Opinions

Did ancient space weather influence how early humans lived?

In an exciting blend of archaeology and geophysics, researchers are uncovering how ancient cosmic events shaped human progress. Did spectacular auroras and invisible radiation 41,000 years ago push our ancestors to change their very lifestyles and survival strategies? Let’s explore the profound effects of space weather on early human existence.

Sandeep K S

Jul 20, 2025

Latest News

China's FAST Telescope Discovers 19 New Pulsars: Using archival data, researchers identified pulsars located 5,500 to 54,700 light years away by targeting unexplored sky regions. With spin periods ranging from 0.03 to 5.54 seconds, the findings include two potential "switching" pulsars and set a notable record for highly dispersed signals.

China's FAST telescope has scoured the archives to find 19 pulsars missed by previous searches

China's FAST telescope—the largest on Earth—has scoured the archives to find 19 pulsars missed by previous searches, including rare "transient" ghosts. Pulsars (spinning neutron stars) are lighthouses of the cosmos. Most are found near the Galactic Plane, where stars are dense.

"Unique Challenges and Innovative Solutions—An infographic highlights the behavior of fire in microgravity, showcasing its spherical formation, increased risk with higher oxygen levels, and dense smoke issues. The €14 million FireSpace research program aims to tackle these dangers through advanced solutions like acoustic waves, new flame retardants, and sensor technology, with a significant rocket test planned within four years."

New research aims to tame flames for the journey to Mars.

In space, fire doesn't rise. It forms a ghostly sphere that is harder to detect and harder to kill. New research aims to tame flames for the journey to Mars. On Earth, hot air is lighter than cold air. It rises, pulling fresh oxygen in from below. This convection gives fire its familiar teardrop shape and yellow color (soot).

Using powerful ALMA telescope data, researchers uncover secrets beneath Jupiter's moon's icy surface, including a frigid temperature of 133 Kelvin and a potential subsurface ocean. The JUICE mission aims for further study in 2031.

Jupiter's outermost moon is a battered, icy archive of the early solar system.

Jupiter's outermost moon is a battered, icy archive of the early solar system. New thermal imaging is finally peeling back its scarred surface to reveal what lies beneath. Using the ALMA telescope, researchers analyzed thermal data to peer into the top few centimeters of Callisto's surface (regolith).

In microgravity, the evolutionary battle between viruses and bacteria takes a unique turn, leading to distinct mutations. In space, phages and E. coli evolve differently, with enhanced phages displaying superior activity against drug-resistant superbugs upon returning to Earth.

In the weightlessness of the Space Station, the war between viruses and bacteria changes rules. The result?

In the weightlessness of the Space Station, the war between viruses and bacteria changes rules. The result? New biological weapons against superbugs on Earth. On Earth, gravity and convection currents help viruses (phages) bump into bacteria. In space, those forces vanish.

SN 2024gy: New Insights into Type Ia Supernovae and Explosion Mechanisms—delving into early velocity structures and elemental fingerprints that align with the delayed-detonation model.

How does a white dwarf explode? New observations of SN 2024gy provide smoking gun evidence

How does a white dwarf explode? New observations of SN 2024gy provide smoking gun evidence for a specific, violent chain reaction. Type Ia supernovae are standard candles for measuring the universe, but we still debate how they ignite.