Science News

The little spotted kiwi is New Zealand’s smallest kiwi species, known for its pale feathers and nocturnal, flightless behaviour.

Hidden 'ice cube' clouds spotted near Milky Way core, indicating recent black hole blast

Astronomers using the Green Bank Telescope in West Virginia have spotted massive clouds of cold hydrogen gas hiding within the Fermi bubbles.

How much did ISRO spend on Shubhanshu Shukla’s Axiom-4 mission? Here's what it cost

The Axiom-4 crew, including Shukla, spent almost 20 days in space, with approximately 19 days aboard the ISS. Their stay involved several scientific and collaborative activities aimed at furthering microgravity research and international cooperation in space.

Meet the rare two-headed wolf snake: The bizarre reptile found in Odisha’s Keonjhar forest

The two-headed form, known as dicephaly, is caused by incomplete embryo separation. Although rare, this condition occasionally occurs in reptiles

India’s Himalayan Chandra Telescope spots interstellar comet ATLAS from Ladakh – See images here

This is only the third interstellar object ever found. The first was 'Oumuamua in 2017, and the second, Borisov, in 2019.

Astronomers spot rare ‘Infinity’ galaxy and possible birth of a supermassive black hole

Astronomers have discovered the ‘Infinity’ galaxy — two merging galaxies forming a supermassive black hole — possibly the first direct evidence of black hole birth. The finding could reshape our understanding of early universe formation.

Doomed Giant: Astronomers witness a dying planet spiraling toward its star

Astronomers have tracked the deadly orbital decay of TOI-2109b — a massive gas giant orbiting its star in just 16 hours. The planet is spiraling inward and may soon be torn apart, offering a rare glimpse into planetary destruction.

New Earths in the making? Astronomers capture glimpse of planets being born around a baby Sun, watch here

In a cosmic first, astronomers have captured the birth of rocky planets around a baby sun-like star 1,370 light-years away. The discovery offers a rare glimpse into how planetary systems like ours begin to form.

UK scientists successfully use DNA from three people to prevent rare genetic diseases in babies

Eight babies have been born in the UK using a groundbreaking IVF method that combines DNA from three people to prevent life-threatening mitochondrial disorders.

Meet world's most expensive insect: This rare stag beetle is worth more than a luxury car – here’s why

Meet the stag beetle, a rare insect that can sell for over Rs 75 lakh. Discover why collectors, cultures, and black markets are obsessed with this tiny yet valuable creature.

Scientists say up to 100 tiny galaxies could be hiding around the Milky Way

New research from Durham University suggests the Milky Way could have up to 100 hidden satellite galaxies. The findings support the Lambda Cold Dark Matter theory and offer clues to how the Universe evolved.

The largest Martian meteorite on Earth sold for $5.3 million at auction

A 54-pound Martian meteorite, the largest ever discovered on Earth, sold for $5.3 million at Sotheby’s. Learn about its origin, scientific significance, and the debate over private ownership.

NASA alert: A giant 120-foot, airplane-sized asteroid approaching Earth today

NASA has confirmed that asteroid 2022 YS5 is approaching. The space rock will make its closest pass on 17 July.

A pet cat in Florida helps scientists discover two new viruses

The virus, still not fully understood, is part of a family previously thought to be harmless. However, recent links have been found to gastrointestinal and neurological issues.

New survey finds 43 grassland and endangered bird species in Kaziranga

A recent survey across Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve has revealed an impressive variety of grassland bird species.

Another beautiful day on Mars: NASA’s curiosity takes a leisurely winter stroll, one sol at a time

Mastcam captured colourful images of a trough and a nearby displaced block nicknamed “Ouro.” Scientists suspect it could be linked to a small impact crater.

Earth is spinning faster, bringing the shortest days ahead – know the dates here

Several things affect Earth’s spinning speed. The Moon is one of them. When it’s far from Earth’s equator, our planet spins a bit faster.

A massive 120-foot asteroid 2022 YS5 to fly past Earth on 17 July, NASA warns

NASA has confirmed that asteroid 2022 YS5 will pass by Earth on 17 July. Measuring about 120 feet wide, it's roughly the size of an airplane.

Shubhanshu Shukla’s 18 days in space: 7 Indian scientific experiments conducted during the Axiom-4 mission

During his 18-day stay aboard the ISS, Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla conducted seven key scientific experiments developed by Indian institutes as part of the Axiom-4 mission’s research objectives.

First glimpse of smiling Shubhanshu Shukla as he exits SpaceX Dragon capsule after touchdown

Shubhanshu Shukla, the first Indian to visit the ISS, returns safely to Earth after the Axiom-4 mission. Watch his first glimpse after emerging from SpaceX’s Dragon capsule

Shubhanshu Shukla Back on Earth After 18 Days: Axiom 4 crew safely splashes down off California coast, watch video here

Group Captain Shukla, a test pilot from the Indian Air Force, spent nearly 20 days in space and 19 days aboard the ISS. The Ax-4 crew also included Commander Peggy Whitson, Poland’s ESA astronaut Slawosz “Suave” Uznanski-Wisniewski, and Hungary’s Tibor Kapu from the HUNOR programme.

Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla gets a haircut in space – See the viral pictures here

The Ax-4 crew — Commander Peggy Whitson, Pilot Shubhanshu Shukla of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), ESA project astronaut Slawosz “Suave” Uznanski-Wisniewski from Poland, and Hungary’s HUNOR astronaut Tibor Kapu — spent 18 days aboard the International Space Station, carrying out scientific research and engaging in outreach efforts as part of their mission.

Shubhanshu Shukla Returns to Earth Highlights: Axiom-4 crew successfully splashes down; here's first glimpse of astronauts

The Ax-4 crew, including Commander Peggy Whitson, Pilot Shubhanshu Shukla from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), ESA project astronaut Slawosz “Suave” Uznanski-Wisniewski of Poland, and HUNOR astronaut Tibor Kapu of Hungary, spent the past 18 days aboard the ISS conducting research and participating in outreach activities as part of their mission.

Earth may host six mini moons at a time — but how is it possible? Here's what study says

Beyond their scientific value, these tiny satellites may also hold commercial potential. Because they briefly orbit close to Earth, minimoons could become attractive targets for space mining.

India’s sole ape species, Hoolock gibbon, spotted in Arunachal Pradesh's Namdapha National Park

The Hoolock gibbon, protected under Schedule I of India’s Wildlife Act, relies heavily on tree canopies to feed and move.

'Excited that our son is returning and landing on Earth': Shubhanshu Shukla's father on splashdown of Dragon spacecraft

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is set to return to Earth today after spending nearly 20 days in space, including 19 aboard the International Space Station (ISS), as part of the Axiom Mission 4.

India's first ISS mission nears completion as Shubhanshu Shukla, Axiom-4 crew begins return journey

India's historic first crewed mission to the ISS, led by ISRO and Axiom Space, enters its final phase. The Dragon Grace capsule carrying Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla is set to splashdown off California after a successful 18-day mission.

Ax-4 crew on board Dragon Spacecraft piloted by Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla on track for touchdown at 3PM

The Ax-4 crew, comprising Commander Peggy Whitson, Pilot Shubhanshu Shukla of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), European Space Agency (ESA) project astronaut Slawosz "Suave" Uznanski-Wisniewski of Poland, and Hungarian to Orbit (HUNOR) astronaut Tibor Kapu, had been actively engaged in research and outreach activities aboard the ISS as part of the mission during the past 18-days.

World Snake Day 2025: Date, theme, history and significance

World Snake Day is a global awareness day dedicated to snakes. It aims to highlight their beauty, diversity, and ecological value.

NASA tracks 280-foot asteroid, equal in height to a 20-storey building, set to zoom past Earth at high speed

Asteroid 2025 MA90, which belongs to the Aten group, will make its closest approach on 15 July.

‘I am a water bender’: Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla’s zero-gravity water tricks stun internet — Watch video here

The Axiom-4 mission includes astronauts from four nations. Alongside Shukla, the team features Commander Peggy Whitson from the United States, Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski from Poland, and Tibor Kapu from Hungary.

Scientists aim to bring back New Zealand's extinct 12-foot-tall giant bird after 600-year disappearance

Colossal has previously worked on species like the dire wolf. This time, the challenge is different. Birds lay eggs, which makes the process less straightforward than mammalian IVF.

“Feels like launch day again”: Shubhanshu Shukla's family prays for his return as Axiom-4 undocking nears

The Ax-4 crew includes Commander Peggy Whitson, Pilot Shubhanshu Shukla from ISRO, ESA astronaut Slawosz “Suave” Uznanski-Wisniewski from Poland, and HUNOR astronaut Tibor Kapu from Hungary.

Shubhanshu Shukla return live: Ax-4 crew successfully undocks from ISS; journey to Earth begins — Check live updates here

After spending nearly 18 days aboard the International Space Station (ISS), Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla and the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) team have undocked from the ISS and begun their 22-hour journey to Earth

Hidden ‘blobs’ deep beneath Earth may trigger massive volcanic eruptions

These formations, nicknamed "BLOBS," stretch across the mantle layer around 3,000 kilometres beneath the surface.

Perseids Meteor Shower 2025 Date: 100 shooting stars to be visible on this day

The Perseids are caused by debris from Comet Swift-Tuttle. These meteors hit Earth’s atmosphere at nearly 60 kilometres per second.

“Prayed to Bholenath for his safe return”: Shubhanshu Shukla’s family seeks blessings for his homecoming

The Ax-4 team includes Commander Peggy Whitson, ESA astronaut Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski, and Hungarian astronaut Tibor Kapu. During their 18-day stay, the team performed scientific research and outreach activities aboard the orbiting lab.

Largest Mars rock on sale! Sotheby's New York puts rare Martian meteorite up for auction

Discovered in Niger’s remote Agadez Region in 2023, the meteorite travelled roughly 225 million miles through space.

‘Aaj ka Bharat bhi saare jahan se achha’: Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla shares final speech before leaving ISS

After spending 18 eventful days aboard the International Space Station, Shubhanshu Shukla and the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) crew are preparing for their journey home.

Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla to undock from ISS today; splashdown set for tomorrow — When and how to watch

The Axiom-4 crew includes Commander Peggy Whitson and Pilot Shubhanshu Shukla. They are joined by ESA astronaut Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski from Poland and HUNOR astronaut Tibor Kapu from Hungary.

One last click: Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla joins final photo session with crew before ISS departure

The photo session included members of Axiom Mission 4 and Expedition 73. It was one of their final group moments before returning home.

A 280-foot asteroid, as tall as a 20-storey building, is racing towards Earth, NASA warns

NASA has confirmed that asteroid 2025 MA90 is approaching. The space rock is roughly 280 feet in diameter. That’s about the height of a 20-storey building.

4 Indian Dog Breeds You Didn't Know Were Working with Our Security Forces

Indian security forces are increasingly deploying indigenous dog breeds like Mudhol Hound, Chippiparai, Rampur Hound, and Rajapalayam for border security, patrol duties, and detection work. Learn how these native breeds are outperforming foreign dogs in India's defense operations.

ISRO clears major milestone for Gaganyaan mission: What the successful propulsion test means for India’s first crewed space mission

Isro on Friday conducted a 350-second hot test at its Propulsion Complex in Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu, simulating an off-nominal flight scenario—specifically, an abort condition during ascent

An airplane-sized, 130-foot asteroid is approaching Earth today at a speed of 16,048 miles per hour

NASA has confirmed that asteroid 2025 MG1 is approaching. The space rock, roughly 130 feet wide, will pass Earth on July 12.

Rare white-feathered laughing Dove spotted in Tamil Nadu forest

The Nagamalai forests are already celebrated for their rich biodiversity, and this rare dove adds a unique variation to the region’s growing list of species.

How do burmese pythons digest whole skeletons? Scientists found something surprising in their guts

Burmese pythons (Python bivittatus) feed on birds and small mammals. They can go days or weeks without eating, but when they do, they consume their prey whole—bones and all.

Shubhanshu Shukla's family speaks to him, says eagerly awaiting his return from space

Shubhanshu's father Shambhu Dayal Shukla said the family is relieved to know that the mission is proceeding smoothly

Rare mayfly insect species thought to be extinct rediscovered in Thailand after 20 years

The rare insect, first described in 2006, had vanished from records. Despite many expeditions, it had not been seen since its discovery 250 miles to the south.

NASA’s Parker Probe captures closest-ever images of the Sun

NASA says these images offer a rare chance to watch space weather begin with our own eyes. It’s a vital step to improve predictions that safeguard astronauts, satellites, and ground-based electronics.