Science Alert

Latest news, top updates and current developments from the world of Health, Science and technology along with tips on physical & mental health and fitness.
Updated: 54 min 5 sec ago
SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket successfully launched 28 Starlink satellites into orbit from Cape Canaveral on April 24
SpaceX achieved a milestone on April 24, 2025, with the successful Starlink 6-74 mission, launching 28 satellites into low Earth orbit. This launch, part of SpaceX's mission to provide global high-speed internet, marked the company's 47th Falcon 9 launch of the year. The mission also highlighted the reusability of the Falcon 9 booster, contributing to SpaceX's record-breaking launch pace.
Historic Bug Story: How fiery hell ants pierced their prey 113 million years ago
Scientists in Brazil found a very old ant fossil. This fossil is 113 million years old. It is of a 'hell ant,' a type of predator. The discovery changes what we know about ant history. Ants were around when dinosaurs lived. The fossil shows ants were complex even long ago. This find is important for understanding ant evolution.
Remains of 5,000-year-old noblewoman found in Peru dig
Archaeologists in Peru said Thursday they found the 5,000-year-old remains of a noblewoman at the sacred city of Caral, revealing the important role played by women in the oldest center of civilization in the Americas. Palomino told reporters the find showed that while "it was generally thought that rulers were men, or that they had more prominent roles in society" women had "played a very important role in the Caral civilization."
Mysterious ‘zombie star’ speeds through the Milky Way at 177,000 km/h, capable of ripping human atoms; origin remains unknown
Astronomers have spotted a zombie star, SGR 0501+4516, speeding through the Milky Way. This magnetar has an incredibly strong magnetic field. Its origin is a mystery, challenging existing theories. Scientists suggest it might have formed from a white dwarf collapse, without a supernova. This discovery could help explain fast radio bursts.
NASA astronaut Don Pettit to discuss his seven-month space mission on April 28; check live streaming details, time and how you can participate
Astronaut Don Pettit will host a live conference on April 28 to discuss his 220-day mission on the International Space Station (ISS), where he conducted vital research, including 3D printing in space and water sanitization. NASA invites the public to participate through social media using #AskNASA and will host an Instagram Q&A.
Stunning space photograph captures the majestic Andromeda Galaxy floating in a sea of faint, glowing nebulae
Miguel Claro, an astrophotographer, spent five years capturing a stunning image of the Andromeda Galaxy from Portugal's Dark Sky Alqueva Observatory. Using special filters and 80 hours of exposure, he revealed the galaxy's spiral structure and surrounding hydrogen gas. This image connects Earth and sky, showcasing the beauty beyond our planet and inspiring a sense of wonder.
NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope marks 35 years with a captivating new view of the Sombrero Galaxy’s hat-like structure
The Hubble Space Telescope marks its 35th anniversary with a stunning new image of the Sombrero Galaxy. This detailed view reveals the galaxy's structure, including its bright bulge and dusty disc. Located 30 million light-years away, the Sombrero Galaxy has a supermassive black hole. The James Webb Space Telescope also studies the galaxy, providing infrared observations.
India is splitting in two! Geologists sound alarm over hidden tectonic upheaval
Geologists have made a groundbreaking discovery: the Indian Plate is splitting, with a portion peeling away and sinking into the Earth's mantle. This delamination process, previously undetected, could significantly impact earthquake patterns and reshape landscapes. Experts are calling for further research to understand the implications of this shift on Earth's dynamics and seismic activity.
IISc, French scientists study droplets in microgravity, to aid bio printing in space
Indian and French scientists collaborated on microgravity experiments during the 68th CNES parabolic flight campaign, potentially revolutionizing material fabrication in space. IISc Professors Saptarshi Basu and Aloke Kumar, along with French counterparts, studied droplet behavior to advance bio-printing, electronics, and other applications in extraterrestrial environments.
Earth Day 2025: How Gaylord Nelson’s call for change sparked a worldwide movement
Earth Day is a global event for environmental awareness. US Senator Gaylord Nelson started it in 1970. Millions participate in events across 190 countries. The day led to the EPA and key environmental laws. Themes include climate action and plastic reduction. Local efforts and corporate involvement are increasing. Climate change remains a big challenge.
What is SpaceX Bandwagon-3, a mission taking payloads from three different countries
SpaceX launched its Falcon 9 rocket carrying multiple satellites. The Bandwagon-3 mission included a German re-entry capsule, a South Korean military satellite, and a US weather satellite. Phoenix 1 tested its heat shield. The mission highlights affordable access to space. It also shows international collaboration. This launch signals a future where space is more accessible.
Twinkling star reveals the shocking secrets of turbulent plasma in our neighbourhood
Using the MeerKAT radio telescope, scientists have detected numerous plasma structures near a twinkling pulsar, J0437-4715, revealing new insights into our cosmic neighborhood. The study unveils 25 scintillation arcs, indicating a surprising abundance of plasma within the Local Bubble, challenging previous assumptions of its emptiness.
Nasa's Lucy spacecraft beams back pictures of an asteroid shaped like a lumpy bowling pin
Nasa's Lucy spacecraft successfully completed a flyby of asteroid Donaldjohanson, revealing its unexpectedly large and irregular bowling pin shape, measuring approximately 5 miles long. The mission, a rehearsal for future Trojan asteroid encounters near Jupiter, saw Lucy pass within 600 miles of the space rock. Further data analysis will refine understanding of the asteroid's dimensions.
A green comet likely is breaking apart and won't be visible to the naked eye
Comet SWAN, a newly discovered green comet from the Oort Cloud, has likely disintegrated after its recent solar passage, diminishing hopes for naked-eye visibility. Discovered by amateur astronomers, this icy relic from the early solar system may not survive its first trip past the sun.
Birthday in space, home for the celebration: Don Pettit’s remarkable 220 days on the journey of Expedition 72 aboard the ISS
After 220 days in orbit, NASA astronaut Don Pettit returned to Earth, celebrating his 70th birthday in style, floating among the stars. From preflight training in Kazakhstan to unforgettable moments aboard the ISS, including his zero-gravity birthday bash, Pettit’s Expedition 72 journey was filled with discovery, laughter, and a few out-of-this-world memories. His emotional return to Earth marked the end of an extraordinary mission, captured in this photo story from lift-off to homecoming.
Lyrid meteor shower peaks on Tuesday - Know the best time to watch the breathtaking ‘fireballs’ on April 22
Get ready for the Lyrid meteor shower. This celestial event will peak on April 21-22, 2025. Sky gazers can expect to see up to 18 meteors per hour. Occasional fireballs may also appear. The best viewing time is in the early morning hours. Find a dark location away from city lights for an optimal experience.
Isro achieves second docking with SpaDeX satellites
ISRO has achieved a second successful docking of its SpaDeX satellites, marking a significant advancement in space technology. Chairman V Narayanan hailed the operation as smooth, emphasizing its importance for future missions. Union Minister Jitendra Singh announced the docking, following the initial docking on January 16 and subsequent undocking on March 13.
Indian scientists submit detailed project report to develop new semiconductor material
Indian Institute of Science (IISc) proposes developing 'angstrom-scale' chips using 2D materials like graphene, potentially surpassing current 3-nanometer silicon chips. Submitted to the government, the Rs 500 crore project aims to establish India as a semiconductor leader.