SpaceX Starship Flight 7 Explosion Raises Concerns Over Air Pollution
The explosion of SpaceX’s Starship Flight 7 in mid-January has sparked discussions among experts about its potential environmental impact. The upper stage of the rocket, which weighed approximately 85 tons without fuel, exploded at an altitude of around 90 miles (146 kilometres). Fragments of the disintegrated spacecraft were reported to have fallen over the Caribbean. Preliminary estimates suggest that the event may have generated significant quantities of metal oxides and nitrogen oxides, pollutants known for their effects on Earth’s ozone layer and atmospheric composition. Scientists are evaluating the extent of contamination left in the upper atmosphere due to the mishap.
Estimates of Emissions from the Explosion
As reported by space.com, according to a preliminary assessment by University College London atmospheric chemistry researcher Connor Barker, approximately 45.5 metric tons of metal oxides and 40 metric tons of nitrogen oxides may have been released into the atmosphere during the incident. Barker noted to space.com over an email that the amount of metal pollution potentially generated was roughly a third of the annual influx of meteorite material into the Earth’s atmosphere. The figures remain rough estimates rather than definitive calculations of the environmental impact.
Potential Risks to the Atmosphere
Space debris expert Jonathan McDowell stated to Space.com that “many tons” of the spacecraft’s remains likely splashed into the ocean, reducing the potential airborne pollution. Unlike many satellites and traditional rocket stages made from aluminium, Starship’s stainless steel composition limits the production of aluminium oxides, which are known to impact the ozone layer and atmospheric reflectivity.
With the increasing frequency of satellite re-entries and rocket launches, scientists are raising concerns about the cumulative impact of these pollutants. Research suggests that nitrogen oxides and metal particulates accumulating in the mesosphere and upper stratosphere could affect climate patterns and slow ozone layer recovery.
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A 7,000-year-old femur bone belonging to an antelope, discovered in a South African cave, has revealed the earliest confirmed use of a multi-component arrow poison. Three modified bone arrowheads were found embedded within the marrow cavity, and a recent scientific analysis has identified a mixture of plant-based toxins. This discovery provides new insight into the pharmacological knowledge and hunting practices of early humans, highlighting the complexity of their technological advancements and understanding of toxic substances.
Scientific Analysis of the Poisonous Compound
According to the reports published in The Conversation, Justin Bradfield, Associate professor at University of Johannesburg along with other researchers examined the femur using micro-CT imaging. The sediment-like substance inside the marrow cavity was found to be foreign matter rather than natural deposits. Chemical analysis confirmed the presence of digitoxin and strophanthidin, toxic cardiac glycosides that disrupt heart function. Ricinoleic acid, a derivative of ricin, was also detected, suggesting the use of multiple plant sources to create a potent poison.
Implications for Ancient Trade and Knowledge Systems
As per the research, the plants containing these toxic compounds are not naturally found near Kruger Cave, where the femur was originally discovered. No remains of these plants have been identified in previous archaeobotanical studies of the region. This suggests that early humans either travelled long distances to acquire these materials or engaged in an organised trade network for toxic plant ingredients. Such findings highlight the extensive knowledge early societies had regarding medicinal and toxic plants and their application in hunting strategies.
Historical Context of Poison Use in Hunting
Previous evidence of poison use dates back approximately 60,000 years, coinciding with the development of projectile hunting technology in Africa. While chemical verification of such early poison use remains unconfirmed, the newly analysed femur provides the first concrete proof of a deliberately mixed poison for arrows. The application of plant-based toxins to hunting weapons marks a significant evolutionary step in the efficiency of ancient hunting techniques, demonstrating a sophisticated level of planning and knowledge transfer among early human groups.
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A recent breakthrough in spintronic technology has demonstrated how phase-tunable synchronisation can be achieved in spin Hall nano-oscillators (SHNOs). These nanoscale devices generate high-frequency microwave signals by converting direct current into spin wave auto-oscillations. The ability to control synchronisation between SHNOs is expected to improve applications in telecommunications, neuromorphic computing, and optimisation hardware. The study, conducted by researchers at the University of Gothenburg in Sweden and Tohoku University in Japan, highlights the role of propagating spin waves in enabling phase information transfer between SHNOs.
Phase Control Through Spin Waves
According to the study published in Nature Physics, experimental evidence has confirmed that spin-wave-mediated mutual synchronisation between SHNOs is possible. Unlike earlier systems that relied on nearest-neighbor interactions, the use of propagating spin waves has allowed long-range, one-to-one coupling. Akash Kumar, the first author of the study, explained to Phys.org that this research was motivated by previous findings on propagating spin waves in SHNOs. The team utilised optimised thin-film materials, specifically W/CoFeB/MgO, to facilitate this coupling.
Experimental Validation and Potential Applications
The study’s findings were supported by electrical measurements and advanced microscopy techniques. High-frequency spectrum analysers were used to detect phase-tuned synchronisation, while phase-resolved Brillouin light scattering (μ-BLS) microscopy provided direct visualisation of oscillator phase alignment. Victor H. González, a graduate student and co-author of the study, confirmed the results through micromagnetic simulations. Kumar stated that the ability to transfer phase information between SHNOs has significant implications for Ising machines, which are used for combinatorial optimisation tasks. Future research will focus on scaling the system and incorporating voltage gating to enhance control and energy efficiency in spintronic devices.
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