution

The gravitational forces exerted by approaching galaxies can trigger large-scale changes in their structures. Astronomers have been closely monitoring such interactions to gain a deeper understanding of galactic evolution. The observations made using the VLT provide an opportunity to study these cosmic processes in detail, with researchers continuing to track the potential merger between NGC 3640 and its smaller companion. The findings contribute to broader studies on the dynamic nature of galaxies and their role in shaping the universe over billions of years.

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Scientists Discover Declining Global Ocean Evaporation Amid Rising Temperatures

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Scientists Discover Declining Global Ocean Evaporation Amid Rising Temperatures

A decline in global ocean evaporation has been identified over the past decade, despite rising sea surface temperatures. This shift challenges established climate models, which have long linked higher temperatures to increased evaporation. The unexpected trend was observed through satellite data analysis, revealing that evaporation rates started decreasing after 2008. Researchers suggest that changing atmospheric circulation patterns and reduced wind speeds may be influencing this reversal, highlighting the complexity of Earth’s climate system.

Study Reveals Key Climate Anomalies

According to the study published in Geophysical Research Letters, an assessment of ocean heat flux data was conducted by researchers from the Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research at the Chinese Academy of Sciences. It was found that while ocean evaporation had been rising from 1988 to 2008, a reversal occurred thereafter, leading to a decline between 2008 and 2017.

The study’s lead author, Dr. Ma Ning, told Phys.org that two-thirds of the global oceans have shown reduced evaporation rates since the late 2000s. This decline contradicts previous expectations that global warming would consistently drive higher evaporation levels. The research suggests that large-scale atmospheric circulation shifts, particularly in the Northern Oscillation Index, may be contributing to the changes.

Impact of Wind Stilling on Evaporation

A decline in wind speed, referred to as “wind stilling,” has been identified as a crucial factor in this unexpected trend. Lower wind speeds result in reduced surface turbulence, thereby limiting the exchange of moisture between the ocean and the atmosphere. The study indicates that this phenomenon may be linked to broader climate oscillations affecting atmospheric circulation.

Dr. Ma explained that while evaporation levels have declined, this should not necessarily be viewed as a weakening of the global hydrological cycle. Instead, it may be an indication of natural climate variability influencing regional and global weather patterns. Researchers continue to investigate how these findings may affect long-term climate predictions.

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Arabia Had Five Times More Rainfall 400 Years Ago, Study Finds

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Arabia Had Five Times More Rainfall 400 Years Ago, Study Finds

Extreme rainfall in Arabia was five times more intense 400 years ago, as indicated by recent climate reconstructions. The data suggests that the region, currently defined by arid desert, once had significantly higher precipitation levels, resembling a lush savannah. The findings highlight the necessity for improved climate preparedness as urbanisation expands in the region.

Study Reveals Significant Rainfall Variability Over Centuries

According to the study published in Science Advances, researchers from the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science discovered that the Arabian Peninsula had significantly higher rainfall over the last 2,000 years. The landscape, now barren, was once covered with vegetation and inhabited by wildlife such as lions, leopards, and wolves. Findings indicate that 200 years ago, rainfall was still double what it is today.

Deep-Sea Brine Pools Provide Uninterrupted Climate Record

As per reports, sediment cores were extracted from a deep-sea brine pool in the Gulf of Aqaba using a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) deployed from the research vessel OceanXplorer. The brine’s chemistry enabled the preservation of undisturbed sediment layers, allowing an accurate reconstruction of Late Holocene rainfall trends.

Implications for Climate Preparedness in the Middle East

Speaking to Phys.org, Sam Purkis, Professor and Chair of the Department of Marine Geosciences at the University of Miami Rosenstiel School, stated that the study underscores the importance of climate resilience as development projects like NEOM in Saudi Arabia reshape the region. The assumption of long-term climate stability is not reliable, according to Amy Clement, a Professor in the Department of Atmospheric Sciences at the same institution.

Urgency for Enhanced Flood and Drought Management

The Middle East, already vulnerable to extreme weather, faces rising instances of flash floods and droughts. The catastrophic flooding seen across the Arabian Peninsula in early 2024 reinforces the need to study historical rainfall patterns to improve disaster preparedness. Mattie Rodrigue, Science Program Director at OceanX, highlighted the importance of technological advancements in climate research to better predict future hydroclimate trends.

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