Rare Adolescent T. Rex Fossil Unearthed by Kids in North Dakota A rare fossil of an adolescent Tyrannosaurus rex has been discovered in North Dakota’s badlands. This significant find offers valuable scientific insights into the life history of this iconic dinosaur and shares an exciting story of its discovery by three young fossil hunters. Discovery of “Teen Rex” The Denver Museum of Nature & Science announced the discovery of the fossil, nicknamed “Teen Rex,” on Tuesday. The fossil will be studied and displayed at the museum. In July 2022, brothers Liam and Jessin Fisher, aged 7 and 10, along with…
Author: Team Interstellar
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Stricter IMO Shipping Fuel Regulations Cut Pollution but May Warm Oceans New IMO shipping fuel regulations introduced in 2020 have significantly reduced sulphur dioxide (SO2) pollution but may have inadvertently contributed to ocean warming by reducing cloud cover. This finding comes from a modelling study led by Tianle Yuan at the University of Maryland, published in the Communications Earth & Environment journal. Impact of IMO Regulations The International Maritime Organization (IMO) implemented rules to reduce marine pollution, mandating that shippers cut their fuel sulphur content from 3.5% to 0.5%. This led to an 80% decline in SO2 emissions. SO2, while…
The lead scientist for NASA’s Perseverance Mars rover is enthusiastic about the material stored in the rover’s sample tubes. These samples, both dropped on Mars’ surface and contained within the rover, could potentially contain evidence of past microbial life on the Red Planet. Exciting Findings in Jezero Crater The Perseverance rover has been exploring Jezero Crater, collecting various samples. Among these, a sample tagged “Lefroy Bay” has been found to contain hydrated silica. On Earth, this mineral has a high potential for preserving signs of ancient life. This raises the question: could Lefroy Bay hold preserved signs of ancient Martian…
Agnikul Cosmos to Launch 3D-Printed Agnibaan Rocket Indian aerospace startup Agnikul Cosmos has announced the launch of its 3D-printed, semi-cryogenic Agnibaan rocket. The launch window is set between May 28 and June 5. The Chennai-based company shared the update on social media platform X, stating, “NOTAM issued. It is launch time.” Launch Details and Location The launch is scheduled to take place at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, operated by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. This launch follows a previously aborted attempt on April 7, when the maiden launch of the Agnibaan rocket was called…
SkyServe, a space technology company based in Bengaluru and Cupertino, has reached a major milestone in Earth observation with its recent development of Smart Earth Imaging in orbit. The company hails this advancement as the “Smartphone Moment” for Earth observation. SkyServe’s Smart Earth Imaging In collaboration with space logistics firm D-Orbit, SkyServe successfully tested its edge computing software stack, STORM, on a satellite launched by SpaceX earlier this year. The satellite, equipped with STORM, performed intelligent tasks such as error correction in imagery, cloud and water cover removal, and vegetation identification. These tasks were processed over the Egypt-Sinai Peninsula within…
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has achieved a significant technological milestone with the successful 665-second hot testing of its liquid rocket engine on May 9, 2024. This engine, associated with the PS4 upper stage of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), was notably manufactured using advanced Additive Manufacturing (AM) technology. Traditionally, the PS4 engine is produced through a combination of conventional machining and welding techniques. Employed in the fourth stage of PSLV, the engine generates a thrust of 7.33 kN under vacuum conditions and plays a crucial role in the Reaction Control System (RCS) of the PSLV’s first stage.…
Last year, a notable assembly of global leaders, business magnates, and scholars convened at Bletchley Park, UK, for the inaugural AI Safety Summit. The event aimed to harmonise regulations on AI technology, which some argue could pose significant risks to humanity. The summit saw prominent figures such as Tesla’s Elon Musk and OpenAI’s CEO Sam Altman engage with various critics. The gathering culminated in the signing of the “Bletchley Declaration” by major nations including China and the USA, demonstrating a rare moment of collaboration amidst rising global tensions. Six months following this event, the second AI Safety Summit is scheduled…
Since its inaugural manned flight in 2003, China has aggressively expanded its space program, consistently marking significant achievements in human spaceflight. The upcoming Shenzhou-18 mission, led by veteran astronaut Ye Guangfu, who at 43 is set to command his first spaceflight, underscores China’s aspirations to become a major spacefaring nation. The mission is scheduled to dock with China’s self-developed space station, Tiangong, which translates to “Celestial Palace.” Tiangong, launched in segments beginning in 2021, represents China’s ambition to maintain a long-term human presence in space, serving as a testament to the country’s technological prowess and strategic foresight in aerospace. The…
During a significant speech in Mexico City this Tuesday, NASA Chief Bill Nelson stressed the critical need for global cooperation in combating climate change and curbing greenhouse gas emissions. Highlighting the severe impact of methane leaks on global warming, Nelson emphasized that while solutions are available, they demand urgent and expansive implementation. “Methane leaks, in particular, pose a daunting challenge due to their potent impact on global warming, far exceeding that of carbon dioxide in the short term,” Nelson said, advocating for international efforts to address these and other environmental issues collectively. He underscored the pivotal role that satellites play…
NASA is actively pursuing a more cost-effective and streamlined method to bring back valuable Martian soil samples to Earth, facing financial constraints, officials from the US space agency revealed. The agency plans to issue a formal request for proposals to NASA centers, laboratories, and aerospace companies. This initiative seeks innovative solutions to revamp a Mars sample return program that has been beset by technical difficulties, escalating costs, and budget limitations, as shared by NASA executives during a press briefing. NASA officials anticipate reviewing alternative proposals this coming fall or early winter. Associate Administrator Nicky Fox emphasized that the revamp would…
