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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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As sustainability gains traction, fashion designers and consumers are embracing vintage and second-hand items. This shift reflects a growing awareness of environmental impact, with initiatives like Buy Nothing groups promoting the reuse of goods. Designers like Walid al Damirji are also focusing on quality over quantity in their collections.
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Boeing is exploring the sale of parts of its space business, including the troubled Starliner spacecraft, amid ongoing financial losses and operational challenges. The company has reported nearly $6 billion in losses, raising concerns about its future in the aerospace industry.
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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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Elon Musk has reportedly maintained regular contact with Vladimir Putin since late 2022, discussing personal and geopolitical matters. This relationship raises significant national security concerns, especially as Musk plays a crucial role in U.S. space operations and is a major donor to Donald Trump's campaign. Lawmakers are calling for investigations into these interactions.
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Ada Limón, the U.S. Poet Laureate, contributed a poem for NASA's Europa Clipper mission, highlighting the intersection of art and science. The poem, engraved on the spacecraft, symbolizes humanity's quest for understanding life beyond Earth. Meanwhile, India's recent lunar success marks a significant milestone in global space exploration.
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On October 30, 2024, China launched the Shenzhou-19 mission, sending a crew of three, including the country's third female astronaut, to the Tiangong space station. The crew will conduct scientific research and extravehicular activities during their six-month stay.
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China and Russia have vetoed new marine parks and eased krill fishing restrictions in Antarctica, undermining conservation efforts. This follows alarming reports of whale deaths linked to krill fishing, raising concerns about ecological impacts in the Southern Ocean. The situation highlights geopolitical tensions and the challenges of protecting vulnerable marine ecosystems.
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The US military is grappling with significant challenges in space technology as China rapidly advances its military capabilities. The Pentagon's GPS satellite program is delayed, while the National Reconnaissance Office expands its satellite network to enhance surveillance. Concerns grow over the implications for US defense strategies as conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine escalate.
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The space race heats up as SpaceX prepares for a sixth Starship test flight on November 18, 2024, while China unveils a new design for its Long March 9 rocket, closely resembling SpaceX's Starship. Both developments signal a competitive push towards lunar exploration and beyond.
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On November 4, 2024, a new crew arrived at China's Tiangong space station, replacing astronauts who had completed a six-month mission. This marks a significant step in China's ambitions for lunar exploration by 2030 and its growing role in global space endeavors.
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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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Kyoto University's wooden satellite, LignoSat, was successfully launched aboard a SpaceX rocket. Designed to test the durability of wood in space, it aims to reduce space junk and explore sustainable building materials for future habitats on the Moon and Mars.
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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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A recent report from the Pentagon's All-Domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO) details 757 unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAP) cases, with over half remaining unexplained. The report highlights the need for transparency and further investigation into these sightings amid rising public interest and congressional scrutiny.
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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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Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy have been appointed to lead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), aiming to cut $2 trillion from the federal budget. However, the initiative has raised concerns about its feasibility, potential conflicts of interest, and the lack of formal governmental authority.
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Recent studies reveal that volcanic activity on the Moon's far side occurred as recently as 2.8 billion years ago, with some rock fragments dating back to 4.2 billion years. These findings, from China's Chang'e-6 mission, challenge previous assumptions about the Moon's geological history and suggest a more complex volcanic timeline.
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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.
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On November 19, 2024, SpaceX launched its sixth Starship test flight from Boca Chica, Texas, aiming to demonstrate advanced landing techniques. The event coincided with Donald Trump's attendance, highlighting the growing ties between the billionaire and the incoming administration. The launch faced challenges, including an unexpected splashdown of the Super Heavy booster.