Neil deGrasse Tyson provocatively argues that falling into a black hole would be the most extraordinary way to die, not for comfort, but for insight. As tidal forces tear the body apart in “spaghettification,” extreme time dilation could allow the falling observer to witness the universe’s distant future unfold, making death a brutal yet uniquely cosmic experiment.

Scientists have weighed a rogue planet, the size of Saturn, floating alone in space. This planet has no sun and no orbit. Its gravity bent starlight as it passed a distant star. Telescopes on Earth and the Gaia spacecraft observed this rare event. This finding helps understand how planets form and become isolated.

NASA's Artemis 2 mission, launching in early 2026, marks a deliberate return to lunar space, focusing on testing systems and astronaut safety for future deep space endeavors. Unlike Apollo's rapid pace, this mission emphasizes careful observation and practice, proving humans can live and work safely beyond Earth's orbit, a crucial step for Mars exploration.

An annular solar eclipse, a "ring of fire," is set for February 2026. This spectacular event will be visible in the Southern Hemisphere, with Antarctica at its center. Unfortunately, India will not witness this celestial display. The eclipse will occur below the horizon for Indian observers. Those in India can follow the event through live broadcasts and international coverage.

Ancient horsetail plants, surviving for 400 million years, are revealing Earth's climate history. Their unique water filtration process creates unusual oxygen isotope signatures, once mistaken for extraterrestrial. Scientists are now using these plants and their fossilized silica structures, called phytoliths, as natural humidity recorders to understand past atmospheric moisture levels, even from the age of dinosaurs.

A rare total solar eclipse, dubbed the 'Eclipse of the Decade,' will grace the skies on August 2, 2027. This celestial event, lasting over six minutes near Luxor, Egypt, will offer an extended period of twilight and reveal the Sun's corona. The path of totality stretches across parts of Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East, promising an unforgettable spectacle.

India's space agency ISRO is set to launch PSLV-C62 on January 12, deploying DRDO's advanced surveillance satellite EOS-N1. This mission also carries a Spanish mini-satellite and 17 international and domestic commercial payloads, showcasing India's growing prowess in satellite launches and global space commercialization. The launch from Sriharikota marks a significant start to 2026.

Look up this January 2026 for celestial wonders. Jupiter will shine brighter than ever on January 10. Later, the Moon and Saturn will appear close together on January 23. The Beehive Cluster also remains visible. These events require no special equipment, just a clear sky and a few minutes of your time. NASA guides skygazers to these quiet moments.

A powerful earthquake off Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula provided a real-world test for NASA's new GUARDIAN system. This experimental technology detected subtle atmospheric pressure waves caused by the resulting tsunami, sending alerts to researchers within minutes. This space-based monitoring offers a crucial early warning, potentially adding valuable time for coastal communities facing threats.