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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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The European Space Agency's Hera spacecraft has launched on a two-year mission to study the asteroid Dimorphos, which was impacted by NASA's DART mission in 2022. Hera aims to analyze the aftermath of the collision and improve planetary defense strategies against potential asteroid threats to Earth.
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Recent research reveals that a second asteroid impact occurred around the same time as the Chicxulub event, creating the Nadir Crater off West Africa. This discovery, made by scientists at Heriot-Watt University, suggests significant geological consequences, including massive tsunamis and seismic activity. The findings were published in Nature Communications Earth & Environment.
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Recent studies reveal that ants have been farming fungi for 66 million years, thriving after the Cretaceous extinction. Additionally, sound exposure can significantly enhance fungal growth, suggesting new methods for forest health. These findings highlight the intricate relationships between species and their environments.
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The Draconid meteor shower, peaking tonight, offers a chance to see up to 10 meteors per hour. Best viewed in the evening, conditions are favorable with a waxing crescent moon. Observers should find dark areas away from city lights for optimal viewing.
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NASA's Europa Clipper spacecraft launched on October 14, 2024, aiming to explore Europa, a moon of Jupiter, for signs of life. The mission will cover 1.8 billion miles and arrive in 2030, conducting 49 flybys to study the moon's icy surface and potential ocean beneath.
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The Hunter's Moon, the third supermoon of 2024, peaks on October 17, appearing 14% larger and 30% brighter than usual. This celestial event coincides with comet Tsuchinshan-Atlas, although moonlight may obscure its visibility. Stargazers across the UK and beyond can enjoy clear skies for optimal viewing.
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The Orionid meteor shower peaks tonight, October 21, 2024, offering a chance to see bright meteors from Halley's Comet debris. Viewing may be hindered by a bright waning gibbous moon and cloud cover in some areas. Tips for optimal viewing conditions are provided by NASA and other experts.
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Research suggests that the S2 meteorite impact, occurring 3.26 billion years ago, may have created conditions that allowed early life to flourish rather than perish. The findings indicate that the impact stirred nutrients in the ocean, benefiting microbial populations.
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NASA's Crew-8 mission astronauts returned to Earth after nearly eight months in space, delayed by issues with Boeing's Starliner and Hurricane Milton. The crew splashed down off Florida's coast early Friday, having spent 236 days aboard the International Space Station.