Published By: Soham Halder

Science & Space Roundup: Top News of the Day (Oct 8)

Here are today’s most important updates from the realm of Science and Space.

Hera Mission Launched to Protect Earth from Space Threats

In an attempt to enhance planetary defense, scientists at European Space Agency (ESA) launched Hera Mission on Oct. 7 at 10:52 a.m. EDT using SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. ESA's Hera spacecraft will reach binary asteroid system named Didymos. NASA spacecraft was smacked into Didymos' smaller companion named Dimorphos, which altered its orbit. This unique approach revealed one defense strategy against small asteroids by deviating them. Hera is a follow up mission to check the aftermath of the crash and future prospects. Develped with a budget of $398 million, Hera spacecraft is accompanied by two smaller cubesats named Milani and Juventas, scheduled to reach Dimorphos in late 2026.

First Time Ever: Atlantic Braces for Triple Hurricane Fury

(Credit - X/@CIRA_CSU)

For the first time in history, the Atlantic basin is witnessing three active hurricanes in October month, marking a peculiar and concerning development in this year's hurricane season. The strongest of the trio, Hurricane Milton has intensified to a Category 3 storm with maximum sustained winds of 120 mph, currently moving northward in the central Atlantic. Hurricane Kirk, a Category 2 storm, is expected to remain over open waters. The third system, Hurricane Leslie is causing concern for residents in Florida and the southeastern US. Meteorologists are closely monitoring the development as well as potential path. Researchers and policymakers are calling for increased focus on climate change reduction and innovative adaptation strategies amidst such rare events.

Longevity Lag: Life Expectancy Growth Stagnates in this Century

Human life expectancy is increasing at a slower rate than the last century, as confirmed by new study. Improvements in public health and medicine resulted in rapid life extension in 20th century. For example, in the U.S. in 1900, the average life expectancy was 47.3 which increased to 76.8 by 2000. However, 21st century witnesses a slower decadal growth rate as humanity is approaching the upper limit of its life expectancy. Despite advanced treatment methods, tackling age-related diseases are becoming tougher everyday. To extend human life expectancy, more research is required in geroscience or the biology of aging.

Blaze Star's Rare Visibility: Witness the Once-in-a-Lifetime Phenomenon

(Credit - X/@NASA_Marshall)

Astronomers along with stargazers are waiting for a 'once-in-a-lifetime' opportunity to view a new star in the night sky which will be re-appearing after a gap of 80 years. The new star, named Blaze Star or T Coronae Borealis, was last seen from Earth in 1946. The long dead star comprising a white dwarf and an ancient red giant will reignite in an explosion 3,000 light-years from Earth. The star could re-appear any day, will only be visible for a few days before disappearing for another 80 years. The start was first seen in Germany in 1217.