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James Webb Telescope's shocking findings spectacularly validate the revolutionary, ‘ultimate theory' of science
James Webb Telescope's shocking findings spectacularly validate the revolutionary, ‘ultimate theory' of science

Globe and Mail

time5 hours ago

  • Science
  • Globe and Mail

James Webb Telescope's shocking findings spectacularly validate the revolutionary, ‘ultimate theory' of science

James Webb Telescope is looking at 13.5 billion years old objects from human perspective, but is seeing in real-time from universe's perspective. James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has been repeatedly making global headline news. It has shaken the foundations of cosmology, and entire science. JWST has discovered that MoM z14 galaxy existed when the universe was just 280 million years old (i.e. when the universe was really in infant stage). The measured emission lines from this galaxy indicated overabundance of elements like nitrogen and carbon. This was damn shocking because there is not a single theoretical model that predicts this much nitrogen this early on (which would require the birth and death of several generations of stars). JWST also discovered Zhúlóng, an enormous spiral galaxy (appears as Milky Way galaxy's cosmic twin). Zhúlóng is a mature galaxy and seriously challenges current theories about galaxy formation. JWST has made many other such incredible discoveries. But the core message is: the infant universe appears to be eerily similar to what it is right now after 13.8 billion years since the Big Bang. The reason why the infant universe looks the same as mature (adult) universe might be very simple: James Webb Telescope is looking at 13.5 billion years old objects from human perspective, but is seeing in real-time from universe's perspective, and hence it looking at those distant object as it is right now. It will be shame if the core message from the largest and most powerful space telescope ever (with a price tag of more than 10 billion US dollars) is ignored by the global scientific community. At the heart of Einstein's relativity, there is a contradiction; a paradox. For any observer, light appears to be travelling at the velocity c (= 299,792,458 m/s), and hence would take millions or even billions of years to move from one galaxy to another. But from the photon's perspective, time stops ticking completely. Photon (particle of light) does not experience the passage of time while moving from one galaxy to another. In other words, light can travel instantaneously across farthest distances in the universe. Unfortunately, Einstein did not understand the true physical meaning of relativity, and the world is also unaware what Einstein's mathematics is really telling. A revolutionary theory has emerged which reconciles the two bitterly conflicting pillars of physics, as well as unifies physics with cosmology. It claims to satisfy all three necessary conditions for a scientific revolution, and usher in a complete paradigm shift in science. It claims that the universe is like an expanding (hyper) balloon, which has a 3D hyper-surface. The wall of the balloon universe is made up of invisible scalar fields (somewhat similar to invisible electric and magnetic fields) and particles (which are mere excitations/resonances in those fields, just as the stunningly accurate 'Quantum Field Theory' insists). Since stars and planets and even humans are made up of particles, therefore all forms of matter is eternally trapped within the 3D hypersurface of fields which makes up the wall of the (hyper) balloon. The above-mentioned article claimed about the existence of two different frames of reference/viewpoints (one viewpoint is from any point on the surface, and another viewpoint is from the center of the balloon universe). The universe is perceived differently from each viewpoint, and this also implies the existence of two different concepts of time. Photon's perspective happens to be the center of the universe viewpoint. There are two pillars of modern physics: Einstein's Relativity and Quantum Mechanics. Both are spectacularly successful in their own domains, but are in bitter mutual conflicts. The core conflict is about the nature of time and is known as the 'problem of time'. Quantum mechanics regards the flow of time as universal and absolute, whereas relativity regards the flow of time as malleable and relative. Experiments have supported both concepts. Sagnac effect demonstrates that simultaneity is absolute and support Quantum Mechanics' view of time. Muon decay experiments as well as Hafele-Keating experiment (which involved flying atomic clocks around the world on commercial airplanes) support relativistic view about time. Actually Quantum Mechanics is the center of the universe perspective, while relativity is all about being trapped in the 3D (hyper) surface of the expanding universe, but being free to move along any three mutually perpendicular directions. Physics and cosmology are both in crisis because of (presently accepted) wrong model of the universe. Veritasium science channel hosts a YouTube video (23 million views) titled 'Why No One Has Measured the Speed of Light' which explains why it is fundamentally impossible to measure the one-way speed of light. That video provides a crucial hint of how nature truly works. The presenter gives the accepted value of speed of light (c = 299,792,458 m/s) and then goes on to prove that light may never travel at this speed! While one way speed of light cannot be measured, the two way speed of light can be measured (by placing a mirror at the other end for reflecting light). But now, the problem shifts to synchronization of the two clocks placed at the source and the mirror. The real problem lies NOT with ONE WAY speed. The true problem is whether a distant point is also located in the past or not. The two-way velocity of light has been measured very accurately and found to be 299,792,458 m/s. But, what if, the delay in time (between the shining of torch and detection after reflection in the mirror) is actually contributed by the space distance? Indeed, that is exactly what happens! Please see the provided image. Actually the velocity of light is infinite. It the peculiarity of Minkowski SpaceTime (MST) hyperbolic geometry which throttles the value of the velocity of light (as well as velocity of gravity wave) at the particular value c. Actually, c is the expansion velocity of the universe, and light picks this particular value. It is a peculiarity of MST geometry that it mixes space and time. As any object moves very fast, the spatial distance covered (dr) is large. Therefore, the base of the right angled triangle is large. But as the base increases, the hypotenuse also increases, and hence time dilation (dt) also increases. Therefore, the space (spatial) distance gets measured as time distance. It is for this reason that the farther an object is located the more distant in the past it lies. However, that problem arises for humans (trapped eternally in the surface of the balloon universe), because of the compulsion of placing the origin at the wrong place. But for nature, the origin is at the true center of the universe and hence distances between points located on the surface are ignored. From nature's view, simultaneity is absolute. That is because the time elapsed since the Big Bang is just a function of radius of the universe (distance from true center of the universe to any point on the surface), and is same everywhere. Whether the point is located on the moon or the sun or on the Andromeda galaxy does not matter, because all of them are equidistant from the true center of the universe (where the Big Bang happened). In essence, the James Webb Telescope (JWST) it looking at those distant galaxies as it is right now! Just because those galaxies are extremely red-shifted does not mean that they have to be in the very distant past (from nature's perspective). Light is travelling instantly from those galaxies to JWST. This is not an insane claim. After all, quantum entanglement experiments have demonstrated beyond doubt that particles can communicate instantly over vast distances. Similarly, emission and absorption of photons takes place simultaneously, but appear to have travelled at finite velocity c from human perspective. BUT WHY THE 'ULTIMATE' TAG WITH THIS SCIENCE THEORY? Is it justified? Probably, yes. The list of achievements (explaining power) of this theory is incredibly stunning. It easily (and naturally) explains: 1) Standard Model of Particle physics (which accounts for three forces, and all particles of nature), by explaining the origin of U(1), SU(2) and SU(3) internal symmetries. 2) Principle of Least Action (PLA). All known laws of physics can be derived from PLA. The PLA can be generalized to 'Principle of Maximum Proper time', which reduces to the shockingly simple statement: 'The least distance between two points in four dimensional (hyper) space is a straight line'. Nature's true geometry is therefore Euclidean, and nature has to obey this geometrical (mathematical) law everywhere! 3) Ever increasing entropy (second law of thermodynamics). Many scientists regard this as the most fundamental law, but, in fact, it originates from the stretching of the wall (expansion of 3D space) of the universe. 4) Imaginary time and its relation with temperature. 5) Origin of crucial conservation laws of physics (arises from the simple symmetries of the balloon according to Noether's theorem). 6) True origin of the rest mass energy (which is given by the most famous equation of science E=mc2). It supersedes the two pillars of modern physics. It also unifies physics and cosmology, and can replace the (presently accepted) Standard Model of Cosmology. In addition, this theory may remain reigning for a long time to come. It is immune to new physics. For example: Discovery of Higg's Boson in 2012 has completed the Standard Model of Particle physics. Claims of new physics at extremely small distances (which is taken to be synonymous with extremely high energy) may be erroneous. Since time and space starts exchanging roles at a very small size scale (according to above model), the above logic might also reverse. This is actually hinted by nature: i) Strong nuclear force start becoming weak at smaller distances (the relative coupling strength decreases with increasing energy). ii) Quarks interaction strength also decreases with distance (Asymptotic freedom). This theory is also immune to new physics (new particles etc.) arising due to Dark Matter and Dark Energy. The universe is expanding at a constant rate (zero acceleration) and hence there is no Dark Energy. This theory reinterprets the physical meaning of all metrics (like FLRW metric, Minskowski metric, Schwarzchild metric) and claims that Dark Matter is an illusion arising from improper understanding of General Relativity. This theory clearly states that the universe is a (hyper) balloon in 4D (hyper) space, which is Euclidean rather than Minkowskian. The 4D (hyper) space may be infinite in extent. Emptiness (nothingness of true vacuum) may be infinite in spatial extent. But amount of field and matter (which constitutes the universe) is finite. What about multiverse? This theory does not deny it, but does not require it either. It is silent on that topic. And even if multiverses really existed, there will be absolutely no interaction (of our universe) with those universes. Not even gravity leaks outside the 3+1 dimensions, as confirmed by recent measurements. So as far as humans are concerned, it is a final and ultimate theory. It is THE rock solid foundation on which all future theories in science will be based. It is THE bedrock theory of entire science. [194 National Anthems tunes have been merged into a single tune using World's most intelligent, musical A.I. software 'Emmy', to create this United Nations Anthem (World Anthem). Kindly watch and share: ] Mr. Joseph T. Kurien (a former Cochin University graduate) is an independent researcher and a part-time science writer. He presently works in Manappuram software and consultancy. Media Contact Company Name: Manappuram software and consultancy Contact Person: Joseph T. Kurien Email: Send Email State: Kerala Country: India Website:

Tiny galaxies may have helped our universe out of its dark ages, JWST finds
Tiny galaxies may have helped our universe out of its dark ages, JWST finds

Yahoo

timea day ago

  • Science
  • Yahoo

Tiny galaxies may have helped our universe out of its dark ages, JWST finds

When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Evidence continues to assemble that dwarf galaxies played a larger role in shaping the early universe than previously thought. Astronomers analyzing data from the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) have uncovered a population of tiny, energetic galaxies that may have been key players in clearing the cosmic fog that shrouded the universe after the Big Bang. "You don't necessarily need to look for more exotic features," Isak Wold, an assistant research scientist at the Catholic University of America in Washington D.C., told reporters during the 246th meeting of the American Astronomical Society in Alaska. "These tiny but numerous galaxies could produce all the light needed for reionization." About 380,000 years after the Big Bang, the universe cooled enough for charged particles to combine into neutral hydrogen atoms, creating a thick, light-absorbing fog, an era known as the cosmic dark ages. It wasn't until several hundred million years later, with the birth of the first stars and galaxies, that intense ultraviolet (UV) radiation began reionizing this primordial hydrogen. That process gradually cleared the dense fog, allowing starlight to travel freely through space and illuminating the cosmos for the first time. For decades, astronomers have debated what triggered this dramatic transformation. The leading candidates included massive galaxies, quasars powered by black holes, and small, low-mass galaxies. New data from the JWST now points strongly to the smallest contenders, suggesting these tiny galaxies acted like cosmic flashlights lighting up the early universe. To identify these early galaxies, Wold and his colleagues focused on a massive galaxy cluster called Abell 2744, or Pandora's Cluster, located about 4 billion light-years away in the constellation Sculptor. The immense gravity of this cluster acts as a natural magnifying glass, bending and amplifying light coming from much more distant, ancient galaxies behind it. Tapping into this quirk of nature, combined with the JWST's powerful instruments, the researchers peered nearly 13 billion years back in time. Using the JWST's Near-Infrared Camera (NIRCam) and Near-Infrared Spectrograph (NIRSpec), the team searched for a specific green emission line from doubly ionized oxygen, a hallmark of intense star formation. This light was originally emitted in the visible range but was stretched into the infrared as it traveled through the expanding universe, according to a NASA statement. The search yielded 83 tiny, starburst galaxies, all vigorously forming stars when the universe was just 800 million years old, around 6% of its current age. "Our analysis [...] shows they existed in sufficient numbers and packed enough ultraviolet power to drive this cosmic renovation," Wold said in the statement. Today, similar primitive galaxies, such as so-called "green pea" galaxies, are rare but known to release roughly 25% of their ionizing UV radiation into surrounding space. If early galaxies functioned in the same way, Wold said, they would have generated enough light to reionize the hydrogen fog and make the universe transparent. "When it comes to producing ultraviolet light, these small galaxies punch well above their weight," he said in the statement.

Daily subject-wise quiz : Science and Technology MCQs on Small Modular Reactors, carbon dating and more (Week 115)
Daily subject-wise quiz : Science and Technology MCQs on Small Modular Reactors, carbon dating and more (Week 115)

Indian Express

time2 days ago

  • Science
  • Indian Express

Daily subject-wise quiz : Science and Technology MCQs on Small Modular Reactors, carbon dating and more (Week 115)

UPSC Essentials brings to you its initiative of subject-wise quizzes. These quizzes are designed to help you revise some of the most important topics from the static part of the syllabus. Attempt today's subject quiz on Science and Technology to check your progress. 🚨 Click Here to read the UPSC Essentials magazine for May 2025. Share your views and suggestions in the comment box or at With reference to the James Webb Space Telescope, consider the following statements: 1. It was launched by NASA in 2021. 2. It orbits around the Earth like the Hubble Space Telescope. 3. Its goal is to search for the first galaxies or luminous objects formed after the Big Bang, How many of the statements given above are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Explanation — The wonders of space continue to excite scientists and space enthusiasts alike. A new finding made with NASA's James Webb Space Telescope has sparked new enthusiasm and intrigue within the scientific community. — In a new study, researchers at Kansas State University discovered an unexpected pattern in how galaxies spin. They investigated 263 old galaxies with photos from the James Webb Space Telescope, some of which were formed 300 million years after the Big Bang. They determined that almost 60% of these galaxies rotate clockwise, contradicting the widely accepted belief that galaxy spins were random. About James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) — The JWST is an orbiting infrared observatory that will supplement and expand the Hubble Space Telescope's findings by providing extended wavelength coverage and significantly increased sensitivity. — Webb investigates every stage of our Universe's history, from the first brilliant glows after the Big Bang to the emergence of solar systems capable of supporting life on planets such as Earth, and the evolution of our own Solar System. — NASA launched Webb on December 25th, 2021. Hence, statement 1 is correct. — It does not orbit the Earth like the Hubble Space Telescope; instead, it orbits the Sun 1.5 million kilometres (1 million miles) away at the second Lagrange point, often known as L2. Hence, statement 2 is not correct. Mission Goals — Early Universe: Look for the first galaxies or light objects that emerged after the Big Bang. Hence, statement 3 is correct. — Galaxies Over Time: Determine how galaxies evolved from their formation until now. — Star Lifecycle: Follow the development of stars from their earliest stages to the formation of planetary systems. — Other Worlds: Measure the physical and chemical attributes of planetary systems, including our own Solar System, and examine the potential for life elsewhere. Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer. (Other Source: The Short tandem repeat (STR) analysis is used in: (a) Cosmic rays (b) Sighting for astronomical objects (c) DNA identification (d) for checking flight safety Explanation — Authorities are using DNA analysis to identify the remains of passengers killed in the Ahmedabad crash of the Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner. A small number of remains have already been recognised, and DNA samples from the victims' relatives have already been gathered. — Extracting DNA from the samples is the next step after collection. Scientists can then select from a variety of analytical techniques based on the quality of the DNA that was collected. — Short tandem repeat (STR) analysis: The method evaluates short tandem repeats, which are essentially short repeating sequences of DNA. STRs are used for DNA identification as they widely vary between individuals. 'After analysing 15 or more of these hyper-variable regions of DNA… the resulting profile can be used to ascertain family relationships with a high degree of confidence,' according to a report by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). — Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) analysis: This method is used when nuclear DNA is degraded or unavailable. Mitochondrial DNA is found within the cell's energy-producing organelles known as mitochondria. As mtDNA is present in multiple copies within the cell, it is easier to recover from human remains that are not well preserved. Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer. Which of the following organisations have launched the Flagship 'Atoms4Food' Initiative to Expand the Use of Nuclear Techniques for Global Food Security? 1. International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) 2. Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research 3. Bhabha Atomic Research Centre 4. Food and Agriculture Organisation Select the correct answer using the codes given below: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 1 and 4 only (c) 3 and 4 only (d) 1, 3 and 4 Explanation — The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) inaugurated 'Atoms4Food', a new flagship effort to assist increase food security and combat global hunger. — The Atoms4Food effort will help countries adopt innovative nuclear technology to increase agricultural output, reduce food losses, ensure food safety, improve nutrition, and adapt to the challenges of climate change. Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer. (Source: With reference to the Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), consider the following statements: 1. They are suitable only for on-grid and not for off-grid applications. 2. These are cost-effective alternatives to conventional large nuclear reactors. 3. India is extensively researching Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) to achieve net-zero emissions while maintaining energy security. How many of the statements given above are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Explanation — India is extensively researching Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) as a critical component of its energy transition strategy, with the goal of achieving net-zero emissions while maintaining energy security. Hence, statement 3 is correct. — SMRs are advanced nuclear reactors with power generation capacities ranging from less than 30 MWe to over 300 MWe. — It offers a versatile, scalable, and cost-effective alternative to traditional big nuclear reactors. Hence, statement 2 is correct. — Given India's rising energy demands and the need for dependable, low-carbon power, SMRs can play a game-changing role in supplementing renewable energy sources and stabilising the grid. — SMRs' modular design enables factory-based manufacture, lowering construction deadlines and costs, making them suitable for both on-grid and off-grid applications, including distant deployment. Hence, statement 1 is not correct. Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer. With reference to carbon dating, consider the following statements: 1. The dating method is based on the fact that Carbon-12 (C-12), an isotope of carbon, is radioactive and decays at a well known rate. 2. The age of non-living things more than 40,000-50,000 years old can be determined through carbon dating. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Explanation — Carbon dating is a frequently used method for determining the age of organic materials, which were previously alive. Carbon can exist in a variety of forms within living things. — The dating method is based on the fact that Carbon-14 (C-14), a radioactive isotope of carbon with an atomic mass of 14, decays at a predictable pace. Hence, statement 1 is not correct. — Plants acquire their carbon from photosynthesis, whereas animals obtain it primarily from food. Because plants and animals derive their carbon from the environment, they absorb C-12 and C-14 in nearly the same proportions as the atmosphere. — When they die, their interaction with the atmosphere ceases. While C-12 is stable, radioactive C-14 has a 'half-life' of approximately 5,730 years. — Carbon dating cannot be used in all cases. Carbon dating cannot be used to estimate the age of non-living items such as rocks, and it cannot determine the age of things older than 40,000–50,000 years. Hence, statement 2 is not correct. Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer. Daily Subject-wise quiz — History, Culture, and Social Issues (Week 114) Daily subject-wise quiz — Polity and Governance (Week 115) Daily subject-wise quiz — Science and Technology (Week 114) Daily subject-wise quiz — Economy (Week 114) Daily subject-wise quiz — Environment and Geography (Week 114) Daily subject-wise quiz – International Relations (Week 114) Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter and stay updated with the news cues from the past week. Stay updated with the latest UPSC articles by joining our Telegram channel – IndianExpress UPSC Hub, and follow us on Instagram and X.

James Webb telescope ups the odds that 'city-killer' asteroid 2024 YR4 will hit the moon in 2032
James Webb telescope ups the odds that 'city-killer' asteroid 2024 YR4 will hit the moon in 2032

Yahoo

time4 days ago

  • Science
  • Yahoo

James Webb telescope ups the odds that 'city-killer' asteroid 2024 YR4 will hit the moon in 2032

When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has taken its final look at the potentially hazardous asteroid 2024 YR4, at least until the potentially hazardous space rock darkens Earth's cosmic doorstep again in 2028. The latest observations reveal that, while Earth faces no risk of impact from the asteroid for the foreseeable future, the moon might not be so lucky. The new observations, taken with JWST's Near-Infrared Camera in May, allowed scientists to calculate the space rock's trajectory with the greatest precision yet, according to a NASA statement. The new predictions suggest there's a 4.3% chance that asteroid 2024 YR4 will collide with the moon on Dec. 22, 2032 — up from the 3.8% odds of a lunar impact reported after JWST initially imaged the space rock in March. "As data comes in, it is normal for the impact probability to evolve," NASA representatives wrote in the statement. "NASA expects to make further observations when the asteroid's orbit around the Sun brings it back into the vicinity of Earth in 2028. " Asteroid 2024 YR4 is a building-size space rock measuring between 174 and 220 feet (53 to 67 meters) in diameter — about as wide as the Leaning Tower of Pisa is tall. If an asteroid this size were to impact Earth, it could wipe out a city with the equivalent force of 500 Hiroshima bombs, Live Science previously reported. (Again, there is no risk of an Earth impact anytime in the foreseeable future.) The asteroid was first discovered in December 2024, when astronomers realized that its orbit around the sun routinely crosses Earth's. Early projections of its trajectory revealed a potential collision course with Earth in 2032, with the odds of an impact peaking at 3.1% in February. Further observations with JWST and ground-based telescopes soon helped scientists hone the rock's trajectory, bringing the odds of an Earth impact down to zero. Related: NASA's most wanted: The 5 most dangerous asteroids to Earth At the same time, the chances of the meaty space rock striking the moon have steadily climbed. Given the rock's size, a collision with the moon would create a new crater but would not be devastating to Earth's satellite. In fact, some scientists are welcoming it as a valuable exercise in asteroid impact prediction. RELATED STORIE —An 'invisible threat': Swarm of hidden 'city killer' asteroids around Venus could one day collide with Earth, simulations show —US Representatives worry Trump's NASA budget plan will make it harder to track dangerous asteroids —'City-killer' asteroid that might hit moon has 'unexpected' shape, astronomers say "We've got our fingers crossed for a moon impact," Alan Fitzsimmons, a physics and math professor at Queen's University Belfast in the U.K. who was not involved in the JWST observations, told New Scientist in March. "It would have no effect on Earth, but would allow us to study the formation of a lunar crater by a known asteroid for the very first time."The asteroid is currently blazing toward the outer solar system, beyond the view of Earth-based telescopes. Astronomers took advantage of JWST's emergency stockpile of discretionary observation time to view the asteroid twice — first in April and then in May. NASA has not yet confirmed whether JWST will be one of the telescopes to observe the asteroid again when it makes its next approach to Earth and the moon in 2028.

Moon at risk? Asteroid the size of Leaning Tower of Pisa might not hit Earth, but odds of it striking the Moon have just increased
Moon at risk? Asteroid the size of Leaning Tower of Pisa might not hit Earth, but odds of it striking the Moon have just increased

Time of India

time4 days ago

  • Science
  • Time of India

Moon at risk? Asteroid the size of Leaning Tower of Pisa might not hit Earth, but odds of it striking the Moon have just increased

In December 2024, astronomers discovered asteroid 2024 YR4 , a space rock that routinely crosses Earth's orbit. Observations by the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) in May 2024 have refined the asteroid's trajectory, revealing a slightly increased chance of a lunar impact on December 22, 2032, now at 4.3%. While there is no risk of the asteroid impacting Earth in the foreseeable future, scientists are closely monitoring its path and welcome a potential lunar impact as a valuable learning opportunity. Asteroid 2024 YR4 is estimated to be between 174 and 220 feet in diameter. This is about the size of the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Early projections indicated a potential Earth collision in 2032, with impact odds peaking at 3.1% in February. Subsequent observations with JWST and ground-based telescopes reduced the Earth impact probability to zero. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Chula Vista: Stunning New 2-Bed Senior Apartments (Take A Peek Inside) Senior Apartments | Search Ads Click Here Undo The probability of a lunar impact, however, has increased. The initial JWST imaging in March reported a 3.8% chance of a lunar collision. "As data comes in, it is normal for the impact probability to evolve," NASA representatives wrote in the statement. Live Events The asteroid was observed by JWST's Near-Infrared Camera in May. These observations allowed scientists to calculate the space rock's trajectory with greater precision. The range of possible locations for 2024 YR4 on Dec. 22, 2032, has decreased as NASA gained more data. This improved the certainty of the asteroid's position. If an asteroid of this size were to impact Earth, it could cause significant damage. It could wipe out a city with the equivalent force of 500 Hiroshima bombs. A collision with the moon would create a new crater. However, it would not be devastating to Earth's satellite. Some scientists view a lunar impact as a positive event. It would provide a valuable opportunity to study asteroid impact prediction. "We've got our fingers crossed for a moon impact," Alan Fitzsimmons , a physics and math professor at Queen's University Belfast in the U.K. who was not involved in the JWST observations, told New Scientist in March. "It would have no effect on Earth, but would allow us to study the formation of a lunar crater by a known asteroid for the very first time." The asteroid is currently moving toward the outer solar system. It is beyond the view of Earth-based telescopes.

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