Tag: astronomy news

Human Interest

Rare Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS Makes Closest Approach to Earth on December 19

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS will make its closest approach to Earth on Friday, December 19, marking a significant moment in the journey of one of the rarest cosmic visitors ever observed in our solar system. The comet was discovered on July 1 by NASA-funded ATLAS telescopes in Chile and has since drawn global attention from astronomers and space agencies.

3I/ATLAS is only the third confirmed interstellar object known to have passed through our solar system, following 1I/’Oumuamua in 2017 and comet 2I/Borisov in 2019. Analysis of its trajectory shows that the comet originated from beyond the solar system and will eventually return to interstellar space after completing its passage through the inner regions around the sun.

At its closest approach, the comet will come no nearer than approximately 1.8 astronomical units from Earth, or about 168 million miles (270 million kilometers), according to the European Space Agency. This distance is nearly twice the average distance between the Earth and the sun, ensuring that the comet poses no threat to Earth or any other planet as it passes through the inner solar system.

Despite the safe distance, the flyby is of major scientific interest. Observing the comet near its closest approach allows astronomers to study the dust and gases released from its icy nucleus as it warms under the sun’s radiation. These observations provide rare insights into how comets and planetary materials form around stars beyond our own solar system.

In recent months, several observatories and space agencies have focused their instruments on 3I/ATLAS. New images captured by the Hubble Space Telescope and the JUICE Jupiter probe were released recently, showing the interstellar traveler speeding through the inner solar system. The comet’s passage is also being shared with the public through a free livestream hosted by Gianluca Masi at the Virtual Telescope Project, scheduled to begin at 11 p.m. EST on December 18, weather permitting.

As 3I/ATLAS continues its brief visit, scientists hope the data gathered will deepen our understanding of the building blocks of planetary systems beyond our own, making this fleeting encounter a valuable chapter in the study of interstellar objects.

Science

Mars May Have Hosted a River More Powerful Than the Ganga, Say Scientists

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In a revelation that has stirred the scientific world, planetary researchers have found compelling evidence suggesting that Mars once had a vast river system — possibly mightier than the Ganga, one of Earth’s largest and most powerful rivers.

This stunning discovery, made using high-resolution images from NASA’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter and detailed terrain analysis, points to an ancient river network with deep canyons, wide channels, and evidence of fast-flowing water, indicating a much wetter and more Earth-like past for the Red Planet.

The River That Defied Expectations

The ancient Martian river is believed to have stretched for hundreds of kilometers and carved deep valleys through the surface, much like the Colorado River in the U.S. or the Ganga in India. Scientists from the SETI Institute and other collaborating institutions say the river could have flowed billions of years ago, possibly during the Noachian period, when Mars was warmer and had a thicker atmosphere.

“The sheer size and depth of the riverbeds suggest it wasn’t just a trickle — this was a dynamic system, possibly more powerful than any river system we’ve known on modern Mars,” said Dr. Joel Davis, planetary geologist and one of the study’s co-authors.

Clues to Life on Mars?

The discovery has revived hopes in the search for extraterrestrial life. Water is the cornerstone of life as we know it, and such powerful, persistent flows raise the possibility that microbial life may once have thrived on ancient Mars.

“Large river systems like this one could have sustained life-friendly conditions for extended periods,” said Dr. Tanya Harrison, Mars scientist and science communicator. “It pushes us to think differently about Mars’ potential habitability.”

How Was It Discovered?

Using stereo imaging from Mars orbiters, scientists were able to reconstruct 3D models of terrain features. The depth and width of some channels — over 30 feet deep and hundreds of meters wide — indicated high-energy water flow, suggesting prolonged river activity rather than isolated flooding events.

Implications for Future Missions

The discovery could influence where future Mars missions, especially those looking for signs of past life, may focus their explorations. These ancient river valleys could be prime candidates for drilling and sampling, possibly containing trapped sediments or fossilized microbial life.

Conclusion

This Martian river, mightier than the Ganga, not only reshapes our understanding of Mars’ history but also deepens the mystery of the Red Planet’s once-thriving environment. As exploration continues, this discovery adds to growing evidence that Mars was once much more Earth-like than we ever imagined.

Stay tuned as scientists dig deeper into the secrets hidden in the Martian soil — and possibly rewrite our cosmic history.

TechPulse

Earth to Rotate Faster Than Usual on Select Dates in 2025, Making Days Slightly Shorter

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In a fascinating celestial event, scientists have predicted that Earth will rotate marginally faster on three specific days in 2025 — July 9, July 22, and August 5 — causing each day to be slightly shorter than the usual 24 hours.

This phenomenon is attributed to subtle variations in Earth’s rotation speed, influenced by the gravitational pull of the Moon and other complex geophysical factors. While these changes are barely noticeable to humans — often measured in milliseconds — they are significant in the realm of timekeeping and space science.

Why Does This Happen?

The Earth’s rotation isn’t perfectly constant. It is influenced by numerous factors including the position of the Moon, seismic activity, atmospheric changes, ocean currents, and even melting glaciers. The Moon plays a major role through tidal friction, which usually slows Earth’s rotation. However, on rare occasions, gravitational positioning between the Earth and the Moon can temporarily cause Earth to spin a bit faster.

What Does It Mean for Us?

Practically speaking, the average person won’t feel any different. However, ultra-precise systems — like GPS satellites, astronomical observations, and atomic clocks — closely monitor these variations. Timekeepers may need to consider these tiny changes when calibrating devices that rely on astronomical time.

These fleeting fluctuations also serve as a reminder of Earth’s dynamic nature and the interconnectedness of celestial bodies in our solar system.

So while your July and August days may feel just as long, know that — by a sliver of a second — time is moving ever so slightly faster beneath your feet.