Moneycontrol PRO

Gurpreet Singh

Sub Editor

Moneycontrol

Two Celestial Event: Mercury at its brightest and Moon close to Saturn — Will India witness this on 19th February?

SCIENCE

Two Celestial Event: Mercury at its brightest and Moon close to Saturn — Will India witness this on 19th February?

On 19 February 2026, Mercury reaches its greatest eastern elongation, while the crescent Moon appears close to Saturn, creating a striking evening display visible across India, North America, and Europe.

Gaganyaan 2026 Update: DRDO and ISRO completed "qualification level load test" of drogue parachute in Chandigarh

SCIENCE

Gaganyaan 2026 Update: DRDO and ISRO completed "qualification level load test" of drogue parachute in Chandigarh

India’s ambitious human spaceflight mission has cleared another crucial hurdle. A high-intensity qualification test of the drogue parachute system for the Gaganyaan programme has been successfully carried out in Chandigarh.

Meet Bavariscyllium: This 25-centimetre shark that lived 150 million years ago forced scientists to re-think shark evolution

SCIENCE

Meet Bavariscyllium: This 25-centimetre shark that lived 150 million years ago forced scientists to re-think shark evolution

A remarkably preserved 150-million-year-old shark fossil is forcing researchers to reconsider how modern sharks evolved. The species, Bavariscyllium, displays a mix of features that do not align with today’s major shark groups.

World’s oldest wooden structure is 476,000 years old— And it was built before homo sapiens in Africa

SCIENCE

World’s oldest wooden structure is 476,000 years old— And it was built before homo sapiens in Africa

Archaeologists have uncovered a 476,000-year-old wooden structure near Kalambo Falls in Zambia, making it the oldest known timber construction on Earth. The discovery predates Homo sapiens and suggests early human ancestors made this wooden structure.

Do Deers have a favourite fragrance? Study finds they choose strong-scented trees

SCIENCE

Do Deers have a favourite fragrance? Study finds they choose strong-scented trees

New research reveals deer may deliberately prefer resin-rich trees during the rut. These scented surfaces help carry chemical signals and astonishingly, this may reflect ultraviolet light visible to deer.

Is the Moon "alive"? Scientists find signs of active tectonics beneath its surface

SCIENCE

Is the Moon "alive"? Scientists find signs of active tectonics beneath its surface

New research suggests the Moon is still tectonically active, with small ridges and moonquakes revealing ongoing crustal movement. This is a key concern for future Artemis missions that will be launched by NASA.

NASA’s 42-year climate record shows Earth is storing more heat than it releases

SCIENCE

NASA’s 42-year climate record shows Earth is storing more heat than it releases

For 42 years, NASA satellites have tracked how sunlight powers Earth’s climate. The long record is revealing subtle shifts that could reshape climate predictions. These findings are adding new layers to the climate change.

World’s Most Painful Bite: This ant gives most painful bite lasts for 24 hours!

SCIENCE

World’s Most Painful Bite: This ant gives most painful bite lasts for 24 hours!

The bullet ant packs a sting so excruciating it feels like being shot. Found in Central and South America, its venom contains potent neurotoxins that overwhelm nerves for up to 24 hours.

Why cannot humans walk on walls, but some animals do? Know the science behind wall-walking!

SCIENCE

Why cannot humans walk on walls, but some animals do? Know the science behind wall-walking!

Ever wondered why geckos can scamper up walls and humans cannot? The secret lies in physics, biology and evolution. Discover how animals exploit molecular forces to defy gravity and why humans are bound to the ground.

Can trees tell when they are being 'eaten'? Science explainer for kids

SCIENCE

Can trees tell when they are being 'eaten'? Science explainer for kids

Can trees tell when they are being eaten? Discover how trees sense insect attacks, defend themselves and play a vital role in nature’s food chain.

45-minute night sky event: Know When, Where and How to see the "Moon–Mercury pairing" on 18 February

SCIENCE

45-minute night sky event: Know When, Where and How to see the "Moon–Mercury pairing" on 18 February

A stunning Moon–Mercury conjunction will light up the western sky on 18 February. The slim crescent Moon will appear close to Mercury just after sunset. Here’s when to look, where it will be visible and why this cosmic pairing is special.

Australia’s rarest Wombat caught on camera — Is this endangered species making a comeback?

SCIENCE

Australia’s rarest Wombat caught on camera — Is this endangered species making a comeback?

A camera trap in Queensland has captured one of the world’s rarest marsupials known as the Northern Hairy-nosed Wombat. They are listed as critically endangered and exist in three main populations in Australia.

Season of "flame of the forest" returns, as Palash sets Central India ablaze with orange-red blooms

SCIENCE

Season of "flame of the forest" returns, as Palash sets Central India ablaze with orange-red blooms

The striking orange-red blooms of Palash have begun lighting up the Central Indian highlands and Deccan plateau. But beyond its beauty, the ‘flame of the forest’ signals important seasonal and ecological shifts.

From 35 to 38: Cheetah "Gamini" gave birth to three newborns, marks major milestone at Kuno National Park

SCIENCE

From 35 to 38: Cheetah "Gamini" gave birth to three newborns, marks major milestone at Kuno National Park

Gamini, a South African cheetah relocated to Kuno National Park, has given birth to three cubs, pushing India’s total cheetah population to 38. The ninth successful litter under Project Cheetah is being seen as a crucial milestone.

What this IIT Physicist found about the universe has amazed scientists- Here's what Muhammad Ghulam Khuwajah Khan proposed!

SCIENCE

What this IIT Physicist found about the universe has amazed scientists- Here's what Muhammad Ghulam Khuwajah Khan proposed!

A physicist proposes that the universe might not be empty but act like a viscous fluid, resisting expansion. This bold idea could explain fluctuations in cosmic growth and challenge traditional dark energy models.

What "strange" thing happens to the Galapagos Tortoises during a Solar Eclipse? Watch Here

SCIENCE

What "strange" thing happens to the Galapagos Tortoises during a Solar Eclipse? Watch Here

During a solar eclipse, Galapagos tortoises show strange and fascinating behaviour. They mate, lift their heads, and seem to stare at the sky. Scientists say this rare reaction highlights how cosmic events can influence animal behaviour.

Meet Prototaxites Taiti: This 26-foot fossil from Devonian-period has baffled scientists for 165 years

SCIENCE

Meet Prototaxites Taiti: This 26-foot fossil from Devonian-period has baffled scientists for 165 years

For 165 years, the giant fossil Prototaxites taiti puzzled scientists. Standing 26 feet tall, it may belong to an unknown branch of multicellular life, reshaping our understanding of early terrestrial ecosystems.

India Makes History: AIIMS performed its first remote ultrasound in Antarctica to patient-volunteer located over 13,000 km away

SCIENCE

India Makes History: AIIMS performed its first remote ultrasound in Antarctica to patient-volunteer located over 13,000 km away

In a first for India, AIIMS has successfully conducted a remote ultrasound in Antarctica. The milestone could redefine telemedicine on Earth and even in space. This happened from a distance more than 13,000 kilometres, offering new insights in Indian science and research.

Found in Lakshadweep waters, this 3mm crab species is a major discovery who is named after T. Balasubramanian

SCIENCE

Found in Lakshadweep waters, this 3mm crab species is a major discovery who is named after T. Balasubramanian

A tiny 3-millimetre crab has been discovered in Lakshadweep’s coral reefs. Named Galathea balasubramaniani, the species reveals how much of India’s marine biodiversity remains unexplored.

Who is Sophie Adenot? Meet the first French woman astronaut in space since 2001

SCIENCE

Who is Sophie Adenot? Meet the first French woman astronaut in space since 2001

Sophie Adenot becomes first French woman astronaut after Claudie Haigneré to go to space after 25 years. She was selected for a long-duration mission, where her role is to carry out over 200 experiments aboard the International Space Station.

Lake Victoria goes Green! World's largest tropical lake is carrying harmful toxins; Scientists warned of "algae bloom"

SCIENCE

Lake Victoria goes Green! World's largest tropical lake is carrying harmful toxins; Scientists warned of "algae bloom"

Lake Victoria, the world’s largest tropical lake, has turned toxic green due to a massive algae bloom. Scientists warn of harmful toxins affecting humans, wildlife and fisheries.

Seen after 5 Years: World's fastest bird, "Peregrine Falcon" has been spotted soaring in Telangana

SCIENCE

Seen after 5 Years: World's fastest bird, "Peregrine Falcon" has been spotted soaring in Telangana

After five years, the Peregrine Falcon returns to Kawal Tiger Reserve, thrilling scientists. The fastest bird on Earth reflects the health of Telangana’s rich ecosystem.

Is Earth really middle-aged? Scientists explain what 4.5 billion years means for life!

SCIENCE

Is Earth really middle-aged? Scientists explain what 4.5 billion years means for life!

Earth, now 4.5 billion years old, has reached middle age. Scientists explain how the Sun will shape its future and why studying Earth matters for human survival.

Annular Eclipse set to create “Ring of Fire” in Southern skies on 17 February; Here’s when and where to watch!

SCIENCE

Annular Eclipse set to create “Ring of Fire” in Southern skies on 17 February; Here’s when and where to watch!

A rare annular solar eclipse, the Ring of Fire, occurs on 17 February 2026. See where, when and how to watch this spectacular celestial event safely. The eclipse will begin at 07:01 UTC. The maximum phase will be seen over Antarctica.

Advisory Alert: It has come to our attention that certain individuals are representing themselves as affiliates of Moneycontrol and soliciting funds on the false promise of assured returns on their investments. We wish to reiterate that Moneycontrol does not solicit funds from investors and neither does it promise any assured returns. In case you are approached by anyone making such claims, please write to us at grievanceofficer@nw18.com or call on 02268882347