Technology

Researchers have been delving into the enigma of numerous volcanoes buried beneath the dense, icy expanses of Antarctica, assessing the likelihood of their eruptions. Unbeknownst to many, the continent’s western ice sheet is recognized as the most extensive volcanic area on the planet, hosting approximately 138 known volcanoes. This revelation came to light following a 2017 research effort that identified …

A fascinating discovery has shed light on a period when the Moon underwent a dramatic transformation, essentially inverting itself from the inside out. This finding comes from a recent publication by researchers at the University of Arizona’s Lunar and Planetary Laboratory, focusing on the turbulent history of the lunar interior. The study, featured in Nature Geoscience, delves into the Moon’s …

In an exciting development in the field of astronomy, researchers detected a gravitational wave signal stemming from a significant cosmic event known as GW230529. This event was caught by the LIGO Livingston detector in May 2023. Gravitational waves result from the acceleration of massive celestial bodies, like the merging of black holes or neutron stars. These waves, predicted by Albert …

For the first time, astronomers have spotted a phenomenon known as the “glory effect” on a planet beyond our solar system. This effect, which manifests as colorful, rainbow-like concentric rings, occurs under specific conditions and has been observed on Earth and once on Venus. The European Space Agency’s CHEOPS Exoplanet Characterization Satellite, alongside contributions from other ESA and NASA missions, …

Researchers at Arizona State University have made a significant breakthrough in the study of Antarctica’s wildlife, discovering 13 new papillomaviruses in Antarctic seals, as reported in the journal Virology. Papillomaviruses are tiny DNA viruses that target the epithelial cells of both humans and animals. With several hundred variants identified in humans, these viruses are categorized based on their cancer-causing potential. …

Scientists in Antarctica have encountered a distressing phenomenon: the death of hundreds, potentially thousands, of Adelie penguins, with the deadly H5N1 bird flu virus suspected as the cause. Federation University Australia disclosed that a scientific team found over 532 deceased penguins last month on Heroina Island, with signs pointing to a much larger death toll from an unidentified disease. Initial …

In a groundbreaking outdoor experiment, scientists tested a new technology designed to cool the Earth by enhancing cloud reflectivity and bouncing sunlight back into space. This first-of-its-kind test took place on a decommissioned aircraft carrier in San Francisco Bay, showcasing a device similar to a snow cannon that sprayed a cloud of salt aerosol particles into the sky. The purpose …

Scientists are now suggesting that Mars might have been hospitable to life for a significantly longer period than previously believed, potentially extending into millions of additional years. In the distant past, Mars was home to vast bodies of water, including oceans, lakes, and rivers, reminiscent of early Earth’s landscapes during the solar system’s early years. The consensus has been that …