Here are today’s most important updates from the realm of Science and Space.
Solar Storm Chaos: Researchers Warn of Potential Satellite Collision Risks
A new scientific study has raised serious concerns about the vulnerability
of satellites in low earth orbit (LEO), warning that a powerful solar storm could trigger a catastrophic chain of collisions within about 3 days if satellite control systems fail. LEO, home to tens of thousands of satellites, has become increasingly crowded as constellations from companies like SpaceX's Starlink expand rapidly, heightening the risk of collisions and space debris. Researchers describe the current orbital environment as a fragile "house of cards," where individual satellites must constantly perform collision-avoidance maneuvers to prevent impact with other objects. If a major geomagnetic event, such as a coronal mass ejection from the Sun, disrupted these systems, calculations indicate it could take as little as 2.8 days for a catastrophic event to occur.
India Pushes Space Innovation as In-Space Floats Proposal for New Space Labs
The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) has announced a new initiative to set up state-of-the-art space laboratories called Antariksh Prayogshala in academic institutions across India. This move aims to strengthen the country's space technology ecosystem and nurture talent equipped for the space sector. The Request for Proposal (RfP) invites eligible institutions to participate in this national effort to bridge the gap between academic learning and industry requirements. Antariksh Prayogshala is described as a first-of-its-kind program designed to create advanced laboratories where students can gain practical training in space technology. These labs will be located in academic institutes throughout the country and are intended to foster close collaboration between academia and the space industry, supporting India's long-term vision of establishing itself as a major player in the global space economy.
Why Swearing Might Actually Make You Physically Stronger
A new study reveals that swearing can enhance physical performance by helping people push past inhibitions, making it a simple tool for better strength and endurance. Researchers from Keele University in the UK found that uttering swear words during challenging tasks allows individuals to exert more effort without the usual mental restraints. The findings build on prior evidence showing swearing extends tolerance for pain, like keeping a hand in ice water longer, or prolonging exercises such as chair push-ups. The team suggests swearing could help in scenarios beyond physical tests, such as public speaking or social approaches where hesitation arises.
Why Is It Raining So Much in the UAE? Experts Explain the Flood Crisis
Heavy rain lashed parts of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), including major regions like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, in the early hours of Friday. The heavy downpour flooded roads, disrupted travel, and prompted widespread advisories urging residents to stay indoors, bring vast parts of the country to a standstill. The extreme showers in the Middle Eastern regions that rarely experience rain, let alone a spell this intense, caused renewed concerns as the nation prepares for the holiday travel season. These extreme weather events in the Gulf have become common. Such short bursts of intense rainfall are becoming more disruptive in desert cities like Dubai. The region’s infrastructure is designed for arid conditions, meaning drainage systems can struggle when sudden cloudbursts dump large volumes of rain in a short time.
