Mars and Venus to be visible in the night sky during summer solstice

NASA's Perseverance rover spots thousands of 'Unusual' white rocks on Mars | Oneindia News

Mars, often dubbed the "red planet," has once again intrigued scientists with a new discovery. NASA's Perseverance rover, tirelessly exploring Mars' Jezero Crater since early 2021, has stumbled upon a peculiar sight: thousands of white rocks scattered across the crater's surface. Recent images transmitted by the rover reveal over 4,000 light-toned pebble-sized rocks strewn throughout the crater floor. "These rocks are highly unusual, and we're actively working to unravel their origins," remarked Candice Bedford, a planetary scientist at Purdue University and member of the Mars 2020 science team, speaking at the Lunar and Planetary Science Conference (LPSC) last month. Concurrently, NASA is wrapping up an architectural review of its Mars Sample Return (MSR) program, which aims to retrieve Martian rocks for detailed analysis back on Earth. #NASA #PerseveranceRover #MarsDiscovery #WhiteRocks #JezeroCrater #SpaceExploration #MartianGeology #RedPlanet #MarsResearch #ScienceDiscovery ~HT.99~PR.152~ED.194~

Photos from NASA’s Curiosity rover suggest Mars had more water for longer than previously thought

The Curiosity rover has been exploring Mars' Gale Crater for more than a decade, analysing the minerals on its surface.

Upcoming Lyrid Meteor Shower May Be Hard to See

Upcoming , Lyrid Meteor Shower , May Be Hard to See. 'The Independent' reports that skywatchers looking to catch the Lyrid meteor shower may be foiled by the moon. . This year's peak activity occurs on April 21 and 22, with up to 20 meteors expected per hour. . Potential viewing should last through April 29. . However, the American Meteor Society warns that strong moonlight may interfere with viewing. . Every year, multiple meteor showers occur and don't require special equipment to see them. . For the most part, meteor showers originate from debris left behind by comets, like the Lyrids, which come from the comet Thatcher. . As these space rocks enter the Earth's atmosphere, air resistance makes them extremely hot, which causes the air around them to glow. This glow leaves a fiery trail behind the meteor, which can be observed from the ground as a "shooting star.". Look to the northeast and just keep staring at the same spot in the sky. It's always impressive when you see these things, Don Pollacco, University of Warwick astronomer, via 'The Independent'. The Lyrids are best viewed from the Northern Hemisphere, while the upcoming Eta Aquarids meteor shower can best be seen from the Southern Hemisphere.

North Americans elated by total solar eclipse

The next total eclipse will be on 12 August 2026 and will cover large areas of the northern hemisphere.

'Devil Comet' May Join Solar Eclipse in Rare Synchronized Celestial Event

'Devil Comet', May Join Solar Eclipse in , Rare Synchronized Celestial Event. 'Devil Comet', May Join Solar Eclipse in , Rare Synchronized Celestial Event. NBC reports that a "devil comet" may be visible during next month's highly anticipated North American solar eclipse. So-called "devil comets" are known for occasional explosive outbursts, which give the celestial objects their unique appearance. Last year, an eruption on Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks left it with two trails of gas and ice, which give the appearance of devil horns. . The unique comet is currently visible in the early evenings from the Northern Hemisphere on the west-northwest horizon with the aid of binoculars or telescopes. The comet is expected to brighten throughout the month, until it becomes visible to the naked eye as it reaches its closest point to the sun around mid-April. NBC reports that the "devil comet" could be visible during the upcoming April 8 total solar eclipse if the comet flares significantly in the coming weeks. . Those in the eclipse's path of totality, from Texas to Maine, could be treated to a rare synchronized celestial event. . The comet was first observed by French astronomer Jean-Louis Pons in 1812. . In 1883, British-American astronomer William Brooks became the second to spot the rare celestial object. NBC reports that Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks orbit around the sun takes 71 years, making sightings of the comet a truly rare occurrence.