Here are today’s most important updates from the realm of Science and Space.
Indian researchers have made groundbreaking discoveries about Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) giant bursts of solar plasma and magnetic fields ejected from the Sun's outer atmosphere through the Aditya-L1 mission, India’s first space-based solar observatory. The study revealed critical details about the Sun's corona and its impact on space weather. During the CME, the Sun's corona exhibited "coronal dimming," a phenomenon where brightness in a specific region decreased by about 50% due to the ejection of solar material. This dimming persisted for approximately six hours, providing valuable data on the Sun’s dynamic processes. The CME caused a temperature increase of about 30% in the surrounding region, accompanied by heightened turbulence. Such deflections are critical for predicting the CME’s path as it travels through the solar system, potentially impacting Earth and other planets.
Astronomers have found the smallest asteroids ever detected in the main belt between Mars and Jupiter. The team’s detection method, which identified 138 space rocks ranging from bus- to stadium-sized, could aid in tracking potential impacts. https://t.co/hX4bWspvqT pic.twitter.com/WH9RK8sWJ3
— Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) (@MIT) December 10, 2024
(Credit - X/@MIT)
Astronomers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have made a groundbreaking discovery by detecting the smallest asteroids ever detected in the main asteroid belt, located between Mars and Jupiter. Using advanced techniques and data from NASA's James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), the team has successfully discovered over 138 new decameter-sized asteroids, measuring as small as 10 meters across. The team’s innovative approach involved an image processing technique known as "shift and stack," which enhances faint object detection amidst background noise from other celestial bodies. As scientists continue to explore this "new, unexplored space," they anticipate further insights into asteroid dynamics and their potential implications for Earth.
Stargazers across India will have a rare opportunity to witness a stunning celestial event as the Moon shines brightly between the planets Saturn and Jupiter. This unique alignment will be visible shortly after sunset, providing an excellent opportunity for skywatchers to enjoy the beauty of the night sky. Saturn will be best viewed in the hours just after sunset, appearing prominently in the southwestern sky. As daylight fades, its rings and moons become more visible. It is advisable to find a location with minimal obstructions and clear skies. A park or an open field can provide an unobstructed view of this astronomical spectacle. Binoculars and small telescope can provide a closer look at Saturn’s rings and Jupiter’s moons.
The earthquake that occurred in Japan with a magnitude of 9.1 was on March 11, 2011. This devastating event, also known as the Great East Japan Earthquake or the 2011 Tohoku earthquake, caused widespread damage and triggered a massive tsunami that led to a nuclear disaster at the… pic.twitter.com/BVT8NUUjDJ
— Historic Vids (@historyinmemes) December 29, 2023
(Credit - X/@historyinmemes)
On March 11, 2011, a destructive 9.1 magnitude earthquake struck off Japan's northeast coast near the Japan Trench. The earthquake triggered a massive tsunami reaching the coast within 30 minutes and breaching seawalls and crippling three nuclear reactors. Regarded as the Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami or the Great East Japan Earthquake, the disaster claimed more than 18,000 lives. Despite being the strongest earthquake recorded in Japan's history and the third-largest globally since 1900, science is yet to explain what really caused it. The scientists are hopeful that ongoing IODP Expedition involving 56 scientists from ten countries will provide the answers to improve earthquake preparedness as well as mitigating risks.
