Starship's Third Launch Surprises Everyone
Discover the unexpected twists in Starship's third monumental flight as it reaches new milestones. Explore the fascinating history of Stone Age humans and their unique piercings, encounter the charming axolotls, and much more in this week's highlights.
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Every time SpaceX's Starship system takes off, it creates a loud roar in South Texas, announcing the arrival of the most powerful rocket ever made.
The spacecraft, powered by 33 engines, is designed to transport NASA astronauts to the moon's surface in a supersonic journey through space.
Unfortunately, the initial two test flights in 2023 resulted in explosions.
SpaceX sees these fiery mishaps not as failures, but as opportunities to collect important data and enhance their vehicles before the next launch.
This week, yet another Starship took flight from the Starbase facility in Texas, with the team optimistic that this third attempt would be successful.
Defying gravity
The SpaceX Starship spacecraft lifts off from the Starbase in Boca Chica, Texas, on Thursday.
The SpaceX Starship spacecraft lifts off from the Starbase in Boca Chica, Texas, on Thursday.
Chandan Khanna/AFP/Getty Images
Starship’s third test flight was full of exciting achievements, but unfortunately, it ended prematurely and likely broke apart.
The spacecraft was supposed to land in the Indian Ocean after flying for an hour, but SpaceX lost contact with Starship shortly after it reentered Earth’s atmosphere.
During a live view of entry, a glowing red halo could be seen around Starship, showing the scorching temperatures its heat shield was enduring.
The third flight of Starship flew longer and higher than the previous tests.
The spacecraft reached orbital speeds and carried out tests of capabilities that will be needed on future flights.
A long time ago
For thousands of years, people have been decorating themselves. Recently, researchers have uncovered how Stone Age humans wore their piercings.
At Boncuklu Tarla, an archaeological site in southeastern Turkey, researchers discovered facial piercing adornments near the ears and mouths of the remains found in the graves.
Specific dental wear patterns revealed that the people buried at the site had piercings likely below their lower lips, similar to an ornament known as a labret.
Fantastic creatures
With their Muppet-like appearance, axolotls have garnered increasing attention in recent years.
With their Muppet-like appearance, axolotls have garnered increasing attention in recent years.
Stephen Dalton/Avalon.red/Alamy Stock Photo
In the world of amphibians, axolotls manage — in a way — to stay forever young.
"They never grow out of their youthful appearance, looking like teenagers for their entire lives," explained Dr. Randal Voss, a professor at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine.
These charming aquatic salamanders have a resemblance to cheerful Muppets, with their wide eyes and frilly gills.
Unlike frogs and other amphibians, axolotls always stay in the water and never transition to land. Despite their popularity on the internet, axolotls in Mexico's Lake Xochimilco are facing a critical threat due to poor water quality, leading them to become critically endangered. Conservationists are now coming up with innovative ways to save these unique creatures.
In efforts to protect axolotls, conservationists are thinking outside the box and getting creative.
Since November, NASA’s Voyager 1 spacecraft has been having trouble communicating properly. One of its computers is sending a signal, but no useful data is being received by the mission team on Earth.
However, engineers are optimistic that a recent "poke" they sent to the old probe, along with the unexpected response they received from Voyager 1, could provide valuable insights. This could help them gain a better understanding of the problem and work on fixing it despite being nearly 15 billion miles away.
Launched in 1977 along with its twin, Voyager 2, Voyager 1 is currently the spacecraft farthest from Earth.
Similarly to the Voyager probes and their famous Golden Records, NASA's upcoming Europa Clipper mission will bring 2.6 million names, an original poem, and meaningful artwork to Jupiter's ocean moon.
Wild kingdom
During a solar eclipse in May 2012, ring-tailed lemurs at the Japan Monkey Center in Inuyama skip breakfast and clamber among trees and poles.
During a solar eclipse in May 2012, ring-tailed lemurs at the Japan Monkey Center in Inuyama skip breakfast and clamber among trees and poles.
Jiji Press/AFP/Getty Images
The last total solar eclipse over the United States was in 2017. Scientists observed animals acting oddly at the Riverbanks Zoo and Garden in Columbia, South Carolina. Gorillas prepared to sleep, Galápagos tortoises started mating, and giraffes gathered and ran off.
As the total solar eclipse on April 8 gets closer, scientists are gearing up to observe changes in nighttime animals and altered behavior in other creatures as the moon covers the sun's bright light temporarily.
They are also encouraging the public to participate by collecting observations of unique animal actions and sounds.
Discoveries
Take a closer look at these enlightening stories:
Astronomers used the James Webb Space Telescope to find icy molecules near two young stars. These molecules could potentially help in the formation of habitable planets, or maybe even create a cosmic margarita.
Archaeologists discovered the lavish grave of a religious leader known as the "Lord of the Flutes" in Panama. This leader was buried 1,200 years ago with gold objects and several sacrificial companions.
New studies using brain tests indicate that watching adorable puppy videos or spending time with dogs may help enhance brain waves linked to calmness and unwinding.
The 2024 British Wildlife Photography Awards showcased remarkable images such as an Arctic walrus unexpectedly spotted in Scarborough, England, and a mesmerizing nighttime view of a starling.
Enjoyed what you just read? There's even more to discover! Simply sign up here to get the next edition of Wonder Theory delivered straight to your inbox. Wonder Theory is curated by CNN Space and Science writers Ashley Strickland and Katie Hunt, who explore the wonders of planets outside our solar system and fascinating findings from ancient times.
Editor's P/S:
The article provides exciting insights into the world of science and discovery. The relentless pursuit of space exploration at SpaceX is commendable, with the Starship system promising to revolutionize space travel. While setbacks are encountered, they are viewed as learning opportunities. Researchers have also shed light on ancient piercing practices and conservation efforts for endangered axolotls.
Additionally, the article highlights remarkable scientific achievements, including the Voyager 1 spacecraft's longevity and the upcoming Europa Clipper mission. Animal behavior during solar eclipses remains a captivating topic for scientists, with the upcoming event presenting an opportunity for further observation. The discoveries described, such as the detection of icy molecules near young stars and the potential benefits of interacting with dogs, demonstrate the ongoing expansion of our knowledge. Together, these stories encapsulate the boundless exploration and understanding that science offers.
