Here are today’s most important updates from the realm of Science and Space.
Floating on Sound Waves: The Time Crystal That Stuns Physicists
Isaac Newton's Third Law of Motion teaches that for every action, there is
an equal and opposite reaction. This simple rule explains many everyday things, from walking and a baseball bouncing to rockets launching into space. However, researchers at New York University (NYU) have discovered something unusual that does not follow this law. They have created a new kind of "time crystal" that can float in mid-air on a cushion of sound, reported Newsweek. Ordinary crystals, such as diamond or common salt, are solids in which atoms are arranged in a fixed and repeating pattern. Time crystals are different. They repeat patterns not in space but in the dimension of time. They are quantum systems in which particles continuously move back and forth in a fixed cycle.
Hawaii Glows as Kīlauea Unleashes Towering Lava Blast
On February 15, 2026, Episode 42 of the volcano's ongoing summit eruption roared to life, captivating volcano watchers everywhere. No danger to anyone, just pure, heart-pounding spectacle deep in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Its action unfolds inside a massive crater, where runny magma surges up easily, fueling short, intense bursts that reshape the summit without threatening nearby towns or homes. The southern vent soared to an incredible 400 metres (about 1,300 feet), while the northern one hit around 300 metres (1,000 feet). Bright orange lava danced against the dark sky as a massive gas-and-ash plume climbed to 35,000 feet. Light ash and silky strands of Pele’s hair, name of a golden volcanic glass, drifted southwest, sprinkling gently over a few remote park spots
Desert Miracle? Death Valley Could Explode With Flowers in 2026
Death Valley, one of the hottest and driest places on Earth, is showing early signs of an exceptional wildflower season in 2026. Park officials and botanists say sprouts have already emerged across several parts of the park, raising optimism that visitors could witness a strong desert bloom later this year. A “good bloom year” in Death Valley depends on a precise mix of weather conditions, especially steady winter rainfall, mild temperatures, and the absence of prolonged heat or drying winds. Death Valley’s wildflower displays are driven by an enormous underground seed bank. These seeds remain inactive until sufficient rain penetrates the soil. When it does, the desert can transform rapidly, covering barren landscapes with bursts of yellow, purple, pink, and white flowers.
Small in Number, Massive in Impact: Trucks Drive 50% of India’s Pollution
Trucks make up just 3 per cent of all vehicles on Indian roads, yet they are responsible for 53 per cent of all particulate matter emissions. This includes over 60 per cent of black carbon, and more than 70 per cent of nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions from the entire road transport sector. In a normal scenario, emissions from medium and heavy-duty vehicles are projected to rise from 27 per cent of total road transport emissions in 2019-20 to 35 per cent by 2030-31. Meanwhile, India’s freight demand is expected to nearly triple in the same period. The reason why heavy, rumbling vehicles pollute more than cars or bikes or jeeps or any other vehicle comes down to age, fuel, and volume. The majority of India’s heavy freight fleet runs on diesel, and a significant share of those trucks are over 10 years old.
