Space news took center stage this week! The International Space Station (ISS) made headlines as Crew-11 had to return early due to a medical situation. This was a first in the ISS’s 25-year history and leaves the station with only four astronauts until Crew-12 arrives next month.
Nasa had more updates as well. They are set to launch the Artemis 2 mega moon rocket in February, an effort to bring astronauts back to the moon after decades. Despite hurdles in budgeting, this ambitious project and the new Roman Space Telescope, which will enhance discoveries alongside the Hubble and James Webb telescopes, are both moving forward. However, not all news is good; funding for Mars’s sample return mission was recently cut, shifting the chance for Martian samples to the China National Space Administration.
On a different front, a recent study revealed an alarming truth: the largest river deltas, such as those of the Nile, Amazon, and Ganges, are sinking faster than sea levels are rising. The main reason? Over-pumping groundwater paired with less sediment flowing into these areas, mainly due to urban expansion. This combination raises concerns for major cities prone to flooding as the threat of disaster looms larger.
Additionally, an exciting find from 14,400 years ago sheds light on why woolly rhinos went extinct. A mummified wolf pup was found with partially digested woolly rhino flesh, revealing insights into how climate change impacted ancient species. Scientists recovered DNA from this unique specimen, marking an important breakthrough in studying extinction events.
Staying informed about our planet and its history has never been more crucial. As scientists continue to unveil these mysteries, we learn more about our past and the challenges we may face in the future. For those interested in the latest developments in science, Live Science is an excellent resource to follow!
