HISTORICAL FACTS: 10 | History Defined

In 2013, astronomers discovered a tiny object in our solar system with a ring like Saturn. Now, James Webb Space Telescope finds they are changing

Recent observations of Chariklo's faint ring system have revealed surprising alterations; the inner ring has become more opaque, whereas the outer ring has shown a decline in opacity. This dynamic suggests that the rings are in a state of flux, prompting scientists to reconsider the mechanisms behind their formation and…

The Economic Times · Sep 14

In 1997, Japanese researchers flew silkworm eggs on STS-84 to study spaceflight effects; developmental abnormalities were more frequent in the flight samples

Silkworm eggs revealed developmental abnormalities in early space experiments. Later, the Rad Silk investigation examined cosmic radiation's long-term effects on the ISS. Ground-based trials showed that radiation during early embryonic development caused higher mutation rates. Visible white spots on larvae indicated radiation exposure levels inside spacecraft. These findings offer insights…

The Economic Times · Sep 14

Planet Labs Has Fallen Back to Earth, But Wall Street Still Sees a Rebound

Planet Labs shares have fallen more than 60% from 2026 highs despite strong Q2 revenue growth, and analysts' $32.78 consensus price target implies over 90% upside potential.

MarketBeat · Sep 13

A newly discovered solar phenomenon could help scientists predict the Sun’s next powerful outburst and solar flare

New solar telescope observations reveal swirling plasma movements on the Sun's surface. This phenomenon, known as Kelvin-Helmholtz instability, occurs at magnetic region boundaries. These turbulent motions may help explain how powerful solar flares begin and store energy. Understanding these processes could improve future space weather forecasting for Earth. The Daniel…

The Economic Times · Sep 11

In 2004, ESA grew rocket seeds on the ISS with André Kuipers; after four days, dark-grown seedlings were taller and yellow, while lit ones stayed smaller and green

A 2004 space project involving astronaut Andre Kuipers and schoolchildren explored plant growth factors. Thousands of students participated, comparing classroom results with those from the International Space Station. Plants in darkness grew tall and yellow, while those in light were greener and shorter. This experiment demonstrated light and gravity's importance…

The Economic Times · Sep 11

Mercury may have shrunk 30% more than previously believed, new study says; planet’s radius may have decreased by 7.2 miles

Recent studies indicate that Mercury has shrunk more than scientists previously realized. The presence of impact debris has hindered the visibility of this contraction, shedding light on Mercury's interior features and its metallic core. This discovery offers valuable clues to the planet's geological history and magnetic field evolution. Upcoming explorations,…

The Economic Times · Sep 10

In 1985, Soviet engineers sent two balloons floating through Venus for 46.5 hours. Their motherships then used the planet’s gravity to chase Halley’s Comet

Soviet spacecraft Vega 1 and Vega 2 undertook a dual mission to Venus and Halley's Comet. These probes deployed landers and balloons onto Venus before flying past the comet. Vega 1 and Vega 2 successfully transmitted data from Venus's atmosphere and surface. The spacecraft then gathered crucial information about Halley's…

The Economic Times · Sep 10

In 2025, scientists found 'strongest hints yet' of life on Mars and K2-18b—but, a survey of hundreds of astrobiologists say we still haven’t found aliens

Recent scientific findings on K2-18b and Mars sparked alien life speculation. A survey revealed few astrobiologists believed these discoveries confirmed extraterrestrial life. Researchers found the K2-18b exoplanet evidence less convincing than Martian rock features. Many scientists remained neutral, awaiting further analysis and ruling out non-biological explanations. These intriguing clues offer…

The Economic Times · Sep 10

Little Mercury may be shrinking faster than scientists expected

A new study shows that little, wrinkly Mercury may be shrinking faster than expected

The Independent UK · Sep 10

UK deepens reliance on Musk's SpaceX, spending nearly $40 million on satellite services

Britain has spent nearly forty million dollars on SpaceX satellite services. This spending deepens reliance on Elon Musk's company for military communications. The United Kingdom is the first country outside the US to publicly acknowledge Starshield adoption. Britain's defence ministry uses about one thousand Starshield and five hundred Starlink terminals.…

The Economic Times · Sep 10