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Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS), dubbed the 'comet of the century,' is currently visible in the Northern Hemisphere after its closest approach to Earth on October 12, 2024. Discovered in January 2023, it last passed Earth 80,000 years ago. Stargazers can expect optimal viewing conditions until October 30, with sightings possible using binoculars or even the naked eye.
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Mount Fuji has recorded its latest snowfall since records began 130 years ago, with snow finally appearing on November 6, 2024. This delay is attributed to unusually warm temperatures, part of a broader climate trend affecting Japan and the world, with 2024 projected to be the hottest year on record.
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Following the Crew-8 mission's return from the International Space Station, one NASA astronaut was hospitalized for observation due to an unspecified medical issue. The crew, which included three NASA astronauts and one Russian cosmonaut, splashed down in the Gulf of Mexico after nearly eight months in space.
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The Leonid meteor shower peaked on November 17, 2024, but poor weather conditions and a nearly full moon hindered visibility across the UK. Observers may still catch glimpses of meteors on November 18 and 19 as skies clear. The shower, linked to Comet Tempel-Tuttle, produces fast meteors visible from both hemispheres.
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As COP29 convenes in Azerbaijan, 2024 is projected to be the hottest year on record, surpassing 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels for the first time. This alarming trend, driven by human activity and exacerbated by the El Niño weather pattern, raises urgent calls for action from global leaders.
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Recent studies reveal significant findings about ancient oceans on Mars and changes in Earth's magnetic field. Research from the Zhurong rover suggests a coastline in Utopia Planitia, while findings indicate a weakening magnetic field in North America, potentially impacting climate and weather patterns. These discoveries enhance our understanding of planetary evolution and environmental stability.
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In 2024, global carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuels are projected to reach a record 37.4 billion metric tons, marking a 0.8% increase from 2023. This trend jeopardizes efforts to meet climate goals set by the Paris Agreement, as nations struggle to transition away from fossil fuels.
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The Beaver Supermoon, the last supermoon of 2024, peaked on November 15, showcasing a bright and large lunar display. This event marks the final supermoon until March 2025, with varying definitions of what constitutes a supermoon among astronomers. The phenomenon is linked to beaver activity in November.
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Researchers are developing lasers that utilize bacteria's photosynthetic abilities to convert sunlight into energy. This technology, part of the APACE project, aims to support space missions and provide clean energy on Earth, potentially revolutionizing power generation in space and beyond.