Latest discoveries in space exploration, NASA missions, SpaceX launches, astronomical research, cosmic phenomena, and breakthroughs from leading scientists.
Scientists identified Teghaza 001 as one of the oldest Martian meteorites, revealing evidence of water alteration 4.1 billion years ago. Published in Science, the study of the Mali-discovered rock provides unique insights into Mars' earliest geological history and mantle dynamics, originating from magma that formed part of the planet's outer crust.
The European Space Agency's Hera spacecraft has captured the first close-up view of the previously unseen backside of asteroid Didymos. Released from a distance of 37 miles, the image shows distinct geological features like boulders and craters that scientists believe resulted from debris thrown during NASA's DART impact on its companion, Dimorphos.
Pakistan will send an astronaut to join China's Shenzhou 24 crew, marking the first time a foreign national visits Beijing's space station. The payload specialist, selected from candidates Muhammad Zeeshan Ali and Khurram Daud who completed training earlier this year, will conduct a short orbital flight before returning via Shenzhou 23.
A new study reveals the April 2026 Artemis II launch generated severe ionospheric disruptions ten times more intense than SpaceX’s Starship tests. Researchers from National Cheng Kung University found these gaps caused positioning errors affecting autonomous vehicles and drone navigation during NASA’s crewed lunar mission.
BBC News provides practical guidance for observing the Leonid meteor shower peaking on November 17, 2026. It advises viewers to seek dark locations away from light pollution to spot up to 15 meteors per hour originating from Comet Tempel-Tuttle debris.
Scientific American argues that recent claims of discovering Planet Nine are premature, suggesting the candidate is more accurately described as 'Planet 8.5.' The commentary contends that while the search for trans-Neptunian objects is ongoing, current evidence does not yet confirm a distinct ninth planet, highlighting the challenges of detecting such bodies in the vast outer solar system.
Scientists have officially announced 2026 QQ8, a three-foot-wide natural asteroid temporarily captured by Earth's gravity. Discovered in August, this mini-moon will remain in orbit until December before drifting back into its regular solar path.
Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla shares a video of Earth's lightning from space, likening the phenomenon to fireworks for Diwali. The commentary highlights his personal connection to the festival and the viral reception of the imagery as a unique celebration of light.
NASA's Swift Observatory reentered Earth's atmosphere over North Sumatra province at 7:39 am, ending its 22-year mission. Most of the spacecraft is expected to burn up during reentry, though some components may have survived the descent following a failed private rescue attempt.
NASA reports the November 4 reentry of the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory over Indonesia after 22 years. The article highlights the satellite's contributions to studying cosmic explosions and notes that a failed rescue mission could not prevent its orbital decay during the current solar maximum.