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ESA Predicts 3I/ATLAS Path More Accurately Using Mars Data

The European Space Agency (ESA) has successfully utilized images from the ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter (TGO) to enhance the orbital calculations of interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS, which was obscured from Earth by the Sun. This achievement not only deepens our understanding of the comet but also aids in predicting the trajectories of potentially hazardous objects. Despite challenges in tracking the comet's rapid movement and unpredictable gas emissions, ESA astronomers managed to reduce the uncertainty in 3I/ATLAS's path by a factor of ten. This precision allows for more efficient searches once the comet re-emerges from behind the Sun and establishes a baseline for assessing future gas outbursts. The ongoing observations from the Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (JUICE) will further refine these calculations. ESA's efforts are part of a broader strategy to improve techniques for tracking near-Earth objects, with plans for the NEOMIR mission aimed at detecting asteroids approaching from the Sun's direction. sources

Published:
Nov 17 2025, 11 pm

Watch Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS Live This Week!

The Virtual Telescope Project is set to livestream the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS on November 19, 2025, at 04:15 UTC, offering a unique opportunity for the public to witness this remarkable celestial object. Discovered by the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) on July 1, 2023, 3I/ATLAS is the third known interstellar visitor, believed to have traveled through the galaxy for approximately 10 billion years. While some have speculated about its nature, including unfounded claims of it being an alien spacecraft, astronomers confirm its identity as a comet, complete with a visible ion and dust tail. The livestream will feature real-time images captured by robotic telescopes in Italy, allowing viewers to experience this extraordinary event from home. The Virtual Telescope Project emphasizes the significance of this comet, inviting enthusiasts and curious observers alike to join in the experience. sources

Published:
Nov 17 2025, 9 pm

$192 Billion Gold Deposit Discovered Amid High Prices for 2025

China has announced the discovery of one of its largest gold deposits, the Dadonggou site in Liaoning province, which contains approximately 2.586 million tonnes of gold ore, translating to around 1,444 tonnes of gold. Valued at over $192 billion at current market prices, this find comes amid rising gold prices, which have surged to record highs of over $4,000 per ounce. The development of the mine will involve a collaboration between China National Gold Group, Liaoning Mineral Geology Group, and the Yingkou Municipal Government, with plans to invest over 20 billion yuan ($2.82 billion) from 2024 to 2027. This discovery follows a previous significant find in Hunan Province, further solidifying China's position as the world's largest gold producer. Experts highlight that the geological conditions in China, shaped by tectonic activity, are conducive to gold formation, enhancing the country's competitiveness in the global gold market. sources

Published:
Nov 18 2025, 12 am

Woman with brain missing celebrates 20th birthday—what's the impact?

Alex Simpson, born in November 2005 in Omaha, Nebraska, defied grim expectations after being diagnosed with hydranencephaly, a rare condition where the cerebrum fails to develop, leaving only the cerebellum and brainstem. Initially, her parents were told she would likely not survive past six months, but she celebrated her 20th birthday this year. Hydranencephaly occurs in about one in 50,000 live births, often diagnosed via ultrasound during pregnancy. While most affected infants do not thrive, Alex has lived with significant medical needs, including a feeding tube and tracheostomy, requiring round-the-clock care. Her father noted that she has minimal brain tissue but retains some awareness of her surroundings. The cause of her condition is believed to be a stroke in utero, which interrupted oxygen supply to her developing brain. Despite the challenges, Alex's story highlights resilience in the face of severe medical adversity. sources

Published:
Nov 17 2025, 10 pm

Study Explains Non-Gravitational Acceleration of Interstellar Object 3I/ATLAS

A new study has provided insights into the non-gravitational acceleration observed in comet 3I/ATLAS, our third confirmed interstellar visitor. Researchers, led by Florian Neukart from Leiden University, propose that this acceleration can be explained by conventional outgassing of volatiles, such as carbon dioxide and water, rather than invoking exotic or non-natural hypotheses. The comet, which was first detected on July 1, 2025, has exhibited typical cometary behavior, including the release of water as it approaches the Sun. Measurements indicate a radial acceleration of 135 kilometers per day squared and a transverse acceleration of 60 kilometers per day squared. The findings suggest that the observed acceleration aligns with thermophysical models, eliminating the need for more complex explanations. Further observations are anticipated to refine our understanding of this intriguing celestial object, which may serve as a time capsule from the early universe. sources

Published:
Nov 13 2025, 10 pm

"New Autism Trigger Found; 3I/ATLAS Shows Direction Change"

This week, a significant health concern has emerged as nearly 90% of US adults are found to have at least one risk factor for a newly identified condition known as cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome, yet most remain unaware of it. In genetic news, researchers have discovered that the ancient Jomon people of Japan possess virtually no Denisovan DNA, distinguishing them from other prehistoric populations. Meanwhile, Iceland has recorded its first-ever sighting of mosquitoes, leaving only one location on Earth free from the pests. Additionally, a unique "wind phone" in Dorset invites individuals to communicate with deceased loved ones, raising questions about the role of such practices in coping with grief. In environmental research, a study involving over two million children has linked autism rates to maternal exposure to certain pollutants during pregnancy, although the findings suggest these factors are not the primary causes of autism. sources

Published:
Nov 15 2025, 12 pm

The Carnian Pluvial Event: Two Million Years of Rain

The Carnian Pluvial Event, occurring around 232 million years ago, marked a significant climatic shift characterized by prolonged heavy rainfall that ended a dry spell on Earth. During this period, the supercontinent Pangaea experienced intense monsoons, exacerbated by massive volcanic eruptions in the Wrangellia Terrane, which released greenhouse gases and increased atmospheric water vapor. This deluge contributed to a notable extinction event, particularly affecting marine life, but also paved the way for the rapid diversification of dinosaurs. Evidence of this event emerged in the 1980s, with geologists like Alastair Ruffell and Michael Simms identifying geological markers indicating a transition from arid to wet conditions. The rock layers in the Italian Dolomites further illustrate this shift, showing a sudden appearance of dinosaur footprints following the pluvial event, highlighting a crucial moment in the evolutionary history of these reptiles as they began to dominate the planet. sources

Published:
Nov 17 2025, 4 pm

Man Endured One of History's Most Horrific Deaths

Archaeologists from the University of Milan have uncovered a 13th-century skeleton in northern Italy, believed to belong to a young man who suffered a gruesome death involving a notorious medieval torture method known as "the wheel." This device, used for public executions, involved systematically breaking limbs and inflicting further injuries before the victim was displayed on the wheel, often leading to a prolonged and agonizing demise. The skeleton exhibited symmetrical wounds on the arms and legs, suggesting intentional torture, while forensic analysis revealed unusual fractures at the base of the skull, likely from a botched beheading. Researchers speculate that the victim may have been targeted as a suspected plague spreader, highlighting the brutal discrimination of the era. If confirmed, this discovery would mark the first archaeological evidence of wheel torture in medieval northern Italy, underscoring the horrific realities of historical punishment. sources

Published:
Nov 17 2025, 6 pm

Lupus Virus Connection, Interstellar Object Detection, and More This Week

This week, significant advancements in science have emerged, shedding light on various mysteries. Researchers have established a link between lupus and the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), a pathogen affecting over 95% of adults globally, resolving a long-standing enigma. In astronomy, the MeerKAT radio telescope successfully detected radio signals from the interstellar object 3I/ATLAS, marking a first in this field. Additionally, astronomers recorded a coronal mass ejection from a star outside our solar system, providing direct evidence of such phenomena beyond the Sun. In animal behavior, bumblebees have demonstrated the ability to learn Morse code, while sperm whales have been found to use single and double vowel sounds in their communications, a trait previously thought unique to humans. Lastly, a comprehensive guide on mastering Rock, Paper, Scissors has been released, exploring strategies to win this age-old game. sources

Published:
Nov 15 2025, 5 pm

Do Cats Have Belly Buttons?

Cats, known for their peculiar anatomical features, possess a belly button, or navel, like all placental mammals. This scar forms after the umbilical cord detaches post-birth, marking the point where the embryo received nutrients and oxygen. While many might assume only placental mammals have belly buttons, the definition includes those fed via a yolk stalk, such as marsupials and certain reptiles and fish. This means belly buttons can be found across various species, including dinosaurs. Observing these unique features can reveal belly buttons in unexpected places, from a cat's shaven belly to a snake's underbelly. Each species showcases its own variation of this anatomical trait, highlighting the diversity of life and the commonalities shared among mammals and other animals. sources

Published:
Nov 17 2025, 12 pm

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