A telescope built to unlock cosmic mysteries :Misconduct Claims Hit €2bn Global Telescope Project

A telescope built to unlock cosmic mysteries :Misconduct Claims Hit €2bn Global Telescope Project

Tuesday, August 26, 2025 / No Comments

 

The Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO), one of the world’s most ambitious scientific projects, is facing allegations of financial mismanagement after a whistleblower claimed millions in public funds were mishandled.

The €2bn initiative, designed to build the largest radio telescope ever attempted across remote sites in Australia and South Africa, has been hailed as a groundbreaking effort to unlock mysteries of the early universe. But internal disclosures suggest the organisation managing contributions from 16 member states is now under investigation.

According to documents seen by reporters, at least £12m (A$25m) may have been lost in risky investments, with further claims of accounting irregularities and concealed currency losses. The SKAO, headquartered in the UK at Jodrell Bank Observatory, has denied wrongdoing but confirmed that an independent external review is underway.

“The organisation is taking all necessary actions,” SKAO chair Filippo Maria Zerbi wrote in an internal email in May, acknowledging the allegations while insisting further checks were needed before conclusions could be drawn.

Australia, a major funder of the project, has already seen its commitments rise well above initial forecasts. Government budget papers show Canberra has spent $475m between 2021 and 2025, exceeding the original 2020 estimate by $164m. Officials cited exchange rate fluctuations, cost overruns, and additional commitments to local communities near the telescope site.

Further complications have arisen from infrastructure delays. Despite public statements describing solar-powered operations, the Australian site is currently running on diesel generators. Tender documents indicate a permanent power supply may not be completed until 2028, with interim diesel costs already exceeding $1m a year.

The whistleblower also pointed to a European Commission grant of €5m, part of which was later clawed back after auditors judged several costs ineligible. Ultimately, €2.5m was recognised, with the remainder returned.

While project leaders maintain that the scope of building two of the world’s most advanced telescopes inevitably involves budget adjustments, internal updates suggest a “programme and schedule risk review” is ongoing, with possible reductions in scope to close funding gaps.

A SKAO spokesperson dismissed suggestions of capital losses, stressing that all financial activities are subject to regular audits. “Money market funds are inherently low-risk,” the spokesperson said, adding that reductions in balances reflected withdrawals to meet operating costs.

Despite the turbulence, the project remains on track to expand operations over the next decade. When fully operational, the Square Kilometre Array will deploy more than 130,000 antennae in Western Australia and thousands of dishes in South Africa, offering unprecedented insight into the early cosmos and potentially answering one of humanity’s oldest questions: are we alone in the universe?

Rare “Black Moon” to Darken the Skies on August 23

Rare “Black Moon” to Darken the Skies on August 23

Wednesday, August 20, 2025 / No Comments

 

Stargazers won’t see much in the night sky this weekend, but that’s exactly what makes it special. On August 23, the moon will reach its new phase at 2:06 a.m. EDT (06:06 GMT), creating a rare astronomical event known as a Black Moon.

At that moment, the moon will be almost directly aligned with the sun, positioned in the constellation Leo. The result? A moonless night sky.

While the term “Black Moon” isn’t official in astronomy, it’s popularly used to describe unusual occurrences of the new moon. This week’s event falls under the “seasonal” category  the third new moon within a season that unusually contains four.

Typically, each season has three new moons. But since the lunar cycle doesn’t perfectly sync with the calendar, every few years an extra one slips in. The third of these is tagged as a Black Moon. The last one of this type was on May 19, 2023.

For Northern Hemisphere observers, summer 2025 brought new moons on June 25, July 23, August 3, and September 21. With four squeezed into the season, August 23 earns the Black Moon title. These events occur only once every 33 months.

There’s another definition too  when two new moons fall in the same calendar month. That version won’t happen again until August 31, 2027.

Unlike a lunar eclipse or supermoon, a Black Moon can’t be seen directly. The moon’s illuminated half faces away from Earth, leaving the sky darker than usual. But don’t be discouraged: on August 24 and 25, just after sunset, a razor-thin crescent will emerge low on the western horizon a delicate sight for skywatchers.

The darker skies also offer a bonus: an ideal chance to glimpse faint deep-sky objects and even the crowded heart of the Milky Way, usually hidden by moonlight.

NASA’s Perseverance Rover Discovers Mysterious Sphere-Studded Rock on Mars

NASA’s Perseverance Rover Discovers Mysterious Sphere-Studded Rock on Mars

Thursday, March 27, 2025 / No Comments

 

NASA’s Perseverance rover has made another intriguing discovery on Mars, encountering a rock covered in tiny, dark gray spheres that has left scientists searching for answers.

The rock, named "St. Pauls Bay", was spotted on March 11 along the rim of Jezero Crater, a region believed to have once been home to an ancient lake. The unusual formations covering its surface hundreds of small, rounded nodules, some with tiny pinholes have raised questions about their geological origins.

A Puzzling Find

Located on the slopes of Witch Hazel Hill, a scientifically significant rocky outcrop, the St. Pauls Bay rock may have originated elsewhere before settling in its current location. Scientists are now working to determine whether these sphere-like features were formed by groundwater seepage, volcanic activity, or even meteorite impacts.

NASA’s previous Mars missions have encountered similar textures before. The Opportunity and Curiosity rovers identified comparable formations, which were linked to past groundwater circulation in Martian rocks. However, volcanic activity and rapid cooling of molten rock remain possible explanations.

Unraveling Mars’ History

"Understanding the geological context of these formations is crucial," the Perseverance team said in a statement. "Their origins could provide key insights into how the landscape of Jezero Crater evolved over billions of years."

Perseverance, now in its extended mission, is focusing on the crater’s rim, a region scientists believe may have interacted with ancient groundwater differently than the crater floor. The rover has been collecting rock samples, some of which display features resembling leopard spots and poppy seeds textures that could hint at past microbial activity. These samples are currently stored in 30 tubes, awaiting retrieval by NASA’s Mars Sample Return mission.

However, delays and budget constraints have forced NASA to revise its sample return plans, with estimates now suggesting the samples may not make it back to Earth until between 2035 and 2039 pending congressional approval of $300 million in funding.

As Perseverance continues its mission, scientists remain hopeful that its discoveries will bring us closer to understanding whether Mars once hosted life.

NASA Astronauts Return Safely After Unexpected 9-Month Mission Aboard ISS

NASA Astronauts Return Safely After Unexpected 9-Month Mission Aboard ISS

Sunday, March 23, 2025 / No Comments

 

NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore safely returned to Earth this week after spending an unplanned 286 days aboard the International Space Station (ISS), concluding one of the most talked-about missions in recent memory.

Originally scheduled for an eight-day mission, the astronauts’ stay extended by over nine months due to technical failures in Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft. Persistent issues including helium leaks and propulsion system malfunctions prevented the spacecraft from making its return journey.

Following weeks of troubleshooting and delays, NASA made the decision in August to keep the crew aboard the ISS until a SpaceX capsule became available for their safe return. Williams and Wilmore, along with NASA’s Nick Hague and Roscosmos’ Aleksandr Gorbunov, successfully splashed down off the Florida coast earlier this week aboard a SpaceX Dragon capsule.

The extended mission sparked public debate, including claims by public figures that the astronauts had been "abandoned." Williams and Wilmore dismissed such characterizations, emphasizing their preparedness and adaptability throughout the mission.

During their stay, the duo contributed significantly to ISS operations, completing spacewalks and logging 900 hours of scientific research in microgravity conditions. Though their mission did not set duration records, it added valuable data on long-term human habitation in space.

In parallel developments, Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost lunar lander concluded its successful 14-day mission near the Moon’s south pole, transmitting critical data back to Earth. This commercial achievement bolsters NASA’s lunar exploration efforts, paving the way for future crewed missions.

Meanwhile, astronomers made notable discoveries closer to home, confirming the presence of four planets orbiting Barnard’s Star. Additionally, data from the James Webb Space Telescope and ALMA observatory revealed surprising signs of oxygen and heavy elements in the most distant galaxy ever observed, challenging existing theories of early galaxy formation.

Finally, researchers studying Earth’s history proposed that nearby supernova explosions may have triggered mass extinction events in the distant past by depleting the ozone layer, though further evidence is needed to support the theory.

A Cosmic Hourglass: James Webb Telescope Captures Stunning Image of a Star-Forming Nebula

A Cosmic Hourglass: James Webb Telescope Captures Stunning Image of a Star-Forming Nebula

Sunday, March 16, 2025 / No Comments

 

Deep in space, about 650 light-years away, a breathtaking nebula has taken shape, sculpted by the chaotic birth of a pair of young stars. Known as Lynds Bright Nebula 483 (LBN 483), this celestial structure—now beautifully imaged by the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) resembles an hourglass or a butterfly, glowing in rich hues of red, purple, orange, and yellow.

The Birth of Stars and the Formation of a Nebula

Stars are born from collapsing clouds of molecular gas, accumulating material as they grow. However, they don’t absorb all of it—some is ejected in the form of fast, narrow jets or broader, slower outflows. These streams of material collide with surrounding gas and dust, shaping the nebula into complex, ever-changing patterns.

LBN 483 is unique because it is not formed by a single star but by two protostars, with one lower-mass companion discovered as recently as 2022 using the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) in Chile. The presence of this second star significantly influences the nebula’s structure, adding to its dynamic and chaotic nature.

A Hidden Star System at the Heart of the Nebula

Though the JWST’s powerful infrared cameras reveal stunning details of the nebula, the two protostars at its core remain hidden within a dense, torus-shaped cloud of gas and dust. This doughnut-like structure feeds the young stars, allowing them to grow over time. However, as the stars accumulate too much material, they eject some of it in periodic bursts, producing the nebula’s stunning outflows.

Magnetic fields play a crucial role in directing these outflows. As the expelled material crashes into its surroundings, it forms intricate structures, such as glowing arcs and dense pillars of gas and dust. The bright orange arc visible in the JWST image is one such shock front, where an outflow is actively colliding with its environment.

The Role of Magnetic Fields and Motion

ALMA observations have revealed an additional twist to the story. Scientists detected polarized radio waves coming from the nebula’s cold dust, revealing the orientation of its magnetic field. The data suggests that, about 93 billion miles (150 billion kilometers) from the protostars, the field takes a 45-degree counterclockwise turn, likely influenced by the motion of the stars themselves.

Interestingly, the two stars are currently separated by about 34 astronomical units (AU) a distance slightly greater than Neptune’s orbit around the Sun. However, astronomers suspect they were originally farther apart, and one of them migrated closer over time. This movement altered the system’s angular momentum, a fundamental force in celestial mechanics, which in turn influenced the nebula’s shape.

A Window into Star Formation

Unlike star-forming regions such as the Orion Nebula, which host vast numbers of young stars, LBN 483 is a more isolated stellar nursery. Studying such a system provides astronomers with valuable insight into alternative paths of star formation, improving models that help us understand not just LBN 483, but also the formation of our own Sun which was born in a similar process 4.6 billion years ago.

Could there be civilizations elsewhere in the universe watching the birth of their own stars, just as we observe LBN 483 today? And in another 4.6 billion years, could astronomers in that distant binary system be gazing toward the remnants of our long-departed Sun?

Only time will tell but for now, the JWST continues to unlock the mysteries of the cosmos, one stunning image at a time.

Total Lunar Eclipse to Grace the Night Sky on March 13-14, 2025

Total Lunar Eclipse to Grace the Night Sky on March 13-14, 2025

Monday, March 10, 2025 / No Comments

 

A total lunar eclipse will be visible across most of North America on the night of March 13-14, 2025, offering a rare celestial event for skywatchers. The eclipse, which will last 1 hour and 6 minutes, will be best observed from the western regions of the United States and Canada but will be visible from coast to coast.

This marks the first total lunar eclipse widely seen in North America in over two years. The phenomenon occurs when the Earth moves directly between the sun and the moon, casting a shadow that gives the moon a reddish hue, often referred to as a "Blood Moon."

Viewing Conditions and Timing

Observers on the West Coast will have the best conditions, as the eclipse will occur during mid-to-late evening hours. Across the Atlantic, the event will be visible at dawn on March 14, while in parts of Europe and Africa, the moon will set while still in total eclipse. In New Zealand and parts of Siberia, the eclipse will be visible as the moon rises.

The event will progress through several phases, beginning with the moon entering Earth's outer shadow, or penumbra, before moving into the umbra, where the total eclipse occurs. The moon will then gradually emerge from the shadow, returning to its usual brightness.

Scientific Significance

Lunar eclipses provide a unique opportunity for scientific observation, including studies of Earth’s atmosphere and its impact on light refraction. The color of the moon during totality can vary depending on atmospheric conditions, including the presence of dust or volcanic particles.

Astronomers and amateur skywatchers are encouraged to take advantage of this event. Observatories and astronomy groups may organize public viewing sessions, and individuals are advised to find locations with minimal light pollution for the best experience.

Public Engagement

Space enthusiasts are encouraged to document the eclipse, with Space.com inviting readers to submit photographs and observations. Those interested can send their images and comments to spacephotos@space.com.

With clear weather, the March 2025 lunar eclipse is expected to be a spectacular event, providing a rare opportunity to witness one of nature’s most striking astronomical displays.

Rare Seven-Planet Alignment to Light Up the Night Sky

Rare Seven-Planet Alignment to Light Up the Night Sky

Saturday, March 1, 2025 / No Comments

 

On the final day of February, skywatchers will witness a spectacular celestial event-a "planetary parade" where seven planets align in a rare cosmic display.

This phenomenon occurs when multiple planets appear to form a straight line in the night sky. According to Dr. Greg Brown, an astronomer at the Royal Observatory Greenwich, “A planetary parade happens when several planets become visible at the same time. The spectacle’s impact depends on the number of planets involved and how easily they can be seen.”

While all seven planets—Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune—will technically align, some will be more visible than others. Brown explains that Mercury, Neptune, and Saturn will be positioned near the horizon, making them challenging to spot, particularly in the fading twilight. Uranus and Neptune, both faint and distant, will require a telescope or binoculars. However, Venus, Jupiter, and Mars will be bright and easily visible to the naked eye.

How and When to Watch

Planetary alignments occur because all the planets orbit the Sun within the same general plane, known as the ecliptic. As they move at different speeds and distances, there are moments when they appear to align from Earth’s perspective.

Dr. Shyam Balaji, a researcher in astroparticle physics and cosmology at King’s College London, advises that the best viewing time for the UK is shortly after sunset on 28 February, when the planets will be visible above the western horizon. Similar viewing conditions apply in the US (about 30 minutes after sunset) and Australia (looking north after sunset). For the best experience, stargazers should avoid bright city lights and consider using stargazing apps to locate the planets.

While planetary groupings of three to five planets are relatively common, full seven-planet alignments are rare, with the next one not expected until 2040. A similar event occurred last June, but only two planets were visible without special equipment. This month, Venus, Mars, and Jupiter will be the easiest to spot, while Saturn and Mercury will be near the horizon, making them more difficult to observe. Uranus and Neptune, though included in the alignment, will require binoculars or a telescope.

For those using telescopes, Brown suggests looking for the moons of Jupiter or the crescent shape of Venus to enhance the experience. As spring progresses, the planets will slowly drift apart, making this a fleeting but awe-inspiring moment in the night sky.

Mark Your Calendar

This planetary parade is a rare opportunity for both amateur and seasoned astronomers to witness the planets in alignment. Whether gazing with the naked eye or through a telescope, this celestial event offers a breathtaking reminder of the vastness of our solar system.

MIT Prepares to Launch Groundbreaking Payloads to the Moon's South Pole

MIT Prepares to Launch Groundbreaking Payloads to the Moon's South Pole

Tuesday, February 25, 2025 / No Comments

 

MIT is gearing up to make history once again by sending three innovative payloads to the Moon, aiming to support future astronaut missions and contribute to the establishment of a permanent lunar base.

In the coming days, if weather conditions cooperate, MIT’s engineering and science teams will launch their payloads toward the Moon’s south pole. This region, with its eternally shadowed areas, is believed to potentially harbor frozen water deposits—an essential resource for sustaining human life on the Moon and powering deeper space missions.

As part of NASA’s Artemis III mission, scheduled for 2027, astronauts will set foot on the Moon’s south pole for the first time. Ahead of this historic event, MIT’s payloads will gather critical data to help prepare the Artemis crew for navigating the Moon’s icy terrain.

A Closer Look at the Payloads

The MIT payloads feature two groundbreaking technologies:

• A Depth-Mapping Camera: Utilizing time-of-flight technology, this camera will capture the first-ever 3D images of the lunar surface, offering invaluable insights for training astronauts and enhancing spacesuit technologies.
• The “AstroAnt” Mini-Rover: This thumb-sized robot will maneuver on the main rover’s roof, monitoring temperature and potentially evolving into a fleet of helper bots for future missions.

The third payload, the “HUMANS” project, is a silicon wafer etched with messages from people around the world, inspired by NASA’s iconic Golden Record.

All three technologies will hitch a ride on a larger rover developed by Lunar Outpost, with the entire mission launching aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. The lunar landing is planned for March 6, marking the first time MIT technology will touch the Moon’s surface since the Apollo program.

Mission Objectives and Legacy

The mission, known as IM-2, will explore the Mons Mouton Plateau near Shackleton Crater. Beyond MIT’s payloads, the mission will employ various tools, including an ice drill and a robotic “hopper,” to seek water-ice deposits in hard-to-access regions.

MIT’s participation is led by the Space Exploration Initiative (SEI) within the Media Lab. The project represents a deep connection to the Institute’s history, with contributions from students, alumni, and faculty across multiple departments.

Dava Newman, Apollo Program Professor of Astronautics and Director of the MIT Media Lab, emphasizes the broader vision:
“Our goal is not just to visit the Moon but to build a thriving ecosystem that supports humanity’s expansion into space.”

Looking Forward

As MIT prepares to send its technologies to the Moon, the community is invited to watch the live broadcast of the landing on campus. Researchers are optimistic that this mission is the first step toward a sustained human presence on the Moon and beyond.

Ariel Ekblaw, principal investigator for MIT’s role in the IM-2 mission, adds:
“This mission is about inspiring the next generation of explorers. It brings together the entire MIT community on a foundational mission that could lay the groundwork for a permanent lunar settlement.”