Here are today’s most important updates from the realm of Science and Space.
A group of paleoanthropologists made a groundbreaking discovery on a new human species named Homo juluensis, with distinctively huge skulls. Referred as "Large Head People," this group once lived alongside Homo sapiens in eastern Asia. Initial measurements indicate that their braincases were approximately 30% larger than those of Homo sapiens. As per recent reports, Homo juluensis lived approximately 300,000 years ago in eastern Asia, hunted wild horses in small groups, and made stone tools and possibly processed animal hides for survival before disappearing around 50,000 years ago. The emergence of the 'Large Head People' raises fundamental questions about human evolution, diversity, and migration patterns.
A new study by scientists at the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) in Ahmedabad has brought new insights into the potential for ancient life on Mars, specifically in chloride-rich depressions. The PRL team’s examination indicates that the area underwent multiple cycles of wetting and drying over thousands of years, providing a preferable environment for microbial life. This research opens new doors for future Mars exploration, emphasising the need for localised investigations to fully assess the astrobiological potential of these intriguing regions. Meanwhile, scientists have been investigating the possibility of water on Mars, as liquid water is essential for life on Earth.
There has been an increasing congestion in low Earth orbit (LEO) to pose a massive threat to the sustainability of space activities. Out of at least 14,000 satellites currently orbiting Earth, approximately 3,500 are inactive with an estimated 120 million pieces of debris from past launches and collisions. As the situation is rapidly escalating, experts warn that without international cooperation, this critical region may soon become unusable. A recent projection has indicated that tens of thousands more satellites could enter orbit in the upcoming years, leading to an estimated financial risk of $556 million over five years due to potential collisions.
According to a new study, clocks on the Moon run slightly faster than those on Earth Specifically, a clock positioned near the Moon gains an additional 56.02 microseconds per day compared to one closer to Earth. This follows Einstein's theory of relativity, which states that time is influenced by both gravity and speed. As humans plan more frequent missions to the Moon, Mars, and other celestial bodies, understanding these variations in timekeeping will be crucial for navigation, communication, and coordination among various systems. NASA is currently preparing for Artemis program to return humans to the lunar surface by 2025, thus the exploration of time on the Moon stands as a critical component for humanity’s journey into deeper space.
