Here are today’s most important updates from the realm of Science and Space.
NASA's James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has captured bright auroras on Neptune for the first time. Auroras are natural light displays that occur when energetic particles from the Sun become trapped in a planet's magnetic field and collide with its upper atmosphere. These collisions release energy, creating a stunning glow. The auroral activity on Neptune were first noted during NASA's Voyager 2 flyby in 1989. The researchers identified a prominent emission line indicating the presence of the trihydrogen cation (H3+), a molecule associated with auroral activity. In Webb's images, these glowing auroras appeared as cyan splotches across Neptune's surface. The detection of these auroras provides new insights into how Neptune's magnetic field interacts with solar particles and enhances our understanding of ice giant atmospheric science.
Scientists discovered a rare new species of two-clawed dinosaur in Mongolia's Gobi Desert. The species, named Duonychus tsogtbaatari, was unique within a group of dinosaurs called Therizinosaurs, which stood on their hind legs and usually had three claws. It was medium-sized, with an estimated weight of approximately 260kg. Researchers predicted that the species' long, curved claws and its ability to strongly flex them would have made it an efficient grasper of vegetation. The UNESCO mentioned the Mongolian Gobi Desert the largest dinosaur fossil reservoir in the world. The region is an especially important source of fossils from the later Cretaceous period, which is the last of the main three periods of the dinosaur age, representing the final phase of dinosaur evolution.
It's baseball season - the @MLB season opener is kicking off in Japan. During Expedition 68 I played a solo game of baseball. In microgravity you don't need a whole team, you can play all of the positions! pic.twitter.com/m1d19mbzfE
— Koichi Wakata 若田光一 (@Astro_Wakata) March 18, 2025
(Credit: X/@Astro_Wakata)
Japanese astronaut Koichi Wakata recently delighted fans by sharing a video of himself playing solo baseball aboard the International Space Station (ISS). In a post on X, he celebrated the MLB season opener in Japan, showcasing his unique ability to pitch, hit, and catch the ball in microgravity. The physics of microgravity allows him to throw the ball with minimal resistance, and when hitting, he can propel himself off surfaces to gain momentum. This creates an entirely new experience where movements are exaggerated and actions take longer due to the lack of gravitational pull. Wakata's performance not only highlights his athleticism but also the creativity astronauts exhibit while living and working in space.
The disappearance of Great white sharks from False Bay, South Africa, has triggered significant ecological disruptions, according to a new study. Historically abundant in False Bay, Great white sharks (Carcharodon carcharias) have seen a dramatic decline since 2015, culminating in their complete absence by mid-2018. The loss of these sharks has led to a notable increase in populations of Cape fur seals (Arctocephalus pusillus) and sevengill sharks (Notorynchus cepedianus), resulting in a corresponding decline in fish species. As marine ecosystems face increasing pressures from fishing, habitat loss, and climate change, protecting apex predators like Great white sharks is essential for maintaining biodiversity and ensuring the health of ocean environments.
