Science Highlights: ‘City-Killer’ Asteroids and the Discovery of an Ice Age Toddler Burial

Quick Summary:

• Mount Etna Eruption: Europe’s largest active volcano erupted on June 2, emitting ash and smoke up to 6,500 meters in the air and causing tourists to evacuate. Residents were cautioned about risks like respiratory issues due to smog.

• SpaceX Feud: Elon Musk threatened to decommission SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft after a public social media clash with President Trump,raising uncertainties for the U.S.space industry.

• City-Killer Asteroids Risks: Research suggests hidden asteroids near Venus might pose future threats if influenced by Earth’s gravitational field. currently non-threatening, these asteroids are larger than 140 meters wide and coudl devastate large urban areas upon impact.

• Ice Prince Discovery: Archaeologists unearthed lavish burial remains of a toddler dubbed “Ice Prince,” buried over 1,350 years ago in Bavaria with rare items like silk clothes and a gold cross-indicating high societal status.

• NASA Moon Telescope Plans: NASA proposed a $2 billion Lunar Crater Radio Telescope project on the moon’s far side aimed at studying universal mysteries while countering disruptions from Earth-based satellite radiation.

Indian Opinion analysis:

The eruption of Mount Etna highlights global environmental vulnerabilities; though, it carries limited direct relevance for India geographically but may contribute insights into disaster management strategies useful in volcanic zones like Andaman Islands or seismic areas.The Elon Musk-Trump public spat concerning space industry dynamics could impact future collaborative ties between nations including India dealing with advancements such as Gaganyaan programs-underscoring international repercussions of private-public conflicts.

Research suggesting potential asteroid risks may inspire enhanced focus within ISRO on long-term planetary defense mechanisms as part of India’s growing role in global space exploration leadership. Meanwhile, NASA’s strategic push for lunar infrastructure exemplifies futuristic thinking applicable to India’s indigenous ambitions toward advanced astronomical missions such Chandrayaan successors strengthening both knowledge realms partnerships globally over orbital limitations next-gen exploratory benefit frameworks

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