NASA’s Curiosity Rover Captures Stunning Martian Twilight Clouds

NASA’s Curiosity rover has once again amazed scientists by capturing breathtaking images of Martian clouds during twilight. These noctilucent, or "night-shining," clouds were seen on January 17, 2018, displaying mesmerizing red and green hues caused by sunlight scattering off them.

Martian Twilight Clouds: A Rare Phenomenon

These delicate clouds, shimmering like rainbows, are best visible during the evening when the setting sun highlights their features. They float at altitudes of 37-50 miles (60-80 km) and are composed of water-ice or carbon dioxide ice, depending on their height.

NASA’s Observations on Mars’ Atmosphere

Curiosity’s studies have provided insights into the atmospheric composition of Mars. Water-ice clouds typically form at lower altitudes, while carbon dioxide ice clouds are seen higher up. The latter are particularly rare and have sparked scientific debate on why they only appear in specific regions like Gale Crater, while Perseverance rover in Jezero Crater has not observed them. Scientists suspect gravity waves may play a role in their formation.

Advancements in Understanding Martian Weather

Curiosity’s continued study of Martian clouds is helping researchers understand the particle growth and atmospheric dynamics of the Red Planet. The rover’s past discoveries, such as the first-ever images of iridescent clouds in 2019, have significantly contributed to Mars’ climatology research.

Despite a recent camera glitch, Curiosity remains operational, continuing its exploration of key Martian sites, including Gediz Vallis and Rustic Canyon, which hold clues to the planet’s geological history.

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Shashi Tharoor Admits Misjudgment on India’s Neutral Stance in Russia-Ukraine War

Congress leader and Member of Parliament Shashi Tharoor has publicly acknowledged that he was mistaken in opposing India’s neutral stance on the Russia-Ukraine war when it first erupted in 2022. Speaking at the Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi on Tuesday during a session titled ‘Waging Peace: Looking Back to Look Ahead’ , Tharoor candidly admitted that India’s diplomatic approach has, in hindsight, positioned the country as a potential peacemaker on the global stage. "An Egg on My Face" – Tharoor’s Honest Reflection "I am still wiping the egg off my face because I am one person in the parliamentary debate who actually criticized the Indian position at the time back in February 2022," Tharoor confessed. At the time, he had strongly condemned Russia’s military actions, advocating that India should denounce the aggression based on principles of the UN Charter, the sovereignty of Ukraine, and the inviolability of international borders . However, with three years of g...

British MP Wera Hobhouse Denied Entry to Hong Kong: A Diplomatic Incident with No Explanation

In a deeply troubling turn of events, British Member of Parliament (MP) Wera Hobhouse was denied entry to Hong Kong while on a personal trip to visit her newborn grandson and son. Hobhouse, a member of the opposition Liberal Democrat party, shared her dismay on social media, revealing that authorities provided no explanation for their actions. "Authorities gave me no explanation for this cruel and upsetting blow," Hobhouse said, expressing her frustration over the situation. The incident has garnered significant attention in the UK, with British officials voicing their concerns over what they perceive as a politically motivated move. Foreign Minister David Lammy expressed his distress over the matter, emphasizing that the British government would seek answers from both Hong Kong and Chinese authorities. "It is deeply concerning to hear that an MP on a personal trip has been refused entry to Hong Kong," Lammy said. "We will urgently raise this with the authorit...

Delhi High Court Denies Maintenance to Educated Wife: A Landmark Ruling

In a recent judgment, the Delhi High Court held that a well-educated woman, capable of earning a living, should not remain unemployed just to claim maintenance from her husband. The ruling came in response to a revision petition filed by a woman challenging a family court’s 2022 decision that denied her interim maintenance. The Court’s Stand on Maintenance Justice Chandra Dhari Singh stated that Section 125 of the CrPC aims to protect dependent spouses, children, and parents but does not encourage idleness. He asserted that women with professional qualifications and work experience should make efforts to become financially independent rather than relying on alimony. The court upheld the family court’s decision, noting that the petitioner had a Master’s degree in International Business from the University of Wollongong, Australia , which demonstrated her capability to earn. Furthermore, she had previously worked in Dubai as an Audit Associate at KPMG and later as an HR Manage...

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