Breaking Space News: Dec 01 - 07, 2024

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This week we have some groundbreaking research and innovations in space science, curated for you, and as always, some stunning images from across the Universe! Don’t forget to go here for the best reading experience/in case your newsletter gets clipped at the bottom.

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• SCIENCE

  • Elephant Deaths in Botswana Linked to Climate Change

  • Icelandic Volcano Eruption Encroaches on Blue Lagoon

  • ISRO Launches ESA Mission to Mimic Solar Eclipses

  • Supercomputer Sets New Benchmark in Cosmological Simulations

  • 10,000 Supernovae Classified by Zwicky Transient Facility

  • China Tests Lunar Soil Bricks for Future Base

  • ESA's Vega C Returns to Flight

  • Solar Maximum Poses Risks to LEO Satellites

  • NASA Pushes Back Artemis II and III Mission Dates

  • Neuraspace Telescope Expands Space Traffic Monitoring

  • Iran's Simorgh Rocket Carries Largest Payload to Orbit

• GOVERNANCE

  • Namibia Stops Starlink Services Amid License Violations

  • Decadal Survey Recommends Solar and Space Physics Missions to NASA

  • New EU Space Chief Outlines European Space Goals

  • Trump Picks Billionaire Isaacman to Lead NASA

  • Kenya and France Partner to Enhance Space Capabilities

• MILITARY

  • Muon Space, Umbra, X-Bow, Varda, Infleqtion Win US Military Contracts

• COMMERCIAL

  • China's New Spaceport Hosts Long March-12 Rocket

  • Flying Taxi Showcases Advanced Propulsion Design

  • Investment Support for Spanish PLD and Sateliot

  • China Launches Remote Sensing, Communication, and …

• SPOTLIGHT

  • Scientists Forecast Arctic Ocean Ice-Free Day by 2027

  • First-Ever Image of a Photon

  • NASA Links Comet Water to Earth's Oceans

  • Surprising Heat in Young Star's Accretion Disk

  • Chang'e 6 Samples Shed Light on Far Side of the Moon

  • New Organic Material Findings on Ceres

  • Did Dark Matter Originate from a Dark Big Bang?

• IMAGES

  • Spiderweb Protocluster : NIRCam, James Webb Space …

  • Final, Undiscovered Images : NEOWISE, NASA

SCIENCE

Satellite Data Connects Elephant Deaths in Botswana to Climate-Linked Algal Toxins

In 2020, over 300 African elephants in Botswana's Okavango Delta died suddenly, sparking global concern. Recent research led by King's College London has identified climate change as the culprit, linking the deaths to toxic algal blooms in waterholes. The study, published in the journal Science of the Total Environment, used satellite data and spatial analysis to pinpoint 20 waterholes with high levels of cyanobacteria, a type of algae that produces deadly toxins.

The researchers found that a dramatic shift from a dry 2019 to an extremely wet 2020 created ideal conditions for these blooms. This event underscores the severe ecological consequences of climate change, highlighting the need for comprehensive water quality surveillance. The findings emphasize the potential for more frequent and severe algal blooms, posing a heightened risk to wildlife in the region.

This research not only sheds light on the mysterious deaths but also points to the broader impacts of climate change on ecosystems and the importance of monitoring environmental changes through advanced technologies like satellite imagery. The research was published in the journal Science of The Total Environment.

Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula Eruption Threatens Blue Lagoon Resort, Satellites Show

Satellites captured a volcanic eruption on Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula on November 20, 2024, which sent red-hot lava flowing toward the Blue Lagoon, a popular tourist destination. The eruption, signaled by a swarm of earthquakes, led to the evacuation of nearby residents and the closure of the Blue Lagoon resort. The lava, glowing brighter than Reykjavik's city lights, flowed over the resort's car park and enveloped a small service building. This is the seventh eruption in the region since December 2023, highlighting the ongoing volcanic activity in western Iceland. Read more on this story at Space.com.

ESA's Proba-3 Mission Launched by ISRO to Mimic Solar Eclipses

On December 5, 2024, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched the European Space Agency's (ESA) Proba-3 mission using a Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, India. The mission aims to study the Sun's corona by creating artificial solar eclipses using two spacecraft flying in precise formation. The 550-kilogram Proba-3 mission consists of the Occulter and Coronagraph spacecraft, which will align with millimeter-level precision to cast a shadow on the Coronagraph, mimicking a total solar eclipse.

This technology demonstration mission will allow extended observations of the solar corona without atmospheric interference, enhancing solar wind and coronal mass ejection prediction models. The mission is expected to provide valuable data for understanding solar processes and their effects on Earth and satellites. Proba-3 also carries instruments for measuring solar irradiance and electron spectra in Earth's radiation belts.

Record-Breaking Universe Simulation Conducted on Frontier Supercomputer

Researchers at the Department of Energy's Argonne National Laboratory (Illinois, U.S.) recently used the world's fastest supercomputer, Frontier, to run the largest astrophysical simulation of the universe ever conducted. This groundbreaking simulation, powered by AMD Instinct MI250X GPUs, set a new benchmark for cosmological hydrodynamics by simulating both atomic and dark matter across universe-sized scales. The achievement, facilitated by advancements in the Hardware/Hybrid Accelerated Cosmology Code (HACC), marks a significant milestone in matching observational data with theoretical models. This leap in computational power opens new frontiers for understanding cosmic structures and their evolution over billions of years.

Zwicky Transient Facility Hits 10,000 Supernova Discoveries at Caltech’s Palomar Observatory

The Zwicky Transient Facility (ZTF) at the Palomar Observatory in the Palomar Mountains of San Diego County, California (U.S.) has achieved a significant milestone by classifying over 10,000 supernovae since its inception in 2017. This sky survey, named after astronomer Fritz Zwicky, has systematically scanned the entire sky every two to three nights, detecting and cataloging these cosmic explosions. The ZTF's Bright Transient Survey has been instrumental in this achievement, providing valuable data for studying the universe's most explosive events.

Chinese Scientists Test Bricks Made from Lunar Soil Simulant for Moon Base

Chinese scientists are advancing plans to build a moon base using bricks made from lunar soil. A recent CCTV video showcased an animation of a robot constructing a lunar habitat, known as a "moon pot vessel." The Tianzhou 8 resupply mission, launched on November 15, carried bricks made from lunar soil simulant to test their durability in space. This in-situ resource utilization aims to reduce costs and transform lunar construction possibilities. The bricks will be exposed to cosmic rays and temperature changes for three years to assess their performance. This project is part of China's broader goal to establish an International Lunar Research Station by 2030.

ESA’s Vega-C Rocket Completes First Flight Since December 2022 Failure

The European Vega-C rocket successfully returned to flight on December 5, 2024, after a nearly two-year hiatus following a launch failure in December 2022. The rocket lifted off from the European Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, deploying the Sentinel-1C Earth observation satellite about one hour and 45 minutes after liftoff. The mission marked a significant milestone for Europe's space program, reaffirming its independent access to space amid previous challenges, including the retirement of the Ariane 5 and delays with the Ariane 6.

The successful launch followed extensive redesign and testing of the Vega-C's second-stage nozzle, which had caused the previous failure. Sentinel-1C, part of the Copernicus program, will enhance Earth monitoring capabilities, including maritime traffic observation. ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher emphasized the importance of this achievement, highlighting the combined success of the Sentinel-1 satellite series and the Vega-C rocket.

This return to flight is seen as a crucial step forward for Europe's space ambitions, with plans for four more Vega-C launches in 2025. The transition of launch responsibilities to Avio, the prime contractor, is expected to further bolster Europe's launch capabilities.

Unexpected, Heightened Sun Activity Disrupts Satellite Lifespans

The Sun's activity has recently surged beyond predictions, entering a phase known as solar maximum. This heightened activity, characterized by increased sunspots, solar flares, and solar wind, has significant implications for satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO_. In early November, three CubeSats from Curtin University's Binar Space Program burned up in Earth's atmosphere much earlier than expected, lasting only two months instead of the planned six. This premature demise highlights the challenges satellite operators face due to the Sun's unpredictable behavior.

The increased solar activity has also led to more intense and frequent auroras, visible closer to the equator than in the past two decades. However, the same activity poses risks to satellite operations, causing disruptions in communication and shortening satellite lifespans due to increased atmospheric drag. Experts warn that the upcoming "battle zone" phase, following the solar maximum, could further intensify these effects, potentially lasting until 2028. This phase could amplify geomagnetic disruptions, posing ongoing challenges for satellite operators and space agencies. Kyle McMullan, a PhD Candidate in Aerospace Engineering, at Curtin University (Australia) writes in detail about the increased solar activity caused by the Sun's dynamic magnetic-field, and its impact here on Earth. Read his full story on The Conversation.

Artemis Missions Face Further Delays Amid Orion Capsule Concerns

NASA has announced further delays to its Artemis missions, pushing back the timeline for its next two major lunar expeditions. The Artemis II mission, originally slated for September 2025, is now rescheduled for April 2026. This mission will send four astronauts around the moon without landing. Artemis III, which aims to return astronauts to the moon's surface for the first time since 1972, has been delayed to mid-2027.

The delays are primarily due to technical issues with the Orion capsule, particularly its heat shield, which experienced unexpected wear during the Artemis I mission. NASA officials emphasized the need for additional time to ensure the capsule is ready to safely carry a human crew. Despite these setbacks, NASA remains committed to the Artemis program, aiming to stay ahead of international competitors like China in the race to return humans to the moon.

Portuguese Startup Neuraspace Expands Space Traffic Monitoring with New Telescope

Portuguese startup Neuraspace has installed a second optical telescope in Chile to enhance its space traffic monitoring capabilities. This telescope, activated on December 6, complements an existing one in Portugal, enabling coverage of both hemispheres. Funded by the European Commission as part of Portugal's Recovery and Resilience Plan, the telescopes aim to track low Earth orbit objects as small as 10 centimeters. Neuraspace's AI-driven platform uses this data for real-time satellite position information, improving collision avoidance and operational efficiency.

Iran Deploys Space Tug and Satellites in its Largest-Ever Payload Launch into Orbit

Iran has successfully launched its largest-ever payload into orbit using a domestically developed Simorgh rocket. The launch, which took place on December 6, 2024, included a space tug named Saman-1, the Fakhr-1 cubesat, and an undisclosed research payload. The combined weight of the payloads was 660 pounds (300 kilograms), and they were placed into an elliptical low Earth orbit.

The Saman-1 space tug is designed to boost satellites to higher orbits, potentially reducing the need for larger launch vehicles and lowering fuel costs. This capability represents a significant achievement for Iran's space program, demonstrating its growing capabilities in satellite deployment and orbital operations.

Iran's recent launch highlights its continued advancements in space technology, similar to efforts seen in other nations, despite facing international scrutiny. This mission follows a similar launch in January 2024, marking another step forward in Iran's ambitious space endeavors.

GOVERNANCE

Namibia Halts Starlink Operations Over Licensing Issues

Namibia's Communications Regulatory Authority (CRAN) has ordered Starlink to cease operations due to a lack of the required telecommunications license. The cease-and-desist order, issued on November 26, 2024, follows an investigation revealing that Starlink was providing internet services without authorization. CRAN has confiscated unauthorized terminals and initiated criminal proceedings against those involved. Starlink, a subsidiary of SpaceX, has applied for a license, but approval is still pending. The regulatory challenges in Namibia reflect similar issues faced by Starlink in other African nations.

Heliophysics Survey Advocates for Major NASA Missions Amid Budget Concerns

The National Academies' latest decadal survey for heliophysics, a comprehensive report released every ten years to guide NASA's priorities, has recommended two ambitious flagship missions for NASA to pursue over the next decade. The first mission, called Links, involves deploying more than two dozen spacecraft in various orbits to study the dynamics of the magnetosphere. Estimated to cost $1.86 billion, development is slated to begin in 2027, with launches expected no earlier than 2035.

The second mission, the Solar Polar Orbiter, aims to enter a high-inclination orbit around the sun's polar regions, providing unprecedented imaging capabilities of the sun's magnetic fields at the poles. This mission, estimated at $2.08 billion, would require gravity assists from both Jupiter and Earth, with work starting in 2029 and a launch planned for 2037.

These missions are part of a broader strategy to enhance our understanding of solar and space physics, building on previous recommendations and aiming to address the challenges posed by space weather. However, funding and prioritization remain significant hurdles, with NASA proposing to cancel the Geospace Dynamics Constellation (GDC) mission due to budget constraints. The GDC mission, recommended by the 2013 decadal survey, aims to study the interaction between the magnetosphere and the Earth's upper atmosphere, providing crucial data for space weather prediction and satellite operations.

EU Space Commissioner Sets Forth Strategic Priorities

The new European Union space commissioner, Andrius Kubilius, has outlined his priorities, focusing on enhancing European competitiveness and security in space. He aims to pass a long-delayed space law, improve access to space, and support the competitiveness of the European space industry. Kubilius also plans to maintain flagship programs like Copernicus and Galileo while addressing funding challenges and security risks. His initiatives aim to strengthen Europe's technological sovereignty and strategic autonomy.

Trump Nominates Jared Isaacman as NASA Administrator

President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Jared Isaacman, a billionaire entrepreneur and private astronaut, to be the next NASA administrator. Isaacman, founder and CEO of Shift4 Payments, has commanded two SpaceX missions, including the Polaris Dawn where he along with Sarah Gillis became the first commercial astronauts to perform a spacewalk. His nomination, announced on Truth Social, seeks to emphasize his experience in space exploration and vision for the space economy. If confirmed, Isaacman will succeed Bill Nelson and lead NASA into a new era of discovery and innovation.

Kenya Space Agency and Expertise France Sign Collaboration Agreement

The Kenya Space Agency (KSA) and French international technical cooperation agency, Expertise France have signed a collaboration framework agreement to enhance space-related cooperation. The agreement, signed on November 26, 2024, aims to strengthen Kenya's space capabilities through capacity building, promoting Earth Observation (EO) data usage, and fostering innovation ecosystems. The partnership includes light infrastructure projects and aims to support universities, community organizations, and private businesses in applying advanced geospatial technologies to address sustainable development challenges.

MILITARY

Space Technology and US Defense: Muon Space, Umbra, X-Bow, Varda, Infleqtion Win US Military Contracts

In recent developments within the space sector, several companies have secured significant contracts and funding, highlighting the growing intersection between space technology and defense applications. These developments reflect the ongoing trend of integrating commercial space technology with defense needs, as both sectors seek to leverage advancements in satellite imagery, rocket production, and quantum technologies to enhance national security and operational capabilities.

Muon Space, a California-based startup specializing in small satellites for Earth climate monitoring, has been awarded a $2.9 million contract by the U.S. Space Force to evaluate its satellite technology for military applications. The contract aims to assess whether Muon's instruments can provide high-resolution imagery of cloud cover and weather conditions critical for military and intelligence operations. This dual-use technology, designed for both wildfire detection and weather monitoring, is part of Muon's FireSat constellation, scheduled for launch in 2026.

Meanwhile, another California-based startup, Umbra Space has secured an extended contract with the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) to continue providing high-resolution synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite imagery for national security purposes. The extension, part of the NRO's Strategic Commercial Enhancements initiative, allows Umbra to further demonstrate its technology and refine its offerings to meet government needs. The company's SAR satellites, capable of capturing images in all weather conditions, are valuable for applications such as environmental monitoring, disaster response, and maritime surveillance. Umbra has been working with the NRO since 2022.

In another significant move, the U.S. Navy has awarded X-Bow a $60 million contract to modernize solid rocket production facilities. This contract is expected to enhance the Navy's capabilities in producing solid rocket motors using X-Bow’s 3D printing technologies, which are crucial for various defense applications, including missile systems and space launch vehicles. The contracts will fund enhancements at the Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head Division in Maryland. This initiative is a component of the Navy’s $2.7 billion, 15-year plan to modernize its industrial base.

Additionally, in-space manufacturing startup, California-based Varda Space Industries has received $48 million from the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory to test payloads on reentry capsules. Varda Space has created a 120-kilogram factory-in-orbit satellite to produce high-value materials like pharmaceuticals in zero gravity. These materials are returned to Earth in a NASA-developed, advanced reentry capsule. The four-year deal, will use Varda’s W-Series reentry capsules to test payloads at hypersonic speeds, with the spacecraft built on Rocket Lab’s Photon satellite bus.

Lastly, U.S., U.K., and Australia-based Quantum technology firm Infleqtion has secured an $11 million contract from the Pentagon to develop an atomic timing technology as a GPS alternative. The contract, funded through the Pentagon’s Accelerate the Procurement and Fielding of Innovative Technologies (APFIT) program, aims to address vulnerabilities in GPS signals during conflicts or cyberattacks. Infleqtion's Tiqker, a compact optical atomic clock, promises precise timing in environments where GPS is unreliable. This development underscores the military's growing interest in GPS-independent navigation tools.

COMMERCIAL

First Long March-12 Rocket Launches from China’s New Hainan Commercial Spaceport

China recently launched its first Long March-12 rocket from the newly inaugurated Wenchang Commercial Space Launch Site on Hainan Island. The two-stage rocket, standing at 62 meters tall, successfully delivered two experimental satellites into orbit1. This launch marks a significant milestone for China's space ambitions, as the Long March-12 is designed to support the country's upcoming surge in commercial space activity, including deploying large satellite networks.

The rocket, which uses kerosene and liquid hydrogen fuels, is capable of ferrying 10 tons to low-Earth orbit (LEO) or 6 tons to sun-synchronous orbit (SSO). The new spaceport, constructed at a cost of $553 million, is expected to reduce rocket fuel costs and increase payload capacities due to its proximity to the equator. This development is part of China's broader lunar plans, aiming to enhance its capabilities for future crewed moon missions.

Austrian Company Introduces Blackbird Flying Taxi, Featuring Innovative Propulsion System

CycloTech, an Austrian company, recently unveiled the Blackbird demonstrator, an all-electric flying vehicle featuring a novel propulsion system called CycloRotor. Inspired by tug boat motors, CycloRotor uses a circular rotor with small propeller blades for both propulsion and steering, allowing the aircraft to move or spin in any direction. This technology enhances maneuverability and passenger comfort, especially in challenging weather conditions. The Blackbird demonstrator, still in development, is expected to complete its first flight in early 2025.

Spanish PLD Space and Sateliot Receive Financial Boost for Expansion

Spanish launch vehicle startup PLD Space has secured an €11 million loan from COFIDES, a Spanish financing agency, to develop its Miura 5 rocket launch site at the Guiana Space Center in French Guiana. The company plans to invest a total of €16 million in the project, which includes building a launch pad, integration facility, and control center. The first launch is scheduled for late 2025.

Meanwhile, Sateliot, a Spanish satellite communications company, has also received a financial support of 30 million euros ($32 million) from European Investment Bank (EIB) to advance its satellite constellation project. This funding aims to enhance Europe's strategic space infrastructure and ensure autonomous access to space.

China Launches Remote Sensing, Communication, and Constellation Satellites

China has been making significant strides in its space sector with a series of recent launches. On December 3, 2024, a Chinese commercial launch firm launched the upgraded Kuaizhou-1A rocket from Xichang Satellite Launch Center, deploying the Haishao-1 SAR remote sensing satellite. This enhanced solid rocket boasts increased payload capacities and an extended fairing, marking a notable improvement in China's light-lift launch capabilities1.

In a closely timed event, China also launched the TJS-13 satellite using the Long March 3B rocket, reaching a milestone with its 100th launch. The TJS-13 satellite, is believed to have dual-use or military-related capabilities, adding to China's growing array of communication and technology test satellites.

Additionally, the Long March 6A rocket successfully launched the third batch of the Thousand Sails constellation satellites, further expanding China's presence in space with its megaconstellation projects. These launches underscore China's commitment to advancing its space capabilities and maintaining a competitive edge in the global space race.

SPOTLIGHT

Arctic Ocean May Experience Ice-Free Day by 2027, Study Finds

A recent study has revealed that the Arctic Ocean could experience its first ice-free day as soon as 2027. The research, published in the journal Nature Communications, indicates that Arctic sea ice is melting at an unprecedented rate of over 12% per decade. This alarming trend suggests that the Arctic could lose nearly all its ice temporarily within the next nine to 20 years, regardless of efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The study's lead author, Céline Heuzé from the University of Gothenburg, emphasized that while the first ice-free day won't dramatically change the environment, it will signify a fundamental alteration of the Arctic's natural state. The loss of sea ice is expected to accelerate global warming further, as the ice currently reflects sunlight and helps regulate ocean and air temperatures.

The findings underscore the urgent need for significant reductions in carbon dioxide emissions to mitigate the impact of climate change and preserve the Arctic's ice cover.

Scientists Capture First-Ever Image of an Individual Photon

Scientists at the University of Birmingham have achieved a groundbreaking feat by revealing the first-ever detailed image of an individual photon. Using a novel theoretical model, the researchers were able to visualize the shape of a photon, which appeared as a lemon-shaped particle emitted from the surface of a nanoparticle. This discovery, published in the journal Physical Review Letters, enhances our understanding of quantum behavior and could lead to advancements in fields such as quantum computing, photovoltaic devices, and artificial photosynthesis. The ability to model photon interactions with matter opens up new possibilities for designing advanced technologies.

Study Revisits Role of Comets in Earth's Water Origins

In a new research, NASA scientists have revisited the debate on Earth's water origins, suggesting that Jupiter-family comets, like 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko, may have played a significant role in delivering water to our planet. This conclusion stems from the discovery that water on Comet 67P shares a similar molecular signature to Earth's oceans, particularly in the ratio of deuterium to hydrogen. Deuterium is a rare, heavier type — or isotope — of hydrogen.

This finding challenges earlier results from the Rosetta mission, which indicated higher deuterium levels in the comet's water. The research, led by planetary scientist Kathleen Mandt, utilized advanced statistical techniques to analyze extensive data from the Rosetta mission, offering new insights into the potential contributions of comets to Earth's water reservoir. This study underscores the complexity of Earth's water history and the ongoing quest to understand the origins of life-sustaining resources. The research, published in Science Advances revises the abundance of deuterium in 67P.

Hot Accretion Disk Around FU Orionis Alters Planet Formation Theories

NASA's Hubble Space Telescope has revealed surprising new details about FU Orionis, a young star with an unusually hot accretion disk. The disk's temperature, measured at 16,000 Kelvin, is nearly three times hotter than the Sun's surface. This discovery challenges existing models, suggesting a more complex interaction at the star-disk interface and emitting unexpected levels of ultraviolet light.

The team, using Hubble's ultraviolet capabilities, studied the accretion disk, which has been adding gas to the star for nearly 90 years. They found that the inner disk, in contact with the star, is much hotter than previously believed, offering new insights into the mechanisms of stellar accretion. These findings have broader implications for theories of planet formation and survival, as the intense heat and ultraviolet radiation from the disk could affect the surrounding material. These findings have been published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters.

Chang'e 6 Mission’s Lunar Samples Shed Light on Moon's Volcanic Past

China's Chang'e 6 mission has returned the first-ever samples from the far side of the moon, revealing volcanic activity dating back 2.8 billion years. The samples, collected from the South Pole-Aitken basin, show that the moon's far side was volcanically active much longer than previously thought. Researchers found that the basalt rocks originated from a part of the moon's mantle low in potassium, rare Earth elements, and phosphorus, possibly due to a massive impact event. This discovery challenges existing theories about the moon's geological history and highlights the differences between the near and far sides of the moon.

The findings, published in the journal Science, provide new insights into the moon's formation and evolution, suggesting that the far side's mantle composition played a crucial role in its volcanic activity. The study also raises questions about the distribution of elements across the moon and the impact of large collisions on its geological features.

Organic Compounds Discovered on Ice-Laden Ceres Suggest Internal Formation

Recent studies have unveiled compelling evidence of organic material on Ceres, the dwarf planet located in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter, and the most water-rich body in the inner solar system after Earth. Utilizing data from NASA's now-defunct Dawn spacecraft, researchers from Spain's Instituto de Astrofísica de Andalucía identified 11 new regions on Ceres rich in organic compounds. This discovery challenges the earlier hypothesis that these materials were delivered by comets or asteroids, suggesting instead that they may have formed internally and been shielded from solar radiation.

Ceres, with its diameter exceeding 930 kilometers, is recognized for its potential astrobiological significance. The presence of organic materials, if confirmed to be endogenous, could indicate internal energy sources capable of supporting biological processes. This makes Ceres an intriguing candidate for future space exploration and a potential resource base for missions to Mars and beyond.

The findings also highlight the importance of Ceres in understanding the early solar system, as its composition is linked to carbonaceous chondrites, remnants of the material that formed the solar system approximately 4.6 billion years ago. As research continues, Ceres remains a focal point for unraveling the mysteries of our cosmic neighborhood. The team's results were published in the Planetary Science Journal.

Scientists Propose Dark Big Bang Theory for Dark Matter Creation

A new research has added to a novel cosmological model which proposes a new cosmological model suggesting that dark matter may have originated from a "Dark Big Bang" event shortly after the conventional Big Bang. This model, proposed in 2023 by Katherine Freese, director of the Texas Center for Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics, and Martin Wolfgang Winkler of the University of Texas, posits that dark matter was produced through rare interactions in a hot, energetic environment just before the conventional Big Bang. This "Dark Big Bang" scenario, has now been further explored by researchers at Colgate University, suggests that dark matter particles could have formed via the decay of a quantum field trapped in a false metastable vacuum state.

A false metastable vacuum state is a hypothetical condition in quantum field theory where a vacuum (a space with minimal energy) is locally stable but not in the most stable possible state. This means it's stable for now but could eventually decay to a more stable state, known as a true vacuum.

The implications of this model are profound, potentially explaining the elusive nature of dark matter, which makes up about 25% of the universe's energy budget. Detecting gravitational waves generated by this Dark Big Bang could provide crucial evidence supporting this new theory. As physicists continue to refine this model, it opens up new avenues for understanding the universe's earliest moments and the mysterious dark matter that pervades it. The research was published in the journal Physical Review D.

IMAGES

Spiderweb Protocluster : NIRCam, James Webb Space Telescope

Final, Undiscovered Images : NEOWISE, NASA

NASA's NEOWISE mission, which began in 2013, has concluded after nearly 15 years of tracking near-Earth objects (NEOs). Originally part of the Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE) mission, NEOWISE focused on detecting and characterizing asteroids and comets. Over its operational life, the mission conducted 21 infrared sky surveys, contributing significantly to planetary defense by cataloging potentially hazardous objects.

In its final months, NEOWISE continued to surprise the scientific community by releasing stunning infrared images of celestial objects, including the California Nebula and the Gecko Nebula. These images, captured over the years, have provided valuable insights into the behavior and movement of NEOs. The mission's data will continue to be a resource for astronomers and planetary scientists for years to come. The team at IPAC, the Infrared Processing & Analysis Center at Caltech, played a crucial role in processing and archiving the mission's data, ensuring its accessibility to the scientific community.

Despatch Out. 👽🛸