Here are today’s most important updates from the realm of Science and Space.
Had a smile following me all the way to work this morning. Let me explain .. the 'smiley face' is made up of an alignment of Venus, Saturn and the crescent Moon close together in the morning sky.
— Leanne Manas (@LeanneManas) April 25, 2025
Couldn’t help but feel pretty special with that hanging overhead. #SmileyMoon pic.twitter.com/r3ZgSL1D8T
(Credit- X@LeanneManas)
Early on Friday, April 25, stargazers were treated to a magical sight—a cheerful "smile" in the sky, formed by Venus, Saturn, and a delicate crescent moon huddled close together near the eastern horizon. This rare "triple conjunction" made it seem as if the universe itself was grinning down at us.
While the alignment was visible to the naked eye just before sunrise, binoculars or a small telescope revealed even more stunning details. The phenomenon occurs when three celestial bodies appear unusually close in the sky.
Venus, shining brightly all week, rose around 5:00 AM, joined by the waning crescent moon. Saturn tagged along, completing the cosmic trio. Though fleeting, the spectacle could be seen worldwide—including in India—if skies were clear. Just a reminder: never stare directly at the rising sun while skywatching!
Astronomers have detected intriguing molecules in the atmosphere of exoplanet K2-18 b, located 124 light-years away. Using the James Webb Space Telescope, they found dimethyl sulphide (DMS)—a compound typically produced by living organisms on Earth. While not definitive proof of life, the discovery has sparked excitement, as K2-18 b also lies in its star’s habitable zone, where liquid water could exist.
First observed in 2023, follow-up studies strengthened the evidence, but some scientists remain cautious. The Cambridge-led team is conducting further analysis to confirm the findings. If verified, this could be a major step toward answering whether life exists beyond our solar system.
With over 5,800 known exoplanets, K2-18 b stands out as a promising candidate in the search for extraterrestrial life. The quest continues, but each discovery brings us closer to unraveling the universe’s greatest mystery.
The birth of three genetically engineered "dire wolf" pups has reignited debate over de-extinction. Backed by celebrities and even the CIA, Colossal Biosciences aims to revive lost species, hoping to restore ecosystems. But critics argue it’s a costly distraction from saving endangered wildlife today.
When Game of Thrones author George R.R. Martin—an investor—celebrated the breakthrough, excitement grew. Yet scientists warn that relying on futuristic fixes could weaken real conservation efforts. The controversy deepened when a U.S. official praised the project while dismissing traditional protections like the Endangered Species List.
As habitats vanish and extinctions rise, the question remains: Should we chase scientific marvels—or focus on preserving what’s left?
Scientists have discovered a clever way to tweak phonons—tiny energy waves that ripple through materials when atoms vibrate—by adjusting the twist angles between layers of 2D materials like tungsten diselenide (WSe₂). This breakthrough could help design custom materials with unique thermal, optical, and electronic properties, supercharging advancements in quantum tech.
Think of phonons like ripples spreading across a pond after a stone drops—they’re waves of energy moving through a material’s atomic lattice. Controlling them is key for next-gen optoelectronics and photonic devices. Researchers at IISc Bangalore found that twisting WSe₂ layers at angles between 1° and 7° changes how phonons behave, even altering their vibrations at ultra-low temperatures.
Using Raman spectroscopy, the team uncovered how these twisted layers influence phonon interactions, thanks to funding from India’s DST. Their findings, published in *ACS Nano*, open exciting possibilities for engineering futuristic materials for quantum computing, advanced optics, and more.
