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NASA Photographs an Asteroid big Enough to have its Own Moon

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This enormous space boulder was first spotted in 2011 as it passed by Tucson, Arizona, by the NASA-funded Catalina Sky Survey. Its estimated width is one mile. However, this time it passed close enough for radar to image it. The little moon orbiting the asteroid at a distance of roughly 1.9 miles, however, was the true surprise.

Scientists at NASA say that large asteroids like this one are frequently binary systems carrying one or more minor moons. But it’s not at all simple to find them in reality.

“It is thought that about two-thirds of asteroids of this size are binary systems, and their discovery is particularly important because we can use measurements of their relative positions to estimate their mutual orbits, masses, and densities, which provide key information about how they may have formed,” stated Lance Benner, principal scientist at JPL.

For thirty years, the giant 230-foot dish of the Goldstone Solar System Radar, the biggest completely steerable radar antenna in the world, has been scanning the skies from California’s Mojave Desert. Numerous missions, including the Mars rovers, Cassini on Saturn, the Hayabusa asteroid explorers, and even the recovery of the sun-watching SOHO spacecraft, have benefited from this powerhouse.

Using the same antenna, scientists from Jet Propulsion Laboratory sent radio waves towards the asteroid and collected the reflected signals. We were also able to see surface features like craters and UL21’s nearly perfectly spherical shape thanks to the high-resolution radar photos. It’s not bad, albeit grainy, for an object that traveled 4.1 million miles—or 17 times the distance to our moon—by space.

Just a few days later, on June 29, the Goldstone team managed to take a picture of another asteroid, 2024 MK, as if one cosmic photo opportunity wasn’t enough. This smaller 500-foot rock buzzed within 75% of the distance between Earth and moon, at 184,000 miles. The high-resolution photos are available in NASA’s press release.

The photos offer a close-up view of the beaten terrain of 2024 MK, which features craters, ridges, and rocks up to thirty feet in diameter. Even while it wasn’t quite as huge as 2011 UL21, this was still considered a close call.

According to NASA, these near misses aid in its research into potentially dangerous asteroids and planetary defense planning. We can forecast and get ready for potential dangers more accurately the more information we know about their orbits, spins, and physical characteristics.

“There was no risk of either near-Earth object impacting our planet, but the radar observations taken during these two close approaches will provide valuable practice for planetary defense,” the researchers stated.

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SpaceX to Launch 21 Starlink Satellites from Florida on February 4

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SpaceX to Launch 21 Starlink Satellites from Florida on February 4

SpaceX plans to launch another batch of Starlink satellites into orbit from Florida’s Space Coast on February 4, 2025. The mission will deploy 21 Starlink satellites, including 13 equipped with direct-to-cell communications capabilities, marking another major step in SpaceX’s ambitious plan to provide global high-speed internet coverage.

The Falcon 9 rocket flight from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station is scheduled to take place during a roughly three-hour launch window that opens at 3:37 a.m. (0837 GMT). SpaceX will livestream the event on its X account (formerly Twitter), with coverage beginning about five minutes before liftoff.

The mission will use the experienced Falcon 9 first-stage rocket, which will be making its 21st launch and landing. According to SpaceX, this rocket has already flown on 20 missions, 16 of which were dedicated Starlink launches. If all goes as planned, the rocket will return to Earth about eight minutes after liftoff, landing on the unmanned “Just Read the Instructions” craft in the Atlantic Ocean.

The Falcon 9 upper stage will continue its journey to deploy 21 Starlink satellites into low Earth orbit (LEO) about 65 minutes after liftoff. This will be SpaceX’s 15th Falcon 9 mission in 2025, with nine flights dedicated to expanding the Starlink constellation.

Direct-to-cell capabilities


A notable feature of this mission is the inclusion of 13 Starlink satellites with direct-to-cell capability. These advanced satellites are designed to enable seamless connectivity for standard mobile phones, eliminating the need for specialized hardware. This technology has the potential to revolutionize communications in remote and underserved areas, providing reliable internet and cellular services directly to users’ devices.

The growing Starlink constellation


SpaceX is rapidly expanding its Starlink network, which is already the largest satellite constellation ever assembled. In 2024 alone, the company launched more than 130 Falcon 9 missions, about two-thirds of which were dedicated to Starlink deployments. According to astrophysicist and satellite tracker Jonathan McDowell, SpaceX currently operates nearly 7,000 Starlink satellites in LEO.

The Starlink network aims to provide high-speed, low-latency internet access to users around the world, especially in regions lacking traditional infrastructure. With this latest launch, SpaceX is expanding the network’s capacity and coverage, bringing its dream of global connectivity closer to reality.

Recyclability and sustainability


The Falcon 9 rocket’s first-stage booster exemplifies SpaceX’s commitment to reusability, a key factor in reducing the cost of spaceflight. By successfully landing and reusing the rocket, SpaceX has revolutionized the aerospace industry and set a new standard for sustainable space operations.

However, the rapid expansion of the Starlink constellation has raised concerns among astronomers and environmentalists. The growing number of satellites in LEO has created problems such as light pollution, which can interfere with astronomical observations, and space debris, which poses a threat to other spacecraft. SpaceX is actively working to mitigate these issues by implementing measures such as blacking out satellite surfaces and responsibly deorbiting inactive satellites.

The February 4 launch is part of SpaceX’s broader strategy to achieve global internet coverage and support its growing customer base. With the addition of direct-to-cell-connect satellites, the company is poised to offer even more versatile and simple connectivity solutions.

As SpaceX pushes the boundaries of space technology, the world will be watching to see how the Starlink network evolves and addresses the challenges associated with large-scale satellite constellations. For now, the focus is on the upcoming launch, which will mark another milestone in SpaceX’s journey to connect the world.

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Scientists Trap Molecules for Quantum Tasks, Paving the Way for Ultra-Fast Tech Advancements

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Scientists Trap Molecules for Quantum Tasks, Paving the Way for Ultra-Fast Tech Advancements

In a groundbreaking milestone for quantum computing, researchers from Harvard University have successfully trapped molecules to perform quantum operations. This achievement marks a pivotal advancement in the field, potentially revolutionizing technology and enabling ultra-fast computations in medicine, science, and finance.

Molecules as Qubits: A New Frontier

Traditionally, quantum computing has focused on using smaller, less complex particles like ions and atoms as qubits—the fundamental units of quantum information. Molecules, despite their potential, were long considered unsuitable due to their intricate and delicate structures, which made them challenging to manipulate reliably.

However, the latest findings, published in the journal Nature, change this narrative. By utilizing ultra-cold polar molecules as qubits, the researchers have opened up new possibilities for performing quantum tasks with unprecedented precision.

A 20-Year Journey to Success

“This is a breakthrough we’ve been working toward for two decades,” said Kang-Kuen Ni, Theodore William Richards Professor of Chemistry and Physics at Harvard and senior co-author of the study.

Quantum computing leverages the principles of quantum mechanics to perform calculations exponentially faster than classical computers. It has the potential to solve problems that were once deemed unsolvable.

“Our work represents the last critical piece needed to construct a molecular quantum computer,” added co-author and postdoctoral fellow Annie Park, highlighting the significance of this achievement.

How Molecular Quantum Gates Work

Quantum gates, the building blocks of quantum operations, manipulate qubits by taking advantage of quantum phenomena like superposition and entanglement. Unlike classical logic gates that process binary bits (0s and 1s), quantum gates can process multiple states simultaneously, exponentially increasing computational power.

In this experiment, the researchers used the ISWAP gate, a crucial component that swaps the states of two qubits while applying a phase shift. This process is essential for creating entangled states—a cornerstone of quantum computing that allows qubits to remain correlated regardless of distance.

Overcoming Long-Standing Challenges

Earlier attempts to use molecules for quantum computing faced significant challenges. Molecules were often unstable, moving unpredictably and disrupting the coherence required for precise operations.

The Harvard team overcame these obstacles by trapping molecules in ultra-cold environments. By drastically reducing molecular motion, they achieved greater control over quantum states, paving the way for reliable quantum operations.

The breakthrough was a collaborative effort between Harvard researchers and physicists from the University of Colorado’s Center for Theory of Quantum Matter. The team meticulously measured two-qubit Bell states and minimized errors caused by residual motion, laying the groundwork for even more accurate future experiments.

Transforming the Quantum Landscape

“There’s immense potential in leveraging molecular platforms for quantum computing,” Ni noted. The team’s success is expected to inspire further innovations and ideas for utilizing the unique properties of molecules in quantum systems.

This advancement could significantly alter the quantum computing landscape, bringing researchers closer to developing a molecular quantum computer. Such a system would harness the unique capabilities of molecules, opening doors to unprecedented computational possibilities.

The Road Ahead

The implications of this achievement extend far beyond academia. By unlocking the potential of molecules as qubits, the researchers have taken a vital step toward creating powerful quantum computers capable of transforming industries ranging from pharmaceuticals to financial modeling.

As researchers continue to refine this technology, the dream of a molecular quantum computer—one that capitalizes on the complexities of molecular structures—moves closer to reality. This breakthrough represents not just a leap forward for quantum computing but a glimpse into the future of technology itself.

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NASA’s JPL Set to Resume Normal Operations After L.A. Fires

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NASA’s JPL Set to Resume Normal Operations After L.A. Fires

NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) is preparing to return to regular operations following disruptions caused by the Eaton Fire, which impacted areas near Los Angeles.

Located at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains, JPL faced threats from the fire, which has heavily affected nearby communities like Altadena. The lab, known as NASA’s primary hub for planetary exploration, has been closed since January 8, except for essential activities like managing the Perseverance and Curiosity Mars rovers and other critical missions.

With the Eaton Fire no longer posing a direct threat, JPL plans to reopen next week.

“From Tuesday, Jan. 21 through Jan. 24, 2025, the lab will be accessible to any personnel who need to work on-site. Personnel able to telework are encouraged to do so as the facility undergoes full and final cleanup,” JPL officials stated on their emergency information site on Friday, Jan. 17.

The fire’s impact has been severe, with widespread damage in the community. “Significant devastation in our community. 1,000 still evacuated. More than 150 homes completely lost, and many others will face long-term displacement,” JPL Director Laurie Leshin shared in a post on X on Jan. 10.

In a subsequent post, Leshin provided a link to a disaster-relief fundraising site aimed at supporting JPL employees and staff from the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena, which manages the facility for NASA.

The Eaton Fire has burned 14,117 acres (5,713 hectares) so far and is now 65% contained, according to NBC News. Meanwhile, the larger Palisades Fire has scorched 23,713 acres (9,596 hectares) and remains just 31% contained, making it the most destructive of the recent L.A. fires.

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