North Korea’s satellite launch on Wednesday failed, with the rocket and payload plunging into the sea. The new “Chollima-1” satellite launch rocket failed due to instability in the engine and fuel system. Meanwhile, the most comprehensive genomic study on primates has revealed genetic traits that are uniquely human while refining the timeline for evolutionary lineage’s split from chimpanzees and bonobos. Scientists have expanded the search for technologically advanced extraterrestrial civilizations by monitoring a star-dense region towards the core of our galaxy for a type of signal that could be produced by potential intelligent aliens. The new initiative focuses on a different signal type that could enable advanced civilizations to communicate across interstellar space.
As per a recent report from North Korean state media, a satellite launch on Wednesday ended in failure, with the booster and payload plunging into the sea. The new “Chollima-1” satellite launch rocket failed due to instability in the engine and fuel system. The South Korean military has since recovered parts of the launch vehicle. Despite this setback, more launches are expected from North Korea in the future.
Meanwhile, a recent genomic study on primates has shed light on what makes us human. Researchers sequenced and analyzed the genomes of 233 primate species, including lemurs, monkeys, apes, and humans. They discovered that most primates boast greater genetic diversity than humans, which is vital for adaptation to changing environments and other challenges. The study has also refined the timeline for our evolutionary lineage’s split from our closest cousins, the chimpanzees and bonobos.
In other news, US Poet Laureate Ada Limon has written an ode to Europa for a NASA mission to Jupiter’s icy moon. Limon was asked to write a poem for inscription on a NASA spacecraft headed to Europa and felt a rush of excitement at the honor. However, she also felt bewildered at the enormity of the task. Despite this, she managed to craft a beautiful poem that will be inscribed on the spacecraft.
Finally, scientists have expanded the search for signs of intelligent alien life. They are monitoring a star-dense region toward the core of our galaxy for a type of signal that could be produced by potential intelligent aliens. Until now, efforts to detect alien technological signatures have focused on a narrowband radio signal type concentrated in a limited frequency range or on single unusual transmissions. The new initiative focuses on a different signal type that could enable advanced civilizations to communicate across the vast distances of interstellar space.
These recent scientific developments show that there is still so much to learn and discover about our universe and ourselves. From failed satellite launches to poetic odes to distant moons, science continues to inspire and amaze us. Who knows what breakthroughs and discoveries await us in the future? Only time will tell.
